Chicago Bound!

I've been researching the Chicago Marathon for a while, but hadn't fully convinced myself to sign up.  Sadly, I am kind of a "bandwagon" runner and need people to encourage and ask me to join them for races.  I don't think I would ever run a race by myself. Do I have to always run with someone side by side? No.  But knowing I am going to see some of my friends after I cross the finish line is motivation enough. 

So, when my friend Liza sent out a group email asking who was going to run Chicago I took that as my sign that I needed to register!  Registration opened for the race on February 1st.  I signed up February 5th and the race sold out on February 6th.  WOW!  6 days and the race was sold out.  I squeaked getting in the race by one day. I took that as a positive sign. So, October 7th I will officially be running my second marathon.

I was beyond excited to find out 5 of my runner friends will be running as well.  These are the crazy people that will be joining me on this adventure...

Erik and Michelle (Team K), Vi, Ben, and Liza

These 5 friends are seasoned runners who are amazingly strong mentally and physically.  They all motivate me and I can't wait to run with them (well actually, far behind them b/c I'm the slowest of the bunch.. but that's ok!)

I have even persuaded my awesome husband to join us on this trip!  He will be on the sidelines to cheer us on and thinking about how "crazy" we are to actually want to run that far.  He still doesn't understand the whole distance running fascination.

So, we are going to make it an early 1 year anniversary trip!  We are going to spend a few days before the race touring Chicago and seeing the sights.  We realized that the only vacations we have ever been to tropical places.  There are SO many places that we want to see so this is step 1 in broadening our traveling horizons.  

I sure am starting the new year off with a bang!

2 months until my first full marathon and 233 days until my second!

  

Sweaty Hugs and Sweaty Pictures

I love hugs.  I love giving them.  I love receiving them.  As a teacher I think this is a positive thing because I am bombarded with students daily who want to give me hugs.  Hugs are an aspect of my job that I will never get tired of.

I love hugging my husband.  Nothing makes me feel more secure than being in his arms. There is one time that I won't even let him touch me though.  That time is... after a race or long run.  I sweat..... A LOT, and the idea of having him touch or hug me while I am all sweaty just bothers me.  I know he loves me unconditionally (sweat and all) but for some reason I cannot get over this.  The second I get home from running I am hopping in the shower.

But somehow one of the traditions we (race friends) have is to take pre and post race pictures. During these pictures we are shoulder to shoulder and have our arms around each other. You would think that hugging fellow sweaty running buddies would be an issue for me but no... I love it!  I love our picture time at races.  13.1 mile run and sweat just dripping off your body.. perfect time for a picture!! Maybe I am still on my "runner's high" and it hasn't sunk in how disgusting I look on the outside.  Whatever it is, I love it. After a race it is fun walking around to see what running friends you can find.  You always greet them with a sweaty hug.  It's normal and completely acceptable!

Looking back at my pictures I noticed that I have quite a few "sweaty" post race pictures. Here are some of my favorites.  I have saved a few of my absolute favorites to share for my next blog and you will hear why...!