FINISHED

I just finished the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:50:12 (PR). Approximately 40,000 ran and 1.4 million came out to watch the show. Needless to say, it was an amazing experience. Here are some of my favorite highlights/tips from race day.

1. Do whatever it takes to get yourself into one of the seeded corrals. It's nowhere near as jammed with runners, and it puts a nice chip on your shoulder right before the race as you walk through gate after gate as one of the chosen few. If you don't have a fast enough time to get in, lie or cheat in any way that you can. ;)

2. Know this about the seeded corrals: people will be peeing all around you: in water bottles, on the ground, on you... These people are serious about their times. So, on second thought, maybe that open corral didn't look so bad...

3. Go nuts at the start with everyone watching. They'll love it; you'll love it.

4. Anyone who tells you, "you're looking strong" before the 10 mile mark doesn't realize how long this race is. Of course you're looking strong! If you're not at this point, I recommend stopping immediately and having a nice brunch instead of finishing the marathon. It will be far less painful and much more enjoyable.

5. Go nuts at the half way point with everyone watching. They'll love it; you'll love it.

6. When you think you still feel good at mile 15, wait to kick it into a higher gear. The worst is yet to come.

7. When you think you still feel good at mile 20, wait to kick it into a higher gear. The worst is yet to come.

8. When you feel ridiculously miserable at miles 23-24, feel free to crank it up a notch. FYI, this is basically impossible. Good luck.

9. The guy with the "HTFU" sign at mile 25.5 could not have said it better. Figure out what he meant.

10. The finish - fall apart at the seems, knowing that you left everything out on the course, not to mention the four months of training. Complain with fellow runners about how long the finishing chute is. Speculate on where you could have shaved 12 seconds off your time. Swear you're done running after this, knowing you'll be back at it in a week or two. Thank every volunteer, and lie to them when they ask you how you're feeling.

Most importantly, bring some family and friends to see you along various points of the route. There's nothing more uplifting than seeing a face that you recognize in a crowd of 100,000+. And thank them profusely for coming out.

So, thanks to Rosie, Jayme, Justin, Megan and Richard. You made the Chicago Marathon one of the best experiences of my life.

Happy Running