I made some monumental mistakes last year, this year was going to be about patience and focus. I deliberately came out a bit fast in the first 8 miles, then with that time-bank I settled in around 7:20 for a while. I got a little tired around miles 17-21, but then felt good again to the finish. I went from a high 7's back to 7:30's for the last 5 miles, that was the best part of this race - to recover and focus to the finish. That, and the fact some guy in a banana costume passed me, I was not going to loose to a banana so I kicked his ass to the finish.

2nd marathon and PR'd over last year about 18 minutes and BQ'd, it does not get any better. Training went well this year, I was not only patient in racing but training had a more restrained tone this year.

Warm down, how about warm up? It was freaky freezing at the finish. Those mylar blankets were good, but I was frozen. The 312 beer was perfect regardless of temperature. It was a bit rough getting to the meeting point, but then a hot shower and life was good.


Nothing, the banana-guy helped and after thinking about it on the ride home the cooler temps this year (although it seemed extreme cooler), it was good for a PR.


Still a huge favorite of this race. Any race in Chicago is a blast, both the tri and the marathon. Too bad about the Olympics this year, I personally think Chicago got robbed. The volunteers are flat out the best. Think about this, its 31 deg F, and you have to stand handing out water or gatorade all morning to 35,000 people. Not a single frown, tons of support, I can not say enough about the folks who run this race and those who help out.