Tammy Letherer 
Seeing the groups of runners along the lake training for next month’s Chicago Marathon has brought back memories of my own brief experience as a marathon runner.
More than a decade ago I took on the challenge of completing the Chicago Marathon, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My IT band began burning before I hit the halfway mark, and the pain had me ready to give up in the last mile. I needed to be screamed at, pushed, and nearly carried in order to cross the finish line.
You might imagine that, once I made it, there was joy and celebration and plenty of well-deserved basking and resting. Well…
My husband was the best man in a wedding that afternoon, so we were picked up from the marathon and whisked to the suburbs where—presto chango!—I stuffed my aching feet into heels and attempted to make small talk while I pushed away bone-deep exhaustion.
I didn’t enjoy that wedding. And that was a shame.
I share this because my journey to publication has felt a lot like that marathon. Instead of physical pain, I’ve had the predictable doubts and fears; I’ve had moments of questioning my sanity, and certainly moments of wanting to quit.
The last thing I want is to reach my goal and be too exhausted to enjoy it. I want to celebrate this time of new beginnings with a glass in hand, nice shoes on my feet, and a smile on my face.
And I want you there. So won’t you join me at these Chicago events?
