Marathon!

It was a chilly day in Chicago. I wore layers of clothes and gloves. Just before the race started I shed off the top layer of sweatpants and my sweatshirt. So did the rest of the runners....clothes were flying everywhere! The race started and it took 7 minutes for me to even reach the "start". There were 40,000 or so runners and a mob of spectators cheering us on. The first 3 miles seemed like forever. It felt like I was trying to dodge people right and left from getting run into or running into someone else. But, once I got to mile 6 it started to thin out enough for me to run. I got a burst of energy and I felt ALIVE! I did my quickest miles during those next few miles till the half. I was ON TRACK with my goal time. I made it to the half in 2 hours! But, soon after the half... my legs started to hurt and I could feel my energy drained. My feet, knees, every muscle in my legs were feeling tight and worn out. When I would slow down to drink my legs would stiffen up. So...I didn't let myself stop or I wouldn't be able get my legs to start up again. The distance between mile 14 to mile 20 seemed like ages. I would make myself think of other things, anything... so I wouldn't think about the pain in my legs.

When I reached mile 20 ...I was exhausted...I really just wanted it to be over! I told myself it is only one more hour. I have come so far with training and I have overcome all the obstacles the past few months in training so far. I can do it....only one more hour! The last 6.2 miles the crowds on the streets pulled me through. I used their energy and focused on just moving one leg in front of the other. Then...the final mile! The crowds were screaming...it was amazing! People screaming my name telling me "You are there...just a few more steps!" I pushed it. I used whatever I had left and picked up my pace. I finished! 4 hours and 22 minutes. What a race!

MY RESULTS

I was so happy to find Justin after the race. Thanks for coming out to support me!

I had the best support system. My mom came out to cheer me on!

Reuniting with family at the end of 26.2 miles is BLISS!

Chicago was a fun city to run in. Each part of the race had something 'going on'. "Boys town" made me laugh out loud to see men dressed in cheerleading outfits and bridesmaid dresses.

I had to laugh when the lady in front of me took licorice from some dude just handing it out. Tempting... but really.....do you know this guy?!

I loved it when kids would hold their hands out and get excited when you would high five them. It made me feel like a rockstar.

Cowbells.... every time I heard one (which was the whole race) I would think...."more cowbell" and think of the SNL skit. I am worried that now whenever I hear cowbells...my knees and feet will start to hurt.

When you gotta go.....I had to laugh at the men. Port a potties were not easily found so on mile 4 there was a park. Yep...green grass. So, I saw about 50 men peeing on trees, bushes, the side of the road...just because.. there was green grass.

The other runners....everyone was supportive and kind. It felt like we were all on a team. Other runners would yell my name and give support. At the end of the race...you just wanted to hug all these strangers and tell them "good job!". On my flight home I ran into many different marathon runners and it was so much fun to hear "their story".

After the race...I felt this huge feeling of SUCCESS! I did it! I overcame a sprained ankle, being sick for weeks during training, and problems with the Achilles tendon. I felt like I could do anything!

It was HARD...I won't tell anyone that this experience was a "piece of cake" it was HARD! But, worth it!