Chicago Marathon- RR!

I did it!!!!!! I ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday and finished my first full marathon!!!!

This was my third Team in Training event this year, and I've been SO excited about running my first 26.2 and crossing that finish line. Woke up about 5am, took a shower to wake up a little-- ate a banana and pretzels, took another banana for a little closer to race time. Headed over to the start line after checking in at charity village and got to the line about 12 minutes after the gun went off... not bad for a race with 40,000 people!

I planned on running about a 10:30-11 min/mile pace with my other training friends from TNT... but we got split up at one of the water stops at mile 6. (they were headed to the porta potties to wait in line--but I hate stopping at races!). I walked through the water stop but I decided to go ahead and was on my own from then on. I felt strong and was so excited to be out there. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face... that is, until about mile 15. That's when I started to get concerned. Then I got seriously concerned at mile 18. Then I felt like death at mile 20-21. I walked for about 20 seconds and started to repeat my mantra: "Define yourself... dig deep!!!" and decided this was IT. I ran for the rest of the race, and just watched the miles tick down.

The crowd support was AWESOME! People were along the course the entire way, cheering and calling out my name. I also chatted with several other runners along the way--some TNT, some not. Everyone was very friendly. I had five Gu Espresso Love gels, some little bananas a lots of water, so I felt hydrated and didnt have any stomach inssues. My finishing time was 4:50 for an 11:04 pace... about 20 minutes slower than what I thought I could do--but WHO CARES!!! :)

Worse than the actual race was WALKING after the race. I loved the... "Are you OK?" questions from other racers... to which I replied... "I'll get there when I get there!"...I was fine. Just movin' slowly! :)

Recovery has been OK, a little soreness getting up and sitting down. I went for a long, slow swim today which felt great--aside from nearly drowning on the first flip turn. haha! I am signed up for Disney in January, so Ill have another crack at it in a few months.

Here's a few pictures... Sorry they are thumbnails!!

Jen

oh my gosh YAY!!!!!

You liked it? I think it's a wonderful distance and is a perfect mix of not going fast and then pushing it when you want to.

That is so fantastic. I had been wondering how your race went. I'm also a wee bit jealous of Disney :D

What're you doing for your recovery and when are you building back into training? Are you running for TNT at Disney?

I have to say I have a great respect for TNT after the marathon I did. They were so supportive of each other and no matter how far apart they were, they'd yell out encouragement to other TNT people. While I ran on my own and didn't know anybody else there, I felt they were a highly approachable and friendly group.

Congratulations, and you look amazing! I would love to achieve even a half-mary one day, so I am in awe. HUGE kudos to you for training and following through, and for finishing so well. I've heard of first-timers who only manage 6 hours, so I think you did great!

Congratulations!!!! I've always wanted to run Chicago (having lived there growing up), and hope that someday I'll get the chance. I'm so proud of you!!! Running 26.2 is a long way, and with finishing comes a well deserved sense of pride and accomplishment. Yipppeeee!!!!!

Love the pics!

Yay! Congratulations! Sounds like you had a great race. Good luck at Disney :)

Woo-hoo! Way to go!

Congratulations sounds like an awesome first!! I am planning Disney 2010 so I can't wait to hear your race report on that one as well.

Oh! So exciting! :D Thanks so much for sharing your race report. It is so encouraging and motivating to read about others' experiences. And I LOVE seeing the smile on your face in your pics! :D

I am so envious. Way to go girl!!!!

Congratulations! I have a friend who ran it too. :)

Congratulations!!!! WAY TO GO!!!! It was a hot day for a first marathon! You did really well!! I was there, too - cheering friends on. This has to be the most supported race I've ever seen. I think it's an excellent first marathon.

Congrats!! You did awesome. :D

Looks toasty! Running for me that weekend would have involved a lot more clothing ;)

WONDERFUL JOB! Thanks for sharing the report and for being so committed to Team in Training!