Team Euphoria had a strong showing at the 11th Annual Catch a Leprechaun race hosted by NCN Racing at Lorain County Community College in Elyria. Team Euphoria members Kyle, Jeremy, Shannon and Grey participated in the 15k distance.

Race Results – 15k

Shannon Staab: Overall Time 1:18:39, 0:08:27.5 pace, 1st Pace Age Group Finish

Jeremy Hinte: Overall Time 1:18:23.9, 0:08:25.8 pace, 3rd Place Age Group Finish

Grey Kennedy: Overall Time 1:25:07.2,0:09:09.2 pace, 3rd Place Age Group Finish

Kyle Amsdell: Overall Time 1:25:07.6,0:09:09.2 pace

At the CWRRC Fall Classic on Sunday November 22nd I finished my first half marathon — 13.1 miles — without stopping. I was pretty proud of that.  Just two months prior the thought NEVER would have crossed my mind to even start a half marathon. At age 36 I had never run more than 3 miles without stopping and made excuses as to why I didn’t need to run any farther.  Meanwhile I was getting heavier and more out of shape than ever.

I entered a triathlon over the summer to raise money for a charity and the whole experience made me realize how out of shape I was. I was totally unprepared for the experience, which made me realize I needed serious help.  Through a referral I contacted Kyle and Tim at Euphoria who got me on a training and conditioning schedule designed to build strength, endurance and the confidence needed to do things I never would have considered possible before. The goal was not to run a half marathon but to just be healthier and stronger. Wieght training, stretching, track practice, cycle classes, hill and trail runs were all part of the program and within weeks I was losing weight and building strength and endurance. Then in late October Kyle sent me an email asking if I’d run in the CWRRC Half Marathon. I said yes and was excited for the challenge, even though at that point I still hadn’t run more than 5 miles.

Over the course of the next few weeks my training schedule shifted to longer runs with Kyle running with me. First 7 miles. Then 8. Then 10. Each time I was surprised at the results. The training gave me the ability to physically run the distance and Kyle helped me mentally prepare for such a long run. On race day there were four of us from “Team Euphoria” running the race. The others were more advanced so they ran out ahead a little but Kyle stayed with me to make sure I made it through. At mile 4 I settled into a good focus and rythm. I had a time goal for the first 10k, which I beat, but the goal for the overall race was just to finish. At mile 10 I felt good that I had run farther than I ever had but I was starting to really feel the physical toll. Kyle helped get me through mentally and at the end I was happy it was over but also pretty thrilled I was able to run the distance. Its a great experience to do something you never thought possible just a couple months before.