Chicago Distance Classic - re: heat and humidity

[escape]

DH, Steve, and I are thinking about doing the Chicago Distance Classic on Aug. 10. If I recall correctly, several WISHers participated last year and said the heat and humidity were awful. For those that participated last year, was it any worse than what we've experienced during the WDW marathon weekend for 2007 & 2008?

Also, wasn't there some problems with the lack of water or Gatorade? I can't seem to find the threads pertaining to this.

Any info or experience that you can provide with this race will be greatly appreciated.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hi Susie,

DH and I have done CDC the last two years and will be doing it again this one! Yes, it can be hot and humid in Chicago in August, but the race does start early. The first part of the course is between tall buildings so you are in the shade. The second part of the course is along the lakeshore, so you can get some nice breezes. Honestly the heat and humidity in WDW the last two Januarys bothered me more than the weather at the CDC, maybe because it was such a difference going from a cold midwest winter to the heat and humidity of FL.

They did not run out of water in previous CDCs, but last year there was a mixup with the port-a-pottys and they were very very few available. After the race last year I emailed the JBR team (and received a response within a few hours). We have been promised that last years situation will not be repeated.

It would be very cool if you and your DH can make it!!

 

[KeenHo]

Susie:

Hi, my DW (CAM) and I ran CDC last year with a great group of WISHers. I don't think the heat and humidity was any worse than what we've experienced in WDW in the Half Marathon or Marathon. I remember runners not particularly liking the grid deck bridge(s) we had to cross in the downtown areas. We also ran through a tunnel under a parking garage which killed my Garmin signal and threw everything off. No big deal there, just something I remembered.

I think if you hydrate well before the race and carry something along to hydrate, you should be fine. You can always stop along the course at a water stop to take on some fluids too.

Good Luck!

Howard

 

[escape]

Thanks for the info Pat and Howard! I suspected that it wouldn't be any worse than what we experienced in Fla. .

Pat, there is a good chance that we'll be going. It will be our only vacation this summer and we've always wanted to visit Chicago (and try some authentic deep dish pizza. ). I just wish it could be at a little cooler time.

 

[funwalker]

I might be way off but I thought this was the race that ...
Didn't they stop the CDC last year, no water, many people hospitalized for heat exhaustion, etc?

 

[laxdef69]

I might be way off but I thought this was the race that ...
Didn't they stop the CDC last year, no water, many people hospitalized for heat exhaustion, etc?

I think that was the Chicago Marathon in October, not the distance classic.

I don't recall any issues water/heat exhaustion for the CDC last year, but they did start closing some of the course too early, and diverted some of the walkers off the planned route...

Mike

 

[funwalker]

Thanks, Mike

 

[windwalker]

I think that was the Chicago Marathon in October, not the distance classic.

I don't recall any issues water/heat exhaustion for the CDC last year, but they did start closing some of the course too early, and diverted some of the walkers off the planned route...

Mike

We did our Disney marathon this last January in almost identical weather conditions as that ill fated Chi town race. It's no wonder that some of our team gave everything they had to give and came up short.

Walking Panda

 

[twoWDWfools]

This will be my first 1/2 and just hoping for the best out of me and the weather!

So we getting together at/after the expo on Sat?

 

[escape]

Panda and Mike - thanks for the info. Hopefully, the route won't be closed early this year as I will probably be in the back of the pack.

Margie - Hopefully, CDC took notes from the Chicago Marathon horror.


Liz - Our plane (if we sign up) won't get into Midway until 11:00am. I'm assuming we'll be able to get to our hotel (Majestic Hampton Inn) by 12:30 pm, at the latest. ??? I'm also assuming you guys will be going to the expo first and then eat lunch. Steve and I could meet you all for lunch since you'll probably be ready to eat by then and afterwards, he and I could go to the expo. Does that work for you? If not, we're open to ideas. Of course, I'm talking as if we're definitely going. Ha! Steve and I are trying to figure out how many days we need to set aside for sightseeing before we buy our tickets. Any ideas?

 

[WDWFAN9]

Liz - Our plane (if we sign up) won't get into Midway until 11:00am. I'm assuming we'll be able to get to our hotel (Majestic Hampton Inn) by 12:30 pm, at the latest. ??? I'm also assuming you guys will be going to the expo first and then eat lunch. Steve and I could meet you all for lunch since you'll probably be ready to eat by then and afterwards, he and I could go to the expo. Does that work for you? If not, we're open to ideas. Of course, I'm talking as if we're definitely going. Ha! Steve and I are trying to figure out how many days we need to set aside for sightseeing before we buy our tickets. Any ideas?

Susie - the possibilities in Chicago are practically endless. Will you have a car? There's a lot of stuff within walking distance of the race start (history museum, planetarium, and aquarium), plus lots of shopping and restaurants. Last year some of us went to see Wicked, some went to the top of the John Hancock, some went on the architectual boat tour. Mel and her DD went to see a professional soccer game, and there's always baseball if you like that. There's also Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and of course the beautiful lakeshore. You will definitely have lots of choices.

Jim and I will be able to meet up whenever it is works best for everyone. Last year WISHers walked to Geno's after checking in at the expo.

This is going to be so much fun!!

 

[escape]

It's official. I have registered!

Oh, what have I done. I am not ready for this.

 

[Jen117]

Susie - I did CDC last year and thought it was really nice. I have it on my list for a future race again. My thoughts on the heat/humidity... I thought the humidity was worse downtown where the air flow wasn't as nice with the tall buildings. But on the upside, you had shade. When you get to the lakeshore, you are in sun but there was a nice breeze!

Oh and the medal is pretty cool also!

 

[twoWDWfools]

Susie - what Pat said...there is so much to do even w/o a car. And we're also good to meet up whenever it works for everyone. Maybe we need to start a meet thread for this.