Being a Spectator: Runners of Steel

Sneakers? CHECK. Race clothes CHECK. Bulletproof vest (aka "the really cool just-purchased at yesterday's expo" Under Armour undershirt) CHECK. Did you glide your feet? "Nope, doing it now....CHECK. Bib and gear? CHECK! 

After making sure she had everything, (including hugs from 'her girls') Pina left the hotel room and was off to go run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.

We ate a quick breakfast and then filed out of the hotel, with our homemade signs (that were a bit awkward to carry) and coffee in hand. We headed to our first predetermined view point, Sixteenth & Liberty St.  Man, you could just feel the excitement in the air. I wasn't even running and still those happy nervous butterflies found their way to my stomach. We found a great spot and lined up next to others who were just as excited to cheer on their loved ones like us. The energy was AWESOME!!

We didn't need to wait long before waves of runners filled the street. Whether they tasked themselves to complete the marathon, half marathon or relay... they were 2 miles in on their journey at this point in the race. I think most were in good spirits as I scanned faces for Pina. Many smiled as they passed by the crowds of people, hearing the screaming words of encouragement. Many just looked determined, focused on that finish line. At first, the girls and I had to figure out how to gauge when Pina would pass by. All we knew was to "look for her in a blue shirt"... oh and that she enjoys running down the middle of the street. Can you imagine how many of the 20,000 plus runners were wearing a blue shirt?

We saw pacers holding signs, but then needed to distinguish if they were for the full or half. Lisa then reminded us that Pina was in corral D.... and we soon realized that there would be a break for each group. A's passed by, B's, C's...... And then came the D's. Like promised, Pina and her "I ran the Rochester Half Marathon" blue shirt came trotting passed us down the center of the street. She looked stronger than ever! We chanted "GO PINA" for a quick minute, and without wasting any time, we were off to our next spot.

At our second viewpoint, the waves of A,B,C & D runners had started to blend in a little. I began looking at the runner bibs passing by since it had their wave letter on the top right. We kept track of the pacers and the timed signs they were holding while also taking into consideration how fast Pina's "gazelle-legs" (to quote Carrie) were going at that part of the race.  Before long, we all saw that blue shirt happily strutting down the street. When Pina passed us this time, she was a lot closer  (Yay, we picked the right side) and Melinda got a great pic of her! She looked excited to see us and more of the signs we had made her!

The third and final time we saw Pina was around mile 12. We battled crowds and closed streets to find a great spot to watch her.  It was incredible seeing the caliber of athletes run pass, while thousands of people lined the big city streets. The four of us were proud, as we dawned our pink shirts that represented the NoBoundaries program and Rochester Fleet Feet Sports. We wore these pink shirts during NoBo 2.0 last summer, where we all became stronger runners and friends. We were united then, and were united now to cheer on our coach, mentor and friend.

The excitement grew at each viewpoint, but at this spot, it was overflowing! Live music and spectators gave these runners a huge welcome as they ran down the slope of the last bridge. I was anxious and excited and eagerly searched through the crowed of runners for Pina's face. We all did, unified in the task together to chant "Pina, Pina, PINA" the second we saw her.  And then, once again, there she was. 

Just typing these words brings back the goosebumps and emotions of seeing her achieve this huge accomplishment. She had a that strong smile on her face as she passed, knowing she was almost home. She was doing it!!! After that, we quickly regrouped, wiped the tear (or tears in my case) away so we could get to the finishing area to greet her!

I couldn't believe how emotional it was even just being a spectator this weekend. It was so fun cheering all these incredible athletes! It was rewarding to get grins and appreciation for my "random runner" sign. I know I always love running by complete strangers with brightly colored encouraging signs, and now it was my turn to be "that stranger"! 

This was such an amazing race to be part of. Maybe it's because I know now what running a half marathon means to a person. Or maybe it's because I was able to share this experience with "The Girls" to support Pina. 

It's probably both.

However, all I know is that I'll always remember this!

Thanks for an incredible weekend, Girls.
What moves me today? The FOUR of you do!