In essence, this is the run that will show you 1 of 2 things.
You are ready.
Or
You’re not.
Or
You’re not.
As my sister Megan and I walked to the gear check at the dark hour of 5:30 AM on Sunday, Megan turned to me (like any older “I get to pick on you becau
se I’m older” sibling can) and laughed about my excitement (in all likelihood I was probably jumping up and down and shivering from the cold) for the upcoming run. Who gets excited to run 20 miles?Me.
We hid behind the gear check buses awaiting our call to the start line. It was the best effort we could make to break the wind coming off the lake. To say it was brisk would be the nicest way I could put it. At long last, the loud speaker droned through the crowd calling all runners to line up at the start.
Our groups were off, and unlike any other Ready to Run 20 Miler, this one was different. Running in two different pace groups, I knew Megan was somewhere behind me – taking in each step along the lakefront. I found myself watching the sunrise over the water, and the clouds above the horizon appearing almost as if they were painted in long brush strokes over the sky. I swear the city looks its most majestic at dawn.
After about 2 hours and 41 minutes, I crossed the finish line – relieved to have my final “long” run completed before the marathon. I had officially entered taper time! The excitement of the day was not over yet. A few minutes later, Megan crossed the finish line, and we both celebrated entering the final 3 weeks before Marathon Sunday.
We then took some time to relax and enjoy the finish site, South Shore Cultural Center. Runners were able to lay out, enjoying the lawn, and a few decided to take a dip in the lake. Here’s hoping for another perfect day on 10.10.10.
A big congrats to Megan for completing her first 20 mile run! It’s all smooth sailing from here on – well until the gun goes off @ 7:30 on 10.10.10. Hope to see you there!
I know I run like a girl. Try to keep up!
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