Saturday, October 30, 2010
Blah
Blah, that pretty somes up my feelings on running lately. I have made no effort at all to run since the marathon. Last night I had it in my head that I was going to go running this morning with my training group (they are still getting together on Saturday mornings), but I never even bothered to set my alarm clock before I went to bed. It would have been a beautiful morning for a run too, but my head just isn't in it anymore. I really need some motivation....anybody got any good ideas?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
10-10-10
I have been delaying my update on the race because I really just didn't know how to put in to words how I was feeling. Today though I wrote an email to my recipe group and the words just flowed. Allow me to copy and paste that email for you....
The heat during the marathon was brutal. I was doing really well for a while, but around mile 18 I didn't have too much left in me. From that point on the miles had a lot more walking then running, but I made it through. I was never so grateful to make the turn before the final bridge that led to the finish line. You hear the announcer saying, "You're a part of Chicago Marathon history! You're not just a runner, you're a finisher, you're a marathoner!" Heavens. I somehow had enough in me to take off like a crazy woman and run like mad to the finish line! My Dad would have been proud!
I wish I could find the words to capture the experience of running the Chicago Marathon. In some ways, it was absolutely enormous--important, life-changing, emotional. And at the very same time, it was just one foot in front of the other, trusting the training. I would do it again in a heart beat. I loved running through all the different neighborhoods, seeing all the crazy costumes and the people watching. It was fun running by the United Center, dissapointed I didn't see any of my Blackhawks there. :) I wish I could relive running by the crowds by Moody Church, they were the best at cheering and encouraging us along the way. I think we all need a cheering section like that in our lives.
Ben and Trinity (my husband and daughter) came in to watch along with my sister and her husband. My brother ran with me and we got to see them at the 5k mark and around mile 10. I think it helped knowing I was going to see them along the route. I only wish I could have seen them a little more, it was just too hot for poor Trinity. When we found them after the race, she was crying and hiding in the shade with my sister. I gave her my wet towel to wipe her face and she drank more of my Gatorade than I did. The priorities of a Mom coming before the priorities of running.
Afterwards, my Mom threw us a perfect party with pizza and cake. During the race all I wanted was an ice cold Coke and I finally got it there.
I was a little sore in my knee and and my back, but I was able to walk and required no BenGay :) he he.
Would I do it again? I would. It was a great experience, and I'm thankful for every step. Would I encourage someone else to do it? Absolutely yes. I knew it would be hard, and it was harder than I thought. But I knew it would be amazing, and it was even more amazing than I could have imagined.
I finished in 6:07:28. I was hoping I would have been a little faster, but it was impossible with the heat. I was just glad I finished though and hope to do better next year.
It's not too late to donate to Imerman Angels. If you can spare a few dollars please do so at www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea
Thank you to all of you for your kinds words of encouragment and support along the way. I couldn't have done it without you.
The heat during the marathon was brutal. I was doing really well for a while, but around mile 18 I didn't have too much left in me. From that point on the miles had a lot more walking then running, but I made it through. I was never so grateful to make the turn before the final bridge that led to the finish line. You hear the announcer saying, "You're a part of Chicago Marathon history! You're not just a runner, you're a finisher, you're a marathoner!" Heavens. I somehow had enough in me to take off like a crazy woman and run like mad to the finish line! My Dad would have been proud!
I wish I could find the words to capture the experience of running the Chicago Marathon. In some ways, it was absolutely enormous--important, life-changing, emotional. And at the very same time, it was just one foot in front of the other, trusting the training. I would do it again in a heart beat. I loved running through all the different neighborhoods, seeing all the crazy costumes and the people watching. It was fun running by the United Center, dissapointed I didn't see any of my Blackhawks there. :) I wish I could relive running by the crowds by Moody Church, they were the best at cheering and encouraging us along the way. I think we all need a cheering section like that in our lives.
Ben and Trinity (my husband and daughter) came in to watch along with my sister and her husband. My brother ran with me and we got to see them at the 5k mark and around mile 10. I think it helped knowing I was going to see them along the route. I only wish I could have seen them a little more, it was just too hot for poor Trinity. When we found them after the race, she was crying and hiding in the shade with my sister. I gave her my wet towel to wipe her face and she drank more of my Gatorade than I did. The priorities of a Mom coming before the priorities of running.
Afterwards, my Mom threw us a perfect party with pizza and cake. During the race all I wanted was an ice cold Coke and I finally got it there.
I was a little sore in my knee and and my back, but I was able to walk and required no BenGay :) he he.
Would I do it again? I would. It was a great experience, and I'm thankful for every step. Would I encourage someone else to do it? Absolutely yes. I knew it would be hard, and it was harder than I thought. But I knew it would be amazing, and it was even more amazing than I could have imagined.
I finished in 6:07:28. I was hoping I would have been a little faster, but it was impossible with the heat. I was just glad I finished though and hope to do better next year.
It's not too late to donate to Imerman Angels. If you can spare a few dollars please do so at www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea
Thank you to all of you for your kinds words of encouragment and support along the way. I couldn't have done it without you.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My Medal
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Sunday, October 10, 2010
It's Marathon Morning
45 minutes until my alarm should go off, but I am wide awake. I had about 5 hours of sleep. More than I thought I would.
Many emotions are running in my head right now. I keep thinking of my Dad right now, wondering what he might say or think. I know I will have my brother running with me today, but I am pretty sure I will have an angel too. I love you Daddy!
Many emotions are running in my head right now. I keep thinking of my Dad right now, wondering what he might say or think. I know I will have my brother running with me today, but I am pretty sure I will have an angel too. I love you Daddy!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Marathon Weekend Is Here!
I am on the train right now heading in to Chicago to go to the marathon expo. I have my oldest daughter T with me and we will be meeting my brother Jon downtown.
He says we will be at the expo for 4 hours! Seriously! 4 HOURS! I am thinking that is a little extreme, but he is the marathon expert. This will be his 12th. I am looking forward to being among fellow runners and getting my bib! Who knew I would get excited about a bib!
Anyways...I am ready for the race to begin. The nerves are starting though, I have little bit of a tummy ache and I keep worrying about all the minor details. T keeps telling me to take a deep breath and relax. I am glad I have her with me.
He says we will be at the expo for 4 hours! Seriously! 4 HOURS! I am thinking that is a little extreme, but he is the marathon expert. This will be his 12th. I am looking forward to being among fellow runners and getting my bib! Who knew I would get excited about a bib!
Anyways...I am ready for the race to begin. The nerves are starting though, I have little bit of a tummy ache and I keep worrying about all the minor details. T keeps telling me to take a deep breath and relax. I am glad I have her with me.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Monday, October 4, 2010
Can You Help?
The final days before the marathon are here and so are the last days of fundraising. I am looking to reach the $500 mark. Can you spare just $5 to donate to Imerman Angels? I am hoping to get 50 people to donate this small amount and have it add up to a large amount. That many people will help put me over my goal.
Will you be willing to help make a huge difference with just $5?
www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea
Thankyou in advance for your help!
Will you be willing to help make a huge difference with just $5?
www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea
Thankyou in advance for your help!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)