It's go time: Ready or not, here I come

6 days until the Chicago Marathon

The power of a friendly face

I was running Downtown on Saturday, gritting my teeth and cursing the heat, when I recognized a professor I knew from my college days.

I didn’t take any of his classes at Miami, but he had advised me on the commencement speech I wrote for our graduation ceremony back in 2019. He waved back, and I could see in his face he was trying to place me.

A couple of seconds later, I heard him call my name. “Maddie?!”

I turned around and his face lit up. He gave me a hug (as I apologized for my sweat) and introduced me to his wife. He told me how much he loves following my work in the newspaper. I was truly touched by his kindness and when I unpaused my watch and resumed running, my whole body felt lighter.

This exchange reminded me of a moment I had in 2020. It was peak pandemic and I hadn’t seen anyone in weeks. I was lonely and frustrated and scared, thinking about the state of the world. I decided to go for a run.

As I was jogging around the neighborhood, I saw a man running across the street from me, pushing a stroller. When he got closer, he smiled, waved and yelled across the road, “Great job! Keep it up!”

I was surprised by the wave of emotion that followed. I wanted to cry from happiness. It had been so long since I’d talked to anyone in person, and the way this stranger was so willing to share his joy with me sparked renewed hope. Then, too, I remember feeling like a weight had been lifted and my steps came lighter and faster.

chimarathon

A post shared by @chimarathon

I’m still pretty nervous heading into the marathon this week. But when I think of the rush I get from cheers and words of encouragement — from faces familiar and unfamiliar alike — I know I’ll be just fine come race day.

On that note, Chicago friends, if you find yourself inspired to head to the course on Sunday, I’ll be so glad! You can track me on the Chicago Marathon app through my bib number: 60759. I hope to see some of you there!

Runner’s log

Last week I ran 4 miles with run club on Monday, 2 miles on Wednesday, another 2 miles on Thursday and 5 miles on Saturday.

My easy run heart rate is still higher than it was pre-COVID-19, but by Saturday I was feeling a little better about my perceived effort during these workouts. Now it’s all about resting up for the big day!

Last minute prep: I need your help!

To get myself in the marathon spirit, I picked up Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running over the weekend. I’ve seen a lot of runners online reference this book, and Oliver read it a few years ago and recommended it to me, too.

I’m not quite through it yet, but here are the passages that stuck out to me so far, as I mentally prepare for 26.2 miles:

“Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you’re going to while away the years, it’s far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive than in a fog, and I believe running helps you do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life.”

“If something’s worth doing, it’s worth giving it your best — or in some cases beyond your best.”

To be at my best for the marathon, I need your help! I’m putting together my marathon playlist and I would really love it if my friends and family could send me a song to add. I’ll be able to think of each of you when I hear your song, giving me an extra push of encouragement along the route. Comment, text or call me with your song and I’ll add it to my playlist.

Six days. Wow. I can hardly believe it.

Chicago Marathon, here I come!

xoxo,

mad mitch