My 36 hour Marathon training plan was simple, don't run until the race, then enjoy a fully supported long run early Sunday morning. No time to figure out a race plan, or nutrition plan, just go out and run. My plan was to pack a couple of Gatorade chews I already had, and rely on the course for gatorade and other nutritional support. This would be my fourth marathon, about a month since completing my first 50K at Wisconsin North Face. I've maintained my running, but have not really been following any training plan. Just under 4 hours seemed like a reasonable goal.
Hitched a ride to the race with a couple running friends, tried to stay warm and then hopped into Coral G. Having run it last year from Coral B, I figured I would have some crowding issues at the beginning, hoping to start out around 9:00, and see what happens.
Mile 1-3: Average pace 8:42. I was right about the crowd, very thick with some slow people, I tried to settle into a pace, but spent much of this time bobbing and weaving around runners. I had to pee pretty bad at the start, so when we got to the first aid station on State Street I figured why be uncomfortable, and snuck off to the porta potty for a quick leak, then back to the course. I love this part of the race, so fun to be running the streets of the loop with thousands of others.
Mile 4-8: Average Pace 8:24 - So much for averaging 9:00s. I was keeping my HR in check, right around 150-55 (Low Zone 3 for me) and was feeling great. Hitting each aid station for a drink of Gatorade and a sip of water, and just soaking in the sights and sounds of the event.
Miles 9-HM 8:40 Average Pace (8:35 average pace for the HM, 1:53:12). The first half of Chicago is so much fun. Boys Town, Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North and back to the loop. The excitement and crowds are just the best. I was in a very nice place, and just enjoying the ride.
Miles HM-19: Average Pace 9:12. I knew my least favorite part of the course was coming up. The section west out of the loop, then a quick turn back before heading towards Taylor Street is just not the fun. Since I knew I had to make a 6 hour drive in the evening for a college visit in Iowa with my son, I did not want to be overly uncomfortable while sitting in the car after the race. I was feeling pretty good, but my legs were starting to feel the wear and tear of the pace, so I decided to back off a little bit. Just broke up the race into Aid station to Aid Station chunks. I would run to the end of the Gatorade tables, grab one and walk with it as I drank it, then do the same with the water. Seemed to be working pretty good.
Miles 20-25: Average pace 9:27. Legs continued to feel a bit fatigued, so just kept trudging along at a "comfortable" pace, not pushing it too hard, and walking the aid stations. Started doing the math, and realized I would be pretty close to the sub 4:00 goal.
Finish: 3:54:29. Last Mile.2 Average pace 8:44. With a mile to go, the energy from the crowd begins to build again. I looked at my watch and figured I could get in under 3:55 if I pushed it just a bit, so I did. Made the last turn toward the finish with a big smile and another Marathon under my belt?
So, I was able to break 4:00 without any real training plan, which is great. I ended up finishing with an 8:48 average pace for the race, a really solid long run. My HR average was 153 (Mid Zone 3). I have absolutely no complaints about this run/race. Really fun way to spend a Sunday morning!
Summary: Driving 6 hours after a Marathon not so fun, LOL. On the positive side, I really had little to no soreness walking around the campus of Iowa State the day after the race which leads me to believe I ran it like I wanted to, comfortable long run. Felt pretty good to push through the fatigued points between 17-24. I could have easily just walked more, but decided to keep going to hit the sub 4:00 goal. My fitness level must be pretty darn good!
