Hello Brixham Harriers family! Today, we're shining the spotlight on one of our own, the incredible Sarah, who recently took on the iconic Chicago Marathon with her trademark "in for a penny, in for a pound" attitude.
An emotional moment for Sarah, as she completes her Marathon Goal
Sarah's journey to the Chicago Marathon start line began with a stroke of luck—winning a coveted spot through the lottery. This marked her second marathon and her second entry into a world major marathon through the ballot, a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
With a clear goal time in mind, Sarah embarked on a rigorous 16-week training plan over the summer months. Rain or shine, she hit the pavement, pushing her limits and preparing herself for the challenge that lay ahead. As she put it, "I spent the following 10 months leading up to it trying to make sure I would reach that goal."
The final stretch of her preparation included a 20-mile training run in torrential rain—a true testament to her commitment and resilience. It's moments like these that define a runner's spirit, and Sarah faced them head-on, undeterred by the weather gods.
Finally, the big day arrived, and Sarah found herself among 47,000 runners at the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. The conditions were perfect, the course was flat, and the energy from the crowd, characteristic of a world major, fueled her every step.
In the end, Sarah not only achieved her goal but surpassed her own expectations, shaving an impressive 27 minutes off her previous marathon time. While she may not have hit the exact time she had hoped for, her determination and dedication were evident in every stride.
As Sarah reflects on her Chicago Marathon experience, she shares, "Needless to say, I am determined to run another marathon in a year's time (all being well), and I am so proud to have achieved my second star."
Sarah's journey is a reminder that every step in training, every mile run in all kinds of weather, and every moment of perseverance contributes to the greater story of achievement. We, the Brixham Harriers, celebrate Sarah's success and look forward to supporting her in the next chapter of her running adventures.
Here's to Sarah, her "in for a penny, in for a pound" spirit, and the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead on the open road. Keep running, keep inspiring, and keep chasing those stars, only another 4 world majors to get the very special medal we all covet!
Sarah takes a well earned break after the Chicago marathon to visit the 442m high Willis tower