Friday, October 9, 2009

Thoughts before M-Day

The Chicago marathon holds a little more significance to me. Some of you may or may not know but Chicago was my first attempt at the marathon 2 years ago. I posted a DNF due to reasons beyond my control. If you don't want to click the link the short story is it was a humid 90 degree day andI didn't know what to expect (I thought that's how you were supposed to feel!). I passed out due to severe dehydration around mile 19 but don't remember. I woke in an ER as a Jane Doe and no one could find me for nearly 4 hours. I was admitted overnight and finally discharged after I made a huge stink with severe dehydration and rhabdomylosis. My memory slowly returned thankfully. And now I have some things to finish. I was able to complete my first marathon in Dallas less than 2 months after Chicago and while that was sweet I have been waiting for the day I could run Chicago again. Last year was the year of the wedding so it was a no go. My time has finally come to settle the score :)

What I went through that day rises back up and shakes me every so often. For the most part I am able to laugh about what a great story it makes but at the time it was extremely serious. The whole not knowing what your name is and if anyone is looking for you can be quite scary. What I went through emotionally and physically 2 years ago is on my mind, gnawing away at me every race I start. I take inventory in the middle of races to compare how I'm feeling to that race.

I know I can finish; I have proven that 2 other times now. This time around it's for a little revenge and a lot of redemption. I'm freaking out but cannot wait! I'm a hot mess of emotions and have been throughout this training. I also recognize I've also had some seriously kick ass training happening over the last 12 weeks and can't wait to see how it unfolds M-Day. I honestly can say I have never been more excited to see the last 7-8 miles of a course and finish line in my racing history.

I'm know it's 2 years later, a lot changes over 2 years. But some experiences are meant to be remembered (even if I don't remember the entire experience) and taken with you. That experience helped shape me into the runner and person I am now. Besides some lingering chest pains when I cough/sneeze where they did the compressions too hard, I'm glad the whole mess turned out for the best and I have the opportunity to try this out again! So here's to marathon #4 (and hopefully finish #3!) It's going to be a much colder and hopefully sweeter experience!

I'm headed to the expo today... by myself... The hubs is saying no to another expo for a race he isn't running. Not sure if I'll post again before Sunday. Maybe if something really cool happens today. If you care to track me my bib number this time around is 18194. Otherwise I'll have facebook and a short blog update post-marathon! See you all on the other side :) And good luck to everyone racing Chicago and all the other races happening this weekend!

12 comments:

J said...

I am so sorry I forgot to include you in my post! Good luck at the marathon and I know you will finish and do great!!

Marlene said...

Ohmigosh Jamie, I had no idea about your '07 experience at Chicago. SCARY for sure and definitely a good lesson/reminder for all of us.

Go get your revenge/redemption. You've earned it!

Mark said...

Good luck, Jamie!!! I will be rooting for you!!!

X-Country2 said...

What a scary story. Happy to hear you're coming back ready to settle the score. GOOD LUCK!!

Cassie said...

Good luck on Sunday! I am new to your blog (love it!)and didn't know about your previous experience. You are gonna have a great race.

Jess said...

Good luck this weekend! Go get your redemption girl!

kristen said...

Holy Cow!! That's an intense race report. I had no idea you went through that. Redemption for sure!!!

Your so ready for this. This is your turn! Show the course who's boss this time!

Good luck! I'll be tracking you :)

Jeri said...

kick some booty chica. show chi-town who's BOSS. also, fairly certain that the heat/humidity won't be a factor this year. the question is, how well can you run in snow boots? :p

GOOD LUCK!

Cal said...

I know you are gonna kick some BUTT - can't wait to hear the results!! I'll be cheering for you!

kilax said...

I didn't know you were at Chicago in '07! What an amazing, and scary story. It HAS made you the runner you are today! You are going to dominate on Sunday. I wrote down your bib number, so I can try to find you and cheer you on!

Great luck!

Aron said...

go get your redemption girl!!!! you have worked your butt off for it, stay strong and focused and go show chicago what you are made of :) cant wait to hear about it!!!

The Laminator said...

I'm glad that I've been following you for so long that I remember that story 2 years ago and can say with absolute certainty that you are so much stronger and dedicated than you were back then.

I hope you get your sweet redemption and have a kicka$$ time doing it! Have fun tomorrow Jamie...at least there won't be 90 degrees of stifling heat to deal with this time around.

Have an awesome race! Catch you on the other side.