No, I did not run the Chicago Marathon and definitely did not feel like I was missing out. The last time I ran this race was 3 years ago. It was in the mid 50s. I ran the first half faster than the second half. However, I did manage to get a PR and bettered my time by 40 minutes from 10 years ago (my first marathon).
I did however felt left out when I saw everyone’s post from the expo. I usually go every year and love it. From the pictures I saw that Joan Samuelson, Paula Radcliffe, and Deena Kastor were there. I’ve only met Deena and have seen Joan on the running path.
I ran 3 days this week for a total of 11.65 miles. I missed my run on Wednesday and Saturday. I was out late at a concert on Friday and slept in. The rest of the day was just busy and then we went to a family dinner. No time to run.
Wednesday evening I went to a Board Meeting because my school was recognized as a Model PLC School. Earlier in the day during our after school meeting, the Superintendent and various Directors showed up to congratulate us. Everything we do we do it for the kids. It feels great to be recognized and I know we will continue to do great things.
Early this morning I went to spectate the Chicago Marathon. It is so much fun to spectate! One of my best friends was running her first marathon. The tracking app was acting funky and I missed her a few times. In the end I did see her and ran with her for about 5 miles.
It was cold Sunday morning. The sun came out a few times and it did warm up but then it got cold again. I wore shorts with a singlet, a long sleeve underneath, and a light jacket on top. I also wore pants and took them off a bit before I started to run.
Another busy and hectic week. Next week is my half marathon. Am I ready? No. My goal is to have fun and enjoy it.
Have you spectated a marathon before? Have you run the Chicago Marathon?
Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.
I love your Chicago medal with the Picasso image! I remember seeing that last year on the RnR course 😉 I have spectated the DSM marathon many times (after finishing the 13.1), but have never solely “just spectated.” It’s so fun seeing all the action! I love being near the finish line, and high-5’ing all the first-timers…they are so inspiring to ME 😉
I’ve never been near the finish line. I’ve made it as far Michigan and Roosevelt which is about .25 miles from the finish line.
I’ve spectated at MCM a few times and love it! It’s so inspiring. Congratulations on the school award. Sounds like it’s well deserved.
Thank you! MCM is one I would love to do.
Spectating today was fun but definitely a labor of love. It was cold and my feet were numb. We didn’t see many of our runners but we did see Kim! Kooky Runner. So that was good. Looks like a lot of PRs happened today.
I missed Kim along the course but managed to see a bit just as she turned right on Roosevelt.
That’s so awesome that you ran with your friend for 5 miles, I bet that meant everything to her. Good luck on your half next week! As you know, I didn’t think I was ready for mine a few weeks ago and it turned out to be so much fun.
I am so glad I saw her after chasing her for almost 2 miles. I lost my Koala Clip along the way so I was almost more determined than ever to find her. 🙂
Glad you were able to spectate and run with your friend! After yesterday I’ve been thinking that I really want to do Chicago one day. Congrats to your school for their award!
You should run it one year. It is a great race with lots of crowd support.
That’s great that you found your friend and were able to run with her during the marathon! I’m sure she appreciated that. I’ve spectated at the Marine Corps Marathon a couple times and always enjoy it.
MCM is one I would love to spectate. I have decided that the next marathon I run, it will be MCM.
It is fun to be on the other side of the race sometimes! Have a great time this weekend at your half
Haha, being on the other side is so much fun than running. 🙂
The spectators in Chicago were phenomenal! Thanks for being out there to cheer us on!!
I hope you had a great race!
I heard from my mom that the app was acting a little wacky yesterday too. They missed me once but I was able to see them at miles 19 and 25.
Good luck next weekend in Detroit! Can’t wait to hear how the race goes for you.
I was annoyed with the app. I am glad you saw your family on the course. I saw a bit of you as you turned right on Roosevelt. 🙂
I’ve run 2 Chicago Marathons but have spectated or volunteered at way more. This was my first time working the expo. I saw Joan and Deena but didn’t know Paula was there. How fun. I think the app is the reason we missed so many runners coming through. Congrats on the school award!
I have never volunteered at the Chicago Marathon expo but have for the Shamrock Shuffle. I was annoyed with the app but in the end I did get to see my friend.
Hope the half goes well for you next week!
I’ve only spectated our local half/full, & that one is relatively easy to spectate. In fact, I learned this weekend that the place we park at to run doesn’t even get full for the race — how weird is that?
It’s definitely a lot of fun when you know so many people in it (and much easier here since it’s a much, much smaller race.
Thank you! I looked for many runners but did not see everyone that I wanted.
Congrats on the school award! Very cool. I was following several friends via the race app for Chicago. It was exciting just to watch their progress on an app! Hopefully some day soon my husband and I will run Chicago. Good luck on your half!!
Thank you! Yes, hope you get a chance to run the Chicago Marathon! It is definitely a GREAT race.