On September 20th I was ready to run 20 miles. It is an event sponsored by CARA, an association that helped me to train for The Chicago Bank of America Marathon. Every Saturday morning at 6:45am, all summer long, I met with a group of "crazy" people like me for our long week-end run. I can definitely say that running with the group helped me much on my way to conquer the Marathon. Pacing the run, hydrating accordingly, sharing your thoughts with others, are just a few aspects of that help.
On September 20th it was our pleasure to be able to meet many of CARA's runners from Chicago and it's suburbs. It was not a race. It was more like a festival where runners met for a run and had time to share with each other their readiness to run the Big Race.
Finishing those 20 miles you felt like you're just around the corner from the finishing line at the Marathon. It is so close, so touchable. Practically there are a few days left until the Big Event. After 20 miles you felt that your are ready for more... for another 6 miles.
I still have to stay in shape for the rest of the time left, but it is more like a mental shape.
My runs were cut back, not too much left to do, just to wait for the day, thinking of: "Is it true that I'm ready to run the Marathon?" This is incredible, but true!
