I love reading Marathon race recaps- I get choked up hearing about other people’s experiences, even when I don’t know the person. I remember the pain, the elation, and the huge range of emotions involved with running 26.2 miles.
I’ve put together a Pinterest board with Chicago Marathon race recaps, plus added in some general info that I’ve established from these races. If you’re running Chicago or have run it before, please feel free to add your training posts and recaps to the Pinterest board (email me at therunnerbean@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the board).
- Everyone says the race is super organised- yay!
- Security seems to be long to get into the start areas, plus the lines for the porta loos are long- get there with plenty of time before the corrals close at 7.20am.
- The bridges throw Garmin/watch splits off so don’t rely on these to stick to your pace. I’m planning on running at least the first 15+ miles with the 3.35 pace group if possible.
- There are plenty of water stations with water and Gatorade- but in cups. I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll run with a hydration pack or not.
- Running the tangents is hard so it’s likely you’ll run over 26.2 miles- I may need to readjust my pace to compensate for this.
- It seems that there’s an easy shuttle bus from Nike to the race expo- double shopping opportunities!
- The weather is very variable!
- Apparently there are some awesome drag queens spectating!
- There’s a hill right at the end- how did I not know this before- how mean of the race organisers!
I know a few people are coming over from the UK to run Chicago as well as a number of US runners/readers- I’d love to meet some of you in real life, either for some carb loading or a shake out jog. If I organised something, would you be interested? Let me know in an email or in the comments!
Here’s my recap as well! http://haveagoodrun.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/chicago-marathon-recap-i-didnt-know.html
I’d recommend getting a pace tattoo from the expo. That is what helped me keep on track and figure out what was possible, since it lists the total time that should have elapsed by certain miles to keep you on track. When the bridges screwed up my pace, THAT was what kept me on track.
Great recap and awesome time!
This is an absolutely super, super post!!! Great tips, thanks.
And Nike to Expo – could be a dangerous workout for the creditcard!!
Would love to meet up in Chicago for carbload/jog, out there from The Thursday to Wednesday. And in London for a long run if you need any company…?
Haha I agree! Definitely up for a meet up, will let you know more details nearer the time!
Reading this made me feel so excited for race day! I can’t believe it’s so close. Since this will be my first marathon, I’m just aiming to finish haha. I won’t let my time discourage me as long as I have that medal around my neck! 🙂 My training group has also mentioned that hill and they’ve told me not to stop, just to keep going since the finish is right around that corner!
If you’ve not read this report, here’s one for your collection from my fav blogger who sadly doesn’t blog any more http://willrunforbeer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/race-report-chicago-marathon.html
Good luck!
Thanks Laura, will take a look at the recap!
This will be my first time running Chicago. I would be interested in a meet up because I’m always down for meeting new people. I’m really excited about this race. I can’t wait.
HI Charlie, great post, totally motivated me for this morning’s much anticipated / dreaded 15 miler!
I’d definitely be up for meeting up in Chicago (is anyone around post race? I’m there for another week and already fantasising about all the great American food to be eaten on the rest of my trip). A pre-meet in London before would be great too.
This makes me want to write my post from last year, for Chicago, that I never got around to writing. You are going to absolutely love the race.