13.1 down, 13.1 to go
Pasta dinner last night-check; 4 am wake-up call-check; beautiful weather in Chicago-check; completion of Chicago Half Marathon - CHECK!!!!! It wasn't my prettiest effort ever, but the course was nice, the crowd support was fantastic, and I am still mobile! Thanks to everyone who sent words of support--they really helped. As I finished, the thought crossed my mind that I could not imagine that being the halfway mark of the race---this December full marathon idea may be a little overambitious, but we'll see. I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing this for the kids. After losing Jeff to a heart attack, they got very worried about my health and it's been fun to see how reassuring this has been to them. They talk about me like I'm some great athlete, so it's good they haven't actually seen me in a race---complete with inhaler and BenGay-ha,ha----little do they know I'm probably closer to a heart attack around mile 9 than an old smoker with atherosclerosis :-) Anyway, thanks to my DS friends for getting me this far-you guys are the best! CJ
Replies
Congrats CJ - you rock !!! And I\'m sure that your kids think so too !!! So proud of you for completing the Half and you\'ve got a couple more months before the Full and you\'ll do great !!! Just don\'t forget to stock up on the BenGay !!
Hugz for you - look out Olympics !!
Chris
Awesome job, CJ!!! I knew you could do it. Like Chris said, you rock! Enjoy this one for a while, it is quite an accomplishment! Your kids are proud of you, and rightfully so. Half marathons are not easy. Remember this though, if you can do a half, you can do a full!
great job,.. !! indeed, I couldnt imagine running that far,..your awesome!! your friend, Dave
Thanks, guys--made it back home and kids were excited to see the medal---made it worth the pain ;-) Your support really makes a difference--thanks!
Way to go!
Which marathon are you doing in December?
Believe me, getting out the door, doing the training and showing up at the start are major accomplishments. An inhaler, Ben Gay, NSAIDS, orthotics, knee braces, etc. are just part of what many of us do to finish. Getting the medal, the shirt, the ribbon or the jacket are the symbols we can show others. The way you feel inside is uniquely your own.
Congratulations!
Todd- thanks for the support---saw that you have had PEs---guess that makes us \"family\"---I have Protein S Deficiency, as did my dad. He had a ton of clots in his lifetime--I\'ve only had one DVT thankfully---haven\'t had to be on blood thinners other than when I was pregnant--just aspirin. I have absolutley no aspirations to be an ultramarathoner, but admire those of you who can do it. My marathon will be the Kiawah Island one. Should be relatively warm and flat--Yes, I\'m a wussie! Good luck with your training. CJ
PS---nice looking Airedale!