Whatta Marathon Day!

Purely from a spectator's viewpoint!

First of all the sunrise was amazing, but warned us of the upcoming heat.  If the marathon had heated up 1 more degree, they would have cancelled it.  It was the largest "no show" for the Chicago Marathon because it was 20 degrees hotter than ideal marathon weather.   45,000 people signed up, and there was still amazingly crazy people all over the place - 1.5 million spectators, of which were:  Gary and I, Greg Fisher, Diane, Angie & Jeannette Fisher, friend Carly, and Grant Heugel!  

Amber was registered for the marathon, but because of her crazy-busy PA schedule, she had to postpone running because she can't run as a "full time job" to train.  She DID run the first 10 miles of the Chicago Marathon, though, and did an amazing job, then joined us with the spectators!

Our group braved the heat and were up early and ready to go.  Although not without incident, everyone finished the marathon!   They were AMAZING -- I am so proud of each and every one of them!  Being at the finish was NOT without tears of joy and victory!  Our amazing marathoner highlights:

Hannah and Christa -- They ran with Bethany up to mile 21, but then Bethany wanted them to go ahead so she could slow her pace since she was beginning to feel the heat.  Hannah and Christa crossed together.

Bethany -- Bethany finished right behind the girls and called me from someone's phone to find me.  I couldn't believe how amazing she sounded, but on her way to meet up with us, she started to "white out" and see white in front of her and her pulse dropped to a scary-low level.  She happened to literally stumble onto a Doctor who helped her along with several people.  They called the ambulance because of her dangerously low pulse, but after some Gatorade and a while recuperating, Bethany insisted on getting up and going back to the hotel herself.

Jesse -- Jesse ran an incredible marathon, breaking all his marathon records and in keeping with the time he was shooting for up to the 30K.  Then heat exhaustion took over, and he got extremely sick and began to dehydrate (as is common in runners over 6 feet), and the knee injury he sustained in football kicked in.  His determination brought him across the finish line, but he sports a knee as large as a grapefruit and a doctor's appointment this week!

Shalene -- Shalene persistently and determinedly pressed forward, feeling the pain but well trained enough to keep going.  Although the heat began to get to her, her Mom jumped in at about mile 21 and with shoes too small (borrowed from Jeannette), and with her jean capris on, ran in with Shalene to the finish.  

Mike Moon -- Mike pressed through incredible calf cramps, but kept going right to the finish line!  His first half of the marathon was amazing, and the second half slowed him down, but he never gave in and never gave up!

Gabe Bahlhorn -- Gabe amazingly pressed through to the finish too,  although he wrestled with feeling the effects of the heat.  He ran by us with smiles and cheers at the onset before the sun began blazing.  After that, his determination took over until the finished!

It was an incredible event to be a part of.  Pictures coming soon!