Running the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday
runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more
than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching
the finish line in Grant Park
My name is Sara Ferniza and I am a Nike Chicago Marathon Pacer
I discovered
running over 20 yrs. ago while living in my hometown Chicago. I moved to Austin,
Texas seven (7) years ago. Chicago has a
gorgeous 18 mile bike & running path along Lake Michigan which travels from
the Nortside thru downtown & Southside of Chicago and although it has
brutal winters the running path gets cleaned after every snowfall. I miss
running in the cold weather. I have completed forty (40) marathons,
including three (3) Boston & one (1) 50K ultra marathon. My marathon
PR is 3:43. I have placed in my age group in numerous distances as well
as 2nd place Masters in my 1st 50K ultra marathon.
I am also a
brain tumor survivor, I had brain surgery on 06/16/15 to remove a benign brain
tumor which was discovered accidentally. I had an amazing recovery but lost strength on
my left foot as a result of my surgery and I had to learn how to walk & run
again and I was able to run a marathon & my 1st 50K Ultra 7 months after
brain surgery. I am truly blessed
and I look forward to pacing the 2016 Chicago Marathon.
The Nike Chicago Marathon Pacing Team takes pride in
having only highly qualified Pacers who fly in from all over the country
and the finishing times success rates is very high. I recommend that
you start with a Pacer whether it's your 1st or 100th marathon. There’s
nothing worse than going out too fast
on marathon day.
Running with a Pacer is a good way to target a
specific time goal. All Pacers are very experienced and they will
encourage you throughout the race and help motivate you to achieve
your time goal. You don’t have to think about your pace just follow
the Pacer.
I
have paced the following marathons:
Chicago Marathon - 15 yrs., Champaign Urbana, Marathon - 1 yr., Memphis,
TN -1 yr., Austin Marathon - 2 yrs., and Chevron Houston Marathon - 1 yr.
Marathon
Expo:
I
think you will be impressed with how easy it is to get around Chicago.
The train
“L” is so accessible from both airports. The expo is located south of
downtown at the McCormick Place Convention Center it is huge with over
200 exhibitors so dress comfortable and allow plenty of time. I
recommend you take the free
shuttle buses to the expo the information packet will indicate which
hotels downtown have the free shuttles and they run every 15 min, it's
easier than taking a cab or Uber and sitting in traffic, Chicago's
traffic is as bad as Austin's times two. The Nike Chicago Marathon store
is a great shopping experience, there's also lots of free give-a-ways
including
free 312 local beer. If possible go to
the expo on Friday or early on Saturday so that you’re not on your feet
too long.
The Runners World Stage has great seminars &
professional speakers on Friday and Saturday, make sure you check the
schedule for times. Also check out the marathon course video it's very
inspiring.
The
Race - Here are a few things to note about the Chicago Marathon:
Chicago
knows running. Of all the marathons I’ve run so far, Chicago is on a whole
other level. The expo is grand and makes you feel excited and special. The race
day experience is top notch. The spectators and running community are
incredible. The entire city is buzzing with marathon fever. It is a really
special marathon experience.
The
weather can be hit or miss for the Chicago Marathon. The first time I ran
it, it was in the 30s at the start and the 60s (Fahrenheit) at the finish. The
last few years have been a little warmer weather.
Plan
to arrive 1 hour earlier than you typically would for the Chicago Marathon. You
have to go through a security line, and the lines for the porta potties are
extremely long. Arriving a little earlier than you typically would for other races
is a good idea here due to the crowds and volume of people.
It
is very difficult to run the tangents at the Chicago Marathon due to the crowds and
many turns, so you should expect to run about 26.5 at this race. You run under
several bridges where your GPS watch will lose its signal. The first one is
right at the start, throwing your mile splits off considerably for the rest of
the race.
The
race is crowded. Although I actually don’t feel too crowded the first few
miles, the first mile may be a little slow due to 45,000 runners around you, it
does thin out after a couple of miles and I am able to get on pace after one mile. Expect to be with and around other runners
the entire race.
The
momentum of the crowd will keep you going. Spectators are packed in like
sardines and there are several awesome cheer stations where the
excitement is
electric. Make sure your spectator is holding something (like a sign,
balloon,
flag, etc.) higher than head level so you can identify them. It will be
hard
for them to see you in the crowds It is the only marathon that runs
through historic buildings, renowned architecture, vibrant murals and 29
ethnic & unique neighborhoods.
The
City
Pace
yourself, Chicago has many landmarks and tourist attractions. Below are some of my favorites and all
located downtown & will not tire you out too much.
Chicago
Architecture River Cruise
Buckingham Fountain gorgeous day or night
Millenium
Park & Cloud Gate “The Bean”
The
Willis Tower Skydeck - If you’re not afraid of heights
At Rogue Running in Austin, Texas we
are very fortunate to have many amazing experienced coaches at all
levels who will help with our training and to get us to the start line.
I am fortunate to train with such an experienced team.
Good luck with your marathon training & get ready to have am amazing experience in Chicago.
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