2nd time for this one. This was my first ever marathon in 2015, and, it was a GREAT experience. I was eager to do it again.
I entered the lottery for this race last winter. At the time, I was training diligently for The Cowtown Ultra, had RnR NO 26.2 coming up, etc. When I registered, I was aware of several other runners from FW that would also be entering the lottery. Everyone I know got in.
With the changes in my living and financial situation, I was hoping to do this trip on the cheap. As a result, I booked a flight using miles, and Jan was kind enough to find free lodging for us.
My running had decreased significantly since Cowtown. Over the summer, I ran several short distance races, but, only had 1 run at the half marathon distance, and, it was a mess due to the heat. I hoped to get a few long runs in prior to Chicago, but, alas, it did not happen. In the weeks leading up to the race, I was averaging only 6 miles per week. I knew I his would likely lead to a tough race.
Typically, I would make a trip like this a Friday - Sunday trip, but, due to booking with miles, it was a Saturday - Tuesday trip.
I had an easy flight to Chicago and landed at about 2 on Saturday. I caught the train to a stop near the expo, and would walk it from there. Jan would meet me at the expo and then we would head back to his friend’s house. Just as a exited the train, a cold windy rain began. It was a tough walk to the expo with my luggage, but, finally, I arrived. Jan was there to greet me. We picked up our packets, shirts, etc., and did a little shopping at the Nike area. I grabbed a few gels for the race and we headed out.
Tanner had coordinated a dinner for many of us. It was good to see a few FW folks. I had some spaghetti and a couple of beers for my pre-race meal.
We headed to Jan’s friend’s house. Laurie and Saar were awesome. They have an awesome condo in the wicker park area. I headed to bed early, with hopes of a good night sleep before the race. We were up and out the door by 6 a.m. on Sunday and caught the train to the race. While the temps were mild, it was warmer than I’d hoped. I figured it would be a hot day.
Tanner had coordinated a dinner for many of us. It was good to see a few FW folks. I had some spaghetti and a couple of beers for my pre-race meal.
We headed to Jan’s friend’s house. Laurie and Saar were awesome. They have an awesome condo in the wicker park area. I headed to bed early, with hopes of a good night sleep before the race. We were up and out the door by 6 a.m. on Sunday and caught the train to the race. While the temps were mild, it was warmer than I’d hoped. I figured it would be a hot day.
Jan was in another corral, but, I connected with a few FWUNCO folks in my corral prior to the race. My plan for this one: run a 10:30ish pace as long a I could and then adjust. My prevailing thought was to not get injured before Austin 70.3.
Tanner and I started out together, and were keeping the desired pace. I shed my arm warmers by mile 2, as it was already getting hot.
By mile 4, I needed to pee, and stopped at the same stop as 2 years ago. After a quick stop, I was back at it. I had a little stomach pain, and, at mile 7, made a stop. I continued my steady pace though the 1st half, and felt ok. While I was tiring and it was clear that I was undertrained, the 1st half was not too bad. By the 25k mark, I’d had enough. While I’d been walking water stops most of the race, I began to walk more frequently. The race was becoming somewhat reminiscent of my Dallas Marathon in 2015. Miles 14 - 25 were almost all walking. I was determined to finish, but, knew it would be ugly. Occasionally I would run a short distance, but, fatigued legs wouldn’t allow me to run for long. I knew I’d be well over 5 hours, and, my target finish time kept getting longer and longer.
Tanner and I started out together, and were keeping the desired pace. I shed my arm warmers by mile 2, as it was already getting hot.
By mile 4, I needed to pee, and stopped at the same stop as 2 years ago. After a quick stop, I was back at it. I had a little stomach pain, and, at mile 7, made a stop. I continued my steady pace though the 1st half, and felt ok. While I was tiring and it was clear that I was undertrained, the 1st half was not too bad. By the 25k mark, I’d had enough. While I’d been walking water stops most of the race, I began to walk more frequently. The race was becoming somewhat reminiscent of my Dallas Marathon in 2015. Miles 14 - 25 were almost all walking. I was determined to finish, but, knew it would be ugly. Occasionally I would run a short distance, but, fatigued legs wouldn’t allow me to run for long. I knew I’d be well over 5 hours, and, my target finish time kept getting longer and longer.
At the 25 mile mark, I decided to run it in. I was able to push through and finish. I posted a pathetic 5:51:27. Nearly an hour slower than 2015.
I spent the rest of the day thinking this may be my last Marathon (my mind has changed since).
I spent the rest of the day thinking this may be my last Marathon (my mind has changed since).
Jan and I headed out for a few beers and food, but turned in fairly early. We got up on Monday and hung out a bit before he flew back to DFW. I spent the rest of the day eating and drinking, ultimately connecting with Jean, who was kind enough to allow me to crash on Monday night before I returned home Tuesday.
The Chicago Marathon really is an awesome event. The crowd support is outstanding and its a great city. I suspect I’ll be back.
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