This was while I was getting ready for the start in Grant Park.
Getting closer to the Starting Line!
The weather was perfect for marathon running - a little cool in the morning and then it warmed up to mid-60s, but boy did that sun make it feel a lot warmer! I knew I had overdressed a little, and got myself into quite a pickle trying to lose a layer early on in the race (my arm got stuck in my sleeve briefly), woops! But I managed to get myself together after a few minutes to continue to run more comfortably.
This was the biggest marathon I've run in, and just the number of volunteers at every water stops was impressive. They were incredibly supportive and motivating as they cheered us on. I had forgotten to put my name on my new TTES singlet, and so volunteers and folks in the crowd cheered for me as "Train" or "Train to End Stroke" if they had time to read my full singlet. I actually like that just as much as hearing my name because it keeps my cause in mind and lets me know that people are looking for all of the different charities that people are running with. Although, since Sarah is quite a popular name, and there seemed to be another Sarah running near by me for at least some of the marathon, I also just pretended that the signs and cheers were for me as well as the other Sarah's running that day :).
When I was somewhere between mile 12-13, an announcement was made that a new course record had just been set for the men. While I know I'm a fairly slow runner, to think that someone had just run 26.2 miles in the time I had run 12 was amazing. I can't imagine running 26.2 miles that fast. But I just kept plugging along and enjoying the city, race, and crowd.
The miles that are usually the most difficult for me mentally are between 13-18, but they seemed to go by faster than usual that day. I was without a watch and thought I was behind the 4:45 pace group for most of the marathon, but saw them pass me somewhere around mile 22. I hadn't realized that I was running faster than my typical pace until then, which caught up with me around mile 23 when the heat from the sun beaming down on us got to me and I knew that I was down on electrolytes, which I worked to replenish at the water stops (lots of sports beans and gatorade). This was also when I needed to dig a little deeper because I wasn't feeling so well while I was waiting for the sports beans and gatorade to kick in and work their magic. I thought about my Gram and what she would think about me running in this marathon. I always smile a little when I think about this, because I'm pretty sure that the thought of me running all of these marathons through heat, rain, snow, wind, and whatever other conditions would not be something she would approve of, but at the same time I think she would be proud. I also thought about my friends from TTES and Tedy's Team, and found the motivation to make it to the end despite not feeling my best.
Seeing the finish line is always awesome, but there is something about these big marathons that makes it extra special. There is such a huge crowd cheering everyone on, and then to hear your name announced and know that you've made it to the end for your cause. It is something very special. I crossed the finish line and received my medal and lots of goodies (snacks, recovery drinks, etc), and it was an awesome end to an awesome marathon. At that time I had no idea what my time was, but I knew it was slower than usual. I wasn't out there to PR that day, but to enjoy the marathon and finish State #11 for my cause (which was also my 17th marathon!).
I'm looking forward to State #12!!
Race Highlights
Awesome Expo!
Huge Marathon with awesome crowd and volunteer support
Nice flat course
Love it when people break out the hoses on a hot day to spray the runners and cool them off
Extremely well organized for such a big race
#1 Song that that got me through a tough patch
Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
