Kelly made it into the Chicago Marathon – I didn’t. And you know what, I wasn’t sad about it.
For a while now I’ve thought about taking a break from running marathon races. I don’t mind training the marathon distance, but I’ve found the actual race has been mentally taxing. A break was most definitely in order.
Anyway, this post isn’t about me and my racing mental health. It’s about Kelly running the Chicago Marathon – his 49th marathon.
The Chicago runner’s Expo was one of the largest we’d ever seen.
All runners have one…
What a cool way to visualize the course.
We met up with other runners for dinner, thanks to our host and organizer James.
Race morning didn’t start bright and early. The race is so large,the corral waves mean some runners don’t get going until late morning. Fortunately Kelly was in an early corral.
The weather was cool, but also drizzly. Ugh for spectators.
One of my favorite things about big races – and Chicago is one of the Big Five – is watching the elite field. Their running is so effortless, it’s a joy to see them own the course.
And then, a little later (ok, more than a little) along came Kelly.
Because of the design, I wasn’t able to see him again until the end of the race. He was tired but happy.
And, of course, he didn’t take his medal off the whole time we stayed in Chicago!
