Race Takeaway: I finished and sometimes that’s all that counts.
Sunday morning Rob and I got up at 3am to run the Chicago Marathon. We both slept well, got our things together and met up with Drew with no problem. It was marathon business as usual for us. The only snafu was the coffee shop we typically relaxed in hours were not aligned like they have been in previous races, they were closed. It was freezing out, upper 30s at 5am, but luckily in Chicago there is always a coffee shop just a few steps away so we found a new hangout.
It was going to be a chilly day, but luckily only 10mph winds from the NW. I wore capris, long sleeves, gloves, and hat. I also wore a throw away sweatshirt while we waited in our start corral.
Before I knew it we were off. I was on my planned pace easily and miles were clicking by. I noticed a tinge in my right calf, but nothing alarming. Unfortunately by Mile 9 what started as a tinge turned into full on cramp in my right calf and tightness in my right hamstring. I knew that the next 17 miles would be painful and my new plan would be just to finish. My pace slowed with each mile as the tightness became more painful. By mile 19 I needed to make a potty stop, but there were no worries on my time since my goal had switched to just finishing. The last few miles were very slow and I just willed my way to the end. I did run into a fellow runner from my hometown and got to chat with her as made our way through the last 800 meters.
It wasn’t my day and I knew early in the race and managed through it. I wasn’t disappointed as I did the best I could with the situation. It’s another marathon finished and that does count for something.
Rob had a good race, finishing with a 3:38:50.
Chicago Marathon spectator signs are the best. I love all the creativity. Balloons, pictures of peoples faces printed up huge, and the hilarious signs. Some of my favorite signs during the race were “Hurry Up We Are Freezing!” and “<Insert Name> I’m Pregnant”. Drew said he saw one that said “Hurry up the Bears game starts at 3:15pm!”.
2012 Chicago Marathon Medal
Oh and I still had time for shopping! I got the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Damier 😀 It’s a huge purse that will be great for travel! I love it!!
With the sides synched in.
Stats:
4:07:25
9:27 Pace
2011 – Chicago Marathon – 3:45:26
Chase:Every:Second 
I thought this might have been my best marathon all was well but at mile 23 just turning on michigan ave, a huge cramp made me stop and scream in pain for over 5 minutes and the last three miles were pure suffering but I’m also glad that I ran last period with the heart and so finished 3:54. anyway congrats on another marathon under your belt.
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Muscle cramps are just terrible! Congrats on getting to that finish line!!
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Congratulations on finishing! That sounds incredibly painful and I’m glad you were able to finish.
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Ouch!! Glad to see that you can remain so positive even if it wasn’t what you originally had in mind for this marathon. Your still an amazing runner. And like you said, at least you finished and have another marathon under your belt. Good job!!
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