OSU Employees Find Success in OKC Memorial Relay

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

For most people, running a marathon relay seems like an out of reach goal. But that goal became a reality for nine Oklahoma State University employees after Tabi Deal, Health Educator for the Department of Wellness, and Eric Conchola, Fitness Specialist for the Department of Wellness, formed two relay teams that competed in the OKC Memorial Run April 24.

“Eric and I had tossed around the idea of forming a team,” Deal said. “We had the idea to reach out to former Cowboy Challenge participants and were blown away at the responses. That is how we got not one, but two teams put together.”

The two relay teams were made up of employees from all over OSU. Eric’s team, the Run Pokes, consisted of Bianca Boyd, Mark Nelson, Hangshim Lee and Jennifer Nangle. Tabi’s team, the O-State Blister Sisters, consisted of Nicole Sump-Crethar, Diana Reddington and Jamie Sadler.

Some of the participants had competed in races before, but most had never competed in a relay. “I was ready to try something different and I love the Cowboy Challenge program,” said Nicole Sump-Crethar, Head of Digital Resources and Discovery Services for the Edmon Low Library.

For Bianca Boyd, Grant Coordinator for the Trio Student Support Services, this was the first experience with competitive running.

“Before the OKC Memorial Marathon, I would not consider myself a runner,” Boyd said. “I ran for leisure and to stay fit, but I was not consistent. Now that I completed this race I love it and I’m currently training for a half-marathon in September.”

The participants all had different training experiences on the road to the relay. Some found it helpful to train as a group in collective workouts.

“What was so great about training with the relay team is that we mixed in a lot of strength and other forms of cardio I don’t get with my regular training schedule,” Sump-Crethar said. “I think my performance improved as a result.”

Some of the participants were unable to train with the group, but found encouragement from the team as they trained individually.

“My training varied as I had personal obstacles to overcome,” said Jennifer Nangle, Assistant Biological Safety Officer for University Research Compliance. “I really enjoyed the group training when I was able to participate and would have preferred to continue training that way. However, I mostly trained by myself. But I was always kept in the loop and had the support and encouragement from the other teammates.”

Though training was diverse for the participants, they found it encouraging as the hard work began to pay off.

“My favorite part about the experience was seeing the individual growth that I was able to achieve throughout the weeks,” Conchola said. “For example, increasing the mileage every week for my long runs. My initial long run was set at three miles and by the end of it I was able to run 10 miles.”

“It is very humbling when you take a step back and realize what you can do when you put your mind to it.”

Race day came and the teams were full of various emotions and feelings.

“Race day. Wow. Truly nothing like it,” Deal said. “The nerves and excitement and emotions are crazy. It truly is an incredible and humbling experience.”

When the race began the members of the relay teams began to experience what they were up against. Most did not know what to expect, and were surprised by some of the challenges they faced, especially in the weather.

“I knew it would be somewhat challenging,” Nangle said. “But the winds added to it.”

The participants found support in those who showed up to cheer them on.

“The race was challenging. While I was running, I thought to myself, ‘is this ever going to end, I am so tired.’ But what motivated me to continue were the supporters,” Boyd said. “At every part of the race there were groups of people cheering us on and the volunteers were so nice. Families would show pictures of their deceased love ones and they would thank me for honoring their family by simply running. It was so powerful and that kept me going throughout the entire race.”

The teams both completed the race and felt proud of what they had accomplished. One team was surprised with the news of how well they had performed.

“Our team got first in our division,” Deal said. “There were 18 total Corporate Female Teams, and we came in with a time of 4:30:52, a full five minutes ahead of the 2nd place team.”

The teams continue to individually pursue their fitness goals, and many claim they would love to do the relay again,” Nangle said. “The teams want to use their experience to encourage others who may be considering taking up running. Do it! Anyone can do this, just put one foot in front of the other and go. No matter how fast or slow, it still counts. And, it is always easier to run with a friend!”

For the full photo gallery, go here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/albums/72157669955353690

Story by Joshua Midgley