Try this before running a marathon (article/blog from Chicago Tribune)
Here's a sensible and intriguing idea: Require that all 45,000 Bank of America Chicago Marathon entrants run a 13.1-mile half-marathon before the Oct. 12 race.
It wouldn't matter how fast runners went or whether they finished. But it would give first-time racers a small taste of what it takes to get through a 26.2-mile marathon.
Right now, the idea is only a suggestion from Bank of America Chicago Marathon race officials, who have done some soul searching after the 2007 race was canceled prematurely due to excessive heat.
This year, they've added aid stations and supplies, installed an event alert system and beefed up participant communication, targeting "debut" or first-time runners.
But I think the most significant change is the formal recognition that a marathon is not a parade or a race to be taken lightly.
"There's nothing casual about it," said race director Carey Pinkowski. "You have to prepare, not only physically but mentally. Fifteen years ago marathoners had more of a running background. But with the popularity of the marathon, we have the responsibility to educate and inform (debut runners)."
Unlike the Boston Marathon, which has qualifying standards, The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is well known for drawing thousands of first-time marathoners, who often run to raise money for charity. It also attracts those who have never run an organized race, which is like trying to walk before learning to crawl.
For example, if you don't know what a water station is--or how it's laid out--you might cause problems for yourself or others on a crowded marathon course. Group training runs are helpful, but race experience is even better. It gets you used to running with others when the adrenaline is pumping, navigating aid stations and figuring out how your body responds to certain conditions and elements.
Are you a salty sweater who needs to replenish electrolytes? Or do you have a tendency to go out too fast early in races? What happens to your body--and your mind--when you don't drink enough water, or you drink too much?
I applaud Chicago Marathon officials for reaching out to the newbies via e-mail newsletters and visits to running clubs and training groups. But ultimately, it's up to runners to be prepared, whether they're running in a heat wave or a snowstorm, two definite possibilities in October.
Fortunately there's still plenty of time to get experience. You can find a half-marathon at Chicago Athlete or the Windy City Sports event calendar.
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Aww, gee whiz, thanks for the fucking tips, bitch! I sent a comment...with no cursing or anything that would lead them to believe that I'm a certified lunatic....we'll see if they post it.
6 comments:
I read your comment on the website and I LOVED it.
Lindy,
Some thoughts:
1) You make me laugh.
2) I do agree with some premise of this article. I find it totally nuts when people who have never run a race and are brand spanking new runners decide that the marathon should be their grand entrance into the sport. Though I don't know why running for a charity equals being a new runner???
3) HOWEVER, I think this is just another attempt to shift the blame of last year's race from the organizers (AGAIN!) to the runners. Why can't they own it? Why can't they admit that some of the water stations were non-existent, and while some of the runners should have been a little more responsible about knowing their limits, the race was out of control from an organizational standpoint.
4) And what about the douchebags who run 7 minute miles and race every year? They go balls out no matter what, and THOSE are many of the people who ended up needing medical attention last year. Yes, knowing your limits comes with experience, but experience doesn't always mean you're smart about what you know.
Just saying.
Well put, Lou! Thanks, Jaime! Yeah, they really need to own up to it, but they never will now.
Now I would never do this, partially because I'd get arrested and partially b/c it's targeting the wrong people...so think of this as the imaginary dream sequence or something...
but I'm imaginging myself running up to every aid station and with my arm, sweeping all the water and gatorade off. "Take that Carey!" Turning over tables to the dismay of The Great Liar and Deny-er Himself...
That was amazing, from everyone!
And one more thing! I do not get this:
"It wouldn't matter how fast runners went or whether they finished. But it would give first-time racers a small taste of what it takes to get through a 26.2-mile marathon."
So basically all you would have to do is sign up for the race? You wouldn't actually have to run it???? How is that a qualifier? How does that make any sense?
Right Lou...as if the problem was merely one of new runners not knowing how to properly approach an aid station.
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