Chicago Marathon Race Report
My first world major!
Sunday, 10/12/2025
Weather: 49°F/68°F and sunny! It was 50°F, 85% humidity, and clear skies at the start. Wind was below 10mph, with occasional gusts through streets that act as wind tunnels. Not much wind in the windy city!!
Goals:
A) Sub 3:40
B) Sub 3:45
C) Sub 9 minute/mi pace
D) Sub 4 hours
E) PR (4:45)
F) Fun
As I went through the training block, my goals constantly shifted. Goal marathon pace? Who's to say!
Official finish time: 3:34:50
Maps:
Splits
Course
All aid stations have water, Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime flavor), and a medical tent. Maurten caffeinated and non-caffeinated Gel 100 are provided at Mile 12.4 (near Aid Station 9), Mile 15.7 (near Aid Station 12), and Mile 18.1 (near Aid Station 14). Aid Stations 16-18 (Miles 20-23) have Chiquita Bananas (beware the peels). There is a Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone around Mile 21.2 (Cermak Road and Archer Avenue).
Chicago Marathon has the famous "Blue Line" marking the most efficient course route; however it can get crowded (especially on turns).
The race begins in Grant Park and weaves through 29 neighborhoods. I loved the route! Late in the race, there is a tight out and back loop where during Mile 22, you can see the sign for Mile 24 across the street. I tried to let the excitement of the runners nearing the finish fuel me and stay focused in the mile I was in.
Logistics
The buses had been rerouted due to road closures and we weren't right on the train line. My hotel was a little over a mile away from the start so I planned to take the train partway. However, when I stepped outside my hotel door, I was immediately in a horde of runners walking to the start. The energy was electric and I figured the trains would be crammed, so I joined the march to the start line.
I arrived at Grant Park a little after 6AM for my 8AM wave start. I went to Gate 3 for security, as recommended for my corral in the participant guide. The first gate looked busy but mine had no wait and I walked right through. Since Greg was spectating, I gave him a bag to carry for me. This contained a running emergency kit (extra gels (in case I dropped any), electrolytes, bodyglide, hair ties, chapstick) and gear for post-race, in case I wanted to go straight to lunch (a change of clothes, wipes, deodorant, comfy recovery slides, snacks, and our film camera). Since Greg was able to carry my items, I didn't use gear check.
The first group of portapotties had very long lines but the bathroom lines near the corrals were very short until exactly 7AM– when they immediately became long. I looped through the lines a couple times while they were short, then went to sit at the start of Corral G!
All of the tunnels/underpasses messed with my Garmin's GPS, so I only clocked 26 miles for the race. I recalibrated the distance on Strava's webpage which logged my mileage as 27.2.
Atmosphere
Unmatched!! The Chicago crowds were so loud I didn't put my headphones in once all race. My ears were ringing after.
Performance
During taper, I started reducing caffeine (to increase my race day sensitivity) and avoided alcohol. I focused on fueling well and getting at least 8 hours of sleep (both goals I had all throughout training). I was nervous and honestly didn't feel "ready", but knew I was in a good place with my training.
I went into the race pretty tired– we've had such a busy year! We had a wedding on the east coast two weeks before, and two weeks before that we spent over two weeks traveling across Italy for our honeymoon– and right before that was our wedding. Plus climbing Mount Shuksan, ski patrol training, and another wedding – what a training block it has been!
I had some sciatica nerve pain after our flight to Chicago. It freaked me out but I did some nerve flossing, stretched, applied the Biofreeze I got at the expo, took a hot shower, and hoped for the best. Luckily, it didn't hurt while I was running and after the race my pain was completely gone!! The Chicago Marathon healed me.
Corral G (my corral) was 3:40-3:49 range, but we also had a 3:35 pacer at the start of our corral (and corral F had a 3:40 pacer as well). I wasn't expecting this and lined up near the front of our corral. The 3:40 pacer was way back in the corral, and I didn't want to fight my way back through the crowds (or to have to potentially pass a bunch of people who start too fast), so I decided to just stay near the front and run my own race. This ended up being a great decision, because I think I would have held back too much and left even more time on the table if I started slower.
New to me: I ran the entire race by feel. I started off at a pace that felt strong but sustainable. Technically, for a ~3:40 time goal, I went out "too fast" the first two miles. But I decided that I have never gone out too fast in a marathon before and it was time to take some risks. The pace felt incredibly good and my heart rate was within range, so I decided to go for it. I could see myself holding it for 26.2 miles, but it was scary. And I decided that was exactly where I wanted to be!
I didn't check my pace randomly, but I'd look at my lap time when my watch would chime every mile. My pacing was consistent, and I just kept putting one leg in front of the other!!
After the first couple miles, I was often able to follow the Blue Line without having to weave around other runners too much. Sometimes I would leave it, especially if there was a divider that split runners and one side was less busy. The bridges have carpets over some of the grates, which can get busy as well. Be careful not to trip! The grates feel very weird, especially in super shoes.
I had a runner's high the entire time! My watch felt like it was constantly dinging as the miles flew by. I was getting nostalgic mid-race that it was ending too soon! I had a big smile on my face all day.
I honestly had an amazing race. It was one of those days where everything clicked into place perfectly. I was able to feel strong and in control the entire time! Thanks to carb loading and religiously fueling, I never hit the wall. I could feel my quads getting tired around Mile 22, but I knew I could finish strong and hold the pace (even increasing it a little) for four more miles.
I ate a Maurten’s 160 or a Maurten‘s 100 Caffeinated (only brought two of those) every 30 minutes. I also picked up an additional gel from the three aid stations with Maurtens and ate 2.5 of those.
I didn't walk at all and was able to finish strong! I was aiming for an even split but was able to negative split by about 2.5 minutes, running a 3:34:50!!! I surpassed my own expectations– to the point of it not feeling real. I was so shocked and proud!!
I was wondering if I'd even be able to fight and sneak my way under 3:40 and I felt strong running a 3:34. "High mileage", speed work, strength training, tapering, carb loading, and fueling works!!!
Training
I've been running (sporadically) my entire life, but I set a 2025 goal to more consistent– even in my "off-seasons" from races. I've been running at least one half marathon a month this year (not always an official race) to keep my mileage up. Early in the year, I spent twelve weeks building my weekly mileage up to 35 miles before I jumped into Pete Pftizinger's 18 week/55 mile peak marathon plan in early June. Base building, Pfitzinger's plan, and regularly strength training made this my strongest training cycle ever. I did the most speedwork and ran the highest mileage I ever have and have never felt healthier. I focused on proper recovery (mostly just eating and sleeping enough).
I used to view strength training as a "bonus", but now it's mandatory. With base building and strength work, I was able to handle the highest demands I've ever put my body through with no "niggles", no tendonitis, and no injuries. I felt better in my peak marathon block running 55 miles a week than when I was running 20 in my off-season.
I hit ~90% of Pfitzinger's plan. I have the 3rd Edition of his book, Advanced Marathoning, but the fourth edition was released this summer. I mostly followed the third edition, but I referenced the fourth during my later weeks of training as well.
What I’d do differently next time:
- Build mileage and hit workouts that focus on improving V02 max in between blocks —> next time I’d like to do Pfitz’s 18 week/70 mile plan.
- Consistently hit strength training at least twice a week. This block I aimed for two sessions but settled for one when life was super busy. I missed weeks for our wedding/honeymoon, and didn’t lift during taper.
- Hit core 3x a week. I pretty much only ever did core when it was part of my Strength & Conditioning class.
- Sleep more, closer to 9 hours
- Dial in nutrition and hydration more
- Try to still climb at least 3 hours a week so I don’t get as frail
CHI Race Tips
Pre-Race
- If you're bringing your own bottle, don't pre-mix your electrolytes or fuel! Some security stations may require you to dump the handheld prior to entry. There are water filling stations inside Grant Park. No vests/water bladders, but handhelds and belts are permitted.
- Bring throwaway layers (including an extra layer/blanket/trash bag to sit on) to stay warm while waiting for the race to start. Discarded layers will be donated! I also brought some toilet paper and hand sanitizer in case the bathrooms ran out. They didn't while I was there, but I heard online they eventually did. If you have extra you can leave it in the portapotty for someone else!
- Don't throw away your throwaway layers too soon! People start chucking layers very early when they see the corral ahead start to move. However, it takes time for the corral ahead to walk to the start and begin, and then our own slow march up to the start line. We waited a couple minutes at the start itself to give the corral ahead time to clear out. Keep a jacket on until you're getting close to the start line.
- Go to the expo as early in the week and the day as you can. It gets crowded!
- Nothing new on race day– wear an outfit, shoes, and style your hair in a way you practiced on a long run.
- Practice race-day fueling. Eat what you plan to eat during the race and fuel consistently. Plan to consume a minimum of 60g/hour of carbs during the race– this means you need to train your digestive system as well. Blood is pulled away from your digestive system during endurance activities, so you need to train your body to be able to handle a high level of fueling while running. Many stomach issues are preventable with proper fueling and carb training!
- Carb load! Aim to eat 8-10g of carbs per kilogram of bodyweight, while keeping the physical amount of food and calories close to your normal training load. A three-day carb load is preferable for a marathon. Glycogen loading can provide your muscles the capacity to store 2,000-2,500 calories of glycogen– critical race fuel. If you carb load and fuel during the race, you will not hit the wall!!! You can practice a one day carb load the day before a long run.
- You'll probably feel bloated while carb loading– that means you're doing it right. Your body stores 2.6g of water for every gram of glycogen. This helps prevent dehydration as well!
- Plan city site-seeing for after the marathon and try to stay off your feet as much as possible before! Chicago's Architecture Boat Tours are amazing and are the perfect chill post-race activity. Book in advance! The Art Institute of Chicago is also incredible (and the expo bag offers discounted tickets for runners).
- Visualize! Picture yourself crossing the finish-line at your goal time, engaging with spectators, seeing your loved ones cheering, and pushing through tough moments.
- Trim your toenails. If your nails are short and your shoes are properly fit (running shops offer free fittings!), you shouldn't be losing toenails or injuring your toes.
Race
- If you have a goal pace, have a screenshot of the splits or grab a pace tattoo from the expo. GPS struggles for the first few miles downtown with skyscrapers and crowds. You can manually lap your watch according to race markers or just compare your overall time to mileage and wait for GPS to sync up later in the course.
- Download your race playlist– cell service might be spotty at the start due to crowds. If you wear Shokz, you will not be able to hear your music! The crowds at Chicago are LOUD! My ears were ringing after the race.
- Fuel consistently (for me this was every 30 minutes). Set a timer if you have to.
- Make eye contact with and point to the aid station volunteer you want to take a water/Gatorade cup from so they're ready for the hand off. Try not to get splashed by other runners throwing their cups around!
Post-Race
- Pre-plan your reunion spot with friends/family. Cell service might be spotty at the end due to crowds. There are red alphabetical towers in Butler Field– pick one ahead of time to meet your loved ones at. Have a backup location outside of Grant Park as well. The surrounding area gets PACKED and getting into the finish area can be tough, especially if your spectators saw you late race and don't have a ton of time to make it to Grant Park to meet you! It was too chaotic for Greg to get into Grant Park, so we ended up meeting back at the hotel.
- Walk!!! Rest is important but don't veg out for the next week. Light activity such as easy walking will promote blood flow and circulation that will speed recovery. Sleep and eat well! The race might be over, but now is the time to focus on fueling and recovering well to prevent injury. Enjoy the accomplishment! Wear the medal the rest of the day– and Medal Monday too! It will explain to others on the sidewalk why you're walking funny and to please yield...
Chicago is a beautiful city and I feel so privileged to have received a lottery spot to run this incredible race!
