A First-Time Marathoner's Review of the Chicago Marathon 2012... It Was INCREDIBLE!!!

Rebecca - Mile 24 of 2012 Chicago Marathon

Training Days Completed: 196
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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

Official Race Results

Post Marathon

Monster Dash 5K- 10/21/12 - Rebecca & Tommy

I drove myself home and was alert for about an hour before I hobbled to my bedroom. For the first time ever in my life I couldn't move my legs. I literally had to pull them by my sweatpants to shift positions in bed. Weird. As far as working out, I managed to run just 23 miles and bike 10 over the next four weeks. My muscles were only sore for a week, but I found myself going to bed at 7PM every night, which left me just enough time to manage my work and family responsibilities. I was hoping for better, but truthfully this was not unexpected. I took my son to the Monster Dash in Chicago. He did a great job finishing his first ever 5K in just under 33 minutes. According to my Garmin, this was for a distance of 2.8 miles, but hey, he ran his best no matter what the distance, and I am very proud of him. I would definitely run the Monster Dash again. Even though it is very close to the marathon, my son had a blast. It was a a good value considering the awesome finisher's jacket, medal, fun factor, and price. Also, they give medals to the kids. If my son wants in again, I'm in. I enjoy encouraging his interests, especially running, which helps keep him focused.

Rebecca & Brittney with Rham Emanuel at Hot Chocolate 15K

Next I competed in the Hot Chocolate 15K on 11/4/2012. Even though I did not have time to train at all because of all the sleeping I had been doing, I still ran my fastest race pace ever at 10:09. My Soldier Field race pace, which at 10 miles is a similar distance, was 10:30. I also met the mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel. Rahm was a super nice guy. He walked right up to my friends and I after he finished speaking at the podium and asked if this is where the fast people are supposed to stand. Of course I said,  'Yes!'

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.

My medal Collection for the 2012 Race Season

My medal collection this year is pretty awesome. They are all fantastic in their own way. I plan to run the same races next year with the addition of RNR Half Marathon in Lexington and the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinatti. I am registered for everything except the Chicago Marathon, which has not opened yet. I saved $115 this year by taking advantage of early bird registration specials and coupon codes. The early bird deals usually only last for the first day or two after registration opens, but I recommend it if you know that you want to run a particular race. From left to right the medals are Soldier Field 10 Mile, RNR Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Monster Dash 5K. The stained glass Monster Dash medal is especially unique.

My Medal Being Engraved at Naperville Running Co

Training for the Flying Pig begins on December 30th. Until then, I plan to take it much easier in my off season, which began yesterday with my 10 mile sunset fun run at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. For me, a fun run means you run at whatever pace feels good. Yesterday, it was a 10:52 pace. Not too shabby. I plan to run about 25 miles per week along with outdoor biking (weather permitting), lifting at school, and a variety of P90X DVDs. It would be nice to tone up and slim down before my serious training season begins, in just a few weeks. Ha ha! I've enjoyed blogging and, as long as there is interest, it will continue to chronicle the misadventures of a single mom and her exploits in the Chicago distance racing scene. Ciao!

Epilogue

Runners' Art

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.

http://www.etsy.com/people/OceanStarr

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.

http://www.etsy.com/people/ybrittneseaholmsmith

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

A Perfect Fall Day at Springbrook Forest Preserve - 9/22/2012

Meeting Desi Devila at Chicago Marathon Expo - Brooks Booth

What It Is Really Like to Run Twenty Miles Without Stopping - For the First Time Marathoner

Unlike McKayla, Rebecca IS impressed at NRC

Training Days Completed: 160

Miles Run: 310.5

Days to Chicago Half Marathon: 6

Days to Chicago Marathon: 34

Miles Left In Training Program: 157
Best Running Store: Naperville Running Company
Best Running Magazine: Runner's World
Best Beginner's Training Program: Higdon Novice 1
Best Female Marathoner: Kara Goucher

What It Is Really Like to Run Twenty Miles Without Stopping - For the First Time Marathoner

Saturday, September 1st was an important day for many in the Chicago area. Regardless of what training plan Chicago Marathoners are using (Nike, Hal Higdon, et al) most were scheduled to run 20 miles. It is the longest of the long runs in any marathon training plan. I am friends with several seasoned long distance runners, and NONE of them would scoff at running 20 miles in a single outing. This run was a big deal to me period. After the gastrointestinal disaster at the Chicago Rock N Roll half, I was scared of this workout as it loomed on the schedule I keep taped to the wall above my desk. The first full week of school I was exhausted every night and missed all but one run. The second week of school, I developed a knot in my calf that spasmed all day. I frankly wondered if signing up for the Chicago Marathon had been a serious error in judgement. My heart was in the right place as I am in this to honor the memory of a friend, Katy Sirovatka. I raised over $1400 so far. My entire school is behind me as well as my family and friends. Still, I was petrified that I would let them down, that although my intentions are good that my body would not be able to deliver.

I took care of my calf by massaging it with a foam roller, golf ball, tennis ball, Ben Gay, whatever. I have no idea which technique worked best because I desperately tried so many. My guess is the golf ball. I put my entire body weight on the golf ball on the knot in my calf until the pain went away. This took a couple days, by the way. The Wednesday before my 20 mile run, I was scheduled for 9 miles. It was the first long run I was able to complete on a school night. To my shock and pleasant surprise, I felt better and more energetic than before at work the next day. How this is possible I have no idea, but I am starting to become more optimistic in general. The prior pain I blogged about: my knees, my plantars fasciitis, and my calves are almost completely gone. I only continue to wear the patellar straps for my knees because I will change nothing about my gear before my big marathon day. NOTHING. I am even stuck with wearing the ugly Asics Gel 3030 because the Brooks GTS I experimented with were a disaster. I feel like the only runner with blah white shoes, but oh well. After hearing numerous stories about so-and-so not being able to actually run in the Chicago Marathon due to a last minute injury etc. etc. etc. I am going to stay the course from now until Columbus Day Weekend. Plus, despite their boringness, running in the Asics is almost as good as a pedicure. I said almost.

The Asics Gel 3030 - The Most Expensive, Ugly Running Shoe You Will Ever Love

Rebecca & Noon Running 20 on IPP

Saturday afternoon I geared up for 10 miles out and back on the Illinois Prairie Path. I strapped on my ipod and Garmin Forerunner GPS watch with a goal of running a 12 minute pace throughout. I already know that I only need to run a 15 minute mile to qualify as an official finisher in Chicago. I have also been trying a version of the Galloway Method. I run 1 mile and then walk 1 minute. I adopted this strategy after completing my last half and found that I beat my PR at the half on every single training run since. Although the idea of walking for any amount of time during a race was counter-intuitive to me at first, I decided that if it's good enough for Jeff Galloway, an expert, then it is good enough for me, a rookie. The first 3 miles of my run was solid. I stopped every mile to gently stretch my arches and calves. This seemed beneficial and well worth the time. At mile 5, I was loosened up and ready to settle into a steady rhythm. It was at this point that I met a fantastic marathoning father/daughter team. Mr. Zelnor and his daughter Mrs. Noon. I am terrible at first names, but I focused on remembering their surnames so I could include them in this blog. I also work with one of Noon's childhood friends. Hopefully she will see this post.   :)

Mr. Zelnor gives Rebecca a reassuring pat on the back

It was obvious from Zelnor and Noon's gear and technique that they were training for the Chicago Marathon too. I excused myself as I passed them and then apologized when they caught up to me as I started my one minute walk. Instead of passing me, they slowed down to join me. Zelnor and Noon saw that I was breaking in my Jack's Team singlet for next week and wanted to hear about my experiences as a first time marathoner and charity runner. This family was fun to talk with and an incredible positive influence. The father completed 35 marathons and his first was when he was about my age. They also wanted to hear about how I started running (to quit smoking) and about Katy's story. It was a cloudy day, and it rained the entire time I was out. (Thank you to Hurricane Isaac.) However, I kept thinking about what Mr. Zelnor said. He said that today would be a great day for me because it would be my first 20 mile run ever. A great accomplishment as well as reassurance that I WOULD finish Chicago and successfully honor the memory of my friend. Wow. He was right, and I thought about that for the remaining 12 miles of my run. Meanwhile, along the way, I received many smiles, waves, and thumbs up from strangers for my efforts for Jack's Team.

Ace Ventura - Alrighty Then!

At mile 11, my former GI troubles begin to rear their ugly head. UGH!!! It had been over a month since I experienced Runner's Trots and I honestly thought that mine were caused by heat and inexperience. WRONG. It was not hot today, and I was not running quickly. I later consulted with my mother about what trigger foods she avoids for IBS. Let's see, she said: alcohol, cheese, caffeine, and chocolate are the worst triggers. Well alrighty then. Good thing I went to Wine and Cheese in Plainfield for dinner the night before and had coffee and chocolate chip French Toast for breakfast. It was chocolate chips on 12 grain bread. That's healthy, right? Right! I will not make this same mistake again. There will be others but not this one. In the future my diet will consist of white rice and potatoes for three days before a race/long run.

McKayla is not impressed by Port-A-Potties

At mile 12, I stop to use the Port-A-Potty at mile marker 0 in Wheaton. Neither McKayla nor I were impressed... at all. Blech. I gagged a few times before giving up and leaving. I knew that the Warrenville Public Library would be open at mile 17 and was willing to take my chances and wait 5 miles to use the facilities. Up to this point, I maintained my 12 minute mile pace. However, due to the GI pain, I slowed down to 14:00 per mile. I reasoned that there was no point in making myself ridiculously ill on a training run. I felt okay through mile 17 and much better after stopping at  the library. Consequently, I was able to pick up my pace again and finish my 20 mile run in 4:24:48. This is an average pace of 13:15. Not bad, particularly considering my GI issues. A 13:15 pace for a marathon distance would result in an overall time of 5:47. This is well within the maximum of 6:30.

The next day my muscles and joints felt great, strong and pain-free. However, I was surprised by the four hour nap I needed. I laid down to rest my eyes at 11:00 AM and what do you know? All of a sudden it's 3:00 PM. Whoops. Still, I am not going to be too hard on myself. This will be my first marathon after all. I worked past my lowest moment in late July and am starting to feel better after every long run rather than like a truck ran over me. I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment to have made it this far and to have reached the point where running is a pleasure again rather than a means to an abstract goal.

Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me up to this point. You mean the world to me. An extra special thanks to my racing buddies Tania and Brittney. You are my inspiration to be better and go faster. Christine, Lisa, and Dan have also been amazing and willing to share encouragement and advice. They have completed Marathons, Half Marathons, Ironmans, Half Ironmans, etc. etc. etc. and therefore lead by example. <3

Raising Funds at the Chicago Half Marathon

This Sunday, I will be running the Chicago Half Marathon as a member of Jack's Team to honor the memory of Katy Sirovatka. Since starting my journey, two additional people in my life were touched by melanoma. One lost her battle but the other person is still bravely fighting. I hope that you will consider donating to Jack's Team via my fundraising page and help me reach my goal of $2000. I chose this goal because $2000 was the amount Katy raised when she finished the Wisconsin Ironman for Melanoma. Jack's Fund is a 501c3 charity that participates in corporate matching programs. It is run by the friends and family of Jack H. Marston II. He was an active member of his Glen Ellyn, Illinois community, a four-time Chicago Marthon Finisher, and a soccer coach. I am proud to support Jack's Team. As a donor, you can rest assured that that the vast majority of your dollars benefit those whose lives are directly affected by this disease. Jack's Team members pay their own marathon entrance fees, transportation, and hotel costs.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Thank you for your support whether it be encouragement, a donation, or both. My journey is almost complete. To be continued...

Related Links

1) Rebecca's Donation Page: http://www.active.com/donate/12JTCHI/rebecca23

2) Information on Jack's Fund: http://www.jacksfund.org/index.htm

3) Rebecca's Training Plan: http://halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

4) Runners World Article on Avoiding Race Day Disasters Including GI Distress: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-582--14522-0,00.html

5) Illinois Prairie Path: http://www.ipp.org/

6) Chicago Half Marathon: http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/

7) Naperville Running Company: http://www.runningcompany.com/ 

8) Kara Goucher Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/KaraGoucher

9) Wine and Cheese: http://wcbytcc.com/home.html

Gearing Up... The Marathon Shopping Experience

What does one need to run a marathon? Apparently, a lot. However, I am thinking of tonight's purchase as equivalent to a one (make that two) month's gym membership. Except my gym is the entire world, & that is a great deal, right? I have been reading a book called The NonRunner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais. It is about a woman just a couple years older than me that decided to run a marathon for the same reason I did, to honor a lost loved one by raising money for charity. Thank you Dawn for your many suggestions... like the Bikini Car Wash fundraiser, which will be AWESOME, this blog, & several others. She also included a list of what a beginner should buy so that they don't end up permanently disabled. Accordingly, & with mental list in hand, I arrived at Naperville Running Company prepared to spend some serious $$$. Frankly, I like wearing flip flops in summer, & I hear that buying cheap running socks & shoes may result in the loss of your big toenails. Yuck.

I also walked in knowing that I would be spending an hour or more with a complete stranger. There are two sales people available at this time. A guy that immediately makes my spidey sense-tingle & a friendly looking woman. I browse the accessories & avoid eye contact with the man until the lady introduces herself. PHEW! NRC has an in-store test track, & later during my visit, I had to literally step over this guy six times as I tested a variety of shoes. This was because he was demonstrating hurdle stretches & drills in the middle of the track. There was nowhere else to go but over him, & it was... awkward, at least for me. :) My saleperson was super nice though, & I was very happy when she mentioned that I should go up a half-size & buy specials socks to avoid losing my toenails. These special socks range from $11 to $14 a pair. A bargain in comparison to disfigurement. I bought 4 pair, just to get started.

Here is my shopping list of absolutely necessary items needed to avoid injury when beginning a marathon training program:

1) Brooks Adrenaline GTS running shoes
2) A Fuel Belt (This, my friends, is a glorified fanny pack.)
3) 4 pairs of running socks
4) 6 packs of Energy Gel (I'm a little scared of the flavor called 'Mountain Rush. Is this like hillbilly p1sswater? aka Mountain Dew?)
5) A 26.2 bumper sticker (Bragging is absolutely necessary.)
6) A stainless steel runners pendant made from recycled materials (If you don't look good, you don't run good.)
7) Nike short shorts with hot pink trim (Guess what, I found out that runners do NOT wear underwear because they are built into the shorts.)

Speaking of short shorts, one of my fundraisers is going to be that the person, group, or business with the highest donation will be able to advertise on my short shorts. My sister Karen's verbal commitment puts her in the lead at this point, & she has already submitted her idea. They would say... 'Please Don't Lose That Butt' care of Sir Mix-A-Lot. Nice. I am not sure if any other slogan could be more perfect for me.






If you would like to be THE FIRST to officially donate to the Melanoma Research Fund in honor of Katy... here is the link.  ;)

http://www.active.com/donate/12JTCHI/rebecca23

& of course your support, encouragement, & the fact that you read my blog long enough to get to this sentence are always appreciated. With Spring Break finally here, I am sure I will have more misadventures to share with you soon. In the meantime, any and all fundraising ideas are appreciated & welcome.

xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Rebecca

So You Want to Run The Chicago Marathon... & So It Begins

Rebecca running X-Country - 1988

I like short shorts. I always have, & I always will. This picture is from 1988 when I joined the Cross Country team as a Freshman in high school at Waubonsie Valley. My neighbor Beth invited me to run with Coach Clendening & the rest of the girls the summer before, & a love affair with running sort of began; not quite yet. I never again ran Cross Country competitively in High School after Freshman year. Fast forward to 12 years ago when the little brother (Matt) of a classmate of mine, Katy Sirovatka, married my little sister (Karen). My sister kept me up-to-date on what Katy was up to, but since she lived in Wisconsin, we didn't hang out often. Although, there was that evening at Medieval Times... but that is a story for another day. Fast forward again to a little over a year ago. Katy heard through my sister that I was planning a road trip to Yellowstone & other National Parks out west & graciously offered to help me plan since she had just visited there a couple years prior. Katy & I got to talking & realized that we had much in common including our love of the outdoors, an interest in fitness, & apparently a not-so-secret love of the musical RENT. During this time Katy & her husband Jon talked with me about their passion for running in triathlons & particularly the Ironman. Apparently an Iron Man involves swimming 2.4 miles in a body of water followed by a 112 mile bike ride. When you are through with all of that, you run a marathon... without taking a break to nap. CRAZY COOL. Wow. So, again, a seed was planted, & I had in my mind that I too would like to try to push myself physically, if I could only find the time.

The much appreciated page in the IRON MAN scrapbook.

Fast forward to this past Thanksgiving. I had been running during every spare second since Mid-October by that time & I thought that maybe I was ready to run in public... in a race. Katy & Jon were planning to be in town to spend Thanksgiving my my sister & her brother. Aha!!! A plan was hatched to invite Katy & Jon to run with me in my first competitive run since before Tommy was born. It was great. Jon wore stocking cap covered with working Xmas lights while Katy wore some of her professional gear including her Iron Man cap. I encouraged them to do their best & not worry about me. Believe it or not, I set a personal record that day pushing past the urge to dry heave on the home stretch. (So did Katy, set a PR that is.) As I ran toward the finish line, I heard Jon say 'Hey Rebecca!!!' I turned & both Katy and Jon were smiling & waving at me as I passed. That meant the world to me. It was great to see my new friend and an old friend, both accomplished athletes, waiting for me to finish. I finished several minutes before I told them to expect me, & yet they were there. Later, on Facebook, Katy confirmed that my wildest dream had come true. She had included me in a page about the Naperville Noon Lion's 2011 Turkey Trot... in her Ironman Scrapbook. Whoa.

Fast forward to now. During this time, Katy was fighting a private battle with cancer. Melanoma. Katy lost her battle with cancer on March 16, 2012. I have no words to describe the loss I feel. The only thing I can think to do is to continue on the path her example set me on, & to nurture the seed that was planted. Therefore, I will be running the 2012 Chicago Marathon in her honor. Every bit of fundraising I do... every step of training along the way... every mile of the race, will be in her honor. I hope that you will join me on my journey whether it is by reading my blog, encouraging me, or by making a donation to the charity I am supporting through the Chicago Marathon, The Jack H Marston II Melanoma Fund. (See link below.)

http://www.active.com/donate/12JTCHI/rebecca23 

I hope that you find the things I have to say entertaining. Katy & Jon know me well enough to know that my humor is silly, sarcastic, & self-deprecating. I think that she would have laughed that I posted an ancient picture of myself wearing short shorts in the hopes that I may again be able to see every muscle in my legs as I wear... you guessed it... short shorts. More on that later. For now... think about this, '525600 minutes, how do you measure, a year in the life?'

Katy, John, & Rebecca (left to right) just before running the 2011 Naperville Turkey Trot.