Daring to be....Me

I could write out my list of excuses as to why I haven't been blogging and why those pics from the marathon weekend still haven't made it up on this site. I could tell you that our internet at the house hasn't been working properly or how the car I'm driving broke down last weekend, leaving me down south a little longer than planned. I could tell you how focused I've been with preparations to leave the country (which is probably exactly what I should be doing!) or how I've been trying to maximize my last week here in Btown to spend with friends.

I could write out all those excuses, but I really wouldn't want to bore you with all those silly details.

Instead, I'll just get right down to it and post some long overdue pics from the Windy City Marathon. Enjoy Babs & the fans! ;0)


We stayed at the W Hotel on Lakeshore for the weekend. I don't know if you've experienced the "W" but we like to say it's where rich people go to do naughty things. Their motto is "Whatever/Whenever" and as you can see here in the *mouth* picture, you can take that to be as suggestive as you'd like. Still, it's a trendy, upscale hotel with some cool (or not so cool) features.

Like...
A bathroom that's fully accessible to all parts of the room via the shutter window. Yes, that's me, posing on the toilet as Trix stands out by the bed. Warning: This room is not conducive for the faint of heart (or stomach). Seriously, there is NO privacy!


But besides the fun rooms, there's always the cool goody bags that the runners get during the Expo. And while I was not actually a "runner," K & V put together these fun bags for their "support team." They gave us all our own "bib numbers" and packed the bags full of necessities to keep us going during the race.


Contents included:
Ace heating pad--for sore muscles
Tums/rolaids--for upset stomach
Hand Warmers--Because it was freaking cold that day!
Aleve-to help rid the aches & pains
Chapstick--To prevent chaffing
Kleenex--For runny noses and emotional finishes
Candy & Gu--Energy food for the 26.2 miles
Starbucks Card--For hydration purposes


The morning of the race (early), we were escorted to the start line (err, I mean 2 miles from the start line) by way of this cool stretched SUV limo (I have no idea what kind it was) courtesy of the always swanky "W" hotel.


And then there was the running. Oh yeah. The running. They were running...and running...and running...and running. 26.2 miles worth of running. It was cold. It was gloomy. And my friends kept going. I was as amazed this year as I was last.


Fast fact: Did you know that only .01% of the world's population has run a marathon??? It's true. And my friends have now run more than one! Whoot Whoot!

While the girls were running, their support team was, well...following. We went by train and foot to catch up with these elite athletes. We managed to be there for them at mile 7, mile 15, and mile 25 (I think?)...all without a stop at starbucks and or the bathroom for about 4 hours! As Isaac said, "This was my marathon."





All in all, it was a great weekend. The girls finished in good time...braving the elements and fighting against their own minds to complete the race. They were amazing (have I mentioned that) and I'm sooo proud to be their friend! Great job girls!

Next year, Paris? ;)




The day after the race we ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (our annual tradition) and then hit the streets for a bit of shopping before heading home.

O la dulce vita.