Walk Into the Future

Tag: Chicago Marathon 2024

  • 2024 Chicago Marathon

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    “How do you know if someone ran a marathon?  Don’t worry, they’ll tell you”.

    (Jimmy Fallon)

    Sweet home, Chicago!

    This is how I felt when I finally arrived at my hotel in Chicago.  Why the excitement?  Well, I’ve chronicled my training for the past 18 weeks but didn’t know if I would make it to race day.

    Hurricane Milton caused havoc on Wednesday of race week, and I didn’t know if my flight on Friday from Orlando was still going to happen.  My original Friday morning flight was cancelled by Southwest Airlines, but they rebooked me on a later flight to Chicago.  I decided to just enjoy the process and was extremely happy to be on my way to running the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

    My flight was uneventful, but it got me closer to the end of this 18-week journey.  I grabbed my bag after landing and made my way out into the Chicago night to head to my hotel.  I am a Marriott brand fan, and my hotel was picked based on proximity to the marathon start and finish lines.  I wanted to be able to walk around Chicago during my adventure without having to worry about traffic or waiting around for a ride.  I checked into my hotel room late Friday night due to the airline delays.  Made a quick trip to a corner store to stock up on water, bananas and bagels before heading to bed.

    My original plan was to hit the 2024 Chicago Marathon EXPO on Friday since my arrival time was supposed to be 8:35 am.  Again, Hurricane Milton changed this, and my true arrival time was 9:30 pm.  No worries, I got up Saturday morning and walked over to McCormick Place for the Abbott Health & Fitness EXPO. This walk was an outstanding way to see Chicago neighborhoods and take in the excitement of race weekend.  I have been a running tourist for a few years and experienced EXPOs in multiple states.  Nothing prepared me for the sights from the Abbott Health & Fitness EXPO.  This was by far the largest EXPO event I have ever seen.  There were over 180 vendors with products from around the world.  There were close to 20,000 people in the EXPO (runners, family, friends) and I felt the crush of people in the venue.  Runners are a friendly group so that made it easier to navigate while in the venue.

    Packets pickup was a breeze since the Chicago Marathon organizers sent each participant an event ticket.  The ticket helped EXPO volunteers direct runners to the correct lines for bib pickup and corral assignments.  This is the first EXPO that utilized a photo to ensure the correct person got the correct bib number.  Technology is amazing!

    I made my way around the EXPO to check out vendors, sample nutrition and get my photos while there.  😊  I wanted to enjoy the experience as much as possible but didn’t want to spend too much time on my feet the day before the marathon.

    I headed back towards my hotel and wanted to check out the race start line area.  This was my way to ensure I knew where to report on Sunday morning.  The Chicago Marathon has a detailed process to place runners in corrals to ensure the start of the race is organized and gets runners out without overcrowding the roads.  I was slotted for Wave 3 and Corral K.  This means my time was projected to be closer to the middle of the pack which was exciting for me.  I made a few more stops to take in the city and then headed to Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta for a pasta lunch.  I still needed to add more carbs into my system to get ready for race day. 

    Headed back to the hotel to prep my running outfit for the big day, get off my feet and hydrate. I was able to get in a quick nap too. 😊  I left the hotel after my nap to get in another carb loading meal to finish off the process at Portillo’s.  I did some light stretching and meditation to help me get ready for the big day ahead.  I was a few hours away from running the 2024 Chicago Marathon!!!

    I woke up on race day a bit anxious because this was the largest race I have toed the line for (55,000+ registered runners).  I also had no real idea how the start line corrals would work—we were told to arrive two hours early, but this meant having to stand around in the corrals and wait patiently to start the race.  My hotel was a mile away from the start line, so I leveraged this distance to stretch my legs with the walk toward Grant Park.  I purchased a long sleeve shirt at Goodwill for $6.99 and used it to stay warm while waiting for my race to start.  Race organizers provide ‘drop off’ areas where runners discard their warm clothing items prior to starting the race.  These items are donated to homeless shelter by the race organizers. 

    I made my way to the Wave 3, Corral K start area around 7 am.  My group was scheduled to start running at 8:35 am.  What do runners do for an hour and thirty-five minutes?  Great question! We sat on the pavement like grade school kids to conserve energy and get off our feet.  Thousands of adults just sitting on the ground quietly and listening to music to pass the time.  Our group was called to start moving towards the start line around 8:30 am and running the 2024 Chicago Marathon got real at that moment.  I tossed my long sleeve shirt into the clothing donation area and started to get myself mentally ready to rock the Chicago Marathon.  A sense of pride came over me at this point because I knew I had trained better during this cycle and wanted to see how this translated for this marathon.  Said a quick prayer and it was showtime!

    My goals for the marathon were to enjoy the process, run a controlled race and improve my time from my last marathon.  Well, two out of three is not that bad! 😊  I enjoyed the process and set a marathon Personal Record (PR) at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.  The one goal I missed was running a controlled race.  I’m not complaining considering I ran a PR time here.  I fault the crowds, and the energy generated for my lack of control during the race.

    So, what was the problem with my pace?  The crowds were so hyped that they energized me beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.  My first mile was run in 9:45 (nine minutes and forty-five seconds.  My second mile was run in 9:45. My third mile was run in 9:31. See a pattern here?  😊  The funny thing is I knew I was moving too fast, but it felt great!  The fourth mile was run in 9:42. At this point I decided to just run the damn race and see what would happen regardless of my intended pace.  The cooler weather, the crowds and the flat racecourse felt right so I just ran.  I had a huge smile on my face for the first 23 miles.  Lactic acid kicked in after that and I lost my smile for a bit.  I looked at my watch and knew I was well ahead of my previous marathon times—I just needed to hang on.  I mentioned to several friends that I wanted to run 4:44 this time out.  I realized I would not hit this pace, but a PR was well within my reach.  I gave myself a pep talk at mile 24 and then got my mind right.  Finished the marathon in 5:23:35 (five hours, twenty-three minutes and thirty-five seconds).  This is a 25-minute PR for me.  My 4:30 am training sessions paid off nicely! 😊

    Race results below:

    Participant

    Name (CTZ)Williams, Calvin (USA)
    Bib Number59296
    City, StateFort Pierce
    Division55-59
    GenderMan
    ShortCW

    Race Info

    Start Time08:37:57

    Totals

    Place Gender25103
    Place Age Group1478
    Place Overall43983
    Finish Time05:23:35

    My Runner

    Add/Remove

    Race Status

    Race StatusFinished
    Last SplitFinish
    Pred. Finish–
    Pred. Finish (Time of Day)–

    Splits

    Miles Kilometers

    SplitTime Of DayTimeDiffmin/milemiles/h
    05K09:09:07AM00:31:1031:1010:025.98
    10K09:42:31AM01:04:3533:2510:465.58
    15K10:15:07AM01:37:1032:3510:305.72
    20K10:49:30AM02:11:3434:2411:055.42
    HALF10:59:06AM02:21:1009:3614:054.26
    25K11:27:12AM02:49:1628:0611:365.18
    30K12:08:21PM03:30:2541:0913:154.53
    35K12:53:06PM04:15:0944:4414:244.17
    40K01:41:38PM05:03:4248:3315:383.84

    Thanks to everyone who reached out to me during my training cycle to send encouragement.  Also, thank you to my friends who I couldn’t hit Friday night events with because I needed to go to bed so I could get up and run on Saturday mornings. Thank you to Walk into the Future blog readers for following my training updates and sticking with me on this forum.  Appreciate all ya’ll!!! 😊

    I will shift gears towards my half marathon schedule for the next few months.  I have the 2024 OUC Half Marathon in Orlando the first weekend in December.  I follow that up with the 2024 Palm Beaches Half Marathon the following weekend.  I will not run the full marathon down there because of humidity—I learned a valuable lesson last year.

    FYI—Lauren and I signed up for the 2025 Chicago Marathon and are waiting to see if we get in next year.  There may be another marathon training program in 2025—get ready because I’m starting to figure this marathon training out.  Who knew I could get faster as I got older. 😊

    Irie!

    “When your legs get tired, run with your heart”.

    (Unknown Runner)

  • 2024 Marathon Training (32 – 0)

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    “You don’t stay undefeated without being a little stubborn”.

    (Andre Ward)

    32 – 0!  Yes, I’m going to claim an undefeated marathon training record at this point of the cycle.

    You may be wondering what the heck I’m talking about—happy to explain! 😊

    I just completed Week #8 of my 2024 Chicago Marathon training cycle:  https://www.instagram.com/chimarathon/?hl=en.  The training schedule has me running multiple distances Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  8 weeks times 4 days per week = 32 training sessions so far.  32 – 0.

    I am showcasing the 32 – 0 record because I have not missed a training session, projected mileage or hit the snooze button once so far in this training cycle.  I’ve trained for 2 other marathons over the past few seasons but have never displayed this level of consistency and commitment to the process.  I want to see a ton of improvement in how I perform on race day in Chicago and dedicating the proper energy into my training program is my way to build towards the big day.

    Will I remain undefeated?  No idea but I plan to continue to put the effort into this training cycle to build physical and mental strength to guide me in Chicago.  Training is going well as I hit my mileage markers daily but need to incorporate more speed work into the program.  My future Wednesday morning runs are designed to run at 2024 Chicago Marathon pace so this will force me to begin to work on my stride to generate speed.  Excited to start targeting marathon goal paces to mentally prepare for the full grind of 26.2 miles.  I know I can complete the distance, but this year is all about going a bit faster than before.  I’m projecting to have a finish time with a ‘4’ in front of it (4:35, 4:41, 4:59)—I will share my goal time the week of the Chicago Marathon.  Yes, I have a projected goal time I’m targeting.  Melissa—can you guess the time? 😊

    Here’s my weekly progress so far:

    Week 541.67
    Week 633.61
    Week 734.11
    Week 850.26
    Total159.65

    The weekly mileage has gone up from the previous updates.  This will continue through Week #15 before the mileage starts to taper down.  The full marathon taper process will start in Week #17 and continue until marathon race day.  My previous marathon training cycle had me competing in the OUC Half Marathon the week prior.  Not sure if this helped or hurt my race day performance but I will not repeat this process again for the Chicago Marathon.

    Can I stay undefeated and make it to 72 – 0?  Great question!

    Thanks for joining me on this training cycle!

    Irie!

    “I don’t think being undefeated is going to determine my greatness”.

    (Mikey Garcia)

  • Chicago Marathon Training Week #4

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    “Marathoning.  The triumph of desire over reason”.

    (New Balance, athletic apparel company)

    I will be the first to admit that I’m not a New Balance athlete.  My primary running apparel company is Nike, and my running shoes are Brooks GTS 23s.  Hoping the Brooks GTS 24s drop before my racing season kicks off, but the GTS 23s have been good for me.  The New Balance quote is prophetic for the marathon journey I’m currently experiencing.

    Marathon training can be taxing physically, mentally and emotionally.  The desire to compete and get better is stronger for me this year.  I’ve trained for two marathons and seen minimal improvement but that is because the desire was not as strong in the past.  I’ve rededicated myself to this process and vowed to give maximum effort weekly.  Yes, I trained for the marathon in the past but took a few short cuts that I’m not willing to repeat.

    I just completed Week #4 of this training cycle and I am proud to say I have not missed a training session or mileage goal so far.  It sounds like a simple thing but there are times when it’s easier to hit the snooze button in the morning and not get up and train.  The snooze button has not been a problem this training cycle—I’ve established a set bedtime and have not adjusted it for any reason.  I’m getting prepared for lights out at 8:30 pm with a consistent wake up at 4:44 am—I like odd times. Melissa, that’s for YOU! 😊

    I am following the Hal Higdon marathon training plan again with an eye towards the details of the plan and no missed training sessions.  I ran into issues with the heat and humidity last year because I didn’t get out early for my long runs.  I’ve adjusted my Friday night bedtime to provide a consistent sleep pattern.  I’m getting out for my long Saturday runs by 5:30 am to beat the sun, heat and humidity.  It’s still humid out but it’s easier to handle at this time of the day.  I’ve also adjusted my hydration plan and ensure I have water, Gatorade and coconut water available for each long run.  I hydrate better during my weekday runs too—a very simple concept but it is helping me get stronger mentally and physically.

    My weight training program remains consistent with 3 days in the gym each week.  I adjust the workouts but make sure to incorporate leg days into the routine.  I’m not a heavy lifter anymore but concentrate on compound exercises with high rep levels.  My yoga program consists of one weekly session to help my muscles stretch and recover.  I will increase my yoga routines but one time per week is good for now.  This will increase by Week #10 to match the miles I will be completing.

    Here’s my weekly progress so far:

    Week 132.11
    Week 236.17
    Week 318.78
    Week 435.98
    Total123.04

    The mileage will start to ramp up Week #5 through Week #15.  The first four weeks helped build the running base needed for the increased mileage.

    Excited to see how my training program has matured over the past two years.  The Chicago Marathon is calling and I’m answering the bell. 😊

    Here’s my projected racing schedule—I’m still looking for races.

    8/17/20242024 Celebration of Running 5kWinter Park
    9/1/20242024 Virginia Beach 10-MilerVirginia Beach, VA
    9/21/20242024 Race for Recovery 5kPort St Lucie
    10/13/20242024 Chicago MarathonChicago, IL
    12/7/20242024 OUC Half MarathonOrlando
    12/15/20242024 Garden of Life Half MarathonWest Palm Beach
    1/19/20242025 Vero Beach Half MarathonVero Beach
    1/26/20252025 Town of Celebration Half MarathonCelebration, FL
    2/8/20252025 Fleet Feet Run for your Heart 10kJensen Beach, FL
    3/2/20252025 Game On Marathon of The Treasure CoastStuart, FL
    4/25/20252025 Nashville Rock N Roll Half MarathonNashville, TN
    6/1/20252025 San Diego Rock N Roll Half MarathonSan Diego

    Thanks for joining me on the training process—Irie!

  • 2024 Chicago Marathon Training Week #1

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    “A marathon is hundreds of miles.  The finish is the last 26.2”.

    (Running Quotes)

    The quote above speaks volumes.  Marathon training is a critical part of the overall process, but most people only see or talk about the actual 26.2-mile race.

    Completing a marathon is a major life/personal/physical milestone and I’m happy to say I am a two-time marathoner. 

    I targeted the Palm Beaches Marathon (2022 and 2023) because it was close, and the course was completely flat.  This marathon is in South Florida so that means the weather is unpredictable to include humidity even in December.  I’m happy to have started and completed this race twice but decided I would not attempt this race again because of the South Florida heat and humidity.  FYI—I will run the half marathon this year. 😊

    I leveraged a Hal Higdon marathon training plan to get me ready for my marathon attempts.  This plan provides an 18-week format to prepare for the full marathon process.  I decided to use this same training plan for my 2024 Chicago Marathon preparation.

    I made some weekly modifications for my previous marathon training programs but decided to follow the Hal Higdon plan completely this year.  I want to see improvement in my marathon finish time this year and committing to my training will be a vital part of hitting my race time goals.  I’m not competing to win the 2024 Chicago Marathon, but I need to beat my previous times, enjoy the race and feel good when I cross the finish line.

    My marathon training began in earnest last week (6/10/2024 – 6/16/2024).  I was excited to start my training program, so I added an extra run day to get me up and motivated to start this process.  Proverbs 6:6 states:  Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.  My 2024 Chicago Marathon training program allows me to work like an ant—one mile, one training session, one week at a time.  Each session is designed to get me closer to my physical and mental peak for race day.  The marathon is a celebration of the months of training and sacrifice needed to complete a marathon.  I’ve made a point to let folks know that I will follow my plan as outlined—no shortcuts will be applied this year.  I will have to miss a few happy hours and Friday night hangouts since my long runs will occur on Saturday mornings.  A missed run is a missed opportunity to get better so I will minimize this process to emergencies only.

    Happy to report I hit all my training days and milestones for Week #1.  I added an extra session on Monday to energize my training and provide a buffer in case I needed it later in the week.  Rain was forecasted all week, and I completed several miles in a slight rain during two training sessions.  I would have skipped these training sessions in the past but would not allow myself to miss a training opportunity.

    I’m prioritizing weight training sessions this year as well.  Want to ensure I provide myself with the best training foundation possible to improve my performance leading up to the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

    I completed 32.11 training miles last week:

    6/10/20243.134:2511:06mRun
    6/11/20243.3937:5311:11mRun
    6/12/20245.3457:1710:44mRun
    6/13/20242.4225:4910:41mRun
    6/14/20245.82  Planet Fitness bike / rope
    6/15/20243.75  Planet Fitness bike
    6/15/20248.291:36:0011:35mLong run

    I added 4 days of weight training to include full body workouts on 6/14/2024 and 6/15/2024 to help prepare my body for the 18-week training grind.

    The Week #2 training plan is like Week #1 (3, 5, 3, 9) with a slight increase for the long run.  I’m excited to see how my body and mind respond to following the overall training plan for this marathon attempt.  I’m committed to ensuring I do everything necessary to finish faster in Chicago than I did in Palm Beach.  The cooler weather, flat course, cheering crowds and better preparation should help generate a positive outcome.

    Thanks for joining me on the training process—Irie!

    Note:  Most of my long run miles will be done in the George LeStrange Preserve. This allows for consistent miles and a hydration station. 

    https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/environmental-resources/county-preserves/george-lestrange-preserve

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  • 2023 WordPress Stats

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    Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com

    “I made a decision to write for my readers, not try to find more readers for my writing”.

    (Seth Godin)

    Love this quote as it reflects my original thoughts when I started the Walk into The Future blog back in 2018.

    My intent has always been to create content others would want to read but not seek out followers for the blog.  Some of you are stuck with me because we grew up together, so happy to have you along for this journey.  Others have found my writing via WordPress based on my content and/or topics presented.

    I’m happy to have you here regardless of how/why you read my thoughts—appreciate the company on this life I live.

    WordPress provides authors with daily, monthly, and yearly statistics directly on my dashboard.  I’m able to identify when my work is viewed in another country and my reach continues to expand.  Again, not driven by this but it is nice to see someone in Spain or India has read my latest blog post.  Not sure how I attract folks so far away, but it feels great and inspired me to write a bit more and with more substance.

    My 2023 stats can be viewed here:  https://wordpress.com/annual-report/walkintothefuture.blog/2023

    I’m back in the writing lab working on new topics and adventures I will begin sharing next week.  I am also entering the busy portion of my racing schedule so there will be race recaps to include my 2023 Palm Beaches Marathon experience and the next BIG race on my 2024 schedule.  Hint—I got accepted into the Chicago Marathon.  This is exciting news for me and will be the largest run event I will participate in.  Thanks to Orlando Track Shack and the global running impact of this organization—it helped me get into the Chicago Marathon.

    Big things coming in 2024—stay tune! LOL.

    Irie!

    “Do or do not.  There is no try”.

    (Yoda)