The Chicago Marathon (Part 1, Part 2) was three months ago – this quarter flew by! The weeks leading up to the marathon I dedicated posts to race related topics (Motivation,Logistics, Packing, Outfits). I thought it would be appropriate to wrap up all things Chicago with a look at the numbers and lessons learned.
Lessons Learned
- This year I logged more miles training for Chicago vs. NYC, however, they were not all quality miles. The intervals, tempos, hill work – all those other runs that make you a stronger runner were not there.
- I wish I could control the weather, but we know that is impossible. I ran several of my long runs inside during the hot hot summer. I was prepared for rain (thank goodness Love Run Philly), but I was not prepared for heat and it was a shock come race day. Embrace the heat next time.
- Fueling-wise I consumed less calories than NYC, but was within the 100 calories/hour guideline. I was not very hungry at times.
- I drank more water/Nuun in Chicago vs. NYC. I like the security blanket of carrying a handheld, so I will continue to do that.
- Ask my runtourage to carry a Diet Coke in case I need a sip later on the race (Cliff did for MCM).
- Have my cheer squad also carry an extra watch (in case the Garmin runs out). Or run with a Timex.
- Salt tablets worked! I was not dizzy this year. Thanks to Jenn of Running on Lentils and Courtney of Eat Pray Run DC for their reviews/rec.
- Need to work on the second half of the race! I’d love to have consistent splits or negative splits one day. That will come with work.
- Be proud of my accomplishments and training even though I did not reach my time goals. There were other variables that impacted the day.
- My cross training dropped off later in training. No bueno.
- Ouch my abs! See above.
- Continue using races as training runs… maybe not Clarendon Day. That is when my quad started hurting. I trained mainly on flat terrain – the Clarendon Day course is not flat.
- I should have scheduled a PT appointment sooner than I did. The initial office I contacted did not have availability, I should have reached out to other offices.
- Continue working on those PT exercises.
- I trained by myself – I’m not much of a talker and I like the alone time. Alternatively, I know I am missing out on the benefits of running with a group (companionship, training outside, etc etc).
- Related to above – consider running with a pace group.
- My runtourage (cheer squad) helped me mentally – broke up the run into segments and gave me something to look forward to.
- Need to work on my nutrition – no more weight gain!
- I lost one toenail – the first time in 11 years! My toenails were painted, so I had no idea I had a black toenail until it became loose. Tip: Paint your toenails if you are squirmy about black toenails 🙂
- I do well when I am held accountable – a coach would help in this area and other aspects of marathon training.
So what is my next marathon? I’ll share tomorrow!
What are your lessons learned from this year?
Fueling/nutrition for runners- any good reads?
Share the Love 
courtney @ eat pray run dc
January 5, 2016oooh excited to read tomorrow’s post!! so glad you got hooked up with PT and i hope you’ll keep coming to group runs – i think it’s really helpful. just the accountability aspect is great!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Shamrock Half Marathon Training Recap, Week 2
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Will keep on coming. Also nice to change up the routes too (and not having to plan them) 🙂 This weekend I’ll head to NYC, so I’ll see ya’ll in a couple.
Lauren @ Lauren Runs
January 5, 2016I loved group runs for my marathon training! Have to try and find a group for this summer’s training, although not sure how that will work since I plan to do a slightly different race than how all local programs target the Chicago Marathon. But to be figured out! I thought the calories difference was interesting!
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016It does get tricky when not training for the local race (here groups gear up for MCM). The calorie intake was fascinating. I think I may have been less hungry because of the heat? I also remember last year I was starving because NYC started much later.
Mar @ Mar on the Run
January 5, 2016it’s great to reflect on lessons learned and how to approach it next time. I’m a lone runner myself so it’s hard to get with others but I did hire a coach for my next race so we’ll see how that goes!! Congrats again on a great running season. You picked some good races.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…2016 Goals & an Inspiring Word
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Thanks lady! Looks like training is going well for you. I also started working with a coach (ha last week -hence the variety in run workouts haha) – will write more this week.
Karen
January 5, 2016My big lessons learned in 2015 came after my first marathon – for me, it was probably 75% mental, where the last 13.1 was all about running each mile at a time. I also did a round of Jillian Michaels Body Revolution DVDs with my marathon training, which I think was the sole reason I had only very minor aches the days after.
Excited to hear what 2016 brings for you! I’ll be at the Shamrock in March for 26.2 – are you planning to be out there again?
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016That is a good point – the mental aspect, completely forgot to include that. At one point during MCM I was shedding some tears. I remember Julie telling me I could do it, its mental at this point. Good to know about Jillian Michael’s DVD, I’ve never tried it…but watched plenty of BL 🙂
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Forgot to add, good luck with the 26.2, I know there will be quite a few birds there. I’ve been debating about signing up, but figured I should let my wallet rest b/c I will be coming back from Florida the week before!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
January 5, 2016Oh my gosh cannot wait to see what the next marathon is.
And I know I already said this, but I freaking love these infographics.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…My Journey To Become a Run Coach – Part 6
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Aww thanks Abby! I hope you get into one of your marathons this year 🙂
Christy
January 6, 2016I love your stats chart, did you make that or does a fancy program do it for you? How fun.
I can’t believe it’s been three months since the race. But great job again! The marathon sure is a beast.
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Thanks Christy! I used http://piktochart.com/. They have templates that I used as a base, but I ended up customizing them (I would move the templates around, add my own objects). Hope you have fun with it!
Pam
January 6, 2016I’m excited to read your post with the next marathon on your calendar. I think every race teaches us something and clearly you have analysed and come up with some concrete things to work on in the future, Marathons are such tough races and the buildup to them can be intense. Hopefully we will cross paths sometime this year!
Pam recently posted…A Plan for a Healthier Knee
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Thanks, Pam 🙂 Agreed, I hope we cross paths next year. Hope you are feeling better!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
January 6, 2016Sounds like you learned a lot of great lessons from training for Chicago and know what changes you need to make for your next marathon. I can’t wait to hear which marathon you’ll be tackling next!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Why Marathon Weekend Means So Much to Me
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Excited for this new year 🙂 I think it will b e great!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
January 6, 2016Running in the heat is absolutely brutal, it’s my least favorite thing! You did a great job considering the weather. I wish I had a runtourage, I’m definitely jealous!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…ZOOMA Run Love Training Begins!
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Thanks, Janelle! You will have one in Philly, I’m sure. Your family, boyfriend and your local friends/co-workers. Best part is running into someone you had no idea would be cheering for you along the course 🙂
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils
January 7, 2016Oh boy, I felt so bad for everyone when I saw how warm it was on race day. Last year was just tough weather-wise all around, but I know we really take it personally when the weather is bad on race day! I’m glad the salt sticks helped you!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…How to Find Time & Mental Space for a Tough Training Plan
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Chicago is hit or miss weather wise. I know people were not fond of the wind/chill of the 2014 NYCM, but I loved it 😀 I also used the salt sticks for MCM, wish I tried them sooner!
Sharon
January 7, 2016So cool to see another inforgraphic! Love how you make those! Running in the heat is tough. I remember when I was not prepared for the heat for the Asbury park half last year and how it affected my race. Salt tablets sound like a great solution. I will have to look into them especially if I get into Chicago next year!
Sharon recently posted…Davis Stampede Half Marathon Training Week 2 and Weekly Wrap 12/28-1/3
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Thanks Sharon! It is fun to use the template and customize it a bit. Hope you get into Chicago next year, it all my buddies get it looks to be a great group!
Karen @ Fit in France
January 10, 2016Thanks for sharing. Very interesting !
I haven’t yet tried salt tables, but I probably should.
I am in the middle of my marathon training and I am finding that 3 days a week works well with my schedule and is not too overwhelming. I am using Galloway run/walk and so far, so good !
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…My long training runs
Run Jenny Run
January 11, 2016Your welcome! If you try the salt tablets, hope you get to during training. I only used it once before my marathon, I know it was a chance to try something new before the big race.
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
January 25, 2016I still want to run Chicago so badly! Definitely entering the lottery this year. 🙂 UGH, the absolute worst part about fall marathons is training in the summer heat. Still KILLS me. But I know it ends up being worth it. 🙂