Here I Go...

Well, in four days, I am off and running. It has been quite a year for me. I trained all winter/spring for the Fifth Third Riverbank Run. After bronchitis, mass flooding around the city the week of the race, and a new, uphill course, I survived. I remember thinking that day, as I ran for the finish line - "How in the HELL am I going to run 10.2 miles MORE than I have just run?"

Fast forward five months later and here we sit. In the back of my mind, since I ran my first 10K three summers ago, I thought I might have a marathon in me. It's been on my "Bucket List" since then and I am excited and pumped to make this happen.

I am well trained. I am a resourceful girl, so I recruited friends to join me for 5 miles here, 10 miles there. But for the most part, I have done this alone.

Dark, rainy parking lot meet-ups from friends were greeted with relief many a Saturday morning. A happy distraction and good conversation for the next 45 minutes.

Leaving at 6 a.m. to avoid the heat in August.

Wanting to eat eggs and bacon and sit with my family on the couch but getting out there, clipping on that ridiculous water belt and doing it one. more. time.

Passing on one more beer or glass of wine on a Friday night. Leaving early from places I was having fun.

Hailing that cab to Grant Park on Sunday morning, I know it will all be worth it. In my mind, the true marathon is really arriving at the starting line, with all your training behind you. Arriving with a healthy body is another goal attained. One that I should be ESPECIALLY grateful for, since many of my friends have struggled with injuries and the like.

My ipod is full of new songs, the weather looks cool, and I am writing my name with permanent marker on my long sleeve wicking shirt so random strangers will cheer my name.

I am ready to run 26.2 miles in Chicago on Sunday morning.

Holy crap. Wish me luck!