Chicago Marathon : Official Thread (Page 6)

If anyone is in the mood to donate funds to a great cause, my friend Robin is running on Sunday, but would never post this here.  I, however, have no shame when it comes to fundraising.  Hospice care is one probably the most dignified way we can send our loved ones off.

http://www.active.com/donate/runtoremember2012/RWhite311

OK - I'm a little late, but let me get to this long sleeved question.

The general rule of thumb is to dress like it's approximately 20 degrees warmer than it really is.  For example, if it's 55 degrees, dress like it's 75 degrees.  By the time you start running and warm up, you should be comfortable.  But as I said, that is the GENERAL rule - I personally am a little chillier than most people, so I dress like it's 10 degrees warmer.

For a marathon, wear a "throw away" layer on top.  You should be fine in shorts - at least for this weekend.  As you heat up, you can shed the layer (they do collect all that clothing and donate it, so don't feel too bad).  The problem with going with long sleeves as your base layer is that you can't get rid of it if you start running too hot.  In a race like Chicago, I've taken off my "throw away" layer and tied it around my waist only to put it back on.  Sometimes with the shade from all the buildings and the wind tunnel, you can be too warm and turn a corner to just to be cold again.  I also always have the cheap throw away gloves - my hands tend to be colder than my arms.  You can buy those for less than a dollar at a Wal-Mart or Target.

Now - the "coach" part of me says - you've been training for this marathon all summer.  What have you been wearing for your long runs in the last few weeks since the weather got cooler?  By now, you should know what works for you and have practiced in your race outfit.  Do nothing new on race day. 

If you have more questions, ask away.    LOVE first-timers!  So exciting!  Nothing like your first time. 

MJ

First of all, WELCOME MJ!! Secondly...I am SOOO happy it is going to be cool...my body tends to run warm, so this is ideal (compared to Racine 70.3 in 2010 when it was 96 and I absolutely tanked).

I am going with a throw away shirt and most likely a long sleeve and very thin dry fit shirt under that, that I will most likely throw to my brother at the 10k mark...

GOOOOOOOOD Luck to everyone!!!  

Thanks MJ - this is great advice!  With such a HOT summer here in the Northeast I haven't worn long sleeves since April.  My mini gloves and newly acquired (cheap) arm warmers are packed and ready to go. I have a pullover primed for 'donation'  too... I usually run in compression shorts or capris - that will be a game time coin flip for me.  

Either way I'll be in a black Nike hat and bright orange calf sleeves with LISA on me somewhere..and I'll be in coral K

(i'm to traumatized by the Red Sox season to put my screen name on myself anywhere)

MJ - Welcome to BT!  I have heard your name before.  old sox for armwarmers!! awesome

BTW,   I will be the guy with the white running shoes on.

Your body tends to run HOT!  throw your clothes to me....

Couldn't agree more. I did a lot of cold weather running this past winter, and my rule is generally 25 degrees (I know I run hotter than most). I tried to warn my friends before the 2011 Hot Chocolate 15k, but so many of them were way overdressed and paid for it after a couple miles.

The first 3 miles of the course are heavily shaded, but after you exit the Loop on LaSalle there will be sun-a-plenty for the remaining 23 miles.

I might pick up a $5-$10 sweater to wear in the corral.

A few years ago, before the recent run of 80 degree Chicago Marathons, I heard that whatever clothes that get discarded in the corral are collected by volunteers for homeless shelters.

Tito, now Valentine.  When are they going to start firing some of the players that cause all the trouble?  

<Sorry, I know this is OT, just had to throw it out there>

sure - kick a girl when she's down! i might have to cancel that donation  

this has been an awful year - i'm usually good for 15-20 games... I only went to 2! Tito wasn't the problem - youre right - it was the players!!! UGH

GO CUBIES! oh crap, you guys didn't make it either! 

3 days!! The weather forecast has me absolutely giddy right now.  That there is PR kind of weather.  Race day attire will be  a red and white singlet with a red and white IMWI visor.  Unfortunately that's where my matching ends as I'll be running in those obnoxious neon orange and green Brooks launch shoes.

Departing for Chi-Town in the morning.  Good luck to everyone running this weekend!

RACE WEEKEND!  Anyone going to the expo today?  I got too many things going on tomorrow so I'm headed that way this afternoon.

Anyone else a little nervous/excited?

Expo-ing it up tomorrow with the masses. Leaving on a jet plane in T minus 90 minutes!
Safe, happy running! See ya'll on the other side  

Was at the expo around noon...it was already super crowded.

One small but possibly important point about the bags this year. They are much more prone to ripping than last years...they are a different grade of plastic. I managed to tear mine down the seam within 90 seconds of owning it. When I went back to the T-shirt line they told me they couldn't give me a new one because they were short on bags and the replacement stash was buried. I asked what I was supposed to do about gear check, but they had no idea.

Anyhow, I plan on double bagging mine for gear check in case it continues to blow out. It would be a bummer if it broke open and all my stuff fell out. Especially this year when I'm going to want extra clothes at the finish. 

Q

Yup, duct tape is the answer.

Hi everyone,

Just one last reminder that we are having a BT meetup at my house after the race.

My cell phone number is: seven-seven-three nine-seven-two nine-five-nine-five. Text me and I'll give you directions.

I live in Bucktown right by the Blue Line Damen stop and the North Avenue bus route.

On a slightly random note, one of the best places in the city to have a pre-race carb meal is Club Lucky! if anyone is still looking for dinner plans. It's right down the street from my house so if you are over there, give me a shout, we'll most likely be around.

www.clubluckychicago.com (they have a pre-marathon special menu).

Q

How did that work out for you? That expo is exhausting, perhaps being half in the bag is the answer to dealing with it.

Q

I don't think we'll be back here and presentable until 2ish...people can stay as long as they want. Text or call when you're done crushing your competition and I'll let you know where we're at. Would love to see you.

Q

I went this morning- opted for an extended happy hour yesterday

This morning @ 9:30 it was a piece of cake.  It was pretty cool to meet Danny Dreyer, too.