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!
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4 comments:
Great Cheryl. I am impressed that you have hung in there with your bone being stressed and you haven't even complained. You know it doesn't even show up on xray until it is healing so you have probably been suffering with it for several weeks.
You are my role model. I am going to do exactly what you are doing this next year as far as losing weight. Less weight on my bones will equal less stress I hope.
We will be in Chicago together again!
Jana
Sounds like you did really well for the 16 miles. I am proud of you and sorry we lost each other trying to get to the start.
I am pretty sure I am not going to try for another marathon next year. I have told my weekday walking buddy that if I can get to the point where I can RUN a 10K, then I'll think about it.
It was really no fun being at the back of the marathon with the street sweepers. (there was water, though, as by then the citizens were out helping out with water and hoses). I think that I need to be able to just a little better than the minimum pace before I attempt a marathon again.
Keeping in shape though-- did 6 miles today at about a 15 minute/mile pace. I'm going back to my running plan (the same one Christy was using from Cool Runnings) in a couple of weeks. Had to send my Garmin off for repair because it quit "beeping" so as soon as I get it back, we'll start interval training. We'll see how it goes.
I am so disappointed about Chicago. still struggling with that,as I felt like I had one marathon in me and Chicago was it. Even though I didn't finish Chicago, I'm just not ready or willing to devote that much time to training right now. Work is a B**** and the holidays are coming. Lots of excuses, but are higher priorities right now than a marathon.
Glad you are coming to the Halloween party. Can't wait to see you and Wayne.
Your account of the marathon was well said. I feel the exact same way! I had no idea you have/had an injury. Jana is right, we haven't heard you complain at all. You are awesome and I'm so glad we have become friends!!!!!
We'll do Chicago together in the future. Getting to know you has been a joy, you are such an amazing person.
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