Chicago…The Joy of Running for a Charity

This past week I landed in Chicago upon my arrival back from a 3 week European Track Circuit watching Sara compete in Belgium and Switzerland. I was wondering how I would feel being in Chicago considering this was my first time returning since I watched the race last year after pulling out of the race with health issues. Despite being extremely tired and jet lagged I found that my spirits were at an all time high. Being in Chicago announcing my participation in this years version of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon got me very excited for the next 10 week of training and the race that awaits on October 9th.

It was a whirlwind of a trip to Chicago with various appearances during the 48 hours I was in town. It was so hot and humid that I found myself shaking my head in disbelief of the heart it must take for people who live in Chicago to actually train in the summer months.

I feel honored to be invited back to this years race and see it as a great opportunity for me and for all of us who are running. One of my favorite aspects of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is how much they promote and support charities, including the Hall Steps Foundation. They are well aware of the potential impact that runners can have on issues varying from cancer to poverty by running the marathon and raising support and awareness in the process. At last years race, I was able to take in the celebrations at Charity Village and the thing that was really cool about it was that even the people who were disappointed with there own races still took joy in what they accomplished beyond the 26.2 miles. I didn't see one down face in Charity Village. I experienced it first hand personally. Even though I was disappointed to not be running I was in Charity Village dancing, when the DJ would play the right song, and pouring beverages on my teammates heads after they finished the marathon for the first time. The joy of running for something more than yourself is contagious and totally satisfying, not to mention tremendously motivating in training. I am both excited and honored to take part in a race that realizes that it really is more blessed to give than to receive.