There is a familiar feeling running through my body this morning. I haven’t felt this feeling is S-O-O-O long that it is almost unrecognizable. It is the jitters. It’s not from coffee; I am still titrating up to my therapeutic level (nursing my morning latte). It is the beginnings of enthusiasm for the marathon.
I’ve been feeling an overwhelming guilt of spending the money for the flights. Flying the just myself to Chicago for the race is not all that expensive, but flying my family of three (four if DD can come) IS expensive. The guilt factor comes in because this is for ME and me alone. It’s for MY running hobby.
The thing is, I *need* to have my family there with me. I’d like to see them along the course, but I fear that they won’t be there. I am not sure if Tom’s family would be into that whole scene. At a minimum, I need them at the finish. I am pretty sure that I am going to need a few serious hugs to rescue me from the emotional let down of not having Tom there to greet me. I have actually had a few bad dreams to this effect.
In my dream, I finish the race (sometimes I BQ, and other times not). I see Tom and go to him crying that I am so glad that he is there, and that I thought he was dead. I hug him and cry. Then DD comes and pulls me off of this stranger who has graciously let me hug him and cry…and I am devastated.
You can see…I need to bring the family. I need to release the guilt and think of my marathon as my therapy. Then maybe I can justify the expense.
Caffeinated Jitters
I’ve now finished my latte and my mind is whirling. Possibilities are coming into view.
I could not seem to locate my Frequent Flyer card for United Airlines. I’ve never actually used my miles and I fly very infrequently. Last year, when I was trying to get to Duluth, MN for Grandma’s Marathon, I was so disappointed to discover that United doesn’t fly to Duluth.
This is the part that qualifies this post as my Positively Perfect entry for the week.
The caffeine is binding to the appropriate receptors, causing the synapses to fire and my memory has kicked in. I remember the travel website for my work has my FF number stored on it. I retrieve the number, log onto United’s website and book three flights to Chicago and back. It was easy! It was fun. I am going to CHICAGO!
EEK!
Race day is only 10 weeks (and 2 days) away. It’s hard to believe that my training will be put to the test this soon. Although I have CIM as “Plan B,” I am planning my BQ (Boston Qualification) to be at the Chicago Marathon.
Help
I need YOUR help. Who has run the Chicago Marathon? Tell me about it. Please, inspire me but also let me know the lessons learned. Remember, I am in Northern California and have traveled very little. Tell me about the weather, important information about the culture, or whatever else you think might be of help. If you are running this year, or live in Chicago and plan to be in the crowd, let it be known.
Great race! People cheering the entire way – weather was great the year I did it (2004) – took a looong time to cross the start line (probably 5 – 10 minutes) – couple spots where the road narrows to cross bridges and it can get crowded – early water stops were congested (what do you expect with 35,000 people?) – therefore recommend a fuel belt for the early part of the race – well stocked and supported aide stations – great Expo – good restaurants to choose from – expensive hotels but we split the cost three ways – hotels nearby fill up quickly (would book early as possible) – great finish area and good post-race food and support. You WILL love it …
I have only heard great stuff about Chicago! I will be cheering for you from home!
Whoa, that is a lot to figure out. good luck figuring all that out. I know Jon from the chocolate runners blog ran Chicago and he is great go ask him. http://www.completerunning.chocolaterunnersblog.com I think!
The race becomes real when you register and book the travel – all of us runners prepping for fall marathons are picking up the pace now – enjoy the training build, this is why we run – best of luck you’ll get a cool clear perfect day.
I’ve run Chicago twice (and Grandma’s twice) and got my BQ (3:38:14)at Chicago last fall.
I love Chicago–I live there, so it’s great to wake up in my own bed and run. I have to admit that I never remember much of the course, but I do remember tons of people lined up everywhere. Flat, flat course (with the exception of a small rise at 25.8 that feels much steeper than it really is).
Do you have a 1/2 or marathon time that will qualify you for a preferred corral?
The crowd thins out on the west side, but there are a couple of places I can say your boys would be able to see you for sure and still meet you back at the finish line when you finish.
Plus, Chicago does text message updates! Isn’t that great? Your boys and family can find out in (almost) real time how you’re doing!
NO GUILT! You CANNOT feel guilty about buying tickets for your boys to come be with you during something so important to you!
I actually live in Central Illinois and have been thinking of being in town to cheer for the runners!
I’ll be cheering for you via the Web at Chicago, as well as for Peter and A. Don’t feel guilt about getting tickets for your sons. I bet they would love to come and see their mom run!
you should ask tom’s family and let them decide if they’d be into it or not. (I HATE when people write me sentences that start with “you SHOULD…”) You should do whatever you need to do!