Chicago Marathon 2023 - Can I run my first sub 4 hour marathon?

[@Bwebber99]

Thanks for the video, also running Chicago so watching everything thats on KZbin. Ran New York this year and it felt I binged watched everything on the New York marathon including the 2023 runners that posted on KZbin.

[@darylbickford]

I ran NYC this year too. That was a HARD course, but I had so much fun. The crowd support was amazing. I’ll be at Chicago again this year.

[@runnerfromhel]

Just came across your Chicago video and out of personal interest I took the freedom to look briefly over your great Berlin Marathon training which you share on Strava. I am pretty interested in endurance training.😅 Your training seems to head towards a 3: 45 if I analysed it correctly. Some words of confidence from me: in Berlin the sub4 is basically yours if you don‘t start straight away at your perceived max marathon effort. Your half marathon time gives you a good buffer. You got this. 💪 atmospheric video by the way.

[@darylbickford]

Thank you for this! I feel like I might have a good chance. I’m going to try to find the 4 hour pacer and stick with them!

[@nathanman8]

Great effort. I’m running Chicago in 2024 and will be aiming for sub 4 too. Best of luck in the future. 🤘👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 how did the metaspeed feel for the whole duration?

[@darylbickford]

Thanks!! If you have any questions about the marathon let me know. 2024 will be my 6th Chicago marathon! I love these shoes! They gave me (at least mentally) a push when I needed it. I haven’t decided if I’m going to use them for London or try something new. :)

[@nathanman8]

I’m also running London and have just bought the Metaspeed edge+. Haven’t decided if I’m going to use them or the alpha fly. Best of luck with London. 👍

[@darylbickford]

@@nathanman8 I was thinking about those shoes too!!! Training starts soon for London - good luck!!!

[@yutheman]

Nice slo-mo shots! You crushed that first half. I know you will get that sub-4. Keep it up!

[@darylbickford]

I feel like it's coming together. Typical story - came out too strong! Next time!!! Had a good time running the Kofuzi shakeout run and eating pizza with you!!! Until next time! Keep up the great videos!

[@dineshjotwani6046]

Congrats on the PR and thank you for sharing! You were flying at the half. Was that one of your best halves? Interesting enough, we finished at similar times but you were 9 minutes ahead of me at the half.

[@darylbickford]

Thanks! I felt like I was on pace for a sub 4 for a long time but really lost a lot of ground at mile 17. That’s pretty close to my PR for a half. How was the race for you? Do you have any other races coming up this year? I’m about to register for Chicago again tonight.

[@dineshjotwani6046]

@@darylbickford I really wanted a sub 4 too but it wasn't there for me at the end. In the end, I was happy. I got a PR too, and it was just an awesome day with the crowd support. Yes! I am doing the distance series again this year (applied to Chicago today too). I am also doing the Eugene Marathon in April. First time, I'm doing a spring marathon and wondering what winter training in Chicago will be like. Hope to see you out there. We are getting our sub 4s soon. Best of luck in NYC!

[@darylbickford]

@@dineshjotwani6046 Thank you!!!! I just started following you on Instragram! I can't wait to watch your journey continue!! I think I am going to do the distance series again this year, last year was a blast! Good luck in Eugene!!! Keep me posted on your training (or via the Instagram) I think we have a really good shot at cracking that 4 hour mark soon!!!

[@Yaegosh]

What do you mean by problems with hydration? were water stations to congested?

[@darylbickford]

The aid stations were fine. I think it was a “me” thing. Mostly proper fueling the night before or the days leading up to the actual marathon was my problem.

[@Yaegosh]

@@darylbickford good to know. I plan to run in 2025 and checking the situation

[@darylbickford]

@ I’ve run this marathon 6 times. Aid stations have always been easy to navigate. You will enjoy. !!!

[@stevez3332]

Close my man close, weather was great maybe just go a touch slower on the first half . Youll get it next time

[@darylbickford]

I pushed a little too hard on that front half! Hoping NYC will be my day!

[@stevez3332]

@@darylbickford NY def a harder course but if the weather is good you got it! Dont take advice from me though it takes me 5 hours haha

[@chrispratchett3551]

If you turn that 1.51 first half in to let’s say a 1.58 give or take running around 7 mins slower which is around 30 secs a mile slower you will conserve so much energy.I’m sure you could even split the full distance.I ran a 1.42 half and came in at 3.24 at Chicago this year.That 1.51 half tells me you’ve got it in your locker 👍

[@darylbickford]

I think that’s a great idea. I burnt up too much energy in that first half so next time I’m going to slow down and pace myself better. Also, impressive race for you. What’s next ?