Still running

Many of those who ran the Chicago marathon 2007 has probably already decided about their plans.  Many are signed up for, or have already run another marathon.  Others are happy with what they ran.  Still others are going to take it easy for a few weeks and then ramp up for another one in December or January.  I have gone back and forth about four or five different times with different plans.   In the meantime though, there is plenty of time to still just enjoy running!

I was out for a run the other day with an experienced marathoner friend (he's done more than 50).  I told him I want to decide what to do, but I don't feel any real pressure because running is supposed to be about having fun, not stressing over races.  Sure I've done about a dozen marathons, but I don't consider them my strength.  For me they are really just a training goal.  That's why the Pumpkins in the Park event over the weekend was so much fun.  It was a 5k, and as you can see from the pictures, many runners ran in costume.  There was a pair of grapes, a pac-man, and even a horse drawn chariot driver.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of them.  Obviously, speed is a secondary consideration at a race like this.  But it was also a great opportunity for the kids to get dressed up in their halloween costumes and run a 'spooky sprint'.  Got to get them started young!

Meantime though, I have talked to lots of people about their marathon plans.  Many have signed up for other races already.  I included links to some marathon sites in my last blog entry, but here it is again if you're interested. http://www.marathonguide.com/races/races.cfm.

I also had a couple of encouraging conversations with local coaches.  Brendan Cournane, the head coach at Chicago Endurance Sports says you don't need to build back up to 20 milers again if you plan to run a marathon in the next couple months.  He says you should take a little time off for now, and then get back into it slowly.  He believes your fitness should carry through until December at least.

Coach Bill Leach says it's no problem to build back up.  Much of what you do depends on two factors though.  The first is what your training program was like leading up to the marathon.  The second is what your marathon experience was like.  If you dropped out after ten miles or less, you should be pretty fresh.  If you went longer, like 16 miles, or even finished, you will need to rest a little more than you might think.

Meantime though, hats off to those who already jumped into another marathon.  My training partner, Tom drove eight hours to Ashland, Wisconsin over the weekend for the Whistlestop marathon.  He ran the race the next morning, then turned around and drove back.  And he ran really well.  He was hoping to run under 3:20, but after the strange twists with the Chicago marathon the week before he had no idea what to expect.  He and I both dropped out of Chicago at 12 miles.  But he enjoyed the crushed limestone path that covered the entire route in Wisconsin, and cruised to a 3:19!  Congratulations Tom!

As for my own plans, I will probably figure it out soon.  There are a lot of great races in the next couple months all around the country.  And there are some reasons to consider not running any of them and waiting until a spring marathon, or even until next fall.  In the meantime, I plan to enjoy another short race this weekend.  It's a benefit for Comer Children's hospital in Hyde Park.  It starts at 9am on Saturday 10/20.  It's a 5k and there are kids races and activities also.  I plan to bring the family out, and have fun. 

Hope to see you out there, of out on the roads...

Comments

[Dan]

John,

You are probably aware of this local 50/50 (km/m) race on the lakefront Sat. 10/27, but you should know they've added a marathon distance to this race for those who did not complete the Chicago marathon. You said you may still run a race this year, so I thought I'd let you know. It's my first time running this, but a friend has done it a couple times and says it's a small race but fun. The beans and rice they serve at the end is fantastic! Also, since this is an ultra, they have drinks and food every 2.5 miles (3 out and backs) on the course.

You should check it out....here's the link: http://www.chicagoultra.org/

Regards,
Dan