The Chicago Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, attracts runners from around the world. This year, the Lifelong Endurance team was heavily represented, hosting seven athletes and one coach-all with dreams of running their best race.
Athlete: Joe Guarino
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 4:39:15
Race Accomplishments: Joe not only ran a 26 minute personal best, but he also ran a negative split race! According to Joe, "My goal was to be more consistent and improve speed and time. I stayed true to Andrew’s plan and it got me there. I had my fastest marathon. I ran the whole distance and finished strong."
Training Success: Joe explains that it was his long training miles, getting at least one run at 20 miles, that gave him the confidence to finish the race strong.
What is Next: The New York City Marathon
Athlete: Steve Burrows
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 3:06:59
Chicago Accomplishments: Steve ran an almost 2 minute personal best and a negative split race!
Training Success: Steve struggled with an injury early in the season and had to take a long term approach to training. His hard work paid off with a strong and consistent race.
Athlete: Ajay Nagpa
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 3:25:59
Chicago Accomplishments: Ajay took down his personal best by 18 minutes while running a negative split race!
Training Success: Ajay kept up with his training plan and worked hard to reach his goal
Athlete: Graham McMahon
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 2:53:56
Chicago Accomplishments: Graham cruised through his home course of Chicago. He had a personal best time of almost 5 minutes, and finished with a big smile.
Training Success: Graham has been racing and training hard all season. He went into the race strong and confident.
Athlete: Michael Jovel
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 4:26:14
Chicago Accomplishments: Michael ran a strong race and worked hard to stay consistent throughout!
Training Success: Michael dealt with a challenging summer filled with tough temperatures and changing schedules. He maintained his training with a diligent work ethic.4
Athlete (and Coach): Andrew Simmons
Coach: Nicole Camp
Time: 2:59:07
Chicago Accomplishments: Andrew ran his goal time of sub 3:00 and found the enthusiasm to encourage many other runners along the course. Andrew also ran his 1,000th Marathon Mile during the race!
Training Success: Andrew was flexible in his training as his focus was on both his adult athletes, and well as the youth team. This was Andrew's best race coming back from a previous injury.
Athlete: Jeremy Judge
Coach: Lexi Miller
Time: 2:47:55
Chicago Accomplishments: Jeremy ran a 12 minute personal best, as well as a negative split race.
Training Success: Jeremy was committed and consistent in his training, despite a busy summer of travel and a demanding teaching schedule. Jeremy has a positive attitude to life, which makes his approach to training fail-proof.
What is Next: New York City Marathon
Athlete: Garrick Chan
Coach: Andrew Simmons
Time: 2:34:13
Chicago Accomplishments: This was Garrick's first marathon, and he absolutely crushed it! He ran an incredibly consistent race, running his second half a few seconds faster than his first!
Training Success: Garrick has been making the transition from a collegiate track athlete to a road runner with some amazing success. According to his coach, he is a consistent and hard worker who always follows through and trusts the plan.