The Chicago Marathon has been a life-long dream of mine ever since I started running 2 and a half years ago. Sunday morning, I got up at 3:45am to head down to the race. The lack of sleep didn't really set me up for success - neither did the half a bag of peanut M&Ms that I ate before bed. I still had a great run and finished at just under a 10min/mile pace.
Here everybody's waiting to start - 45,000 registered runners! Once the starter's gun went off, it took me 8 minutes to reach the start line.
The starting temperature was 34 degrees but I had my Ipod loaded with Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Radiohead and U2 to keep me warm.
It was a scenic run for the entire 26 miles. Here's the first view of the Sears Tower - I'll never call it the Willis Tower. I ran through Wrigleyville, past the United Center, through Chinatown, by the Sox park and back up to finish at Grant Park. Here's the official map of the course. I felt like I got to see the whole city.
This is the final stretch - less than half a mile to go before the finish at Grant Park. They estimated that there were 1.5 million spectators watching the race and it sure felt like it.
45,000 registered runners = a lot of medals! There were several of these stands at the finish line.
Here I am just after I finished - 16,505th place! It was perfect weather for running with the temperature hovering in the high 40's and sunny. There were plenty of times during the run where I really wanted to be done - for example, miles 15 and 18 when I threw up on the course (Stupid M&Ms!). However, the great spectators, the amazing support and aid stations, and the beautiful city make the Chicago marathon a must do - I'll definitely be back again!
1 comments:
AMazing. You are getting in good enough shape to race in Colorado, right?
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