And...I failed to qualify. It was THE HOTTEST marathon I have ever run. Tempuratures are usually in the sixties or lower on race morning and seldom get above a perfect 65-70 degree range. Before the race even started I was sweating. The first 12 miles I tracked pretty well with my qualifying time - then mile 13 hit. It was over! It got hot - upwards of 90+ degrees in some parts of the city.
My amazing wife traveled to 6 different locations all over Chicago to cheer me on - which is like gold, next to water the the finish line. Michael DuShane also drove out to Chicago on a whim to help me qualify. Instead he spent the last ten miles making sure I didn't quit - because I really wanted to.
But, I finished. Chaffed legs, bruised toe nails, dry mouth...but, a finisher's medal. I realized afterwards that the heat caused them to shut down the marathon because of lack of water and medical personel (read more here).
My finish time: 3:28:11 - 18 minutes past the qualifying time for Boston.
Now time to think about plan B. In the mean time - I recover and thank all of you for cheering me on - even if you were hours away! You really have no idea how helpful and inspiring it all is. Thanks.