Chicago Marathon 2018

l, but they were not as stringent about closing the corrals, which was a huge relief. I also noticed that they ran out of the bananas at the very, very end, but that wasn't a problem for me because I wasn't planning on using them for sustenance. Other than these two issues, which ended up being totally fine, the race was super smooth. There were tons of port-o-potties throughout the route and medical tents.

At multiple times of the race, including the dreaded "wall," I found myself saying, "Wow, this is super fun!" The Chicago Marathon was truly a memorable and exciting time.

h up with the estimated finish time I submitted (4:00-4:30). The expo at the McCormick Place was overwhelming but well organized; however, I didn't like the location (took way too long to get their via public transit in traffic).

Weather on the day of the race was higher than average but luckily not swelteringly hot. Volunteers helped guide me to my corral's bag dropoff location and photographers asked if I wanted my picture taken--but of course! Once I was in the corral, it was frustrating not being able to take off when I saw earlier corrals start running. It would've been nice if the participant guide would've had estimated start times for each corral, since I based times I gave to my family/friend spectators off of the general 8am "wave 2" start time given. I don't think I actually crossed the start line until like 8:30am.

Running the first few miles through downtown Chicago is absolutely exhilarating. You realize how supportive the crowds are and you feel invincible. Proceeding to run through the 29 neighborhoods (on a generally flat course) is awesome--being able to run through neighborhoods you haven't been to, even if you live in the city, is such a plus. And dat crowd support is unmatched! Only other complaint I have was the lack of bathrooms along the race. I was pissed I had to wait in line for over 4 minutes just to pee--I would've met or beat my goal time had I been in and out of the loo quicker! Gatorade and water stations were perfectly staggered, and I even got a plastic water bottle from a sponsored tent along the way.

The volunteers deserve their own paragraph. To all you volunteers of the Chicago marathon out there, THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Along with the crowds' funny signs and my friends'/family's support, you guys made all the difference. Your anti-chafe stations, ability to smile through getting accidentally sloshed with water, and insistence to put my marathon blanket over my shoulders for me were just a few of the things that got me through 26.2.

Post-race snacks and photos were pluses, and I've heard great things about the 27th mile party, though I didn't attend. Picking up my bag was a breeze.

If you're a first-timer like I was, I would definitely recommend the Chicago marathon! Not sure if I'll return next year or move on to another highly rated marathon, like Twin Cities.