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kattzoo
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Joined: 28 Feb 2003
Posts: 3812
Location: Happily at the back of the pack
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 Posted: 10/11/04 - 19:56 Post subject: My $%^$ Chicago Report
I finished. That's about the only good thing I can say. I was a whopping hour off what I had trained for (time 5:48:09...embarassing). I should have known from the start this was doomed.
In all fairness, this is a great marathon. It was so well organized and supported from the volunteers to the spectators. I don't think there was a spot where someone wasn't cheering. 40,000 may be a little large for me, but I am so glad I experienced Chicago. I grew up there until Jr. High and it was nice to be back in the city. This is one well done marathon. Even the guy passing out medals asks your name, puts in on you, and has a big hug and encouraging words. The organizers made everything simple and friendly.
Clue 1: My acid reflux is not behaving with medication. I haven't been able to eat well for 2 weeks. The weekend in Chicago consisted of water, chicken noodle soup, and a few bites of pasta.
Clue 2: Lined up with the 4:50 pace group, lost them before we even crossed the line. Stayed with the 5:00 group figuring this would keep me from going out too fast (and would still be PR)
Clue 3: Finally, finally figured out how to drink and run though water stops. Also figured out that Gatorade and my stomach hate each other. Not being able to keep down fluids makes for a rotten race.
Clue 4: I remember very little about the course, except for that someone had the bright idea to put a hill at mile 26. GRRRR.
Overall, I felt decent til the half way point, then things went downhill, and fast. I had maintained even splits, was well in reach of a sub 5 hour marathon, and then things fell apart. Sometimes, I think I don't have the heart to race. I trained hard, several 20 + runs at an 11 min. pace, and still couldn't hold on when it counted.
Worst thing, I didn't meet one Riff Raffer, not that Genie didn't reach out and try. She was great at keeping in touch, I just couldn't be where they were.
So after I beat myself up a bit more, I'm going to start thinking about a long training run, maybe 26.2, in D.C. in a few weeks. No one tell me it's a race.
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gretriever
Hipster Doofus
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Joined: 16 Jul 2003
Posts: 19384
Location: A moving target in a firing range.
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Posted: 10/11/04 - 20:06 Post subject:
Katt -
After this weekend you and me need to have a beer together. Deal?
It's a true bite when all the best-laid plans go somewhere in a handbasket.
I admire you for having the guts to tough it all.
We'll do better next year, OK?
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 21238
Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 10/11/04 - 20:27 Post subject:
Sorry you had this experience. It seems many of the runners had a bad race for many different reasons. Way to stick it out, you got guts. Sorry we missed seeing you. I was looking forward to meeting you. Next year. 
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Joined: 18 May 2002
Posts: 11322
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Posted: 10/11/04 - 20:43 Post subject:
Sorry to hear you had such a rough time Kat! I am sure you will do better at your next long run.
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elkid
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Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8353
Location: hiding out in Philly
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Posted: 10/11/04 - 21:30 Post subject:
Boo hiss. I know how hard you trained, how badly you wanted to reach your goals, and how bad you are feeling. MCM will be much better; perhaps you should employ your original marathon plan of running each one progressively slower so that you'll run faster there? MCM will be much better. Especially because YOU own a Stick. 
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16217
Location: unknown zone
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 06:57 Post subject:
i can imagine your disappointment kattzoo, given the hours of training you put in and anticipation you must have been feeling.
congratulations on the finish, for hanging in there for all those footfalls when i know i would have whimpered up on a sidewalk and flagged a cab...
| Phar lap wrote: |
Ultimatly, it was rewarding to see the marathon from the other side and in some small way assist fellow runners to achieve their personal goals.
Wether they achieved their goals on the day or not the thing is, they had the gut's to commit themselves to the training, something most people could not even dream about. |
Big Fat 
oh, and i hear the weather in DC is just beautiful this time of year. 
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robp
Pyromaniac
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Joined: 26 Jul 2002
Posts: 16241
Location: Waiting in line at the beer store...
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 07:36 Post subject:
Having the guts to stick it out is a victory in itself.
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runaroundsue
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Joined: 18 Sep 2002
Posts: 6629
Location: supporting GREENer pastures
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 09:19 Post subject:
I don't know first hand about the stomach and gatorade thing.....but I've seen my hubby struggle with these issues. Hopefully, experimenting with other fluids may help....but then you'd have to have someone available to give them to you on the course. I suggest you try cytomax--it has complex sugars vs simple sugar of powerade, gatorade....etc. If you can't keep food down in the days leading up to race (I can't), then food is VERY important en route. If gus or power gels are too tough on your stomach.....try other calories that aren't. Do you think your body would say "yes" to jelly beans, licorice, raisins???? If you don't carboload....you need sumpin' girl!!
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Joined: 14 May 2002
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 09:39 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | Having the guts to stick it out is a victory in itself. |
well said, I'm sorry Katt.
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Dancer
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Joined: 21 Nov 2002
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 09:42 Post subject:
Kat you did great considering your nutrition prior to the race. At least you stuck it out. You'll do great at the next one. And like Sue said try out some different things. If you find a liquid that works for you carry it in a waterbottle or fuel belt. Better to have some extra weight to carry knowing it's fuel you can handle.
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mickeyvw98
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Joined: 03 Jun 2004
Posts: 2010
Location: Upstate NY
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 10:09 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | Having the guts to stick it out is a victory in itself. |
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cdnhollywood
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Joined: 05 Oct 2004
Posts: 1538
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 10:34 Post subject: Re: My $%^$ Chicago Report
| kattzoo wrote: | I finished. That's about the only good thing I can say. I was a whopping hour off what I had trained for (time 5:48:09...embarassing). I should have known from the start this was doomed.
<snip>
So after I beat myself up a bit more, I'm going to start thinking about a long training run, maybe 26.2, in D.C. in a few weeks. No one tell me it's a race. |
It may be hard now, but be positive! Look at it this way: given the state you were in, and given the fact that you fought tooth-and-nail for nearly 6 hours in that state, this may have been the toughest run of your life (so far, at least) and you finished!
Sure, you didn't do it in the time you wanted, and sure it wasn't a pleasant experience for you. But you DO know that you've got more in you than you thought you did.
How many other people would have dropped out if they were in your condition? Lots, I bet. Be proud (VERY proud) that you toughed it out and finished.
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Gogirlgo
Member
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Joined: 25 Jul 2002
Posts: 4776
Location: No deal, stalker.
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 11:17 Post subject:
Seems like the next one will feel a lot better, and congrats on finishing. I know you're not thrilled about it but good lord, what you went through is just unbelievable.
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coachmarkos
my boys could swim
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 11387
Location: 1st in AFC West
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 12:03 Post subject:
Hey Kat...I know you really don't want to hear this...but...
You finished a freaking marathon!
My hat is off to you. 
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Cappy
Excelent
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Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 10/12/04 - 16:46 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | Having the guts to stick it out is a victory in itself. |
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