I cannot believe Chicago was almost 4 weeks ago – it feels much longer than that. This recap will be one of my lengthier ones and will be broken up into two parts (I know my 2014 NYC Marathon recap was longggg with three posts hehe). Again, thank you all for all your support the past 5-6 months! Okay…onto the recap! WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY.
Image: Chicago Marathon
Speaking of NYC, let’s rewind a little bit. Prior to the 2014 NYC Marathon (which was my #2), I really thought it would my last marathon ever (haha…oh we all say that). I slowly quickly changed my mind – there was so much room for improvement. I officially caught the marathon bug! In January, I decided Chicago would be marathon #3 – the course would be ideal for a PR, it was a marathon major (I enjoyed NYC so much), and a city I had yet to explore! I was delighted when I was accepted through the lottery.
Packing/Traveling
Compared to last year, I was a packing disaster. When prepping for NYC I had a dedicated space in my room to accumulate and organize my belongings for marathon weekend…this year…not so much! My room looked like a running store threw up in it! Thank goodness I had my packing list. On Thursday I went home after work and started to pack. I was a bit overwhelmed, I still had laundry to do and it was getting late. Because our 6AM flight was leaving out of BWI, I planned on sleeping at my parent’s house since they live about 30 minutes from the airport. The clock was ticking and I was dilly dallying, so I decided to throw stuff everything I wanted to bring into my suitcase and would organize my belongings at my parent’s house. Thanks to my mom she purchased some gallon zip lock bags that I forgot to buy (I like to separate my fuel, electronics and accessories into them).
I did laundry, took a bath (which I do not get to do at my apartment), and finished packing close to 11-12AM. My mom said we had a 3:30AM wake up call. What what?! We arrived at BWI and checked my suitcase (no worries – all my running gear was in my carry on). The lines weren’t very long at 4:30AM, but I had TSA pre-check so it made going through security a breeze. There were no delays and we arrived at Chicago Midway around 7AM CT. My suitcase was the second one off the baggage claim – what a great start to the weekend.
Tired and a little hungry (ok that was more me), we made our way to the L (super easy to get there from the airport terminal). We purchased a 3 day Ventra Card pass for our party (me, mom, my sister Beverley, and Cliff) for $20/pass. In hindsight, I probably could have gotten by with a 1 day Ventra Card pass for $10, but we didn’t know. It was definitely money well spent for my runtourage. I loved that it said Bank of America Chicago Marathon on it – definitely a keeper.
My mom/sister’s hotel was in the Financial District right off the Loop on the Orange Line. They were staying at the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel – which is about a half of mile from Grant Park (the start/finish area of the marathon). When my mom found the hotel, it was the last one available for that weekend. I am not surprised why – the room was huge with some awesome views! PS – It is a little tricky to find as it primarily houses the Chicago Stock Exchange.
They let us check in at 8:00AM (two years in a row – how lucky) and we dropped off our luggage before heading to the expo. After some crowdsourcing (thanks all), I learned the closet stop to the convention center was still a bit of a walk, so I decided to call an Uber.
Packet Pickup/Expo
The Chicago Marathon Expo is held at the huge McCormick Place Convention Center. The building itself is beautiful. Race organizers offered shuttles from various points in the city, but I know those could take time (and I heard later in the day there were long waits). The Uber was pretty inexpensive and we had a little mini tour of the city. I wanted to pick up my bib Friday morning to avoid the crowds and arrived shortly after 9:00AM (when it opened).
When we walked in there was no line! I was given a free poster and directed to the first set of kiosks. The volunteers scanned my confirmation card (it was snail mailed) and told me to go to pick up area #32.
I headed to that table and the volunteer said “here you go, Jennifer” and handed me my bib. How cool was that?! When the first volunteer scanned my bib, it sent an alert to the second volunteer. I imagine that may have not occurred later on in day with more people coming through. After picking up my bib, we were directed to the main area for shirt pickup.
Prior to my trip, I read recaps that the expo was huge, it was! I think they had the same number of vendors as New York (but less than Boston – I visited during the B.A.A 5K), but it was definitely more spread out and very comfortable to walk around. Since we had to pass all the vendors before reaching the shirt pickup, I decided to scope out the Chicago branded gear at those booths so I could compare them to Nike’s Official Merchandise (which was located in the center of the expo – I thought that was nice. In NYC I went through the official merchandise store at Asics and didn’t realize other vendors had cool NYC gear).
This was my mom’s first “big expo” – I think she was in awe of all the vendors and free stuff. I picked up my shirt and the medium was too small. Doh! Luckily they had a shirt exchange and I traded it in for a larger size. It is nice they were gender specific, but I was not too fond of the color combination (I was dreaming of a nice red white and blue). Below is a pic of Nike’s Official Merchandise Store – women’s gear on one side and men’s gear on the other.
There were plenty of signs for some fun photo opts.
I left my mark on the #OWN CHICAGO sign – which was placed out on the marathon course.
We continued exploring the expo (I think there were 10 rows) – there were some fun booths. Here is my mom at the Adidas display. She stepped on pad and the little white orbs (?) would move in sync with her step. Video to come!
More cool signage! I was a little bummed I missed the area where I could scan my bib and “Jennifer Owns Chicago” was displayed on the board. Next time!
Some fun at the New Balance booth. I felt like Flava Flav….but not really haha.
Below was my final haul: I made sure to stop by Nuun table so I could get the Chicago water bottle (love them), a blue Nike hat, Nike shirt (resembles the Chicago flag),a Nike pullover and of course the red race shirt. My mom got me the blue “Run Chicago Many Magnificent Miles” shirt and she made a few purchases of her own 🙂 I also picked up a few goodies for Cliff and my sister.
After 2.5 hours at the expo it was getting a little crowded. I texted Kathleen (who won her entry through a TAG Heuer contest when she didn’t get in through the lottery) and she was finishing up as well. It is fun how blogging has introduced me to new friends – I met Kathleen through Kathryn during Shamrock weekend. Kathryn and Kathleen went to high school together!
Around Town
Afterwards we headed to nearby Chinatown for some lunch at Phoenix Restaurant. I liked that I got a preview of Chinatown as this neighborhood is part of the marathon course.
Following lunch we parted ways and I picked up my luggage at my mom’s hotel so I could check in at the Tremont Chicago Hotel at the Magnificent Mile. This hotel is located across the street from the 360 Chicago Building (formerly the Hancock Building) in the River North neighborhood (about 1.5 miles north of Grant Park). It was much smaller than my mom’s hotel, but it was clean and in a good location. I read this hotel was undergoing renovations because it was purchased by Starwood within the past couple of years. If you are a Preferred Member, request the Starwood floor as those rooms have been renovated (except for the bathroom – which were a little dated, but still a good size). We took a quick cat nap and explored Michigan Avenue all the way down to Grant Park.
Thanks to Deb’s recent visit to Chicago and her subsequent blog post, we stopped by Garrett for their Garrett Mix (salty and sweet). Like Deb said, it was good but super rich. If you came back on Sunday with your marathon medal they gave you a small bag (more than enough).
After visiting the Bean, my mom went back to her hotel – she was going to wait for my sister to arrive and I was going to meet my friend/teammate Emily for a Oiselle dinner at Spaccanapoli Pizzeria. It was so nice to meet the other birds. IL leads – thanks for a great marathon weekend (especially at Mile 17) and thanks to Beth for the pic! Also thanks to Erin for all her Chicago recommendations!
Image: Beth
I went back to the hotel after dinner and waited for Cliff to arrive – poor guy, his flight was delayed so many times I lost count. He spent almost 8 hours+ at DCA and arrived at the hotel close to 2:30AM! The next day we woke up early for an architectural boat tour (what a trooper). Cliff and I picked up some goodies from Wow Bao before meeting my mom and sis at Navy Pier.
Woops..we should have gotten there earlier as a long line was already forming to board the boat. The tour was fun and a good way to stay off my feet for a couple hours! We used Shoreline Sightseeing, but my friends highly recommend Chicago’s First Lady and Wendella – if I go back to Chicago I would like to try those (Cliff has gone on a Wendella tour before as well – he said both were good as the different tour guides had their own stories and voice).
So beautiful! We ran over a few of these during the marathon.
One of my favorite buildings/parking garages. It reminded me of something you would see in the Jetsons or Star Wars.
Selfie with Beverley and my mom.
Amazing skyline!
What to do post boat tour? Lunch at Giordano’s. I had no idea it took 45 minutes to cook a deep dish pizza. We opted for one of their basic options that they churn out in 15-20 minutes…it was good! I love this picture of my mom gazing at the pizza.
After lunch Cliff and and I walked towards Grant Park while my mom and sister continued exploring Navy Pier.
You’re Fired! Did you get it? (Hint: See the building behind me). We followed the Riverwalk towards Cloud Gate aka the Bean – it was crowded! To avoid the crowds I would recommend going there for an early morning shake out run (it was the perfect distance to/from my hotel – 3 miles).
We went back to our hotel for a nap before meeting my mom and sis at the 360 Chicago Building. I underestimated how long it would take us to get to the top of the building – we had to wait in line for almost 20-30 minutes (I guess everyone had the same idea). The view was pretty spectacular.
Since it took longer than expected, I canceled my dinner reservations at Rosebud, I didn’t want us to feel rushed and there was the trusty Cheesecake Factory downstairs. Below is a cute pic of Cliff and my mom on Tilt, which extends out from the building. I’m working on a video, so you’ll also see footage of that.
We arrived at the Cheesecake Factory around 6:30PM and snagged a table by the bar (super lucky). I had the skinny chicken pasta and bread, no room for dessert for this girl. After dinner we went back to the hotel where I laid out my gear, charged my shuffle/watch, and finalized my meet up plan with Kristina. I went to sleep around 9:00-9:30PM…dreaming of a marathon PR, right? I wish!
Next time: 2015 Chicago Marathon Race Recap II …the actual marathon!
What do you like best about Chicago?
Have you been on a boat tour before?
Mindy (Road Runner Girl)
November 6, 2015Wow Jenny! What an amazing day in Chicago! It’s so pretty! I’ve never been there but would love to visit one day! Can’t wait for your race recap!
Mindy (Road Runner Girl) recently posted…Fitness Friday…November 6th Edition!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks Mindy 🙂 Hope you get to visit Chicago one day – you will love it!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude
November 6, 2015You did some great sightseeing! Makes me want to visit Chicago again 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Hemp Hearts Review & Giveaway
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Hope you do! I would love to go back again (already) 🙂
courtney @ eat pray run dc
November 6, 2015oh come on!!!!! this was great but i want the raceeeeeeee! lol. chicago is an awesome city. glad you loved it. 🙂
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Five Awesome Race Signs!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Haha 🙂 Hope you get into Chicago next year!!
Tracy
November 6, 2015I feel the same way about marathoning that you did after NYC…it’s not my favorite thing in the whole world but I have so much room for improvement that I can’t stop!
It looks like you had a great time exploring before the race! We went to Chicago this time last year and did the Chicago’s First Lady architecture tour…seriously fascinating!
Tracy recently posted…5 Pinspired Fall Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Absolutely! I wonder if my future 70.3 will be a one and done… or go for more? I liked that Chicago was “small” enough to cover all the major touristy stuff in a short amount of time, but I would love to go back.
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
November 6, 2015GAH! I so want to do this one, Jenny! As usual, I love all of your pictures and details about your journey; I will definitely have to refer back to this before I do this race, and I love your packing list! Hope you have a great weekend and look forward to reading more about your adventures!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Aww thanks Tara. I hope we get to run the same marathon one day! At least we’ll get to meet at bird camp this year.. yay!
Elizabeth
November 6, 2015I didn’t think I was interested in Chicago for the race, but this may have changed my mind! I love the city and that expo looks fabulous. Can’t wait to read part two… and now I want pizza.
Elizabeth recently posted…Friday Five: Questions for Runners
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Yay! Hope you run it one day 🙂 Catching up on your posts today. Hope you had a nice holiday weekend!
Tamieka@ Fitballingrunningmom
November 6, 2015What beautiful pictures!!! Awesome that you got to do some sight seeing while you were there!! Nice way to kind of clear your mind.
45 min for deep dish..what??? but was is delicious and totally worth?
i went to Chicago in the middle of the winter…what was I thinking!! I have never experienced cold like that in my life!!! We actually saw a wave freeze on the lake…freaking crazy but totally awesome!!!
i want to go back for Taste of Chicago one year.
Can’t wait for the race recap!!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks Tameika. It was delicious! I did not know it would take that long. If you get a chance, there is a place called District of Pi in DC (originally from St. Louis) pretty good as well. Oh my… Chicago in the winter…can’t imagine!! Taste of Chicago sounds like my cup of tea 🙂
Lauren @ Lauren Runs
November 6, 2015So cool to see my home city through a tourist’s eyes! Love the places you stopped at, including Phienix as a favorite in Chinatown!
Lauren @ Lauren Runs recently posted…Wassup with you?
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015I absolutely LOVED IT! Definitely a “if I ever got a job there I would move in a heartbeat” city 🙂
Pam and Christine
November 6, 2015Your trip report so far is making me excited to have Chicago on my list for next fall. I sure hope I get a spot since this race gets very high marks. Like you, the red shirt would not be my first choice, but I think races seem to change up their merchandise and race shirts so that people continue to do the same races over and over. Your photos of the city are great, the pizza, the Jetson building and of course the Trump Tower!
Pam and Christine recently posted…New York City Marathon Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Pam – I hope you get a spot next fall! I’m looking forward to April when everyone will hear the lottery results..seems like I know several runners/bloggers who are interested in Chicago. Looking forward to hearing how London training is going for you.
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
November 6, 2015You’re like…a master packer. I’m so impressed!
Such beautiful pictures!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Training This Week
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Haha thank you! Half marathons I tend to stuff everything into a backpack 🙂 A little more paranoid for the 26.2.
haley
November 6, 2015I can’t believe you canceled Rosebud to have dinner at Cheesecake. I love Rosebud. One of my friends was a chef at that location for a few years. (I’m a total foodie) But I understand plans changing.
I love all your expo pictures. I don’t have the patience to wait in line to take all those pictures. I wish I did.
haley recently posted…Race Signs
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015I know 🙁 Which means.. I have to make another trip out there fo #tryalltherestaurants. I even looked if they had later reservations and it was a no go. Chicago expo felt less “crowded” then NYC because of their location. Other expos (halves, 10ks etc) I usually try to go in and out 🙂
Steph
November 6, 2015Great recap, Jen! Makes me want to visit Chicago. Look forward to part 2 and that video!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks Steph! The boys would probably like the boat ride. There were even some boats that went under a hose (the boat was covered).
Jill
November 6, 2015i still can’t believe people run full marathons?!? How do you run 26.2 miles??? I wonder if I’ll ever make it past 13.1.
Love all the pics. I’ve never been to Chicago. And, your mom is so cute!
Jill recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #2 (and I’ve Been Published!)
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Aww thanks Jill! I think you can definitely make it past 13.1 I hear the Lehigh Valley ones (designed by Bart) are pretty good …plus close to your family. Hope you get to visit Chicago one day!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
November 7, 2015So glad that you and Kathleen got to meet up! And I know she appreciates her letting her know about the contest since she was so bummed that she didn’t get into the race via the lottery. Sounds like you all had a great time exploring the city – the boat tour was a great option to help you rest your feet prior to the race. Can’t wait to read the race recap itself!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Favorite Race Signs
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015It was nice to meet up with Kathleen – thanks for the intro during Shamrock! I remember Kathleen saying “Im texting Kathryn” haha. Hopefully we can have a reunion with the three of us at a future race TBD 🙂
Kelli
November 7, 2015Chicago is a great city. I grew up about 2 hour away so have been there many times. Although I haven’t done the chicago marathon. I did run the Shamrock Shuffle one year with my sister and cousin.
Kelli recently posted…Coffee Date – November
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015I really liked it. I heard about the Shamrock Shuffle – sounds like alot of fun!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
November 7, 2015Wow you covered a lot one weekend!! And had some yummy eats. I just love how your mom supports you and what a big smile you always have on your face. Look forward to reading more
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date-November
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Aww thanks Deborah 🙂 I know you are the same way with your kids! Hope you had some great island time!
Kristina
November 7, 2015You fit in so many things to do during your time in Chicago. Adam and I did NOTHING compared to you! 😀
Can’t wait to read all about your race! After my DNF I spent the rest of the time living vicariously through you, tracking you through the app!
Kristina recently posted…Checking IN!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Aww thanks Kristina. I am so glad you will go back to Chicago next year! I will be tracking you and wishing I was there as well!
Christine @ We Run Disney
November 8, 2015Chicago sounds like such an amazing race weekend! I’ve never been there before and have always been interested in visiting…and now that I run, the marathon major ups the ante a bit. Sounds like you guys had a fantastic trip and were able to see a lot of the city. Can’t wait to read your race recap!
Christine @ We Run Disney recently posted…New York City Marathon Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks so much Christine! Hope you and Adam get to visit (and perhaps run) Chicago one day 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run
November 8, 2015well, you know I love Chicago! I’ve been meaning to do a boat tour forever but never have gotten to it. I love it. Can’t wait for your race recao!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Best Race Signs
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Your fall visit and Deb (from Deb Runs) added to the excitement of visiting Chi town. Can’t wait to go back! Perhaps this may be an option for marathon dos? 😉
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races
November 8, 2015Loved this recap! It sounds like you made the most of your trip to Chicago for the race 🙂 Chicago is a short four drive from my hometown, and it was a favorite weekend trip spot with my family!
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Friday Five: Five Best Race Signs
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks Victoria! I wish the city was much closer to DC, luckily the flight is very short. Hope you had a nice Christmas!
Coco
November 9, 2015I love Chicago! You got to a lot of places and got some great photos. I love your “runtourage”. Can’t wait for the race recap. 😉
Coco recently posted…Racing To End Women’s Cancer
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015You always took the best work pics from there! Thanks Coco!
Nathasha
November 9, 2015Loooove all the photos! That one of you in the New Balance booth is cute! And also the one of Cliff and your mom in the Tilt. The Tilt was apparently unavailable when I was there. Boo. Can’t wait to read about the race! 🙂
Nathasha recently posted…Photos: Across the Bay 10k
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Aww boo, too bad! Now I kind of want to see the Willis Tower haha.
brittney @ corral b
November 9, 2015you did so much! i’m so glad you went to giordano’s; it’s my favorite! i’ve gone on the boat tour put on by the architecture society. it was a great way to see the city, but i don’t know if i’d do it again.
brittney @ corral b recently posted…choosing happiness.
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015It was good! Can’t wait to visit the city again. Hope the end of the semester went well!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
November 9, 2015Loving the recap of Chicago so far! What a huge expo – I think I’d be overwhelmed, but it looked like a lot of fun! I’ve never been to Chicago but it seems like such a great city. Can’t wait for Part 2!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 11/8/15
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015It was a bit overwhelming at first, but well organized. I think I may have been a little more anxious if I went during peak time. Hope you get to visit Chicago one day!
Sun
November 10, 2015Loved reading part 1 of your Chicago recap! Chicago is one of my favorite cities and you hit a lot of my favorite places already 🙂 I love Garret’s Popcorn – the last time I visited the city I ended up coming home with three bags. And while most of the time I eat thin crust pizza, when in Chicago, nothing but deep dish will do!
Sun recently posted…Four Weeks Til Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015I’m a thin crust fan as well! There is a place called Ledos in MD/DC/VA that have thin crust square cut pizzas that I like. The sauce is on the sweeter side as well. Garret’s was good! If I visit Chicago again I will definitely bring more home.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
November 10, 2015So awesome.
I really want to run NYC or Chicago this year.
I will actually be going to Chicago in December this year, burrrr…. think it will be too cold to play tourist.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Rock N Roll Savannah – 2015
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Hope you get in next year! Happy Holidays Abby!
Sharon
November 11, 2015Sounds and looks like a great time so far in Chicago! The expo sounds fun! I am definitely going to enter the lottery for next year. Can’t wait to hear more about your experience in part 2!
Sharon recently posted…Last Week’s Workout Recap and Weekly Wrap 11/2-11/8
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Hope you get in, Sharon! I bet the boys would have fun touring the city as well.
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
November 18, 2015I’ve been looking forward to this recap!! 😀 Can’t wait to read more. We are DEFINITELY entering the lottery for Chicago next year, and you’re making me ridiculously excited/hopeful/anxious to get in! Sounds lie such an amazing experience so far, and it’s awesome that you got to do so much sightseeing!
Jennifer @ The Final Forty recently posted…A Magical Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip…and a Successful Marathon #7!
Run Jenny Run
December 29, 2015Thanks Jennifer! Hope you get in next year 🙂