Well, it’s Thursday, time for a weekend forecast. I don’t have a ton to talk about, but I am running a marathon (I know, shocker, huh?) so I might as well write a preview. This time, it’s a big race — the Chicago Marathon.
Just in case this is your first time here, I’m a father of three and a marathon runner. My middle child, 7-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. To try to make a difference in his honor, I’m attempting to run 61 marathons this year to raise money for a charity I’m a part of called Train 4 Autism. So far, I’m through 47 and a couple of ultras. No. 48 is coming on Sunday.
Chicago Marathon Preview
Well, this preview is for my running at the Chicago Marathon. They have world-class elites who run sub-2:10 there. I have no idea about the competition or the field. I just know what to expect out of myself. Or, should I say, what not to expect out of myself.
Chicago has a reputation for being fast and flat and I doubt I’ll even look at a course profile. It’s Chicago. From what I’ve seen, the wearer is going to be decent. You never know about the wind in Chicago, but I’m expecting good running conditions on a PR-friendly course with tons of spectators, great support, and plenty of fast runners to help keep me moving.
That being said, though. I have zero confidence in myself. I haven’t been running much in training over the past five weeks, opting for the bike at the gym instead. I beat the heck out of myself in September with five marathons at considerable elevation (including three in three days two weeks ago) and two timed ultras.
Last weekend, I realized how much I’ve wrecked myself when all I could muster was a 3:28. I’m also in a mental funk right now and not very motivated.
When I saw this race on the schedule, I originally eyed it as a sub-3 possibility. A month from now, I think maybe I could. But I have two chances at pulling it off on Sunday. Slim and none! I’ll still go my hardest, though. I’ll try to run smart and get back on the right track. I’m going to start off trying to run between 7:10 and 7:15 miles, roughly a 3:10 pace, and adjust from there. If I slip, I slip. If I hang on consistently, I might try to step it up in the second half.
If I was betting, I’d suspect I’m going 3:18 this weekend. But I wouldn’t be surprised to range eight minutes in either direction. I really don’t know where I stand right now.
Weekly Contest
I’m not doing my weekly contest until I meet my goal for the St. Jude’s Marathon in Memphis. Click here to see my page for that event. It’s for a great cause, pediatric cancer treatment and research. If you like what I’m doing, head over there and drop a buck or three or five. I’m running my body into the ground to try to help make things better for kids in need. Sunday is going to be my 48th marathon of the year. It’s a whole lot easier to click that link and donate the cost of a cup of coffee!
That’s All For Today
I’m tired and done writing for now. I’m mentally and physically beat and just need to sign off for the week. Have a great Thursday, Friday and Saturday, y’all. I’ll see you back here Sunday with a race recap.
Perhaps some Chicago deep dish can help ya get some more pep in your step? I’m sure it’ll be an awesome race. There are a lot of Dallas runners heading up there. You’ll have a TON of crowd support. Try to enjoy it–as much as you can. I know you’re totally beat up right now, but, this should be a pretty neat race. Travel safe!!
Maaaaan I wish I could be there in Chicago, it seems like it’ll be an awesome marathon experience. Hang in there, I can’t imagine how tough this year must be. But I recommend doing what Ally said: eat some deep dish 🙂 Wave hello to the windy city for me (I lived there for 7 years)!
You may not run Chicago in under three, but I’ll bet that not many of the runners will have run 47 marathons this year, much less lived to tell about it. Further, they don’t have anybody as cute as Jack to keep in their minds as they run. Hang in there Sam. We’ll be happy with whatever time you give us!