Chicago Marathon 2008

After a disastrous outing last October, I ran the Chicago Marathon again.

This year we were hoping for better conditions compared to the oppressive heatwave and humidity of last year. However, the race day temperature was still high since it pushed up into the 80s.

Luckily, the race organizers learned much from last year and decided to take extra precautions. For example, they increased the number of water stations from 15 to 20. This helped out a lot for dealing with the heat.

I also was smarter this year. Last year we didn't stick with a consistent pace and ended up burning out early. So this year my plan was to hang around the 4 hour 30 minute pacers. I ran with a friend from my training group and tried to stay steadily ahead or with the pacers.

My plan worked out well. Through most of the race we were a minute or two ahead of 4:30 pace. It wasn't until mile 20 or 21 that my friend had to slow down. A little bit after that I started to slow and saw some of the pacers pass me. This immediately inspired me to catch up with them. I tucked behind the pacers for most of the last 6 miles knowing if I stayed with them I would beat my goal. They only built a slight lead on me as I hit the last 2 or 1.5 miles of the race. However, I knew at that point if I could keep them in sight and run this out, I would best 4:30.

The last 2 miles were particularly brutal. I concentrated by looking at my shadow in front of me and imagining that I was keeping the shadow man running. All around me I heard people calling my name and cheering me on (I had a good marathon shirt with my name on it this year), but all I could focus on was finishing out a distance that is usually a routine run. Eventually, I turned on to Roosevelt and felt like I was running in concrete due to the slight incline. Finally I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line. That's all I needed to see. I ran out the last stretch.

I looked down at my watch and saw I finished shortly after 4:29. I had beaten 4:30, I was happy with that performance.

I want to thank all those who came to watch me on the course. I would also like to thank those who wished me well and tracked me at home. Finally I would like to thank my training group leaders and teammates. Your support means a lot to me. I couldn't accomplish this without you guys.

Thanks.