Chicago Marathon - RunMarathon

I felt really prepared and organized for this race, with a manageable plan. Started out running 9.30 pace, well within my fitness. As it started to get hot (and it definitely got hot) I throttled back to 9.45 pace, trying to keep my HR below threshold. This helped--still hard, but manageable. And I was prepared to suffer, aiming for 4.15, which would be an easy PR still well below what Jack Daniels says I can manage.

But at mile 20 or so I started to get calf cramps, despite lots of electrolytes and really careful hydration. This was incredibly frustrating because I had to walk about 3 miles before I could run without locking up again. Lost 20 minutes or so to this and totally blew my goal, which should have been easy given my training. Nuts.

I am disappointed but still glad to have survived the weather.

Brilliantly organized--huge, well-stocked aid stations with full medical care at every one; announcements; the new Event Alert (which went to Code Red or something partway through the race). I know they had lessons to learn from last year and they clearly did.

A major mob scene but a great way to see the city. Worth experiencing.