Over a month has passed since I’ve run the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. If I’m honest I’ve kind of been dreading writing this post because it brings a certain closure to this amazing experience. I’m still on a high from my run around my beautiful hometown and I don’t want to let that feeling go. The event was like nothing I’d ever experienced in my life and I cannot wait for the chance to do it all again. Hopefully next time I’ll be injury-free and on track to achieve that elusive marathon PB. This is going to be a long post so grab yourself a cuppa and settle in.
The arrival
I travelled half-way around the world to take part in this event and I was a bit emotional embarking on the journey. My previous post has more on my state of mind so I’ll try not to get too repetitive here. I arrived on late Thursday night and had just 2 full days to get myself prepared for the run. Arriving in Chicago was a bit surreal, it had been 7 years since I’d last been back and a lot has changed yet thankfully the important things remained the same. My cousin Mike picked me up from the airport and it was great to re-connect again over a few beers and local food after such a long time apart. Mike is like a brother to me and was an amazing support for me while I was in the US.
Exhausted I checked into the Radisson Blue Aqua and tried to sleep….yeah right… like that was ever going to happen! I choose my hotel because of its very close proximity to the start-line and the fact that it is an architecturally significant building. The very fact I was so close to the start line that I could pretty much see it from my window gave me chills and insomnia. Too much excitement!
I did manage a few fitful hours of sleep after watching reruns of Matlock and finally nodding off to some infomercial. I woke early-ish when Svetlana the cleaner (not her real name lol) came knocking on the door. I still couldn’t believe I was actually here in Chicago. I spent the morning wandering around Millennium Park and playing tourist. The city was all decked out in Marathon splendour with street signs and tourists like me in various running tops. I wore a “Keep Calm and Marathon” T-shirt by my friends at Bolt & Run Co and got heaps of well wishes for the race. It was a taste of how the event would unfold – everyone in the City was so supportive and proud of the runners. There was a real reverence for those taking part in the race which was humbling yet exhilarating.
Bib Pick-up
Bib Pick-Up was quite a bit bigger than just rocking up to the Running Edge!
Friday was bib pick-up day. After spending the day with my cousin Mike doing family stuff we headed to McCormick Place to collect my bib. On the way there I saw some of the blue street markings denoting the course and the reality and enormity of the run started to sink in. OMG! I’m actually doing this!
I wasn’t quite prepared for bib pick-up. I’m used to a casual bib pick-up at the Running Edge in Hobart. This was something quite extraordinary. It was HUGE and very high-tech. In order to pick up my bib I had to present my entry-validation on the app (sort of like a boarding pass) and ID. Once I was “checked-in” I was sent to another table where I could collect my bib. My credentials were checked again and my bib was scanned which activated the timing chip. Next I had to go get my gear bag – you could only use the official clear plastic gear bag provided to store items at gear check on the day. To get to the gear bag collection I had to walk through the entire Abbott Health and Fitness Expo including a MASSIVE Nike pop-up shop – well played marketing execs, well played!
The atmosphere at the expo was positively insane. It was packed with excited starry eyed people like me in open mouthed wonder at the sheer size of the event. Nike had its own live DJ spinning tunes which added to the vibe. I’m a huge Nike fangirl so I’m pleased I reigned myself in and only got 2 items. Nike was the apparel sponsor of the event and they produced the finisher tops (nice top I might add!).
I nearly got to the gear bag stand when I saw one of my running idols on the main stage. Joan Benoit-Samuelson was speaking about her motivation for running. It was truly inspiring to hear from such a legend of the sport. Talk about inspiration!
My Hero! Joan Benoit-Samuelson
There was so much to see at the expo. A highlight for me was to see the medals for all 6 World Marathon Majors which put another crazy idea in my head… maybe I’d like to run all six. There would be time for dreaming later if I could only get some sleep. It wasn’t a surprise I couldn’t sleep again…I decided I needed help so I went to the chemist (conveniently located on the ground level of my hotel building) and stocked up on Sleep Aid along with pre-race fuel (peanut butter, bananas, bread). More Matlock, more infomercials and sleep.
Saturday was a cruisey day. I gave my legs a final shakeout but running the Chicago International 5km with my high school bestie of 30 years. It was great to run part of the marathon course and past the start line. Most importantly, it was awesome to run alongside my friend as she completed her first ever 5km. I’m hoping it will the first of many for her. The weather was amazing and it was a great taste of things to come!
Happy Times waiting to start the marathon!ste of things to come.
The Main Event – Marathon Day
With the help of good old sleep aid and a delicious carb laden Polish meal of pierogi and potato dumplings I actually managed to get a solid 5 hours of sleep before marathon morning. Being so close to the start line meant I could relax in my room (and most importantly use my own toilet) for the max time possible before I headed out into the crowd. As I had my coffees and traditional pre-race Elvis sandwiches I watched as the crowds started to stream towards the start line. They came from all directions and I just couldn’t wait to join them so off I went.
I left my hotel room an hour before my start time of 8:00. I walked leisurely through Millennium Park, snapped a selfie at the Bean and just soaked in the energy and beauty of my home city. Chicago is truly spectacular especially so on Marathon Sunday. It was slightly chilly before
Gear check
the sun came shining through, however we were lucky to have some very unseasonable warm weather for the day. I walked through security and found gear-check. The race was incredibly well-organised, as it must be for an event catering for over 40,000 participants! Gear check was organised by bib-number and wave colour. Finding where I needed to go just brought home how massive this thing I was a part was. Gear checked and stowed I made my way to my start Corral – G wide eyed and excited.
My start Corral and Pace Group
It was literally a Corral – fenced in and all! I guess you need to keep everyone “herded” where they needed to be, but it was a bit surreal being fenced into the corral awaiting the start. I quickly found my way to the Nike 4:25 pacers. Although I my heel was still hurting still wanted to make a real go of it. Pacers found, it was time to play the waiting game… I found myself feeling the usual pre-race nerves but feeling remarkably calm. I felt like I was in a dream and this wasn’t actually really happening, bizarre I know. I felt so happy to be stood at that start line waiting to run. The years of training and prep had come down to this moment and I was loving it.
Finally it was time to run.
The Run
It took about 10 or more minutes to get to the actual start line. It was a bit hard because at that point I just wanted to go for it. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotion I felt as I crossed the start line. I was elated and carried by the roar of the crowd – absolutely incredible. About 500 meters after the start line the crowd of runners surrounding dissipated – there was no scrambling for space and I was able to run free. I stuck close to the pacers and was feeling good. Again the race was so amazingly well organised that the wave start and corrals did what they were meant to – thin the pack enabling everyone to have a comfortable run.
The Start of the Race
The spectators were magic, their chanting and genuine well wishes were something I will forever remember and treasure. Chicago certainly knows how to support its runners! Everywhere I looked there was something to see and hear. I purposefully didn’t run to music because I wanted to take in every moment and experience every sensation the course had to offer.
The first few miles of course were in the CBD and we ran under towering skyscrapers (which caused Garmin chaos) and across the many bridges crossing the Chicago River. I loved how the bridges had red carpet over them so as to make our run a bit more cushioned. Then the course headed north into leafy Lincoln Park. At this point my heel began to hurt but I somehow managed to get myself ahead of the pacers and stayed there. As if to bolster my spirits and take my mind off of the pain, there was a blues band belting out “Sweet Home Chicago” as I ran. I was grinning from ear to ear! We then turned south and hit Wrigleyville where I thought of my beloved Chicago Cubs. While we didn’t run past the iconic Wrigley Field you could still feel the energy of place magnified by their playoff triumphs. (I still can’t believe they are now World Series Champions! Holy Cow!)
Running through Lincoln Park and taking it all in
At around 12km we hit Boys Town was another huge course highlight for me. Boys Town is the centre of pride celebrations in Chicago and the Queens were out in all their glory. I couldn’t help but slow down a bit to take in the spectacle and raucous atmosphere that is Boys Town. I had one of my great friends Mike on my mind as I ran through his neighbourhood. The ROTC (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps) put on a brilliant colorguard performance and I could help but stop to applaud.
I still had the jump on the pacers as we continued to head South and back through leafy Lincoln Park. The spectator lined every inch of the streets and were loud! There were awesome spectator signs that motivated you to run faster. One of my personal faves was “Run like Trump is chasing you!” I laughed every time I saw one. The spectators and local businesses also provided great music to keep our spirits up. I can’t tell you how many times I heard “Eye of the Tiger” or “Born to Run” but those tunes never got old and just kept me going.
TRR Pride!
Before I knew I was back in the Loop and halfway done. Pacers were still well behind me and I was killing it even if I was mucking around on the course a bit. I even had randoms ask me if I was the pacer. I must have looked like a pro out there! The course headed west for a bit until we hit the United Center which is home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. The Bulls Mascot, Benny the Bull, was there doing his thing cheering us on. I felt for him (or her) because it was getting quite warm and it must have been boiling in that Bull costume. Still great to see Benny out there cheering us on. The spectators were thinning a bit but still loud and boisterous. Some were offering free beer. None for me! I was happy with my gels and electrolyte for now.
At around the 30km mark I started to hurt a bit. I started getting a few stomach cramps and became super conscious of the fact I didn’t have my usual PRP. This is something I can normally talk myself out of but the combination of aching foot and aching guts was a bit much. I slowed and then 2 aide stations later I decided to do something I have never ever done in a race before…have a toilet break. I had to queue (not for long thankfully) and it wasn’t as bad as I imagined because the volunteers kept the loos tidy. At this point I lost it, somehow I imagined I was doing worse than I thought and kind of mentally gave up on the PB.
I got myself back into a good pace again but it wasn’t enough to stay ahead of the pace group. When they caught up and finally passed me that was the final nail in the coffin of the PB. I decided to have the most fun I could for the rest of the race. Next up was Pilsen, the Mexican neighbourhood known for its food and art. It was a vibrant area filled with salsa and mariachi music. They were even handing out Tequila shots to the runners. In hindsight, I should have took one because it might have been just the rocket fuel I needed to get me back into gear.
Once we got out of Pilsen the course got a bit depressing as we ran alongside the Dan Ryan Expressway. There weren’t many spectators and the scenery was a bit bleak. The best part about this section of the course is running past the White Sox Park (I can’t bear to call it by its real name). However the bleakness was short-lived as we turned the corner onto Michigan Avenue and the home stretch.
The end was now within reach only 5km away. The crowds were back and cheering. I got a boost from the Elvis impersonator in all his bedazzled jump-suited glory. There was a little Korean enclave busting out the Gangnam Style and I had a little dance with them. At this point I was stopping at every aid station and walking through them sipping on water. I have never seen volunteers this excited to cheer you on and so happy to hand out the water. They were truly inspirational.
Off I trudged getting closer and closer to Grant Park and the finish. The iconic Chicago Skyline was getting closer and closer with the roar of the crowd getting louder and louder. Despite my weariness my smile was wide. I was nearly there, nearly at the finish of the Chicago Marathon!
The Finish
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
The course was flat up until the very end. I heard people talking about Mt Roosevelt and didn’t quite get what they meant. The final approach to the finish line on Roosevelt was a bit of an incline. Nothing like Mt Cadbury but still enough to make you earn that finish. With the Finish Line in sight I unfurled my Aussie flag and finished my homecoming marathon with the biggest smile. I did it!
I had no bloody idea what time I did. I’m lucky I remembered to turn my Garmin off. It registered that I did 44km…yeah right. I didn’t find out what my finishing time was until later that night. Not that I cared, it didn’t matter to me. What mattered was I had a great time out there (well maybe except for a few km when I really hurt) and finished. For the record I finished 4:33:04 which is only 1:43 slower than my debut time at Cadbury. Maybe I shouldn’t have mucked around….nah… I would have missed out on some of the fun.
The Bling
The finishing chute was good and kept moving and I had a bit of a teary moment when the wonderful volunteer placed the finishers medal around my neck. I loved that they did this. Everyone was personally congratulated and not just handed a medal. It was like your own personal awards ceremony. So special. Once you got your medal you got a “heat sheet” to keep you warm… not that you needed it on such a wonderfully warm day. I took one, well just because everyone was wearing one and I wanted to be a cool kid.
The heat sheets
The freebies kept on coming. There were bananas, there were energy bars, there was gatorade and there was beer! The supermarket sponsor even handed out a bag full of snacks for you to take away with you. I declined the beer but had some bananas, more water and felt refuelled enough to collect my bag, get my photo taken and find my friends.
The mobile phone networks were so congested it was hard to get a message out to my friends and family meeting me at the finish. Luckily we organised to meet at a specific place. When we finally connected it was magic! My cousin Mike was there and my two very close friends Mike and Chuck were there. I hadn’t seen them in a long time and it was an awesome reunion.
There was a huge after-party with food, live music and entertainment at Grant Park. It was mayhem with so many people there but the crowds were very orderly and full of happy finishers and proud supporters. We ended up leaving the party as we had our own little after party at the hotel.
So Happy!
The After Party
While I was busy running my race my friends were busy decorating my room and setting up the bar. I wasn’t prepared for it got a bit emotional at the sign, balloons and the effort they went through to make me feel special. I was blown away!
My decorated hotel room!
I asked for bananas and Dunkin Donuts and I got my wish. I stuffed my face and kept hydrating, stretched out and had a shower. Then it was time to crack a celebratory G&T and head down for a massage. My friends organised the massage for me – I’m so lucky to have these amazing guys in my life! After the massage it was more Gins, relaxing and catching up on 7 years worth of stuff.
Dinner time rolled around and we all got dressed to nines and hit the town. We went out to dinner at the Purple Pig. I felt like a boss in my black lace dress, heels and my medal around my neck. It was amazing to see so many people wearing their medals out with pride. Lots of congratulations from randoms and a huge sense of camaraderie among the finishers. There is normally a 1.5 hour wait to get into the restaurant but I had connections – it was great to swan past the crowds and get seated straight away. Dinner was amazing and we chatted to some finishers from the Dominican Republic on our communal table.
Next it was off to the Red Head Piano Bar for cocktails. What an incredible place! It was my first time there and the vibe of the place was just insane. I got the best compliment from the doorman (he was too classy to be referred to as a bouncer) on my way in. He said “Girl! You’ve just run the marathon and you’re out in heels. Now that’s impressive!”. He seriously made my night. The bar was full of marathon finishers all wearing their medals – everyone was so happy and so lovely. (Maybe the alcohol had something to do with it) There was a marathon finisher in the bar with his adorable husky puppy! I didn’t know that dogs were even allowed in bars! I love how the celebration of the marathon kept on long after the race was over. To top off the night the Piano Man, Adam Nelson, played a cover of my favourite song ever – Just like Heaven by the Cure. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Marathoners and a puppy in a bar… doesn’t get much better (or stranger) than this!
The After-After Party
Mike and I stumbled home somewhere around 3AM and I fell into an exhausted sleep. I actually woke early and left the boys in the room to soak my muscles in the hotel’s jacuzzi. It was another glorious day in Chicago. In the hot tub I chatted to a fire-fighter from Boston who had just ran his first marathon – he’s hoping to run Boston next year. I had a few relaxing laps of the pool and I got a text from the boys asking me if I wanted coffee and a few moments later we were all chatting poolside over coffee. Mike and I were a bit hung over from the cocktails so we decided to make use of the hotel steam room to sweat the toxins out. It worked a treat.
After we packed up and checked out we hit the town. I wore my medal. I just couldn’t let it go. Once we got out into the city I could see I wasn’t the only one. The town was a sea of smiling, limping and medal wearing marathon finishers. It was incredible to be one of them. We all gave each other congratulatory smiles or high 5’s.
I finished my Chicago experience with an architectural boat ride along the Chicago River and lakeshore. Wearing my medal admiring the skyline of my beautiful made my homecoming complete.
Thank you Chicago! I cannot wait to run in my city again.
My homecoming is complete.
