My thoughts on getting into the Chicago Marathon

Posted on April 21, 2016 by fjnardo

So after getting my acceptance email for my lottery entry into the Chicago Marathon, a lot of things have gone through my mind. I got my notice around 6 am and obviously couldn’t go back to sleep. Yes at first I was elated and wide awake. Not more than 10 seconds later, I found myself asking if I was really ready and able to do this. I’m not one for doubting my abilities both on the job and in my personal life. Honestly, I’m not young anymore and hitting a milestone birthday on Saturday (To me at least). I’ve been pretty darn consistent at running and have achieved a lot in my 4 years of running. I still remember being winded at my first 5K race and yet, 2 years later I took second in my age group.

I know that I’ll dedicate myself to proper training for this as I don’t want to just wing my first marathon. I want to do my best and bring home a respectable time. Shooting for 4:30 is my realistic goal and I just can’t fathom running for 4 1/2 hours straight. Now that I know a bunch of people who also got in, I plan to run and do some training with them as this has got to be the most supportive sport I’ve played or participated in. The Chicago CARA group always has a fun looking 20-mile training run that I’ve always been envious of and I plan to be a part of it this year.

I’m running a beautiful 1/2 marathon in Aspen, Colorado 2 weeks before the Chicago Marathon and since most of the terrain is high altitude and narrow single track, I’m getting nervous about hurting myself right before my first marathon. I’m sure I’ll be fine and just enjoy the 1/2 scenery instead of going fierce for a PR.

I guess it really hasn’t hit me yet but after realizing that the training plan I’m using starts in 4 days I’ll wake up and smell the challenge…

Category: Races

4 Comments on “My thoughts on getting into the Chicago Marathon”

jennarunslikeagirl
April 22, 2016

Woohoo!!! Congratulations! I’m sure it just hasn’t hit you yet 🙂 I’m glad you got in! Keep up the great work!

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Jillian
April 30, 2016

Train seriously and you will be fine! My hubby went from 0 to marathon in 9 months! I ran my first in 9:56 splits… Though I know miles 22 to 26 were slowwwwww. My goal was just not to walk… I did it! You can too… Regardless of age! The last 4 miles hurt… But stopping would hurt more, so you just push and finish!

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- fjnardo
  April 30, 2016
  
  I plan on taking this training serious as I do not want to walk any of it! I’m sure it’ll be the first of many to come. Thanks again Jillian!
  
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  - Jillian
    April 30, 2016
    
    You’ve got this!! I know you will take it seriously… which is why I know you will do great!
    
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