READY TO RUN

The rush of adrenaline a runner feels when crossing the finish line is indescribable, a highest high, a feeling of accomplishment.

During a race, though, there are moments that give pause, causing runners to dig deep inside and not give up.

Orchard residents Nikki Hahn and Sara Twibell have first-hand knowledge of the momentum swing associated with running a long-distance race. Both were among the 4,770 runners participating in the Lincoln marathon and half marathon, held Sunday in the Capitol City.

"It's a feeling like no other," Twibell said.

While both women said they make running a priority, their paths to the finish line began for different reasons.

Hahn started running in 2013 when friends were into running races.

"Track coaches in high school never really believed I had the potential and I wanted to prove to myself that they were wrong. I wanted to accomplish something that would push me physically and mentally," she said.

The mental challenge of running a long race is half the battle.

"You have to believe you can do it or else you won't. You train to prepare your body, but making it to the finish linen is all in your head," Hahn said.

She's competed in five half marathons, including four times in Lincoln and once in the Rock n Roll half marathon in Denver.

"In 2013, I ran the full 26.2 IMT Des Moines Marathon."

She's also participated in several 5- and 10K races.

Twibell hit the pavement about 11 years ago.

"I ran my first half marathon, which was the Lincoln Half," she said, adding that she did "okay."

"I was young and kept telling myself how hard it was."

After an eight-year hiatus, which included the birth of four children, Twibell's sister-in-law, Erin Chohon, urged her to run the half marathon in Lincoln.

That was two and a half years ago.

"I always said I would never run another half marathon," she said. At the time she made that statement, she was nine months postpartum.

As she began training for that race, she didn't "feel like myself," but she pushed forward.

"I haven't stopped since," she said.

Twibell has run the Lincoln half marathon three times and the Lincoln Halfsy once.

Both women said there's a point in the race where doubt creeps in, when the mental game comes into play.

Twibell said she usually hits a wall about mile 10 or when she's going up a large hill.

"I just keep telling myself that I know I can do it," she said.

Hahn said the 10th mile was a low point in Sunday's race.

"I really wasn't sure I could make it to mile 13. After about mile three, my whole body goes numb and adrenaline and training take over," she said.

At the nine-mile mark, Hahn started to feel the soreness.

"Mile 10 is where my mental game came into play to push it to the finish. I was blessed with good enough health and the ability to do this that I never want to take for granted," she said.

The thought of friends cheering her on spurred her to continue.

"I was thinking about my kids. I want to show them that you can do hard things and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. And you know what? You don't have to quit doing things you love once you have kids," Hahn said.

Twibell agreed with Hahn's assessment.

One challenge to running and competing is, according to Twibell, "Finding the time to train and to be able to run for yourself and mental health. As moms, we are so incredibly busy, but it is so important to carve out time and show your children how to be committed to something."

Hahn said confidence and life are two challenges associated with running and training.

She said it can be discouraging when others do better than you or if a run doesn't go as well as planned.

"The truth is, you ultimately have to do it for you. You don't have to be the best, just try your best," she said.

Life, sometimes, slows the process, but everyone is busy, Hahn said.

She works full time, has three children and currently is enrolled in an EMT class.

There are household chores and keeping up with friends.

"You have to make running a priority," she said.

Twibell understands that not everyone is interested in running.

"That's totally OK. But, if it is something you do want to get into, I can say it is 100% worth it, for your mental health, for your physical health and for showing your kids the importance of taking care of yourself," she said.

Hahn said you'll never run a race that you regret.

"The feeling you get crossing a finish line is unmatched, no matter the distance. You learn a lot about yourself, pushing your limits," she said.

Both runners had family and friends supporting them along the route.

Twibell said, "It literally gives you the extra boost you need to keep going."

The running community includes some of the kindest and supportive individuals, according to Hahn.

"I can't even tell you how many people I have never seen in my life cheering for me this morning," she said.