This past Sunday was my third, and fastest, Chicago Marathon (3:08:03 see splits here). A not too well kept secret to those close to me, I was hoping to break 3 hours, but obviously came up a little short (or long?). Either way that elusive time remains a goal for another race down the road.
I finished just ahead of a group of guys who were also discussing 3 hours and we briefly agreed on the difficulty of reaching it. A 6:51 pace is tough for a 1/2. Making it all 26 at that pace is just daunting. The focus and mental drain really takes its toll those last 4-6 miles. I guess what feeds the drive and desire for the next marathon is that I always have a "time" to beat. Who knows how many more opportunities I will get, but as long as I can, I look forward to the challenge.
Alright, enough about not reaching 3 hours, how about the fact that this was my second fastest time, and that I was still on pace after 20 miles. Those are some encouraging takeaways. I know that with just a little more speedwork, tempo runs, and higher mileage weeks I will probably reach that goal. As for now, I am thrilled that I finished my 5th marathon this year, and 8th total if you count the 3 ultras. I continue to remain healthy and injury free and for that I am very thankful. I was also very happy to have several of my friends attend and support me throughout the race, and of course, Aimee was in attendance with Basil, cheering me on like so many times in the past.
At one point this year the thought crossed my mind to finish 12 in 2012, but then what 13 in 2013? Now I look forward to returning to Boston in April of 2013 and possibly competing in my first 1/2 Ironman later in the year.
Update: after Chicago I ran two more marathons within 4 weeks. Giving me 3 in a 4 week calendar span. I have logged a total of 93 miles. For comparison I logged 200 miles in August and 191 in September. Boston is 16 weeks away time to get back at it. I have also included an updated photo for my decrease in running recently.
