Chicago Marathon 09: Brief version

Well, folks, I did it. I finished my second marathon, so I can now say, “I run marathons”!! My bottom line goal was 4:19, to beat my previous marathon time of 4:20:28. I did that. My main goal was 4:09. And I beat that for a total time of 4:08:41.

My “I think I might be able to do it” goal was 4:02, or maybe even four hours. I was on track to do that until mile 18, when my calf muscles started cramping. Several times over the next miles I had to move over to the side of the road to stretch and massage them, because they were seizing up and causing pain that nearly brought tears to my eyes. I got through it, and crossed the finish line with one final, last burst of energy. I conquered the Chicago Marathon. What’s next??