I finished the Chicago Marathon. And that's always been my top priority. Unfortunately, the 90-degree heat on this October Sunday forced race officials to call off the race around noon. Just as I was rounding the second-to-last corner - and feeling like I was dragging a washing machine behind me - several police officers shouted at me, "The race is off! The race is cancelled!" Funny, I thought, cops aren't usually such practical jokers. And with less than a half-mile left, I was going to finish. Even in handcuffs. Well, they didn't arrest me, and I did complete the course. But as I was heading out of the finish area, I saw an eerie scene that seemed to come straight out of a Stephen King novel. Thousands of people, with hollow looks in their eyes, coming toward the park from every side street imaginable. They had been told to leave the course after far too many medical emergencies struck down fellow runners.

There's no good solution to this. Safety should be the primary concern, but that's little consolation to the runners that were pulled off the course after training for months. That's why I don't regret my strategy. After the first 14 or 15 miles, I started walking through the drink stations. I'd play a little catch-up afterward, but I never missed a chance to hydrate - especially after seeing several people pulled from the course in wheelchairs after they fell limp. So yes, it was as hot as advertised - 90 degrees at the 20-mile mark. And that's why I didn't worry about time. Oh yeah ... the contest. Check back later for a winner. :)

Oh, and be sure to stop by and see our friends at the Garmin store on Michigan Avenue while you're in town!!

Comments

[Q]

Congrats man! That's awesome that you were able to finish in that heat and humidity. I don't even like to go outside when it's hotter than 80!

[Greg]

Good for you! It's definitely better to be safe than sorry. I hope you had a great time doing it.