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February 23, 2006
to marathon or not to marathon...
That is the question of the day, kids. It might seem to have come out of nowhere and it kind of did. This morning my best buddy, Betsy, pinged me and told me she signed up for the Chicago Marathon, which is on October 22 this year. Immediately I decided that since Southwest flies from Denver to Chicago now, which means it is cheap to go there, I would at minimum fly there and run the last 10 miles of the race with her and generally hang out and have fun wtih her in Chicago. But now I am kind of thinking I might as well sign up too! I have kind of been wanting to run Chicago, and I've been wanting to try another marathon that is NOT at altitude or insanely hilly. Also, I should be in good enough shape this summer from triathlon training that I'd just have to add a few long runs and I could easily finish. At least as easily as anyone finishes a marathon of course.
So right now I am leaning towards signing up too, but I am going to sleep on it for a day or two. It wouldn't be that big of a deal but marathons are somewhat expensive so I'd like to actually do it if I do sign up, because I am cheap! I definitely think I'd have a much better experience with this marathon for three reasons: 1. sea level; 2. flatness; 3. companionship. Also, Matt likes Chicago so he would come and we would all hang out and have a big time.
My run today frankly helped me along to leaning towards the marathon - I felt like a rock star! First of all the weather was great, and it wasn't all that windy. I would say strongly breezy but not windy, which makes a big difference. Secondly, I felt awesome and went fast! I did an 8 mile run from the gym downtown that normally takes 71-72 minutes. Today I hit the halfway point almost two minutes early and finished in 65:30. It had me wondering if the course is short, and I do want to drive it, but I'm pretty sure it's very close to eight miles if it's not actually correct. I did walk on the treadmill for five minutes when I got back just in case (and to cool down). Then I lifted weights - chest, legs, and lats. It was not too bad and I would've kept going but I needed to get back to work.
I can't believe it's Thursday already! Tomorrow will be a very easy running day (I am saying an easy 4 miles) and an hour of yoga after work. It should be nice!
Posted by barb at February 23, 2006 04:18 PM
Comments
I'm sort of in the same quandry. Right now, my lean is on not to marathon. If I do, Chicago is on the list of possibilities. My problem is a total and complete lack of patience. I can't focus on the race and then the race itself is a disaster. So happy to hear that you felt like a rock star today!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at February 23, 2006 07:05 PM
Do it!
That's way too far off for me to actually plan, but if I were to do a marathon in October and felt like traveling, it would likely be Chicago. It seems like a great one to run, and will certainly be easier than your first one.
Posted by: Alison at February 23, 2006 07:15 PM
DO IT! I second Alison :) Chicago is the best course alive . . . it's fast, flat, and you will never be running alone. Plus, it's nice to have an excuse to come to Chicago!
Posted by: bridget at February 24, 2006 12:17 PM
If you go and run any of it then you may as well run all of it.
Posted by: 給飛行 at February 28, 2006 10:01 PM