If you’ve been around here a while, you know I have a love/hate relationship with the Chicago Marathon. Well, I was holding a grudge after a miserable day in 2007. 2019 was a great day for running with an amazing crowd and so many friends supporting me (recap). I got the bug and signed up for 2020 which was cancelled. 2021 was an awesome return to racing but it was another hot one. (recap) Last year was basically perfect start to finish (recap). I like running the Chicago/NYC double (read: I’m a sucker for punishment), so I signed up again for this year.
I was almost on the DNS (Did Not Start) list with a janky hamstring. It felt better and I was cleared to run so I decided to go for it. Then, I tripped over a poncho ON the starting line. I jumped up very quickly to avoid being trampled and did no favors to my hamstring. I decided to try to run at least to mile 6.5 where my cheer crew was and if it didn’t settle down, I was planning to jump out and cheer. Luckily, I was able to run and complete the race. I couldn’t go as fast as last year, but I got to enjoy the perfect running conditions, EPIC crowds and saw so many friends cheering and within the race. I finished smiling and a little banged up but all in all I’m glad I made it!
Pre-Race
I volunteered at the Expo packet pick up this year. I did bib pick up and loved chatting with all of the runners. I saw many friends and had more time this year to check out the crazy crowded Expo.
Saturday morning, I led the shakeout run with Arc’teryx Chicago Rush St. We partnered with Gold Coast Run Club and had an amazing turn out. We had over 100 runners – many of whom were 1st time Chicago Marathon runners. It was so much fun meeting big groups of news runners from all over the country. Justin, Holly, Anchisa and I led the 5K run that took us on the course at mile 4, 5 and 11. We had awesome support from Cheribundi, Path Water, Luna Bay Kombucha, Kate’s Real Food Bars and RIND Snacks.
I laid out my kit and fuel early this year. It was nearly the same as last year. Then, The Husband and I did a pre-race dinner at Topo Gigio with Heather, Stacy, Maria Fernanda, Ron and Ela.
Race Day
I signed up for the Abbott World Marathon Majors WANDA Age Group Championship. Mostly, I thought we’d have a pretty deluxe pre race situation and that it would be less stressful. Well… not so much but I did meet some really cool runners from Australia, Dublin and NYC so that was fun. Before I knew it, it was time to go to the corrals.
I met up with Jen, Tara and Stephanie in the corral. Then, Jackie found us. We chatted with the runners around us and waited for the corral E start.
Caroline found us as we were getting ready to start. It took us about 23 minutes to start. As I mentioned, as I was crossing the start my foot got caught in a discarded poncho and I fell. I jumped up so I wouldn’t get trampled. Definitely the worst start I’ve ever had! Luckily, I was only scraped and shocked.
Tara, Caroline and I ran the first mile together. Tara and I had on the same tank and shoes and black shorts. I was surprised to learn she only got one “Go Erica” cheer since I’ve worn this same outfit in the last 3 Chicago Marathons. Caroline went ahead. We saw Brandi at Mile 2 and Sapna at 5K. She got a great video as always.
We made our way toward Lincoln Park. Tara went ahead and I tried to get my mojo back. I was cautious and trying not to add extra strain to my hamstring. It was strange running “by myself” in the huge crowd after running 20+ miles with Wendy and Jen last year. I settles in and saw Barbara P, then Charlotte and then came upon The Husband, Stacy, Lynn, Matty P, Josh and Leslye and got a big boost. I ran across the street to see my neighbors ).
As we headed up Sheridan, I saw Laura and her Lynn Sage cheer station. The miles were ticking by and soon I was at mile 8. I saw Kevin and looked out for Bianca on Sheridan/Broadway. The crowd was great and there were awesome signs and music. Coming down Broadway, I saw Meredith and felt all of the neighborhood love.
I saw my crew again on Broadway and Leslye got some awesome photos. Charlotte and her crew were just south of them and Lori caught me again in the same spot as last year Before we knew it I was at Mile 10.
On Sedgwick, I kept an eye out for Carolyn and the girls. At Twin Anchors, my epic “sweaty crew” was cheering us on. I took in all of the love and headed through the Fleet Feet water station where I got more cheers from A Sweat Life friends. I hit the half mile at 1:57 or so.
Jeff caught me again at mile 14. I kept an eye out for Ela and Ron and I tried to look at it as less than a half marathon to go. This year, I used kilometers/5 kilometer marks to chunk out the race. I as excited to see the A Sweat Life crew just before 25K. Only 17K to go!
I enjoyed some great cheering crews from Edge Athlete Lounge (thanks Allison and Robyn!). November Project (thanks Nez for spotting me), Peace Runners and more. I enjoyed the crowds, music and signs and ticked off the miles. I saw Steph at Mile 20 and looked for Amy and Jeff at 21.
Before I knew it, I was heading South on Michigan Ave. When I turned north, I knew I only had 2.2 miles to go. I saw Kevin again and then Gary found me. He wasn’t running the full marathon so he paced with me to end his 20 miler and he ran me to 25.2. We saw Ryan and Lynn. Then, Nancy and Chad cheered me on.
Before I knew it, I was turning the corner on Roosevelt. It didn’t feel as much like a mountain this year! I didn’t push the pace the last few miles because I was babying my hamstring. I just smiled and enjoyed the crowds. I turned the corner and then I was DONE! I saw Molly C. in the finish area and she checked out my scrapes and took me over to the medals.
I got my medal and some water. I met up with Jen and crew. Jen ran a 3:40 and she was very excited. It was her best marathon since she had her kids.
My finish time was 4:03.21 (9:17/mile). It was not my best or worst Chicago Marathon and with the trip at the start, I’ll take it! This was my 60th marathon, 6th Chicago and third marathon finish this year. It marked day 1,328 of my run streak. Next stop NYC Marathon on November 5th.
So many thanks to everyone who cheered, sent messages, trained with me and supported me this year (and for the last 25+ years of marathons!) I’m so lucky to have you all and am grateful to still be out there and able to finish after all of these years.
And if you’re still reading this… THANK YOU for all of the love and support.