Act Fast! Register Before the Chicago Marathon Lottery Closes

Tomorrow's not tax day. Nor is it Marathon Monday where we'll all be watching the 118th running of the Boston Marathon. But Monday, April 7, is a special Monday if you are in the market for running a fall marathon, specifically the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It's the Monday when registration closes for the October 12 race.

Sure, it seems odd to be announcing that a race's registration is closing. Usually we're waiting in anticipation for registration's to open (hello Ironman) so we can grab one of the coveted spots before they're gone. But after last year's Chicago Marathon registration debacle where runners flooded the registration system and caused it to crash, the race turned to a lottery system to randomly select entrants who weren't running with a charity partner, had completed the race multiple times in recent years, or were fast enough to use a qualifying time to enter.

At noon central time tomorrow, the registration period will end for those runners who'd wish to enter the marathon's lottery system or register as a legacy finisher or time qualifier. Lottery entries are not guaranteed, but those entrants will be notified of their status on April 14. Time qualifiers need to have run verifiable races after Jan. 1, 2012, of sub 3:15:00 for men and sub 3:45:00 for women. Legacy finishers need to have finished the Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years (2004-2013).

Five Ways to Recover from the 2013 Chicago Marathon

You're chafed. You have blisters in places you didn't think could get them when you run. You're voraciously eating everything in sight. You need an extra five minutes to stand up and hobble to the door and you dread the stairs. Congratulations, you just ran a marathon!

Just like that, the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has come and gone. The crisp bib you received less than 72 hours ago is a crumpled mess. The last finisher crossed the finish line while you were sleeping. And you can't use the I'm-training-for-a-marathon excuse when you have to bow out of Friday night social events. But before you completely put 2013's marathon to bed and get back to the daily grind, you hopefully took today off to recuperate. Here are our marathon recovery picks.

#TBT Chicago Marathon 2000 to 2005

There’s something special about running the Chicago Marathon. The fall weather that can swing warm or cold. The spectators, your neighbors, cheering every step of the 26.2 miles. The magic of running on home turf—or maybe it’s just the running in general. I should know—I’ve run the race 13 times (14 come Sunday). What was a one-and-done turned into a yearly ritual that I thought I’d stop after five, then 10. But I've hit those and I'm still running, so maybe 15 is my magic number (but can you really stop a streak?).

It’s the course, the crowds and good ol’ Chicago that bring me back again and again, even if I get less fired up to race almost every time I toe the line. The flipside: fewer nerves. Plus a lot of finisher medals and tours of Chicago neighborhoods I only run through once a year. And a scrapbook of photos mostly of what I missed while I was running, like Paula Radcliffe’s world record performance in 2002, the crazy costumed runners who are faster than me, and the wheelchair and elite leaders.

Call it an effort to fire myself up for Sunday’s race, a “throw back Thursday,” or a trip down memory lane, I dug through the photo archives (confession: I begged my mom to do it) for this collection of Chicago marathons past.

Fit-Q: What's your ideal running temperature?

Credit: lululemon athletica

It's fall and it's marathon season. Sometimes that means cool temperatures (we hope) but in recent years, we haven't been so lucky especially when the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hits the Windy City. Remember the year it snowed? It was 1993. How about the year where it was so hot the race was cancelled and runners were encouraged to pull off course? That was the 30th anniversary in 2007, where temperatures soared into the high 80s and it felt like an oven on the city streets. Or when the starting temperatures were at freezing? It was 2009. Or what about last year when it felt like summer? 

Sure marathons get their fair share of weather extremes--don't remind me about the Grandma's Marathon I ran where it was uncharacteristically warm and the promise of cool air blowing off Lake Superior didn't happen--from rain to sun, wind to still air, cold to hot. And sure the weather can change in an instant. How many times have you looked at the weather forecast only to watch it change again and again before race day? I know I was expecting to see temperatures in the 60s or 70s when I looked at this year's Chicago Marathon forecast--I've simply grown used to it, between the warm races the last two years and not running a chilly race once this season (and I've been racing since March).

But while some of us beg for chillier air, even if it borders on freezing, others want a little warmer weather. So we want to know...

What's your ideal running temperature, marathon or not?

poll by twiigs.com

Note: Degrees are measured on the Fahrenheit scale.  

Photo grabbed from lululemon athletica at flickr.

Fit-Pic: Running with Wesley Korir

If you don't know who Wesley Korir is, you'll want to remember his name. He ran the fourth fastest time at the 2008 Chicago Marathon while starting among the open field (he had never run a marathon before and had yet to reach elite status for the distance--and he entered the race just like the rest of us, paying his way). He finished second in that same race in 2011, and also racked up two wins at the L.A. Marathon. He won the 2012 Boston Marathon, picking off runners one-by-one on Heartbreak Hill until he took the lead on the way out of Kenmore Square, lost it and then got it back in the final mile. And he was the first elite runner to commit to run the 35th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 7, his fifth in a row.

You Can Still Run Chicago

You read the announcement that the Chicago Marathon was open for 2010 registration, but you said you'd wait to sign up. You read the announcement that 30,000 had already registered for the race, but you put it aside and forgot about joining the ranks. You read the announcement that only 2,000 spots remained, but you told yourself you'd do it later. The only problem is that later never came because the race closed that afternoon. And now you were left with the puzzling thought of how to reach those marathon goals you had for the year without straying too far from home, having the advantage of a flat course mirroring your training grounds and knowing that every family member and friend would line the course to support you. Here's a simple solution to your problem: grab one of the marathon spots that are still available through a select number of charities. You'll get a spot into the race of your dreams and you'll be making a difference in the lives of others. It's a win-win situation and here are some of the charities that have availability--but they're going fast.

• Children's Memorial Hospital
  
• Girls on the Run SoleMates
  
• DetermiNation
  
• Special Olympics Chicago
  

Check into other charities that may still have available spots by visiting the Charity and Community section at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon's website.

If you're wondering what's in it--besides fundraising for a worthy cause--for you, we've got that covered. Many of the charities provide an entry into the race (a $135 value) in exchange for you pledging to race a set amount of dollars for the organization. Not only that, but you can score free training through a running group like Chicago Endurance Sports or the Chicago Area Runners Association, fundraising tools, day-of race perks, group events to attend, and a T-shirt or singlet to show your support of the organization when you're out running. And the coolest part of all? You can say that you were part of the fundraising totals that are announced by the Chicago Marathon after the race is said and done. That means if you ran in 2009, you can brag that you were one of the more than 8,000 who contributed to the nearly $10 million that was raised. Wow! But don't forget to sign up soon.

Photo provided by Children's Memorial Hospital.

Mad Dash to Marathon

What are you doing on 10-10-10? For 45,000 runners around the country and globe, they can say that they'll be running the 33rd Bank of America Chicago Marathon. For everyone else, especially runners eying a fall marathon to run, they'll just have to be one of the race's one-million-plus spectators. While registration only opened Feb. 1, the Chicago Marathon closed registration only 51 days later. It's a new record for the event, which has only grown and become more popular in the last decade. And in both 2008 and 2009, the race filled in April, a full month later than this year. Not even 10 years ago, the field was smaller and you could still register for the race into the late summer. Now you practically have to know by New Year's that you'll sign up the minute registration opens.

General registration for the race may no longer be taking place, but that doesn't mean you're completely shut out from participating. According to the Mile by Mile newsletter, entries are still available through some of the marathon's affiliated charities--Special Olympics Chicago and Girls on the Run are two such organizations--as well as tour operators. Click here to read more about the charities and here for the tour operators. Or if those options don't work, there's always next year. It might not have the unique date, but it still has the same flat and fast course that draws many runners to compete time and again. Me included. Did you register in time to be part of this year's field? Photo grabbed from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon photo gallery. Posted by Kate

Fast Times at Chicago Marathon; Wanjiru Wins

The 32nd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon had its fair share of stories from the start line to the finish line and all along the course. While I'm still trying to figure out how to recap the race from my point of view on the course--and am crunched for time at the moment to be able to sit down and really write something--I had news from a press release that recaps the elite and wheelchair race. So without further ado, here's how the front of the pack fared per the press release with a few comments from me...

Today's Bank of America Chicago Marathon witnessed 34,792 participants at the start and 33,419 official finishers, a men’s course record, a new female champion, a three-time wheelchair champion and a sprint finish in the women’s wheelchair competition. Exciting, but shocking that once again the race was capped at 45,000 runners and more than 10,000 registrants didn't toe the line. Amazing though that not even 1,400 runners who started the race couldn't finish.

More Chicago Marathon-Specific Shopping

Running Sunday's Chicago Marathon and need a few items to add to your wardrobe? Even if you don't need any wardrobe refreshers, you might find Nike's Chicago specific items too hard to pass up (at least I did). With a call-out to the Windy City and highlighting some of its famous landmarks, these items are perfect for boasting a marathon accomplishment or shoving Chicago in the face of Olympic officials if you're still shocked and disappointed over the 2016 Olympics announcement that went to Rio instead.

Men's and women's items vary slightly in design and style but contain many of the same elements when it comes to shout-outs to the Chicago flag, the Bean in Millennium Park, Willis Tower (or Sears for all those who still aren't used to the name change, me included) and the city skyline. Plus you'll notice a mosaic theme that runs throughout many of the pieces detailing the city's famous phrases, el stops, key dates, nicknames, sports legends and more. The collection features everything from short-sleeve tees to warm fleeces--perfect to cuddle up on post-race since the latest weather reports are predicting a chill in the air. These goods are available at Niketown at 669 N. Michigan Ave., the Expo at McCormick Place, and the Hilton Chicago at 720 N. Michigan Ave. where the host hotel annually sets up a marathon gear store in its lobby. And a tent full of gear, including the exclusive finisher items, are available beginning at 6 a.m. race day and throughout the Post Race Festival. Or check it all out at nikestore.com.

Some highlights to watch for include the Poster Women's Tee at $28 (pictured above) and Men's Long Sleeve Poster Tee at $32. Or dress your feet in a Chicago exclusive LunarGlide+ shoe at $100 (pictured)--no joke, this shoe is specifically designed for Chicago and includes an insole with elements from the city's flag and a tongue labeled CHI, plus the bright blue bottom is simply sharp (especially if blue is your favorite color like me). You'd also want to score these shoes if you're a shoe collector or crazy marathon runner--city-specific LunarGlide+ models will be available at a number of other well-known marathons over the course of the next year.

A few women's items to also watch for and their prices:
Women's Mass Runner Tee: $28
Women's Grey Sweatshirt with Yellow City Swirl: $55
Women's Heart Tee: $28
Women's Silver Bean Tee: $35
Finisher Women's Half Zip: $65 (I'm a fan of this one because the finisher label is subtle)
Finisher Women's Long-Sleeve Coral Tee: $32

Time to get shopping! Photos courtesy of Nike. Posted by Kate

Niketown Pep Rally for Chicago Marathon

Sunday's the big dance in Chicago--at least for 45,000 runners who've had October 11's Chicago Marathon marked on their calendars since April--but the fun gets started on Thursday, October 8, at Niketown with its annual pep rally. And this year's pep rally, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. at Niketown at 669 N. Michigan Ave., has a star-studded cast, including Nike elite athletes and Chicago Bears' Johnny Knox.

Have a question before race day and want a seasoned pro's advice? Want to know how Olympic runners attack a race? Need to squeeze in a last minute run and want a great course along the Lakefront Path and elite company? Or just want to run? The pep rally delivers with Johnny Knox, considered a Bears speedster, plus Nike elite athletes who include: Joan Benoit Samuelson (winner of Chicago Marathon and Olympic Gold winner), Bernard Lagat (2008 Olympic Silver, Bronze winner), Shalane Flanagan (2008 Olympic Bronze winner), Matt Tegenkamp (American record-holder: 2 miles), Chris Solinksy (14-time All American) and Anna Willard (2-time national champion). They'll be on hand to advise and cheer on local runners and then head out for a training run after a Q&A session. Then come Sunday they'll be cheering on the high schoolers competing in the Nike Northside/Southside Challenge, the first-ever high school invitational meet taking place on the Chicago Marathon course, during the race itself.

Talk about excitement brewing in the Windy City. And a great running motivator especially to quell the jitters. Need more info, check out Nike's Chicago-specific section. Photo courtesy of Nike, featuring Shalane Flanagan and Joan Benoit Samuelson who also attended the 2008 event. Posted by Kate

Marathon Memories: An Intro

Runners sweat it out in 2007's scorcher.

I feel like I've had this October planned for at least the last two years. I want to say that I've known since late 2006, after recovering from running 26.2 miles, that I'd be running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon at least through 2009. Call it stuck on a number, call it stubbornness, call it addiction (there are worse vices after all), I'm less than a week out from the race, battling through injury and poor training and excuses, yet still planning to run my 10th Chicago Marathon.

And in those almost 10 years, I've acquired my fair share of memories from registration to course changes to crazy weather. To get in the race day spirit--and since I need all the help I can get to forget any foot pain that likes to appear if I think about it--I thought it'd be fun to look back on the highs, lows and memories from this decade of marathons. Join me on my journey as I reminisce over those experiences. First one up...2000. Photo grabbed from Rhett Sutphin at flickr. Posted by Kate

Fit-Pic: Remembering the Chicago Marathon

With many marathoners, or almost-marathoners for those tackling for the first time this year, wrapping up their long runs and going into taper or race mode, it seemed the appropriate time to bring up past memories. That and it's been so cold and dreary here that I wanted to remember warmer days. So in today's Fit-Pic, check out the scene at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2008. Not as sweltering as 2007 when the race turned into a survival mission at the halfway mark and some runners were transported on buses to the finish line, but still warm enough--at least for this runner who thinks 75 degrees is too hot for 26.2 miles. There's a reason I choose to run these distances in the fall--cooler weather--it's just that Chicago wasn't giving it to me.


But anyway, here's the mass of runners winding through the streets of downtown Chicago. Even with 45,000 registered, the crowds spread out by mile 12 at the latest thanks to no-shows and wide streets. Just beware of the pacing groups--if you're not running in one they can swarm you when they're ready to pass.

Look for more Chicago Marathon info as race day approaches. Posted by Kate

Keep the Feet Running

Did you have your eyes set on running October's Bank of America Chicago Marathon only to have your dreams dashed when the general event registration closed last month? Granted you can still sign up for a charity team, slots are available through select charities by checking the event website, but Nike poses a challenge for any runner seeking a sold-out spot. Challenge your feet, legs and endurance to a battle of the fittest--or maybe it's furthest--in the 100 Miles to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Challenge through Nike+. The goal: to see how far your legs can take you running through May 31 and to reach at least 100 miles on your Nike+ system. If you reach the 100-mile mark by May 31, you could score a coveted entry into the Chicago Marathon. And if you are the lucky winner you'll not only know where you'll be running on October 11 but you'll be featured on the Nike Running site. Talk about 30 seconds of fame.

Sign up for the Nike+ challenge online at the Nike+ site and start, or continue, logging your miles through May 31. With Memorial Day ahead, it's the perfect chance to work on those miles and rack up the distance while enjoying the outdoors. And it's not bad for toning those spots that aren't quite swimsuit ready. Are you up for the challenge? Check out all of the details here. Sample Nike+ challenge, photo grabbed from mat.vox.com. Posted by Kate

Flat, Fast and Now Closed

If you had your sights set on running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October, you may just have to save those thoughts until next year. The 32nd running of the race reached its capacity of 45,000 runners and is no longer able to accept general registrations.

That doesn't mean you can't be a part of Chicago's fall classic. Runners can still find their way into the race by committing to run with one of the race's affiliated charities--more than 70 to choose from--which still have openings. Or for international runners, spots are still available through tour operators offering travel packages that include race registration.

The October 11 race opened registration on February 1 and ironically closed on the same day in 2008. And here's to thinking that the economy might slow race registrations. With furloughs and layoffs at companies, those with more free time on their hands are turning more to exercise and crossing off those wish-list accomplishments. Or we're all just keeping up with the fitness in hard times to keep stress levels at bay.

Need another marathon to run this fall? Check out our list of popular marathons across the country or visit the calendar at marathonguide.com to help select a race. And keep in mind that October's Marine Corps Marathon is also closed, and the Twin Cities Marathon is expected to close in mid-May--only six days into registration, it was nearly 50 percent full. Photo grabbed from metaxin at flickr. Posted by Kate

Hurry scurry for Shamrock Shuffle

Photo grabbed from Garmin at flickr.com

I might even be too late in posting this, but I received an e-mail that prompted me to hop online and share the news: Shamrock Shuffle is filling up. If you planned on participating in this unofficial start to the 2009 running season and haven't registered already, HURRY! This race closes fast once that e-mail goes out. And I know because I ignored its urging last January and just barely missed grabbing a spot--the press release announcing the registration closing hadn't been sent when I went to register, but I saw the red warning label telling me I couldn't proceed further. I warned of it when I announced signing up for the Shamrock Shuffle and hope that no one misses out on the fun and has a race calendar thrown out of whack.

And while you're thinking running in Chicago, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon registration opens on February 1. The race is in October so there's plenty of training time, but this race closes fast and closes earlier every year. I used to register for it in July and be fine, now if I'm not committed by April, I'm SOL. More to come on the marathon though. Posted by Kate