I signed up for this race, coming off my amazing 20 miler (Fox Valley).  I felt on top of the world, and KNEW I had a 4:40 marathon in me…RIGHT?  Nope…WRONG!

My Chicago Marathon journey was long…10 months in the making, and probably one of the hardest things I have both mentally and physically done.  Did I do it just to put a sticker on my car (yeah, someone asked me that!), NO.  I did it because it was a dream, and I turned that dream in to reality.

Needless to say, that training took it’s toll on me more physically than anything, and I was nervous to get out there and run again after Sunday’s literal BLOW OUT. 

But I keep my promises, and follow through with my commitments so set my alarm for the crack of dawn today (last night), and set my clothes out.  This race was different though, as for once I can say, “I AM NOT RACING.”  My only goal was to pick my legs up and run, no matter how slow-even though I loath slow.  I don’t want to over do it, and I don’t want to further injure myself.

I must admit, it was nice to not have the pre-race jitters and just have fun. 

Cheesin’ it up!

We made it to the forest preserve early, but I had some things come up last minute that I needed to take care of for work via phone so we didn’t get out to the starting line until around 7:50.  I sadly missed Heather and Lindy.  POOH. 

We were about mid way through the pack, and the starting gun went off.  The first 1/4 mile or so is on grass, so that was a challenge to maneuver, especially with an injured knee.  But we managed, and held around a 10:50-12:00 pace throughout.  It was a beautiful course, and the weather held out just long enough for us to finish.  We were near the end, and sadly missed out on the hot cocoa!  BAH! 

But we finished, and managed to run the entire course.  Carolyn did an amazing job, and we had fun as always along the way. 

love this girl, she’s as goofy as I am!

We ended the morning with some post race photos and a yummy breakfast with our running buddies, most of which I just met today.  Our waitress was a bit scary, but we had so much fun laughing (and Erin throwing food at innocent on-lookers, HAHA!), talking, and eating that it didn’t matter!
What a great great GREAT day.  My only regret is we forgot to get a picture!

We did it!!!!

smoked salmon scramble…quite good!  Not as good as Mel’s, but the company made up for it!

Now the hubby and I are headed out to watch our friend’s band play.  We haven’t had a date night in a couple months so I am looking forward to it!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!