First hand impressions of what went down Sunday morning.
It was the perfect morning. My goal of sub 1:50 was a breeze, 1:45:28. Thanks to Mike Reilly for escorting me.
Bill Weeks emerged victorious in the “Will vs Bill” Lake Zorinsky Security Camera, finishing 5th in the 55-59 age group in 1:39:22. His goal of sub 1:40:00 achieved as icing on the his cake. I’m analyzing data today to determine the winner of the $100 gift certificate to Peak Performance. Announcement will be made tomorrow. Donations will remain open at our site, we’ve still a long way to go to our goal of $15,000.
https://digbro.com/forms/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.preview&id=48
Personal highlights: The athletes that I have been coaching this spring all ran personal bests. It just doesn’t get any better than helping others to achieve their goals. I’ve crowed about these runners for the last several weeks, how hard they’ve worked, how determined they were, even through this windy and cold and rainy spring. So my own best moment occurred when each runner that came through the finish line sporting that big grin indicating their own Peak Performance. How lucky am I to have such a great group?
My own run was absolutely painless. This was the first time I’d ever “Run” a Half Marathon instead of “Racing” one. The first 5K was the slowest, the 2nd & 3rd 5Ks progressively faster and the final 5K (+1K) the fastest of the morning. Did I discover some heretofore unknown secret of running? For one thing I learned that I can run 8:04 pace for 13.1 miles off of 20 miles per week. Nothing to boast about but does give me a baseline of my natural talent. Another lesson was that casual running does not beat the heck out of your legs like racing does. An easy 5 miles yesterday revealed no fatigue or pain or any of the other trappings of hard running. No wonder it is so popular!
And without further adieu here are some photos, thanks to El Viejo Mas Rapido for shooting and sharing.
Shannon Suing battled Nora Youngs for much of the marathon.
Joy Schulz had a nice PR in the Half Marathon.
Lily Kaftan is sandwiched between Miguel Ordorica and Kaci Lickteig on her way to a personal best in the Half. I’m coaching Lulu Lily for her upcoming Grandma’s Marathon and her 1:28 was a big confidence boost. Steve Stender rocked the Five Fingers instead of running completely barefoot this year.
Mike Reilly and I discussed my moving up to the Clydesdale Division. I set a “Fat PR” having weighed in at 156 (matching the heaviest I’ve been in my life) the night before. Somehow managed a top 10 age group finish toting the thunder thighs and muffin top, oh my!
Andrea Bowen and Kristin Ramm working together.
Christina King running strong. A former sprinter turned distance runner, I’ve always admired her longer aspirations.
Alysha Davis in full flight.
Justin Mollak was the 3:10 pacer. Carl Samuelson runs alongside.
Emily Kraus always shows up ready to race. Her 1:23:55 surprised many, but not me.
Anne Shadle and Emily enjoy the company and pacing skills of Kelly Crawford.
Finally a fella! Brian Bergt ran a 3:01:54 for 2nd in the 50-54 age group.
Megan Thomas.
Jen Viehrig. Some of the best guns on Team Nebraska.
Natalie Como, talented and focused.
Suzanne Higgins. Another 800 meter runner moving up.
Shawna Young. Top 5 in the 40-45 age group with a nice 3:34:13.
Todd Nott ran 3:05:45 for a top 10 45-59 finish. James (#7084) gazes on in amazement.
Gary Bredehoft, Ron Olsen, and Nancy Sutton Moss. Ron is the only person to have run all 36 Lincoln Marathons and he isn’t done yet. And how about a 4:17:55 at age 66!—this photo courtesy of Gary Bredehoft
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