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!

All Over the Place

I am all over the place these days.  Can't keep a thought in my head longer than a few seconds, leaving post its all over the place to remember anything.   Here's a little overview into my whacked out head.  

• my ankle, or should I say right lower leg, is making me nervous.  I'm now walking with a slight limp as the pain has move from the inside ankle to the top of the foot and bottom of the calf muscle.  just becoming all inclusive.  I don't ever go to see a doctor but may need to make an exception...
• had a great 12 miles Saturday despite the right foot/ankle pain.  
• realized on my run the 1 reason I like winter running versus spring.  in winter there is no one on the path!  Saturday ran past 3 different organized run/walks that blocked the path as well as all the other people that come out when it's nice.  sometimes it's just too much. 
• weather is gorgeous here and all I want to do is run around outside.  
• i keep wanting to check the extended forecast for Cleveland but need to remind myself constantly it's pointless.  
• saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine last night.  My very impressive review - meh... Action was good for the most part (some cheesiness) and I love me some Hugh.  Overall the story and character development really was lacking.  Yes, I know it's based on a comic book but you can't have major holes in the story and never have your characters who are together/good friends/mortal enemies never really connect or never provide a valid reason for the relationship!  
• hoping for better from the upcoming Star Trek and Terminator these next 2 weeks.  
• finally finished American Wife last week.  Read this book!   Incredible story and amazingly written.  It is a fictional story based on events in Laura Bush's life.  The book is broken into 4 parts, each  occurring at a different address, in which a significant life event occurs with all the other minor events that may occur to make life what it is.  Here's a fictional glimpse into what may happen behind those closed doors.  
• now I need to find another book that I want to read.  I have a few on the bed-side table but none I really want to pick up right now.
• eating (and drinking) like crap these past few days.  really need to get a handle on it over these next 2 weeks.  Hopefully it's not too little too late.  
• eating well may be tough at the in-laws next weekend.  I just hope they don't start on me having babies since it's mother's day.  who am I kidding, they did before we were married I imagine it's going to be the same or worse now.
• went to my favorite bar/restaurant today (we go nearly every weekend) and they changed their menu.  of course it included getting rid of my favorite wrap and salad!  the replacement was no good.  I'm sad that I now need to find a new weekend place.  

As you can see, all over the place!  You have to love the taper madness... only 13 days until race day.  

Leaving on a Jet Plane for Marathon part 1 take 2

In just over 26 hours from now I will be on a plane down to Dallas. Well of course nothing is for sure on a Friday flying out of O'Hare so I guess the first sentence should read I am scheduled to be on a plane in 26 hours. Dallas White Rock Marathon here I come. My bags are not quite packed but in mind I am ready to go. Not sure how I feel about the marathon this time around. I'm hoping I put the mileage in that I need to finish. I ran my last 3 miles tonight and of course my first thought when I ended - "Was what I did the last 7 weeks enough to get me through Sunday?" I'm trying to think positive for this one and not let what happened in Chicago affect this race. They are two different races but the insecurities keep trying to creep on in my brain. There is so much racing through my head right now. First I need to focus on packing then once I get there and pick up my race packet I'll start freaking out. Once again, thank you for all your support! I hope I have a better ending race report this time around and I hope to see you on the other side. The other side being Monday when I return home.

Have a great weekend!