I’m Sarah Greim from Davenport, Iowa! I had been running for three years and decided in 2015 to tackle my very first half marathon. The idea of 13.1 miles was daunting and downright scary! I was able to persevere with the help of my hometown friends who ran the Her Madison with me as well as my online accountability friend and soul/sole sister Melissa.
The Her Madison weekend was amazing! From the moment I arrived at the hotel I knew this wasn’t just a race. The party, the energy, and the encouragement was beyond expectations.
Running the half marathon was an amazing experience. My other soul/sole sister Angie found me and ran with me step for step. She encouraged me, connected with me and reminded me that if running was easy everyone would do it.The best memories of that day were crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with Angie and Melissa and then getting a medal and hugs. This is why I want every woman to do this race, so others can experience the uplifting energy of women runners.
In 2016 I arrived solo. No Angie by my side, no friend to run step for step with me. This however does not mean I ran alone that day. There was so much support and encouragement on the course! Angie texted me to check my progress telling me she would be there at mile 12 to finish the race with me. She would periodically text me to let me know how close to a PR I was. She was there at mile 12 to bring me to the finish line once again hand in hand.
While the PR was nice, the friends I made from this race who helped me reach my goal means more than anything. This race truly brings women together in a special way. This race was the catalyst for my love of longer distances and showing myself that anything is possible! I can’t wait to see you all in June!
