Chicago Marathon 2008

By: Jack Shannon

Thanks to all the “well wishes” I received before the marathon, and to the post marathon inquiries I received afterwards.  Here are my thoughts of the race:

• To anyone but a runner, October 12 was a beautiful day in Chicago.  To a runner, it was pretty warm.  I heard reports of 81-84 degrees.  It was mid 60’s when we started, but midway through, it was hot; and the heat took its toll.
• I was on a 3:55 pace the first half, and I kept that up until around mile 16.  At that point I started fading a little, but still felt good about 4:00.
• At mile 18, I gave up on all goals but one: finish and don’t be miserable.  I was really feeling the heat at this point.  Many around me were walking.  I was only stopping for water at this point.
• At mile 22, I noticed I wasn’t sweating.  I think I read somewhere that’s not a good thing.  I got a lot of water and Gatorade and walked just about the whole next mile.
• Just before mile 23, I started running again, got a little more to drink at mile 24, then brought it home.  I felt much better the last few miles than I did at mile 22.
• I finished in the top 1/3 at 4:17:17.  That’s a PR for me, so who’s to complain?

Here’s hoping Kiawah is cooler.  To be honest though, even if it’s cooler, sub 4:00 may not be in the cards this year.  I’ll be happy with sub 4:10.  26.2 is a long way….