Chicago Marathon take 6

I have done this distance before... I trained the most I ever have, and "should" be able to run it in such & such a time. I have been pleased with my half marathon time & those of shorter distances. I feel I haven't performed up to my potential in the marathon. So this year I put in a solid training effort, and was trying to give it one last good shot. I enjoy running very much, but when it comes marathon training it gets to a point where it becomes un-fun. I planned on a goal of 3:45, and on race morning decided to shoot for 3:50 so I could "enjoy" the experience with two of my LIVESTRONG tram mates Matt & Eric. An important part in preping for race day was clothing, temps at the start weree to be in the low 30's. Balancing being warm enough but not hot isn't easy, and shedding layers as the temperature warmed up. I felt great through half way, stuck with the pace team, and kept up with my nutrition. At mile 17-ish I saw Dean Karnazes taking time to stop running and sign a copy of his book for a very excited lady. Dean was running 2 Chicago Marathons this day, at the finish he was running the course a second time, all for carity. He was Twittering the whole way. I enjoyed his on going comentary on the drive home.
At mile 20 things started to get rough... I put my head down and started counting my steps. I have done many different endurance events, and keeping "menally occupied" is key. I think mental strength is actually the most important part. You WILL go through times when you ask yourself, "why am I doing this...i am hurting," and overcoming these "lows" is important. I also focused on one of my best friends sisters who I've knowen most of my life who was currently under going cemo-therapy, and she pushed me along. A couple of miles later I began to feel bettter so I put in a surge of efort and would ride it as long as it lasted. Approaching the last mile, slowed from the 3:50 group but the 3:55 pacers hadn't passed me, realizing not reaching my goal, but trying to focus on that fact that it was still a personal best time of 3:56. Running for smething other than myself is a valuable experience.