It's a very slow process - two steps forward, one step back - but I'm inching in the right direction. - Rob Reiner

October 09, 2013

The Chicago Pre-Marathon Blog

Well, it's finally almost here.  The Chicago Marathon is just 4 short days away.  I can't believe it.  I've been thinking about and planning for this day for over a year. 

First I watched the website like a hawk for the registration date to be announced, then I waited for registration day....only to be shut out....then I waited for "the lottery"....only to be shut out....and then we managed to get spots in the race through Marathon Tours (for double the cost)...and then finally began months and months of training.

And finally it's here!  I wish I felt 100% ready to go....ready for a perfect race, but there's probably never really such a thing.  So here's the Good, The Bad, and the Is What it Is

The Good:

  • I have had a great (mostly) injury free training cycle.
  • I completed 3 20+ mile runs and I feel like my training plan has prepared me for the race
  • I get to see my AWESOME friend Coy in a few days and run with her
  • I also hopefully get to see one of my good friends from High School Patrick
  • And also hope to see the amazing Terzah of BQ by 40 (even though she's not blogging much these days)
  • I get to have another great experience with my husband and I know will get to be with him when he sets a new PR
  • And I get to run the FREAKING Chicago Marathon!
The Bad:

  • I unfortunately had to travel earlier this week for work.....and now I have come down with a cold!  Worst timing ever!  I started taking Airborne about a week and a half ago to try to avoid getting sick, but it's happened anyway.  I've been so worried about it I probably made it happen.  I'm alternating Airborne which is mostly Vitamin C with Cold-Eze which is mostly Zinc and hopeful that it will be short lived.
  • I've had a little issue with my left foot for over a year and it's gotten a little worse these last few weeks.  A couple of days walking in DC in heels and it's seriously not happy.  I think it's going to be fine though.  I really doubt it will be an issue (I hope).
  • I've gained weight yet again...I'm up about 10 pounds from where I was a few months ago.  I'm running this race much heavier than I would like. Totally my fault, but nothing I can do about it now.
Is What It Is:

  • The weather looks like it will be "ok".  Current forecast calls for low 50s to upper 60s with a 30% chance of scattered showers and about 10 mph winds..  Not great, not bad, but ok.  It might be slightly warm, but it won't be hot. 
  • The taper....I always enjoy the first week of taper because by the time it comes I need it.  I'm tired.  The second week of taper make you freak out a bit.  It does seem like FOREVER since I did a long run.  I mean 10 miles last weekend...that's nothing.  Trust your training, trust your training!
So that's it.  Come Sunday morning I'll line up at the start line.  I know it will be a wonderful and amazing day no matter what.  It may not be the perfect race I was hoping for, but it will be a great day.  I am trusting in my training and ready to go.

If anyone is interested they do have runner tracking.  I'm Bib # 45710.  I'll be the one taking all day :)

https://register.athletetracking.net/bacm/index.html

44 comments:

  1. Four days away? What? How did that happen? I feel like you just registered a week ago! I hope that Cold-eeze and Airborne get rid of the cold for you.... Have a great time!!!

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    1. Thanks!! I'm getting excited, but ready to feel better!

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  2. I am so excited for you and Jim and Coy and the people in my running group doing Chicago!!! You are going to do great!!! I will be tracking you. Have a great race!

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    1. Awesome thanks! We are as ready as we are going to be!

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  3. I'll be joining you somewhere with the rest of the 45,000 others! Good luck and hopefully the weather will cooperate:)

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    1. Good Luck to you as well!! Updated weather looks great!

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  4. Good luck to you and Jim. I'm so excited for you. And I'm so jealous! Enjoy it!

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  5. Oh good luck!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!

    That sounds like such a strong training cycle. I developed Achilles tendinitis towards the end of my training and ended up with less miles than I wanted going in. It all worked out, but you sound like your base is FAR stronger.

    Hope you get feeling better and that your foot keeps quiet for the race!

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    1. Me too! I have chronic issues with my calves that lead to issues with the feet, Went for a short run this am and felt great!

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  6. So excited for you!! I hope you have a great time!!

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  7. I wish you the best of races. I hope your cold goes quickly. I hope the weather is perfect and I hope that you have a wonderful (or as wonderful as a marathon can possibly be) time.

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    1. It's weird to call this stuff "fun" sometimes, but it is! Thanks!

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  8. Good luck! I'm really quite excited for you. You've worked hard for this - you're going to kill that PR. Don't forget to smile! :)

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  9. You'll be amazing! Can't wait to read about it!!

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  10. The year certainly went by quickly! All the best! Just go out there and enjoy the wonderful experience. you will be fine and have a great run.

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  11. I am so excited for you! I hope you, Jim & Coy have an amazing experience! You know I am a big fan of the long taper...2 last marathons have been my 2 best marathons...don't freak out!!!!

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    1. I didn't taper quite as long for Disney so it does make me nervous. But if I wasn't feeling sick I would say I was feeling refreshed! The legs feel good though!

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  12. I've been following your blog and your husband's blog this training cycle and I just want to thank you for your Chicago training updates. I'm from KC and heading to Chicago tomorrow for my first marathon. It's kind of silly how nervous I am about this. Excited, but nervous. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Theresa! You'll do great! This is just my 2nd marathon and I'm nervous too! But, it's so much fun when race day finally arrives. Best of luck to you!

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  13. I've been following your blog and your husband's blog this training cycle and I just want to thank you for your Chicago training updates. I'm from KC and heading to Chicago tomorrow for my first marathon. It's kind of silly how nervous I am about this. Excited, but nervous. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks! Hope you have a great race too! No need to be nervous you'll do great!

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  14. I'm excited for you! Chicago is so much fun, the crowds are amazing and the city is awesome. Enjoy it! Can't wait to read your race report.

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  15. GO MICHAEL!! I hope you have a terrific marathon experience this weekend!

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  16. Your going to do great. Just enjoy the weather and the scenery. Good Luck.

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    1. Thanks looks like the weather is going to be great!

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  17. I hope everything comes together on the day and you have an awesome run! Believe in all that training, and enjoy!

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  18. I have no doubt that you will rock Chicago!!

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  19. Have a blast. You've worked hard for this!

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  20. Have a great race - weather report sounds good. I signed up to track you and Jim

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  21. Just popping in to wish you luck- not that you need it! Have a great race and I can't wait to hear all about it!

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  23. good luck, have fun and enjoy chicago!!

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  24. Congratulations girl!!! What a huge accomplishment for you on Sunday! I cannot wait to read about it.

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