If there was such a thing as a perfect build up to a marathon I had it 😉:-
(1) A solid injury free 18-week training block completing all run sessions plus 2-3 hours of power lifting per week
(2) September saw me get an overall PB in both Half Marathon and 10km distances – beating my times from over ten years ago.
(3) I was lucky to have a 10 day relaxing holiday beforehand in Canada – meaning less stress and no jetlag. Garmin fans will be impressed with my Race Day 87% Body Battery and “Peaking” Status.
It had been over 3 years since I was last running a big marathon – I’d forgotten how much buzz it creates around the city from the Expo on the Friday, and then at Spring Rock parkrun where nearly 300 runners turned up instead of the usual 25 (randomly I got on the train and was sat next to two lads from Spa Striders and a lady from North Herts Road Runners – my niece’s club)!
So marathon Sunday itself, my hotel was only short walk from Grant Park so zero stress, but even by 7am you could feel the heat and humidity was rising. After the National Anthem the Elites started around 7:30am, I was in Wave K so had an hours wait during which the influencer Jenny Fit who started Runners and Stunners sat down next to me – she was really low key – just chatting about her race build up and fear of overheating – I did fan girl a bit!
At 8:35 I set off to full USA Hype and a wall of noise that didn’t stop until I finished – the crowds from Mile 1 were insane – loud, in your face and carrying some amazing signs. I set my watch to pace me between 6:15 and 6:35 per km and settled in to tick off the early miles, at this stage the heat wasn’t that bad – I momentarily slowed and took water on at every station.
The variation in neighbourhoods and scenery keep me quite focused for first half – I loved Lincoln Park, Boystown (great drag Dolly Partons) and the bridges in the Old Town – I was hot but managing my pace well and hit 13.1mile in 2:11 – on track for a PB.
Going into the second half – course still pancake flat, really easy to run – although a challenge every km dodging disguarded cups and people running across your path to get the shade.
I hit Pilsen at 30km (19 miles) in 3:09 just about holding pace – this was my absolute favourite part of the course – the Mexican / Latino vibe was amazing – great music people in full costumes, tequilla shots (I didn’t indulge) and some truly hilarious signs.
A few that I remember:-
“Tap Pablo for a Boost”
“Therapy Was Also an Option”
“Don’t Poop – This Isn’t Hyrox”
“Pain Now Deep Dish Pizza Later”
“The Rats Don’t Run This City You Do”
By Mile 21 heat was now upto 24 degrees – I’m not designed for it, and despite our hot summer I’d done minimal training in it – I was really starting to struggle, I’d barely walked much upto this point but now, predictably I was slowing massively in pace and the annoying lady in my headphones was telling me that I was “behind pace” constantly.
After a nasty out and back section that was totally demotivating I spotted my husband in his Villa shirt just after 24 miles which lifted me massively, I know the last few km of a marathon are always hard but I was grateful just to keen moving as there were so many people slummed and stopped at the side of the road.
The one and only hill is at 25.5 miles which I just keep myself together to get up and then run the 800 metres or so to the noisiest finish ever– 04:42 on the clock, obvs I’d done extra as it’s such a huge race. Then on the conveyor belt of Medal, Beer, Water feeling a little shell shocked.
As much as I wanted a PB I was just pleased to finish – the city is amazing and just fantastic to be part of something so special.
Great evening celebrating in Little Italy, then a very full on Medal Model getting my pictures next to the iconic landmarks before flying home with all the other runners!
Was amazing experience overall, tempted to enter the ballot for next year – however have booked the Arctic Marathon with Claire next June to ensure there’s no heatwave to run in!
– Lisa Jay