Chicago Marathon 2011

(in case you are bored, remember it took me 15 minutes to even cross the start line)

On Sunday I finished my second Chicago marathon. My goal this year was really simple- do better than last year. Last year I was mentally very negative throughout the race and did not enjoy it much. This year was an entirely different experience. I had a great time, as crazy as that sounds. I soaked in the crowd filled streets throughout 29 neighborhoods of Chicago. While my finishing time was only 10 minutes faster than last year and four minutes faster than my Ironman Marathon, I was elated. I ran the best I could and I keep a positive attitude, which for me, was the biggest challenge.

The best moments of the race were seeing a man with a sign at mile 2.6 which read "I thought you said 2.62", the reoccuring sign "worst parade ever", spotting the hamm famm near mile 10, posing for a picture for Anu at mile 16, running with jason from mile 17 to 20, the sign which read "your feet hurt because you are kicking ass" and of course the ice cold 312 beer at the finish line.