Yesterday was the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It is always an exciting day, whether I am running it or not. This year I really wished I was running it. Temps were in the 30s at the start. Mark and I were with the Fleet Feet Crew at our larger store, which is along the marathon route. We passed out pom poms and whistles for folks to cheer runners on.
There was a lot of excitement as we waited for the runners. People in the crowd had their signs of encouragement for their loved ones. Pom poms were being pom pom'd. Everyone was in high spirits.
First the wheelchair athletes came through. I am always impressed with these folks. That is some hard work making those chairs go for 26.2 miles. Soon the elite athletes came by, let by Sammy Wanjiru, the 2008 Olympic Marathon champion. Sammy was going for the world record. In the end he "settled" for the course record, winning in 2:05:10. He was also awarded the prize for winning the World Marathon Majors challenge. All I know is he looked a bit cold as he zipped by. Heck they all did.
Liliya Shobukova won the women's title in a time of 2:25:56. I would say that is a pretty darned good time, but in the press conference, Shobukova expressed disappointment in not getting the Russian record. Hey you just won the Chicago Marathon - celebrate woman!
After the elites went by, then the sea of humanity came through. These are the core of the marathon. Those who are running their first, or trying to set a PR, or just out for a great marathon run. Some look serious, others dress in costumes. One day I hope to understand why a man dresses as Minnie Mouse to run 26.2 miles.
I could not stay for the whole thing, as I had to go to work. Still it was a thrill to see it. Gives me a lot of inspiration for Indy!
This week is a cut back week. I am doing a series of 6 mile runs, and a bit tiny bit of speed work. I will do a quicker 3 miler today. Next week the 20 mile run awaits me.
Charlie
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