Chicago: My Kind of Town

I was in Chicago on a business trip for a few days late last week, and as usual, I had a fantastic time. I had a great Italian dinner at Rosebud on Rush on Thursday night and a very tasty steak Friday night at the Chicago Chop House. I also had a chance to walk down the “Magnificent Mile” and to spend some time reading on the beach on Lake Michigan. Over the past ten years, I’ve probably visited Chicago about 15 times, mostly for business, and have grown to love the city. There are lots of cool restaurants, museums, blues clubs, and the people really embody Midwestern nice.

But the reason Chicago is so special to me is running. You see, back in 2002, I completed the Chicago Marathon, my first marathon of any kind, and it was one of the best experiences of my entire life. At the time I decided to run the race, I was miserable in my job and really didn’t have much going on in my life --- I was in a rut. I needed to shake things up and decided after attempting to register for the Marine Corps Marathon (it was full), to sign-up for the Chicago Marathon.

On October 13, 2002, I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon in a time of 3 hours, 51 minutes, 58 seconds; the top 1/3 of the field. Not bad for a first timer. To this day, I can still remember waiting nervously to begin the race as the National Anthem played. I can still picture the guy dressed like Elvis singing on the side of the course near mile 12. I can still taste the jellybeans I ate at mile 18 (cherry). And I still remember seeing the wonderful people of Chicagoland coming out to encourage the runners (more than 1 million lined the course). Most of all, I remember the finish. All the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice came together at that one moment. And I can honestly tell you, it was worth it. All the Saturdays I got up early in the morning to run 20 miles, all the times I struggled up the big hill on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown in 90 degree heat, all the times I came home from a run totally wiped out, all the times I passed up a “big night out” with my friends to get a good night sleep, it all paid off. Finishing the Chicago Marathon showed me that I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. Finishing the Chicago Marathon gave me a new found confidence and a basis to believe in myself in a way I never could before. Finishing the Chicago Marathon changed my life.

As I went for a run just two days ago along Lake Michigan, all those memories from 2002 came rushing back. My stride quickened, my breathing increased, and a big smile emerged. After I reached the beautiful Lincoln Park, I decided to head back to the hotel. A t the moment I turned around I caught a glimpse of the spectacular Chicago skyline. It was then that I realized that while DC is my real home, Chicago is my home for running and I was glad to be back.