Well, this is it. This is the final post for my 2022 Chicago Marathon training journey and I am sad to write that. Okay, almost sad to write that. I suppose the emotions stem from knowing this is the end of my Chicago Marathon training since the race is tomorrow.
In 2000, I signed up for my very first marathon and first Chicago. Back then I printed out the application on the library computer because I didn’t have one myself and mailed in my check. There wasn’t a lottery and everyone was guaranteed entry after paying their fee. My fee was $95.00 or at least I think that’s how much it was.
In 2016, I wanted to commemorate the running of my 25th marathon with Chicago again since it was the one I began my marathon journey with. This time I ran for charity with the American Cancer Society in honor of my aunt Lucy and others who had their lives impacted and cut short by cancer. It’s been by far my favorite marathon! Everything about that training and race was perfect even if I never had a long run on the road.
This year’s Chicago Marathon will mark the first time I will participate after being selected in the lottery. Opening up that email on December 9th, 2021, and seeing that I had been selected, triggered tears of joy! It was a beautiful surprise and I wasn’t expecting it at all.
Tomorrow when I run and walk (oh yes there will be walking) through the streets of Chicago I will remind myself of that feeling again knowing I wanted to do this! And I am as ready as I’ll ever be. The only thing left for me to do at this point is show up and keep putting one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me!
Thank you for reading my daily post on my Chicago Marathon training which started on June 6, 2022.
Congratulations on finishing the training! That’s the hard part! You are going to rock this! Enjoy the time and the people. Can’t wait to see your medal pictures. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️