Chicago Marathon
October 9 & 10
The Marathon Expo
Getting to the marathon expo wasn't that easy. I wanted to catch the "L" but google maps just gave me buses. I decided to catch the bus, however while waiting at the bus stop there was a sign that the routes were adjusted which meant that the bus wouldn't be showing up. It took me a few minutes to figure that out. I had a notion to catch an uber but decided against it. I walked to "the L" red line subway station and caught the subway. I really didn't know where I was going, but overheard a group of people saying they had to transfer to the green line and get off at McCormick Place. I was like f-it, I'll follow them.
The walk from the subway station was over 15 minutes and about 1 mile. To get into the expo you needed to scan your QR code. The expo was huge but wasn't anything spectacular. There were no jackets to purchase and I was somewhat disappointed. I ended up settling for a long sleeve shirt for $86. Did you know that Chicago charges a 10.5% sales tax. Damn! Also the commemorative stuff was junk so I didn't buy anything.
After about 1 hour, I had enough and decided to leave and get some sightseeing started since it was still early in the day. I caught the bus nearest to the expo and headed towards The Institute of Chicago Museum of Art.
Race Day
The day started off great as I was able to eat my oatmeal and drink my coffee. I got ready and tried to layer as much as possible. I had the route to the subway ready, but when I left the hotel I saw hundreds of people making their way to the start line, so I followed them. I walked about 1.5 miles and got to Grant Park. I now needed to find my gate. I was in gate 5 at the end. There are no accommodations for slow runners. It was only 7am, I had 1.5 hours till start time. My wave was wave 3 which started at 8:35am and my corral was letter L. It was going to be a while before I started. I had my check in bag ready to go, but waited till the last possible moment to check it in. I went to the restroom first since the line was long. After checking in, I made my way to coral L. I put my poncho on thinking it would help with the cold. As I walked pass coral M, there was a sign that said Coral K. I had to ask a volunteer where coral L was, she said it was on the other end. Well, that didn't make much sense.
Coral L was already full when I got there. It was only 7:50am and I was shivering cold. The girl in front of me was really cold because she was shivering worst than me. 8:35am came and they released us. Walking to the start line took about 15 minutes, but it felt like an hour because I was so cold. I couldn't regulate my body temperature and was in bad shape mentally and physically.
I was miserable for the first mile and my pace suffered. I also had to take a piss. What a rough start!!! In an hour my body warmed up and I saw a porta potty to use the bathroom. There was a small line and I knew I would lose 2-3 minutes, but that's okay because after I took a piss I felt great. I took off my poncho and I ran miles 6-13 like a champ, probably my fastest time of the marathon. One thing I noticed was that there were people throughout the entire course every step of the way through all 29 neighborhoods cheering us on. It was a very lively crowd almost ruckus like.
I started to get weak at mile 18 and decided to walk/run the rest of the way. My time suffered and I lost about 18 minutes. I ended the marathon feeling great though albiet sore legs but nothing out of the ordinary.
I got my mylar blanket and medal. My goal now was the find the check in bag tent and change. That is what I did, executed to the T. On the way there, the Goose Island station was giving out a free can of finisher beer. Man I felt so good drinking that beer. My next goal was to find Mile 27 after party. I exited the park and walked for about 1/4 a mile and couldn't find it, so I asked a volunteer. They said I need to go back into the park to get to the Mile 27 after party. I was like fuck, I have to go through bag search and the metal detector again. But that is what I did. I ended up waiting in line for the after party but the guy said that I'm trying to get into the wrong party, "this is the Ronald McDonald Charity Event". I asked him where is the after party, he pointed across the way at a huge field, so I went there.
Because it was 3p, they started closing up. I rushed to get my complementary beer. I found my ticket in my wallet and got my beer, next was to get food. There was a burger tent but they were sold out, the guy told me go to the tent across the field. I was like fuck, more walking I just ran a marathon you know. I didn't say that out loud. I bought a burger and found a place to sit. I opened the burger and saw that it was raw, but I was so hungry. Then I thought I don't want to die, so I drank my beer and threw the burger away.
That was such a disappointment. I walked about 0.5 miles to the subway "The L" and took what I believe was the red line back to Grand stop and walked another 0.5 miles back to my hotel. My legs felt pretty good, my body was still in shock. I tell you what that shower was amazing.
I was still so hungry and was tempted to go across the street to the Dunkin' Doughnuts to get something to eat, but I had some discipline and ordered from Al's Italian Beef. I walked almost 1 mile to get my order. Let me back track I tried to catch the bus, but it wasn't coming, so I was like fuck it I'm walking I don't care about my sore legs. I was expecting Al's Italian Beef to be world class Chicago dining, busy and loud run by Italians. Instead it was empty, quiet and only Asian people worked there. I was thoroughly disappointed. I wanted to experience authentic Chicago not Asians working at Al's Italian Beef. Anyway the customer service was excellent. They were so nice, got my order correct, and got me out there. They knew I probably ran the marathon and I was most likely hungry. I wouldn't expect anything less from Asians.
I walked back to the hotel and ate my Italian Beef Sandwich with Loaded Chili's Fries. I did not stop until I finished every last bite. The sad part is was that I was hungry for more. I mean seriously that was almost 2000 calories I consumed in one sitting. I passed out and woke up in the middle of the night to pack up.
If I make it into London or New York next year, I really have to consider the layering of clothes. I have my mylar blanket I can use for the next time. The problem this year was that the temperature went up 25 degrees from 7:30am thru 3:00pm which could have affected my pace.
This was my 14th marathon which is amazing, who would have ever thought I could do such a thing.
Walking to the start line at Grant Park
Chicago River
Checking in my bag
Waiting to go to the restroom
Coral L
Finisher's Beer
People walking back after running a marathon
Grant Park
Disgusting Hamburger
Spectators waiting for their love ones
Italian Beef w/ Chili French Fries
Goose Island 312 Beer