CM Diary - October 12, 2007 (Final)

Entry 22: October 12, 2007



The 30th Anniversary LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon – or Bake-a-thon – is now history. When I wrote, “… we (could) all bake on an asphalt frying pan” in my first diary entry on April 11, I never thought we would actually experience that.

I’m a few days later than normal getting this diary entry published because, probably like you, I’ve been trying to get my arms around my emotions and put the race day in proper perspective. On race day I dealt with anticipation, anxiety, nervousness, exhilaration, excitement, worry, fatigue, desperation, anger, confusion, determination, frustration, disappointment, appreciation, sympathy, sadness, joy, pride, and relief pretty much in that order. Marathons are designed to stretch us physically, but this one also stretched us emotionally.

I was able to stay on my goal pace (4:22 - 4:30) pace for the first 10 miles and ran the first 14 miles before I succumbed to the heat and had to walk. I was so happy to see my family the first time at the 20K mark and they were even happier and more relieved to see me. I guess my wife and kids saw a runner go mad just before I arrived. He was running erratically, grabbed and shook a spectator and hit a female runner before cops were able to get him to an ambulance. I saw them again at the UIC campus. I remember thinking, ‘Just one more mile to our rendezvous point,’ and that kept me going.

I ran/walked miles 14 to 19 before the race was cancelled and we had to walk. I was fortunate to be one of the runners who was able to complete the entire 26.2 miles. Since this was my first marathon, despite the slow time, I have a PR. But, I'm virtually guaranteed a new PR for my next marathon. There’s a good thing to be said about getting the worst one out of the way early. And yes, I will run another marathon. In fact, I’ve signed up to run the Grand Rapids Marathon on October 28.

It’s a given…we’re all disappointed with our time. I’m trying to focus on the fact that 20 months ago I was 305 pounds and morbidly obese. For someone with that history, 5:26:54 (12:28 pace) isn't a bad time even on a good day and especially considering I had to walk the last 10K. I’m hoping that at the GRM the weather will cooperate and I’ll be able to run a time that more closely resembles what I know I can do.

We all have our stories about our experiences with the aid stations and with the race closure. I’ve seen the videos, read the blogs and heard the stories of people’s experiences. I’m trying not to get wrapped up in the drama. Diary writer Kathy e-mailed me this week reminding me that after 24 consecutive Chicago Marathons, this one was a fluke and not to be so discouraged that I never run another. That e-mail and ones from other marathon veterans in PR Training have really helped put things in perspective.

The true heroes of the day were the spectators and volunteers who stuck it out in the same heat we faced. I did not see any of them become cross or mean. They handled the stress exceptionally well. Kudos to the great citizens of Chicago!

After a few days to think about it, I’ve come to this conclusion. Yes, we are all disappointed and frustrated and possibly even still angry. We have the natural tendency to focus on the what-should-have-happened and lose sight of what did happen. I can spend my energy complaining, but in the end, that accomplishes nothing. I’m choosing to focus on the positive and not dwell on the negative. I did my best. I ran well the first half of the race, and I met my two most important goals – finish and have fun. I can say I participated in a historic race. I will be able to tell my grandchildren about how I ran in the famous 2007 Chicago Marathon.

Of course, part of me feels like I’ve spent 18+ weeks climbing Mt. Everest just to find out the view from the top stinks. I’ve asked myself, “Was it worth it?” And yes it was! The race is just the final culmination of a long journey. During this journey I have gotten fitter, stronger and healthier and made friends along the way. I’ve proven that I can do more than I ever thought possible. Sure, I wish my first marathon had gone differently. But I did the best I could with the cards I was dealt. I have no regrets. I did defeat the beast called a marathon, but the monster turned out this year to be much bigger and stronger than anyone could have imagined.

I’m sure I express the heart of all the runners by extending my sympathy and condolences to the Schieber family. You are in our prayers.

I offer special thanks to the kind people at Bunnell High School in Stratford, CT that allowed me to train on their track while I was on my business trip last week.

This is my last diary entry. Thanks again to those who have read my journey. I guess the only thing left to do is roll the credits.

My most sincere thanks to all of the following people who have helped change my life these past 20 months:

Dr. Mark King, my PCP, who took great care of me when I had all my health problems and loved me enough to recommend the weight loss program.

The staff of Lutheran Weight Management: Marcia, Abigail, Joanne, Katie, Ashley, Dr. M., Dr. K., Michelle, Pam, Dorcas, Susan, Jodie, and so many more who encourage me and so many others to lose weight and get healthy. You are all lifesavers … thanks for saving mine.

Coach Tammy Behrens who took this scared, unathletic guy in January and educated, encouraged and trained him to be a confident runner. You encourage me to dream big and set high goals and you believe in me every step of the way.

All my PR Training friends who never look down on me because I’m not as fast, who motivate me to keep going and who have made running fun.

My triathlete buddies Mark Lulling and Bruce Gardner (who recently completed his first ironman) who inspire me to be my best and prove that amazing athletic feats are not reserved just for the young.

My physical therapist Jamie Gordon and massage therapists Tom Seifert and Stephen Grogg who educated, tugged and pulled my sore body back into good health.

Tamrin, Stephanie, Liz and Marianne, the Chicago Marathon webmasters, and the staff and directors of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon who gave me the opportunity to share my story these past nine months. This has been a fun experience. Many times knowing I would have to come clean before you readers helped me decide to lace up the shoes instead of staying asleep. Thank you.

Fellow diary writers Jessica, Allison, Kathy, Joey, and Jim whose stories and courage have inspired me. The photo is of Allison and me at the Expo.

The awesome spectators and volunteers who braved the heat with us and never wavered in their support. Your energy helped propel us toward the finish.

My family, friends and co-workers who encouraged me along the way.

My children, Stephen, Amy and Heather, who sacrificed not having dad around a lot on Saturday mornings so I could get my long runs in, who had to put up with my smelly clothes, whose love and encouragement for me never tired, who ran and biked with me, who traveled hours and dealt with huge crowds just to see me run for only a few minutes, and whose faces seemed to beam brighter than mine whenever I succeed. I love you so much.

But my biggest praise, love and thanks go to my wife Liz who prayed for two-three years that I would eventually do something about my health. We are all amazed at how God answered that prayer. Thank you for encouraging me in my weight loss and my running. Thank you for all the many sacrifices you have made so that I could train. You are an awesome woman and I am so blessed to have you for my wife.

Until next time, remember that success comes …

One step at a time,
Dave