March 28, 2025 • 41 mins
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the fastest, most iconic races in the world, and today, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know! Whether you’re racing this year, working on your six-star journey, or just love a good marathon breakdown, this episode is packed with insights, logistics, and fun Chicago history.
Joining Coach Christine is Ashley Lucas of Mystical Dream Travel, an expert in runcation planning and travel logistics, to help navigate the best places to stay, eat, and explore before and after the race.
But this episode is extra special—because Chicago was Coach Christine’s very first marathon! So expect some fun storytelling, a bit of nostalgia, and plenty of tips to make your Chicago experience extraordinary.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ A Mile-by-Mile Breakdown of the course—including where you’ll find the fastest and trickiest sections
✔️ How to prepare for the flat but potentially deceptive course (pacing tips matter!)
✔️ Tips for running in windy conditions and dealing with Chicago’s unpredictable weather
✔️ Best spectator spots & how to navigate the city on race day using public transit
✔️ How to get into the race if you want to run Chicago in the future
✔️ Legendary moments, fun facts, and pop culture references tied to the Chicago Marathon
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🏃♀️ Be part of The Stride Collective – Our podcast listener group where we talk all things running, training, and racing!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey everyone, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides,
a podcast where we lace up, welean in and we take
extraordinary strides together.
I'm Coach Christine and todaywe're diving into one of my
absolute favorite marathons.
If you've been listening to mefor a while, you know how I feel
about the Chicago Marathon and,of course, I wouldn't want to
do this without my partner incrime when it comes to
Runcations travel expert Ashleyfrom Mystical Dream Travel.
(00:25):
Hello Ashley.
Hi Christine, how are you?
I'm good and I'm so excited tohave this conversation about
Chicago with you, because you'retackling Chicago this year.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
I sure am, and I'm so excited that this is my first
one up.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
What are your favorite things Like?
What are you thinking thatyou're most excited about when
it comes to Chicago?
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Oh boy, um well, uh, for one, getting out of the
airport and not just seeingChicago from inside of the
airport, I have only, uh, flownthrough Chicago.
I've never actually beenoutside, so actually seeing the
area and the city and everything, excited to see the bean.
I'm really excited to stay atthe Palmer house right outside
(01:11):
of, like, all of the festivitiesand see all of that happening.
I'm really excited for my firsttrue world major experience and
like seeing the chaos thatcomes with it.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
But how organized they have you know they have,
this one's the best science,Like I feel like out of the
marathons in terms of ease fortackling a marathon that's so
big.
Chicago is it?
Because and we'll get into theconversation but it's really
well organized.
The city is incredible, it'sfast, it's flat.
It's pretty much the best majorI feel to kick it off with.
(01:50):
And that could be because I'mpartial, because it was my first
marathon in my first major, butit is incredible.
So let's get into it, let's getinto dabbling a little bit more
about it.
It is a fantastic race to chasea PR.
So I'm going to ask you do youthink that's what you're kind of
endeavoring, or are you kind ofjust letting it be and taking
all that world marathon majorenergy in?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
No, I think.
I think it's a PR course.
There's so many people thatcome out of this race that
actually have PRs, and some ofthem even unintentionally, which
I love about it, you know thoseare the best Fun on a course
and come out on the PR.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
It's better those are the absolute best.
So today we're going to covereverything about the history of
the Chicago marathon why it'ssuch a big deal, how to get in,
because of course we know thatthe world marathon majors are
slightly difficult to get intoI'm probably slightly under
exaggerating that one.
The course itself we're goingto go actually point by point on
(02:47):
this course what to expect andbest places to eat, explore and
celebrate in Chicago.
Ashley has done all the legworkon that for us and race day
tips and common mistakes toavoid.
So, ashley, let's get thismoving and grooving.
Do you want to maybe kick off alittle bit of the history of
Chicago Marathon?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Absolutely because Chicago, I'm sorry, the modern
Chicago Marathon started in 1977.
But note I said modern.
The original Chicago Marathonwas done in 1905.
That's a long time ago.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
That's a really long time for a marathon.
It was, I feel like it was alittle less structured.
I heard that actually thewinter, actually even fueled
with whiskey, which was verypopular at that time, Whiskey
and champagne were consideredhydrating beverages for runners.
Now, while some say you shouldnot do that, I will say that
this may be one of those casesof do as I say, not as I do,
(03:48):
because you guys do know that Ilove me some stranger danger aid
stations, but I did not partakein whiskey or champagne at all
on the course for Chicago.
But tell us more.
I just I.
It was my first, so I juststuck with what I knew.
So tell me more about themodern Chicago, my friend.
Oh my gosh.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Well, after a long hiatus, the race came back
strong in 1977 as a mayor dailymarathon with just 4,200 runners
.
Today it's one of the largestraces in the world with over
45,000 finishers each year.
Now I would love to see everyyear the ratio of people that
(04:30):
apply to the lottery try to getin with charities, because I
know a lot of the charities tooare on wait lists Like that's
45,000 finishers every year,that's just finishers.
It's incredible.
That's not people signing upand, unfortunately, never making
.
That's just finishers, it'sincredible.
That's not people signing up and, unfortunately, never making it
to the start line.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Yeah, it is.
It's wild.
I mean it's truly wild.
It has changed so much andwe're seeing that with the
majors.
But again, why it's soimportant for you to kind of
keep tuning in friends, becausewe're going to talk a little bit
about maybe some ways and youcan tell us too, ashley, how you
tackled getting into Chicago,if you were a lucky lottery
winner or if you decided to do acharity route.
(05:11):
But we'll get to that in asecond because let's talk about
how fast this course is.
Chicago has seen world recordsbroken seven times Now.
I know we talked about Berlinalso being the fastest per se
marathon in the world.
I think Chicago's toe-to-toewith it and I'm thinking that
for the United States, at leasthere and of the majors we have
(05:33):
in North America, it isabsolutely the fastest course.
So we've got Kelvin Kiptonshattering the men's world
record in 2023, running twohours and 35 seconds.
Let's process that, because wejust had that breaking the tube
barrier happened not too longago in Berlin, but it was
completely structured to breakthat barrier, where this is just
(05:55):
.
It just happened because of hisincredible training and the
course conditions being perfect.
So that's exciting.
And, of course, the women'srecord was also smashed by Ruth
Chyvatnagich.
I hope I got that right In 2024by 20956.
Again, we talk about it everytime, but these are half
marathon times in my brain, likeI have such a hard time
(06:17):
wrapping my mind about the speed.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Yeah and like, can we talk about for a minute that
the women's record is only about10 minutes off of the men's?
Speaker 1 (06:26):
It's, it's incredible .
These athletes are amazing.
They're amazing to watch, sohopefully, people that are
listening along it's because youreally do want to learn more
about the majors and you'remaybe even thinking I really
want to run this race, so I'mgoing to turn it over to you.
How did you get in?
And then maybe you could giveus a glimpse as to all the
different ways that people canget that magic Willy Wonka
(06:51):
golden ticket Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
And you're totally right.
It is the Willy Wonka goldenticket.
I was lucky enough in year twoof applying to the lottery
getting that golden ticket.
Year one I did get therejection letter, but that's
okay, just like it's not my timeto start this, so that's all
right.
You got to keep applying andtake them as they come, as the
(07:16):
great Christine has told me justtry, and if you get it, you'll
figure it out.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah, exactly, which is always exciting, and you do
figure it out.
And you know I'm thinking backto your year that you applied.
Was it your perfect run Disneyyear?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
It was, and then we ended up buying a house last
year and all of that chaos, likethere was some reason that I
did not get in.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
This is such a much better year for you for sure,
absolutely so.
Yes, if you guys didn't getthat unfortunate, you didn't
make it wah wah email sayingthat you didn't get a general
entry.
That generally opens inNovember.
There are other ways to get in,so I know that you have gone
the charity route.
Tell us a little bit about that.
In the past with other races.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Yeah, they do have several charity partners that
you can partner with.
I have done charity races for acouple other races, including
Run Disney, Pittsburgh and someother local races, and it's such
a great way to put meaning toyour miles.
(08:20):
You know you're you're runningfor a greater cause than just
yourself.
Like, yeah, we run because it'sfun, we get to meet people, we
get to see the world, we, we getto keep our bodies moving and
healthy.
But it's always nice when youhave some greater meaning to it.
Um, that kind of gets you outof bed in the morning, get you
(08:44):
to that start line fueledappropriately and just not give
up on that course.
Um, because I mean, quitehonestly, there's there's a lot
of great causes out there.
There's there's research,cancer, uh, research, Um,
there's helping the hungry.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
There's, uh, the world yeah, back on my feet,
which is actually headquarteredthere.
There's so many great likenon-profits.
There is something that speaksto your heart and that's what it
takes to be a good fundraiser,so I will absolutely say that
that's such a wonderful way toget in.
Um, there's, of course, thetime qualifying standards as
(09:22):
well, so there's that option andI believe that they have like a
loyalty program, a little bitof like a alumni program, a
legacy runner program as well.
So that's always an excitingone.
And again, we're going tomention if you are pursuing the
Abbott World Marathon majors andyou have created your profile,
(09:42):
they have special lotteryentries both through the Abbott
Run Club and through the WorldMarathon Majors Abbott actual
website.
So stay in tune to that.
Don't forget to register foryour free Abbott World Marathon
Major profile.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Absolutely, and you always have the option for
international runners as runningthrough tour operators, you can
get the approved travel agencykind of ticket in there where
they do your accommodations,some local tours and, of course,
that coveted race bib.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
I know which.
I'm starting to learn moreabout the tour operators,
because I really feel like for alot of folks that may
international folks that isdefinitely the way to go If you
are a little skittish aboutfundraising, because they do
kind of help take that pressureoff that a lot of folks are
worried about.
(10:40):
I mean, I will likely say thatmy heart will always be more in
the fundraising route, but I dothink that there is a lot to be
said about that, that route aswell.
Okay, my friend, we got alittle bit into how to get in.
I want to get into the coursewith you.
If that works, what do youthink?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Let's head on down.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Of course the expo is incredible.
We'll talk about that too.
But this course, I just I gottatell you, even standing at the
start line of this course andbeing surrounded by all these
gorgeous tall buildings of beingdowntown, starting in Grant
Park, right along Lake Michigan,all of it just feels absolutely
iconic.
And those first few miles aregoing to be fast, they're going
(11:21):
to be electric, they're going tobe packed, cheering crowds, but
your GPS is not going to workat all.
So just know that thisparticular race is truly well
known for your GPS going bonkersfor the first few miles.
So what I would suggest forfolks that do want to target a
PR an intentional PR, I shouldsay to use a race pace band to
(11:46):
make sure that when you clockthose mile markers that are very
well posted, you can make surethat you're staying on target
for your actual race.
But that's my exciting part,because I was just that first 5K
was the most incredible 5K ofmy life, I think.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Oh see, I love that.
And and, looking back to lastyear, one of my friends got the
chance to run this and you saythe cheering crowds in the tall
buildings, but let's talk aboutthe dogs that are on the course.
I feel like this race has somany dogs along the course
cheering for runners and it'slike the thing ever Like you
(12:24):
have a dog wagging its tail andso happy to be there to cheer
you on, like that'll make mekeep going.
I mean, I want to go pet thembut Well, you can.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
I mean you can.
It may slightly change or alteryour finish time, but at the
end of the day, like if you haveto measure your success based
on how many dogs you pet versusyour speed, like it's kind of
right there, that's a that's atough one, I'd say that I would
say that petting all the dogsdefinitely speaks to my soul, no
doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
So when we, what was it?
Speaker 1 (12:58):
A pig, every woman's.
I was so excited I had neverseen the pig or a boar or
whatever that thing was before.
I have seen little mini poniesat the Hatfield McCoy, um.
So I think that we're startingto just have more iconic um like
went upmanship going on at allthese incredible races.
So again, this is part of thisis the one part where I will say
(13:19):
that targeting any of the worldmarathon majors for PR races
can have a little bit of adrawback, just because there is
so much to soak in into thesetypes of races, um, but I still
feel like even with a PR, youcan still soak in a lot of the
incredibleness, um.
So when we get past mile oneand four, we're going to go into
(13:39):
Lincoln park, to Lakeview andLakeview.
This will take you into some ofthe most beautiful areas of
Chicago.
You get a mix of tree-linedstreets and historic brownstones
and the gorgeous Lakeviews.
And I think for you, ashley,are you a baseball fan?
Speaker 2 (13:56):
I could give or miss.
I love baseball but I kind ofwant to go see the Cubs when
we're there.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
You will Do.
You think you're going to makethat happen?
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I think so because it's such an iconic field and
team Like.
It's something that everybodyknows, Um.
For those of you that don'tknow, I am from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, uh, just outsideof there, so we are home to the
Pittsburgh pirates.
Um, I love going to thebaseball games, not for the
baseball, because they speak forthemselves, but we are home to
(14:30):
um.
I think it is still ranked atone of the top um baseball
stadiums in the world toexperience the game at, and it
really is, I mean, in Pittsburgh.
You're on the water.
Um, it's such a greatatmosphere.
Um, but I have also been to theYankee Stadium, the original
Yankee Stadium, which was veryneat, so I feel like I need to
(14:54):
go watch the Cubs in Chicagowhen we're there.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Okay, let's make that happen.
Now you have another extra todo, which I think that'd be a
great way of kind of gettingeven if it's before or after the
race great way to kind of restup your legs.
So I love that you're going tomake that happen Now, once we
get past seeing the Cubs becauseyou're probably not going to
see them actually on the course,but you will see Wrigleyville
(15:22):
You're going to keep making yourway to Old Town and the West
Loop and you're going to hearagain that roaring crowds.
I will tell you guys, when Idid Chicago, I couldn't hear my
own music for, I don't know,maybe 20 miles, because the
crowds were so insanely loud.
So it gets even louder here,which I don't know how that's
possible.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
But that's, that's what makes you kind of keep
going.
You know it does music when youhave that much cheering going
on.
You know it does music when youhave that much cheering going
on.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
You know, and I, what I think that's so iconic about
Chicago too is that, like everylittle area has its own little
flavor, and I mean that quiteliterally with the food, like
there's like little grease.
And then here in miles 14 to 20, you get Pilsen and the West
side, which is like the Latinoneighborhoods.
They have live mariachi bandsand dancers and some of the most
(16:13):
incredible food smells and somepeople actually hand out some
of the food, kind of hearkeningback to the roots of the
original old marathon, withmaybe not whiskey, but at least
maybe a little snacky poo or two.
And then we get into Chinatownand then the final stretch.
So you will have just so you'reaware, ashley, you're going to
(16:34):
have a little incline at aboutmile, like 25.9 ish, right as
you lead into your last littlepush to that 0.22 of that 26
miles.
They call it Mount Roosevelt,but I promise you it's not going
to be that big.
It's nothing compared to whatyou have near your house.
You'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Oh, who likes a a little challenge at the end of a
marathon?
You know that's yourcelebration time, but again it
is.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
it is humble you you know, I feel confident that
you're going to.
You're going to feel like it'snot even you're gonna be like
what?
Mount Roosevelt, I didn't evensee it.
Okay, With that said, let'salso prepare for the weather.
So tell me, what do you knowabout the weather going into
Chicago?
Speaker 2 (17:22):
So the weather in October is pretty unpredictable
in Chicago, um I, in the pastcouple of years it's kind of had
really crappy weather andreally great weather, so we'll
see what I uh end up with thatday, but temperatures tend to
range between 45 and 60 degreesFahrenheit.
Um, they have some really hotdays sometimes on records, uh,
(17:46):
so we'll be curious to see whatthat ends up like.
Um, their humidity can kind ofvary.
So obviously there's alwaysthat chance of rain showers, um,
hopefully not snow showers toget that chilly, but, uh, that
is also a possibility.
So, making sure you're takingenough equipment with you, um,
(18:09):
if you do have a humidity and orrain.
And then, let's not forget, youhave wind.
Um, it is called the windy cityafter all, so what not to
expect then wind?
Uh, some of those guests canrange from 10 to 20 miles per
hour, um, and sometimes they canget even higher along the way,
(18:30):
the lake front, um, so thatnickname again originates from
politics and not weather, whichis surprising.
But that said, the wind is areal challenge on the race day,
particularly run when running onthat lake front.
Uh, in those wide open streets,kind of use your best judgment
to tuck into those runners whereyou can, if you do get one of
(18:54):
those race days that has thatbig wind gust to to break down
some of it.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
So you just nailed it .
We're gonna talk a little bitabout how to tackle some of the
wind that may be impacting thisrace or any other race, but
specifically for Chicago, sinceit does have a little bit of
association with wind.
However, I will say, for themost part, you have so many
crowds and spectators that thereis a little bit of that beat of
that wind getting broken by thespectators anyway.
(19:22):
But I think something to knowis that there's headwind, which
is running into the wind.
This will slow most folks downand it also increases your
effort so you can keep the samepace.
So you'll actually feel likeyou're working twice as hard.
It's just a natural resistance.
Essentially, there's thetailwind, which is what we wish
everybody would have.
Wind at your back.
That can help to boost yourpace, feels a little easier.
(19:44):
That may make you work a littlebit harder, though, because you
just feel like it's easier.
So you have to really manageyour body temperatures and your
stride and your pace and thecrosswind, which kind of can
throw you for a loop a littlebit, um, just because it forces
you to work a little harder tomaintain more of a steady state.
But you, you nailed it rightout of the gate.
(20:05):
Uh, drafting or tucking inbehind other runners or your
pace group is an absolutefantastic way of doing it.
If you're running with others,you might even like have a
strategy where you guys taketurns of allowing, like somebody
to break the wind and kind ofrotating that in adjusting your
pacing strategy is reallyimportant.
Dressing for the wind what areyou thinking you're going to
(20:28):
wear for this race?
Have you already picked out?
You're awesome.
Is this going to be like acrown for the Windy City
collection?
Is that what you're thinking?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Oh my gosh.
You know there's going to besomething crowned, but I don't
know.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
So that's a perfect outfit for it, though, because
you do want to avoid looseclothing.
So even if you do wear like awindbreaker or rain protection,
making it a little bit more snugto the body is going to be
important.
Now I feel like I get windburn.
Do you get that on your skin aswell?
Yes, okay.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
Yeah, I've had quite a few times with some windburn
on my cheeks, so you want tomake sure you're protecting them
.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
Yeah, so how do I just apply like a little thin
layer of Vaseline?
But do you have a product thatyou tend to go for?
Speaker 2 (21:10):
little thin layer of Vaseline.
But do you have a product thatyou tend to go for, typically
Vaseline?
If it's really um cold andgusty, I might even go for like
a uh face mask to kind of cover,like an insulated mask or
something, depending on theweather, uh, but definitely, at
least probably, vaseline is myfavorite thing to kind of throw
(21:32):
on.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
It's cheap, it's inexpensive, you can find it
anywhere, even if you forget topack it.
So I definitely agree with you100%.
I think that you may find thatmiles one to three may have a
little bit of wind tunnel actionhappening, because the
skyscraper is a little bit more,mile 16 to 20 because it's a
little bit more open, and thenmile 23 to 26, along with Mount
(21:53):
Roosevelt, may have a little bitof headwind.
So we're going to though we'regoing to put it out there right
here Now we're going to wishthat 2025 has nothing but
perfect temperatures and only alittle bit of tailwind, to kind
of push you forward and pusheverybody else forward.
So one thing that we havetalked about is how great
spectators are, and I knowyou've done some research as to
(22:15):
where the spectators should gohead out and do some of their
cheering.
So you tell me, my friend,where should we spot our
spectators or family membersthat are with us along the
course?
Speaker 2 (22:26):
So my um first spot actually these are all ones that
I will be sending Cole to whenhe is out there to watch me run
the race.
But Grand Avenue in LaSalleStreet, this is perfect for that
early race excitement Kind ofget there, get pictures of your
(22:47):
runners while they're fresh andsmiling, and the packed crowd
energy is always something thatis so fun when you're coming out
of those gates.
Um, you can take the red lineto grand at mile two or the
Brown and purple line to Chicago.
Uh, to get to mile three andhere's a little pro tip that I
(23:08):
think you have shared isgrabbing a coffee from an
Intelligista.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
How do you say that I'm going to go with that
Exactly, intelligista.
Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Yeah, I love it.
I mean I'm going to grab acoffee from everywhere that I
possibly can, but consideringthis is like one of the go-to
coffee shops in Chicago area, Idefinitely would say that's one
of my faves.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, even that, I know I'll find Cole at Stan's
Donuts before heading to thenext stop, because we are donut
people.
Speaker 1 (23:43):
You have to.
There's like donut tours there.
You guys have to book that toowhen you're there you know, it,
you know it.
Have to book that too whenyou're there.
You know it, you know it.
So yeah, what I was gonna say,do we?
Speaker 2 (23:55):
have other spots that you're gonna be looking for
folks, of course.
Next up is around mile eight,uh, which is boils down.
This is known for the highenergy party zone, uh, so there
will be a drag queen, cheerstation, dance, music and
massive support that make thisone of the most fun spots on the
course.
I'm really looking forward tothis one it's a lot of fun
(24:16):
because I tend to dance along mylong runs to make it a little
bit more enjoyable, so that'llbe perfect for me.
um, and our spectators are goingto take the red line to belmont
to get there, but make sure youget there early because, since
this is such a popular spot, thecrowds do fill in fast, so make
(24:37):
sure you have some time forthat.
And then also visit replay, apopular arcade bar, and it
sometimes opens early forspectators, which I love.
A good bar that, uh, supportsthe spectators on the course.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
I think it's really important.
Yes, we should have ourspectators caffeinated and
hydrated with the carb loadingbeverage of choice.
Um.
So I love that.
The races, and especially themajors.
They have a lot of restaurantsthat come out for folks, but
that's not it.
There's still some.
I'm telling you, so manyspectating spots.
Where else are we finding folksat?
Speaker 2 (25:11):
The next stop is going to be mile 13.1.
So just about halfway throughthis is going to be the charity
block party.
So charity runners get extralove and motivation here, and
the West Loop has amazing foodoptions.
So you will take the blue lineto Racine and this is a great
(25:35):
spot for our spectators to grabsome lunch, hit up, time out
market or girl in the goat afteryour runner passes.
I love those favorite.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
It's my favorite favorite place.
I will say that that'ssomething.
I'm sorry to interrupt youagain, but, friends for Chicago,
these restaurants book upsometimes months in advance and
unless if you want a reservationat like 1230 at night, I
strongly suggest that you makethose reservations as early as
you possibly can.
And there's several more since,since I did it for sure, but I
(26:07):
would definitely definitely stopthere, without a doubt.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
Absolutely.
Absolutely these are all on mylist and I will be sending this
to cold research and pick upsome food for me along the way.
But next up, at mile 16 to 17,we visit Pilsene.
This is known for itsincredible crowd energy and
music.
Yet again, if you can't tellthe theme along here, they are
very loud, as we've alreadymentioned.
(26:40):
But Pilsene is known for livemariachi bands, loud cheers and
colorful banners.
Our spectators are going totake the pink line to 18th
street to get there and then Ithis is another stop I know I
will find cole at.
You can pick up tacos atcarnitas, your pan, before
heading to your next stop.
(27:01):
I still hear about the tacosafter dopey last year.
I still hear about those tacos,so Dopey last year.
I still hear about those tacos.
So I know I will find Cole here.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Okay, so I'm curious Was it the tacos at the like,
the taco we had at sweat runDisney?
There's the little food trucks.
Was there a food truck that wastaco based and he liked it?
I've never had it there.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Yeah, it was just a little food truck and obviously
local um kind of spot if it wasa food truck pulling up.
And I still hear about thesetacos to this day he is a taco
fanatic.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
I mean, how could you go wrong with it?
Seriously, I think you guys aregoing to, you may never move,
you may never come back homefrom Chicago Cause there's so
many great taco places there.
Like it's going to beincredible for you guys Well
there's tacos and donuts.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Why would you want to come home and beer?
Speaker 1 (27:54):
So what seriously we've just made.
I feel like this is now why weknow why there's so many people
who are getting.
Unfortunately, that wet, wetrejection lottery letter is
because this race in the city isso incredible.
I mean, I could be partial, butit is one of my favorites, okay
.
So once he's done getting histacos, where else are you
sending him to?
Speaker 2 (28:13):
He is heading to Chinatown, which is at mile 21
to 22.
So by mile 21, runners arehitting the wall, but Chinatown
brings back the energy.
There are going to betraditional lion dancers,
drummers so much motivation inthis area and our spectators are
going to take the red line tosim art samak chinatown.
(28:38):
They are going to be able tograb bubble tea from joy ye or
dim sim um for some ming hincuisine while they are waiting
for their runners to comethrough.
So a lot of fun, kind of alittle dive into to history, you
know, yeah I feel like we needto do.
Speaker 1 (28:58):
It sounds like there's a food tour that could
take place for our spectators atthe same exact time we need.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
We need a spectator to report back to us.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
How many food stops are we able to hit while
spectating for their runners?
I mean, I think, yes, theydeserve an award for that too.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
Maybe I'll have a little medal made for Cole for
biggest foodie while spectatingor at least like a little
spectator bingo card to see howmany he can check off.
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
Although I do have to say he's going to have to bring
some for me to try later, ortake you back through this
incredible food tour, for sure,yeah, absolutely.
And then next, we we stillaren't done which there's a lot
of stops on here.
At mile 25 to mile 26 isMichigan Avenue, so this will be
your final push to the finish.
It is where runners have to digdeep.
You'll see raw emotions, a lotof exhausted but determined
(29:56):
faces and final spirits to glory.
The runner, or the spectators,will take the red line to
Roosevelt to get to thislocation Definitely something I
am looking forward to.
And then make sure you'restanding on the left side of
Michigan street, as the finalturn onto Roosevelt road is
(30:16):
uphill and runners needencouragement here.
So shout out to all of thespectators that go to this area,
because that is something thatI know I will be looking forward
to when we go to partake inthis race.
Speaker 1 (30:30):
I think so, and I would say that that's almost
more important than the finishline though I know everybody
loves to get the finish line butjust because we do need that
friendly face at that pointwhere you're just, you're just
exhausted and you know thatyou're close and you're going to
get there, but you just seethat little bit of pep in your
step.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
Absolutely.
And then of course, we do, likeyou said, have the finish line.
Nothing beats seeing a runneracross the finish line with the
skyline as the backdrop.
Spectators can take the red,blue, brown, orange or pink line
jackson to get to this location.
You will need a spectator passto get into the finish line.
(31:11):
Bleachers um, otherwise headtoward.
But butler field for post racereunions, and I do think this is
something if you want to see arunner across that finish line
is well worth um the the pass Ithink when I had checked it was,
I want to say it was under $50.
I don't remember exactly howmuch, but it's definitely going
(31:34):
to be money well spent if that'ssomething that's important to
you.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
Yeah, and I think it's important.
The reason why I think it'smoney well spent too is because
it can be very overwhelming toget into that reunion area or to
get to the reunion area, andsometimes the cell phone signals
as we've already talked abouttheir GPS signals are a little
wonky.
So I think having that plan ofseeing them with the spectator
pass and then knowing exactlywhere you can meet them
afterward is always reallybeneficial, because it does take
(31:59):
a while to get out of thesepost-run or post-race finish
shoots and I will say this is anambitious spectator tour.
So I would probably say to picka few instead of trying to hit
them all, and then work with therunner to see which one means
the most to them.
But in the know that, of course, the L line and all the
(32:20):
different public transportationis gonna probably be a little
bit packed, but I do thinkChicago is a very user-friendly,
travel-friendly transportationarea to be able to see folks the
most.
So I really I already talkedabout the L train, which is just
the elevated train it's thefastest option and it does
almost get you everywhere youwant to be.
(32:41):
There's Divvy bikes.
That wasn't around when I wasdoing the race, but Chicago's
bike sharing system.
I've seen a lot of spectatorsstart using those more and that
they're readily available in alot of these major cities.
And, of course, walking beprepared to walk.
Do not think of using Uber ortaxis or even driving, because
it's just gonna be nearlyimpossible all the road closures
(33:02):
.
So using that publictransportation in your own two
feet.
That's why you get to have allthis delicious food like the
bubble tea and the tacos to keepyour energy up as a spectator.
So I think that, again, youcould do like three stops if you
are a little overwhelmed by itall.
If you feel like you are a profor spectating and you want to
(33:23):
tackle the mostest, I would sayplan for five stops, but I would
say three is likely idealbecause it does take a bit to
get around.
We know we've talked about itbefore with our spectator
episode, but we're going to talkabout it again Track your
runner.
I have found a little secretfrom actually a run Disney
(33:44):
runner.
They use air tags becausesometimes the tracking from the
races can be a little bit behind.
So they have found that airtags really work really well for
them and I tried it actually atevery women's marathon.
I didn't find that I was assuccessful with it, but that
could be a me problem with how Ihave it set up, so maybe trying
(34:05):
it before you get to the racecourse and I actually had uh
used the phone tracking whichagain it's still going off the
signals and we have very goodsuccess with it for a little
while and then, for whateverreason, this is when I was
running with the Apple watch atthe time.
Speaker 2 (34:23):
This is when I was running with the Apple watch at
the time and once that died itstopped tracking me for some
reason and I was like, oh no.
Speaker 1 (34:32):
It's yeah.
That's why having a pre-plannedspectator meetup somewhere like
post race is really importantto do.
Yeah, but you know, what I'mreally excited about in all of
your rankation and travelingexpertise is for you to tell us
where we should go before andafter the race, like what are
must-dos, ashley.
Speaker 2 (34:54):
So before the race, obviously, the expo we need to
go get the goodies and shop.
The expo is at McCormick'splace and it is huge.
Another thing that is lovely todo pre-race to save those legs
is an architecture boat tour onChicago river.
Or, like I am planning to do,is visit millennium park and the
(35:20):
bean so you can see thosepre-race uh pictures and then
maybe go back afterwards forsome pictures with medals.
And we need to talk about thefood, because I mean there's so
much food in this episode, weneed to just continue that.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
Chicago feels like it's a foodie city.
I mean, I guess that they allare right when we're talking
about the majors're all worldrenowned, but I feel like you
can't go to Chicago withoutreally honing in on the food.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
So tell me more about that wow, and I'm looking
forward to this the originaldeep dish pizza okay.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
So I'm curious are you a deep dish girl or are you
more of a like New York slicewhat's, what's your jam?
Speaker 2 (36:07):
I see I haven't really had a really good deep
dish pizza Cause it doesn'texist.
I love like a doughy pizza, soI feel, like a good thing for me
.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Yeah, oh see, and that's what I don't love and
that's why I don't like deepdish.
I feel like it's like it's toomuch.
I mean, I love me some carbs,but I like want to spread out my
love for carbs and differentfoods and I don't want it all in
just this one big, ginormousball of dough.
But I will not say that in theactual Chicago, chicago or
Chicago land, cause I'm surethat I would have been run off.
(36:43):
Um, I also think, like go ahead.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
How about a post-race beer, I mean that that's a must
.
Speaker 1 (36:56):
So my go-to actually that I love after a marathon is
a beer, which is the only time Ireally drink.
Beer and a burger Like thoseare the two things I crave, so I
would definitely be down with apost-race beer.
Where am I going for it?
Speaker 2 (37:05):
So you're going to go to goose Island brewery and
then maybe take a little walkalong Navy pier or the Chicago
river walk so you can kind ofshake out those legs a little
bit.
But I'm going to that, thegoose Island brewery Cause.
I also love me some postmarathon um beers to kind of
(37:25):
relax.
You did all the hard work.
Now it's time to enjoy.
Speaker 1 (37:30):
Well, what I love also about Chicago and I will
say that about like some of theother races as well is that
they're kind of iconic with popculture.
So for me I loved watchingFerris Bueller's Day Off growing
up, so getting to see some ofthose famous scenes along the
course.
The Marathon Connection is theparade scene at Dearborn Street
is actually mile three whereFarrah sings Twist and Shout,
(37:51):
and of course there's alwaysjust that fun of kind of like
envisioning all of that partyenergy there, which isn't too
hard.
I mean, chicago kind of playedGotham City a little bit, so
there's a lot of filminglocations there as well.
And then we talked aboutbaseball.
We're going to talk aboutbasketball because of course,
chicago's legendary for this andMichael Jordan's flu game, 1997
(38:16):
NBA finals.
And the reason why I'm tyingthis to the marathon is because
I feel like this is exactly thekind of like mindset that we
have to have when we have to diga little deeper.
So I don't know if you've everheard that iconic like Michael
Jordan being able to.
We wish that we could play asgood as he can while he's on the
flu, like, cause he was stillable to drop 38 points in a
crucial finals game.
That's incredible.
(38:36):
So when you are needing to pushit through, get a little bit of
that old, be like Mike kind ofenergy that we had growing up
from.
The old Gatorade ads, um andthen of the Marathon is the
reason why, to this day, I ran amarathon.
I saw it and I thought I haveto make Chicago happen.
So while you're training on thetread sometime this summer, you
have to definitely watch that,if you haven't already.
Speaker 2 (38:59):
Oh my gosh, that's a little trip.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
I'm going to put it into your final surge, my friend
, I'm going to set the workoutto Spirit of the Marathon, so
we're going to put it into yourfinal surge, my friend.
Like you, like, I'm going toset the workout to to spirit of
the marathon, so we're going tohave to make that happen.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
Oh, I love it.
Speaker 1 (39:13):
Oh well, this is such a great, great conversation.
I think I am more excited aboutChicago than I have been in a
very long time, even though I'vealways been excited about it,
because I can't wait for you torun it.
I hope, friends, that you guysfeel like you got quite a bit of
information here for thisparticular year's Chicago
Marathon.
The conversation doesn't stopjust here, though.
We'd love for you to keep theenergy going by joining us at
(39:35):
the Stride Collective or Womenof the World Marathon Majors
Facebook group pages and Ashley,I know that you are kind of
going to lead the charge withquite a few folks out there in
terms of that are tackling thisrace.
So what are you excited, as wefinish this up, to do most for
(39:56):
Chicago at this point.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
So I'm really just excited to kind of take it all
in as as my first world major Um, it's going to be so much fun.
I I'm really excited for theroar of the crowd it boils down,
uh, the final stretch downColumbus drive.
You know, just seeing the city,like I said, from outside of
(40:21):
the airport, you know, actuallygoing and running in the city,
um, but really just taking itall in and hopefully coming home
with a shiny new PR.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
I think I'm going to cry Like I'm good.
I think I'm going to cryknowing that you crossed this
finish line.
It's going to be so incredible,um, so I can't wait to see you
take this on.
So, friends, we want to cheeryou on as well.
Drop into one of those Facebookgroup pages, let us know if
you're running Chicago, anduntil next time, we want to
cheer you on as well.
Drop into one of those Facebookgroup pages, let us know if
you're running Chicago, anduntil next time, we want to
thank you for listening in.
(40:51):
Happy training, happy racing,and we'll catch up the next
Extraordinary Strides podcast.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides,
a podcast where we lace up, welean in and we take
extraordinary strides together.
I'm Coach Christine and todaywe're diving into one of my
absolute favorite marathons.
If you've been listening to mefor a while, you know how I feel
about the Chicago Marathon and,of course, I wouldn't want to
do this without my partner incrime when it comes to
Runcations travel expert Ashleyfrom Mystical Dream Travel.
(00:25):
Hello Ashley.
Hi Christine, how are you?
I'm good and I'm so excited tohave this conversation about
Chicago with you, because you'retackling Chicago this year.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
I sure am, and I'm so excited that this is my first
one up.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
What are your favorite things Like?
What are you thinking thatyou're most excited about when
it comes to Chicago?
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Oh boy, um well, uh, for one, getting out of the
airport and not just seeingChicago from inside of the
airport, I have only, uh, flownthrough Chicago.
I've never actually beenoutside, so actually seeing the
area and the city and everything, excited to see the bean.
I'm really excited to stay atthe Palmer house right outside
(01:11):
of, like, all of the festivitiesand see all of that happening.
I'm really excited for my firsttrue world major experience and
like seeing the chaos thatcomes with it.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
But how organized they have you know they have,
this one's the best science,Like I feel like out of the
marathons in terms of ease fortackling a marathon that's so
big.
Chicago is it?
Because and we'll get into theconversation but it's really
well organized.
The city is incredible, it'sfast, it's flat.
It's pretty much the best majorI feel to kick it off with.
(01:50):
And that could be because I'mpartial, because it was my first
marathon in my first major, butit is incredible.
So let's get into it, let's getinto dabbling a little bit more
about it.
It is a fantastic race to chasea PR.
So I'm going to ask you do youthink that's what you're kind of
endeavoring, or are you kind ofjust letting it be and taking
all that world marathon majorenergy in?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
No, I think.
I think it's a PR course.
There's so many people thatcome out of this race that
actually have PRs, and some ofthem even unintentionally, which
I love about it, you know thoseare the best Fun on a course
and come out on the PR.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
It's better those are the absolute best.
So today we're going to covereverything about the history of
the Chicago marathon why it'ssuch a big deal, how to get in,
because of course we know thatthe world marathon majors are
slightly difficult to get intoI'm probably slightly under
exaggerating that one.
The course itself we're goingto go actually point by point on
(02:47):
this course what to expect andbest places to eat, explore and
celebrate in Chicago.
Ashley has done all the legworkon that for us and race day
tips and common mistakes toavoid.
So, ashley, let's get thismoving and grooving.
Do you want to maybe kick off alittle bit of the history of
Chicago Marathon?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Absolutely because Chicago, I'm sorry, the modern
Chicago Marathon started in 1977.
But note I said modern.
The original Chicago Marathonwas done in 1905.
That's a long time ago.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
That's a really long time for a marathon.
It was, I feel like it was alittle less structured.
I heard that actually thewinter, actually even fueled
with whiskey, which was verypopular at that time, Whiskey
and champagne were consideredhydrating beverages for runners.
Now, while some say you shouldnot do that, I will say that
this may be one of those casesof do as I say, not as I do,
(03:48):
because you guys do know that Ilove me some stranger danger aid
stations, but I did not partakein whiskey or champagne at all
on the course for Chicago.
But tell us more.
I just I.
It was my first, so I juststuck with what I knew.
So tell me more about themodern Chicago, my friend.
Oh my gosh.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Well, after a long hiatus, the race came back
strong in 1977 as a mayor dailymarathon with just 4,200 runners
.
Today it's one of the largestraces in the world with over
45,000 finishers each year.
Now I would love to see everyyear the ratio of people that
(04:30):
apply to the lottery try to getin with charities, because I
know a lot of the charities tooare on wait lists Like that's
45,000 finishers every year,that's just finishers.
It's incredible.
That's not people signing upand, unfortunately, never making
.
That's just finishers, it'sincredible.
That's not people signing up and, unfortunately, never making it
to the start line.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Yeah, it is.
It's wild.
I mean it's truly wild.
It has changed so much andwe're seeing that with the
majors.
But again, why it's soimportant for you to kind of
keep tuning in friends, becausewe're going to talk a little bit
about maybe some ways and youcan tell us too, ashley, how you
tackled getting into Chicago,if you were a lucky lottery
winner or if you decided to do acharity route.
(05:11):
But we'll get to that in asecond because let's talk about
how fast this course is.
Chicago has seen world recordsbroken seven times Now.
I know we talked about Berlinalso being the fastest per se
marathon in the world.
I think Chicago's toe-to-toewith it and I'm thinking that
for the United States, at leasthere and of the majors we have
(05:33):
in North America, it isabsolutely the fastest course.
So we've got Kelvin Kiptonshattering the men's world
record in 2023, running twohours and 35 seconds.
Let's process that, because wejust had that breaking the tube
barrier happened not too longago in Berlin, but it was
completely structured to breakthat barrier, where this is just
(05:55):
.
It just happened because of hisincredible training and the
course conditions being perfect.
So that's exciting.
And, of course, the women'srecord was also smashed by Ruth
Chyvatnagich.
I hope I got that right In 2024by 20956.
Again, we talk about it everytime, but these are half
marathon times in my brain, likeI have such a hard time
(06:17):
wrapping my mind about the speed.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Yeah and like, can we talk about for a minute that
the women's record is only about10 minutes off of the men's?
Speaker 1 (06:26):
It's, it's incredible .
These athletes are amazing.
They're amazing to watch, sohopefully, people that are
listening along it's because youreally do want to learn more
about the majors and you'remaybe even thinking I really
want to run this race, so I'mgoing to turn it over to you.
How did you get in?
And then maybe you could giveus a glimpse as to all the
different ways that people canget that magic Willy Wonka
(06:51):
golden ticket Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
And you're totally right.
It is the Willy Wonka goldenticket.
I was lucky enough in year twoof applying to the lottery
getting that golden ticket.
Year one I did get therejection letter, but that's
okay, just like it's not my timeto start this, so that's all
right.
You got to keep applying andtake them as they come, as the
(07:16):
great Christine has told me justtry, and if you get it, you'll
figure it out.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah, exactly, which is always exciting, and you do
figure it out.
And you know I'm thinking backto your year that you applied.
Was it your perfect run Disneyyear?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
It was, and then we ended up buying a house last
year and all of that chaos, likethere was some reason that I
did not get in.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
This is such a much better year for you for sure,
absolutely so.
Yes, if you guys didn't getthat unfortunate, you didn't
make it wah wah email sayingthat you didn't get a general
entry.
That generally opens inNovember.
There are other ways to get in,so I know that you have gone
the charity route.
Tell us a little bit about that.
In the past with other races.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Yeah, they do have several charity partners that
you can partner with.
I have done charity races for acouple other races, including
Run Disney, Pittsburgh and someother local races, and it's such
a great way to put meaning toyour miles.
(08:20):
You know you're you're runningfor a greater cause than just
yourself.
Like, yeah, we run because it'sfun, we get to meet people, we
get to see the world, we, we getto keep our bodies moving and
healthy.
But it's always nice when youhave some greater meaning to it.
Um, that kind of gets you outof bed in the morning, get you
(08:44):
to that start line fueledappropriately and just not give
up on that course.
Um, because I mean, quitehonestly, there's there's a lot
of great causes out there.
There's there's research,cancer, uh, research, Um,
there's helping the hungry.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
There's, uh, the world yeah, back on my feet,
which is actually headquarteredthere.
There's so many great likenon-profits.
There is something that speaksto your heart and that's what it
takes to be a good fundraiser,so I will absolutely say that
that's such a wonderful way toget in.
Um, there's, of course, thetime qualifying standards as
(09:22):
well, so there's that option andI believe that they have like a
loyalty program, a little bitof like a alumni program, a
legacy runner program as well.
So that's always an excitingone.
And again, we're going tomention if you are pursuing the
Abbott World Marathon majors andyou have created your profile,
(09:42):
they have special lotteryentries both through the Abbott
Run Club and through the WorldMarathon Majors Abbott actual
website.
So stay in tune to that.
Don't forget to register foryour free Abbott World Marathon
Major profile.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Absolutely, and you always have the option for
international runners as runningthrough tour operators, you can
get the approved travel agencykind of ticket in there where
they do your accommodations,some local tours and, of course,
that coveted race bib.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
I know which.
I'm starting to learn moreabout the tour operators,
because I really feel like for alot of folks that may
international folks that isdefinitely the way to go If you
are a little skittish aboutfundraising, because they do
kind of help take that pressureoff that a lot of folks are
worried about.
(10:40):
I mean, I will likely say thatmy heart will always be more in
the fundraising route, but I dothink that there is a lot to be
said about that, that route aswell.
Okay, my friend, we got alittle bit into how to get in.
I want to get into the coursewith you.
If that works, what do youthink?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Let's head on down.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
Of course the expo is incredible.
We'll talk about that too.
But this course, I just I gottatell you, even standing at the
start line of this course andbeing surrounded by all these
gorgeous tall buildings of beingdowntown, starting in Grant
Park, right along Lake Michigan,all of it just feels absolutely
iconic.
And those first few miles aregoing to be fast, they're going
(11:21):
to be electric, they're going tobe packed, cheering crowds, but
your GPS is not going to workat all.
So just know that thisparticular race is truly well
known for your GPS going bonkersfor the first few miles.
So what I would suggest forfolks that do want to target a
PR an intentional PR, I shouldsay to use a race pace band to
(11:46):
make sure that when you clockthose mile markers that are very
well posted, you can make surethat you're staying on target
for your actual race.
But that's my exciting part,because I was just that first 5K
was the most incredible 5K ofmy life, I think.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Oh see, I love that.
And and, looking back to lastyear, one of my friends got the
chance to run this and you saythe cheering crowds in the tall
buildings, but let's talk aboutthe dogs that are on the course.
I feel like this race has somany dogs along the course
cheering for runners and it'slike the thing ever Like you
(12:24):
have a dog wagging its tail andso happy to be there to cheer
you on, like that'll make mekeep going.
I mean, I want to go pet thembut Well, you can.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
I mean you can.
It may slightly change or alteryour finish time, but at the
end of the day, like if you haveto measure your success based
on how many dogs you pet versusyour speed, like it's kind of
right there, that's a that's atough one, I'd say that I would
say that petting all the dogsdefinitely speaks to my soul, no
doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
So when we, what was it?
Speaker 1 (12:58):
A pig, every woman's.
I was so excited I had neverseen the pig or a boar or
whatever that thing was before.
I have seen little mini poniesat the Hatfield McCoy, um.
So I think that we're startingto just have more iconic um like
went upmanship going on at allthese incredible races.
So again, this is part of thisis the one part where I will say
(13:19):
that targeting any of the worldmarathon majors for PR races
can have a little bit of adrawback, just because there is
so much to soak in into thesetypes of races, um, but I still
feel like even with a PR, youcan still soak in a lot of the
incredibleness, um.
So when we get past mile oneand four, we're going to go into
(13:39):
Lincoln park, to Lakeview andLakeview.
This will take you into some ofthe most beautiful areas of
Chicago.
You get a mix of tree-linedstreets and historic brownstones
and the gorgeous Lakeviews.
And I think for you, ashley,are you a baseball fan?
Speaker 2 (13:56):
I could give or miss.
I love baseball but I kind ofwant to go see the Cubs when
we're there.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
You will Do.
You think you're going to makethat happen?
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I think so because it's such an iconic field and
team Like.
It's something that everybodyknows, Um.
For those of you that don'tknow, I am from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, uh, just outsideof there, so we are home to the
Pittsburgh pirates.
Um, I love going to thebaseball games, not for the
baseball, because they speak forthemselves, but we are home to
(14:30):
um.
I think it is still ranked atone of the top um baseball
stadiums in the world toexperience the game at, and it
really is, I mean, in Pittsburgh.
You're on the water.
Um, it's such a greatatmosphere.
Um, but I have also been to theYankee Stadium, the original
Yankee Stadium, which was veryneat, so I feel like I need to
(14:54):
go watch the Cubs in Chicagowhen we're there.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Okay, let's make that happen.
Now you have another extra todo, which I think that'd be a
great way of kind of gettingeven if it's before or after the
race great way to kind of restup your legs.
So I love that you're going tomake that happen Now, once we
get past seeing the Cubs becauseyou're probably not going to
see them actually on the course,but you will see Wrigleyville
(15:22):
You're going to keep making yourway to Old Town and the West
Loop and you're going to hearagain that roaring crowds.
I will tell you guys, when Idid Chicago, I couldn't hear my
own music for, I don't know,maybe 20 miles, because the
crowds were so insanely loud.
So it gets even louder here,which I don't know how that's
possible.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
But that's, that's what makes you kind of keep
going.
You know it does music when youhave that much cheering going
on.
You know it does music when youhave that much cheering going
on.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
You know, and I, what I think that's so iconic about
Chicago too is that, like everylittle area has its own little
flavor, and I mean that quiteliterally with the food, like
there's like little grease.
And then here in miles 14 to 20, you get Pilsen and the West
side, which is like the Latinoneighborhoods.
They have live mariachi bandsand dancers and some of the most
(16:13):
incredible food smells and somepeople actually hand out some
of the food, kind of hearkeningback to the roots of the
original old marathon, withmaybe not whiskey, but at least
maybe a little snacky poo or two.
And then we get into Chinatownand then the final stretch.
So you will have just so you'reaware, ashley, you're going to
(16:34):
have a little incline at aboutmile, like 25.9 ish, right as
you lead into your last littlepush to that 0.22 of that 26
miles.
They call it Mount Roosevelt,but I promise you it's not going
to be that big.
It's nothing compared to whatyou have near your house.
You'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Oh, who likes a a little challenge at the end of a
marathon?
You know that's yourcelebration time, but again it
is.
Speaker 1 (17:08):
it is humble you you know, I feel confident that
you're going to.
You're going to feel like it'snot even you're gonna be like
what?
Mount Roosevelt, I didn't evensee it.
Okay, With that said, let'salso prepare for the weather.
So tell me, what do you knowabout the weather going into
Chicago?
Speaker 2 (17:22):
So the weather in October is pretty unpredictable
in Chicago, um I, in the pastcouple of years it's kind of had
really crappy weather andreally great weather, so we'll
see what I uh end up with thatday, but temperatures tend to
range between 45 and 60 degreesFahrenheit.
Um, they have some really hotdays sometimes on records, uh,
(17:46):
so we'll be curious to see whatthat ends up like.
Um, their humidity can kind ofvary.
So obviously there's alwaysthat chance of rain showers, um,
hopefully not snow showers toget that chilly, but, uh, that
is also a possibility.
So, making sure you're takingenough equipment with you, um,
(18:09):
if you do have a humidity and orrain.
And then, let's not forget, youhave wind.
Um, it is called the windy cityafter all, so what not to
expect then wind?
Uh, some of those guests canrange from 10 to 20 miles per
hour, um, and sometimes they canget even higher along the way,
(18:30):
the lake front, um, so thatnickname again originates from
politics and not weather, whichis surprising.
But that said, the wind is areal challenge on the race day,
particularly run when running onthat lake front.
Uh, in those wide open streets,kind of use your best judgment
to tuck into those runners whereyou can, if you do get one of
(18:54):
those race days that has thatbig wind gust to to break down
some of it.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
So you just nailed it .
We're gonna talk a little bitabout how to tackle some of the
wind that may be impacting thisrace or any other race, but
specifically for Chicago, sinceit does have a little bit of
association with wind.
However, I will say, for themost part, you have so many
crowds and spectators that thereis a little bit of that beat of
that wind getting broken by thespectators anyway.
(19:22):
But I think something to knowis that there's headwind, which
is running into the wind.
This will slow most folks downand it also increases your
effort so you can keep the samepace.
So you'll actually feel likeyou're working twice as hard.
It's just a natural resistance.
Essentially, there's thetailwind, which is what we wish
everybody would have.
Wind at your back.
That can help to boost yourpace, feels a little easier.
(19:44):
That may make you work a littlebit harder, though, because you
just feel like it's easier.
So you have to really manageyour body temperatures and your
stride and your pace and thecrosswind, which kind of can
throw you for a loop a littlebit, um, just because it forces
you to work a little harder tomaintain more of a steady state.
But you, you nailed it rightout of the gate.
(20:05):
Uh, drafting or tucking inbehind other runners or your
pace group is an absolutefantastic way of doing it.
If you're running with others,you might even like have a
strategy where you guys taketurns of allowing, like somebody
to break the wind and kind ofrotating that in adjusting your
pacing strategy is reallyimportant.
Dressing for the wind what areyou thinking you're going to
(20:28):
wear for this race?
Have you already picked out?
You're awesome.
Is this going to be like acrown for the Windy City
collection?
Is that what you're thinking?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Oh my gosh.
You know there's going to besomething crowned, but I don't
know.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
So that's a perfect outfit for it, though, because
you do want to avoid looseclothing.
So even if you do wear like awindbreaker or rain protection,
making it a little bit more snugto the body is going to be
important.
Now I feel like I get windburn.
Do you get that on your skin aswell?
Yes, okay.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
Yeah, I've had quite a few times with some windburn
on my cheeks, so you want tomake sure you're protecting them
.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
Yeah, so how do I just apply like a little thin
layer of Vaseline?
But do you have a product thatyou tend to go for?
Speaker 2 (21:10):
little thin layer of Vaseline.
But do you have a product thatyou tend to go for, typically
Vaseline?
If it's really um cold andgusty, I might even go for like
a uh face mask to kind of cover,like an insulated mask or
something, depending on theweather, uh, but definitely, at
least probably, vaseline is myfavorite thing to kind of throw
(21:32):
on.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
It's cheap, it's inexpensive, you can find it
anywhere, even if you forget topack it.
So I definitely agree with you100%.
I think that you may find thatmiles one to three may have a
little bit of wind tunnel actionhappening, because the
skyscraper is a little bit more,mile 16 to 20 because it's a
little bit more open, and thenmile 23 to 26, along with Mount
(21:53):
Roosevelt, may have a little bitof headwind.
So we're going to though we'regoing to put it out there right
here Now we're going to wishthat 2025 has nothing but
perfect temperatures and only alittle bit of tailwind, to kind
of push you forward and pusheverybody else forward.
So one thing that we havetalked about is how great
spectators are, and I knowyou've done some research as to
(22:15):
where the spectators should gohead out and do some of their
cheering.
So you tell me, my friend,where should we spot our
spectators or family membersthat are with us along the
course?
Speaker 2 (22:26):
So my um first spot actually these are all ones that
I will be sending Cole to whenhe is out there to watch me run
the race.
But Grand Avenue in LaSalleStreet, this is perfect for that
early race excitement Kind ofget there, get pictures of your
(22:47):
runners while they're fresh andsmiling, and the packed crowd
energy is always something thatis so fun when you're coming out
of those gates.
Um, you can take the red lineto grand at mile two or the
Brown and purple line to Chicago.
Uh, to get to mile three andhere's a little pro tip that I
(23:08):
think you have shared isgrabbing a coffee from an
Intelligista.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
How do you say that I'm going to go with that
Exactly, intelligista.
Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Yeah, I love it.
I mean I'm going to grab acoffee from everywhere that I
possibly can, but consideringthis is like one of the go-to
coffee shops in Chicago area, Idefinitely would say that's one
of my faves.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, even that, I know I'll find Cole at Stan's
Donuts before heading to thenext stop, because we are donut
people.
Speaker 1 (23:43):
You have to.
There's like donut tours there.
You guys have to book that toowhen you're there you know, it,
you know it.
Have to book that too whenyou're there.
You know it, you know it.
So yeah, what I was gonna say,do we?
Speaker 2 (23:55):
have other spots that you're gonna be looking for
folks, of course.
Next up is around mile eight,uh, which is boils down.
This is known for the highenergy party zone, uh, so there
will be a drag queen, cheerstation, dance, music and
massive support that make thisone of the most fun spots on the
course.
I'm really looking forward tothis one it's a lot of fun
(24:16):
because I tend to dance along mylong runs to make it a little
bit more enjoyable, so that'llbe perfect for me.
um, and our spectators are goingto take the red line to belmont
to get there, but make sure youget there early because, since
this is such a popular spot, thecrowds do fill in fast, so make
(24:37):
sure you have some time forthat.
And then also visit replay, apopular arcade bar, and it
sometimes opens early forspectators, which I love.
A good bar that, uh, supportsthe spectators on the course.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
I think it's really important.
Yes, we should have ourspectators caffeinated and
hydrated with the carb loadingbeverage of choice.
Um.
So I love that.
The races, and especially themajors.
They have a lot of restaurantsthat come out for folks, but
that's not it.
There's still some.
I'm telling you, so manyspectating spots.
Where else are we finding folksat?
Speaker 2 (25:11):
The next stop is going to be mile 13.1.
So just about halfway throughthis is going to be the charity
block party.
So charity runners get extralove and motivation here, and
the West Loop has amazing foodoptions.
So you will take the blue lineto Racine and this is a great
(25:35):
spot for our spectators to grabsome lunch, hit up, time out
market or girl in the goat afteryour runner passes.
I love those favorite.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
It's my favorite favorite place.
I will say that that'ssomething.
I'm sorry to interrupt youagain, but, friends for Chicago,
these restaurants book upsometimes months in advance and
unless if you want a reservationat like 1230 at night, I
strongly suggest that you makethose reservations as early as
you possibly can.
And there's several more since,since I did it for sure, but I
(26:07):
would definitely definitely stopthere, without a doubt.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
Absolutely.
Absolutely these are all on mylist and I will be sending this
to cold research and pick upsome food for me along the way.
But next up, at mile 16 to 17,we visit Pilsene.
This is known for itsincredible crowd energy and
music.
Yet again, if you can't tellthe theme along here, they are
very loud, as we've alreadymentioned.
(26:40):
But Pilsene is known for livemariachi bands, loud cheers and
colorful banners.
Our spectators are going totake the pink line to 18th
street to get there and then Ithis is another stop I know I
will find cole at.
You can pick up tacos atcarnitas, your pan, before
heading to your next stop.
(27:01):
I still hear about the tacosafter dopey last year.
I still hear about those tacos,so Dopey last year.
I still hear about those tacos.
So I know I will find Cole here.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Okay, so I'm curious Was it the tacos at the like,
the taco we had at sweat runDisney?
There's the little food trucks.
Was there a food truck that wastaco based and he liked it?
I've never had it there.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Yeah, it was just a little food truck and obviously
local um kind of spot if it wasa food truck pulling up.
And I still hear about thesetacos to this day he is a taco
fanatic.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
I mean, how could you go wrong with it?
Seriously, I think you guys aregoing to, you may never move,
you may never come back homefrom Chicago Cause there's so
many great taco places there.
Like it's going to beincredible for you guys Well
there's tacos and donuts.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Why would you want to come home and beer?
Speaker 1 (27:54):
So what seriously we've just made.
I feel like this is now why weknow why there's so many people
who are getting.
Unfortunately, that wet, wetrejection lottery letter is
because this race in the city isso incredible.
I mean, I could be partial, butit is one of my favorites, okay
.
So once he's done getting histacos, where else are you
sending him to?
Speaker 2 (28:13):
He is heading to Chinatown, which is at mile 21
to 22.
So by mile 21, runners arehitting the wall, but Chinatown
brings back the energy.
There are going to betraditional lion dancers,
drummers so much motivation inthis area and our spectators are
going to take the red line tosim art samak chinatown.
(28:38):
They are going to be able tograb bubble tea from joy ye or
dim sim um for some ming hincuisine while they are waiting
for their runners to comethrough.
So a lot of fun, kind of alittle dive into to history, you
know, yeah I feel like we needto do.
Speaker 1 (28:58):
It sounds like there's a food tour that could
take place for our spectators atthe same exact time we need.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
We need a spectator to report back to us.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
How many food stops are we able to hit while
spectating for their runners?
I mean, I think, yes, theydeserve an award for that too.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
Maybe I'll have a little medal made for Cole for
biggest foodie while spectatingor at least like a little
spectator bingo card to see howmany he can check off.
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
Although I do have to say he's going to have to bring
some for me to try later, ortake you back through this
incredible food tour, for sure,yeah, absolutely.
And then next, we we stillaren't done which there's a lot
of stops on here.
At mile 25 to mile 26 isMichigan Avenue, so this will be
your final push to the finish.
It is where runners have to digdeep.
You'll see raw emotions, a lotof exhausted but determined
(29:56):
faces and final spirits to glory.
The runner, or the spectators,will take the red line to
Roosevelt to get to thislocation Definitely something I
am looking forward to.
And then make sure you'restanding on the left side of
Michigan street, as the finalturn onto Roosevelt road is
(30:16):
uphill and runners needencouragement here.
So shout out to all of thespectators that go to this area,
because that is something thatI know I will be looking forward
to when we go to partake inthis race.
Speaker 1 (30:30):
I think so, and I would say that that's almost
more important than the finishline though I know everybody
loves to get the finish line butjust because we do need that
friendly face at that pointwhere you're just, you're just
exhausted and you know thatyou're close and you're going to
get there, but you just seethat little bit of pep in your
step.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
Absolutely.
And then of course, we do, likeyou said, have the finish line.
Nothing beats seeing a runneracross the finish line with the
skyline as the backdrop.
Spectators can take the red,blue, brown, orange or pink line
jackson to get to this location.
You will need a spectator passto get into the finish line.
(31:11):
Bleachers um, otherwise headtoward.
But butler field for post racereunions, and I do think this is
something if you want to see arunner across that finish line
is well worth um the the pass Ithink when I had checked it was,
I want to say it was under $50.
I don't remember exactly howmuch, but it's definitely going
(31:34):
to be money well spent if that'ssomething that's important to
you.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
Yeah, and I think it's important.
The reason why I think it'smoney well spent too is because
it can be very overwhelming toget into that reunion area or to
get to the reunion area, andsometimes the cell phone signals
as we've already talked abouttheir GPS signals are a little
wonky.
So I think having that plan ofseeing them with the spectator
pass and then knowing exactlywhere you can meet them
afterward is always reallybeneficial, because it does take
(31:59):
a while to get out of thesepost-run or post-race finish
shoots and I will say this is anambitious spectator tour.
So I would probably say to picka few instead of trying to hit
them all, and then work with therunner to see which one means
the most to them.
But in the know that, of course, the L line and all the
(32:20):
different public transportationis gonna probably be a little
bit packed, but I do thinkChicago is a very user-friendly,
travel-friendly transportationarea to be able to see folks the
most.
So I really I already talkedabout the L train, which is just
the elevated train it's thefastest option and it does
almost get you everywhere youwant to be.
(32:41):
There's Divvy bikes.
That wasn't around when I wasdoing the race, but Chicago's
bike sharing system.
I've seen a lot of spectatorsstart using those more and that
they're readily available in alot of these major cities.
And, of course, walking beprepared to walk.
Do not think of using Uber ortaxis or even driving, because
it's just gonna be nearlyimpossible all the road closures
(33:02):
.
So using that publictransportation in your own two
feet.
That's why you get to have allthis delicious food like the
bubble tea and the tacos to keepyour energy up as a spectator.
So I think that, again, youcould do like three stops if you
are a little overwhelmed by itall.
If you feel like you are a profor spectating and you want to
(33:23):
tackle the mostest, I would sayplan for five stops, but I would
say three is likely idealbecause it does take a bit to
get around.
We know we've talked about itbefore with our spectator
episode, but we're going to talkabout it again Track your
runner.
I have found a little secretfrom actually a run Disney
(33:44):
runner.
They use air tags becausesometimes the tracking from the
races can be a little bit behind.
So they have found that airtags really work really well for
them and I tried it actually atevery women's marathon.
I didn't find that I was assuccessful with it, but that
could be a me problem with how Ihave it set up, so maybe trying
(34:05):
it before you get to the racecourse and I actually had uh
used the phone tracking whichagain it's still going off the
signals and we have very goodsuccess with it for a little
while and then, for whateverreason, this is when I was
running with the Apple watch atthe time.
Speaker 2 (34:23):
This is when I was running with the Apple watch at
the time and once that died itstopped tracking me for some
reason and I was like, oh no.
Speaker 1 (34:32):
It's yeah.
That's why having a pre-plannedspectator meetup somewhere like
post race is really importantto do.
Yeah, but you know, what I'mreally excited about in all of
your rankation and travelingexpertise is for you to tell us
where we should go before andafter the race, like what are
must-dos, ashley.
Speaker 2 (34:54):
So before the race, obviously, the expo we need to
go get the goodies and shop.
The expo is at McCormick'splace and it is huge.
Another thing that is lovely todo pre-race to save those legs
is an architecture boat tour onChicago river.
Or, like I am planning to do,is visit millennium park and the
(35:20):
bean so you can see thosepre-race uh pictures and then
maybe go back afterwards forsome pictures with medals.
And we need to talk about thefood, because I mean there's so
much food in this episode, weneed to just continue that.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
Chicago feels like it's a foodie city.
I mean, I guess that they allare right when we're talking
about the majors're all worldrenowned, but I feel like you
can't go to Chicago withoutreally honing in on the food.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
So tell me more about that wow, and I'm looking
forward to this the originaldeep dish pizza okay.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
So I'm curious are you a deep dish girl or are you
more of a like New York slicewhat's, what's your jam?
Speaker 2 (36:07):
I see I haven't really had a really good deep
dish pizza Cause it doesn'texist.
I love like a doughy pizza, soI feel, like a good thing for me
.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Yeah, oh see, and that's what I don't love and
that's why I don't like deepdish.
I feel like it's like it's toomuch.
I mean, I love me some carbs,but I like want to spread out my
love for carbs and differentfoods and I don't want it all in
just this one big, ginormousball of dough.
But I will not say that in theactual Chicago, chicago or
Chicago land, cause I'm surethat I would have been run off.
(36:43):
Um, I also think, like go ahead.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
How about a post-race beer, I mean that that's a must
.
Speaker 1 (36:56):
So my go-to actually that I love after a marathon is
a beer, which is the only time Ireally drink.
Beer and a burger Like thoseare the two things I crave, so I
would definitely be down with apost-race beer.
Where am I going for it?
Speaker 2 (37:05):
So you're going to go to goose Island brewery and
then maybe take a little walkalong Navy pier or the Chicago
river walk so you can kind ofshake out those legs a little
bit.
But I'm going to that, thegoose Island brewery Cause.
I also love me some postmarathon um beers to kind of
(37:25):
relax.
You did all the hard work.
Now it's time to enjoy.
Speaker 1 (37:30):
Well, what I love also about Chicago and I will
say that about like some of theother races as well is that
they're kind of iconic with popculture.
So for me I loved watchingFerris Bueller's Day Off growing
up, so getting to see some ofthose famous scenes along the
course.
The Marathon Connection is theparade scene at Dearborn Street
is actually mile three whereFarrah sings Twist and Shout,
(37:51):
and of course there's alwaysjust that fun of kind of like
envisioning all of that partyenergy there, which isn't too
hard.
I mean, chicago kind of playedGotham City a little bit, so
there's a lot of filminglocations there as well.
And then we talked aboutbaseball.
We're going to talk aboutbasketball because of course,
chicago's legendary for this andMichael Jordan's flu game, 1997
(38:16):
NBA finals.
And the reason why I'm tyingthis to the marathon is because
I feel like this is exactly thekind of like mindset that we
have to have when we have to diga little deeper.
So I don't know if you've everheard that iconic like Michael
Jordan being able to.
We wish that we could play asgood as he can while he's on the
flu, like, cause he was stillable to drop 38 points in a
crucial finals game.
That's incredible.
(38:36):
So when you are needing to pushit through, get a little bit of
that old, be like Mike kind ofenergy that we had growing up
from.
The old Gatorade ads, um andthen of the Marathon is the
reason why, to this day, I ran amarathon.
I saw it and I thought I haveto make Chicago happen.
So while you're training on thetread sometime this summer, you
have to definitely watch that,if you haven't already.
Speaker 2 (38:59):
Oh my gosh, that's a little trip.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
I'm going to put it into your final surge, my friend
, I'm going to set the workoutto Spirit of the Marathon, so
we're going to put it into yourfinal surge, my friend.
Like you, like, I'm going toset the workout to to spirit of
the marathon, so we're going tohave to make that happen.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
Oh, I love it.
Speaker 1 (39:13):
Oh well, this is such a great, great conversation.
I think I am more excited aboutChicago than I have been in a
very long time, even though I'vealways been excited about it,
because I can't wait for you torun it.
I hope, friends, that you guysfeel like you got quite a bit of
information here for thisparticular year's Chicago
Marathon.
The conversation doesn't stopjust here, though.
We'd love for you to keep theenergy going by joining us at
(39:35):
the Stride Collective or Womenof the World Marathon Majors
Facebook group pages and Ashley,I know that you are kind of
going to lead the charge withquite a few folks out there in
terms of that are tackling thisrace.
So what are you excited, as wefinish this up, to do most for
(39:56):
Chicago at this point.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
So I'm really just excited to kind of take it all
in as as my first world major Um, it's going to be so much fun.
I I'm really excited for theroar of the crowd it boils down,
uh, the final stretch downColumbus drive.
You know, just seeing the city,like I said, from outside of
(40:21):
the airport, you know, actuallygoing and running in the city,
um, but really just taking itall in and hopefully coming home
with a shiny new PR.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
I think I'm going to cry Like I'm good.
I think I'm going to cryknowing that you crossed this
finish line.
It's going to be so incredible,um, so I can't wait to see you
take this on.
So, friends, we want to cheeryou on as well.
Drop into one of those Facebookgroup pages, let us know if
you're running Chicago, anduntil next time, we want to
cheer you on as well.
Drop into one of those Facebookgroup pages, let us know if
you're running Chicago, anduntil next time, we want to
thank you for listening in.
(40:51):
Happy training, happy racing,and we'll catch up the next
Extraordinary Strides podcast.
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