Chicago Marathon - Run

I made the decision last night to go out with the 5 hour pace group and if I blew up, oh well. I wanted to try. Planned to take gels at 5, 10, 15 and 20 as well as fluid at all the stations. I figured I might grab Gatorade chews on the course to use toward the end. I prepared myself by taking the race 5 miles at a time up til 20. I wanted to get to 5 so I could take a gel. Same for 10 and then at 15 I would look forward to a gel and finding my friend Liz who was spectating.

There were four pacers for my group and I liked them all.

Our average goal pace was 11:27 and we weren't too much ahead for the most part. We walked for a bit at all water stops. My legs and feet were sore by mile 10, which was not comforting to say the least. I think before mile 10 my stomach was a bit wonky after drinking some Gatorade. I didn't need to go to the bathroom or throw up, but it was disconcerting. But I hit the half marathon mark with the group and was feeling alright overall. As we came up on the water stop for 15 I felt like I needed nutrition for sure, as I meant to take a gel just after mile 10 but I think I took it closer to 9.3 or so.

I found Liz at mile 15 and that was a nice boost. I was still running with the group and she asked if I needed anything and gave me a cold towel. It was a totally clear day and while it wasn't super hot, the sun wasn't doing me any favors. I sweat alot, so of course I was sweating but luckily it wasn't humid. Shortly after mile 15 I decided to drop back from the group. For awhile I was able to shuffle along until walking at the water stops. I think I did this til at least mile 20 or so. I planned to take a gel there but I wanted one closer to mile 19, so I did that. I was losing the time I had gained compared to the 5:25 pace chart I had on my arm, but I wasn't terribly concerned. I hit mile 20 on pace for a 5:05 finish, which would have still been amazing.

I wanted to get to 22.5 so I could see Liz again. It was awesome that she spectated in the second half of the race since that's where it gets so hard. She was tracking Michael and told me that he finished. I was walking more and was having a bit of cramping in my feet and right shin on and off. But I've had it way worse in my other marathons. Certainly my last in 2011. So it was nice when I was shuffling along at points where I knew I walked in 2011. Places where I wish I hadn't needed to walk that soon. I walked more than I wanted to getting to 22.5 but but it was great to see Liz and she walked with me for a minute or so. At this point I figured I was going to be walking more than I had previously but I pretty much figured I would PR no matter what. I had taken the Gatorade chews somewhere along the course and had the last gel somewhere after seeing Liz. At mile 25 I walked alot. I wasn't in a terrible mood or anything, but I just couldn't get myself going. The interesting thing is cardio wise I felt pretty much ok and my stomach was ok, but I was just exhausted and my legs were heavy. Mentally I wasn't too focused, partly since I figured I'd PR by about 30 minutes. It was just hard to make myself want to push. Those last two miles north on Michigan and then over the Roosevelt hill take forever! Michael agreed. But it was good to know I'd finish and with a PR.

Eventually crested the damn hill and ran through the finish line. Marathon number 3 complete.




Split Time Of Day Time Diff min/mile miles/h
05K 08:53:13AM 00:34:45 34:45 11:11 5.37
10K 09:28:26AM 01:09:58 35:13 11:21 5.29
15K 10:03:49AM 01:45:21 35:23 11:24 5.27
20K 10:39:51AM 02:21:23 36:02 11:36 5.17
HALF 10:47:52AM 02:29:24 08:01 11:46 5.11
25K 11:15:23AM 02:56:55 27:31 11:21 5.29
30K 11:56:14AM 03:37:46 40:51 13:09 4.56
35K 12:41:51PM 04:23:23 45:37 14:41 4.09
40K 01:28:56PM 05:10:28 47:05 15:10 3.96
Finish 01:49:35PM 05:31:07 20:39 15:09 3.96


Work on the mental game and overall game plan for the last 6 miles. I shouldn't complain too much about a 30 minute PR, but initially I had been hoping for more.

Slowly walked through the loooong finish chute. I finished right behind a friend from my training group so we chatted while we hobbled. I eventually dragged myself back to the Hilton. I had told Michael he was more than welcome to go home after he was done. I of course hoped he'd be at the hotel, but I didn't want him waiting around forever, especially since he was in the first wave. But luckily for me after I creeped down the steps to the "CARA compound" and got my bag, I saw a text that Michael was still there. I was so happy to see him! He had changed clothes and was wearing his medal, so I figured he was probably in good spirits. And he was! This was his first marathon finish and I was very proud of him.


My long runs were no where near as good as 2011, however I ran more during the week and enjoyed those runs and most went well. I weigh more now and am feeling soft, which didn't help. Need more mental toughness after mile 20.


The Chicago Marathon. Gotta love it.