It's finally over!

The past six months have been grueling. Aaron and I have a pretty busy schedule, and in every second that I had down time, I was trying to fit in a long or short run in order to train for the Chicago Marathon. It really became a chore more than something I enjoyed. I started out this training because I wanted to do something with my sister, and don't get me wrong, I am glad that I was able to do it with her, but I'm even more glad that it's finally over. She'll agree with me, and I'm sure Aaron will also.

Aaron had to put up with my whining and complaining over the last six months..."I don't want to run today...I'm so tired...my legs hurt...my feet hurt...will you bike with me so I'm not lonely?...I'm so sore." He heard it all. Thank you, sweetie, for your support through my training. You are the best part of my day - every day, and I'm so thankful for your support. I love you!

Andrea and I ran most of the race together (at least until mile 20). Our original plan was to cross the finish line holding hands, but my knees completely gave out on me around mile 21. The last 5.2 miles were excruciating for me, but I finished. It was by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I knew I was holding Andrea back because she could go so much faster. So I told her to run ahead of me. I'm so proud of her. She did so well. It took me, on the other hand, 5 hours and 15 minutes to finish. I'm actually pretty embarrassed about that, but that's a pride issue I have. It's really too bad that my knees gave out, but at least I finished. Today I am in so much pain from the race. It's going to take me a couple days to fully recover, but I'm so thankful I'm done with the race. No more marathons for me...two is enough. 

I just thought I'd give you a little bit of the facts about our marathon...
The course was beautiful. Chicago in the fall is beautiful in general, and the weather was perfect. There were 1,700,000 spectators along the course. There were 109 countries represented. There were 45,000 bananas available to participants (enough to feed the apes at the Lincoln Park Zoo for 19 years). We didn't die, but one man, sadly, did. And one woman started getting contractions around mile 13 and then finished the race just in time to give birth to her baby. It was an amazing journey, and even though I have some regrets, it is still one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Those 26.2 miles were unforgettable.

Here's a few pics from the weekend...

Getting pumped up at the Expo

We were a little bit excited to see our family around mile 14. We'd been looking forward to it for a while.

Chicago in the Fall

My amazing sister...so proud of her!

Big Sis...Little Sis

After the race...I had to get a pic with my handsome supporter.

Later that night...exhausted, in A LOT of pain, feeling sick to my stomach, no makeup, and hair wet, but I needed a pic with my medal. This is the smile of someone who is glad it's over.

This was my second and last marathon race. Praise God for getting me through it because I couldn't have done it without His strength. Now that the race is over, it's time to pause, reflect, and enjoy other aspects of my life that may have been neglected during my training. Praise God it's over!

Goodbye marathon running...it's been quite a journey.