OK…the Chicago Marathon is still several months away. Just so that I don’t forget, I’m posting this video I found on Runner’s World:
I hope anyone who finds this, finds it useful.
Category: Running
Chicago Marathon: I’m registered
Today the Chicago Marathon registration opens.
I registered early this morning before work. I’m in now and absolutely committed; no turning back.
Maybe if I’m lucky I get a number below 1000!
The Chicago Marathon: 10-10-10
The next Chicago Marathon is going to be held on October 10, 2010 (or 10-10-10). The magic number seems to be “10”.
Anyway, if you are interested in participating in this event, registration opens on February 1, 2010.
The registration ceiling for this event is supposed to be 45,000, and I read somewhere that this ceiling is hit 6 months before the event starts. Thus if you want a good chance at making it in, you would have to register by April 10, 2010. This means that registration ceiling is hit within 2 and a half months from registration opening!
I better make sure to sign up on registration opening day.
Here are more information regarding the Chicago Marathon:
- Registration
- Course and amenities
- Course map (PDF file)
- Course map (interactive)
- General Information
- Rules and Guidelines
Visit the Chicago Marathon web site for more information.
See you in Chicago!
Socks: Why it matters
Most runners don’t think seriously about the type of socks they wear for a run. I’ve counted myself in the “most runners” category until most recently–which is about one to two weeks ago.
Well, one or two weeks ago I did one of my longest runs–about 8.5 miles. Before this, most of my runs were 10K or shorter. The 8.5 mile run I did is the longest one I’ve done for the longest time (I think 17 miles is my actual longest one, but I did this when I was in my younger high school years).
I noticed that I had developed a noticeable blister on my left foot, on the smallest toe’s outer edge. I thought that the barely noticeable rubbing in my shoes during my short runs was not a problem, but in my long run, it has evolved to a blister!
It was then when I started to think about on-the-spot blister treatment. I thought that I’m definitely going to get a blister on this Chicago Marathon, and I might as well look into figuring out how to treat a blister should I develop one during the 26.2-mile run.
In my search for treatment, I saw articles about blister prevention. In some of the articles they talk of using lubricants and such things to minimize friction on any rubbing parts. I noticed a discussion on the use of double layer blister preventing socks. That’s when I thought–“I don’t need lubricants, I need better socks!”
I found a pair at Essential Apparel (www.essentialapparel.com). It is dual layer and the reviews on it were great! Now all I have to do is order it, break it in, and I should be good to go for the Chicago marathon.
But wait, I think I’ll need new shoes to go with that!
Road to Chicago Marathon: My 8.5 mile long run
Last Sunday was my long run. On my plan, I have to run at least 8 miles. The course I layed out happened to be 8.5 miles. Having just come back from a cruise where the primary activity was eating, I knew I had to take the run easy. So I did.
Since the run was long, I decided to bring a mini-water bottle which I held in my left hand for the entire run. I took a sip of water at about every two miles.
The pace I ran–about 9:15 per mile–I think will be my marathon pace. At this pace, I’m not gasping for air, but am able to breath comfortably. I was doing pretty good, even at mile 4. Even at the 6 mile mark, I was able to run uphill (on the Union Ave freeway overpass). However, what I found is that after mile 7, I started noticing that my legs were getting sore. I wasn’t tired, but needed to focus more on my form to ensure that the most minute sloppy movement doesn’t cause more problems.
Within the last half mile, I was able to increase my stride and finish the 8.5 mile run strong. I then drank what was left in my mini-water bottle.
As I finished the run, I thought to myself…”this is just less than a third of a marathon…can I do this run 2 more times?”
The pessimist in me said “my legs are sore, I don’t think I’ll last”, but the optimist in me said “hey, I think I can make the entire marathon! I’m not even tired. My legs are sore, but with training, it will be better.” So I listened and leaned more towards the optimist in me.
Road to Chicago Marathon: Now committed
Before I left for the cruise this week, I made a reservation for a round trip to Chicago for me and my wife. I also reserved a rental car. My wife and I will arrive there on 08 Oct 2010, and we will depart on 11 Oct 2010.
There is no backing down now. I am now committed to training and doing the Chicago Marathon.
All I have to do now is make sure I get registered early enough before they meet their 1000 45,000 quota.
Road to Chicago Marathon: My first hill
I just finished my long run today. It is at least 6.5 miles, and guess what…I ran over my first hill today. The reason this is a momentous event is that where I live it is very flat, but the route I took today got me running over a freeway overpass. It gave me about a 1/10 mile uphill run. I actually felt pretty good going up that hill.
The nike+ sensor/pedometer I was using said that I ran 6.97 miles for the entire route; but I know that as I as get tired my stride tends to get a bit shorter; that is why I think the run is around 6.5 miles. So my pace is probably about 9:15 minutes/mile since it took me just about 1 hour to finish the run.
Based on this run, I think I should be able to maintain this pace for a long time. So this might be my marathon pace.
Next week, my long run will be 8 miles–week 10 of the 26-week training plan. This will be a challenge since I will be on a cruise during the week. As you know eating is the main activity on most cruises.