Part Two:

I found my mom, cousin, and her boyfriend around mile 14. Man it was good to see my mom this time. When I did this two years ago, my mom and dad were out of town and I it was hard for me to not be upset that they missed that race. My dad was with us this time, but was watching the race and taking care of the dog at the condo.

All seemed well to this point. I seriously thought I was going to beat my pace and actually get right around 4 hours. Then I hit a wall physically. I don't know exactly what it was, but man did I start hurting. I found it hard to not think of my physical pain. Mentally I was like you gotta keep going, there is a lot of race left. So as any stubborn, prideful man would do I kept fighting along. I didn't want to be one of the small group of people who didnt' finish.

Mile 16 my cousin jumped in and ran a few miles with me. She did a good job of keeping me focused on running and not my pain. I had to stop twice to cut the tape off my ankles, because they had gotten so swollen that I was in even more pain.

After my cousin left, I was on my own again till mile 20. One thing you do when you run a long race is write your name on your shirt. It helps you mentally hearing your name and keeps you going through so much. Well I had reached the point that I was getting pissed, because I was in so much pain and people kept cheering me on. I know they were only helping and I truly felt that they were there for me, but when you are so physically hurting at times, all I could do was think, leave me alone.

It's not everyday you have friends that will do things for you like running 6 miles with you in jeans. I had that friend at mile 20 on. Dave and I have only known each other for about a year, but what a true friend. Side note, Dave had a shirt on that said, "I love Dougy and Wacker Drive(another joke)." Everyone who came to watch me made shirts, TEAM DOUG. He did exactly what I needed, someone to run with. I got pissed at him while running, because he talked so much, but he did a great job of turning my physical hurt to being pissed that he wouldn't shut up. Honestly man, I just wanted to quit and cry, but no one would let me. Not my family, girlfriend, or anyone who cheering me on would let me quit and I am so thankful.

I reached the city limits again after being down by US Cellular field. I knew now it was only a matter of time till I was finally done. The crowds got bigger and bigger and still I was hearing, "Go Doug, you can finish the race." 1 mile left and I decided to take off running. Oh did I mention that I had another friend jump in with Dave and I. Thanks Rob also for being there for me when I was running. So I knew what was ahead of me. The hill on Roosevelt Rd. It sucked this year and man did it hurt. My knees and ankles just killed and running up a hill didn't help, but I made it up and turned that corner.

This year was so much more emotional for me. As I was nearing the finish line, all I could think about was seeing Brittany and my family. I think I had tears in my eyes as I could vaguely hear the crowds still cheering me on. I returned the favor by clapping for them and I crossed that line. Right away I saw my cheering section and those tears just kept coming. I did it....again. This time was more difficult, but also more special. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my family, girlfriend, friends, and the city of Chicago for again doing what you do best, cheering on a group of idiots who find some kind of joy and accomplishment out of running 26.2 miles.

I was more nervous this time than my first marathon. Did I train enough? Was I mentally ready? Will I see everyone that was going to be there to cheer me on? For some reason I got emotional again as they were starting the race. I remembered two years ago when I did it the first time, the tears of hearing the national anthem and being a part of something so big that I felt again, what am I doing running a marathon. My adreneline was ready, but was I?

Here we go again. Can I tell you how amazing it is to be a cheered for by thousands and thousands of people. People I don't know or will probably never know. Is that what heaven is like? I mean just the fact of 1.5 million cheering all of us runners on makes the world of difference.

So I take off running. Man did I feel good for the first 13.1 miles. I was on pace to beat my goal from two years ago and I had mentally prepared myself for how much water to drink, when to eat something, and honestly thought I was taking care of my body. I missed seeing my family at mile 5 and thought where the heck were they. It is one thing to have the crowds cheer you on, but when you see that familiar face, that one face that just lets you know all is okay, I hadn't seen that yet. I kept running though.

I reached mile 10, only one minute off my goal pace. There she was with my sisters waiting patiently to see how I was feeling. My sisters knew right away something was wrong with me, so they told me later. They knew I was already in some pain, but just told me I was doing great and keep on going. Britt, didn't say much either, just gave me a smile of love and re-assurance that she was proud of me. My two other friends just made me laugh and got my mind off of running for a second. Did I mention how many people were out in the 40 degree weather cheering all of us runners on. In so many places all I could do was clap for them as they braved the cold and kept me going.

Mile 13.1, halfway done.

Made it painfully through 26.2 miles in Chicago again. I finished the race.