Chicago Marathon 2009

On Sunday I ran the Chicago Marathon. It was my first marathon and one of the peak moments in my life. Seriously. My friend and colleague Sarah and I decided back in June that we would commit to running. I decided to run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Team in Training is the running group that runs on behalf of this society. I worried that I wouldn't meet my fundraising goals, but was surprised to see that I had raised over $2500 for the cause.



For those that don't know, race day was freezing. It was a sunny, but cold morning. The gun went off, and about 10 minutes later I had crossed the start line. At mile 1 I looked at my watch and saw that I was running, sub-10 minute miles. On a side note, never in all of my training runs had I run this fast. I worried that maybe I had gone out too fast, but figured, might as well go for the gold while i can, right? At mile 2, 3, and 4 I was still running less than 10 minute miles. What?



At mile 12 I slowed down to grab Karl and he jumped in to run the rest of the marathon with me. At that point, I was starting to feel the effects of running too fast at the beginning of the race. We passed thru the loop and headed west out of the downtown part of the city. The crowds were still awesome, but it started to get quiet. I knew this was the time to start digging deeper. I was running with my Team in Training jersey on, and had also written my name on the front and back of my shirt. Thank god for sparkly green puffy paint! Every time I ran past people, they cheered my name, and it was enough to power me thru the tough spots. Karl ran next to me the entire time, making jokes, pointing out the pretty scenery, and just generally being a rock for me to lean on (literally at a few points). Around mile 18 is when the burn set it. I knew that I had run 20 miles, so I knew i could get to the 20 mile marker. After the 20 mile marker the race became a head game. Dig in. Breathe. Dig in. Water stops were the only times I would allow myself to walk. Each water stop became a ritual for me. I would grab a cup of gatorade, take a few sips. Gird up my loins, clap my hands together and take off running again.



At mile 22 or so we were still running south away from the city, and that was so tough mentally. All i wanted to do was see the city in front of me, but instead it was WAY behind me. Finally we turned on to Michigan Ave to run north. The crowds closed in on the course and there was lots cheering and yelling. As we approached Roosevelt road, to turn up the (only) hill towards the finish, Karl started cheering louder and telling me to pick up the pace. It's amazing how you can make your mind convince your body to run faster, even when you know you're out of energy. I started sprinting up the hill, got to the top, turned the corner and there was the finish line ahead.



Being a part of the Team in Training running group was so absolutely inspiring. Where else can you wear a silly purple shirt with a Team logo and people cheer for you without knowing who you are...but they know you are a part of a bigger cause...one that you and they believe in. Random coaches from the Team in Training on the side-lines would jump in on the course and run alongside me at various points of the course. Offering support, words of encouragement, and candy!



After the race on Sunday evening, I couldn't imagine running another marathon for awhile. Now it's Tuesday, and i'm looking to train for another. I think I have found my weakness. Or maybe it's an addiction. Who knows, at least it's healthy.