Bean93, what an interesting question. I have only run one marathon (Chicago) and my next marathon will be this year's Marine Corps. If you are going to commit to Marine Corps, you will have to do so NEXT WEEK; while Chicago will probably not be filled until mid-July or later.

Last year's Chicago Marathon was a wonderful experience. The only bad thing I can say about this race is that due to its enormous popularity, everything about it is CROWDED. Other than that, wow...what a blast! Since I was running my first marathon and did not have a qualifying half-marathon time to get into a preferred starting corral, I had to maneuver around a ton of people for the first couple of miles before I was able to fall into my pace. But the crowds cheering you on are great and you will always be running with someone. Chicago is a great place to run your first marathon. In a little over five months, I'll be able to tell you more about Marine Corps.

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Will be running Marine Corps Marathon on October 29, 2006 and the New Las Vegas Marathon on December 10, 2006

My Running Log[/URL" target="_blank">

Bean93, that's about the same half-marathon time I had going into Chicago and I ended up running 3:42:21. You don't need to worry about when you register as far as your place in the pack, because that most certainly does not determine where you start the race. By the way, here's what the start looked like last year:

http://www.chicagomarathon.com/img/raceday/start2lg.jpg[/URL" target="_blank">

I would recommend that you frequently check the Chicago Marathon website. Last year, they would update the website to say exactly how many spots were still left and when it was expected to fill up.

On race day, I was able to start right at the front of the open corrals which was with the 3:30 and 3:40 pace groups. You should have no trouble starting where you want to in the open corral. If you are targeting a 3:45, I would start where the 3:45 pace group is.

I'm a bit envious of you. I think you will have a great time. The first marathon experience (assuming you finish alive) is a great one!

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Will be running Marine Corps Marathon on October 29, 2006 and the New Las Vegas Marathon on December 10, 2006

My Running Log[/URL" target="_blank">

If your goal time is 3:30 then the Peferred II Corral should be fine, in my opinion. Now that I think back (and have grown a little wiser), the early crowds are actually a blessing in disguise. The critical mistake you can make in a marathon is starting off too fast. And in a big marathon like Chicago with huge crowds lining the course, this is especially easy to do as the adrenaline surge at the start is truly unbelievable. So having some crowds to weave through early on can actually be a good thing as you don't want to start off too fast.

Having said all that, I don't think you'll have any trouble finding your desired pace if you start in the Preferred II corral. Good luck and have fun!

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Will be running Marine Corps Marathon on October 29, 2006 and the New Las Vegas Marathon on December 10, 2006

My Running Log[/URL" target="_blank">

I've done both a few times (Chicago twice, Marine Corps 6 times). Marine Corps was my first so it's a special one and I used to live in DC. However - they've changed the course over the past several years and it's not the race I used to lvoe so much. While the organization is top notch and the Marines do an excellent job and the crowds are great, the course isn't what it used to be. You used to run right along the Reflecting Pool towards the Lincoln Memorial and now you skirt the whole thing - that was always my favorite part. The last bit of the race is tough - Hains Point is desolate with no crowds and the bridge towards the Pentagon just stinks late in the race. Still a wonderful race and 5 years ago I would have totally recommended it.

Chicago is also a great race - the course isn't as scenic with the monuments, but there's crowds most of the way and the end of the course isn't a drag like Marine Corps can be. Just be prepared to run in a big crowd!

Good luck in your training!


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Pacer Dude[/URL" target="_blank">