Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Pictures from the Chicago Marathon
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Farewell Chicago, Hello Colorado Marathon!
It's been almost a week since I crossed the finish line in Chicago. We spent two days enjoying the city before flying home on Tuesday night. I feel good, happy that I escaped the race without injury, and I'm anxious to start planning my next set of races. We had a great time and I'd love to run Chicago again sometime - the city runs a first class event.
Tomorrow is the inaugural Denver Rock 'n Roll Marathon. I ran the Denver Marathon last year and it's a great race, but I'm going to rest this time (two races in two weeks is enough - Boulder 1/2 marathon and Chicago). I am, however, going to volunteer at the race - my first time doing that. It will be fun to see the race from a different perspective.
Speaking of races, I signed up for the 10th annual Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins on May 1, 2011. It's a small race that caps early so I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to run it again (the Colorado Marathon was my first marathon back in 2009). It's an awesome Colorado race, and after running in record-setting heat last weekend (yes, it was an all-time record for 10/10 in Chicago!), the memories of a 38 degree start temperature a couple of years ago is comforting.
I'll also be running the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day, so I've got at least 2 races set for 2011. I'm going to apply for the New York Marathon again, but if I don't get in this year I'd like to do the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in my hometown in January. This should be the last year I'll have to try my luck in the New York lottery - I should get an exemption in 2012!
You can learn more about the Colorado Marathon (and sign up if you wish) at www.thecoloradomarathon.com.
Tomorrow is the inaugural Denver Rock 'n Roll Marathon. I ran the Denver Marathon last year and it's a great race, but I'm going to rest this time (two races in two weeks is enough - Boulder 1/2 marathon and Chicago). I am, however, going to volunteer at the race - my first time doing that. It will be fun to see the race from a different perspective.
Speaking of races, I signed up for the 10th annual Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins on May 1, 2011. It's a small race that caps early so I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to run it again (the Colorado Marathon was my first marathon back in 2009). It's an awesome Colorado race, and after running in record-setting heat last weekend (yes, it was an all-time record for 10/10 in Chicago!), the memories of a 38 degree start temperature a couple of years ago is comforting.
I'll also be running the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day, so I've got at least 2 races set for 2011. I'm going to apply for the New York Marathon again, but if I don't get in this year I'd like to do the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in my hometown in January. This should be the last year I'll have to try my luck in the New York lottery - I should get an exemption in 2012!
You can learn more about the Colorado Marathon (and sign up if you wish) at www.thecoloradomarathon.com.
Monday, October 11, 2010
What a race!
It's been about 18 hours since I crossed the finish line here in Chicago. Despite my post-race massage yesterday, I still feel like I need a walker to get around. We're here for a couple of extra days, so I'll have plenty of opportunities to stretch out as we do some sightseeing.
One thing that 18 weeks of training gives you is confidence. That's a good thing, but after running 3 marathons I've come to the conclusion that there is a good reason that they call it a marathon - it's a brutal event, both physically and mentally. I've run many races and while they all are challenging, the marathon is unique in that it pushes the limits of normal human capabilities. And that's at mile 20!
It was HOT here yesterday. It was 60 degrees at the start, I ran past a bank sign around mile 14 that read 84, and a high school sign at about mile 20 said 96. That's probably not accurate, but trust me - it felt like 106! I've never seen so many people hurting - dozens of people being tended to by medics on course, many with IV's and being carted off to the hospital.
I finished in 4:45 - well past my goal but yesterday was not a day to try to set a record. It was dangerously hot (they kept announcing that we were running in "Extreme" conditions and that we should slow down and consider stopping... NOT!!!). I started out strong and felt good for the first 15 miles. At that point we lost the shade that the downtown area provided and we were running in full sun. As the temperatures climbed the whole field slowed down. Nine minute miles turned into 10, and rest stops became just that - rest stops - for a lot of people. By mile 20 medics were watching the runners looking for people who didn't look so great. I plowed through the last 6 miles and was excited as ever to cross that finish line. It was a long walk to the runner reunite area, but I was able to find Lawrie (who had walked for miles to watch the race) and we enjoyed a post-race beer.
All marathons are hard, but this one was the hardest I've done. There are a lot of variables that will dictate what kind of day you will have - injuries, heat, cold, rain/snow, etc. - and for me, heat and humidity are the toughest to overcome (and we had both yesterday). I thought that I'd have an advantage running at sea level, and that may have helped me endure the conditions, but I've raced faster at altitude.
As far as the race goes, the Chicago Marathon is a world-class event. It's hard to compare this to many things, but I'd put this in the same category as a city hosting a BCS bowl game or Superbowl. The whole city gets into the race - thousands of volunteers, signs everywhere, parties and cheering sections all along the route and outstanding media coverage. Marathon signage was at the airport and we just saw more and more as we got closer to downtown. Firefighters were out on the route spraying people with their hoses, as were residents that live along the route. Everyone was so supportive of the runners and believe me, that makes a HUGE difference. I loved running through the different neighborhoods and seeing all of the culture the city has to offer. My hat goes off to the people of Chicago, the volunteers, the medics (who worked harder than they expected I'm sure) and the race organizers for hosting such a phenomenal event. Chicago is a long commute for me, but I'd love to come back again and race.
I've had so many emails and calls wishing me well. Thank you for all of your support! I ran literally hundreds of lonely miles to get ready for this race, and your support and encouragement made it all so much easier and helped pull me through. This has been an awesome experience, and I appreciate all of the support, well-wishes, texts, emails, phone calls, cards, signs etc. that I've received. THANK YOU!!!
The race is over, but our trip is not. We're going to relax for a couple of days before coming home. I'm going to take a couple of weeks off from running and then get ready for a Thanksgiving race. It's not too soon to start preparing for next year, and I'm looking for another marathon for the spring and/or fall. I'll keep you posted.
One thing that 18 weeks of training gives you is confidence. That's a good thing, but after running 3 marathons I've come to the conclusion that there is a good reason that they call it a marathon - it's a brutal event, both physically and mentally. I've run many races and while they all are challenging, the marathon is unique in that it pushes the limits of normal human capabilities. And that's at mile 20!
It was HOT here yesterday. It was 60 degrees at the start, I ran past a bank sign around mile 14 that read 84, and a high school sign at about mile 20 said 96. That's probably not accurate, but trust me - it felt like 106! I've never seen so many people hurting - dozens of people being tended to by medics on course, many with IV's and being carted off to the hospital.
I finished in 4:45 - well past my goal but yesterday was not a day to try to set a record. It was dangerously hot (they kept announcing that we were running in "Extreme" conditions and that we should slow down and consider stopping... NOT!!!). I started out strong and felt good for the first 15 miles. At that point we lost the shade that the downtown area provided and we were running in full sun. As the temperatures climbed the whole field slowed down. Nine minute miles turned into 10, and rest stops became just that - rest stops - for a lot of people. By mile 20 medics were watching the runners looking for people who didn't look so great. I plowed through the last 6 miles and was excited as ever to cross that finish line. It was a long walk to the runner reunite area, but I was able to find Lawrie (who had walked for miles to watch the race) and we enjoyed a post-race beer.
All marathons are hard, but this one was the hardest I've done. There are a lot of variables that will dictate what kind of day you will have - injuries, heat, cold, rain/snow, etc. - and for me, heat and humidity are the toughest to overcome (and we had both yesterday). I thought that I'd have an advantage running at sea level, and that may have helped me endure the conditions, but I've raced faster at altitude.
As far as the race goes, the Chicago Marathon is a world-class event. It's hard to compare this to many things, but I'd put this in the same category as a city hosting a BCS bowl game or Superbowl. The whole city gets into the race - thousands of volunteers, signs everywhere, parties and cheering sections all along the route and outstanding media coverage. Marathon signage was at the airport and we just saw more and more as we got closer to downtown. Firefighters were out on the route spraying people with their hoses, as were residents that live along the route. Everyone was so supportive of the runners and believe me, that makes a HUGE difference. I loved running through the different neighborhoods and seeing all of the culture the city has to offer. My hat goes off to the people of Chicago, the volunteers, the medics (who worked harder than they expected I'm sure) and the race organizers for hosting such a phenomenal event. Chicago is a long commute for me, but I'd love to come back again and race.
I've had so many emails and calls wishing me well. Thank you for all of your support! I ran literally hundreds of lonely miles to get ready for this race, and your support and encouragement made it all so much easier and helped pull me through. This has been an awesome experience, and I appreciate all of the support, well-wishes, texts, emails, phone calls, cards, signs etc. that I've received. THANK YOU!!!
The race is over, but our trip is not. We're going to relax for a couple of days before coming home. I'm going to take a couple of weeks off from running and then get ready for a Thanksgiving race. It's not too soon to start preparing for next year, and I'm looking for another marathon for the spring and/or fall. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Game on!
It's 5:30 am and I am enjoying a cup of coffee before I head out for the race. The weather is good - warmer than ideal (80's expected as highs today, it's 58 right now) but it's been great sightseeing weather. We've been tourists for a day and a half and Chicago is an awesome city. It's packed with runners and spectators right now and people are really into the race.
It's hard to believe that 10/10/10 has actually arrived. It's been a great summer of running. Now all I have to do is run a marathon.
I'm off - see you after the race!
It's hard to believe that 10/10/10 has actually arrived. It's been a great summer of running. Now all I have to do is run a marathon.
I'm off - see you after the race!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
On My Way!
Bags are packed, we're ready to go.
After the half marathon last weekend, I've taken a couple of short runs, got a nice massage, and I made one last trip to the chiropractor. I've been eating better and I've been drinking a lot of water. I'm anxious to get going.
Temperatures will be in the mid-high 70's on Sunday in Chicago, and the humidity will be a bit more than what I'm used to. That said, it's going to be a perfect day for the race.
I'll post an update when we arrive. We've got dinner reservations tomorrow night and we're going to hit the expo on Saturday.
After the half marathon last weekend, I've taken a couple of short runs, got a nice massage, and I made one last trip to the chiropractor. I've been eating better and I've been drinking a lot of water. I'm anxious to get going.
Temperatures will be in the mid-high 70's on Sunday in Chicago, and the humidity will be a bit more than what I'm used to. That said, it's going to be a perfect day for the race.
I'll post an update when we arrive. We've got dinner reservations tomorrow night and we're going to hit the expo on Saturday.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Follow me at the Chicago Marathon!
You can follow my progress in Chicago on your phone!
Visit www.chicagomarathon.com and click on "Sign up for runner tracking". You will need my name (I trust you have that) and my bib number (it's 13105).
I love this and I wish more races could do this. It's a huge help for spectators, and for the athletes there is nothing better than seeing friendly faces cheering you on along the way.
Visit www.chicagomarathon.com and click on "Sign up for runner tracking". You will need my name (I trust you have that) and my bib number (it's 13105).
I love this and I wish more races could do this. It's a huge help for spectators, and for the athletes there is nothing better than seeing friendly faces cheering you on along the way.
Packing List
I'm headed out to Boulder this afternoon for a football game and a race in the morning. I'll be re-running this routine in 5 days for Chicago. Some important things that I'll be keeping in my travel bag:
Race shirts (I carry 2, long sleeve and short sleeve - never know what the weather will be like)
Shorts (of course)
Socks - running socks (not cotton)
Anti-chafing cream (sounds weird but if you've run before you know why this is a runner's best friend)
Shoes - running shoes and after-race shoes (comfortable)
Throw-Away Top - It's cold standing out waiting for the start. I find cheap shirts that I won't mind throwing aside after a couple of miles. (most races collect these and donate them to charity)
Music - depending on the race I may use my IPod... not needed for Chicago, I'll feed off the huge crowd instead.
Watch - fully charged and ready to go.
Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
Gels - to keep me going
Water and Sports drink - last minute hydration
ID, cash & credit card - just in case there is something I can't live without at the post-race expo.
Race Bib - don't want to forget that!
Race shirts (I carry 2, long sleeve and short sleeve - never know what the weather will be like)
Shorts (of course)
Socks - running socks (not cotton)
Anti-chafing cream (sounds weird but if you've run before you know why this is a runner's best friend)
Shoes - running shoes and after-race shoes (comfortable)
Throw-Away Top - It's cold standing out waiting for the start. I find cheap shirts that I won't mind throwing aside after a couple of miles. (most races collect these and donate them to charity)
Music - depending on the race I may use my IPod... not needed for Chicago, I'll feed off the huge crowd instead.
Watch - fully charged and ready to go.
Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
Gels - to keep me going
Water and Sports drink - last minute hydration
ID, cash & credit card - just in case there is something I can't live without at the post-race expo.
Race Bib - don't want to forget that!
Friday, October 1, 2010
One week away!
I'll be on my way to Chicago in one week!
We are flying out a couple of days early - Saturday is the pre-race expo, where I'll pick up my race bib and get my lay of the land. We're staying across the street from the marathon start/finish, so I won't need to worry about any traffic, parking on getting myself lost before the race.
I have a 1/2 marathon to run on Sunday - the postponed Boulder 1/2 - and I'll only have a couple of short runs next week. I've been taking it easy for the last week and I've really cut down my mileage. I've enjoyed the rest but I'm anxious to get on with these two races.
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