I’m running the Chicago Marathon this weekend. I’m pretty pumped and I thought I’d seek advice from ST on a few things. Would be great if anyone has run Chicago and also run at waterfall glenn regularly.
A bit of (relevant) background:
-Was hoping for sub 3 when I signed up, but was injured March-May so not quite where I’d hoped to be.
-I just ran a 1:36 half at Branson off a very hilly bike.
-I ran the 9.6 mile loop around waterfall glenn untapered at 6:50 pace a few weeks ago as a “test.” I think perhaps my marathon pace would be similar since the loop is much hillier than the marathon course, on the dirt, I was not tapered, and temperature was high 60s (forecast looks like 40s for sunday as of now).
-weekly mileage has been up and down but a few in the high 40s, more in the 30s. Yes I know everyone claims this isn’t enough. I did three long runs around 19-20 miles very untapered in warmer conditions. Last one around 7:45 pace at waterfall glenn.
questions:
-Is a 3 hr possible? I think probably 3:05 is more realistic best-case. Really would be good if someone from the Chicago area has a sense from the waterfall glenn run.
-Nutrition. I did my long runs with a 20-oz bottle of malto-electrolyte mix. I would kind of like to carry this with me through the 1st half of the race, but not sure. I had a really good race at branson with no cramping i think in part from the maltodextrin/salt sticks. Cramping has been a problem in the past in longer races. But temperatures look cool.
There was something else but I’ve forgotten. Thanks in advance.
Sub 3 is certainly possible based on your Branson result… I was running mid-1:30s in HIM when I was a running 2:59ish. Your mileage is on the low side, though, so I think it will depend on your efficiency and how “light” you are on your feet whether you can holdup for 26.2.
Carrying a bottle is usually not necessary for a 3hr effort. Just make sure to drink the on-course Gatorade regularly. Supplement with a gel or two.
Good luck.
duffman - This Sunday will be my 13th or 14th time running Chicago (can’t remember which at the moment). I haven’t run Waterfall Glenn, as it’s a bit of a haul for me so I can’t help you in that respect. Yes, it sounds like your mileage is a bit on the low side but at least you’ve got 3 decent long runs under your belt. I don’t think covering the distance will be a problem for you - especially if you go out smart. It does sound like your tempo run pace at WG was really solid - but that was for 10 mi - I’d say that your long run pace is more of an indicator of what you might expect to do on Sunday.
Can’t say whether or not a sub-3 is in the cards on Sunday - I think you’ll probably know the answer yourself within the first few miles. If you think 3:05 is realistic, why not go out at that pace and decide on the road whether or not you think you can pull off a sub-3? 3:05 pace is 7:03ish, and 3:00 is 6:52 - you’re only giving up 11 sec/mi while you warm up and get a good feel for the day. If you don’t think you can force yourself to go out EZ, jump in with a pace group - this year, there will be 3 pacers for 3:05 in the A corral (I’ll be one of them). As for nutrition - if you think you’ll want/need it and it won’t drive you nuts humping it around the course, go for it - you can always pitch it at an aid station if you change your mind.
Weather is looking good so far - let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Best of luck on Sunday!
hey thanks man, i saw some of your posts over on the marathon thread and i thought about asking you directly, but this way i thought more people might see it. i’m in the B corral, so I will be starting out a bit behind you i guess. i was thinking to try to catch you guys by mile 10 or so and then decide if i have it in me to pick it up to a 6:45 or whatever it’ll need to be at that point. i’m still waffling a bit. thanks for the advice, perhaps i’ll see you guys out there.
also, i remembered my other question. does anyone know if boston registration will stay open??? if i do go sub 3:05 and boston reg stays open i would love to do that in the spring.
Although waterfall glen is hillier than the Chicago Marathon course, it is in no way very hilly. Most runners, especially somebody running your pace, should not see a significant pace change from waterfall glen and a flat course on the roads. The crushed limestone at WFG will slow you down more than the hills on that loop.
So, as long as you can hold your paces that you have run, < 3 hrs is possible.
Enjoy.