Chicago Half Marathon

Yesterday was the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon. It was a bright and sunny day. Temperatures were warm in the 60's at the start - not a cloud in the sky. 12,500 started the race. The race goes through the Jackson Park/Hyde Park region of Chicago, starting at the Museum of Science and Industry, then along Lake Shore Drive, then back to the museum.

As I waited for the start, a woman came up to me. I had sold her shoes months ago. She was hugging me, and tell me how much she loved her shoes, and that this was her second half marathon, and will shoot for the Chicago Marathon next year. I thought that was sweet.

A few minutes later a guy tapped me on the shoulder. Sure enough I sold him a pair of shoes a few months ago. He too was telling me he was feeling good, and wished me luck.

The gun went off, and the race was on. I will admit, I went out way too fast. I thought I was going slow, but at mile 1 - 10:13. NOoooo! Too fast. My next mile was 12:05, much better.

At mile 3 I was greeted by my crew - Mark, Sarah, Cecilia and Chloe. I have known Mark and Sarah for 12 years. The girls are their delightful daughters, age 5 and 6 months. They were a welcome sight!

Soon the course headed out of the park, and on to Lake Shore Drive. It was a lonely stretch of road, few people, but there was the occasional rock band. At mile 5 Mark met me with water and a gell. I screwed up opening the package, and got gell on me....yuck. At this point I was under an hour and feeling good. Mile 6 and 7 were ok. Mile 8 I was feeling very dehydrated. The sun was hotter than I had thought. I could feel a burn coming on. I called Mark, and told him I needed him at mile 9 and not 10.

He biked over and met me. I kept the water this time, and had better luck with the gell. He rode along side me which actually helped. I felt like I had company. At mile 10 the girls were there with a big sign wishing me luck. I gave Cecilia a high five! I told them I would see them at the finish, and off I went.

This point on I took far more walking breaks than I like, and my pace had slowed a bit. For a good portion of the race I was running near the 2:30 pace group. Way too fast for me.

At mile 12 I decided to kick it into gear, and I did some speed work(which would make Coach Scott pretty happy). At this point all I wanted was the finish line. Soon enough I saw it, and I powered my way to it.

I crossed the finish line at - 2:45:04 - a new personal record! The previous mark was 2:59:59.

At the finish I met up with the crew, and my other friend Mark was there. He was cheering me on at mile 11....never heard him. Still it was good to see the group there at the end.

I feel great about this race. Learned some good lessons for the marathon - take water and avoid the early water stops; start slower; take walk breaks before I NEED them; make sure I see the support crew more often.

So another successful race in the bag....this week I have a 20 mile long run! OY!

:-)Charlie