By now everyone has heard about the heat and humidity that brought runners and the marathon to their knees yesterday in Chicago.
My race report is simple. Race temp at start was 76 degrees. It felt hot and sticky from the first moment when the gun went off and only got worse. I aimed for 8 minute pace and held if for 12 miles. After that, I knew my organs and systems were revolting and slowing me down, which turned out to be a blessing.
We passed a bank time and temperature sign that said 90 degrees at mile 17 and then another that read 95 degrees at mile 23. But that was long after we were already suffering from the 86% humidity. I shuffled in finishing in 3:53. But the conditions and the brutal experience outweigh any emphasis on finishing times.
Every inch of my body felt like it was sealed with Saran Wrap. The typical challenge of straining, cramping muscles didn’t hit because I was reduced to taking small gliding steps. Nobody around had a full stride, just a pathetic wobbly stagger.
I’ve never seen so many runners walk, stop, or quit. In the later miles, race officials put up “Drop Out” Tents where runners exited the course in droves. We’re talking very fit, athletic runners who looked like they are probably local champions and standouts in their communities, rendered helpless. As runners still on the course we kept our eyes peeled for wilting, staggering comrades around us, and it seemed on every block a runner or spectator would shout, “Runner down.” The victims lay limp on the sidewalks.
After the race, experienced runners of ultras, and even the Death Valley run said the race was the hardest conditions in which they’d ever run. The common question thrown around was how much did the weather affect the marathoners’ goals, and the common answer ranged from 30 – 60 minutes.
My sympathy goes out to the family of the marathoner who died. Further, I can only imagine the enormous disappointment for all those who were required to stop running when officials halted the race. So many of you trained in equally or hotter conditions, invested your money and time in traveling to Chicago where you hoped the race would produce cool race conditions. And I know several of you were not able to complete your race. I’m so deeply saddened for you.
I’ve read dozens of blog posts and articles both praising and criticizing the decision to stop the race. I side with the good judgment of the officials as there would only have been more casualties.
My marathon weekend was still highlighted with great experiences, including daughter Laura joining me, seeing friends and family, and taking in the great Expo and the dedication and hospitality of the Chicago Marathon race organization.
My goal for running and occasionally racing is to make it make the most of the running momenst and to accumulate a storehouse of memories. There are no shortage of ’07 Chicago Marathon memories. The pic to the right shows my daughter Laura and nephew Ryan.
I'm eager to read of others' Chicago Marathoners' experiences and also others' viewpoints about the drama in Chicago even if you didn't run it.
The Chicago Tribune blog has a long list of opinions and comments on the matter.
Thank you, family, friends, co-workers, and BRFs, for all your encouragement and suppport!
By now everyone has heard about the heat and humidity that brought runners and the marathon to their knees yesterday in Chicago.
My race report is simple. Race temp at start was 76 degrees. It felt hot and sticky from the first moment when the gun went off and only got worse. I aimed for 8 minute pace and held if for 12 miles. After that, I knew my organs and systems were revolting and slowing me down, which turned out to be a blessing.
Every inch of my body felt like it was sealed with Saran Wrap. The typical challenge of straining, cramping muscles didn’t hit because I was reduced to taking small gliding steps. Nobody around had a full stride, just a pathetic wobbly stagger.
I’ve never seen so many runners walk, stop, or quit. In the later miles, race officials put up “Drop Out” Tents where runners exited the course in droves. We’re talking very fit, athletic runners who looked like they are probably local champions and standouts in their communities, rendered helpless. As runners still on the course we kept our eyes peeled for wilting, staggering comrades around us, and it seemed on every block a runner or spectator would shout, “Runner down.” The victims lay limp on the sidewalks.
After the race, experienced runners of ultras, and even the Death Valley run said the race was the hardest conditions in which they’d ever run. The common question thrown around was how much did the weather affect the marathoners’ goals, and the common answer ranged from 30 – 60 minutes.
My sympathy goes out to the family of the marathoner who died. Further, I can only imagine the enormous disappointment for all those who were required to stop running when officials halted the race. So many of you trained in equally or hotter conditions, invested your money and time in traveling to Chicago where you hoped the race would produce cool race conditions. And I know several of you were not able to complete your race. I’m so deeply saddened for you.
My marathon weekend was still highlighted with great experiences, including daughter Laura joining me, seeing friends and family, and taking in the great Expo and the dedication and hospitality of the Chicago Marathon race organization.
My goal for running and occasionally racing is to make it make the most of the running momenst and to accumulate a storehouse of memories. There are no shortage of ’07 Chicago Marathon memories. The pic to the right shows my daughter Laura and nephew Ryan.
I'm eager to read of others' Chicago Marathoners' experiences and also others' viewpoints about the drama in Chicago even if you didn't run it.
The Chicago Tribune blog has a long list of opinions and comments on the matter.
Thank you, family, friends, co-workers, and BRFs, for all your encouragement and suppport!