Spent - 2006 Chicago Winner Robert Cheruiyot

 

Only a few short days away until I compete in my first Chicago Marathon.  I am in the second week of the taper and my body is feeling somewhat out of sorts.  This, however, is to be expected.

While the taper period is  a physical relief and a time to rest up from the previous 3-months’ work load, I tend to find that my body gets into a funk, as it is not used to running less miles.  Additionally, it is tough to stop thinking about the upcoming event since you know that the inevitable Pain Train is coming.

That said, all of the butterflies, the funkiness of the taper, and the questions will be thrown out the window when the gun goes off at 8:30 EST on Sunday. Instincts will take over, just as they have in the countless number of races I have run.

I am excited.

I am excited to be running a major marathon.  I am excited to get stuck in with a crowd of guys all running the same pace.  I am excited to not have to go at it alone.  I am excited for the fast course, and the potential to set a new PR.  I am excited for the finish line.

I am excited for the feeling of accomplishment.

On race day I will be wearing bib #56, and if you are bored and have nothing to do at 8:30 AM EST on Sunday, you can track me via text message, here, or on the Chicago Marathon website.

This will most likely be the last post before I do battle with the 26.2 monster, as I am not certain if I will write while I am out there before the race.  That said, I am sure there will be plenty to write about afterwards.

Thanks for all the support thus far, and hopefully I can provide some good news in a couple of days.

- Craig

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