If you’ve been here before, you probably know that I’m training for the Chicago Marathon. It’s taken over a large swath of my free time and I know I talk (and write) about it quite a bit. Well, as I write this, I’m currently in Chicago and it’s made me reflect on why I’m excited to race Chicago. Don’t forget to check out Cynthia and Mar and some of the other folks who link up with us – and please don’t forget to link to your hosts if you are participating!
- Home away from home. Over the past few months, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Chicago for work. I’ve grown to love Chicago and love running in the city and I’m so excited to run a marathon in a city that feels like a home away from home.
- Running for Charity. I shared more in this post, but I’m running for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. I’ve never raced for charity before and knowing that my race is helping an amazing organization help families just makes me so much more excited! If you’d like to support my fundraising, you can do so at this link. Thank you!
- The blue line. The Chicago Marathon has a dotted blue line on the course that indicates the shortest possible, most exact route. I’m super excited to try and follow that as closely as I can. No running nearly 27 miles for me! Just 26.2 for this gal. 😉
- New neighborhoods. I mentioned that Chicago is starting to feel like home? Well, nothing says home like exploring a new found place on foot. While I run in Chicago quite frequently, there are SO MANY neighborhoods I never explore while there. I’m excited to run through them all in October. I’ve heard that Boystown in particular is insane on race day!
- Fast and flat. Need I say more??
Have you run Chicago? What else should I be looking forward to?
You know I love running in Chicago too! I hadn’t heard of the line — so cool.
Yeah – I’m SUPER pumped about it. Looked for you while on my run in Chicago this morning 🙂
No lie–the blue line still gives me chills when I see it! I look for it when I’m just walking around!
It’s such an awesome idea – I am so excited for this race!
Somehow I did not know about the blue tangent line!? That is awesome!!! And Chicago is just amazing and I love that you get to spend so much time there. The very first time I went, I told my husband I wanted to buy a second home there! I just absolutely love it and want to do a triathlon (or 10) there someday 🙂
Have a great weekend of marathon training!
Funny you mention that – I actually thought about you this morning while running in Chicago. I came upon a street that was nicknamed Triathlon Way and thought about you and Cynthia and my other tri friends!
It sounds like a great fit for you. I ran for a charity before and it was one of my greatest feelings to cross the finish line.
Thanks Hollie – I’m super stoked!
You know I love the Chicago marathon! I’m actually sad to not be running it this year. It’s just so much fun! I’ll be on the sidelines, cheering you on this year!
I’m so excited for you!
I am hopeful we can at some point meet up on one of my trips!
Never heard of the blue line? Is this something iconic that is out all year long?
That’s cool that you are becoming familiar with chicago. It will certainly make things easier for you on race day. I think I know someone else who is running Chicago in October!
I never heard of Chicago having that line. That must be what they measure for the certification. I never run what was measured, and am always over. At least my last 10k wasn’t too bad at 6.3 instead of 6.2.
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I would love to visit and run Chicago one day! I didn’t realize they had a blue line showing you the shortest route. That is very cool!
Leana recently posted…5 crazy, wonderful memories from Ironman training
That’s cool to know about the line…I’m gonna keep my eyes out for that when I’m running!
Also, one of my running buddies said Pilsen is amazing to run through because of all the live music and families who come out to support the runners (and it’s also close to the end of the race, ~mile 21). I’m really looking forward to the pick-me-up that will provide!!
#TeamRMHC – hopefully I’ll see you on race day!
I’m so excited for you! If I ever run a marathon, Chicago is on my short list of marathons that I’d like to attempt.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Happy 5th Anniversary to My Husband
I agree, Chicago is such a great city. I have no doubt that you will have so much fun running a marathon through the city!
That is really interesting that there is a line drawn with the shortest course. I always end up running longer than the race as well.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Loving Lately-Summer Edition
I loved loved loved the Chicago Marathon. I had never been to Chicago before I registered for the race and it was such a wonderful way to see the city. It’s a really fun, well-organized race and you’ll love it!!
Jenn @ Run With Sole recently posted…July Runfessions
Now *I* want a dotted blue line in my next half! That sounds totally awesome. I’m pretty sure that must be hard to follow at first with all those runners.
Flat & fast sounds marvelous.
I’m SO excited to run Chicago again too! The blue line is really a neat idea. Also FAST AND FLAT woop woop. As long as the heat doesn’t mess with me again this year!
Don’t forget reason number 6 – exuberant fans!! I’ll be cheering at mile 13. The crowds and neighborhoods are fantastic!
YES! And yay! I will post a picture of my outfit closer to race day – I love spectators SO MUCH! 🙂
I ran chicago once when i was visiting and I loved it! Just running down the lake trail there was so much to see and made those miles fly by. One of these days Ill get to do the chicago marathon 🙂
You should be excited for running Chicago because I will be there running with you!! Probably BEHIND, but I’ll be there. 🙂
I SO hope we can cover all those miles together – how much fun will we have?! Between your grandma and my Oiselle teammates, we’ll get so many cheers!
I would love to run in Chicago. Maybe someday?
I hadn’t heard of the dotted blue line. That’s so cool they do that! Fast and flat is definitely a nice bonus.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – things I like about Summer running
I am so excited for you to run the Chicago Marathon! Brandon has been to Chicago for work and loved it. I should be back up and running in like two more weeks, so hopefully we can run soon!
Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Foot Update+Weekend Plans+Running Thoughts
I have to say, I’m pretty envious that you’re running a fast and flat course. I used to really like hilly races but after training on hills almost exclusively, it would be nice for a little change. 🙂
What a great idea to offer the blue line! This is going to be a great race for you – looking forward to cheering you on!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five: July Runfessions
I’ve never heard of the blue line before. That’s awesome! I really need to add Chicago to my “must race” list. 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your training!!
I need a blue tangent line at every race. What an awesome thing. I run for charity in Nashville and that’s the biggest reason to run there for me. 🙂 that and family! Chicago is on my bucket list. One day!!!
Jess @ run pink recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Ways I’m Balancing Real Life With Marathon Training
I love Chicago and would love to run a race there someday! it’s one of the few cities I wouldn’t mind being in besides DC.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…5 Runfessions for July
I’d never been to Chicago until last fall, but since our son is getting his MBA at Chicago Booth it’s become one of our favorite places to visit. I ran the Chicago Spring Half Marathon in May and had so much fun! I’m thinking of going out in mid-October for a fitness trade show and will probably see what race I can find while I’m there.
I’ve never hear of the blue line. Is that common in other marathons these days, or just Chicago?
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Well, I just learned from Karen at Fit in France that they do the blue line at the Paris marathon as well. I’ve never heard of it being done anywhere else, though!
Love the blue line. They do that in Paris too. Excited for you !
Oh cool – I had no idea they did that in Paris as well!
It sounds like it will be an amazing experience! I still haven’t visited Chicago yet, looks like a great city!
awesome reasons! I love Chicago – I can’t believe I haven’t been there yet this summer. Gotta go visit my besties!
I am tossing my name into the lottery for Chicago next year, so I cannot wait to hear more what you think of it.
Oh awesome – I hope you get in!
I would love to visit and run Chicago one day! I didn’t realize they had a blue line showing you the shortest route. That is very cool!
I love Chicago… had thought of running the marathon this year, but didn’t want to train for my first full in the heat of the summer