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| Rebecca - Mile 24 of 2012 Chicago Marathon |
Total Miles: 416.2
Total $$$ Raised to Fight Melanoma: $2450
Upcoming Race Schedule:
1) 11/22/12 - Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K
2) 3/30/13 - Rock N Roll Half Marathon Lexington
3) 5/5/13 - Flying Pig Marathon Cincinnati
4) 5/25/13 - Soldier Field 10 Mile
5) 7/21/13 - Rock N Roll Half Marathon Chicago
6) 9/28/13 - Chicago Half Marathon
7) 10/13/13 - Chicago Marathon
Words Can Hardly Describe How I Feel About Finishing the 2012 Chicago Marathon
My journey was amazing, and so I am sad to see it come to an end with this message. Training for a marathon motivated me to make better choices for my life. I enjoy being physically fit, working hard, going to bed early, and getting started early in the morning, even on weekends. I made an incredible number of new friends and connections, and I mention just a few of them here. I try to be a positive role model for my students having raised almost $2500 to fight melanoma. I share about my races and training, and I donate my time for the benefit of others that are less fortunate than me. I am nothing but thankful that I have the time and opportunity to run and to the people in my life that help make it possible for a busy single mom to train for races of this caliber. (That's you Mom and Dad.) I just checked the stats, and this year Chicago will be the world's largest marathon. I am humbled to have been a part of it. I set a goal to run this race in my friend's name and for that reason I gave it everything I had. I left everything out on that pavement, and I hope that Katy would be proud. I hope that the money we gave Jack's Fund will provide families affected by melanoma with comfort.
Race Recap
Race Expo
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| Close-up of Logo on This Year's Short-Sleeved SWAG |
The Race Expo at McCormick Place was not to miss for serious runners. I noted many deals for signing up for races on the spot. My favorite was the Soldier Field 10 mile. For signing up at the Expo I received a free yoga mat and a $25 discount. I was also able to pick up my packet and swag for the upcoming Monster Dash. Other freebie favorites were the commemorative poster which now hangs in my classroom, a Gatorade towel, and a pace tattoo for signing up with a Nike pace team. My Garmin GPS totally borked running through the concrete canyons, and so my tattoo turned out to be very helpful for my 4:55 group. The swag itself was great this year. The Nike finishers gear sold out in record time this year and that left some feeling disgruntled.
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| Even the Pace Tattoo Had the Nike Swoosh |
Pre Race
I left my house at 4:00 AM and arrived at Soldier Field in record time. They offered discounted parking and my walk to the Congress Hotel, where my charity team had reserved a room, was only a mile. A light breakfast was available, but I was too nervous to have more than a few bites of a bagel. I did feel a bit unprepared for the cold weather. Almost everyone else had gone to Goodwill for 'throw away clothes'. These are collected at the end of the race and given to charity. I will NEVER make the mistake of not picking up throw away clothes for a long distance cold weather race again. However, I am very grateful to the kind person that gave me a garbage bag. I ran for 5 miles in that thing before I finally warmed up, and I run hot!
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| Jack's Team Photo at the Congress Hotel |
Notice in the picture to the left that I am in corral M. I thought I was in the right place considering that this would be my first marathon, but apparently Corral M is where they put the run/walkers. I snuck up to corral K with some other charity runners to join the 4:55 pace group, and I STILL passed thousands of people. Literally. Rookie mistake. I am breaking up with corral M, and we are never ever ever... getting back together.
The Race
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| I'm Sexy and I Know it - My Attire for Miles 1-5 |
Miles 1 - 3: It was in the upper 40's when the race started. I normally run very hot and therefore need less layers than the average runner. I'm not sure why, but I didn't warm up until about mile 5 when I finally felt ready to rip off & the garbage bag and settle into a rhythm. This part of the race was a blur of trying to figure out how to keep up with my pace group, and how to pass hundreds of runners while following race etiquette. All of us in the pace group had the same problem as we passed many, many people. As a newbie, I'm not sure what was going on here, but perhaps people in the 5 hour finish time range overestimate their actual abilities? I am not sure, but it was a bit unnerving. My highlight here was running through the Loop and especially running past the Chicago Theater.
Miles 4 - 8: I already had to use the restroom. ARGH! This was unusual for me, but I was thrilled to be able to take care of my needs and manage to quickly catch up to my pace group without incident. I did not need to use the facilities again until after the race. Weird. I remember the days when I couldn't even run around my neighborhood without searching for toilets after about a mile. (See blog post from April 2, 2012.) At mile 7, I planned to look out for my high school friend Kristin Morris. I had just started to think that maybe she had trouble getting her little guy out of bed that morning when I heard my name. I turned around and she and her son Jon were behind me. I stopped to hug her and give little Jon a high-five. Kristin, thanks for doing that. Your cheers boosted me at a time I needed it.
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| From L to R: Matt, Steve, Jason, John of Glen Ellyn Running Club |
Miles 8 - 10, my feet started to hurt. Great. Another unplanned scenario. My feet NEVER hurt this early. However, never fear, my Fuel Belt fanny pack is here. That's right, I said fanny pack. I practically run with a purse. I had snacks, supplements, kleenex, my Samsung Galaxy SIII, ipod, and ibuprofen in there. I have never taken medicine in the middle of a run, but ibuprofen it is. If I am already hurting at mile 8, then something needs to be done, and thank goodness I was prepared for this to happen. I read every marathon training book I could get my hands on and seriously, there is no reason to be ashamed of the fuel belt for a first-timer... or a second-timer... etc. Take a look at the photo at the left. Even the men carry 'fanny packs'. It's okay, and it could save you. Special thanks to these members of the Glen Ellyn Running Club that took me under there wings before the race. They gave me great help and support. Truthfully, I was nervous to be on my own until the race started.
Miles 9 - 13: another section of the race that is a blur for me. At this point, I am looking around my pace group and realizing that no one else looks like they are in pain. My tummy starts to grumble, and I ask myself, 'Is now really the best time for Runners Trots to rear their ugly head? No! Go away!' It is time to start thinking of contingency plans. Being with the 4:55 pace group was my 'best race scenario'. I had stuck it out with them so far, but it wasn't looking pretty. One of the books I read was Marathoning for Mortals by John 'The Penguin' Bingham. Following his advice, I devise plan B. Plan B is to stay with the 4:55 group (11:15 mile) for as long as possible. After that, I would go to my 12:00 run/walk training pace. Plan C is to finish. At mile 13 or so, I hear another cheer from the crowd and it is my buddy, Lisa Simon. Lisa is an accomplished triathlete, yoga instructor, and Ironman Wisconsin finisher. She jogged alongside me for a bit, and I shared with her that I was hurting more than I expected to at this point. Lisa encouraged me, and again, I felt an incredible boost from a friend that took the time to find me and offer personal words of encouragement. Thanks, Lisa.
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| Chicago Marathon Route Map - miles 17 to 26.2 |
Miles 14 - 19: I know that many of my friends signed up for text alerts during my race. I also registered for text alerts to be sent to my Facebook page to keep anyone interested up-to-date. These text alerts would go out at the start, 10K (6.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 30K (18.6 miles) and the finish. I made it to the half way mark with my 4:55 group and started to think, 'What if I could stay with them until 30K? What if, and why not try?' So, I set my mind on this mini-goal. Believe it or not, my feet stopped hurting, and I did not have to use the restroom. My tummy pains faded too. I was in the zone, I really and truly was. I focused on making it to every aid station, which was placed every half mile. I would walk through them, take a sip of Gatorade, a sip of water, and then catch up to my group. Before I knew it, I made it to the 30k mark. I knew that my friends would get the text and see that I had almost made it to the end. My leg muscles were starting to hurt. 11:15 per mile was the fastest I had ever run the 20 mile distance. Normally, I would train at a 12:00 pace and run/walk the entire distance. So, at the 19.5 mile aid station, I continued to walk longer than I normally would and waved goodbye to my pace group. A special thank you to our leader Marie Bartoletti (a Kona Ironman finisher) and to Steve Pones (Glen Ellyn Running Club), who provided encouragement to me along our journey.
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| Mile 22 - Determination |
Miles 20 - 23: I now know I am going to make it, and that my time is going to be good, not my best case scenario but good. Thinking back I literally did a couch to Marathon. Less than a year ago I was smoking, of all things. This is GOOD! I settle into my training routine. Every muscle in my legs is sore, but I know I can do this for a final 10K. I enter the Pilsen neighborhood and am thrilled with sudden burst of energetic crowd support. The people that live here offer us Jolly Ranchers, pretzels, and oranges from their own homes. Professional DJs are set up every few blocks. This neighborhood knows how to party AND how to support the back of the pack. Pilsen gets my vote for best neighborhood to run through.
Somewhere around Mile 22, I here the click of a camera. The picture too the right is the result. I knew that I had a crazy look on my face at the time, but wow I like this photo. I call it 'Determination', because that was what I was feeling in that moment. I was determined to finish strong. Next, I see a Jack's team member walking to the right. I tap him on the shoulder and give him the thumbs up as I pass. His expression at the time looks a lot like mine, maybe a little sad, and then surprised. Days after the race this man, Michael, shared with me that he was contemplating stopping at the next aid station and not finishing the race. He told me that he changed his mind after my little bit of encouragement, and he finished. Congratulations on your marathon finish Michael. You are awesome!!!
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| My Finish Photo |
Miles 24 - 26.2: Somewhere on Michigan Avenue the first photo in this blog is taken. I am smiling because 2 miles more is nothing. I am still able to run/walk, and I know I am going to finish in just over 5 hours. At the 24 mile aid station, a man is giving out high-fives and singing, '2.2, that's all you gotta do!' to everyone that passes. I had to get in on that action. *hand slap* Finally, I turn the corner from Roosevelt to Columbus and there it is, the finish. I finished in a herd of people... all whom have their own amazing stories to tell. I sifted through about 15 stills before I was able to crop the photo on the right. Wow. This picture also shows exactly how I felt at the time. Exactly. The expressions on everyone's faces at my finish time range from the way I look, to dazed, to relieved. There is a commonality to the 5 hour finishers, we all worked our butts off. The Chicago Marathon requires a 6:30 finish time. We all made it. It wasn't pretty for us, but we all made it. For me personally, I ran longer and faster than I ever have in my life. I didn't get my Plan A, but with an official finish time of 5:08:17, I beat my training pace and my Plan B goal of 5:30.
Post Race
As I finish, I am able to immediately wrap myself in a cellophane blanket and pick up a finisher's medal. I walk for what seems like forever to the complimentary massage tent. I am pleasantly surprised at the short wait here and the fact that I have two massage therapists working on me at once. After their treatment, I manage to walk back to the Congress and finally to Soldier Field. As I'm crossing Michigan Ave, a short skinny girl threatens to take my finishers medal from me. Seriously. I think she was just mouthing off to her friends, and I didn't even react. The idea that someone could take the medal from me is ridiculous. Ha ha! Hilarious! Nice joke and good luck with that. I found out later that the marathon ran out of finisher medals for the last 1000 people or so that crossed the line with an official time. This is an embarrassment for a World Marathon Major. However, according to news reports, Chicago made it right by Fed Ex-ing engraved medals to those that did not receive them the day of. Chicago had a record turn out in 2012. In fact, because New York was canceled due to the unfortunate effects of Superstorm Sandy, Chicago was the largest marathon in the world this year. Be proud, not angry. I know I am. This was the perfect first marathon for me, and I will never forget this experience. I couldn't have done it without you, my friends, family, and supporters.
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| Official Race Results |
Post Marathon
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| Monster Dash 5K- 10/21/12 - Rebecca & Tommy |
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| Rebecca & Brittney with Rham Emanuel at Hot Chocolate 15K |
I had a good time with my friends, met the Mayor, got my moneys worth, but I would not run this race again. I love the sweatshirt, but there were 44000 registered runners. This is just a hair shy of the number of people that are allowed to register for the marathon. I would recommend this race to beginners that want to get out there and have a good time. However, the logistics were frustrating for experienced runners. The theme is motivational, especially for couch to 5K people. So, I would not give this race a solid thumbs down. It just isn't for me.
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| My medal Collection for the 2012 Race Season |
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| My Medal Being Engraved at Naperville Running Co |
Epilogue
Runners' Art
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| Elemental - Painting by Ocean Starr Cline |
This is a painting by Ocean Starr Cline. I reminds me of how I feel when I run and everything is clicking. She is working on a commission for me using the same theme. I am glad I chose to celebrate my successful marathon finish by working with Starr rather than buying an overpriced Nike jacket. JMO
Please see Starr's Etsy account to view her work, make a purchase, or set up a commission like I did. This Christmas, let's think about celebrating by supporting self-employed artists and privately owned businesses.
Runners' Crafts
Brittney just started her own Etsy account through which she sells customized crafts including etched wine glasses and water bottles. Please consider supporting Brittney this holiday season.
Thank You
Katy Sirovatka, Jon Combs, Tommy Nitsch, Sharon Scott, Kirk Scott, Karen Sirovatka, Matt Sirovatka, Debbie Peters, Bill Peters, John Sirovtaka, Kathy Sirovtaka, Marilyn Sirovatka, Jim Sirovatka, Kristin Morris, Lisa Simon, Neal Florine, Steven Schulte, Brittney Smith, Chuck Smith, Tania Shepherd, April Marlatt, Sue Zarbock, Mike Schmitt, Dave Jackson, Rob Gerdes, Christine Pour, Dan Turney, Branden Adkins, Tim Torkelson, Dan Vergo, Elaine Dively, Slappy McGee (Kim), Cathy Hirschauer, The Mahlberg Family, Chili Dawg, Elizabeth Mays, Students and Staff at Plainfield East High School, PEHS Boys Vollyball, PEHS Science Club, Beth Bridwell, Donna Gudanick, Jennifer Guyton, John Zigmond, Kim McArthur-Self, Mike Giebelhausen, Millington United Methodist Church, Mina Setor, Patricia Tatman, Patty Page, Peg Beckman, Patty Page, Craig Clendening, Mike Dwyer, Naperville Running Company, Jack's Team, Teresa O'Brien, Amy Saletta, Sharon Marston, The Marston Family, Marie Bartoletti, Steve Pones, Lisa Coleman, Alfred Martin, The Zelnor/Noon family, Desi Davila, Kara Goucher
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| A Perfect Fall Day at Springbrook Forest Preserve - 9/22/2012 |
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| Meeting Desi Devila at Chicago Marathon Expo - Brooks Booth |
