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Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Chicago: Two Days After

Thanks again to everyone for your comments and your concern -- it really is touching how many of you care about me. In general, I'm touched by how many people have been inquiring into how I did on the race and how I'm feeling (in all regards): my friends, my family, my colleagues, my running group coach and fellow group runners, even students have been calling, dropping by and emailing to see how I am -- so even though it was a rough race, it has helped remind me what a large network of supporters I have, and that's very valuable.

Today, I am still feeling a bit out of sorts -- lingering headache and some slight vertigo (which is also the result of flying -- I am very sensitive to motion sickness and I usually feel a plane or boat ride for days after I'm done with it) -- and while I considered using a sick day for today, I decided that ultimately I have too much to do at work and too many students to catch up with, so here I am -- at school like a good little soldier.

Certainly, in retrospect, there are things I would have done differently (brought a fuel belt), and there are things I think race coordinators could have done differently (anticipate that hot runners will take more than one glass of water), but in the end, this was a unique race day and no one could have fully understood beforehand what would happen. So I'm not bitter about the experience. It was a disappointment, of course, (I mean, if I think about the money, time, and effort that I spent on this singular race I get a bit down) but ultimately focusing on what is now the past is rather fruitless.

As I said yesterday, I'll learn from the event (and I hope other runners, coaches, and race organizers do as well) and I'll apply that knowledge to my future running. For now, I don't see a marathon in the near future, but I was thinking that pre-Chicago. I think I'll focus on some smaller events and races and just see what happens. Specifically, I'd like to work on a PR for a 5K and I'd like to complete a half marathon, so those goals are now what I'm beginning to think about.

Anyway, I still want to post pictures of the race and from our trip (plus, I do have lots to tell you about the trip overall -- which was great BTW), so I'll post again soon to provide you with some lighter material. Until then, congrats to all of those who were able to finish Chicago, and congrats to all of those who gave it their best shot! And lastly, thanks again for all of your emails, comments, and calls -- it has been wonderful!

21 comments:

Wes said...

Glad to hear you are recovering well! It's such a shame, but duty doth call! No rest for the weary :-)

Amy said...

Oh c'mon...you know you want to come run a marathon in Dallas this December!!!
Ok, that was selfish. I totally understand where you're coming from...

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed at your outlook today after such a disappointing experience on Sunday. I can only imagine how difficult it was to feel so rotten so early, find no water, barfing and having to exit into the medical tent.

The people of Chicago were so helpful. I think they were more stunned watching the runners than we were ourselves.

You have a great marathon (plus other races) still in your grasp. If you come to run the Des Moines Marathon, Amy and I will treat you like a queen--or princess--or goddess--or rockstar--or something.

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. You're a true runner. We're glad you're okay. Take care of yourself.

Tom

ws said...

glad to see you are doing well...vertigo sucks. don't try to swim.

I've been vacilating on the fuel belt, but I think I'll deal with the extra weight and wear it now.

soldier on, Jess. soldier on.

(and should you decide December 1st is a good day to get the 5K PR, let me know - and let me know what the PR needs to be so I can let you know if I can pace...)

My Life said...

Jess - I'm so sorry this marathon expereince was such crap for you all.... what an insane day for a marathon.

I'm glad you're okay (heat exhaustion - scary!)... and I hope your spirits recover as well.

You've got a mass of cheerleaders out here ready to cheer you on - whatever the next step may be!

Laura N said...

Your attitude really reflects what a superb person your are. I'm glad you were smart and chose to get help rather than just keep pushing through at the race. Best of luck getting back to normal this week.

SavvyFitChica said...

I read both blogs today and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better about the whole experience. You're very lucky that you listened to your body and stopped when you did. I think it shows that you're one smart cookie!
KelsaLynn

MNFirefly said...

I am glad that you are slowly starting to feel normal. Take it easy this week.

Marcy said...

Awesome attitude chica! I'm glad that the weekend was good otherwise. I'm looking forward to those pics. Hopefully they'll be plenty o nude drink people LOL

Marcy said...

Excuse me "drunk"

Unknown said...

Add me to the ranks of those that at glad you are all right and home safe! There is a half up here in February that I am running (my first)... it should be nice and cool... you know, if you couldn't find one in the zillions of races down there. :)

Neese said...

awww you're the best blogger ever!

keith said...

Good job despite it all, Jess. You're a trooper. It's awesome to see that you're working on goals for the near future. I'll definitely stay tuned.

Jess said...

So glad to hear that you are okay. I was worried when I heard about the dangerous conditions at the race. Bummer the conditions were what they were and you couldn't finish.

It was great to read that you stopped at the medical tent. I think a lot of us would have been so determined to push on that we might not have and then ended up in a bad spot.

It's definitely disappointing not to finish, but I'm so glad to hear that you are okay and recovering well.

Mendy said...

Jess, you have such a great and positive attitude towards what happened in Chicago, that so many people can learn from. I'm very impressed.

I'm also glad you're recovering well, and starting to feel better. I can't imaging going through the heat exhaustion you experienced.

As far as the racing goes, you'll knock it out of the park next time whatever length of race you decide to choose.

David and myself (and maybe talking Tiffany into it) are going to do Myrtle Beach Half Mary. It's in SC (if you didn't know where MB was), in Feb, and it's FLAT. I did it this year, and a great race overall. I think we're getting a beach house for it too... just a FYI..... :-) You're more than welcomed to come join us.

J~Mom said...

Jess I am so happy that you are recovering and that you have a positive outlook about the whole experience. We will be cheering for you no matter what distance the race.

Anonymous said...

Jess, I am glad you are ok. I had the same experience you did at the Twin Cities marathon....my first DNF and heat exhaustion too. But it wasn't hot enough to close the course but 3000 of us dropped out of the 10500 that entered. I am glad you are fine, I am too but it really sucks to spend the money, time and have a dnf. Like you said, learn from it and go on. Good luck to you!!
Beth in Iowa

miss petite america said...

great attitude sister. i'd probably still be bitter and sad. but you're much more mature :)

Grandma said...

you sound good and upbeat! do take care!

L*I*S*A said...

You rock, and it was a pleasure sharing some of the course with you.

By any chance could you email me the pic of the two of us at the fountain? :) I'd love to add it to my blog.

Hope you decide to do another mary someday, but if not, enjoy the other races...running is for fun, not work. You have the right attitude.

Anonymous said...

Souns like you have a great attitude about everything that happened. Good luck with whatever you decide to do next!