turning the page...a new chapter

Last Sunday was a day of many emotions:

fear...as I got up to the alarm and realized what I was about to attempt

tears...I cried while walking with the group from the hotel to the starting area...it was a

dream about to be fulfilled and one I had worked so hard for

excitement...when I crossed the starting line and came upon the cheering crowds

laughter...at the guy riding a chicken, Elvis, the juggler, and the zany signs along the way

anger...where is the frickin' water

respect...for the older guy who was hobbling along but was hanging in there at mile 8

sadness...at the thought of those who could not physically do what I was doing

gratitude...for all the wonderful Chicagoans who were there with water hoses, water pitchers,

etc.

comfort...when I saw various red MM signs along the way with the holder cheering wildly

elation...when I reached the halfway mark, Matt took my picture, Sheila was screaming at me,

and I realized I was halfway and I FELT GOOD

confidence...when I saw the 16 mile marker and realized I was going to finish within the official

time of 6.5 hrs...only 10.2 miles to go!

disbelief....when we were re-routed

horror....when someone said they had CANCELED my beloved Chicago Marathon

confusion...where are we going...how FAR is it...do we get a medal

amazement...I met a new friend, Clara, from Venezuela who joined me on our long walk to the
"so-called" finish line. This was her 7th marathon and 2nd time at Chicago. The
only reason she was near my pace in the race is that she had not trained AT ALL
this year. We had a nice LONG chat and went to the massage tents together.

disappointment...I did not get to finish and I could have

anger...me and some of my comrades were cheated out of our dream


End of Chapter...turn the page

Suzanne's words in her blog helped me "get a grip"...there are so many people dealing with more serious issues than crossing a finish line. I can still do a marathon and I WILL do a marathon.

I am going back to Chicago because I know they will have their act together next year, I love the people lining the streets, and I love Giordono's pizza. The hospitality was so great that I believe they must have moved there from the SOUTH at least a few generations ago. :)

My new chapter includes losing weight by eating less fat, better carbs, fewer calories, and being lighter on my feet in Chicago next year. I also will be more diligent in my training and won't skip so many XT days. I went to see Cindy Pulliam, an orthopedic NP, today because of concern I had about pain on the inside of my left lower leg and my x-ray did not show fracture but showed evidence of stress along the bone. There looked to be an old stress fracture that had healed. She recommended I rest it for 4 weeks and start back slowly. If the pain returns or does not go away then she will order an MRI for a closer look at what is going on. I had done nothing, not even walked, for 2 weeks before I got out there and ran and walked the marathon. It could be just a shin splint. I am not invincible...I need to train regularly or I will NOT be able to do a marathon because I will be sidelined with an injury. I don't know if I will be able to do the MS BLUES half marathon, but if not, I will be out there cheering you on just like our great role models, the Chicagoans! Yes, I am looking forward to Chicago next year...they better be ready for us!

Finally figured it out

Finally figured it out...who/what is going to drive me when the going gets rough on the marathon trail. It hit me between the eyes when I was watching a TV special report...the injured soldiers, marines, etc. who have lost their legs!!!!!!!!!!!!! The article was about the latest, greatest, prostheses that are available to our injured military and it occurred to me...were it not for them and all the courageous souls in years past who have defended our country, we would not be preparing to run the Chicago Marathon. So, when I am beginning to really struggle, which I am guessing will be around mile 18, I am going to visualize those young, brave men/women who are now struggling to walk on their metal prostheses. I will then reach down and pull up more determination to get through my insignificant, albeit mild, challenge. The appreciation, admiration and respect I have for them and for all of our troops will help carry me across that line.