My sister Siobhan will be running the Chicago marathon this Sunday. It is her first marathon and she has been training for months. Her dedication is something to behold. I wish I could be there to cheer her on at the finish line. But I will be there in spirit.
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But Siobhan’s only 4…they run marathons that young? Wow.
Go Siobhan! Good for you!!
Having watched marathons at all stages of the race (mile 13, mile 18, mile 10, and then mile 26) I can say, without a doubt, that that is the case. People are still themselves at mile 13. People are no longer themselves at mile 26.
Having covered a few marathons in my day, I completly agree with that also.
What is always amazing, to me, to watch, and what I think truly speaks of a person’s conditioning, is how quickly they recover from the race.
When I was stationed at Fort Huachuca, they had a marathon that was run from Bisbee (the town Charles Manson wants to retire to, if were to ever get out of prison) to Sierra Vista. There were people who finished the race and within an hour of finishing looked as though they were ready to go run another few miles. Then you they guys like a co-worker of mine who also ran the race. Took him a week to fully recover.
Both these guys ran all the time — long distances. The only real difference I can think of is that the first guy ONLY ran. He did very little other kinds of training. My co-worker was active-duty Army and ran, but also did all the other training the Army requires of you. Might have made the difference.
cullen – yes. Amazing. I think it took my friend Liz about 2 days to recover. Liz, correct me if I’m wrong!! She is incredibly fit, and runs every day. It was hell for her – no doubt about it – but within a week she was making plans to start training for her next marathon. hahaha
thanks for the well wishes! no offense, but i chose to not read the last 4 paragraphs of your post–out of fear!! i’m scared of those last six miles! oprah said, “Everybody starts to see Jesus after 20 miles. i don’t care what religion you are, you start to see Jesus!” i know i can do 20. i know i got a little delusional around mile 18. so hopefully i don’t turn full-on ca-ra-zee by 26. scared. but hopefully ready.
Oh Sheila…how wonderful to read this! Yes, within a couple of days I was starting to recover but it really takes awhile until the body truly heals. The “experts” actually don’t recommend any heavy running for about a month after a marathon (no races, no long runs). But most runners in my experience are itching to get out within the first week of recovery to just get moving again. Your piece here brought me back to the excitement of my two marathon runnings – I wanted to run this year but instead will be in Florida on marathon day at a wedding, probably drinking wine and munching on appetizers as the runners cross the finish..lol…
Go Siobhan! Enjoy the run and let your training do the work…crossing the finish line will be the greatest reward!
I have to respond to Siobhan…it is so natural to be afraid (and excited, which is probably more accurate to what you’re feeling.) Yes, you do start to get a little “delusional” as the miles pile on, but just stay focused and you WILL get through the last six, no sorry, 6.2 miles…I know when I got to the 20 mile mark I told myself I was starting a new race, the other 20 miles were history, and all I had to do was get through the last 6.2…I know that although I was physically exhausted by that point, there was NO WAY, after all the training I had done, that I was going to give up…so use your mind, talk to yourself, and you will finish strong and happy. I’m so excited for you!
siobhan – you’ll do great. even if you go ca-ray-zee. You’ll bounce back to sanity in no time.
will Niki be there at the finish line? she’s not running, right?
I wish you the best, siobhan, and can only imagine you doing well.
thanks liz. that is great advice!
niki will be there at the finish line. and throughout. her knee got busted so she can’t run it.
i am realizing i may be in chicago for a potential (let’s hope) game five, in chicago! maybe johnny d. will come and cheer me on before the game.
siobhan – hahaha I know – I thought of that, actually.
Maybe you should call cousin Mike and have him tell Johnny he HAS to be there.
OHMIGOD. okay, if i am at mile 20, and i look in the crowds and i saw JOHNNY DAMON cheering for me??? i would lose my mind. i would run so fast! i would feel no pain.
Go Siobhan!!! You’ve got cheering sections in, like, five time zones!
Good luck Siobhan!! My wife and I have our first marathon in three weeks down here in DC. And, yeah, I am totally afraid of those last six miles.
siobhan – hahahaha
Johnny – Please go stand at mile 20. It’s imperative.
It’s the least Johnny could do for you!!!
Especially cause it would make her “run so fast”. Folks! Who is that ca-ra-zee woman with permanent marker running like a bat out of hell???” “Well, Biff, the only time we’ve seen anything like that at mile 20 of a marathon is when Damon is in the crowd…”
beth – permanent marker – hahahaha!
I told you, I am a bit obsessed. Four times more.
what about if u saw me at mile 20???
mitchell – if you’re up for it, i can get the information and relay the message to siobhan that you’ll be there so you can keep your eye out. I am pretty sure she won’t check email before then.
I have got to tell you about the massage I just had. I’ll call you.