Friday, October 5, 2012

Chicago Bound


It's time!  Chicago's calling my name so it's time to pack, re-pack and then pack some more.  The weather couldn't be more ideal for race day....for all those who have shied away from running Chicago because of it's notoriously HOT conditions, check this out....

SunOct 7

Partly Cloudy
54°
36°
Partly Cloudy
CHANCE OF RAIN:
10%
 
WIND:
W at 9 mph










I know - I am crying....CRYING!  Figures the ONE time Chicago has perfect running conditions is the year I haven't trained and not able to actually race this damn thing.  Royally bummed out about this, but at least I won't be walking in sweltering conditions and instead get to walk in nice, cool, sunny conditions.

This is life.  It's not always fair - I know this well.

I have to laugh though, This perfect weather for Sunday's race can only mean one thing ..... next year the temps are going to be blazing hot!!!  Seriously, this is Newton's law.  Or Murphy's.  Or someone's.  So I apologize in advance to those of you who have Chicago on your wishlist for next year.  This girl is doing Chicago this year, craptastically and all, then I am done with it; it's the 3rd time I've tried to run Chicago, the only time I actually am, and I think it's just jinxed for me.  Yes, I am extremely superstitious!

My foot hasn't been the happiest since my last post.  I can't figure out what shoe it likes best, so I may be carrying a backpack full of various shoes along the Chicago course.  I won't look like some crazed serial killer dressed entirely in black (Marcia said black attire will make me faster...I will take anything - and ALL - I can get!), will I?

So it's time to go.  No, this isn't the race I dreamed up months ago when I signed up.  Truth be told, no race has this year and that's something I vow to fix.  Thankfully there's a 2013 and I plan to rectify this running gig, but until then... Chicago awaits.  I will go...I will savor every second out there by soaking up the experience.  Experiencing all the diversity of neighborhoods; listening to the sounds each mile brings me; watch the Sear's Tower disappear as I travel away, then reappear as I get close to the finish (thanks, Marcia :)).  No matter how painful my foot - or the long ticking clock is, I GET to run the Chicago Marathon - and I will be grateful every step of the way (and I will try not to cry when I see my all-time personal worst marathon finish time :)).

Until next time....

Run strong, my friends!

- Jill

P.S. I apologize for being blog absent the past couple weeks....I got a new job and add that to the band board prez thingie in prime marching band season.  Holy crap!

40 comments:

Coy Martinez said...

I'm jealous and excited for you! Any race with temps like those is a great race by default! All my friends want me to do Chicago next year and I'm sure I probably will. I hear that they're going to go to a lottery system soon because it fills so fast!?

I'm excited for you. Injuries suck but at least you get to start and that's huge! Go have a good time out there and smile!

Molly said...

It will be an amazing day that's for sure, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the foot behaves! Have a fantastic time and Good Luck!!!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Good luck and have fun in Chicago

Congrats on the new job

and nope, it is not Texas

Kandi said...

That race weather look incredible! Hope you at least manage to have a fun time.
My race weather for tomorrow is high of 63 with a 40% chance of rain. Hopefully the rain holds off until after the race.

Karen said...

Good luck! :)

mighty termitey said...

I AM SO JEALOUS! I just love Chicago! and what a fun, fun race!

#FINISHSTRONG

xo

TNTcoach Ken said...

Good luck in the Windy City!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Enjoy the marathon. Sometimes things just fall into place and you end up enjoying it so much more without all that pace pressure.

No matter what, enjoy it!

pensive pumpkin said...

you're gonna be amazing. cause you always are! : )

Michelle said...

Perfect weather! Take it all in and enjoy Chicago! Good luck and I hope your foot doesn't cause you too much pain!

ShutUpandRun said...

Have a blast!! Maybe a surprise typhoon will show up and that will guarantee next year will be good weather. Just a thought.

Rachelle Q said...

Enjoy, I hope you have a great time:)

Robin said...

Safe travels and hopefully you have a great weekend/experience!

Anonymous said...

Have a WONDERFUL time out there Jill. I know it's not the way you wanted to do it but go out there and squeeze every ounce of juice out of that race. You and your ninja outfit and your bag full o' shoes... I can picture you now!

New job? Congrats girl - well done. You are truly inspiring in how you handle what comes your way. Keep on keeping on my love. X

bobbi said...

So excited to meet you!!! We are going to have a great day :) no matter what!

Terzah said...

Have a great trip, Jill! That weather looks fantastic--enjoy it and that flat course. Good foot vibes coming your way--I personally think wearing all black helps. :^)

Liz said...

Good luck! Hope you have a great race, and most importantly ENJOY YOURSELF! Look forward to reading the report...

Jeff Gallup said...

Good luck and have fun Jill! it's all about the journey, and I can't wait to hear about it! I have several friends running, so I get to enjoy it vicariously..

Average Woman Runner said...

Yes, that is perfect running weather indeed. Enjoy it, as rare as it is. 2013 will be the big rebound year!

SupermomE13 said...

I have wanted to run Chicago but am a huge chicken when it comes to heat so I have avoided it. This year the weather could not be more perfect!!! Enjoy the day - the event - the crowds- the other runners - the fast course and the perfect temps!! Fingers crossed that your foot behaves and you have a great and fun day. HUGS!!!

Ransick said...

Awesome weather for your race! Racing knowing you are going to take your time and have fun can be quite calming and refreshing. Enjoy racing without putting pressure on yourself. High five the kids, jest with the adults, thank the volunteers, just have fun!

Char said...

Wearing black also hides a multitude of sins. Stress incontinence? No worries - just wear black and no one will be any the wiser. Until they get downwind of you.

I hope you foot behaves itself and you have a better run than you think you will.

Julie said...

Will be thinking of you!!!! I hope that your foot makes it through without to much pain. (your not going to make it worse are you?) And I can't believe you didn't tell me you got a job! I know I didn't ask, I'm sorry...I will get my head out of my butt soon and pay more attention. Good luck, have fun my friend!

On the Right Track said...

I don't know...there is something about you that makes me think you will totally end up PR'ing this marathon...I just have a feeling bout that girlfriend!!!

Enjoy...soak up the scene, the atmosphere, the energy and the moment...can't wait to hear all about it!

Jenny said...

Have a great time!! Can't wait to hear all about it!! Only wish we were running in the same city! :)

XLMIC said...

I'll be thinking of you!

Black Knight said...

Do I look like a serial killer? Now I know why the runners are scared when they see me at the start!
Conquer Chicago and don't take prisoners. Good luck.

Jimmy said...

No matter how hard you trained for this race, I hope you enjoy every moment! Good luck.

Jim ... 50after40 said...

You'll be great as always - best wishes and thanks for all of your help and advice this year! It helped way more than you know!

Anne said...

Good luck, Jill. At least you'll never be lonely on the course with all those thousands of people who are also taking the easy road this time around.

Matthew Smith said...

Good luck tomorrow! The weather looks like it'll be great. Enjoy!

Adrienne Langelier, MA said...

Hope you have a good time in Chicago, regardless of what the clock says. Cool temps and flat courses will find you again, so have some fun!

((Pre-race hug!!))

Lindsay said...

belated good luck for today!

ajh said...

I just saw your pic on FB with Marcia and you looked happy. She looked cold with a big downy coat on! Hope you had fun and your foot behaved. I am dying to know more about your new job. Good insurance? In education? Hope you like it.

Teamarcia said...

Oh my. I'm so glad Chi-town was kind to you. You deserved great conditions and mom nature smiled. Cannot express how much fun it was....being your shoe sherpa and all. xoxo!

Unknown said...

Hi JILL!! Great job on CHicago, I'm so happy you loved it, me too! It was too quick for us, in and out of the city so quickly but well worth it! Steve definitely wants to run this race and I wouldn't mind doing it again!
BIG hugs, sorry we didn't meet up!
xoxo
meg

TX Runner Mom said...

I hope you had an amazing time in Chicago and had fun! Can't wait to read more.

Raina said...

I am waiting to see your report on how it went! Reading about seeing the sears tower- that got me thinking about doing another big city race. Maybe in a few years.

Hope your foot is doing better?! Thanks for the idea about the PureGrits.. You know the entire pure line is being updated for this winter? I was just kind of waiting to be running enough trails to justify a pair. ha.

Hope you are doing well :)

Jennifer said...

So bummed we couldn't hook up! It was a crazy weekend for me, congrats on the race, bummer foot an all, you did great!

Bookmaker Bonuses said...

I am glad. but for me I think that it is quite warm but at least it is great to run.