Run Run Away

Question:

Heck, you could run naked in Chicago in the morning and it wouldn’t make a difference.  With 37,500 registered the race will be packed.  What a waste.  Too bad they sold out for the almighty buck.  It was actually a good race a few years ago. When I ran it last it was just over 20,000 and still packed for the first 7 to 10 miles.  I can’t even imagine 37,500.  Never again.  I’m going for smaller races from now on.  Real races, not publicity stunts. Definetely run in the shorts, and wear a normal coolmax-type tee shirt with a warm-ish throwaway sweater on overtop that you can toss once you warm up. That may be 2 miles into the marathon, or 10, depending on how you feel at that time. Trust me, do NOT wear tights. The sweater will be more than sufficient.

– Gary Kopycinski                         Frodo Lives!!!

Response:

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand your comment. The Chicago Marathon was one of the last big open marathons – no participant cutoffs, no qualifying, anyone could run. That’s the chief reason so many people want to run it now – you can get in easily, and more advanced runners can use it to qualify for closed races (a co-worker used it to qualify for Boston last year). I don’t like that they’ve set a limit, but having run in it when it hit over 30,000 I can see why they would. But I don’t see how they’ve "sold out." They should have set the cutoff at a much lower level.  Obviously the time of "open marathons" is past.  37,500 is way too high, IMO.  I told that to one of the directors yesterday.

I can’t find the number now, but they only ended up with 31,??? runners.  I think they knew they would have a number of people that registered and then could not run for some reason, and that might be why the cap looked high. The two biggest bottle necks I remember were the gear check area and then getting your finishing line photo.  People were walking both directions and ended up causing one heck of a jam. On the Lake side they did have less of a jam by keeping all the non-runners out of the area, but they were having trouble doing that. I would be hard to avoid a jam of people because try to tell people exit that way not this way.  ;-) It was still fun, and it was still possible to navigate through the crowd because it did move.  Last year, I was a spectator and you would get other spectators just shoving their way through everybody else.  I don’t remember seeing that happen this year.  In other words, it actually looked better than last year. Roger

Response:

Hey All, My news server went down so I missed a bunch of replies to my original message and had to read them on Google. Anyway, I had hurt my foot a month ago running RnR Half marathon in VA Beach, and between that race and Chicago, only managed one long run, a 12 miler which ended when my plantar fascia flared up again.  So ending up with a DNF in Chicago was a very real concern to me. I also caught some sniffles at a very cold movie theater on the night before the race, and that concerned me a little bit. I had heard someone say that the temp at the start of the race was 37 F.  I was pretty cold and waited till the last minute to take off my sweats.  But I ran the whole race in shorts and a (dri-fit) t-shirt. I also had a pair of disposable gloves, which were great.  I bought them for $1.50 / pair at a previous race expo.  Now I wish I had put them in my pocket instead of throwing them away. My one previous marathon was Green Bay, just a few months ago in June. I ran 4:07:59.  This time I was just hoping for a sub 4 hour time. It turns out I ran a 3:39:34.  That’s more than 28 minutes faster than I ran just 3 months ago.  I’m still in shock that I did it.  My training was unspectacular (just one speedwork session since the previous marathon), I was sleep deprived, not to mention the other problems that I wrote in the beginning of this post.  But I am very satisfied and very happy with my time and never imagined that I would even come close to the time I ran. I would say that the biggest factor, by far, was the weather.  After mile 2, I never felt cold, and never even felt hot.  It was perfect. I also tried the glycogen depletion diet in the week before the race. I had no carbs from Mon-Wed, ran on Monday and Wed., and then tried to load up on carbs from Thurs – Sat.  It’s my first time trying it and I can’t say that I can compare its effectiveness to a regular pre-marathon diet, but I didn’t hit the wall during the race and managed to run the whole way through without taking any walk breaks. So…in short, I’m extremely happy with my time, and I really enjoyed Chicago.  I’m impressed at how well organized it was. Thanks for reading, Mike

Response:

Hea Doug, I will not tell, if you don’t. See you on the trail, Chuck

Response:

I moved over to running Trail Ultras to avoid the pavement pounding with thousands of others.  Personally I’d much rather run with a couple of hundred folks (if that many) in the quiet and remote woods……no hotel problems, no traffic problems.  Dirt isn’t for everyone, but that’s ok with me.

Chuck, please do not let this out. My last race had 100 and it was perfect. During my last race, exclusive of the aid stations I did not see another runner for 20 miles. — Caveat Lector "the further you go outside, the further you go inside" – B. McKibben Doug Freese

Response:

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand your comment. The Chicago Marathon was one of the last big open marathons – no participant cutoffs, no qualifying, anyone could run. That’s the chief reason so many people want to run it now – you can get in easily, and more advanced runners can use it to qualify for closed races (a co-worker used it to qualify for Boston last year). I don’t like that they’ve set a limit, but having run in it when it hit over 30,000 I can see why they would. But I don’t see how they’ve "sold out."

They should have set the cutoff at a much lower level.  Obviously the time of "open marathons" is past.  37,500 is way too high, IMO.  I told that to one of the directors yesterday. — Gary Kopycinski                         Frodo Lives!!!

Response:

Heck, you could run naked in Chicago in the morning and it wouldn’t make a difference.  With 37,500 registered the race will be packed.  What a waste.  Too bad they sold out for the almighty buck.  It was actually a good race a few years ago.

        I’m sorry, but I don’t understand your comment. The Chicago Marathon was one of the last big open marathons – no participant cutoffs, no qualifying, anyone could run. That’s the chief reason so many people want to run it now – you can get in easily, and more advanced runners can use it to qualify for closed races (a co-worker used it to qualify for Boston last year). I don’t like that they’ve set a limit, but having run in it when it hit over 30,000 I can see why they would. But I don’t see how they’ve "sold out."         Emanuel "Everybody wants a normal life and a cool car; most people settle for the car." Chris Titus http://home.att.net/~epbrown01/1966-rolls.jpg http://home.att.net/~epbrown01/1983-porsche.jpg

Response:

<<  When I ran it last it was just over 20,000 and still packed for the first 7 to 10 miles.  I can’t even imagine 37,500.  Never again.  I’m going for smaller races from now on.  Real races, not publicity stunts.   I moved over to running Trail Ultras to avoid the pavement pounding with thousands of others.  Personally I’d much rather run with a couple of hundred folks (if that many) in the quiet and remote woods……no hotel problems, no traffic problems.  Dirt isn’t for everyone, but that’s ok with me. Chuck Gulker (Dublin, Ohio)

Response:

Marisa, You are correct.  Wear a disposable shirt and it will be no problem. There are too many runners to pick out numbers.  There was a ton of discarded running clothing at last years Chicago Marathon.  I even saw a bunch of CD players and cassette players.  There were probably some MP3 players too.  If someone asks to see your number, show it to them, but there won’t be a problem. Good luck at Chicago! Troy

Response:

I had thought about just wearing a cheap long sleeve shirt for the beginning (discarding it after a few miles).  But the brochure said that race numbers must be visible at all times, so I’m not sure how well layers would work out.

Maybe you could pin your number to your shorts rather than your shirt. I see lots of people do that. I got one of those race number belts for the same reason. — Brian P. Baresch Lawrence, Kansas, USA Professional editing and proofreading

Response:

I’ll be shooting for something between 3:25 and 5:59.

I would hate waiting for you, at different mile markers!  With your time prediction, a friend would be exhausted.  Could you imagine the concentration required at each viewing.  Last year was tough, and our friends came through within 5 minutes of their projected pace.  It was extremely difficult finding them, with thousands of runners.  Good Luck Roger.  I’m losing track of your marathons run!  Tell us who you see at the expo. Troy, Ha ha, I don’t think I’ll have anybody waiting for me anywhere.  Besides, I plan to be equipped with a cell phone, with auto-answer and a headset on this Marathon, just like I did on my first half Marathon this year. I might take the camera to the expo, but I don’t know if I’ll run with it yet. Thanks,         Roger – gotta eat –

Response:

Many people running Twin Cities Marathon (last year it was about 30F at the start — looks like much the same this year) opted for Hefty Trash bags (the yard and garden size) for a temporary garment to keep warm at the start – just be sure to punch an opening for your head and arms! Old socks work fine as mittens to get you started too.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About the weather … any suggestions for racing clothing?  I’ve been training in warmer weather, so the only things I’m used to are shorts and long sports bras/singlets.  I’m wary of trying new clothes on race day. I had thought about just wearing a cheap long sleeve shirt for the beginning (discarding it after a few miles).  But the brochure said that race numbers must be visible at all times, so I’m not sure how well layers would work out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Marisa –

Response:

Thanks everyone that replied so far.  I’ve got another clothing question now that I am up in Chicago.  Just how cold is it going to be along the course?  I’m wondering if I should run in my shorts as planned, or run in my running tights.  I brought both with me, but am not sure what would be best for this weather. I figure I can layer tops, as I can easily remove those while running. The bottoms are what’s throwing me.  I used to run cross country up through December, and would run in just singlet and shorts.  But that was for only a 5K, and I was running considerably faster than I will be on Sunday (used to run sub-21 5K, looking to run around 4:30 for marathon).  Any tips from those more familiar with Chicago weather would be greatly appreciated!! And good luck to everyone! Marisa –

Response:

I just checked the Chicago weather report for tomorrow morning. Definetely run in the shorts, and wear a normal coolmax-type tee shirt with a warm-ish throwaway sweater on overtop that you can toss once you warm up. That may be 2 miles into the marathon, or 10, depending on how you feel at that time. Trust me, do NOT wear tights. The sweater will be more than sufficient. Good luck to you!! — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks everyone that replied so far.  I’ve got another clothing question now that I am up in Chicago.  Just how cold is it going to be along the course?  I’m wondering if I should run in my shorts as planned, or run in my running tights.  I brought both with me, but am not sure what would be best for this weather. I figure I can layer tops, as I can easily remove those while running. The bottoms are what’s throwing me.  I used to run cross country up through December, and would run in just singlet and shorts.  But that was for only a 5K, and I was running considerably faster than I will be on Sunday (used to run sub-21 5K, looking to run around 4:30 for marathon).  Any tips from those more familiar with Chicago weather would be greatly appreciated!! And good luck to everyone! Marisa –

Response:

Marisa, It will be a little cooler, at the start than I was hoping for.  I think I’m going to wear a 50 gallon trash bag until the race starts.  I plan to wear gloves and put them in the elastic holding up my shorts if they get too warm. BTW I’ve only done one sub 21 minute 5k in my life, so far that is. Good luck tomorrow,         Roger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks everyone that replied so far.  I’ve got another clothing question now that I am up in Chicago.  Just how cold is it going to be along the course?  I’m wondering if I should run in my shorts as planned, or run in my running tights.  I brought both with me, but am not sure what would be best for this weather. I figure I can layer tops, as I can easily remove those while running. The bottoms are what’s throwing me.  I used to run cross country up through December, and would run in just singlet and shorts.  But that was for only a 5K, and I was running considerably faster than I will be on Sunday (used to run sub-21 5K, looking to run around 4:30 for marathon). Any tips from those more familiar with Chicago weather would be greatly appreciated!! And good luck to everyone! Marisa –

Response:

I’ll be shooting for something between 3:25 and 5:59.

I would hate waiting for you, at different mile markers!  With your time prediction, a friend would be exhausted.  Could you imagine the concentration required at each viewing.  Last year was tough, and our friends came through within 5 minutes of their projected pace.  It was extremely difficult finding them, with thousands of runners.  Good Luck Roger.  I’m losing track of your marathons run!  Tell us who you see at the expo. Troy

Response:

About the weather … any suggestions for racing clothing?  I’ve been training in warmer weather, so the only things I’m used to are shorts and long sports bras/singlets.  I’m wary of trying new clothes on race day. I had thought about just wearing a cheap long sleeve shirt for the beginning (discarding it after a few miles).  But the brochure said that race numbers must be visible at all times, so I’m not sure how well layers would work out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Marisa –

Response:

I would at least get a pair of cheap cotton gloves.  Perhaps they will have some at the Expo. Then you can either throw them into the crowd when you warm up. Roger – Driving to Chicago tomorrow – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About the weather … any suggestions for racing clothing?  I’ve been training in warmer weather, so the only things I’m used to are shorts and long sports bras/singlets.  I’m wary of trying new clothes on race day. I had thought about just wearing a cheap long sleeve shirt for the beginning (discarding it after a few miles).  But the brochure said that race numbers must be visible at all times, so I’m not sure how well layers would work out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Marisa –

Response:

It is to me, too.  The last time it was in the 50’s was 23 May (and that was the low). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good luck to everyone running Chicago this Sunday!  Look for me.  I’ll be wearing grey shorts.  That should be enough to pick me out of the crowd Best of luck, Mike! I hope you do well. I think the weather there was nice today but it looks like it’s going to be very cold on Sunday (high in the low 50’s). That’s COLD to you? (let alone  "very"??)? — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –

– Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

Response:

Good luck to everyone running Chicago this Sunday!  Look for me.  I’ll be wearing grey shorts.  That should be enough to pick me out of the crowd

Best of luck, Mike! I hope you do well. I think the weather there was nice today but it looks like it’s going to be very cold on Sunday (high in the low 50’s).

That’s COLD to you? (let alone  "very"??)? — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –

Response:

I think the weather there was nice today but it looks like it’s going to be very cold on Sunday (high in the low 50’s). That’s COLD to you? (let alone  "very"??)?

Well, let’s be fair. That’s the temp (Fahrenheit, of course) it’ll probably be at 4pm. At 8am it’ll probably be more like 30. I’d call that cold since most of my training to date has been in 60-80 degree weather. But then I’m even farther south than Chicago. Good luck, all. — Brian P. Baresch Lawrence, Kansas, USA Professional editing and proofreading

Response:

Hi, Good luck to everyone running Chicago this Sunday!  Look for me.  I’ll be wearing grey shorts.  That should be enough to pick me out of the crowd I think the weather there was nice today but it looks like it’s going to be very cold on Sunday (high in the low 50’s).

Mike. I hope it will be in the low 50’s.  I would hate to see if any warmer than that.  I haven’t heard any mention of rain either, so it sounds like it will be perfect weather. I’m picking up my packet on Friday so I can avoid so much walking on Saturday.  I’ll be shooting for something between 3:25 and 5:59. BTW what are you shooting for? Have fun,         Roger

Response:

Hi, Good luck to everyone running Chicago this Sunday!  Look for me.  I’ll be wearing grey shorts.  That should be enough to pick me out of the crowd I think the weather there was nice today but it looks like it’s going to be very cold on Sunday (high in the low 50’s). Mike

Response: