Chicago Marathon - Run

Good run for the first 15-16 miles. At mile 7, I saw Stake and ChipmunkHeart! I got to see and smooch my wonderful honey (the attorney) and the BT crew (Bostic, Fromer, Rennick, Dana, Jennifer, Lara, Kristin) at mile 12! Took one potty break at mile 15 and I realized that I had pushed a little too hard, given my heart rate. So, I slowed down and sent Rick off with his smokin' fast legs! Then, I saw the BT crew again at mile 21. Boy, it is great to see your friends when you are struggling! Thanks for all of the support!!!

Miles 17-22 SUCKED! I am going to do the Pfitzinger plan again for the next mary but I am going to incorporate Galloway-style walk breaks.

This race is really crowded. We were running quite slow for the first few miles and then started pushing it to make up the time. I know better--but that damn ego always gets in the way :)

The best part of the race was getting to run in with Trixie for the last mile or so. We had gotten separated around mile 10 but she found me at the end and we crossed the line together!

I need to learn to take it out slower. I also have to figure out why I break down mentally between miles 16-18.

This was a great run for me...but I trained my ass off and I know that I could have done better if I had not pushed the pace in the first 13 miles. However, it was FUN to run with Rick and Trixie!

I wish Cathy would not have had such bad luck. She was SO PRIMED for this race. It hurt all of us to see her have to walk off the course.

It took FOREVER to get through the finishing chute. Saw the BT crew at the designated meeting place and then part of us started walking back to the hotel.

I feel GREAT for having just done a marathon. My last experience was AWFUL--I could barely move. But this time ROCKED. I know I was significantly more prepared and it has made a huge difference in my post-race soreness!


Taking it out too fast. I need to train closer to my goal race pace. I ended up running right at the pace I trained most of my long runs and I need to speed up those runs a little to make the body believe what the mind knows is possible!


This is a good event, in terms of the flatness of the course and the crowd support. But, all of the runners make it tough to run on pace. I was constantly weaving in and out of running traffic.

Also, if you have a sensitive stomach while running, the trips through the various neighborhoods can be a little tough to take...especially the beer smell around mile 21 or so. UGH!