2013 Chicago Marathon: A Spectator's Perspective

The Final Countdown

Not long after he registered for the race, The BF started a countdown clock on his laptop.  Periodically, throughout the past six months or so, he would show me (or text a photo) of the countdown clock.  He's cute.

The weekend finally arrived.  We each got out of work a little early, and loaded up the car for our 3-ish hour trip.  Our first night, we stayed outside of Chicago, near the Botanical Gardens.  It was a nice place, but really who cares about that?  The next morning, we checked out and hauled butt to the downtown hotel to drop bags.

Expo Day!

If you've read any of my blogs, you know what I say about expos... "Expos are important!"  In fact, for my first half marathon, I wrote a whole separate post about the expo.  Read it here: http://runningskirtsandswag.blogspot.com/2013/03/2013-rock-n-roll-usa-marathon-12-expo.html

Well, needless to say, I was pretty pumped about an expo for a major marathon!  What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't support my man through the ENTIRE weekend?  Of course I need to be by his side as he ventures through his expo!  :)

I won't go all crazy about the intense details about this expo, other than to do my usual lists.

  Pros:

1. The shuttles to the expo rocked.  There were several places to catch one, and it was a quick ride.  They took us through this little system of roads and tunnels that were apparently just for buses.  What a smooth deal.  I would highly recommend this option, verses driving or something. 
2. Super organized check-in system.  There was a two-step process, by which the first booth let the second booth know we were coming.  By the time we walked the short distance to the second booth, they had all the BF's stuff out and ready for him.
3. There were security steps in place to make you feel safe, but not overwhelmed or scared.
4. Free stuff!  There was a decent amount of free stuff being passed out- including wine!  Yay!


5. There were fun little places to graffiti or sign.  Sure, it would probably be torn down and destroyed before the race even started, but it was fun to feel a part of it. 
6. The Nike stuff was fun.  Not a huge variety in their expensive gear, but fun interactive stuff (see photos below).

Selfie from the Shuttle



We got there early, so it wasn't very crowded yet- but still very electric with excitement.

Nike's "#ownchicago" graffiti wall.  We signed just left of the hashtag.

The BF signed first.  Awww.

My addition was a no-brainer.  :)

This was maybe the coolest part of the expo.  You scan your bib, and Nike puts your name into one of their phrases.  Sure, it's a plug for their social media, but it's still way cool.  He did totally own Chicago, too.  :)

 

Cons:

1. It got crowded.  We got there early (9:30am or so), and when we left a couple hours later, the lines were significantly longer.  I don't imagine there's a way to avoid that with this number of people.  Do what you can to get there early if you go.
2. McCormick Center got warm.  Maybe it was just me, but I don't think so.  Again, I'm gad we were there before it got really crowded.
3. After you check in and get your bib, you then go later to the back of the hall for your goody bag and shirt. When you got to the back, there was a big sign labeling it.  Unfortunately, you couldn't see it until you were back there.  We had to ask someone with a bag where to go.  We were also asked the same question later when The BF had his bag.  Asking for directions is perfectly fine, but signs work nicer.  Obviously, there aren't many cons for the expo, if these are the things I'm listing.  :)



Race Eve

With the expo officially explored, we had an afternoon to do a few things in the city.  We got some Munchkin souvenirs from the Lego and American Girl stores, and got lunch at Geno's. 

Before we knew it, time had flown and were ready to get The BF some carbs and settle in for the evening.  We had Mexican food, as is now both of our traditions.  It's our tradition, but it is also smart not to try getting Italian food in a city full of 45k marathoners.  duh.

Spectator Stress

Here's where I started wigging.  We were settled in to the hotel, and I sat down with my maps.  I had my "Spectator Guide" along with this cool map deal Bank of America gave me at the expo.  I told the gal my guy's starting corral and estimated pace, and she wrote in the times I could expect to see him at their recommended "cheering zones."  This was very sweet!  They figured in the fact that he would not be starting exactly at 7:30am, and calculated very close to correctly (the BF ended up faster than he'd planned).

While that was nice, much like the suggested directions for taking the L, these instructions were incomplete.  For example, they said take the blue train to one place.  Then they tell you to take the red train to the next.  (I may have the colors reversed, but you get my point).  That's lovely, but they neglect to tell you that sometimes those trains require you transferring to get to them.  They also neglect to tell you which direction train to take.

Now, let it be known I have a great sense of direction.  I knew when I needed to go North, South, etc.  However, I had to study to know that when I was going to head North, I needed to take the train to Kimball.  South, I should take toward the Loop.  These are incredibly important details, that had me a bit stressed out as I made my little notes for my spectating adventure.  The BF was ironically trying to calm me about the big day, and not vice versa.  In the end, I got it figured out and went hesitantly confidently into race day with sheets of notes in hand.

Like having 2-3 maps of the train routes wasn't enough, I had to take a photo with my phone as well- just in case!

Listen Up, Race Directors

In all this work  stress fun of being a spectator, I came up with what I think is a genius idea (if I do say so myself).

How about they establish "Cheer Leaders" [clever title, right?  I just came up with that.  (patting on my own back) ] to help spectators along?  I get it can be difficult for all the different paces of all the different runners, but what about the ones on pace teams?

So it could look something like this: If your runner is going with the 4:30 pacing team, you could sign up to follow a 4:30 Cheer Leader around town.  He/she could help you hop all the right trains in all the right directions to catch your stud BF runner at various places along the route.

Added bonus: you have a big group of people helping you get your runner's attention.  That can be a huge help, as I learned around mile 25 3/4.  I started hollering the BF's name, waving my sign, and the little group of spectators around me all started yelling for him as well.  The BF said if not for the numerous voices, he'd never have heard me and seen me bouncing up and down with my sign.

Anyway, I'm sure this would make for a decent amount of work and coordination for race directors and such, but I'm making sense, right?  This would be a very cool way to experience the race of a loved one. 

 

Work Race Day Morning

We woke on race morning to any number of alarms we set.  The BF's was the most noteworthy.  See his guest post (coming very soon) for details.  I had set my phone, as well as my fitbit's silent alarm.  There was no chance of over sleeping.

After I kicked the butt politely confronted the punk young man getting what had to be 20 gallons of ice from the maker just outside our door, The BF and I both got a good night's sleep.  We were off in no time, walking to the start line.  Again, I'll direct you to The BF's post for more details.  I'm sticking to the spectator's experience.

With all of the security measures in place, I had to say goodbye to my man very early.  I totally get that they have to do it this way, but of course it's sad.  You want to see the start.  You want to see the finish.  But what can you do?  I have so much respect for the men and women who kept this city safe on race weekend.  I put my trust in them to keep me safe, so I can certainly give them the respect they deserve and follow their directions.  But I got choked up when I had to say goodbye to The BF.



Selfie before I got a little weepy

off he disappeared into the crowd :(

And We're Off!

My official start began right after I watched my man wander off to his corral.  Long before The BF had started, I was on my way to see him at the first planned location.  He had suggested I go to the overpass on Randolph.  I believe he said I could try and watch with the "mass of humanity" there.  So, off I went.  There were already a number of people there, at least 45 minutes before gun time, but I found a spot behind a couple and beside a TV reporter.

I snagged one quick photo, before police officers came and cleared us all out.  "This is not a viewing area this year.  Please leave.  NOW!  Thank you for coming.  No press!  You need to leave this area immediately.  NOW!"

It was odd.  With as clear as everything was in telling people about the security measures that would be in place, they forgot to mention this overpass was off limits?  Really?  Not even to the media?  Hmm...

Again, I have total respect for the security, so I left as they requested.  I heard people complaining, "I get they need to be safe, but geez.  The overpass?"

Um, yeah, the overpass.  Makes sense to me.  And if you get they need to be safe, then get the heck out when they ask.

Anyway, there was something about the tone in the officer's voice that startled me.  He was urgent, but kept thanking us for coming and things... to keep us calm?  I don't know.  Makes me wonder if there was some unforeseen threat or concern.

Miles 1 and 3 and Jim and Janet

After being sent away from my Randolph overpass, I wasn't sure what to do with myself.  I had a TON of time before I needed to be at my first planned stop around mile 3.  I decided to make the best of the time and scope out all the trains.  I knew I was going to have to figure out the transfer deal between the red line subway and the other elevated lines.

I walked West.  On my way to La Salle Street, I saw where the runners would be coming down State Street.  Not ever having a problem walking up to strangers and starting a conversation, I started talking with a nice gentleman holding a sign.  It turned out Jim and his lovely wife Janet were waiting to see their daughter Becky run her second Chicago Marathon with World Vision.

They were super helpful by sharing their strategy with me.  They explained that they were not taking the advice of CTA and hauling off on a train to mile 3.5.  By staying on the West side of State Street, I could see my guy around mile 1 (by channel 7 and the Chicago Theatre) and then head just a few blocks West to see him again around mile 3 on LaSalle.  Sweet!  

We chatted a while before getting a little bit separated by other spectators.  What a fun spot to see all the people starting the race.  The wheelchair racers, blind people with guides, and then the elites.  Very cool!

I didn't catch a photo of The BF at this spot, because I was busy hollering and waving my sign.  I knew he didn't expect to see me here, so I was thrilled when I got his attention.  Yay!

I hurried off to catch him at the next spot, and I regret I didn't pop over to say goodbye to Jim and Janet.  I hope they had a great day.  They sure made mine more special.  :)

Not sure he saw my clever sign about running faster than a Hobbit (Sean Astin was also running, and started in the same corral as the BF), I held it up again at my position on LaSalle.  After that, it was off for my first adventure on the train!

Mile Ten, With a Side of Breakfast Guilt

I rocked the trains.  I'm so dang proud of myself.  Off I went as planned, and before I knew it I was in Old Town.

Old Town is sweet, but there is not a ton of room for spectators.  The sidewalks are more narrow than in other places, and I assume that's why they had more fencing along the streets.

I ended up arriving with plenty of time.  I went quite a ways away from my planned spectator spot in order to find an open area to cheer.  I ended up immediately before the water stop.  

I had planned to try and find a Starbucks near here for a potty break and coffee and scone.  I desperately needed a bathroom.  I had some animal crackers packed, so food wasn't the main priority.  Unfortunately, all I found for "fast" was a Dunkin' Donuts with a line about 40-people long out the door.  Um, no thanks.  

So, I went back to my location by the water stop and looked around.  I found this little cafe (Greek, I think- I forget the name) and stumbled through the entryway.  I was hoping to pee, grab something to eat, and leave.  Unfortunately, this was not that type of place.  I was greeted by a nice man preparing to hand me a menu and seat me. 

I politely asked for something very quick to eat.  He directed me back to the bar, where he said Joe could help me out.  I asked what was quick and yummy.  Joe said everything would be quick at the time (they weren't very busy), and he preferred the Spinach Pie.  Sold.  I also ordered a coffee, and snuck off to the ladies' room.

Not long after I sat back down and cream and splenda'd my coffee, a yummy spinach treat was before me.

Joe was smart, and knew to put my coffee right into a travel cup. :)

I had plenty of time to actually enjoy this little breakfast, but I felt weird about it.  Here I sat with a yummy coffee and slightly greasy meal, and my BF was all healthy, running the first ten of twenty-six miles.  I felt a little like a lazy bum.  The least I could do was hurry it up and get back out there to cheer him on. 

Quite a while later, I managed to snap a photo of my man running.  Unfortunately, in my excitement, I hit the wrong button on the phone.  I had to try again and only caught the back of him.  I was sad to find out later that what I thought was him acknowledging me was apparently him pointing to the water people.  Still, I was there.  Here's my proof:

I saw him, even if he didn't see me.

While waiting for him in this location, I saw a number of spectators trying to cross the race path.  For reals?!?  They were very clear in saying you could not cross the pass, nor pop in to run alongside runners, or anything else that could be seen as as security threat.  And yet, several people in this place felt it was ok to make themselves a character in a real-life game of frogger.  Dumb.

Glad for Running Gear at Mile 16.5

Back to the train, and on my way to my next spot.  The train was full of athletic supporters.  Everyone was chatting with strangers.  

What is your runner's pace?  Where are you going next?  Have you been to this marathon before?  Can you imagine being able to run 26.2 miles?

Race spectators are a special group of people.  Everyone was cheery and talkative.  So my kind of people.  :)

As I checked my watch leaving the train at Halsted, I realized this was why I wore my running gear.  I was cutting it close, and I didn't want to risk missing him.  I ran through a park, and snagged a spot to watch for him.  I wasn't there 5-10 minutes before I saw him.  At this point, I'd finally got some updates from the race app (the app is awesome, highly recommend), so I was prepared to cheer him on with his stats.

He tells this part best in his guest blog, so I won't bother giving details.

Off I went to hurry to mile 20!

A Spectator's Sadness

I really wanted to see him at mile 20.  Having trained with the Hanson method, he'd never run more miles in one day than 16.  He looked incredible at mile 16, but I wanted to be there for him at mile 20- just in case.

Unfortunately, that's quite a trip via train.  As the Orange line pulled into the station, passing over the runners, I saw The BF rounding the corner.  As my son would say, "sad face!"

my view of the race from the train.  BF long gone :(

I missed him.  That was him.  His red shirt, white hat, and knee brace.  No chance of getting off the train through the dense crowd, down to the race, and still see him.  He was already gone.  I confirmed my suspicions by asking some spectators on the platform what their runner's pace was.  She was on track for a 4:00 marathon, and they'd already seen her and walked back to the train.  Yep, my man was gone.

All I could do now was get right back on the Orange line and head back into town.  

Finish!

Having plenty of time before he got to mile 25.75, I walked and walked in search of a spot to squeeze through and watch for him.  I found a place where I was third or fourth deep into the crowd.  Fortunately, I am tall.

Again, I spoke with strangers around me.  We compared experiences, and shared times and progress of our runners.  As I had hoped, those that had slower runners were cool about letting me step in front of them to watch for my guy.  As I mentioned before, when I saw him and started shouting for him, the people around me all joined in.  Hooray for The BF!  He saw me.  I was so glad.

After he passed by, I made good use of my running shoes again.  I ran through crowds and Grant Park, and asked numerous security people along the way to direct me to the runner reuniting area.  I wanted to get to him as fast as I could, as I had the bag of things he might need.  Also, I could very clearly remember standing all alone at my designated letter at the Rock and Roll Marathon, waiting.

I beat him to the meeting spot, and started to worry quite a bit.  Finally, he arrived.  He greeted me with a huge hug and kiss.  I could go crazy sappy here about my joy in that greeting, but I will spare you... except to say I really love this man.

I can't stand the pride I have for him and this major accomplishment.  His guest post will tell you about it from his perspective, but here are some fun photos from mine:

I love this guy.

Down the road, I think I'll post the specifics of my spectator route (trains, stops, etc.).  For now, I'll stop here.  This turned out longer than I expected, and I have so much more I'd love to share.  Thank you for reading this far.  :)

See The Bf's guest blog- from the runner's perspective here:http://runningskirtsandswag.blogspot.com/2013/10/2013-chicago-marathon-first-time.html

Have you done some serious spectating, too?

Thank you for reading.