This will be longer than any of my other posts, but so was my run.
My journey to this point has been a long one. It started about 3 years ago when I was the fat dad. Seriously. I split my suit pants one day at work - they were size 40 (I weighed 260 pounds). Just before this a friend of mine went through a double lung transplant (please, anyone reading this sign up to be a donor NOW - it will save a life). This combination told me it was time for a change, a big change. It took me a few months to get started by going to the gym and it was a few months after that when I was challenged to run a 5km race to start my running life. The journey was on....and what a ride it has been. The key that I have learned is that life begins once you are outside of your comfort zone. I figured I would be out of my comfort zone by kilometre 31 or so...
Since that first 5km race in March of 2011, I have run about six 5km races three 10km races, two 10 mile races, three half marathons, and two Around the Bay races. It was time for the big one. I decided if I was going to run a marathon, I wanted my first one to be big. Not just 42.2km big, but in a big city, with lots of other runners and lots of supporters. Chicago fit that bill - with 42,000 other marathoner runners. Training for this race, and really my training over the last 10 months has really been life changing. Oh it has been tough (really tough), but the support from the other runners and the coach has taught me so much and I knew it would get me through the race. I knew I was ready when on our last long training run (38km) we ran up a road here in Burlington called Bell School Line. It sucked and it was a steep hill. Really steep. You know it is steep when you are running past a cyclist who is walking their bike up the hill. But I finished it strong, the taper began, and I knew I was as ready as I will ever be.
Of course, the world's greatest cheering section was going with me. We drove to Chicago on the Friday, made a few stops along the way, and got to the Hotel. I woke up Saturday morning and went for my 3km run to get my legs ready. I ran by the starting line of the marathon and a weird thing happened - I got emotional. I am not sure what triggered it, but wow the emotions flowed. It was during the run that it really hit me - tomorrow is the marathon. The rest of that day I took it easy, ate a bowl of pasta for dinner, and surprisingly feel asleep pretty easy.
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| Morning of race..still smiling!! |
Other than going under the Columbus bridge, I don't really remember the first 2km much. The only thing I certainly remember is the world's greatest cheering section at the 2km marker. I really didn't think I would see them at all. What an awesome inspiration.
My race plan was to run around a 5:30 - 5:40 per km for the race and hold on for dear life near the end. My first 5km was at 27:30 and my 10km was at 55 minutes. Right on pace. I had some awesome help with my nutrition during my training so I came up with a plan of what to eat and drink and I was going to stick with the plan. BTW Eload rocks - the gels, electrolytes, and salt tablets. There were aid stations every mile and I made sure I was taking stuff in early. I was not going to let cramping stop me today.
The race goes north, through Wrigleyville, then comes back to the downtown. I crossed the 13.1 mile marker (halfway point) at around 1 hour 55 minutes which was on pace and thought, wow, I still have a half marathon to go. The entertainment along the course was just amazing - Elvis, the japanese drummers, the gaybourhood dancing in drag and playing Cher, little Mexico, all this helps motivate and keeps you going. I felt strong through 30km, turned the corner and voila - the world's greatest cheering section. I needed those kisses and hugs big time. We head through Chinatown and it was at the 35km mark that I realized that this is tough. My legs hurt. Everything hurt. I still had 7km to go. Then I saw the best sign of the day. "If marathon's were easy they would be called your Mom". Awesome. Let's go.
We turned up Michigan Avenue and I knew I was on the final stretch. Everything in my body hurt big time. Every step sucked. My time per km had dipped down to the 6 minute range but I did not care as I knew I was going to finish. With about a mile to go the crowd support was CRAZY - they esimtate 1.8 million people were out at the race. It was so loud I took my earphones out as I couldn't hear my music anyway. I finally see the big TV screen which I knew was the turn into Grant Park and the finish. I make the turn and slowly go up the hill (really?? a hill at the 26 mile mark??) and I feel a big shove in the back. It was my running coach of all people. At first I was scared he was going to make me push harder, then I realized how cool it was he was there for the finish. Thanks Dr. Steve for your awesome training and support.
I made the final turn, saw the finish line 200 flat metres away, and the emotions kicked in. I would like to say what I was thinking about but I don't remember. I really don't. I am pretty sure wet stuff was coming out of my eyes as all I could taste was salt. Crossing the finish line was, without a doubt, the coolest and greatest thing that I have ever done. And NOTHING is even close. I hurt beyond belief but it was so worth it.I did hear through the speakers "Congrats to the marathon runners". How cool does that sound. I am a marathon runner??
I went into the race with two goals. Goal one was to make it to the bar with my running group that night for beers. I did that! Goal two was to run a sub 4 hour marathon. My final time was 3:59:52. Goals achieved.
Well done Chicago. There was over 41,000 people who crossed the start line and 1.8 million people cheering on the course, and the extra security made everyone feel safe. This race really was flawless.
The next few days sucked - especially stairs and sitting in the car for the drive home. My legs and back hurt like crazy. But it was all worth it to get that medal.
As for my thanks and notes.....
A big shout out to Katie running her first marathon.
I want to thank the greatest family in the world. The support I get from my wife and kids allow me to reach and exceed my dreams and goals. Being gone many mornings, evenings, having to eat pasta every Saturday, having listen to me talk about my chafing, and everything else can't be easy. With all of that they still don't complain. Their energy in being there for pretty much every race of my life is one of the biggest reasons I still do it. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you Shannon for inspiring me to get started. Keep inspiring people.
Thanks Graham for that tail wind...and all of your support....you were in my thoughts a ton during this race and helped me get to the finish line in a big way.
Thank you to all my family and friends who have come to watch me race and cheer on other runners along the way.
Thank you to everyone who has sent words of congrats.
I haver heard from quite a few people that they could never run a marathon. The one thing I would stress is anyone can do it. Remember, a couple of years ago I was overweight and couldn't run around my block. Make your dreams a goal and work your butt of to go and get it. I did and it feels great.
So the big question....will I run another marathon?
Absolutely. The journey to get to race day is what makes the marathon so awesome. I can't wait for training (and journey) to begin again.
