October 12, 2016

I DID IT! {Chicago Marathon 2016 Initial Thoughts}

If you follow me on social media you probably saw that Sunday was one of those perfect race days. It went so smoothly I still want to pinch myself to make sure it really happened that way. 

chicago-marathon-2016-initial-thoughts

Obviously since it was my third year in a row running the Chicago Marathon, you might have already guessed that I was a fan. Besides the flat and fast course, the whole thing is so well-organized. I love the city route, the atmosphere, the spectators that line the entire course, and all of the amazing volunteers. 

Race morning was a breeze, and I stayed calm, collected, and just let myself run. I can't thank all my friends, family, fellow runners, and followers for all the love, support, and good vibes I was given.  When I knew at Mile 20 that I had a Boston Qualifying time and my goal in me, it was just a surreal moment. I wanted that dream of running Boston really badly. 

I tried to tell myself not to get too excited since the race was just starting at Mile 20, but deep down I knew I could do it. I spend a lot of time trying to fake confidence and believe in myself (#workinprogress). The days before the race I was anxious about my goals and saying I was ready for the marathon despite so many people telling me I was going to rock it, yet it took race day for me to positively believe it.  I trusted the training and myself especially once I past the halfway mark. I knew that my legs and heart were going to get me to the finish line strong.  All those early mornings, hot & humid summer long runs, and tough workouts were worth it. 

The last 6 miles hurt (I'm pretty sure that's just a given in all marathons), but it was one of the couple marathons where I felt so in control for most of the race. My mental game was on point, and I stayed fairly composed during race until I saw the finish line. Immediately after crossing it I started sobbing. Sobbing so that people were asking me if I was okay, and I was like it's all good-they are happy tears! That elusive Boston Qualifying acceptance time (not just qualifying cuts it anymore!) was mine. I crushed and surpassed my goal time of 3:30 all while not only telling myself that I was strong but truly believing it.  

chicago-marathon-2016-results


I'll have a full race recap up at the end of the week, but just remember to run happy & dream big. You have all the power to achieve your dreams already inside of you.  

chicago-marathon-2016-stronger-than-you-know
My custom Momentum motivate wrap bracelet with my mantra from last year still holds true. 

And sorry that you'll have to keep hearing about the 2016 Chicago Marathon. Most of my races aren't this amazing so I'm soaking it alllllll in. 

17 comments:

  1. Congrats!! What an amazing accomplishment. Keep talking about the race as much as you want- you totally deserve it! I know how much work you have put into the Chicago marathon for the past 3 years and I am so glad it really paid off this time. You crushed it!!

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  2. Sooo happy for you!! Congratulations x100!! That is so exciting :)

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  3. Very exciting to achieve a BQ. I think the last 6 miles of the marathon are truly a test of mental strength and you did fantastic. Congratulations

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  4. Congratulations!! It must have been so emotional to realize that you were on the verge of a BQ! I would have been sobbing too...amazing job and well earned!!

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  5. Congrats! I would have been sobbing too! Heck, I sobbed when I finished Big Sur and that was far from any kind of BQ or PR for me.

    We looked for you on the course, but you must have flown by!

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  6. So incredibly happy for you Lauren! It must feel so amazing to have all that hard work pay off!

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  7. You've worked so hard for this goal-- I was literally telling everyone I knew that you crushed your marathon. My mom was like ummmm cool? I think I was as excited as you were! Everyone crushed Chicago this year. Now I just need to find a race so I can run with you in Boston 2018 :)

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  8. What an amazing accomplishment - Congrats! So happy that you were able to get a PR and a BQ :)

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  9. YESSSS! Congratulations, Lauren!
    I'm in Chicago this weekend, definitely not running a marathon, but will think of you when I'm eating doughnuts :)

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  10. SO HAPPY FOR YOU! You rocked it, and it was truly a pleasure to work with you!

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  11. You are so so amazing!!!!! So excited and pumped for you!

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  12. Amazing!! You crushed it! I had a similar fun marathon Sunday and really feel like all those hot, humid runs improved our fitness more than we realized. Congrats on the BQ! Chicago sounds like an amazing course.

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  13. Congratulations on your BQ! Really proud of you and loved looking back on your training a bit too. You really rocked it out and had a great pace, and I hope you'll do a complete recap soon too.

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  14. Yay!!! That's so awesome :) Congrats!!

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  15. Congrats on your race and the BQ! It was a perfect day to get that PR. Me too! It was my first Chicago marathon and I couldn't ask for anything better. Enjoy your accomplishment and your recovery:)

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  16. I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO happy for you!! I looked up your time after the race (#stalker haha) and squealed with joy when I saw you CRUSHED a BQ. Way to go, lady! You worked hard for this and deserved to have such a great race!

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  17. Big congrats!! You did awesome!! Such a perfect day for your PR!

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