KBO's Chicago Marathon

[KBO]

Chicago 2009 wasn’t my best marathon time-wise but it will be etched in my memory for many other very good reasons.

I went into this race injured. I clearly remember the day I got injured (Aug 22). If I was sensible I would have looked after it right away but nope, I kept running on it and just told myself to suck it up. I paid the price for that yesterday in time on the course and obviously now a resulting worse injury, but what’s done is done. And really, it doesn’t matter. I walked away, well…limped away, happy and satisfied having done the best I could in the moment and I put #6 in the books. I may not be fast but I’m pretty consistent and for that I’m pleased.

I marvel at every person that finished ahead of me and behind me. I would indeed like to improve at this sport but I also realize that just getting the start line is a big commitment and challenge for everyone, not to mention slugging it out with our brain and body for 26.2 miles.

Kudos to my running partner Jackie who also ran injured. She too began her injury journey on the same fateful day back in August and approached the rest of our training with the similar ‘suck it up’ policy. We ran together on Sunday, hardly speaking, soaking in the race and the festivities. We carefully avoided any question about how the other person was feeling because we didn’t want the other person to have to say out loud “it hurts like h*ll”. Silence can be golden. We pointed out the occasional memorable moment like the cheerleaders in Boy’s Town, the many unique neighborhoods, the Bloody Mary drink stop, the amazing sight of Chinatown, and the crowds and crowds of people lining the streets with never-ending words of encouragement. Few words were spoken between us and those that were simply provided momentary instructions like ‘stretch’. ‘water’, ‘fuel’, ‘run’.

I spent the last two miles repeating to myself, sometimes out loud, “please, please, please, please…”. I was pleading with my left leg and foot to carry me to the finish line. I crossed the finish line, almost hopping on one foot, with no feeling in two toes and shooting pains up my calf, with a time of 5:02 and I was the most content I’ve felt at the end of a marathon. I slowly made my way through the masses of people to get my lovely silver robe, a very pretty medal, some yummy double stuffed cookies and a banana, and then I made my way straight to folks handing out the promised finish line beer. Ah, the nectar of the gods! The girl next to me described that moment perfectly…”This is the best beer EVER”. I agreed.

Poor Steve had to wait forever for us to finish our run and then walk the mile to the runner reunite area. He had run the race, had a couple of beer and some food, got a massage and had a nap. Perhaps punishment for being so fast?

I cannot begin to describe the Chicago Marathon. It is everything I wanted it to be and more than I expected it to be. It was an experience unlike any other marathon I’ve run and I loved every minute of it.

We made new friends (Jill and Greg). We stayed in the most unique and interesting bed & breakfast ever. We saw some of Chicago and know we’ll return again. We made it home safe and sound with another medal for our collection. What a blast.

[scrumhalfgirl]

Sounds like an incredible experience! Congratulations!

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Glad you enjoyed your Chicago 'experience'. Nice.

[LisaB]

Congratulations!! Hope you heal quickly.

[HCcD]

Way-da-Go, in sucking it up, Princess ... Sure gives another meaning to leaving it all out there ...

Congratulations, on completing another marathon, Karen ..

Chicago is definitely on my radar ...

[Tori]

Yeah! Way to go. I am sure this was a major test of mental to keep that leg moving. I am so glad you got it done.

[Kristen]

Wow, awesome race report Karen and congrats on marathon number 6! I just loved reading your report... the whole event sounds absolutely spectacular. Here's hoping both you and your training partner heal up fast. You'll be running in Chicago next year again, I presume?

Kristen

PS Chicago is now on my radar, too. My hubby says he's not interested in going, but I sure am.

[Jo-Jo]

Great race report.
I loved the part where you said you were running with Jackie but not talking much except for the necessary statements. Yes...sometimes silence is golden.
Good job on getting it done

[Spirit Unleashed]

Great report! You're right, just getting to the starting line is a big deal. You will relive and remember and love this race.

[eme]

Excellent report

Now suck it up and give yourself some time to heal up!

[Nicholas]

Congrats on seeing 'er through, Karen. It's tough enough doing a marathon without having to do it injured. Now, heal up!

[MINITEE]

So happy to read this! You did good, you pushed through some nastiness pain wise. Congratulations Karen - you are truly a fighter.

Now... get that heel, healed up girl!

[ian]

Way to gut that one out and still take away some positive memories.

[flexrun]

I think just about everyone has made that mistake of running through an injury, I know that I have. It's good that you were still able to tough it out and have a good time. Time to rest and get healthy again. Congrats!

[clocker]

Congratulations Karen. #6 and counting. Winter is a perfect season to cure and injury.
Cheers!

[Mouse]

Karen
Thanks for that report. Please take the time to heal the heel properly. I want to try and run with you next year, at some of the events. Way to suck it up, you are truly the queen of princesses....... I'm so proud of you, way to fight the pain....
Hope to see you and talk to you soon. Love ya. Congrats to Jackie and Steve also. Way to go Winnipeg Maniac's.....
Mouse

[Darth Tater]

Great report Karen - sounds like you had a great time, despite not having a great 'time'. You went in knowing you weren't 100%, and you made the most of it. Chicago sounds like a great event.

Now relax and get better.

[La]

You lived up to your user name in this race, for sure!

Congrats... glad you got the marathon experience you were hoping for.

[pts]

Congrats on a what sounds like a fulfilling marathon!

Where did you stay?

[KBO]

We stayed at the same B&B as you and your family! We saw your write up in the guest book. We loved the place.

[Marg]

KBO indeed.
I am so happy you and Jackie made it through, but hope you both take the time to heal up now.
Hmmm yet another marathon medal - you're just collecting them en masse!
So proud of you, you are a warrior... I mean Vegas sealed that title, and here you go again!
love ya hon... congrats

Poor poor Steve, drinking beer and getting a rub down while waiting for you to finish....

[a-slow-5]

Congratulations Karen on toughing through to the end of # 6! Way to dig deep. Sounds like you were in perfect company.

[CinC]

this makes me want to run Chicago even more!

Congratulations on #6 girl!

[bnn]

Congrats!!

[ratherBrunning]

Congratulations KBO! Heal up quickly!