I can’t believe it, it’s over. The Chicago Marathon has come and gone and I’m sitting here reflecting on my journey and smiling so much.
I got an opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon as a bib race pro. It would be running as part of Team in Training a fundraising program for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I would be responsible for raising 1750 but Bibrave would help if I was short. I figured I would be short but was so surprised and just overwhelmed by how much my friends and family donated. I went above the minimum required. Remember this if you’re ever considering running for a charity. People are so generous.
Team in Training had a great support system throughout. They provided a training plan online with a daily calendar. I went ahead and wrote it all out because I like to visualize and highlight each run completed. It helped keep me motivated.
There was also a Facebook group I was able to ask questions and find support which was great.
They provided race shirts, I raised enough for a visor and they even had a team race dinner the night before the race. (I was unable to attend). The morning of the race Team in Training had a room at the Sheraton to hang out and wait before heading to race corrals. This was huge considering how cold it was. And INDOOR bathrooms!! Huge perk.
During the run several team in training members/coaches joined me for brief moments of time chatting a bit, checking on me. I never expected this but it was super nice and helpful. The team in training guy wearing an Elvis wig, thank you for the suggested back stretches!
Running this race, my first major marathon for a great cause just added to the entire experience. I would really recommend looking into. I never thought it would be so fulfilling. I will definitely look into doing again.
Thank you to Bibrave for giving me this opportunity I would’ve never considered otherwise. It’s been a game changer for me. 
