Congrats to all Chicago marathon runners! 

You’ve achieved something great. Beyond the race itself, all the time spent training and the dedication you put in to be able to run this past Sunday are incredible accomplishments. 

Was this your first full-marathon? 

If so, I know your feelings firsthand.

Last year, I turned 30 and after many years of not understanding why someone would ever want to run 13.1 miles, I signed up for my first half-marathon, the Chicago Rock and Roll Half-Marathon. This was a major change to my life’s bucket list.  Halfway through my training last summer, I decided to run a full marathon. I thought, “If I’m already running part of the mileage then I should go for the full-marathon…26.2 miles!”

They say that some people complete an item on their bucket list and move on.  There are others that try something new and get hooked. I guess I caught the bug after successfully finishing my first half-marathon. 

For the next few months, I put my heart and soul into full-marathon training. I daresay I had little social life and I became best friends with my trainer and my chiropractor (thanks Midtown trainer Justin Moore and Wrigleyville Chiropractor Dr. Andrea Butt).  Let me tell you, it was one of the most fun, ‘new’ experiences I have ever had.

I had some of the most amazing support from family and friends. I couldn’t have dedicated my time and energy without their help.  Race day came and I was one of the crazies I had always secretly made fun of.

I ran 26.2 miles on purpose and loved it! 

I have since raced in another half, run with a team for the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay, raced with colleagues in a super sprint triathlon and signed up for another half with friends in December. I guess you could say I caught the racing bug. 

Did you?