Chicago Distance Classic Race Report...
The story of my marathon actually begins around Saturday at around 4 in the morning. I woke up with the most excrutiatingly (is that even a word?) painful charlie horse...holy cow...my calf muscles were spazzing like nothing else I had ever experienced before. Needless to say, I woke up literally screaming in pain and drove my fingers deep into the muscle. OH.MY.GAAAWWWWWWWWDDDDDDDDDDDD. It was absolutely awful. All day Saturday my left calf was super tight and borderline painful. I used The Stick on it and stretched it out and even walked home from the expo (mile and a half-ish).
So aside from oversleeping this morning (oh shit!) and running about 25 minutes behind schedule, we make it to the start line with about 15-20 minutes to spare. Just enough time to use the bathroom and hit gear check.
But what a beautiful day for a half marathon!!!! The start line weather was nice and in the mid-60's (don't worry, it warmed up quick). The vibe was good...over the loud speaker they were playing this dramatic symphonic fanfare...I jokingly said "Oh geez....I bet they play the Chariots of Fire theme next" ....and well...they did. It was pretty amusing and we all got a good laugh. The national anthem is sung...and off go the wheelchair racers and before we know it, we're about to cross the start line with ACDC's Thunderstruck blaring.
Mile 1...So I'm running along with a fellow TNTer, Sharmeene...everything feels good, the calf isn't too problematic. But apparently I went out way too fast...I hit the first mile marker at 10:35...uhmm...I.dont.think.so. I pull back a little bit from her and walk for a few moments and up through the water stop. Much to my surprise, NO SHIN SPLINTS!! This is great as it typically takes me 2-3 miles to get in the groove whenever I have shin splints. Woohoo! Life is great and I LOVE RUNNING!!!
Mile 2...3...4...I love running through the loop!! Tall buildings!! Nice shaded streets!! People cheering us on!! Friendly folks at water stops!! The legs are feeling great, except for the tinge of discomfort starting up in my calf. At the 5k mark I look at my watch...just over 35 minutes...sweet, I'll take it even though it's not great, I just pace myself. I suck down a Gu at mile 4 and keep on trucking. Woohoo!!
Mile 5...the marker is in the middle of "Mount Roosevelt"...you know, the only incline in the marathon conveniently located at Mile 26. I round the bend to start up the hill and see the 5 mile marker up ahead...I look at my Garmin and realize that I can break an hour...THIS IS HUGE FOR ME!!! I've not yet had an 8k under an hour.....until today! I channel my energy and just fly up the hill...So what was my 8k time, you ask?? It was really 59:30..BOO YAH. An 8k PR. I do my happy dance for my sub-12/min mile pace and keep on running, because well...I LOVE RUNNING!!!
Mile 6...7...8...Ugh...I hate running on Lake Shore Drive (and hate isn't even the right word...more like loathe...dread...detest). I hate the sun. I hate the soreness in my calf. I hate the blister starting to develop on my big toe. I hate my bladder because I feel like I gotta pee...and I hate the porta potty lines. And while I certainly didn't hate running in general, it was certainly starting to slip on my list of favorite things to do. It wasn't a BAD stretch...it was just well, less than stellar. Overall, I was still feeling okay. Just a bit on the overheated side. Which means I was drinking more...which means I was getting a sloshy stomach. Ew! What an awful feeling. It's around this point I spot one of my mentees, Kristen, already headed back north...I give her a mighty cheer as she's maybe 20-30 yards away from me...she was looking great and running strong!!
Mile 9...This is where my 2:30ish half was shot. Yours truly...are you ready for this? Are you? It's pretty ridiculous...but....yours truly got run over by a bike. I know, I know....wtf? It wasn't just any old biker, either. IT WAS A F#$*%&ING COURSE MARSHALL. Oh man...I don't think I have been that pissed off in a REALLY.LONG.TIME. I'm walking through the water TNT water station...it's pretty crowded so I move to the middle so I could start running once again without tripping all of a sudden. All of a sudden I hear "watch out" (and because I have eyes in the back of my head and all, and because it was so crowded, I know exactly who they person was talking to...note sarcasm)...so all of a sudden, the stupid #$%&ing course marshall runs into the back of my leg....right where I was having my charlie horse pain. Tears welt up in my eyes...I bite my tongue...and do my best to limit the number of four-letter words flying out of my mouth (sorry Mom...but a good number escaped from my lips). It was not a pretty sight. I had to pull over and examine the damage. Tire track dirt actually ended up on my leg. And while it didn't break the skin (Thank Gawd!) it was beyond painful...and it left a nice big ole bruise on my calf.
Okay...I might expect this is of a stupid, random biker out for a morning ride who doesn't know better...but a COURSE MARSHALL...WHO KNOWS THE RULES...WHOSE BEST INTEREST IS SUPPOSED TO BE THAT OF THE ATHLETES....Uhmm......yah.....one really miffed chick over here and I'm wondering if I should report it. So a memo to all course marshalls and future course marshalls, DO NOT TAKE YOUR BIKE THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF A CONGESTED WATER STATION...for the love of all that is good, ride your damn thing AROUND the stop, like you're supposed to...now there's a concept. Ugh. I could go on and on, but I'll shut up about that now.
It was shortly after this snafu that I saw Margie and Molly and a handful of TNTers they were pacing with. As always, they were looking great, going strong. I gave 'em a hollar of encouragement, sucked it up and kept running.
Miles 10...11...Run run run...ow my calf...walk. Run run run...ow my calf...walk. Lather. Rinse. Repeat about fifteen times. I slowed down hardcore here...all because of that stupid bike.
Around mile 11.5 at the back side of McCormick Place, I did what had to be done. With no porta potties in sight...I dropped trou. Yes ladies in gentlemen, I finally succumbed to the whole public/runner peeing phobia thing (those that know me know I am definitely not comfortable with "popping a squat")...I run behind a bush that appears like it would hide me well. Drop trou....and nothing. I wait. Crickets chirp. A few dozen people pass me by. And still, nothing happens. Stage freight? Perhaps. But then again, maybe I was just sweating out all my fluids. Very bizarre. So I carry on my way.
Mile 12...I'm starting to get cranky. I'm pissed about my calf. The blister on my big toe is just getting bigger and bigger and bigger and frankly, I'm over this whole half marathon thing. Mostly because of the dumb broad on the bike (I'd rather use a different b-word, but I'm trying to keep this family friendly, so use your imagination). And even though the mile never seems to end, I did soak up our beautiful city for a bit. The lake is gorgeous and the skyline looks magnificent as we run through the Northly Island area. Run around the Shedd Aquarium....through the tunnel...up the hill...and BAM--there's mile 13. :)
The last .1...The finish chute was packed. Lots of people...lots of cheering...it felt great to see the end despite the pain. I took my ear phones up and just ran my tail off to the finish line.
The result? A 2:42:50 half marathon...which should have been around 4-5 minutes faster, but hey....what can ya do? I said I wanted to be between 2:30 and 2:45...so I'm pretty pleased with myself. Plus I ran a 12:26 pace...so I can't complain too much there, right?
We make our way to the TNT tent for a bit and get stretched out, which was soooo painful when it came to my left calf. Finally we get home...and after agreeing that we smell like homeless folks, Mike and I take our ice baths and showers...and then problems set in. Mike couldn't move. Literally. His knee froze up and he could not walk, bend, stretch it out or do anything. I felt so bad for him since there was nothing I could do. :( But that's his story to tell...as soon as he becomes functional again.
After some rest and food...I'm finally feeling human.
Blogger is being really stupid and not letting me upload photos, so you'll actually have to click to view em...so...Enjoy!!
Woohoo!! I did a half marathon!
The nasty lil' bugger on my foot. I couldn't get the sucker to lance to save my life. Hurts so damn badly! Oof.
And a bad photo of the damage from the brilliant course marshall. The bruise is now a few vibrant shades of red, pink, purple and blue and still in a good deal of pain. Looks like it'll leave a mark for a few days. Blah!
And finally...our super rocking JBR Penguin Medal. The front and the back. Sweeeeeeeet...
So what's next for this dynamic duo? Hopefully nothing too crazy this week. We've got the Nike Run Hit Remix this Thursday night, which will purely be a fun run!! And then Friday, we're driving to Kansas City. So any KC folk who may want to get together, let me know :)
Peace, yo!
So aside from oversleeping this morning (oh shit!) and running about 25 minutes behind schedule, we make it to the start line with about 15-20 minutes to spare. Just enough time to use the bathroom and hit gear check.
But what a beautiful day for a half marathon!!!! The start line weather was nice and in the mid-60's (don't worry, it warmed up quick). The vibe was good...over the loud speaker they were playing this dramatic symphonic fanfare...I jokingly said "Oh geez....I bet they play the Chariots of Fire theme next" ....and well...they did. It was pretty amusing and we all got a good laugh. The national anthem is sung...and off go the wheelchair racers and before we know it, we're about to cross the start line with ACDC's Thunderstruck blaring.
Mile 1...So I'm running along with a fellow TNTer, Sharmeene...everything feels good, the calf isn't too problematic. But apparently I went out way too fast...I hit the first mile marker at 10:35...uhmm...I.dont.think.so. I pull back a little bit from her and walk for a few moments and up through the water stop. Much to my surprise, NO SHIN SPLINTS!! This is great as it typically takes me 2-3 miles to get in the groove whenever I have shin splints. Woohoo! Life is great and I LOVE RUNNING!!!
Mile 2...3...4...I love running through the loop!! Tall buildings!! Nice shaded streets!! People cheering us on!! Friendly folks at water stops!! The legs are feeling great, except for the tinge of discomfort starting up in my calf. At the 5k mark I look at my watch...just over 35 minutes...sweet, I'll take it even though it's not great, I just pace myself. I suck down a Gu at mile 4 and keep on trucking. Woohoo!!
Mile 5...the marker is in the middle of "Mount Roosevelt"...you know, the only incline in the marathon conveniently located at Mile 26. I round the bend to start up the hill and see the 5 mile marker up ahead...I look at my Garmin and realize that I can break an hour...THIS IS HUGE FOR ME!!! I've not yet had an 8k under an hour.....until today! I channel my energy and just fly up the hill...So what was my 8k time, you ask?? It was really 59:30..BOO YAH. An 8k PR. I do my happy dance for my sub-12/min mile pace and keep on running, because well...I LOVE RUNNING!!!
Mile 6...7...8...Ugh...I hate running on Lake Shore Drive (and hate isn't even the right word...more like loathe...dread...detest). I hate the sun. I hate the soreness in my calf. I hate the blister starting to develop on my big toe. I hate my bladder because I feel like I gotta pee...and I hate the porta potty lines. And while I certainly didn't hate running in general, it was certainly starting to slip on my list of favorite things to do. It wasn't a BAD stretch...it was just well, less than stellar. Overall, I was still feeling okay. Just a bit on the overheated side. Which means I was drinking more...which means I was getting a sloshy stomach. Ew! What an awful feeling. It's around this point I spot one of my mentees, Kristen, already headed back north...I give her a mighty cheer as she's maybe 20-30 yards away from me...she was looking great and running strong!!
Mile 9...This is where my 2:30ish half was shot. Yours truly...are you ready for this? Are you? It's pretty ridiculous...but....yours truly got run over by a bike. I know, I know....wtf? It wasn't just any old biker, either. IT WAS A F#$*%&ING COURSE MARSHALL. Oh man...I don't think I have been that pissed off in a REALLY.LONG.TIME. I'm walking through the water TNT water station...it's pretty crowded so I move to the middle so I could start running once again without tripping all of a sudden. All of a sudden I hear "watch out" (and because I have eyes in the back of my head and all, and because it was so crowded, I know exactly who they person was talking to...note sarcasm)...so all of a sudden, the stupid #$%&ing course marshall runs into the back of my leg....right where I was having my charlie horse pain. Tears welt up in my eyes...I bite my tongue...and do my best to limit the number of four-letter words flying out of my mouth (sorry Mom...but a good number escaped from my lips). It was not a pretty sight. I had to pull over and examine the damage. Tire track dirt actually ended up on my leg. And while it didn't break the skin (Thank Gawd!) it was beyond painful...and it left a nice big ole bruise on my calf.
Okay...I might expect this is of a stupid, random biker out for a morning ride who doesn't know better...but a COURSE MARSHALL...WHO KNOWS THE RULES...WHOSE BEST INTEREST IS SUPPOSED TO BE THAT OF THE ATHLETES....Uhmm......yah.....one really miffed chick over here and I'm wondering if I should report it. So a memo to all course marshalls and future course marshalls, DO NOT TAKE YOUR BIKE THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF A CONGESTED WATER STATION...for the love of all that is good, ride your damn thing AROUND the stop, like you're supposed to...now there's a concept. Ugh. I could go on and on, but I'll shut up about that now.
It was shortly after this snafu that I saw Margie and Molly and a handful of TNTers they were pacing with. As always, they were looking great, going strong. I gave 'em a hollar of encouragement, sucked it up and kept running.
Miles 10...11...Run run run...ow my calf...walk. Run run run...ow my calf...walk. Lather. Rinse. Repeat about fifteen times. I slowed down hardcore here...all because of that stupid bike.
Around mile 11.5 at the back side of McCormick Place, I did what had to be done. With no porta potties in sight...I dropped trou. Yes ladies in gentlemen, I finally succumbed to the whole public/runner peeing phobia thing (those that know me know I am definitely not comfortable with "popping a squat")...I run behind a bush that appears like it would hide me well. Drop trou....and nothing. I wait. Crickets chirp. A few dozen people pass me by. And still, nothing happens. Stage freight? Perhaps. But then again, maybe I was just sweating out all my fluids. Very bizarre. So I carry on my way.
Mile 12...I'm starting to get cranky. I'm pissed about my calf. The blister on my big toe is just getting bigger and bigger and bigger and frankly, I'm over this whole half marathon thing. Mostly because of the dumb broad on the bike (I'd rather use a different b-word, but I'm trying to keep this family friendly, so use your imagination). And even though the mile never seems to end, I did soak up our beautiful city for a bit. The lake is gorgeous and the skyline looks magnificent as we run through the Northly Island area. Run around the Shedd Aquarium....through the tunnel...up the hill...and BAM--there's mile 13. :)
The last .1...The finish chute was packed. Lots of people...lots of cheering...it felt great to see the end despite the pain. I took my ear phones up and just ran my tail off to the finish line.
The result? A 2:42:50 half marathon...which should have been around 4-5 minutes faster, but hey....what can ya do? I said I wanted to be between 2:30 and 2:45...so I'm pretty pleased with myself. Plus I ran a 12:26 pace...so I can't complain too much there, right?
We make our way to the TNT tent for a bit and get stretched out, which was soooo painful when it came to my left calf. Finally we get home...and after agreeing that we smell like homeless folks, Mike and I take our ice baths and showers...and then problems set in. Mike couldn't move. Literally. His knee froze up and he could not walk, bend, stretch it out or do anything. I felt so bad for him since there was nothing I could do. :( But that's his story to tell...as soon as he becomes functional again.
After some rest and food...I'm finally feeling human.
Blogger is being really stupid and not letting me upload photos, so you'll actually have to click to view em...so...Enjoy!!
Woohoo!! I did a half marathon!
The nasty lil' bugger on my foot. I couldn't get the sucker to lance to save my life. Hurts so damn badly! Oof.
And a bad photo of the damage from the brilliant course marshall. The bruise is now a few vibrant shades of red, pink, purple and blue and still in a good deal of pain. Looks like it'll leave a mark for a few days. Blah!
And finally...our super rocking JBR Penguin Medal. The front and the back. Sweeeeeeeet...
So what's next for this dynamic duo? Hopefully nothing too crazy this week. We've got the Nike Run Hit Remix this Thursday night, which will purely be a fun run!! And then Friday, we're driving to Kansas City. So any KC folk who may want to get together, let me know :)
Peace, yo!
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 10:43 AM
34 Camper Comments:
Nice job on the race. Sorry about the road rage with the biker. And, very sorry we missed brunch but I was at home dying from dehyrdration and chills but we'll have to meet up soon.
awesome job on the half, jayhawk! and wtf is the deal with the course marshal? I would've definitely been letting some four letter words loose too. especially in the middle of a race?!? don't they know how to properly perform their jobs?
Sorry about the jerky course marshal, where ever did they find them? Nice job, though! Hope all your owies heal quickly.
People suck!!!!! I'm sorry hon! I'm proud you finished! And in good time too. It's so fun your husband ran too!
nice job!!! stupid course marshall....oooh i would have been LIVID!!!!
love the pic of you and mike :-)
Get work yo! And congratuluations. I hope your calf gets to feeling better, though.
Congratulations on running the marathon! And so funny (sorry, not funny) about the biker! Congrats - yay you!
Great job on the race!! I would've somehow used my FuelBelt to let the air out of the tires of the stupid marshal. Oh well, what can you do???
Love the pics! You guys are too cute!
Way to go! I sent a IM to you before you started...at least I thought it was BEFORE you started. As for the pictures, I have been using Picasa, which came be found on the blogger ad-on stuff link.
I would have given the Race Marshall a HUGE verbal lashing.
But you FINISHED...that's the important part.
That is some crazy stuff, almost unbelievable. Glad you had nothing more then a bruise. Nice hardware.
Good race report and nice photos. Picture of you and hubby would look great framed.
Congratulations overcoming adversity to complete a tough race. You should be proud.
Congratulations! Well done on the half, especially with all the challenges, charlie horses and marshalls.
Congratulations!!!
I'm sure you would have broke the 2:30 barrier. Personally, I probably would have kicked the guys spokes. Did the guy say anything? Did he just take off? What an arse...
If you haven't yet, I highly recommend a massage ASAP. Email me if you want to give ours a try.
J-Hawk!
I love your blog!
Im going to go my first half in 5 & 1/2 weeks. You did great! I hope to finish and not get run over by a course marshall. Keep running!!!!
-Erika
you should tell the race officials bout that idiot course marshall. obviously, he was not trained for his job. good job on the race, despite all the problems!
i loved this post, great job on the 2:42! isn't it *amusing* how one minute you can love running and the next minute you're thinking that there's 5 billion other better things that you could be doing instead....i'm baffled by the actions of the biker bruiser, that just sucks. sweet medal too. way to go!
hahaha! thanks for getting me to read this. pure comedy. i'm curious how the marshall reacted (apologetic?).
congrats on the 1/2!
You could've through rocks at the course marshall. Stupid be-atch on a bike! Otherwise, congrats on the finish! Are you going to display your medals? Like, behind glass with a spotlight?
Way to go on your Half Marathon! Sorry to hear about the darn course marshall...you think that they'd be taught to do different!
oooh kc awaits you!!
sorry to hear about the bike marshall, please tell me you let him have it! super not cool. but...
you had a great run! really well done, you should feel awesome about this!
lemme know plans for this weekend.. i'll be at the run saturday, to RUN, for the first time since forever, so... good times!
great job! sorry about your calf. You still met your goal though!
Congrats! Want me to kick the marshalls ass for you?!
I cannot imagine the explicatives that would have came out of my mouth if a biker rammed into my calf. You rocked despite this snafu! Imagine your time minus the collision! Congrats!
Rock on Barb! I would thought youw would have come up swinging from that reckless marshall bike dude! Way to persevere! So did you ever figure it out... was it stage freight? Did you get any intruders yelling at you?
Great job on the half, Barb! Sorry about the idiot course marshal.... that stinks... but at least you were able to finish and within your goal time... Yippee!
What a cool medal! Congrats, again!
Great job on the race - you overcame charlie horses and an idiot of a course marshal (I mean, really - what kind of warning is "watch out"? Why not be a little more specific, huh?), and did so with aplomb and style.
LOL! Great job. Just think, now you can pee anywhere in the world where there is a bush!!
Congrats Barb!!! Sorry to hear about the bike incident ouch!! nice time!!
Erin
clover11
Hey, great job with the overall time. Awesome that you set an 8k PR too. Sorry to hear about the biker, but don't let that ruin your awesome day!
OMG I cannot believe you got hit by a bike. That is freaking crazy! YOu did so well though despite that!
Okay I am looking at the Chicago Marathon site and kicking myself. I can't believe I have not made a reservation yet. Are you staying with TNT. I am wondering if maybe I should talk to the Chicago chapter and see if they need someone to share a room and I can give them half the cost!
Don't you feel so liberated now that you can pee anywhere? I'm so proud.
Way to go on the race finish! I sure wish I was running Chicago as we could keep each other company along the way! Our half marathon times were within seconds of each other. Congrats on a great finish despite the bike and calf incidents!
Your rock! Awesome job. I really like reading your blog. Though I am nowhere near your ability, I am getting this intense desire to run right now. You really inspire. Thanks. I hope the bruise and blister heal fast for you.
Getting run over by a course marshall has to be a new one. Your rage is certainly appropriate, but I must admit to giggling.
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