Chicago is a HUGE city. Running downtown with skyscrapers on both sides was quite an experience...
Check out all the bobbing heads in this tunnel. There were 40,000 runners- almost twice as big as Boston!
It took about 15 minutes to cross the starting line, so this is proof positive that at the 1/2 way point I was on target to achieve my secret dream goal of 4 hours, 30 minutes...
1/2 way there! I felt great, but it was getting hot...
25K and still full of energy. Unlike Boston, there were constant spectators throughout the entire course and they were more than happy to take these photos for me.
At 24 miles with just 2.2 to go. If you deduct the 15 minutes to the starting line, I can still make the 4 hour, 30 minute goal, but alas something went terribly wrong.
Mostly out of boredom, I slowed down considerably the last few miles. Yes, that's what they call 'the wall'...
The Chicago skyline right before I crossed the finish line at 4:58 (net time 4:45). When I took the photo the skyline was clear, but in this photo there is circle of mist next to me. The person next to me in the mist bears a striking resemblance to someone we know!
Success! I didn't hit my secret goal, but I shaved 35 minutes off of my Boston time and proved to myself that you can pretty much do anything you set your mind to if you are passionate enough about it.
Next up...San Diego!
Ever dream of finishing a marathon? Join Steve's Team! Send me an email at bethogrady@yahoo.com.
