TWPT April 12-18, 2010

Success Story from Sara N

Sara N is top row, far right. Go Sara! Photo by EA Gordon Designs

Hello all! Yesterday was the long awaited (for me, anyhow) Santa Cruz Half Marathon! Yay! It proved to be a great second step after the wonderful Oakland Half of March 28!

For those of you who don't live here in sunny California, it was anything but. However, the impending thunderstorms didn't deter more than 2,300 runners from braving the course. The majority of the race was run along my gorgeous hometown's coastline, from West Cliff drive, out to the bluffs of Wilder Ranch and back again. My dad and Sharon were there to cheer me on as I started the race, met me at the finish line, and cheered me on at three other points along the 13.1 miles. What a difference it made to see their smiling faces and to hear their words of encouragement throughout the 2:12:38 it took me to finish!

Every step was worth it! The race featured incredible views of a dramatic sea in all its stormy glory. The rain held off until my final two miles and served as a refresher rather than a nuisance. The wind, however, was an entirely different story. The gusts kicked up dust on the Wilder Ranch trails and provided a powerful head wind for the final thirty minutes. I was blown about quite a bit--but besides adding a few minutes to my finishing time--it did little damage.

I will definitely be back in Santa Cruz for next year's half! Come and join me if you like!

Feeling strong, proud, (and worked!)” – Sara

Congratulations Sara! WOW! 2 halves in 2 weeks! Super job. Thanks for sharing. I hope we'll see you out there running again soon but it sounds to me like you've earned a bit of a rest! - Coach Stephanie