Today was a complete disaster at the Chicago Marathon. Many of my old running partners were out in Chicago today and from initial reports, it was a mess of epic proportions. I think the 2007 Chicago Marathon will go down in history as the worst ever. I hope everyone I know is now safe in their hotel rooms and having a drink.

Here are some of the statistics from Chicago:

• Temperatures hovered around 90 degrees with humidity
• Race reports state there was limited or no water at the aid stations due to supply issues
• 1 man is confirmed dead
• 350 runners are hospitalized
• The race was officially canceled at 11:30am and runners were pulled off the course
• 24,000 runners completed the race. 36,000 started the race

For those non-runners it is hard to imagine what a crushing day this is for the participants. Almost everyone has spent the last 4 months of marathon training preparing for this one day and then this happens. I feel terrible for you guys out there but do not be discouraged there are other fall marathons out there and the proverbial “next year”. Good Luck!!

I now pray that the weather for NYC Marathon in November will be a lot gentler. Last year the conditions were just about perfect with a start temp of about 48 degrees and not getting above 60 degrees. Two years ago it was in the mid -70’s, but that is nothing compared to 90 degrees.