Chicago Marathon Recap
This trip to Chicago to run the marathon was started off as a trip to Tulum to celebrate my forty fifth birthday last month. We threw the invite out to all our friends to come hang for a few days with us in Mexico but with kids going back to school, questions about international traveling while in the last bits of pandemic and life in general, we weren’t getting many bites.
Somewhere along the way, I got the email to sign up for the Chicago Marathon, which is on my bucket list of races to do to work towards earning my World Marathon Majors six star medal. So I looked into it and found out I could skip the lottery and qualify with my time from last year’s Boston Marathon. Long story short, I sent it in, and got the acceptance email in the same day. Eventually we threw the invite out to the homies again to join us the Chi instead for a belated bday celebration because running a marathon in cool and breezy Chicago is just as good as lying on the beach and exploring Mayan ruins in the motherland, right? Man I AM a run nerd! Somehow, this option worked way better for folks and so that’s how I ended up running in Chicago!
All around, I’m surrounded with thousands of runners at day 2 of the expo.
Expo & Packet Pick Up
Wifey and I took the redeye and landed before dawn. Luckily, the hotel was able to check us in super early instead of the standard 4pm check-in time. It was great to be in our room and actually catch some quality zzzs because sleeping on redeye flights are not the one! And shout out to the Embassy Suites for always having a solid breakfast buffet! It ain’t the best, but for free? I’ll make it work.
After catching that sleep, we headed off to the expo to pick up bibs for the 5K on Saturday and the big event on Sunday. The expo was crowded!!! It’s been awhile since we’ve been in a packed expo like that. I wasn’t quite used to it. But, forty thousand runners and all their friends made for a packed house! Overall, the expo was well organized. It was a little confusing on how to pick up your bib, but there were plenty of volunteers directing you to where you needed to go.
World Marathon Major no. 2 done! 4 more to go!
Got the bibs, took some obligatory photos in front of signs and headed into the main room. Didn’t have to make a beeline to the Nike booth (the primary sponsor) because it was the first one as soon as you walked in! Copped all the necessary merchandise and swag to mark my first Chicago and then meandered throughout the rest of the expo. All the big guys were there with the “exclusive” clothing and shoes – New Balance, Fleet Feet, Saucony, Hoka, Brooks, you name it. Most of the items were basic screen printed T’s and shorts; nothing worth the mark up in price in my opinion. Having been to dozens and dozens of expos before, the Mrs. and I made quick work of this one. After all, I’m stocked up on all my gels, don’t need more socks and racebelts and don’t feel like standing in line for hours to play at some of the interactive booths. We dipped out of there for lunch and went back to the hotel for a bit of rest before Friday night fun.
The newest R&B group All-4-RUN with the smash hit, I Sweat.
Abbott Chicago 5K
I signed up for the 5K about a month prior because I figured I would be running the day before my race anyway so I might as well earn more bling! Along the way, I got four of my friends to run the 5k too, so it was worth it!
Saturday morning was cold! Didn’t quite prepare for it as well as I thought. But I pulled it together. Luckily I bought some dope track pants from the Nike booth at the expo, so what a better time to test them out! I also brought a zip up shell and my hat to wear after the marathon, so let’s wear that too! With us running slow and the temps at brrr level, I was hardly sweating during the run. Gloves would’ve been nice, but I made do and kept my hands in pockets before the race.
Ten thousand people ran the 5K! I couldn’t believe how many heads there were! Local races wish they could get a third of that! It was pretty dope to see that many out for it. Met up with two of my buds before the race and off we went. 7:30am start time like the marathon on a course that covered parts of the marathon course around the Central Loop area. It was great for me to get a preview of what it would be like on Sunday. Pancake flat, we took it mad slow, chatted and goofed the whole time. Eventually we met up with the other two after the race, chatted and goofed some more before we finally had enough of the windy morning and split up back to our respective hotels.
More post 5K fun with some of my sisters
Boat Tours & Bulls*t
After I showered and thawed out from the 5K, me, wifey and one of our boys switched hotels late Saturday morning where we would stay the rest of the trip. The Canopy by Hilton is a great boutique-y looking hotel that is about two blocks from mile 2 of the marathon. Its central location in the Loop District is literally across the street from the Willis Tower, feet away from the subway and walking distance to Grant Park. Highly recommend staying here. Since the hotel is located where an old train depot used to be, the hotel and room have classic train depot vibes from early last century. Spacious room, high ceilings, great design details made this a great place to stay!
Once that was done, we went to meet with part of the crew for the architectural boat tour the city is known for. Ninety minute tour takes you on all parts of the Chicago River explaining all of the architectural feats of the city as it has grown over the years. It was a great time to catch up with mostly everyone. My boys are comedians and shit talkers so it’s always a laugh fest whenever we get together. So while technically we were on a boat tour learning about the cities great building feats, I wouldn’t be able to pass a test on what was talked about! In spite of that, I’d say the tour is well worth it! It’s a great way to see the city, learn about it (if you and your people can keep quiet) and sit and relax for a few hours.
Back to the hotel for a change of clothes and off to dinner to meet up with the other half of the crew!
Pre-race dinner with the fam!
Gear check! Double check to make sure you have all you need for race day!
Race Day!
Laid everything out the night before so all I had to do was throw it on in the morning and head out the door! It’s a short 15min walk to Grant Park where the race starts and ends. Forty thousand runners all converging to the park is a sight to see! I get to the park, through security and head to gear check with about an hour to spare before race start.
Man I got to say, it was really, really nice to not have to wake up at like 3 or 4am to catch a bus to the start line and wait for hours in the elements for your race to start like with the Boston Marathon. For Chicago, I woke up at 5am, was out the door just after 6a and had an hour to kill before the 7:30am start! It was great!
One last trip to the porta-potties before it’s time to head to my wave and corral - Wave 1, corral C. With about ten minutes to spare, I ditch the throwaway clothes and use the crowd to keep me warm enough and let my body acclimate to the full outside temp.
It’s PERFECT race weather! About 45 degrees and not a cloud out! In spending hours out on the course, 45 degrees might sound too cold, but you’ll warm up just enough as you’re running, but not so much that you’ll overheat and have to slow down. It’ll warm up to about 65 degrees as the day presses on, which is about the warmest I’d like for running this distance.
Bang! Corral A runners start heading out. So now it’s that anxious shuffle forward as you wait your turn. Set the watch, let the GPS locate me. Finally we’re off and running! Yee! Lots of bridges on this course as you go in and around downtown Chicago. Luckily, they literally rolled out the red carpet over them so we have better traction and don’t slip on the steel or catch our toe and fall on the grating. Three bridges to cross back and forth over the Chicago River by the time you hit mile three. Just past mile two, I see wifey on the side cheering me on so I pull over and give her a kiss and get back to business!
One thing I gotta note, everyone says that GPS sucks on this course. I can definitely agree with that. My Garmin kept pinging off miles faster than I was reaching the markers! I wish I could run those paces! I don’t think I got an accurate GPS mile to match with the course mile marker until about mile 6. What I did to try to get accurate splits was to let Garmin do its thing and give me these supposed mile splits. Let’s say 5:45. Cool. Fine. When I would actually cross a mile marker it would be at let’s say 1:15. Hit the lap button to log it and start a new split. Add the two together and you get 7:00, which is about where I wanted to be more or less. It’s super important that you train for that and learn to go off of feel because otherwise your pacing will be off! My splits were pretty on point until I got to about mile 11, then went wonky again and then got back on point and was close enough at around mile 14 until the finish.
Always grateful for the crowd support to get you through!
Everything is so new to me! It’s been quite a few years since I’ve ran a new marathon course. The last time I ran a new race was 2017! I’m taking it all in and enjoying the sights as we head north towards the Lincoln Park neighborhood and near the lakefront. By mile eight we’re running past Loyola University and heading back down south towards Wrigley Field. I loved the course and all the neighborhoods we’re running through. I have no clue where I’m at but there are tons of trees to keep you shaded from the sun, the buildings all look vintage and the crowds support is top notch! This is why we do this!
I get to the halfway point and the watch says 1:29. Whoa. A few minutes faster than expected! I knew there was a mile or two that felt faster than I wanted. But it got me thinking, “I feel pretty damn good! Can I keep this up? If I double my time I could finish under three. I hadn’t trained for that nor planned on it, but who knows, beginners luck?” In my heart I know that chance is slim, but I keep those tucked away close just in case and keep on.
The back half of the race has me running west close to the United Center where the Bulls play, back east and eventually south past the University of Chicago and near Greektown and Little Italy. The crowds are extra supportive and loud as we run through the Pilsen neighborhood aka the Latin part of town. Hella Mexican flags are waving, the music is great and it brings a good boost for me. I still feel pretty good at around mile twenty and start wondering if I could pick up the pace this early. It’s a long shot, but I go ahead and try.
By mile twenty two I realize that, nope, it ain’t gonna happen. I worry that I messed up and will suffer hard these last four miles. I’m heading south on Michigan Ave and the crowds are somewhat thin around there. Man I could really use them for the power boost! It feels like I’m running a lot slower than I am, but that’s just the pain talking. Mile 23, 7:09. Mile 24, 7:12. Not too far off the mark. I start thinking about my crew. I know I’m coming up on them soon. I gotta hold on ‘til I see them. I can’t be looking like no punk! I’ll never hear the end of it! They came all this way to watch me walk? Plus my A goal is to qualify for the New York Marathon. I can’t afford to slow down any more! The first half of mile 24 suck! I feel like a slug. Where are my homegirls at? I know they’re close to mile 25. I finally spot them in the distance and I act like I got some sense, find that burst of energy and yell and wave past them. Mile 25, 7:19.
Digging deep in the late stages of the race
Ok where my boys at? I know I told them to be near the corner of the park near mile 26. The energy wants to fade but I really gotta hold on, they’ll be ruthless if they see me crawling. Crowds are packed this close to the finish. Not quite the roar, like on Boylston in Boston, but close! I get closer to the last turn into the park, I don’t see them and I don’t sweat it. I got time I’m chasing! Mile 26, 6:52! Final 0.2 miles. I see the marker that says 400m left. And there’s this ridiculously steep bridge I gotta climb before I turn into the park! WTH! Me and few others let out an audible groan as we push and fight to get to the top. 300m left. I’m doing all the mathematic gymnastics in my head, looking at my watch tick by. Gotta get under 3:05!!! 200m left. I got that left in me! I turn up the pace. Hamstrings and calves are screaming at me! I can feel them twitching, all on the verge of cramping and seizing up. Not now!!! Arms are pumping, heart’s redlining, lungs are bleeding. Finally cross that finish line! I hit the watch and I got 3:04:53. Officially, it’ll be 3:04:50. Just squeaking by!
Official finish time of 3:04:50
My cheer squad is better than yours
The After Party
After I die and re-spawn from leaving all out there on the course, I meet up with the Mrs. and the boys. I feel pretty good considering! I try to hang out with them and hit the rooftop bar, but I just can’t. I’m wiped. Me and Mrs. Jones head back to the room where I nap and shower (in that order!)
The meet up with the gang is full of jokes, good food, good drinks and good times. I skimp on nothing! By now the body is craving all the calories and dammit, I worked hard for this race so Ima enjoy these old fashioneds! I’m going for the 12oz filet mignon special and eating all my dessert!
It’s been a minute since I’ve had a chance to really hang with all these people I call my brothers and sisters. To be able to share my love of running and fitness; let them see why I do what I do and why I shifted to making this my career years ago is special. I don’t take it for granted that they made the effort to fly out to Chicago for little ole me. If y’all are reading this, Thank you!
The next couple of days are spent hobbling less and less as me, wifey and the fam explore more of the windy city, having a few more family dinners and get togethers as the crew slowly splits and head their way back to their respective homes. It’s been a great trip. I should make this an annual thing!
I always preach about balance, moderation and putting in the work while still being able to enjoy the indulgences here and there, so I’m proof positive of it! It’s not always easy, work and life get in the way, sometimes you have to shift and pivot and it gets hard at times but at the end of the day, you’re always worth it.
Well earned hardware! Part of this race is dedicated to my good friends’ mom, who passed earlier this year.
Eating Around Chicago
I’m still not sure if I run to eat or eat to run! In either case, lots of good food & drink was consumed while in the city of wind. Pizza, steaks, Asian fusion and donuts were some of the highlights of the trip. If you’re looking to run the Chicago Marathon and need some dope places to eat when in town here you go:
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken – Really, really high quality donuts! Bomb chicken sandwiches too! I had an apple fritter & pumpkin old fashioned donut and both were done to perfection. Great flavors and texture. The chicken sandwich was a hefty piece of spicy chicken breast and made traditional style with a pickle and coleslaw. Great food for a good price!
Giordano’s – One of the pizza giants in Chicago. It’s always a battle between here and Lou Malnati’s of who’s the best. Great crust on their deep dish, almost like a pie crust. It’s a hefty slab of pizza and the flavors are just right. The cheese on this stretches for miles as you try to get a slice on your plate, which just adds to the anticipation of enjoying.
Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse – Don’t expect sports paraphernalia here. This is a steakhouse. Order your favorite steak cooked to your desire with shareable sides like brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes a la carte. The double smoked Nueske bacon comes in super thick cuts and is a great starter as is their garlic bread. Tons of steak options and add-ons like lobster tail and shrimp won’t leave you feeling hungry at all.
Pequod’s Pizza – While Lou & Giordano duke it out for the masses, Pequod’s sits back on the throne letting the two duke it out. Some of the best wings I’ve ever had, the crunch is great and the sauce they’re dipped in doesn’t overwhelm. As for the pizza? Maaaaan, that crust is otherworldly. Crisp burnt, edges give it full flavor and doesn’t disappoint. This place is well worth the Uber/taxi/subway trip out to the burbs.
Ramen-San – Slabs of chashu pork sit on top of your tonkotsu ramen while the karaage chicken is fried just right for your appetizer. The pork bao buns are just fatty enough and the Szechuan chicken wings provide just enough heat to warrant a beer or two. Chill vibe in the restaurant with a dope 90s, 00s Hip Hop playlist keep you head nodding in agreement with the tasty food.
Starbucks Reserve – With only six locations around the world, this isn’t your corner Starbucks! Four floors give you coffee overload. Book a tour to see how the roasting process is done. Grab a pastry not seen in basic Starbucks and enjoy the brilliant architecture. Try the experiential coffee bar to have a custom handcrafted drink done up for you or head up to the top floor and enjoyed adult drinks with a coffee influence a la espresso martinis, boilermakers and manhattans. We’ve been to two now! Four more to go!
Sunda New Asian – Complex flavors on the menu at this restaurant that features tons of sushi options as well as southeast Asian favorites from the Philippines, Korea and China. Get the lemongrass beef lollipops – you won’t be disappointed. Pork bao buns have a great sweet & citrusy flavor. If you’re looking to carb up the night before the marathon without having to deal with the same ole pasta dinner, the chap chae and pad Thai noodles were perfect to stock up on carbs and protein without skimping on flavor.
The Berghoff – Located in the Central Loop, this place has been around since the 1800s! Classic German fare and vibe throughout, their Bavarian pretzels are made to perfection – great density and chewiness. House made mustard is super tasty and their bratwurst sandwich is A1. Served on a pretzel roll, paired with the Bavarian pretzel, it’s all the carbs and protein you need to prep in the days leading up for a marathon!
Chicago did not disappoint!
