Rock'n Red Birds finish first in city - photos and stories

11/17/2009 2:43:55 PM

Congrats to all of the Rock'n Red Birds! We finished in first place in the city in the Get Fit Challenge - Extra Large Division. UTSA took home second; Trinity took home third. Pictures and stories below. Send yours to rcsmith@uiwtx.edu and we'll add them to the blog! STORIES OF SUCCESS: Sylvia Kutschenreuter: "My good story is that I DID cross the finish line and I had NO injury." Lisa Schultz:  "I don't think we could have asked for better weather.  The crowd of runners/walkers was phenomenal.  The crowd of spectators was awesome.  The run itself was inspirational.  My 'sole sisters' Lisa and Heather were the best!  I can't wait until the next one!" (below are some before and after photos) David Allwein: "I ran the race with my daughter who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy (I was proudly wearing my Rock'n Red Birds hat!!!)  Not only did she finish her first 1/2 marathon...but tied her dad's time!  Nothing could have made me prouder!" Lisa Wescott: (paraphrased) "The Rock and Roll ½ Marathon this year was an amazing experience from the beginning of training to the finish line.  I was blessed to be surrounded by my loving and supportive family and a wonderful training team with the UIW alumni and staff.    We started training at the end of July, and I found Lisa Schultz and Heather Rodriguez running at around the same pace.  Each Saturday morning (at training) I could count on running with Lisa, and I got so used to being right behind her – pacing and watching her hat and ponytail.     As we approached the starting line Sunday morning, I was thrilled to have Lisa and Heather in the same corral as we strived and encouraged each other throughout this journey.  Unfortunately, somehow after the half-way point we lost Heather in the huge crowd, and I struggled to keep up with the back of Lisa’s head and ponytail swaying from side to side.    She kept looking back at me, slowing her pace, running side to side, and cheering me on with her words of encouragement.  I kept telling her to keep going, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, don’t let me hold you back…but she didn’t listen.  Lisa kept looking back, encouraging me, and I was just waiting for her to slap me across the head to keep me going!   Lisa likely could have finished at least 20 minutes better, and I might have finished at least 20 minutes later, but we pulled through (well, she practically dragged me through!) the finish line.  I was breathless and somewhat lightheaded at the end, and I could not have finished successfully without her.  Lisa was truly my inspiration and I will always be grateful, appreciate her thoughtfulness, and remember her kindness. " Rick Smith: "As I came closer to the finish line on Sunday, I text messaged my family and friends and said "Home stretch. I see the Alamodome finish. Pain is temporary (or maybe in my case a week) - achievement is forever." Well, my assessment may have been spot-on. I was jogging and walking the first three miles, and slowed to a fast walk miles three through eight; and eventually to a severe limp the last five miles. My podiatrist said he was surprised I finished the race with my blisters the way they are - and he saw them two days after the race. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories, your time and your achievements with me. If it wasn't for the team support, especially knowing that I HAD to cross the finish line to represent the team I help lead, I would have bowed out of the race at mile three." PICTURES: Heather, Andrea & Lisa are ready to cross that finish line at the Expo! (photo by Heather Rodriguez) Who should Lisa, Heather & Andrea run into at the Expo?  ...none other than world record holder and personal coach to the Rockin' Red Birds, Michael Hennessey!  Thank you to you and your family for all of your support and dedication to your "extended family."  We couldn't have done it without you! (photo by Heather Rodriguez) Crowd at the finish line (photo by Rick Smith) Left to right: Keri (mutual friend) poses for a picture with Olga Herranz and Rick Smith, who were members of the Rock'n Red Birds. (photo by Rick Smith) Rick Smith, Sylvia Kutschenreuter, Carmen Tristan, Gladys Delgado, Isabel Alvarez and others started in coral 34, which was the furthest back someone could start. This was their view when the race finally started. They were so far back - they couldn't see the actual starting line.(Photo by Rick Smith) Lisa, Heather and Lisa before the Big Run in Corral #8.  Sole Sisters all the way!  What a blast we had training together for six months.  The fun will not end with the Rock n' Roll marathon. (Photo by Lisa Schultz) Lisa & Lisa at the finish line!  A little tired, but a lot stronger in spirit. (Photo by Lisa Wescott) Nikki Lee and her dad Victor pose for a picture after she completed the half-marathon. (Photo by Nikki Lee) Sylvia Maddox and John Casanova before the start of the race (Photo by Itza Casanova) Allison Hicks, Dawn Cunningham and John Casanova after the race (Photo by Itza Casanova) Amy Soupiset (Photo by Itza Casanova) Andrea Cyterski-Acosta and Bobby Acosta prior to the race (Photo by Itza Casanova) Beachballs at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova) David Allwein (Photo by Itza Casanova) Dr. Doyle and Dr. Light volunteered at the start village (Photo by Itza Casanova) Feik School of Pharmacy students at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova) Gladys Delgado (center) at start line (Photo by Itza Casanova) Itza and John Casanova at start line (Photo by Itza Casanova) Karen De Mello (right) and her co-worker Aida Albair (left) at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova) Rick Smith before the race (Photo by Itza Casanova) Rick approaching ramp to the Alamodome (Photo by Pamela Rodriguez)