One Week Ago Today...

We were in Chicago, participating in an event that we had all trained for and looked forward to for 9 long months. It’s 10:57 right now and at this time last week, the marathon had not yet been cancelled. It was, however, definitely chaotic by this time last week. Water and Gatorade were in short supply but high demand. Thank you Julie and Trina for spotting me at mile 11 and giving me a full water bottle to run with. That definitely saved me!

At that point, my knee pain had already kicked in so between that and my dehydration, I was no longer “excited” about being a part of the marathon. I was on the verge of tears. But I kept going, walking quite a bit and running when my knee felt o.k. I remember coming up to Halstead and seeing the mass of runners ahead of me turning right. But, by the time I got there the barricades were up and the officials weren’t allowing us to go that way. A more hydrated, level-headed Cincha probably would’ve broken through the barricade (as other people did) but I didn’t and took the course that I was told to take. I think I was one of the first groups of people to be redirected because when I reached the “Finish Area” and started running towards the finish line (from the opposite direction) I had race officials screaming that we were going the wrong way!! “What are you people doing?” they asked. They had no idea why we were trying the cross the Finish Line from that side. But, I crossed the line after completing 19 miles (according to my Garmin) and walked back towards the Finish Area. Got my medal, got my Finisher’s picture taken (woo-hoo) and headed towards to the fountain to meet up with my friends.

At this point, I was having trouble walking. My knee was very stiff. I finally made it to the fountain only to stand there for several minutes without seeing my friends. I had no idea where they were. I didn’t know where Pam was in the race. How long would it be before we all found each other? I’ve never run with my cell phone, so I didn’t have any way to contact anyone. I felt very alone among all those hundreds and hundreds of people. I found a bench to sit down. A dear, sweet elderly lady sat down beside me. She was so upset for all of us. She was obviously there to cheer on her own friend/relative, but she was genuinely upset for me. I finally asked if she had a cell phone I could borrow. She did and when I asked if she had nationwide calling she said, “It doesn’t matter. Just use it.” I almost broke down right then and there. But, I called my friend Julie to let her know where I was. She was pretty close at that point to the fountain. When we finally found each other, I did lose it. I laid my head on her shoulder and cried. And cried some more. I couldn’t hold it in.

And it took me a few days before I could think about it without tearing up. And that’s why it’s taken me so long to blog about it. I just couldn’t. But, now I’m better. I’ve been focusing on trying to heal—emotionally and physically. There are so many people in this world who may never even have the opportunity to run in a marathon. People like Kayra’s niece and my friend Julie’s dad who is battling colon and liver cancer. How lucky am I that I have been blessed with good health and the ability to walk and run?? So, I thank God every day for that health and I keep going. I keep my eye on the prize.

Yesterday was like a day of mourning for me almost. It was the first time in weeks that I didn’t get up at 3 or 4 a.m. and go run. It was also the first time in weeks that I didn’t get to see all of you!! That was really sad. I hope everyone is doing o.k. and that you’ve dealt with the pain and disappointment of last Sunday. I, personally, am NOT going to let what happened turn me away from my dream. I will complete a marathon by the time I’m 45.

I am a runner. I am a marathoner. I am a Finisher.