I had to work really hard not to be incredibly jealous in the days leading up to the Chicago Marathon. The forecast for Sunday called for perfect running weather, and I was kicking myself for putting the kabash on training this year. But I had plans to spend all day around Mile 23 — vowing to hang around for the End of Race Vehicle and even the runners behind it.
Come Sunday, I did just that. I was actually surprised by the number of spectators by my side during the morning hours. It was nothing like the Mile 23 that I remembered from the years I’d run the Chicago Marathon. But as time went on, the crowds faded away. And that’s when my cheers got louder. I yelled like crazy, especially for the back of the pack, and was inspired by watching people of all shapes and sizes run past at all speeds. I ran with a few friends for a while, and just enjoyed my day.
This picture sums my experience up pretty well.
You bet I am.
I had a blast making eye contact with struggling runners and yelling things like, “You’ve got this!” or “You are so strong!” A few women even blew kisses at me in gratitude. And you know what? I wasn’t even sad I wasn’t running. This is how I was meant to spend the marathon this year. It was perfect.
Do you like to cheer at races? What’s the best sign you’ve ever made or seen?
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You are such a great spectator! Don’t you want to come to San Fran to cheer me on at the Nike half?!
Betsy recently posted..Taper Madness
Of course! You can mail me a ticket.
Nike was the first marathon I completed in 2008!
I camped out at the “800m to go” mark for about an hour. I watched people break down in tears as they realized that they were definitely going to finish, and I cried right along with them!
Awwww. Amazing!
Great sign! Thanks for cheering us on!
Pete B recently posted..Chicago Marathon Recap
Awesome.
You have been unwittingly cheering on some other perfect strangers – my sister was recently diagnosed with colitis and has just gotten out of the hospital after having almost lost her colon from a really bad flare. Finding your site has been such a gift. And, I’m a runner in the Chicago area, so I hope I run into sometime soon!
Katherine recently posted..Disciple Aggressiveness and Other Spiritual Gifts
Thank you for your kind words, Katherine. They mean so much — and they’re the reason I write about my disease. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you ever have questions or just need someone who “gets” it. And tell your sister the same!
I love cheering at races! It is just as fun as running!
Maggie recently posted..Race Report: Chicago Marathon!
Let me preface this by saying that I’m feeling a bit emotional today – but this blog post made me tear up! That sounds like an amazing experience. I can’t imagine how grateful I’d be to run by someone like you in a race. Or walk by them on the way to class. I’m extremely grateful in simply passing this post. <3
Rachel Meeks recently posted..Diagnosis
You are too sweet.
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As someone who saw you and your sign on Sunday, I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU! By mile 23 or so, I needed every cheer and sign there to make it to the end. I’ve been reading your blog (as well as Alli’s) for a few months now, and as another ibd’er you both inspire me so much with all you do as people, advocates for the ibd community, and runners, so when I was in great pain Sunday it was so great to see you and remember that marathon pain is a good thing (mostly).
Thank you for inspiring me to finish my first marathon though we’ve never met.
Thank you for all you do for those with Crohn’s and UC.
Lastly, thank you again for being out there on Sunday.
You rock!!