Chicago Marathon Conquered: Part 2, The Race

Running — 13 October 2011

I was all prepared to write a long recap of my experience running the Chicago Marathon complete with pretty pictures and cool captions – sort of like Part 1; then I decided that a video would tell the story better.

So I made one.

And, I think it does.

You can see for yourself.

If you couldn’t tell from the big ~~cheesy~~ ~~ass~~ smile on my face I felt great throughout the race – especially at the end.

I started the Chicago Marathon at around 7:50 a.m; 5 hours, 38 minutes and 50 seconds later I crossed the finish line. I began conservatively, doing 2:1 intervals like I trained. Around mile 11 I gradually picked up the pace and pretty much had negative splits the rest of the way. I felt so good at the end I dropped the intervals and ran my fastest pace of the race. I finished strong. I love that.

I appreciate everyone who cheered me on in real life, online and during the race – I couldn’t help myself, I had to tweet a little bit. I run with the most wonderful training group, Get Fit Atlanta, and I’m so grateful for who they are and all they do.

Marathon #2 is in the books. Chicago has been conquered. I’m going to revel in that for a little while; then it’s time to figure out what’s next …

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About Author

Wifey

Lorraine "Wifey" Robertson is a wife, mother, writer, author, and runner trying to keep things simple, sexy and sane. She recently lost more than 25 pounds and ran her second marathon - the Chicago Marathon.

(29) Readers Comments

Anne
October 13, 2011 at 11:38 am

Congrats on a strong finish! You rocked that 2nd marathon

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:46 pm
  
  Thanks, Anne! I’m still smiling.
  
  Reply
Tiffany
October 13, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Congratulations..amazing and admirable accomplishments! I’m so inspired!

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:47 pm
  
  I appreciate it, Tiffany!
  
  Reply
Georgette Mayo
October 13, 2011 at 12:24 pm

Wonderful video! Watching it brought tears of joy and happiness seeing you obtain your goal! What an inspiration for a beginning runner:)

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:48 pm
  
  Thanks, Georgette! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. Wishing you the best as you begin running – enjoy!
  
  Reply
Melissa D.
October 13, 2011 at 12:43 pm

Lorraine, you looked amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this event. I’m planning on running my first 1/2 marathon next spring as part of the DeterminNation team. I can’t visualize me running 26.2 miles just yet but you give me hope if you just believe!!! You look so refreshed!

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:52 pm
  
  DetermiNation was great! I hope you enjoy the process, too! I appreciate your kind words and look forward to hearing about your journey.
  
  Reply
K. Rock
October 13, 2011 at 1:14 pm

OK so your recap made me smile! Mostly because you had a smile on your face through the whole race. Great job and congratulations on the accomplishment.

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:53 pm
  
  Thanks, K. Rock! I was so cheesy! LOL! But it was fun.
  
  Reply
Yvette
October 13, 2011 at 2:25 pm

AWESOME!!!!!!

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:53 pm
  
  Thanks, Yvette!
  
  Reply
Sandy
October 13, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Congrats!! You have given me such inspiration as I strive to improve my running ability. I never even considered doing a marathon because I thought it would be impossible for me to run 26 miles. Who knew that doing intervals of running/walking was acceptable??? I certainly never did. I was always under the assumption that you had to RUN the entire route!! Wow!

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:56 pm
  
  You’re so welcome! And, yes … walking is perfectly fine and acceptable. You have to do what’s best for you. I plan my walk breaks – many runners just run then start walking once they burn out. At some point walking is involved – its how much and the approach that varies. You should check out Jeff Galloway’s site for more info and motivation about intervals. I love them for long runs, and like to run straight for shorter mileage.
  
  Reply
marlene
October 13, 2011 at 6:05 pm

I love the video, GREAT idea! Congratulations again. What a great feeling to finish STRONG!

Reply
- Wifey
  October 13, 2011 at 8:57 pm
  
  Thanks, Marlene! It was AMAZING.
  
  Reply
Terri
October 13, 2011 at 10:12 pm

You looked awesome and so strong! Congratulations. Brought tears of joy to my eyes too!

Reply
JenniferG-Hip As I Wanna Be
October 14, 2011 at 10:24 am

So excited for you! And I love, love, love how you captured it! I tweet and Instagram stalked you through the whole journey… you are a great inspiration!! Woo hoo!

Reply
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Laurie
October 15, 2011 at 1:51 am

Fantastic! How inspiring. Thank you for doing this for US!

Reply
Krystal Grant
October 15, 2011 at 2:33 am

Yay! Wifey. Great Video. Keep running!

Reply
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