My first Chicago..
Hoping to dip under my pr of 2:39:57 but no idea..
Really struggled adding quality in the humidity this summer.
I ran sub 2:50 2 months ago and it was comfortable and training has been much better since then.
Averaged 6:20 pace for my last 16 mile long run and plenty of 18-21 milers in the upper 6's often finishing low 6's but races much less than normal. I tried liberty half in jersey city but had a shocker in the humidity 1:21 so not the confidence booster I was hoping for as I was in 1:14 shape this time last year but I finished that running slower than I do in training runs..
My plan is just run a 1:19-1:20 first half then see... My only other big city experience was Boston back in '12 when temps hit 85+ and I ran 2:44 with a shockingly positive split.. As most did that day. I set my pr on a cold windy day when I ran and won the marathon without running with anyone.. So do think I should be closer to 2:35 but think the lack of quality over the summer and lack of racing.. Ruddy expensive in the US.. Has hurt my chances...
Weather looks good for the weekend though..