Sunday, October 12, 2008

All done

I am done. I have yet to eat and I feel like I've been run over by 5 semi trucks. At 11 am Chicago hit 85 degrees and it was awful since the course is mainly in the sun. Isn't it supposed to be cool in October? At the water stations they kept dumping water on our heads to help keep us cool. Made me think back to high school at Pom camp where they would not let us leave the building without a wet head. Thank goodness for all the volunteer's that supplied up with water and Gatorade.

Seriously it was rough, it's such a strange feeling. One minute I felt awful the next great. I've managed to throw in a load of laundry and pick up the kitchen a little bit since I've been home, but after I eat I am shutting down.

Around mile 16 I decided to play cheerleader. I knew how I was feeling and couldn't imagine the people around me were feeling that much better. I made it a point to ask them if they were doing OK, if they needed anything. Seeing them smile the run that much easier for me.... I hope it did the trick for them too.

People were right when they told me at mile 20 it was all mental. My body was moving, but my head wanted me to stop. Miles 21-22 were the worst. Everyone around me was silent and there were barley any spectators. You could hear footsteps all around you and you were just hoping to see someone or here some other noise. I guess everyone was doing what I was doing and just trying to stay focused and save energy.

Around mile 23 I would have these moments where I would seriously think I was forgetting how to breath.... it felt like I was suffocating. My heart rate was low so I knew I was OK, but I had to tell myself, open your mouth, inhale, exhale and repeat.

Mile 24, you know you are so close and the last thing you want to do at this point is walk. Tears kept welding up in my eyes and believe it or not I didn't cry. Believe me, that is a shock because those of you that know me know I cry easily. Everyone kept screaming 2 more turns and you are done.

Then there it was.... the finish line. The feeling was amazing! Suddenly all my energy was back and I finished strong.

Thanks to everyone for their support! I love you all... and yes I think I'm doing it again :)

xo.

3 comments:

Mandy Rose said...

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew you'd do great! I got all your updates via txt and was praying for you all morning!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS AIM!!! What a great accomplishment! You Go Girl... You Rock!

Jen said...

WOOHOOO!!!! I am soooooo proud of you sweetie!! I can't believe you ran in that heat. Mandy and I couldn't even make it through a football game :-) Can't wait to see the pics!!! Luv ya!