Empty Nesting: Chicago Marathon

This past Sunday was the Chicago marathon and what a beautiful (but hot for the marathoners!) day for it. Wayne invited Jack and me to come down to cheer on Julie during her first marathon. We were also happy to be able to cheer on Team Larry Boy. Mark and his son, Chris, and daughters-in-law, Kristin and Andi were all running to raise money for one of Mark's coworkers who is dealing with ALS. Wayne's new apartment was right between the four mile marker and the eleven mile marker (the course looped back around). It was the perfect set up for us as supporters. Grabbing our cups of coffee (or whatever), we were able to walk out of Wayne's apartment, turn right, walk about 25 yards and watch the runners at the 4 mile mark, then go back into the apartment, get another cup of coffee, walk out of the apartment and turn to the left, walk 25 yards that way and watch the runners at the 11 mile mark.

the traffic light is the 4 mile marker. 7:15 am

the 11 mile area, at 7:15 am

Jack, Wayne and I went out to the 4 mile mark around 7:45 to wait for the elite runners. Also with us were Jocelyn (Julie's BFF who came from Ohio/Annapolis to support her), Tej (Wayne's roommate), and Adam (Mark's son and Kristin's husband). First the wheelchair participants went by, then the vehicles with the timers and TV cameras, then came the first runners. What a thrill it was to see the lead pack approaching. Amazing to see world class athletes doing their thing, up close and personal. I had goose bumps as those lean, fast running ~~machines~~ men flew by. At that time, there weren't many spectators out and it was a bit surreal. Check this out:

Jocelyn, Wayne, Jack and Tej are in the background


4 mile mark, around 8:30, getting more crowded

Julie's parents, Gordon and Marie, came in from Cleveland to support Julie in the race and came into the city with Julie's sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Tim. They were able to see Julie at the 4 mile mark; unfortunately, I missed her! Bummer. We went back to Wayne's place and regrouped and waited for our runners to get to the 11 mile mark. I did not miss Julie this time!

there's Julie! in the orange

Julie made a few adjustments and visited with her fans, then took off to finish the race. Wayne met her at mile 18 and ran with her til mile 23. Jocelyn was also a huge support to Julie and videotaped Julie crossing the finish line. Julie was disappointed to find out that her chip did not work and so she does not show up on the official list of finish times, but we all know that she did a fantastic job.