I had a blast and a half yesterday, thanks to the Chicago Marathon! My mom and I stayed at my brother Jon's apartment on Saturday night, and Jon drove my mom to Grant Park (the start of the race) at about 5:30 am. I slept in for a few hours, ate breakfast, read over my notes for my microbiology exam that I had today, took Libby for a walk, lost the spare key in the park, went back to the park two more times to look for the spare key, told Jon that I had to buy him a new spare key, found it twenty minutes after I gave up in my pants (WHAT?!?!?), and then walked to S Michigan Avenue.
By the way, technology amazes me in the fact that I got regular text messages throughout the race from a computer chip that told me where my mom was and her estimated finishing time. Runners put an orange tag on their shoe, and it registers when you go past certain checkpoints. Pretty neat, right?
The weather was ideal for walking. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, and the city looked perfect. I can't say that the marathon runners enjoyed the warmth as much as the spectators, but it could have been a lot worse.
By the way, technology amazes me in the fact that I got regular text messages throughout the race from a computer chip that told me where my mom was and her estimated finishing time. Runners put an orange tag on their shoe, and it registers when you go past certain checkpoints. Pretty neat, right?
The weather was ideal for walking. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, and the city looked perfect. I can't say that the marathon runners enjoyed the warmth as much as the spectators, but it could have been a lot worse.
Kinzie Street Bridge
Marina City
When I got close to Michigan Avenue, I saw runners with medals everywhere. I knew that they ran the marathon based on how they were walking just as much as I knew from the medals. I mean, I certainly would not be able to walk normally if I just ran 26.2 miles!
Art Institute
I finally made it to S Michigan Avenue. Once I found the actual race, it was very hard to move. The spectators were up to five people deep. I waited at the 25.3-mile mark for my mom and dad (my dad jumped in and ran nine miles with my mom- you are allowed to do that without a bib!). The support from the spectators was overwhelming. Everybody was clapping, cheering, and shouting out names if runners had their names on their shirts. The girl standing in front of me held out her hand and tried to high-five everybody. She touched a lot of sweaty hands.
After standing around for about 30 minutes, I saw my parents! I jumped up and down and started screaming and ran onto the course. My mom hugged me, despite my protests to keep running, and I actually ran about a half mile with them while holding my purse. My dad took the awesome sign that I brought from me (there's a picture at the end of the post) and ran with that. We stayed on the course until we heard the announcement that everybody without a bib had to get off the street. Fair enough.
After standing around for about 30 minutes, I saw my parents! I jumped up and down and started screaming and ran onto the course. My mom hugged me, despite my protests to keep running, and I actually ran about a half mile with them while holding my purse. My dad took the awesome sign that I brought from me (there's a picture at the end of the post) and ran with that. We stayed on the course until we heard the announcement that everybody without a bib had to get off the street. Fair enough.
We were basically at the finish line by that point, so my dad and I walked over to Charity Village. If you ran and raised money for a charity, as my mom did, your charity provides a tent for you where you can go before and after the race and store your belongings. A limited number of family and friends can meet you there and celebrate with food and drinks.
When we got to the DetermiNation tent, we found runners cooling their feet in a kiddie pool filled with ice. I bet that would feel great!
When we got to the DetermiNation tent, we found runners cooling their feet in a kiddie pool filled with ice. I bet that would feel great!
CONFETTI!!!! WHOOOO!!!
We spent about 25 minutes waiting for my mom near the DetermiNation tent.
I thought this sign below was very inspiring!
We found my mom, and then we walked 2.5 miles to the car. My poor mom. According to Hal Higdon, at least, walking after running that much is good recovery!
My tired and happy mom!
We "refueled" with turkey spaghetti bolognese casserole (recipe to come for the pasta later!)
and grilled salmon (my mom's fave)
and broccolini with leftover pasta. Good carbs and veggies!
I got some more pictures of my mom today. If you're wondering if she left her sweaty singlet on for 24 hours, you are mistaken. She did wear her medal today, though!
That's the sign that I made for her at the Chicago Marathon Expo. GO BARB!!!!
What a strong, determined lady! Almost 60 and still running strong! My mom is such an inspiration.
Watching the marathon yesterday really makes me want to lace up my running shoes and give it a go. One of my best friends also wants to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February, but I still worry about my leg pain that partially prevented me from running the Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon this summer. If I could run a half marathon, then I could certainly try to go for a full one. Maybe I'll try going for a short run this week and see how it affects my leg. Baby steps, right?
RSS Feed
