# @emmajanelbates on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DBcUxqRuuPK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/24195133-emmajanelbates-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/755ab74de4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-10-22T22:06:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Emma Bates (@emmajanelbates) — https://gondola.cc/emmajanelbates

## Caption

Chicago Marathon Race Recap, Part 3:

I was deep in my sappy feels when I realized I had some decisions to make. 

💭Do I go with a pace group?
If so, which pace group is the right pace group?
Or do I just go at it alone?

I knew keiradamato would be going with a pacer (mgcentro ) and they were shooting for 69:30 for the first half. I also knew another pacer (reidbuchanan ) would be going for 70:00. 
I felt as though it would be smart to key off of these three, but to not get caught up if the pace felt wrong. 

I have gotten quite proficient at running by myself over the years, so I wasn’t worried if I ended up alone. 
Running alone allows you to really listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly. I told myself to worry about me; put the blinders on. 26.2 miles is a long ways, plenty of time to calibrate.

My watch split at a mile… 5:07

💭Oh doggie, that’s too fast 

But then I reminded myself:

💭Oh duhhhh, the Chicago buildings always block satellite connection the first mile.
You’re good, Emma, you’re good. This pace feels right.

As I was centering myself and settling in, a very tall, blonde runner passed me on one side; a shorter runner with tattoos passed on the other.

💭Hold up, is that a citiusmag tattoo??

📸2: raymondbritt 
📹: the_track_club 

#chicagomarathon #chicagomarathon2024 #marathonrunning

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## Tags

marathonrunning, chicagomarathon2024, chicagomarathon

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