Chicago Marathon- A Race to Remember !!!

  Chicago Marathon Triumph

I was thrilled to begin training for my very first marathon. The idea of running a full marathon hadn't crossed my mind until one day in October 2022 when our coach, Sujaa, shared a lottery application link for the Chicago Marathon. I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" After all, it was a lottery, and the chances were slim. So, I submitted my application, not expecting much. However, what really motivated me to enter the lottery was seeing Coach Sujaa, along with Shalini, Indu, and Nayana, complete the Chicago Marathon in a strong and impressive manner. 

To my surprise, in December, I received an email from Bank of America, and as I read it, goosebumps covered my skin. My application had been selected! I wasn't fully prepared, but I knew that with dedicated training, I could complete the marathon. That day, I made a promise to myself that I would train hard and ensure I completed the race, no matter what.

My excitement led me to call my dad and share the news. He was incredibly proud and excited for me. However, fate had other plans. In May, a family emergency required me to travel to India, precisely when my full marathon training was supposed to commence. Nevertheless, I was determined to continue my training while dealing with the challenges of heat, humidity, and street dogs in India. I adapted by running indoors on a treadmill, although I worried about missing crucial outdoor training components like fartlek’s, hill runs, and strides. The doubts crept in, but I remained consistent with my strength training.

Then, in June, life threw another curveball my way – my dad passed away. It was a heartbreaking loss, and I felt like I had lost my pillar of strength and motivation. I considered not running the marathon, but the promise I made to my dad kept me going. I got back on my feet, resumed my training, and prepared for the marathon once more.

Just a week into restarting my training, I suffered a fall at home, injuring both my knees. This setback lasted for two weeks. I was resilient, and by the end of August, I returned to the United States, hoping to regain my training momentum. Coach Sujaa offered valuable guidance, suggesting that I start with low-mileage training. Despite the challenges, I remained determined to face the marathon.

As I went through this journey filled with trials, I received unwavering support from my coach, friends, and the running community. However, just three weeks before the race, I faced another hurdle when I developed Achilles tendinitis. The experts advised against running, but I refused to give up. With the help of a friend physiotherapist, I managed to recover enough to walk without pain. Though my ankle was still inflamed, I decided to go ahead with the race.

One day before the marathon in Chicago, as I disembarked from my flight, the familiar pain in my Achilles returned. I limped my way to the expo to pick up my bib, still unsure of how I would run the next day. It was there, in the hotel lobby, that I met a group of ladies from New York who would share my corral on race day. I decided to join them, and their encouragement and advice filled me with hope.

Saturday evening, I indulged in a carb-loading dinner at Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza place, enjoying pizza and spaghetti. Back at the hotel, I meticulously prepared for the race, organizing my running clothes, bib, gels, and breakfast. Despite the anxiety, I tried to sleep, but the excitement and nerves kept me up.

Race day began early. I followed my morning routine, indulged in a hearty breakfast, and met the New York ladies in the hotel lobby. Together, we made our way to the start line, sharing stories and encouragement along the way. The atmosphere was electric, with runners dancing, taking pictures, and exuding cheerfulness. I even managed a video call from start line with my husband and kids, who offered their best wishes.

As the clock struck 8:30 am, our corral started, and I initiated my watch to begin the race. I started with determination, running slightly faster. The pain in my Achilles was there but manageable. It was a battle of mind over body. I was determined to jog, run, and walk, determined to cross the finish line on my own two feet, no matter what. The incredible energy and support from the Chicago crowd further fueled my determination to maintain a consistent pace and keep moving.

At mile 17, I was pleasantly surprised to see my husband and kids, who had come to cheer me on. Their presence filled me with pride and motivation to continue. With ten more miles to go, I pressed forward. Mile 21 is often considered the point where runners "hit the wall" or face a mental challenge, but I was resolute. It wasn't until mile 24 that I began to feel the fatigue.

A call from Renu at mile 24 provided the push I needed to keep going. With only 800 meters remaining, there was an uphill challenge to overcome. But the sight of the finish line and the thought of my family waiting for me filled me with determination. I increased my pace, crossed the finish line, and burst into tears. I couldn't believe I had accomplished it. I missed my dad and wished I could have called him from the finish line. But one thing was certain: he had been with me throughout the race, and that's why I finished strong.

At the finish line, I called Coach Sujaa to express my gratitude for the support and care she had offered me throughout the training.  I had the pleasure of meeting fellow RHWB runners, Moni, Jyothi, and Sunitha. Together, we celebrated our achievements by taking pictures proudly displaying our medals, and we even made a video call to share the joy with Coach Sujaa and Coach Bala.

When I checked my phone, I was overwhelmed by the shower of well-wishes and support from friends and RHWB community. This run was dedicated to my dad, my family, my coach, friends, and the RHWB Community who believed in me despite all odds. A special thanks to my friend Poonam, whose support and motivation were essential. I couldn't have done it without my husband and kids – they were my rock. I am blessed to have all of you in my life. It was a race to remember, and now, I can proudly call myself a marathoner.

You must be anxious to know what happened to my Achilles tendinitis after the run. Surprisingly, it seemed like a bit of magic had taken place. My pain, which had troubled me for weeks leading up to the race, was completely gone after I crossed the finish line. In its place, I only experienced the expected soreness and the typical post-race effects for a couple of days.

When I visited my doctor after the marathon, they were genuinely surprised to see me perfectly fine, given that I had just completed a full marathon. It was as if the race had served as a cure for my Achilles tendinitis, a testament to the resilience of the human body when one is determined and dedicated to achieving their goal.

I want to share a message with all runners out there: if you are determined to achieve something, nothing can stop you. Just stay consistent, be resilient in the face of adversity, and the outcome can be nothing short of phenomenal. This marathon experience has shown me that with the right mindset and unwavering determination, you can overcome even the most challenging obstacles and achieve your goals. Happy Running!