Last night the Bank of American Chicago Marathon sent me my packet of information and registration confirmation for the October 13th race. The high light is that I am bib #83. If you want to track me on race day knowing my name or having my bib number will be required.
Chicago allows 45,000 people to register and run the race. Given that I qualified for the American Development program with my 2:30:20 from two years ago in Sacramento, I have the opportunity to start just behind the professional runners, among the top 400 runners in the race. It is an honor to be one of the people given a double digit race bib number. It is recognition for what I have done in running, which is recognition for the amount of work I have put in.
It is also an expectation. My guess is that #83 has to do with my qualifying time. The expectation is a top 100 finish. (Personally, I am hoping for top 50.) This gift, the amenities that I shall enjoy on race day because of a past performance, I do not take for granted. Enjoy every day, you don't know how long you have. I am in great marathon shape, I'm not sure how the race will go, but when I cross the finish line I expect to know, 100%, that on October 13th, 2013 I could not have tried any harder or run any better than I did.
That's so awesome, Isaiah! I can't wait to see how great your time is. Best of luck!
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