Chicago Marathon

 

Yesterday I completed my fourth Abbott World Marathon Major in Chicago. It was a lot harder than I expected: it was hot and the sun was very strong, and it definitely felt more like summer than autumn. It wasn't too bad in the city, but out in the suburbs, it felt scorching hot.

It is fair to say that I really enjoyed the run—there was lots of support all throughout the course, with music, people cheering, and even free beer!

Looking back, it reminded me a lot of Berlin, in that the most interesting views were in the city section. The neighbourhoods, which made up most of the run, were fun but not as special as the city skyline. I like that the course took different angles of the city so you got to see a lot.

One thing that did suck though, was the start. There were too few toilets, so I was busting and had to stop on the run, which is never pleasant experience. I also found it difficult to locate my starting pen. For some reason, they label them alphabetically, but a couple are not in order, which wasn’t obvious. I had to ask two marshals where to go.

Overall, it was a good experience. If I did it again, I'd arrive in America sooner so as not to be so jet-lagged. I'd also plan my meals better. The race and the city were great; I would come back here again. Special thanks to Kath and Thom for being my best supporters throughout. Now that I said I would never do this again, I am secretly dreaming of Boston, Tokyo and Sydney, the remaining of the 7 Marathon Majors.

Chicago!

We arrived in Chicago on Friday, 10th of October at 2pm after a long flight from Manchester via Dublin. Transfer in Dublin meant we got pre clearance done before arriving in America which was pretty neat. Certainly they were more friendly there than our previous experience in New York.

We were tired after the flight but I had to rush off to the Marathon Expo to collect my number for the Abbot 5k on Saturday morning.

The Abbot 5km was a nice warmup for the Marathon starting in Grant Park and winding around the city, it was such good fun. I spotted The Chicago Bean (Cloud Gate) on the way there and we all headed there afterwards to take some photos. The cloud gate is

a large mirrored structure which reflects the cityscape and anybody standing nearby.

In the afternoon we headed out on the river for a cruise and talk about the architecture in Chicago. That was a lot of fun and very informative offering really good views of the city. 

After which we headed back to the Expo once more this time all together to check out the merch and take some photos. 

Great North Run

This weekend we headed to Newcastle so that I could do the Great North Run. Driving up after school pickup on Friday we arrived relatively late in the evening. Kath had booked us into the Sandman Newcastle Hotel next to St James Park well placed for exploring the city centre and in good proximity to the start of the run.

On Saturday we headed into the city to explore a little, spending the afternoon at the Great North Museum Hancock. There were a variety of displays from the natural world to Egyptians including artefacts on loan from the British museum. There was also a large Hadrians wall section. Thom had a great time there and I would definitely recommend it for some quality family time. The admission is free (optional donation), we paid only for a guidebook and to see one of the shows at the planetarium.

Sunday was the day of the race. It is the largest half marathon in the world, and you can tell! There were 60 thousand runners and a lot of spectators, so the city was extremely busy. I was in one of the later waves the walk to the back of the start line was very long I had done nearly 10,000 steps before I even started the race.

The race itself was very good. The route was nice and varied. There were flyovers by the Red Arrows, which indecently is the first time I had seen them for years. They were a regular fixture of the Woodford airshow when I was younger but it's been decades since that ended!

There was a lot of crowd support all the way along the course, and every time you went under a bridge somebody would start a chant "oggy oggy oggy, oi, oi, oi". Unlike most races I have done the start was in the city the end point at the sea in South Shields which was nice to see the contrast. It did mean getting back to the city was a bit tricky however they organised it really well having a shuttle bus service which must have transported many thousands of people efficiently to and from South Shields. 

I enjoyed most of the run though a bit like London marathon at it is so busy at times I felt like I was having to dodge and jig to get past people. I would definitely recommend though really felt like you were part of a huge event. 

It was my first time in Newcastle apart from a very quick visit for work once where I saw only a small industrial park data centre not far from the Angel of the North. I enjoyed the weekend, it had a certain charm and the people were very friendly. 

Centre parcs

Until this weekend I had never visited Centre Parks. To me, it was the sort of place more affluent or aspiring people visited. However Kath managed to get a deal for a long weekend there. This also included some day passes so our friends Tom, Fiona and their daughter Daisy could spend the day with us.

We choose the Sherwood Forest site, its about 2 hours drive from Wilmslow. On arrival there is a security check in and we were told we could bring the car to unload our stuff but then we had to park in the main car park.

It was pretty crazy coming in lots of people leaving and arriving.

Our cabin was a short walk from the "Village centre" where the shops, swimming area and restaurants are located. To me the town felt more like a theme park than a real place with chains like Bella Italia and Las Iguanas.  Top tip: we couldn't get anywhere for lunch on Sunday so book early to avoid disappointment.  There is a lake in the centre where you can hire a boat. There was also a go ape style forest walkway with a zip wire across the water. I would have liked to have a go on that but Thom is far too young.

There was a nice sandy "beach" next to the lake which the kids enjoyed running around and digging in. There were also parks and outdoor play areas.

We spent the most of our time in the subtropical swimming world. With a variety of water slides for all ages, a wave machine and a pirate themed area for younger children to enjoy it was a great way to spend a day. It is mostly covered by a large dome but there was a heated outdoor section with jacuzzi spa and a river rapid. Thom had a great time with the water play. The only annoying thing was trying to find somewhere to leave your towel. People are quite territorial with the chairs marking their territory. 

The lodges are all set in the woodland ours had a nice view of the trees with plenty of nature outside. Thom enjoyed watching squirrels, ducks, moorhens and geese. 

The bed was comfortable though the couches were a bit too soft for my liking.

There is a food delivery service so you can order takeaway to the lodge. The kitchen was actually better than I expected so I think I would take more food to make next time.

Overall had a great time, yes its expensive but there was plenty to do and I enjoyed the setting. It would be great to have a BBQ outside when the weather was a bit warmer. Id probably use the restaurants less, they were really expansive I even got charged 75p for a small sauce to go with my chips!

Down in a hole

Just returned from a short break in Llandudno Wales. We have a lovely time, took the tram up the great Orme. Visited the mines there, I had no idea that North Wales was a centra of copper extraction 400 years ago!

On Saturday we drove across stopping to have a look round the mountain Zoo. It's been a long time since we were here and it's improved a lot. The Snow leopard enclosure is much improved as have most of the facilities. There is an excellent play park there Thom enjoyed messing around seemingly as much as seeing the 

animals.

We hired a small airbnb flat, its location was perfect a short walk to the pier and the lower tram station. After arriving we had a play on the beach then a walk down the pier and a go on the ferris wheel there. Thom enjoyed going round.

The weather wasn't as good Sunday. I managed to get a run in then we headed up the tram first getting off halfway to access the mine. They were discovered in 1980's while trying to build a car park, it totally changed what people thought of pre Roman Briton. Here was a sophisticated Bronze Age people carving out miles of tunnels and trading tin with Cornwall, 200 years before the Romans arrived, incredible. 

On Monday we headed to Baumaris castle, the best unfinished castle! You can walk around a lot of the walls and there were some reenactments and fancy dress. Even a model of the castle which the kids can play with, great fun.

The Land is inhospitable and so are we

Today Kath Thom and I headed to London on the train so that I could pick my number up for the London Marathon tomorrow. Kate P's brother was also running and as luck would have it our trains arrived at Euston at almost the same time so we have a quick chance to meet up and wish each other luck. Then we headed from Euston to the marathon show in the ExCel centre. It was very busy with lots of runner collecting their numbers and there was a big property investment show in the hall next door. People in suits meeting people in running gear.

The number collection was actually very well organised I only had to queue for a few minutes before getting my number and a bag for the drop off.

We had a wonder around the stalls, Thom loved the music and lights at the main sponsor new Balance. I bought myself a new hoody there. I managed to find my name on the marathon wall and we cruised around signing up for various promotions. I also collected my free T-Shirt.

Feeling a bit tired we headed to the apartment we rented at the Kings Wardrobe near to St Pauls cathedral. The apartment had two rooms a small kitchen and a living area it was actually really lovely and we were all pleased. Settling in for an evening of carb loading via Pizza Express.

 

New York day 5

We started the day with a bagel before going to explore the high line. Then for a wonder around Central Park. I should have got my medal engraved but somehow forgot it at the hotel, then decided that the queue was too big. 

I really missed out wearing it, most people seemed to have theirs on and got high fives and words of encouragement from passers by.

In the evening we headed to the the top of the Rockafella to take in the views, then headed to the hidden burger joint, which was phenomenal.

New York Marathon

Posing with my medal

I made it, the New York marathon is completed. That is my 3rd marathon after Berlin 2017 and Manchester 2016.

The day started very early as al runners have to get to Staten Island before the start of the race. This meant I got the bus there at 6am. This was a bit unfortunate for me as I was in the final wave I had a long wait there before the start.

After a lot of waiting and long line for the lavatory I finally got to start. It is hard to pace yourself as you head over the bridge into Brooklyn. Annoyingly one of the magnetic holders of my number came off and I was so scared I might lose my number that I stopped at an aid station for a safety pin. Losing about 10 minutes in the process.

Brooklyn was my favourite part of the course so many diverse people wishing you on or playing loud music. 

After a long time in Brooklyn we headed up through Queens then across the Queensborough bridge emerging into Manhattan. The difference between the quiet and calm inside the enclosed bridge to the crowd outside in 1st Avenue was incredible. It was the closest I have ever felt to being a professional athlete being cheered on by a tremendous crowd.

Up 5th Avenue al the way to the Bronx for a brief visit before turning back through Harlem to the finish in Central Park. 5th Avenue was packed with people cheering and enjoying themselves. Unfortunately by the time I got to the park I was walling, the up and down going over the bridges had really taken it out of me.

I finished in 4:56:12 which was slower than I hoped for but I was happy about. It was going dark and getting cooler as I was leaving, getting out of the marathon area is a task in itself with so many runners packed around. I was glad of the robes they were giving out. I walked back to meet up with Kath a few blocks away and was glad that our hotel wasn't too far away.   

New York day 3

Today we visited the 9/11 memorial. Then MoMa before having a big pre race pasta meal in Hells Kitchen. Early morning tomorrow for the race.

New York day 2

Today we got up early so that I could collect my number from the running show before the race Jacob K Javitis Convention Centre - 11th Avenue at 35th Street.

We both bought ourselves a marathon toddy and I got a Garmin forerunner 220 to record the race on after my disappointment at my Apple Watch not lasting the whole race in Berlin.

Afterward we headed to a food tour. First we tried to get the subway but got hopelessly lost, so ended up getting a cab. Fortunately when we got there the food spots were amazing.

In the evening we headed out for a cruise and took some awesome night pictures of New York.

New York day 1

After a long Virgin Atlantic flight we arrived in New York. I had a big queue for immigration with my ESTA. Kath had already done her queuing at the US Embassy so her full visa was enough. It was quite bewildering seeing all the Americana a coach took us to our hotel in time square. It was small but we weren't planning on spending much time in there so it suited us.

Kath had booked us a table as Bar 54 Hyatt which gave us amazing views over the city and time square. 

The weather was still very warm it changed a little cooler over night,

Time Square Pano

Goldcoast

I arrived in Coolangatta a bit confused I thought it was called the Goldcoast and the gate was changed perhaps I had boarded the wrong flight. Everything was alright though I was in the right place, and Phil met me at the baggage collection place. Another surreal but welcome experience. Only last week Bruce and myself were discussing how weird it was sitting having a bbq without him and now here I am 12000 miles from home standing next to him.