Chicago Marathon. My first marathon. I was so excited and nervous at the start. My best friend from 5th grade and I decided to conquer our first marathon together. We were waiting eagerly to start, lined up with the 4:30 pace group. The gun sounded and we were off...
The streets of Chicago were amazing. Lined with thousands and thousands of spectators. All cheering each and every marathoner on. We ran through the streets seeing friends and posters, it was all so exciting.
Quickly though, my knee started to throb and immediately turn to a stabbing pain. I immediately took my pain meds and kept going, we were only at mile 4, I came to finish not to drop out. As we continued my knee pain got worse and worse, before the half I found myself taking another oxy.
I was worried at this point. Worried I wouldn't be able to finish, worried that I was doing permanent damage and worried that the meds and the heat would get the best of me.
My worries soon faded as I looked around me. Surrounded by runners and spectators nothing was going to stop me. The heat got worse and worse, but as it did the people off Chicago poured themselves out to the runners. I couldn't believe the amount of people spraying hoses, handing out oranges, peanut butter sandwiches, and water bottles. It was amazing the support the city gave to the runners as the heat rose to 91 degrees.
Mile 20 was were I looked to the people of Chicago the most. At this point I was out of meds and feeling great pain. I stopped at an aid station and get some ibuprofen. By mile 23 complete dizziness set in. No food + heat + meds = not feeling well.
As I struggled to keep my legs moving I just looked around. All the smiles and cheers. The high fives and fist bumps to all the kids. The pain and dizziness didn't matter anymore, there was so much energy around me I knew I would make it to the end. With the help of the people of Chicago, my great friends that cabbed it stop to stop to cheer me on, the friends that jumped in and ran segments with me, and my bestie that stayed by my side no matter the pain I finished the marathon with a huge smile on my face.
I may not have achieved the time I trained for but that didn't matter. I finished the marathon surrounded by people that kept my hopes high and my smile on for 26.2 miles. And if I had achieved my goal I wouldn't have as much to work for next year. Chicago I look forward to running your streets again in 2011 and completing my goal with you behind me.
