Fun in the Sun at Chicago Marathon 10-10-10
(aka The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of De Feet)
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| Blogger Dave K. gets an ice crown instead of winner's laurel wreath |
Oh what a beautiful day for the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10
For all of the spectators.
Actually, it also got pretty hot for them, too!
At the 7:30 AM start of the race, the temps already were beyond 60 degrees with 74% humidity. The high (we had to be high to run that race!) reportedly reached the low to mid-80s. I've heard from a reliable source (Flyer Francine A.) that this was the third hottest Chicago Marathon in 20 years.
And yet Kenyan Sammy Wanjiro dashed across the finish line to complete a last-mile battle in a winning time for the men's race of 2:06:24. I think he may be a Flyer. And Russian Liliya Shobukhova, who won the women's division in 2:20:25, also reportedly is contemplating joining the Flyers (lured by the allure of the famously fiery dancing that goes on at our annual awards gala).
| Winning Man in the Marathon, Sammy Wanjiro |
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| Flyer Nina's Daughter Zoe Poses with Women's Race Winner Liliya Shobukhova After the Race |
Lots of Flyers, along with Flyer families and friends, invaded Chicago. Flyers who ran the race included: Elizabeth A., Janine S., Lara K., Lauren K., Nina P.T., Beth W., Jamie M., Stephanie S., Amy H., Amy S., Emily S., Jocelyn T., Sondra M, Kristin W., Joanne C., Leslie L., Joe J., Jon B., Siggy T., Francisco R., Bhaviksha R., and Glen W. Oh, and me. Not all that far behind the winners/wanna be Flyers Sammy and Liliya was the first Flyer to reach the finish -- Leslie L. -- who crossed with a PR and his first ever sub-3-hour marathon, with 5 seconds to spare!
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| Leslie L., crossing the finish at 2:59! |
Many Flyers rose above and beyond what a sane person should expect given the conditions, as there were quite a few PRs and other impressive racing performances. The PRs were sweated out by Leslie L. (BQ), Joe J. (BQ), Lara K. (BQ), Sondra M., Siggy T., and Stephanie Pianka. The rest of us simply sweated it out to the finish, also quite an accomplishment (including a few BQs)!
For some race details, check out the blogged reports by Lara K.
OUR SUPPORT CREW
Yan promptly posted his photos on the Flyers website for our appreciation. There are some great action shots, and some Flyers are even smiling (those must have been taken in the early miles!).
FREE BEER CONTEST
There was lots of team spirit, including by Flyers who participated in a little contest. A free beer to whoever submitted the best marathon bad dream, actual marathon nightmare experience, strange pre-race ritual, and/or oddest item brought to Chicago.
Alas, there was a tie, so both Stephanie P. and Lara K. were declared winners and could claim their beer. Stephanie's examples included bringing finisher "space blankets" from old marathons for pillows and warmth while waiting for the start (yep, she really needed that warmth for the Chicago Marathon Sauna!). Lara's examples included dreaming that during the marathon she'd be moving her legs fast and furious but staying in place -- oh no! Clearly, Lara's speedy finish time proves that nightmares need not come true.FOOD AND GROG
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| Flyers, pre-race. |
On the hydrating front, Jon B. gave some of us a jolt with his 10:30 pm e-mail the night before the race in which he stated:
At an awesome bar I'd found tonight - hydrating gave way to my sixth beer - might not make it to race tomorrow. Good luck everyone - kill the course!
Jon later claimed he was joking, but if not he may have given Leslie a run for his money since quite a speedy finish for a guy running on little sleep and a hang-over!
CELEBRATE!
Of course, there was lots of post-race celebrating. About 15 Flyers including entourages turned up at the proposed Club Quarters bar where we lucked out and were given our own private room downstairs.
The after-party was to include celebrating at local bar Fado per the encouragement of Amy H. and Yan P. I conked out watching the final Phillies/Reds playoff game, so no after-party highlights for me to report. Just as well, since when the the weather is hot and the runners are hotter, perhaps what happens in Chicago is best to stay in Chicago...
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| Flyers, post-race! |
As much I enjoying whining about the weather and other stuff, in all honesty and after some time to reflect, part of me (the stupid part?) is glad about the weather. Although my initial attitude after the race was one of disappointment, I think that especially for those who have or will run multiple marathons, facing an additional challenge enhanced the experience. It makes the marathon extra-memorable. And for me, who can be quite memory-challenged, my marathons otherwise tend to blend together a bit after awhile.
Chicago will likely remain a strong memory for all of us. And when we eventually forgive Mother Nature, it should even serve as a fond memory.
Together, we intrepid Flyers faced the heat and gave it our all. The weather conditions make Leslie's sub-3:00 marathon all that more memorable. Likewise, it should be a source of great pride for those who battled the course for more than five hours and crossed the finish line without giving up. And, pride for all the rest of us 3-hour and 4-hour marathoners, too.
Surprisingly, I didn't hear of any Flyer who dropped out of the race due to the conditions, although I couldn't blame them if they did. Sure, some of us were disappointed with our finish times. Yet, as we saw our goals slipping away during the race, we all kept at it. There was one Flyer DNF due to injury, yet Joanne C. (formerly Joanne O.) battled for 16.5 miles at PR pace, and accepted her plight with humor and grace -- her story is one of inspiration not resignation.
Many thanks to all the the Flyers, family members, and friends who came to Chicago. We supported, and congratulated, and consoled, and celebrated, and loved each other. There is much to be grateful for upon completion of our quest, including, of course, for being New York Flyers. -Dave K.
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