3, 4, 2 and I am there! All of you in your last week of
training know exactly what I am talking about!! I can’t believe that in 6 days
at this very moment I will be running the Chicago Marathon!
Completing a marathon has been on my bucket list since
college. A savvy Sociology professor (Professor Adamski- your awesome! J)
had us make a list of all of the things we wanted to do before we die and this
was one of my tops ones. (Yes, I minored in Sociology) Now it is fun to see
these things checking off…getting married, having a family, finish grad school,
become a college instructor, travel…hmmm…doctorate degree still is on there.
Maybe someday, but I am not up for it in the near future for sure. Family is my priority now!
Why Chicago
I figure “GO BIG or GO HOME!” I really think this might
be my one and only marathon in my life. Now my veteran marathon buddies say I
will feel differently after I finish. They are probably right. Although I am
ecstatic about Sunday, I must say I am also very excited about not having my
life scheduled around my runs. Marathon training has
been very rewarding, especially the new PR’s as nothing compares to that 20
mile run feeling! However, it has been hard to come home feel like dirt,
swallow ibuprofen, jump in a bath of ice, foam roll, followed by a warm shower then
off to Girl Scouts and birthday parties for the day all while watching the
watch slowly get to 9 p.m. as you know at that time you get to hop into bed and
rest. This is the life of marathon training for a working mom. Oh and I am
looking forward to my right eye to stop twitching. It has now been twitching
since Wednesday.
It is true, it is a sacrifice! When my husband and I
discussed which marathon to do it was a family decision. All of us, yes even
our kids agreed to the “Mommy Marathon
Sacrifice” this year. My husband and I batted around a few marathons
and at the end he said, “Go for Chicago ”!
He was with me on the “GO BIG or GO HOME” theory. There are many great
marathons and everyone has an opinion. Let’s face it, they are all great! There is
not one marathon for everyone, but I knew I wanted lots of camaraderie and
spectator encouragement. I had heard nothing but how awesome it was and if I am
doing it once this seemed to fit the bill. What sealed the deal was when we
watched in real time the live stream video of participants crossing the finish
line crying and hugging their loved ones! I knew I was sold as tears were
rolling down my face as though I was crossing that finish line! This was the one for me. I still can barely fight back the tears when I watch this!
So, I was first
in line at my computer with 45,000 others to sign up the minute registration
opened! When it said ‘registration complete’ chills ran down my body! It was
real! Then I stumbled upon this video:
Yes, I picked the right one!! Now the rest is history as
sweet home Chicago here I come! Best wishes to all of you running this weekend! If I had the
opportunity I would love to meet each and every one of you for a big hug and to
tell you how awesome you are! Make sure and tell us how it goes for you!!
Good luck and Happy Running…
~Danyelle
it will change your life forever"
- Spirit of the Marathon
Wow, I loved watching the clip of the runners crossing the finish line! Just today I started my marathon training plan. I hope that'll be next year. I can't wait to hear how it goes!!
ReplyDeleteThat video is amazing! I so wish that I could be there to scream and cheer as you cross the finish line this weekend! K will just have to scream and cheer for both of us. :) So proud of you, Danyelle!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Good luck to you on your marathon! This one looks awesome! Thank you for being an inspiration in my running life and know that you inspire lots of people that may not say anything but take away that umph to get out there and do it! Hope your marathon rocks! Have fun! Cant wait to read the recap:)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! Safe travels and enjoy it!!!
ReplyDelete