It's been more than 2 weeks since I witnessed my very first marathon and I just had to write about that awesome experience. First of all, let me give you a brief definition and history of what is.
According to the Wikipedia, "The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards), that is usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon (the namesake of the race) to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt,[1] contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus, in particular. 
The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896, though the distance did not become standardized until 1921. More than 500 marathons are contested throughout the world each year, with the vast majority of competitors being recreational athletes. Larger marathons can have tens of thousands of participants."
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most sought after event in this category. "From a struggling road race of 4,200 runners in 1977 to a world class event with a record 45,000 registered participants, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has come a long way."
My husband and I arrived early at Moody Bible (4th and 11th mile marker) with a group of family and friends to support and cheer our good friend, DC. The weather was nice - cool and breezy, a good day for running. Preparing for a marathon takes months of long hours in the gym, cardio and strength training, careful diet plus tons of love and patience for the sport. As the saying goes, "no pain, no gain." We stayed at the 4 and 11 mile marker by Moody Bible Institute. It was inspiring to see him and the other runners endure the course. I know for a fact that training for a marathon is not at all easy. Here he is at the 4 mile mark (La Salle Blvd.), all smiles and no sign of fatigue ☺. Or maybe, he was just overwhelmed by our presence and support.
Us spectators had to do our own version of the marathon too. We had to walk here and there, trample on shrubs, and squeeze our way in the bleachers just to have a good glimpse of the runners on the finish line. In contrast to the "fresh" faces of the runners at the beginning of the course, some of them seemed to be panting on their way to the finish line. Imagine running for 3.5 hours, starting with cool weather and ending with a "HIGH" alert system described as "potentially dangerous conditions." It was about 1230 noon and it was hot! We didn't get to see DC at the end of the course because to our surprise, he finished earlier than expected! Yay for him!
It was a festive reunion for both runners and supporters. There are those who run for a cause such as World Vision's team; some run in support for a loved one. Most run for personal and health reasons, to have a sense of achievement. I truly admire them all!
Our group was just so happy for DC and his great achievement. I asked if he would run the marathon again, and he answered with a smile and a "NO." Congratulations!
Here's something to remind us about the Amazing Race that we are in...
Pressing on Toward the Goal Philippians 3: 12-14
v. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
v. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
v.14 I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
It's the last day and Sunday of October, 10-31-10. 
