Gianna’s Big Day

A Journey Through the City of Chicago on Foot http://www.chicagomarathon.com/

cms400min/chicago_marathon/

Gianna! Wake

up! Today is your day…it

is finally here!

4:45 a.m.?! Why does this feel so early? I always wake up early! My stomach is in

knots!

Gianna…You

know you can do this!

My head is throbbing! My heart feels like it is thumping out of my chest! I’m so nervous, Mom. Can

you check the calendar again, please? Are you sure it is October

7th? Yes, I am sure that it is October 7th. Now go on

and get ready. We are going to leave in 30 minutes so you have time to relax before the race. I love you!I love

you too!

This light is just so bright! Okay, I can

do this. I’m just going to throw my hair in a ponytail…

brush my teeth…and start my day off

right!

I’ve worked so hard. My

friends and family are

going to be there watching

me! Everything is going to work

out great!

You can

totally do this, Gianna! Let’s put all

of those training miles

to work!

I’m all ready to go guys! Let’s hit the road. Do you have everything I

need downstairs, Mom? My

breakfast, extra clothes, and

sandals?

Yup, we are all set. I didn’t want you to

have to worry about anything.

Thanks, Mom! I really appreciate it! Okay, here I

come!

Hey Mom…Can I have my

energy bar, please? I want to eat it now so

I don’t get a stomach ache

before the race.

Sure, Gianna.

Here you go.

Ew! I don’t know how you can eat those things. I don’t think I could ever eat that for breakfast.

They really aren’t that bad. I didn’t like them at first. You just have to find the right flavor for you!

How is your knee feeling, G?

It’s okay! I hope it

doesn’t act up during the race. Ah! We’re

here already?

Yup! We’re here! We just have to look for a parking

spot.

Look at how busy it is already. I

can’t believe there are so

many people.

BE QUIET, NIKKI! You are just making me

more nervous.

There’s a parking

garage. It only costs $10 for the WHOLE

day.

Good find, Mom! That

sounds like a

great deal to me!

We’re here at last! Okay, I am going to run into the hotel and go to the bathroom before we head

over to the startling line.

Much better! Why is it so

stinkin’ hot out here? It feels like it is the middle of July, and it is only 7 o’clock in the morning!! The weather channel

said to expect a REALLY hot day. Be

careful, Gianna. Make sure you are getting plenty of water while

you are running.

And make sure you listen to

your body. If you need to stop do

not be stubborn! ACTUALLY

STOP!

Dad… there is no way

that I am stopping. But don’t worry…I promise

to be very careful!

We all love you very much. Give me a hug!

Bye guys! I love you all too! Thanks

again for coming.

Make sure you look for

me!

Oh my goodness! This is it! Look at the crowd! Look at how

many runners! I can’t do this. I can do this! AHHHHH!

Well, here goes

nothing!

I’m so nervou

s for her! I’m

so proud of her!

I totally want to do this with her next

year!

I’m so hot. I’m so tired. I’m only half way. I can’t believe that

man just fainted

behind me.

Oh my goodness!

That’s Lauren and

Molly. I can’t believe they

came to cheer me on.

What awesome friends!

Go Gianna! You can do it! We are

so proud of you!

Go Gianna! We will see you at the

finish. You are almost there!

I really hope I

can make it to the finish.

YESSSSSSSS! I made it to

ChinaTown! This is my

favorite part of the race. The

crowd is AWESOME! I

love to see all of the cool

buildings too!

Oh no! I need water NOW! I

have the worst leg cramps.

Am I going to make it?!?!?!

THE FINISH LINE! I’M ALMOST DONE!

No way?!?! It’s KARA!!!!!!! I hear her cheering for me! I have the

greatest friends and family.

FINISH STRONG, GIANNA! You can do this! That’s it…

SPRINT TO THE FINISH

LINEEEEEEEE!)(@)@

%*@)#(@_

I’m done! I did it! I did it! I just can’t wait to find my family. I need my dad to carry me. My knees are really

locking up.

Hi Guys! It’s over!

We can go home and

eat everything

in sight. I’m so

hungry!

I’ll make you whatever you want! I’m so proud of you!

Look at what you just

accomplished…wow! I think this

calls for an ice cream run after dinner!

Great job, Gianna. You

were so great. It was so fun to look for

you!

Thank you so much for

cheering me on! You don’t know how special it made me feel.

I’m truly blessed with wonderful

family and friends!