Chicago Marathon: Chicago, Illinois, October 5-9, 2023 – Marathon #32
The excitement started early on the morning of October 5. I woke up around 2:00 a.m., already buzzing with energy for the weekend ahead. I had everything packed, but still needed to stretch, take care of the dogs, and go for a short run before heading out. Traveling to Chicago was smooth, and I was thrilled to begin the adventure.
Once I got to the city, I met up with Brittany, Payton, and Jaxon. We called my friend Thomas, a fellow marathoner I met in South Carolina, who kindly drove us to our hotel. We spent the afternoon exploring Chicago, visiting Navy Pier and having lunch, soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.
The real adventure began when Payton and I went to the airport to meet Carrie, Pam, Lauren, and Ava. Their flight was delayed, putting them in around 11:20 p.m. We planned to take the Orange Line to the Red Line to our hotel, but things took an unexpected turn. As we got off the Orange Line at Roosevelt, a Chicago Police Department escort appeared, offering to accompany us on the rest of our journey. Apparently, there were some unsavory characters on the train, so the CPD was kind enough to ensure we stayed safe. Huge shout-out to them—they were a lifesaver throughout the weekend!
Friday morning, we were up early to check in at the expo for Ava and Lauren’s bibs and pick up the RMHC bracelets. Afterward, we strolled to Soldier Field and the aquarium before enjoying some delicious food. Later, we took a riverboat cruise around Chicago, which was an incredible way to see the city’s architecture. Although it was chilly, the views were stunning, and I captured some great pictures.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the hotel and rest up for Saturday’s 5K.
Saturday – The 5K
The morning started early as we all gathered at Grant Park to run the 5K. The goal was simple: finish the race and get that coveted medal. Everyone succeeded, including Jaxon, who set a personal record with a time of 27:25.
Afterward, we headed back to the hotel to rest and get ready for the rest of the day. I made a solo trip back to the expo while Brittany and Jaxon went to the Nike store. The rest of the group hung out at the hotel, taking it easy. Later, we all reunited for dinner at Giordano’s, where we enjoyed some classic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
It was then time to head back to the hotel early, as Sunday would be a big day—my first major marathon: the Chicago Marathon.
Sunday – Race Day
Game day arrived, and the excitement was palpable. I was nervous and excited in equal measure. This would be my first time running in a crowd of this size, with over 40,000 participants. The weather was perfect at 43°F, but standing in the corral for 45 minutes before the race started was tough.
I had planned for a personal best in Chicago, but things didn’t go as expected. Right before the first mile, I twisted my ankle after stepping into a hole in the road. I heard a pop, but I refused to let it slow me down. I pushed forward and maintained a strong pace—around 3:50 pace—until mile 20.
At mile 22, things took another unexpected turn. As I rounded a corner, I slipped on a banana peel thrown by spectators, which caused me to stretch out the same leg where I had twisted my ankle. Needless to say, my pace slowed down after that. Still, I finished strong with a time of 4:54. It wasn’t the PR I had hoped for, but I was still proud to be part of such an incredible race where both the men’s and women’s world records were set.
Post-Race Reflections
At the finish line, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t quite have the celebration I normally do because security at the race wouldn’t let my cheer crew through with their wristbands. I thought I might miss seeing my daughter and grandkids before they had to leave for their flight. However, I eventually found them, but they couldn’t join me in the RMHC tent or walk the red carpet with me, which was a bit of a disappointment.
Despite that, the food in the tent was amazing, and the volunteers were incredible. After we finished eating, the group strolled to Garrett’s Popcorn to grab some of the famous Chicago popcorn, then headed back to the hotel to relax. We watched the Chiefs play, ate Chinese food and Chipotle, and sipped red wine from our girls’ trip cups. It was a perfect way to celebrate both the Chiefs’ victory and the completion of my 33rd marathon—and my first Abbott World Major.
The next day, we caught an early flight back to Kansas City, and reality set in. But as soon as I returned, I was already asked to represent RMHC-Kansas City again in next year’s Chicago Marathon. Of course, I said yes!
Next Up: Hartford, Connecticut
It was an unforgettable trip, one that I will always cherish. But there’s no time to rest—next week I’m off to Hartford, Connecticut, for marathon #34.