Sunday, March 09, 2008

Chicago Marathon: I’m IN

Well, like I mentioned in my past post about running, I’m planning on running a marathon each year until I’m dead.  That’s quite an ambitious tradition, and of course, many things can happen that can destroy this idea at any given moment.  However, I think what I really mean is that I aspire to commit to a healthy lifestyle in such a way that a marathon each year is possible.  Chicago looks like a great run:  it’s flat, fast and a city that celebrates food.  For all these reasons, it marks the destination of my second-ever marathon.

After having seen Spirit of the Marathon with my father-in-law, I decided the Chicago Marathon was next on my list after having gotten my butt kicked at the Philadelphia Marathon in November, 2007.  I knew it was important not to press my wife too much in allowing me to go to Chicago while we were still waiting for our daughter to arrive, but now that she’s here, today was the day to do the pressing!  My secret weapon was to take my wife out for a full sushi lunch, a food she’s been craving the entire 9 months of her pregnancy, and we ordered piles of the fleshy delicacy today.  While the food was coming out, I said, “...So, hey, ya know I really want to run the Chicago Marathon if that’s ok with you...” As she was pouring the soy sauce in her little dish, she said, “Ok, that sounds great...go ahead.” I didn’t hesitate.

Immediately after returning home to the house, I hit the Chicago Marathon website and dutifully signed up for another 26.2 in the Windy city.  I’m planning on taking Kathi as well for moral support, and of course my FIL loves an adventure, so I’m guessing he’ll be along for the ride.

That shapes up my 2008 race schedule quite nicely:  The Broad Street Run, The Philadelphia Distance Run, The Chicago Marathon. 

I’ll keep copious notes on my training this year, as I have a date with a 4:30 marathon time.  Wish me luck!