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Docket's Party in the ChiTown RR (Read 34 times)

Docket_Rocket


    On Sunday, I ran the Chicago Marathon, the marathon that was to be my 50th lifetime marathon and the last one for this year.  However, since I had to DNFd the East Canyon Marathon in Utah, due to breathing issues caused by the high altitude, Chicago ended up being my 49th.

     

    After Utah, I started back with speedwork and some faster workouts rather than the hill workouts I was doing in the last few months. The change of pace was welcomed and it was a bit of fun.  I ran some 5K intervals that gave me hope that if I ever go crazy and want to race another 5K, that I could get back close to my PR pace.  But like Jack Sparrow says: 

     

     

     

    I've been having some bad headaches, and a couple of extra migraines in the last few months, which I'd attributed to the high blood pressure (I'm back on the meds, thanks genes!), but it ended up being that my 20+ year old root canal is failing and I need to either fix it or extract the tooth and do an implant.  On top of that, one of its roots was infected, which was causing a lot of ear and head pain.  It still does, but not as often thanks to the antibiotics I had to take until the night before the marathon.  Between that, the blood pressure, and what came after, I am not surprised I didn't have much in me to try for this race, except lots of fun.

     

    We arrived in Chicago on Saturday at noon, as usual, and headed straight to Yolk for a bit of brunch.  Yolk is amazing and they have opened more of their restaurants around town, which makes us happy (the lines are always long so more Yolks make that better).  My husband, who was here but not running ate like he was the one running the marathon, while I had their Mac & Cheese:

     

     

     

    Overall, once again, one of the best meals in town.

     

    After brunch, we headed to the expo, where I was set to meet a fellow forumite from RWOL, Runny Babbit.  As we got off the bus, we try to catch up the light which still had around 10 seconds to cross and my foot got caught on a street grille.  The bad leg, of course, doh.  Immediately, I went like this:

     

    Emu Take a Tumble

     

    And ouch.  Both my groin and the bad knee were immediately sore.  I entered the convention center limping.  Yay me.

     

    I did meet Runny Babbit and we have PROOF:

     

     

    I got my bib!

     

     

    By the time we got back to the hotel, I was still limping but less so.  Then my husband told me he had a horrid cold, while coughing all over me.  Bless his heart!!!

     

    Woke up 300 times throughout the night, to sirens, honking, non-stop.  I wonder if I was back in PR, it reminded me so much of it. But alas, slept a bit from 4am to 6:30am and got ready.  One of the advantages of staying right across the street from the start and finish at the Congress Plaza, is being able to sleep through 7am and then head to the start, but as usual, I hardly slept but I felt OK.

     

    I got ready and picked my KK donuts from the fridge, only to realize they were FROZEN.  I try very hard to eat one donut, but the most I could do was a tiny piece before I quit.  Oh, well.  I should have known how the day was going to go just by that.  At least I still had my Mtn Dew!

     

    Headed to the corrals at around 7:30am (Wave 2 starts at 8am so I had lots of time).  Tried to meet a friend from my INKnBURN Alumni group but we were unable to get together this time. Waahhh.

     

    Met my local running friends in our corral and took some pictures:

     

     

    It was around 60F and cloudy, and it was not supposed to get any warmer than 62-63F throughout the race.  Although that is still too warm for marathons, it was probably the best Chicago Marathon weather in the last five years, so I'll take it.

     

     

    At this point, my groin was quiet but I had not tried running yet.  My knee was achy but no more than normal, so I was hopeful.  I was also stupid to think so, lol.

     

    And we were off! I love this race and have been able to run it in the last six years (my first Chicago was a DNF due to a ruptured cyst). The city really comes out for this 26.2 party and I've never realized how cool is this party until Sunday.  The first few miles went North through downtown, which means the GPS watches do not work.  I tried to keep an easy effort and when I finally checked my pace (after Mile 5 when things calm down), I was actually going at my easy pace.  However, by Mile 5, my groin and knee were not happy.  I decided to continue until they either calm the fuck down or get worse.  That lasted until around Mile 9.

     

    The rain started as Wave 2 was to start and it didn't let up for the first 17 miles or so.  My feet were soaked and I had to stop often to clean the debris coming into my shoes and socks since I used no show socks this time.

     

    Once I realized I didn't have a fast race in me (probably not even an easy one) due to the pain, I decided to join the party through the next 17 miles.  And party we did.  I crossed the half at around 2:26 and it only got slow from there. I was fine with that.

     

    Halfway!

     

     

    I also met so many INKnBURN Alumni, our local Run 1000 Miles Club, and RA friends along the way!  I never get to see many folks while running, but this time I was looking for peeps and I found them!

     

     

     

     

    Pilsen and Chinatown had competing parties.  Not sure who won it but both were amazing:

     

     

     

     

    Then, I finally saw beer on the course!  It only took 23 miles!

     

     

    There are lots of Puerto Ricans in Chicago and there has never been a race where I have not seen my "bonita bandera".  Found it after Mile 23:

     

     

     

    And with less than a mile to go, I finally got to eat something:

     

     

    Man, running a marathon without any KK donuts sure took it's toll!

     

    I finally headed to the finish line with sadness that the party was over for me.  But the volunteers and the parties were still going strong for the many corrals and waves behind me.  This city sure knows how to party!

     

    And done!  5:35:05, not even my slowest Chicago.  I've never had a good Chicago Marathon race, between the DNF, the heat, the asthma, etc.  So it was nice to just have fun on this course and really enjoy the city.

     

     

    And with the fifth Chicago finish, I earned Legacy and guaranteed entry for 2019.  I can't wait.

    Damaris

     

    As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.

    Fundraising Page

    KCRuns


      Love your pictures and your attitude. You made the best of your injuries and had a great day!  Next year it’s a week later, so I’m hoping that means better weather.

      Docket_Rocket


        Love your pictures and your attitude. You made the best of your injuries and had a great day!  Next year it’s a week later, so I’m hoping that means better weather.

         

        I was thinking that as well!

        Damaris

         

        As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.

        Fundraising Page

        Fredford66


        Waltons ThreadLord

          I think it's great that you were able to turn a potential setback into something where you had so much fun.

          5k 23:48.45 (3/22); 4M 31:26 (2/22); 5M 38:55 (11/23); 10k 49:24 (10/22); 
          10M 1:29:33 (2/24); Half 1:48:32 (10/22); Marathon 4:29:58 (11/23)

          Upcoming races: RunAPalooza (Asbury Park) HM, 4/6; Clinton Country Run 15k, 4/27

           

          Cyberic


            #49, that's great! That's more marathons than the number of years I have lived! 

             

            Thanks for the RR, and glad you found a way to have a blast even if it was not your day, running wise.

            onemile


              I wondered why you would want to run Chicago every year but you def make it look fun here

              wcrunner2


              Are we there, yet?

                Must have been a tough choice going for the pizza with a Dunkin Donuts in the background.

                 2024 Races:

                      03/09 - Livingston Oval Ultra 6-Hour, 22.88 miles

                      05/11 - D3 50K
                      05/25 - What the Duck 12-Hour

                      06/17 - 6 Days in the Dome 12-Hour.

                 

                 

                     

                Docket_Rocket


                  Must have been a tough choice going for the pizza with a Dunkin Donuts in the background.

                   

                  Not really.  It's not Krispy Kreme. Wink

                  Damaris

                   

                  As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.

                  Fundraising Page

                  LRB


                    I really have no desire to run this event which is weird. At 49 marathons, you have me beat by a factor of 44!

                      Well that looks like a pretty wild time. You took more selfies during that race than I have probably taken in my life.

                      In terms of overall atmosphere and crowd support - how does it compare to NYCM? And, what will #50 be?

                      Dave

                      Docket_Rocket


                        This was supposed to be #50 but thanks to Utah, I screwed that.  The party would have been perfect. Now I have Houston as my 50th and that's the one that's cursed for me (DNFd first year with meniscus tear, DNSd last year due to a fever).  Fortunately, my coach lives there and she signed up for it (not sure if the HM or the full) so I'm sure she will try to inspire me to finish this time, lol.

                         

                        I have not done this type of partying in NY, because I've been worried about a time, etc. but the parties are similar.  I think the burroughs there are similar and except for the two bridges and the start, the rest of the road is full of spectators.  In here, because of the areas and the easier access, the whole 26.2 is full of people.

                        Damaris

                         

                        As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.

                        Fundraising Page

                        RunningOnSand


                          By the time we got back to the hotel, I was still limping but less so.  Then my husband told me he had a horrid cold, while coughing all over me.  Bless his heart!!!

                           

                           

                           

                          And with the fifth Chicago finish, I earned Legacy and guaranteed entry for 2019.  I can't wait.

                           

                           I legit LOL'd at the "Bless his heart!!!" comment. Big grin But seriously husband, don't spread your germs!

                           

                          And you earning your Legacy and guaranteed entry, congrats! That is amazing! Like Fred said, it's amazing how you turned something potentially awful into something so fun. Great job, D!

                          Docket_Rocket


                            Thanks! Big grin

                            Damaris

                             

                            As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.

                            Fundraising Page