A marathon to Remember-

I am alive and not injured!!! That is the big news here! I am sure that you have all heard the news about the Chicago Marathon and all the sick and injured runners. It was a surreal experience. I first have to thank Megan for coming out and being my go-to gal for the run. Without her I would not have been able to survive and make it home safely. The marathon officials keep claiming that they had water and Gatorade-- LIES -- BIG FAT LIES!!!! My experience was that water was available at the first hydration station- the next two stops were out- in fact the volunteers had folded up the tables and were very sorry and scrambling to make sense of it all. What I saw in the next two hours I will never forget. I saw marathon runners going in to a 7-11 to buy anything liquid, I saw runners accept half consumed beverages that a stranger offered to one in need, I saw desperate runners drink any water they could find-- even drinking out of a decorative fountain in front of an apartment building, I saw men and women simply collapse from heat exhaustion while running, I saw people rushing to help complete strangers, I saw spectators going into stores to buy anything they could to help runners, I saw homeowners turn their garden hoses into a cooling device, and most importantly I saw that I am not a quitter. I ran and then walked until the police told me I couldn't go anymore at mile 16.5. It was hard to give up and admit that the weather conditions had gotten the best of me. Training for months and months was not enought for the soaring temperatures and lack of hydration. In my opinion I could have finished it if I would have had water and gatorade as needed. I personally become dehydrated in the first 8 miles and then was never able to fully recover. My medal is lying on my dresser and I indecisve on what to do with it. Originally I planned on having it framed with my finish line photo so that I could display it on my wall. One side of me wants to simply put in a drawer with other forgotten memorabilia-- another thinks I should still frame it as a testament to the human spirit that endured during the race. I will run a marathon-- not sure when or where--- but I will.

I want to share this email I received from one of my Team in Training coaches-- it really brings to a head part of the experience.... one which will go down in history.

From Val on the West team. I thought this was awesome. Q. When is a marathon, not a marathon? A. When they make you stop running at mile 16! Well, if last year's Chicago Marathon wasaffectionately referred to by me as the "ass-freezer," thenthis one was definitely the "ass-melter." Yes it was hot, andI foolishly ran too fast for the first 3 miles. So I wasreally forced to take it easier thereafter. I was trying sohard to concentrate on running and staying hydrated, that Ididn't really get to enjoy the sights and sounds out on thecourse like I had hoped. There was no water to be had in Lincoln Park, so Iheaded off the course to the Conservatory and got some from afountain. After rejoining the race, I saw runners buying theirown drinks at a gas station! I mean, who brings money to amarathon? A low point for me was picking a dirty cup off theground and getting some gatorade poured into it at a waterstation.

Unfortunately, I saw full medical tents, runners collapsed on curbs, in gutters and leaning up against trees,and heard emergency sirens everywhere. Garbage everywhere. Chicago looked like a war zone. How could this be my city? But the happiness always has to outweigh the sadness. Highlights of my morning included a fellow runner, some guy I didn't know, cracking open a bottle of water and offering me the first drink. I splashed in a fountain at a condo near Addison and Lake Shore Drive. My biggest supporters, my family stood proudly by cheering...a sight for my sore eyes! My TNT triathalon coach John handing me a bottle of water at mile 8 and running with me. I refilled that bottle whenever I got the chance. It really saved me. Aahh, then running thru the very exclusive hoods of Lincoln Park with a guy dressed as part of the male anatomy..."Mr. Testicles." He was anatomically correct and being near him encouraged me to move a little faster as I did not want to be part of a photo opp with this guy. And I was touched by the kindness of my fellow runners and the spectators doing everything from sharing, stopping to help, buying us drinks, squirting us, handing out ice, lending a hand at the overwhelmed water stations, and of course cheering. Yes...THIS IS MY CITY!

The journey ended abruptly on Jackson when officials told us the race was cancelled. Warm bottled water was handed out and we walked to Grant Park all the while in sadness and>silence being sprayed with firehoses. A disappointment, yes. I missed my favorite neighborhoods, my family awaiting me in Pilsen and the glory of crossing the finish line. But to keep things in perspective, especially coming from Team in Training);

Things don't always turn out like you plan.People get cancer. People battle bravely and still die. Some go into remission and then lose remission. Some go into remission and suffer secondary cancers and other ills from chemo and radiation. And sometimes marathons get cancelled. I could think of a million things worse than that, and so could you. Happiness is a choice. I choose happiness.

There isalways next year. Even though I said this was my lastmarathon, it wasn't really a marathon. So, on a technicality,I may have to run one more marathon with TNT, to fundraise andhonor the people that did not chose their marathon...cancer. Thanks for supporting me through this abbreviatedjourney. As the diehard Chicagoan that I am....I tell you,"We'll get 'em next year!" Thanks for all of your support in the fight againstblood and bone marrow cancers. I deeply appreciate it. Love, Val


I really like what Val had to say-- I think of some loved ones the have lost their battles with cancer- and I realize that I need to choose Happiness too- and that I am very lucky to have had this experience.