Ever since my injury, the Illinois Marathon was forgotten.  My training stopped but my training partner, Jason continued.  When the race weekend came upon us, I decided I had better go and get my swag bag.  I think I paid $80 or so for the entry, I wanted to get something out of it.  I thought I would tag along.

I had Friday off of work and was doing my normal training.  I ran 5 on the treadmill.  Not even thinking of the marathon.  

Jason was picking me up at 2:00 to head over to Champaign for the expo.  As he arrived I was still packing.  I told him I was thinking of doing the half.  I packed my shoes!

Hmmmm.  13.1 mile how hard can it be?  I am still in pretty decent shape for early season and didn’t think twice about it.  In the back of my mind I was thinking that my 5 miles on the treadmill today was the longest run I have been on for months.  I think it was one of those things were your mind and your body probably don’t agree.

We arrived at the expo.  It was not as big as I expected.  I have only been to the St. Louis Marathon and they have a pretty good size expo with lots of free samples and swag.  Needless to say we were in and out of the expo in under a half hour.

We then headed back to Monticello for dinner and some shut eye.

I didn’t sleep a wink.  You would have thought I was racing or something…  5:30 am rolled around too quick.  We showered, got dressed and headed to McDonalds to pick up the largest coffee ever.  You do not have too many option in Monticello…

We made it to the parking lot and I started getting ready.  I pinned my number on and then went to put my chip on.  What? No zip tie?  Neither Jason or I had gotten one in the packet.  Hmmm…   My shoes were knotted and had lace locks on them.  I could not lace the chip.  I ended up putting it under the laces hoping it would stay.  I just wanted to see the volunteers try to recover all of the chips!

I took off for the portapoddy, wishing Jason the best of luck.

I stood next to the 4:00 hr pacer, thinking I should be able to keep a 9:00 minute pace for the half.  The start was crowded, and actually helped me keep warm while waiting in the 34 degree temp.

The race started and it probably took 2-3 minutes to clear the start line I think..  I couldn’t find the start clock, and I don’t think there was one…  The race never seemed to thin out.  I kept waiting and waiting but even at mile 5 when we merged onto a bike path, it was still congested.

At mile 7 I took two Gu and a bottle of water.  I felt pretty good, but couldn’t wait to split off from the group at mile 10.

At the split, the course was still crowed, but manageable.   I thought I would speed up a little, the race was getting too me, and my legs wanted to run!  I felt a little odd,  I had number 170, it was blue and said “marathon.”  I was now on the half marathon course.  Everyone elses number were orange and in the thousands.

I made my way back to the Memorial Stadium.  Tons and tons of people were cheering.  I didn’t get to feel that “marathon high” and felt kind of sad that I couldn’t be out there suffering with Jason.  A tear to my eye…

I entered the stadium,  a sensory overload!  The field was sooooo green.  The music was sooooo loud.  I ran 100 yards down the side line, and then back to the 50 yard line for the finish.  1:55:04.  That was a cool finish!

The race was over for me.  I felt good and my feet held up.  I then headed back to the car to change and go take some photos of my sister Kim and Jason.

I caught up with them at mile 23 and at the finish.  Kim was in front of Jason.  She was flying and looked to be pretty strong. Jason was suffering, but still running holding on to Leah Hultcher’s wheel.

Kim finished in 3:39, qualifying for Boston.  Why to go Kim,  so proud of you!  Jason finished with a very respectable 3:47.

Several others from Springfield also finish the 13.1, and 26.2 course.  Congratulations to all.  A job well done!