This is it, the week leading up to the Chicago Marathon. It’s a tad bittersweet this year. I really LOVE the Chicago Marathon and this will probably be the last year that I’ll run it. When I signed up, 2014 was only a few months old and I had zero idea of what the year would bring for me and my family. I had high hopes for Chicago and planned to make it “my race”. I don’t often race the marathon but I had wanted to really put a lot into my training this year and see what I could do with it. I wanted not only a great race but one to remember. I know the city. I know the route. I know the fan support is off the charts. I know that I love the Chicago Marathon in a very special way. It’s my home town race, or at least it was …..
Now my home is 200 miles away from Chicago. While I love my new hometown, the atmosphere is definitely “Small Town USA” verses a big bustling city. It certainly suits me and my family much better than our stint in IL but I do miss Chicago and the friends I’ve made over the years. So as I run the streets of Chicago on Sunday, I will be filled with mixed emotions as I bid farewell to the city and their beloved marathon.
Everyone keeps asking about my “goals”. Well, my goal for this race has changed A LOT over the course of the summer and thru the lengthy moving process. I took “some” time off running to focus on eating ALL THE FOOD and drinking ALL THE BEER relocation. I just started training at the end of August in an effort to salvage some of the fall marathon season. As a result, I am not strong and fast as I had previously hoped and some might consider me to be quite injured with both feet now in severe stages of Plantar Fasciitis. So I’ve moved from the “kill it” plan to the “finish it” plan. And there you have it, my goal is to finish.
To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t even be in “finish it” shape had it not been for a few long time friends who have selfishly helped me thru the long runs. They’ve been there in the dark with me as I’ve muddled along trying to log miles, rebuild fitness and power up for Chicago. I am getting stronger and I owe a ton of thanks to those ladies and also my hubby for getting my treadmill in the house so I can log miles, even if broken into small chunks. My mojo is returning, I can feel it!
So on Sunday, I do plan to #OWNCHICAGO.
And while I’m busy owning the streets of Chicago, I also plan to give thanks. Not only thanks to those I’ve mentioned above but also to those who have supported me and my journey with the Ronald McDonald House Charities for the last 4 years. I’m going to enjoy the race and be thankful. So many thanks to give!! I’m thankful for my stint in Chicagoland where I developed my love of running. I’m thankful for running because that’s how I developed my love of Chicago. I’m thankful for a family that tolerates my running to the best of their ability. I’m thankful for the desire to run. I’m thankful for the ability to run. I’m thankful to Dr. Alexis for keeping me healthy for so many years so that I could run, even when my body was rebelling! I’m thankful for a lot of things. The list is endless. And that’s what I’ll be focusing on when things get hard. Because marathons are hard. No matter how many I run or what type of shape I’m in at the time.. They are still hard. I’m pretty sure they will ALWAYS be hard.
So if you see me in Chicago this weekend, smile & wave! I may be running. I may be walking. But one thing is for sure, I’ll be thankful to see a friendly face and you can be sure that I’ll be headed for the finish line!
** Giving Thanks ** Amanda – TooTallFritz
TooTallFritz 
I won’t see you in Chicago this final year of yours since I am not signed up, doing Marine Corps coming up and need to get in an 18-20 mile LR…maybe even on Sunday while you are doing the race! It’s a mixed-bag for myself not being in position to run it or even to be involved with working the water stops and cheering runners on. I might have made an effort to get a charity bib (if any were still available) late stage, but the opportunity to get a transfer bib for Marine Corps became available…had to jump on that and adjust that as the next goal.
You know….I have this supreme confidence and faith, in that, despite the desired training and the plantar issues, you will find a way to run that race to your terms…and find a good time in doing it! You are the consummate example of overcoming obstacles and doing the best you can given the circumstances. And don’t forget…I notice you preaching that “believe” mantra in the past…sooooo…believe in yourself that you will run the best you can, and find a great time in doing so!
And regarding that plantar issues in both feet now? Yikes. You know the ropes with the various therapy excercises you use, but find a podiatrist that knows about “Zeel” and try getting an injection. If that doesn’t curb it…then look into “platelet rich plasma” (PRP) treatments. Had podiatrist at Hammond Clinic did a couple of those Zeel injections when I was contending with plantar in R-foot, and that helped with noticeable relief the next day. But it didn’t get rid off it entirely until he did the PRP injection, and in conjunction with the physical therapy routines….goodbye plantar! Also…look into CWC (I think or is it CWX?) that have a compression-like sock with that stretchy thing that pulls foot backwards while sleeping…similarly to the “Strassburg-sock” (SS). But that compression sleeve that goes around foot and extends up the calf has a far better therapeutic effect than the traditional SS. Email me if you still fuzzy or have questions on Zeel or PRP therapy.
Good fortune be with you. I miss running with you! I won’t be there, but I will be there in spirit. “Ride tiger”…that energy that takes you along for the ride…or in other words….it is doing you…you are not doing it! When times get hard or tough…just remember tiger….and one word…believe! That’s my coaching and friend suggestions for you!
There is so much to love about the Chicago Marathon. Good luck! Maybe I’ll see you there!
You will rock it. Time doesn’t matter – you’ll rock it.
I hope you have an epic Chicago marathon and I’ll be cheering you in spirit! I’ll be smiling, cheering, and waving from Florida and I’ll have you in my thoughts during my own race this Sunday. Go get after it!
Good luck Amanda. I’m planning on Spectating but I’m not 100% sure yet. If I’ll be there, I’ll post it on the FNRC group page so you know where! See you in Grand Rapids!
Good luck! I’m leading an Amer Cancer Society Cheer Station just past mile 18 near Ashland & Taylor!
I’ll look for you!!! Message me on SUN and let me know which side of the street.
I hope I see you there! You’ll be easy to find! ❤
Wendy
I know that feeling of not having the ideal training and heading into the race a bit unsure. Resetting goals and managing expectations (like you have) will have you in the right frame of mind. I’m in that same boat after discovering that a run/walk approach was the best way to deal with my shin splints. Feeling very nervous now, but I know I’ll finish.
I’ll be thinking of you!! Stay positive. I’ll definitely be run/walking. Not sure if I need to plan when to start run/walking or go by feel.
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