Run Run Run

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to all the runners who finished the 2008 Chicago Marathon. My mom, dad, Matt, Ethan and I headed out early on Sunday morning to watch the race. We made it just in time to catch the elite athletes at mile 4, which is always incredible to see. We stayed at mile 4 to watch Heather and my cousin, Megan, and then headed over to mile 11 to see them again. They were both looking great and ready to take on the next 15 miles, which they did without hesitation!

Watching the marathon is always so inspirational to me and gets me in the mood to run and puts the idea in my head to do the marathon the following year. While I am not sure I will follow through on signing up for the 2009 marathon, I did get out and run!! I hopped in with Heather at mile 18 and finished the last 8 miles with her.

I admire all the finishers because it was hot out there. While it was gorgeous weather for all the spectators, the weather was less than ideal for all the runners. With temperatures in the low 80's and not a cloud in the sky, it was just too hot to run 26.2 miles!!! I am so proud of both Heather and Megan (who both beat their previous best times) and all the other runners who completed the grueling race! I know a lot of people were disappointed with their times, but you finished a marathon. What a great accomplishment!!! Congratulations!

Here are some more pictures that Matt took during the race!