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October 13, 2008
I'm a poser
2008 Chicago Marathon, originally uploaded by achurin.
I rolled out of bed about 9 am yesterday, to the realization that the Chicago Marathon was taking place right outside my door. I love the Chicago Marathon - it's great. But it's also nearly impossible for a person to gain entry, because every available spot is taken when registration opens in April. I can't decide in April if I want to do something in October, so I never sign up. I did run it once in 2003, and I had a grand old time.
Anyhow, I went to go watch for a bit, as streams of people ran by. I had a grand idea - I went back home, got out my shoes, and took off running. Now, it's considered poor form to run a race if you are not actually entered in it, so I didn't run the marathon course. I ran up to Wrigley Field, and back towards the lake, where I reached the northernmost part of the course. The only people left on the course were those who were walking, had injured themselves, or were otherwise in danger of not finishing the race. There were, however, lots of spectators left, so I became a pretend marathoner for a couple miles.
I felt pretty ashamed being cheered on by hundreds of people, because the ones who really deserved it were the people who were running all 26 miles. I've run a lot of races the past few years, and there's no greater feeling than when people come out to watch the race and urge you to run faster. It makes the race that much easier, which is usually highly needed when running a marathon.
entry no. 1226
Posted at October 13, 2008 10:15 PM