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Chicago Marathon - RunMarathon


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Chicago, Illinois
United States
Bank of America
81F / 27C
Sunny
Total Time = 6h 08m 45s
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = 35/39
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

We got up at 4 am, got ourselves ready, and piled into the car by 4:30... thanks to dumpster being in charge. If I were left to my own devices, we might not have gotten up til 6:30 or so. I'm a last minute kinda gal.
Event warmup:

Really? Warm up? Who warms up for a marathon? I suppose the 20 minute walk to the start line could be considered a warm up. We took off our shirts (heh) and tossed them aside before we even started walking toward the start. It was going to be a hot one. For sure.
Run
  • 6h 08m 45s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 14m 04s  min/mile
Comments:

So, here is where I am supposed to recap 26.2 miles of "running" huh?

Ok, I will do my best. Those of you who know me, know my short term memory is for crap. ;)

Anyway, we got in line around the 5:15 pace group. The plan was to stay near them. We walked 20 minutes to the start line... we started running. I had to pee within 10 seconds of crossing the start line. (DAMNIT!)

So we did the run/walk thing til mile... whateverthatwas... the first porta potties. Peeled off... saw the line. It was several people deep for every potty. Ugh. No choice, though, so we stood in line for 6-8 minutes and peed. We would never see the 5:15 group again. (But I was still aiming for 5:15-5:20) I felt good. Trixie was fun to be around, it wasn't THAT hot yet... everything was dandy.

Passed mile 3.5ish... saw Chris and Kelly and Laura... and Jen and Jon. (Or were they at mile 11?) Gave Chris a kiss, hugged everyone, and took off. We were still pretty much on schedule.

We stopped to pee again (Damnit! I was apparently far too hydrated) around mile 5 ish. (or was that 6?) There, we saw a guy whose eye was totally swollen shut. Looked like he'd inserted a golf ball into his eye socket. The doctors in the med tent were giving him a shot of Benadryl.

When I got out of the porta potty, I was sweating so profusely I'd blinded myself. (The porta potty was like a little blue foul smelling oven!) I couldn't even open my eyes. Went BACK to the med tent to get a paper towel to dry my eyes. I was sweating like a maniac. I turned to Trixie and said... "I'm hot"... she said... "Really? I'm fine!" Or something to that effect.

Anyway, we took off again... run/walking at a decent pace... fairly on time... At mile 11 we saw Chris and Laura... we stopped to collect my hand bottle... (which was a brilliant move, BTW) and Chris filled it up with water, too. So this took a little time... I believe I kissed him again... and shortly thereafter we stopped to pet a dog.

At some point... the 5:30 group came upon us... I said to Trixie... "Look! We caught the 5:30 group!" And she said... "No, they caught us!" At that point, I was still feeling pretty good, so we started running around the 5:30's.

We passed the halfway mark... feeling great! Would have been completely on schedule if not for our several stops. Running time was actually ahead of schedule... but I do understand this is a race, and I can't edit out all of my peeing, kissing and dog petting.

So now we are near the United Center... I was fading fading fading. Trixie suggests we stop at a local park and swing on the swings. I almost took her up on it... but I was still thinking we'd be able to come in around 5:35-5:40... so I declined.

(Note to self... more long runs... even if they take a long time... I need them mentally...)

Anyway, we passed the area where the race was cancelled last year... and I realized we never made it to mile 17. We were around mile 16.5 when we were thwarted last year.

So here we were... mile 17 ish or so... and I still hadn't cried! Or hyperventilated... or called myself a loser. Trixie is like a little magic fairy in a silver skirt.

Anyway, by this time, I was already 2 miles past my longest run in preparation for this thing. And I could feel it. The remaining miles would need to be pulled out of my A$$.

Tried a 1/1 walk/run combo... that worked alright for a little while. We became absorbed by the 5:45 pace group, and they were running with this plan. I was having a hard time keeping up... and I don't like running with a group. I turned to Trixie and said... "Let's do our own thing. I don't want to stay with them." This was the one point in the race when I sorta did feel like a loser. I don't know what mile this was... I think about 19-20?

We got away from the 5:45's. And I felt better. It was about this time when I decided to just move forward as quickly as I could... and run when I could... and concentrate on not hating myself or my lack of running ability.

And we did. We ran some, we walked some, we stopped to pet more dogs.

Trixie skipped up ahead doing her "soul clap" and shouting "Yay me! Yay me!" I tried to follow her lead, but could neither skip nor raise my arms over my head. (!!!)

We saw Chris and Laura again around mile 21 ish... I stopped for him to squirt me down with sunscreen... although it was pretty much a moot point by then. 21 miles into a 26 mile excursion. It didn't hurt and it probably helped me from getting even more sun.

Around mile 23 ish some old guy admonished Trixie for being too happy. Yes, that's right. She got yelled at for enjoying herself during a marathon. We laughed. We posed for pictures. We found Energizer Bunny ears and put them on. My goals were out the window, but DAMNITALL I was going to have fun.

Around mile 24.5-25 I hear "Whizzzz!" and there was akabak (Amanda) standing there, outside her building. Apparently tracking was RIGHT ON... she said she'd been following along online and she knew it was getting time for us to pass in front of her house... and there we were. I gave her a big hug, chatted for a second or two, and then forged forward, ready to finish this thing.

I dragged my sorry self across the finish line with a smile on my face. I finally was able to feel the full marathon distance.

Whoop Whoop!
What would you do differently?:

I've been very conservative with my run training due to my left knee. It's prematurely arthritic, it's been operated upon, it's missing most of it's cartilage. It creaks, it hurts, it swells, it's just not right. That's why I do the run/walk. Trying to minimize the pounding and keep myself healthy through IMWI next year.

Conservative run training left me with a long run of only about 15 miles this year. I had several runs in the range of 12-14 miles... but nothing longer than 15. I paced myself very well for the first half of the race. But after that... it was like jumping off a cliff.

The next time I do a marathon, I'm going to be sure to have a long run of 18-20 miles. Just so I can get past that halfway mark and practice the endurance/pacing aspect of the later miles.
Post race
Warm down:

Cross the finish line, get our finisher photo, respond to text messages... (Tracking was right ON! People knew exactly when I finished... immediately!)

Went to the finisher's gear tent... bought matching shirts for myself and Trixie.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

As indicated above. I need a leg transplant.

Event comments:

LOADS of aid stations. It was awesome. Plenty of water. Plenty of Gatorade. Plenty of everything. Hoooray for the Chicago Marathon 2008. One of my favorite events, ever! Thanks for coming out, Trix!

It was hot out there... And there's no shade on the second half of the course! FYI...

Photos are located here: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnail...




Last updated: 2008-02-20 12:00 AM
Running
06:08:45 | 26.2 miles | 14m 04s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/
Performance: Average
Course: Spectators everywhere! Flat. Through something like 29 neighborhoods... the ones I remember the most were Pilsen (it was huge!) Chinatown, and Boystown (Lakeview)
Keeping cool Average Drinking Too much
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2008-10-17 10:38 AM

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Champion
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Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: Chicago Marathon


2008-10-17 10:51 AM
in reply to: #1749653

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Elite
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Madison, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Great Job Whizzzzz!!!! Sounds like it was great fun hangin with the Trixter!!
2008-10-17 10:55 AM
in reply to: #1749653

Iron Donkey
38643
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

YOU DID IT!!!!  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Yelled at for being too happy?  WTH??

Inquiring mind - why IS he called Dumpster?

How're the knees doing?

There had to have been more conversation during that race than what you reported.  C'mon, Whizzzzz, don't hold out on us!!

Now's the time to relax and then get ready for MOO!!!  We'll get ya there!!  WOO HOO!!

2008-10-17 1:45 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
You did so great!!!
Congrats, and yay for stopping to pet the doggies!
2008-10-17 2:37 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Master
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Clifton, NJ
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
great job! its so nice you had someone to pal around with while accomplishing the amazing feat of running a marathon.
2008-10-17 7:23 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Extreme Veteran
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Algonquin, IL
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Woohooo Whizzzz!!!! Congrats on the finish!!!!  It looks like you gained some mental toughness out there.  It was hot, no doubt.  I love the picture of you and Trixie crossing the finish line.  Absolutely hilarious!


2008-10-18 10:43 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Champion
8766
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Yay, whizzer!

Petting dogs ROCKS.

I have a secret way to keep from having to pee during races.  I stay really really hydrated the day BEFORE.  Then the morning of the race I hardly drink anything until I start running.  Then once I'm going, in = out and all is good!

2008-10-19 6:24 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Expert
968
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Wellington, North Island
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Congratulations Laura!!!

I know how hard the run training can be and it was fun to be there and celebrate with you after you finished. You did an awesome job!
2008-10-19 6:48 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Champion
7704
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Awesome Job Laura !! Congrats I always run with a hand held bottle..totally the bomb.  Glad you had a great time that is so cool    I have NO desire to do a stand alone mary..although trix and fit want to run one with me....those girls are CRAZY But in a good way.

 And I have complete confidence that you can swima nd bike fast enough to wlak the whole mary at Moo if you need too   I hope you don't but it is what it is



Edited by Socks 2008-10-19 6:49 PM
2008-10-19 7:02 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Champion
26509
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Sydney
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Way to go!!! i reckon stopping to pat doggies is like a little bit of magic, or good ju-ju or something... Im sure its good for you!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 

Im so totally impressed that is possible with your knee.. such an inspiration... way to go! 

2008-10-19 7:34 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Expert
1148
100010025
NW Suburbs, Illinois
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Congratulations Laura!!!!   A great freakin' accomplishment.  You raced with the hand you were dealt and made the most out of it.  Sounds like you may have even had too much fun????

Great job, Again.  I am thinking it will make MOO feel a little easier....or maybe not



2008-10-20 6:27 AM
in reply to: #1749653

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Master
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Southwest Chicago 'burbs
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

GREAT JOB!!  And no tears, only smiles, dog pats and fun.  That's what a marathon is supposed to be like, right?

I had an awesome time cheering you on!  

2008-10-20 8:03 AM
in reply to: #1749653

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Master
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Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Great job Whizzzz.  I'd totally stop to pet dogs too.
2008-10-20 8:42 AM
in reply to: #1749653

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Expert
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Michiana
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Congrats!  Way to HTFU on a tough race in the heat!
2008-10-20 10:17 AM
in reply to: #1753601

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Champion
8540
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the colony texas
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

I think they should credit anyone time that stops to pet dogs.. very cool

congrats

2008-10-20 2:41 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Master
1748
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Port Moody, BC
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
For someone that has a "crap" short tem memory, that was a LONG read man! Very fun RR, love reading your reports, so full of good times! Well done!


2008-10-20 4:27 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Very nicely done.  Sounds like yopu accomplished the most important thing.  You had fun with a good friend.
2008-10-20 5:33 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Master
4101
20002000100
Denver
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Awsome!! Congrats!! Adjectives!!  "and shortly thereafter we stopped to pet a dog. "  That had me cracking up for some reason.  Probably because it's funny.
2008-10-21 8:31 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Veteran
243
10010025
Denver
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon
Nice RR - very fun.  It reads as if you had a good time!  It was a hot one, congrats on finishing!
2008-10-22 8:16 AM
in reply to: #1749653

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Champion
19812
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MA
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Congrats!

Sounds like a great day..having fun with friends, enjoying the fans, dogs, and life.

I like how you know your limitations of your knee and still do cool running events and tris. IMWI next year..can't wait to watch your progress and training towards your first IM.

Nice they seemed to have their act together a bit more this year!

2008-10-22 6:03 PM
in reply to: #1749653

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Champion
5345
500010010010025
Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: Chicago Marathon

Congratulations Laura

But I have to say that your definitely no loser. You ran 26.2 miles and did not suffer the same fate as Phidippides. (He ran from Marathon to Athens and dropped dead after muttering the words "We Have Won"

That had to be a very cool experience to cross over the point where you were pulled from the course last year. (Almost as satisfying as crossing the finish line) Trixie is the best for being your pace buddy through the race. Sounds like you had your own pace group and did not need any of the other pacers.

I paced Watergirl through her first marathon last Sunday (Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco) and I think you need to add this one to your "ToDo Race List". They have firemen in Tuxedos handing out Tiffany Neclaces at the Finish line

Enjoy your recovery Time



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