CBU Graduate Runs Half Marathon In Japan
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (May 19, 2015) -- Jacqueline Lutz crossed the stage May 2 to receive her master's degree in education from California Baptist University. A week later, she ran in the streets of Sendai, Japan.
Lutz was one of two runners representing the city of Riverside in the Sendai International Half Marathon on May 10. Riverside and Sendai are sister cities. Runners included those from Sendai's other sister/friendship cities, such as Rennes, France, and Minsk, Belarus, and world class runners. More than 10,000 runners participated.
"The experience of running with athletes from all over the world is just so exciting and such an honor to be lined up on the start line with them," Lutz said.
Lutz also was chosen to run in the half marathon last year. This year she was joined by Michael John Stanley as the men's runner and Adrian Aros as the delegation leader. She finished 79th in the women's group with 1 hour, 36 minutes and 51 seconds, which was more than 3 minutes faster than her time last year. While in Japan, the team also met with the sister city athletes, visited a mausoleum, a Buddhist temple and the Sendai International Center.
"I was really excited with the results and just being able to meet the new sister city athletes and coaches and also the returning athletes and coaches," she said.
Lutz, who received her bachelor's degree from CBU in 2012, was a member of the Lancer cross country and track team as a 5k and 10k runner. Her biggest challenge last year was training. Since she no longer was part of the team, she had to determine what worked for her, she said. To prepare this year, she ran several half marathons as well as a 5k and 10k.
She was thankful she had the opportunity to run in the event twice and would like to apply to go again.
"For me, what comes to mind, is how much of an honor and a blessing it is to be chosen to represent the city of Riverside, and along with that, representing California Baptist University, and most importantly the Lord," she said. "I'm just very grateful that He allowed me to run again."