Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

LBCM Race Report

by

Sorry for the delay in my race report, I am at a loss for how to describe what transpired at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (LBCM) this year. If you did not hear yet, it was HOT. The race was even cancelled 4 hours into it.

Of course, IF I had been on target for my goal, the closing of the race would not have been an issue for me. I was not, however. Unfortunately, my lack of performance was evident right from the start.

The starting line was amazing. I had wondered what 45,000 people would look like. It was so vast that I couldn’t see to the beginning of the start. It was HUGE.

As we stood and waited for the start, sweat was already running down my body. I’d nearly drained one of the bottles in my fuelbelt. But, I tried to convince myself that the heat would not affect me. I held onto Coach’s last words to me. I was ready.

As I passed the mile markers, it was clear that Garminia’s measurements were not in synch with the course measurements. If she was right, I would, at that point, be closer to my goal than I was. The streets were lined with spectators who were all cheering loudly. It was amazing. At the same time, the field of runners stayed heavy the entire way.

I hit the port-a-potties at mile 6. I had known a couple of miles back that my goal would not be achieved. A 10K split that was over 1 hour was evidence of this fact.

It was time to adjust to plan B, running conservatively and using the race as a training. I even toyed with the idea of a DNF (do not finish), but thought better of it due to the sacrifices that the family had made to support me this weekend. I would go the distance.

As the distance wore on, it was harder to want to keep going. The crowds weren’t as encouraging to me anymore – even though they stuck with it throughout. I felt sorry that they had to suffer too. The heat was brutal.

At the aid stations, in spite of the volunteer’s vigorous efforts, the cups weren’t being filled fast enough. I took the time to get a cup of gatorade and a cup of water at each station. Towards the later miles, this was increased too. I am so sorry to read that many who were behind me did not get any. I had no idea. I swear that I didn’t use it to dump over my head though – I drank every drop.

Along the course there were areas where people had their hoses out to offer the runners a spray. I was already dripping wet with sweat from my hat to my shoes. I enjoyed a few good sprays to my face to wash the sweat off. I even picked up a dropped wash cloth to wipe the sweat out of my eyes periodically. There were even a couple of fire hydrants that were cracked open to provide the perfect amount of water to run through.


I was at mile 22 when the announcement was made, “The race course is now closed. Go to the nearest aid station to be transported back to the start.” What?! Realizing that, miles back, I had considered dropping out but now I was set on finishing.

I called the family, who had missed me at mile 13 due to the 9:40 am train having to push the 7:40 am train into the city. They were waiting at the finish. I told them to go back to the hotel and wait there for me. There was no sense in us all suffering.

I continued on, running and trying to slowly weave through a sea of people who were now mostly walking. I wanted off the course but I had come too far to quit now. I was not leaving without my medal. I also reasoned that the wait for a ride would be longer than plugging along.

A couple of miles later the 1st, of many, helicopters flew overhead. “The race is now over. For your safety, we ask that you STOP RUNNING,” they announced. Reluctantly, I walked. If felt like a scene from a movie – like after a holocast or other disaster. It also *hurt* to walk. After about a mile of walking, I began an easy jog. It felt better both physically and mentally.

Finally, I was cresting the hill (an overpass) at mile 26. I never welcomed a hill more. The finish was now in sight. It was still lined with cheering spectators. UNofficially (since the race was actually “cancelled” hour 4), 4:47:07 but safe and injury-free.

Comments

  2. Juls,
    I can’t even imagine what that must have been like. I didn’t hear about it till this morning at Pilates – so sorry your race turned out this way. You know you gave it your all – and if there is one thing we can’t control, it’s the weather!

  4. You know, on the bright side, this Chicago Marathon is going to become legend. Your grandkids are going to ask you, “Did you really run the 2007 Chicago Marathon? The year it was so hot they had to cancel the race?”

    And least winter is coming… I’ve got three letters for you: C – I – M (?)

  5. CIM *is* the back up plan (the “plan B” that I referred to). My registration from last year was rolled over since I got injured in October 2006.

  7. Good for you for persevering. You got your medal and remained injury-free–two great outcomes! That sounds so bizarre to have helicopters overhead blasting commands to the crowd. Congratulations on a race well-run!

  10. I’m glad you got to finish this controversial race. I think closing the course to people who hadn’t made the 1/2 way mark in 4 hours made sense but closing it to everyone else made no sense at all.

    I’m glad you had a fuel belt, too and didn’t run out of water.

    I’m glad you had fun with your family.

    Lastly, I’m glad you are going to do CIM. Good move!

  11. Congratulations on finishing a very tough race. This is the stuff of legends. And the two elite finishes were unbelievable!

  12. I’ve been worried about you since hearing on Sunday that they had canceled the race while it was underway. I loved your perspective and determination, without going crazy and doing something foolish. This is definitely one you won’t forget!

  15. so glad that you are safe! what a day, and what a debacle! you’re quite amazing for finishing in those conditions. Congrats for sticking it out.

  16. I have been waiting anxiously to hear how things went for you. I am so glad that you got to finish and that you were safe. It sounds like it was a good little vacation even if you didn’t get the race you were wanting. There are always more and you will get your BQ!

  17. So glad to hear from you! I’ve been checking obsessively for an update. :)

    I’m not surprised that you stayed upbeat, but I know that this must have been a huge disappointment for you. You poured your heart into this training, and with everything going on around you, you still kept your eye on the prize. Good for you for racing the race handed to you, and I’m so so so relieved that you’re safe after all that.

    xoxo
    Mia

  18. i have been checking your blog constantly since sunday. congratulations on sticking it out & finishing. it is definitley a race for the record books … for you & so many others. love the plan B. hopefully, mother nature will cooperate & you’ll get your BQ!

  19. U go Juls. I am so happy to hear you finished. You are an inspiration to many.
    Good luck on “plan B” no doubt you’ll do great, after Chicago it will be a breeze. You are now a hardened runner…you finished Boston the year they cancelled it!!!

  20. Juls, I am sorry we did not have better wather or an experience for you. You have been on my mind. From the TV -it did look like a war done and my friend who was also out there relayed the exact experience.

    Good job on plan B. You never know.

    Waddler

  21. Way to go Juls. We must have been near each other as I was at mile 22 when they called it. I share your sentiments and feelings during much of the race. It was an amazing accomplishment just to finish and I am so happy for you!

  23. I’m so glad to hear that you are OK! I’m also glad to hear that you did finish, however in the heat. Even though it was not the experience many were hoping for, I’m sure it will be one that will be talked about for years.

    You are an inspiration!

  24. Julie, So awesome. Your training plan did not include 85% humidity and 80 degree something temperatures!!!! You finished that dang, for the record books race despite being told to DNF and you did it safely within your limits (we would have strangled you if you put yourself into the hospital, so you used your mind to stay safe within your limits). Great job!! CIM will feel like a cakewalk! (Are you coming to Nike with us?? The ladies are asking).
    Love,
    Big Sis

  25. Congratulation Juls. The heat was brutal. I seen one “Go Juls” sign, and thought of you.

    I finished at 4:24:29, I was training for a 3:30.

    My wife is very angry at race directors. Almost all the aid stations were out of water and Gatoraid when she came through, starting at the first one. She thinks there should have been plenty of time to get more water at the later aid stations. She was 3:02 at the half, was was diverted back to the start at about the 35K mark. They did give her the medal.

    The spectators were very supportive, many of them bought water and gave it to the later runners.

    Now we plan on running CIM too.

    John

  26. Congrats on the finish, Juls. Like so many others, I was worried about you. I should have known better. You are one strong woman!

  30. Congratulations on finishing a downright brutal race. I can’t believe you ran 4:47 in those conditions- amazing! Glad you finished safely. Great job. :)

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