Chicago Marathon - RunMarathon

We started running and I was ok for a while. I noticed how very little air there was in the first tunnel. It was stiffling. It was fun to run through the city. The crowds were great. There were several orange pace guys near me adn I wasn't sure which one to stick with. A girl in all pink discussed this with me. I ended up migrating towards a guy that had a stride that was easy and felt good to me. I marvelled at how those poor guys had to carry the little sticks! What a pain for them. So the first few miles went by without much ado. However, by mile 6-7 I realized that while I felt ok, it wasn't as effortless as the first 10 marathon miles usually are. I was being very very conscious about taking my salt tabs every 30 minutes. I was so careful about actually drinking water at each stop and gatorade at every other. I had to use the bathroom but Really didnt' want to stop. It seemed like the portopotties were set back kind of far from teh course. I waited. Maybe it woudl go away. My memory is a bit foggy for a few miles but I did see my awesome husband at Mile 12 adn that was such a great surprise. I got to grab his hand and everything. He was making such a huge effort to get aroudn to see me. He was studying his maps all weekend. What a great man I have. I got to the "YOU'RE HALF WAY THERE" sign and that was nice except, man, was I ever starting to feel it!!! I was Exactly on my 3:20 pace though. that was great but I felt that I had NO room to wiggle. I just plugged along. I thought I was keeping up with my 7:30 miles. Nope. Next one was 8, then 8:38, 8:09, 8:56...you get the point. I finally stopped for the bathroom at 15 or 16 and found myself hobbling/weak when I got out of there. Not good. I chugged along. In my neighborhood, we have a 1 mile loop that I run when it's too dark for my wooded roads. I decided that when I got to 17 I woudl pretend I was doing a mere 3 mile loop run. No big deal! that is SO easy!! right? Nope. No such luck. Those miles dragged on like I was hiking through the desert with 100lbs on my back. I had to dig deeper than ever in my life. I went to Chicago to "race" the marathon. To set a PR. At mile 16 I saw my husband and declared in all ernest that I was now officially "just tryign to finish." No matter how hard I tried I could not move my body any faster. When we cross the mats that made our chips beep I felt a comforting connection with home as I knew my brother and DAd were gettign the updates on their computers. I felt like I was letting my kids and family know I was ok. They must know by now how bad it was out there. AT least in my mind that's what was happening. Those miles weren't all bad. I did run through some very energetic crowds screaming and lots of great music. I forgot to mention that from the first 1/2 too. The bands and music were just great. I was smiling a lot and waving to them. I love that stuff. I got to 20 and once again, there's my hubby Mark. He told me he'd get to the end. 10K to go. I pictured a home route adn hoped I could just put on my real running feet again. Unfortunately, those feet were soaked and my toes were burning. The neuromas were acting up. EAch water station looked worse and worse. Lots of people were walking and stopping. Strong, fast looking runners wearing 3:10 pace group bibs were back with me. Everyone was slow and had a glazed looked in their eyes. I know I did. I could barely focus on the nice ladies giving me water. I took their encouragement to heart. I REally needed those words. I listened and I dug so so so deep. I got to 23 and was just about out of it. The mile pace was about 8:45-8:50. Then, much to my surprise, Mary appeared!!! It took me a minute to find the energy to speak but I got her attention and said, "Mary! Help me get there." She pumped me up, told me to shorten my stride and again, dig deep. She was my summer training partner, from afar. We trained for our Half Ironman together and have really bonded over this. I was so happy to have her. how did she have such energy?? Amazing. We got to 25 and I convinced her to "go." She hesitated, but did. she's awesome. Around the corner, big crowds, turn left, FINISH LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glorious glorious awesome thank god halleluiah woohooo yeah!!! I have NEVER felt so relieved in all my life. Tough tough day. I had NO kick at the end. NOne at all. I Always have a kick. I saw a man's legs buckle next to me. He made it though.
I finished adn Mary was there to hug me. Another volunteer helped me walk. It was forever before we got to water. I couldnt' breath, I was dizzy, my skin was burning up. They took me to the med tent but after waiting a bit and a quick "are you cramping" from the Dr., they had me go back outside adn sit in the shade. ? Oh well. I finally got to the runner reunite area with ice on my head. I coudlnt' take a deep breath until an hour later when I was in a/c. not sure what that's all about. My day was a success. I made it. I was served a tough situation and I was able to overcome the disappointment of not having the race I expected and get to the end. It was hard. Hats off to ALL my fellow athletes out there that day. There are many stories and perspectives but regardless, it was tough for all.

I can't imagine. Start slower? I was prepared for that pace...just not the weather. I'm not sure I'll ever be prepared for a marathon in that heat.

SAt on ground with ice and tried to breath and not get sick. Lovely huh.


Heat and HUMIDITY!!!!


Hard to answer these. I had plenty of supplies but I know there were issues out there. I just can't comment because I wasn't there for that part.