Ummm…we are under the 20 day mark people….only 17 days until October 11th. Thanks for all your words of encouragement last week! Today I will be sharing some of the logistics that are finalized for marathon weekend. Unlike the New York City Marathon, I did not have to worry about baggage or ferry options for Chicago.
The Hotel
Confession: I booked my hotel before the lottery results! I wanted to secure a room as soon as possible and the hotel had a flexible cancellation policy. I was afraid I would totally jinx myself….so whew…I got in! I’ll share where I stayed in my future recap.
The Flights
I’m lucky to have my own “travel agent”…aka….my mom! She is not an actual travel agent, but sometimes she acts like one. Once it was confirmed I would be running Chicago she started scouting flights. Her first find was actually a steal from Frontier Airlines, but I nixed that. Even though I am short, I found there was little leg room for my short legs. Normally I would go for the lowest/direct flight, but I figured I needed to give my legs a little room to relax. The next find were direct flights to Midway via Southwest. My mom and I will arrive early Friday morning and my sister and Cliff will join us later that evening after work.
Image: Southwest Airlines
The Transportation
Instead of renting a car, we will rely on public transportation and good ole Uber. I’ve made a mental note to purchase some Ventra Cards when we arrive. These cards can be pre-loaded with money or passes and can be used for the trains/buses.
- Is it best to take a taxi, Uber or BMW (bus/metro/walk haha…get it) from Midway to downtown Chicago? I understand there is a cost vs. time tradeoff 🙂
The Food
My mom and I will arrive Friday morning, drop off our bags at her hotel, and head to the expo. Afterwards we plan on checking out the Chicago Chinatown for some dim sum…mmmmm. Hopping over to another cuisine, I’ve gotten several pizza recommendations – thanks everyone!! The top two recs have been Lou Malnati and Giordano’s. As for sweets, Cliff and I also like a good doughnut. After the NYCM we went to Doughnut Planet…sooo good! I did a little research and saw there is a Doughnut Vault close to our hotel – yay or nay?
- Any recs for coffee shops?
Now onto an important question…pre-marathon dinner? After reading some online reviews, scouring Yelp/Opentable, and checking out menus I will be carbo loading at one of the Rosebud Restaurants.
Image: Rosebud Restaurants
Any must see/do that are easy on the feet? (boat tour is on the list)
Do you have any recommendations where my Runtourage should spectate during the marathon?
Amy Lauren
September 23, 2015I’ve never been to Chicago but I hope you have a great time! Good call on legroom on the flights especially for the way HOME! You’ll definitely want to stretch your legs out and be comfortable after the marathon. I wouldn’t have even thought about that and just would’ve gone with the cheapest.
When we travel, we use Yelp to find places to eat and things to do. Both Clay and I are Yelp Elites so we write a lot of reviews and use others’ reviews too.
Amy Lauren recently posted…Weekly Rundown: September 14-20
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015I like using Yelp as well. I use to refer to Urbanspoon, but they were purchased by another company so I did not like their new interface. Sometimes I cross reference the Yelp reviews with TripAdvisor or Opentable haha 🙂
Christy
September 24, 2015I can’t believe October is right around the corner. Good luck! I’m excited to hear about it.
Christy recently posted…September Situations
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Me too! Thanks so much 🙂
Pam and Christine
September 24, 2015Brilliant plan to choose an airline that offers better legroom. Hopefully you choose an aisle seat too so you can get up and walk frequently. I’m so excited about your race and can’t wait to read all the details because I am hoping to run Chicago next fall. Sorry, I have no recommendations for you….I only was in Chicago once on a business trip with hubby.
Pam and Christine recently posted…Boots on the Run 5k – raising funds to help military families
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015That is a good idea. I am usually a window seat person, but I like the idea of getting up and walking. I’ll be documenting everything into an itinerary, so I’ll share that with you once I am done with marathon weekend 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
September 24, 2015Hard to believe that Chicago is so close! Sounds like you’re all set to go with everything! And you’ll love the ease of flying into Midway. Its a much less crowded airport than O’Hare is.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…SmartyPants Vitamins Review and Giveaway
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015That’s good to hear! I’ve only been to O’Hare for layovers. I’ll see Kathleen on Friday for the expo 🙂
Lauren @ Lauren Runs
September 24, 2015I’d plan on either a cab or public transit from the airport to downtown. Depending on how much you have to carry, I lean closely toward cab. It should be $30 or so (maybe less). With the public transit, you would be taking the Orange Line in, and walk a decent bit from “baggage claim” (where the taxi line is) to the trains. Then depending on your hotel, you may need to transfer or walk from the Orange line stop. It all depends on how much you’re up to walking, but remember you still have the EXPO!
They have various expo shuttles to McCormick Place. I’d do one of those if possible. McCormick Place is huge, and there’s two sides to it with a long covered bridge in between. It’s hard to know/direct which side you want to go to. I think the marathon is on the side with easy access from Michigan Ave, based on past years, but could have changed this year… FYI on public trans to McCormick Place, they installed a train station that is supposed to be “close” but is really almost a mile away — from the Michigan Ave side. And further from the other side! There is a bus to go from train station, but I can imagine it’s going to be swamped.
Other restaurant group to look at is Lettuce Entertain You. You’ve seen some of their restaurants in the DC/Bethesda area, but it’s based in Chicago and they have some awesome options!
Lauren @ Lauren Runs recently posted…A Tiring but Happy Week… When ITU World Championships Came to Chicago
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Lauren – you are the best! Thank you for ALL the tips. I’ll recheck which line the hotel falls. If a bit far, I’ll opt for the taxi. I saw there is a shuttle from the Hilton (not my hotel, but close to my moms) so will do that. Ahh I had no idea Lettuce Entertain You owned Mon Ami Gabi! My family likes that restaurant. Congrats on the IM! I’m catching up on your recaps tonight 🙂
Hollyanne
September 24, 2015I’ve flown into Midway several times and have taken the Orange Line into downtown without any issues. It does take a little longer than a cab but it’s much more affordable. If you are deciding between Uber or a cab, I would definitely go with Uber. I’ve found them to be much more reliable and typically a few dollars cheaper than a cab fare would be, plus they just feel safer to me.
Chicago is full of great coffee shops – Intelligentsia is one of my favorites, and there are several locations around the city.
Hollyanne recently posted…houseiversary.
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Hollyanne – thanks so much for the tips. Good to know if I go with the car route, Uber would be a better choice than the cab. I just looked up the Intelligentsia looks good!
Kim Westrich
September 24, 2015Great logistics! I’m excited for you. I went to grad school at northwestern and love chicago. (Giordano’s – yum)
Kim Westrich recently posted…REALLY Picking Up My Pace
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thanks, Kim! Ooooh going to eat all the pizza haha 🙂
nathasha
September 24, 2015Omg… the day is getting near! Craziness. Sounds like the logistics are all in order. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how Rosebud is. If you have time, maybe check out the view from Willis Tower (Sears Tower) or the Hancock Building!
nathasha recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training – Week 13 (Arrival of new runner, Rock n Roll’s Rock Trio medal)
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Good idea – Hancock building is close to my hotel. So nice to see you today, hope you had a nice lazy evening 🙂
Melinda
September 24, 2015I grew up near Chicago and there is seriously so much great food! For coffee, I recommend The Wormhole and Star Lounge. I’ve never been to the Doughnut Vault, but my favorite donut shop is Do-Rite Donuts – all of their donuts are great and they serve Dark Matter coffee, which is also wonderful. Some other food recommendations are Portillo’s (I eat there every time I visit my family), Carnivale, Girl and the Goat, and Au Cheval.
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Melinda – thank you so much for the recommendations! They all look great – this is definitely going on the list (and list for future visits). Thanks again!
courtney @ eat pray run dc
September 24, 2015i would spring for a cab from the airport. and don’t miss the architecture tours – they are via boat so resting your feet and so spectacular. omg my marathon is next weekend. eek!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…How to Work From Home
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thanks, Court! This time next week you’ll be done!
Kathleen
September 24, 2015Midway to downtown was really easy via metro. Very easy.
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thanks Kathleen! See you soon.
HoHo Runs
September 24, 2015My flight is pretty short so I didn’t worry too much about it and went with cheapest. LOL. We aren’t renting a car either. We’re staying just a few blocks from the start so I don’t have to worry about getting to the race. I’m not sure if I’ll go to the expo Friday evening or wait until Saturday. I may take one of the shuttles offered from various points to the expo. I’ve never been to Chicago and look forward to doing a little (but not much) sightseeing Saturday and hopefully Sunday afternoon too.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Making Comparisons
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015I’m looking forward to our 26.2 tour on foot! I think on Saturday we’ll do an architectural boat tour and the Hancock building is close to my hotel so probably that. I think a shuttle is a good idea to the expo, will prob do that as well.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
September 24, 2015It must be so exciting that Chicago is almost here! Can’t wait to hear all about it – I’ve never been to Chicago so I’ll have to live through you 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…10 Reasons to Love Running in the Fall
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thanks, Janelle 🙂 Excited to see/run a new city!
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
September 24, 2015THIS IS SO EXCITING, Jenny!! You are going to have so much fun! I have no recommendations to offer, since I’ve never been to Chicago, but I’m going to live vicariously and I will definitely take notes in case I make it in, one of these days! This trip already sounds like fun and you’ve not left home; I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thank you, Tara! Once I return I’ll also type up the itinerary and send it to you 🙂 Did you see those Chicago Half Marathon medals? They rival the size of Little Rock!
Erin
September 24, 2015Chicago resident here, so I love giving recommendations/advice. 🙂 I definitely suggest taking the train from the airport unless you’ve got a ton of luggage to carry. It’s so convenient and so much cheaper than a cab. Depending on where you’re staying, you might have to transfer from the Orange line, but that’s really no big deal.
The architecture river tour is definitely a must and if you can’t get enough of the water, you can also take the water taxi to Chinatown. I really like the dim sum selection at the Triple Crown Restaurant.
There are lots of good donut places, including Do-Rite Donuts, Glazed and Infused, and Firecakes. Also, Intelligentsia Coffee is great!
Spectating for the marathon is fun and pretty easy in terms of hopping on the train to get to multiple locations/see your runner several times. Definitely encourage your friends/family to venture out of downtown/the Loop as each neighborhood has its own energy during the marathon. Lakeview/Boystown is really fun and easy to get to via the train.
Hope you have a great trip! I’ll be running the marathon as well.
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Erin – thank you for all your tips/recommendations. Nice to hear that the train from the airport is easy to use. I’ll need to confirm where my mom’s hotel is. I do enjoy water taxis – good to know about the one to Chinatown. Triple Crown Restaurant was on my list to review 🙂 I have a huge sweet tooth, can’t wait to indulge in one donut before… and many after!
I’ll keep your spectating tips in mind when we finalize the spectating plan. If you are ever visiting DC/MD and need recommendations, do not hesitate to email me! Thanks again!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude
September 24, 2015Can’t believe Chicago is almost here! So excited for you! I’d spring for the cab for sure. I haven’t been to Chicago in ages so I’m not much help on the other recommendations. Cannot wait to hear how this race goes!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Running Must Haves
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Except for a worktrip to Milwaukee, I haven’t really traveled the mid-west. Thanks for the note, Michelle!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
September 24, 2015So freaking excited for you. This is on my list. Entering the lottery next year.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…How to Grow Your Periscope Following
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Yesss!! Thanks Abby!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
September 24, 2015I love that your mom is going with you! I am so excited for you 🙂 You are going to rock it
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…The Husband Project-Month 2 Update
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thank you, Deborah! I think my mom/sis will be surprised at the amount of walking they have while spectating 🙂
Cecilia @ MommiesRun
September 24, 2015I’m so excited for you! I love how organized you are. I think I need you to plan my next racecation! As for pizza…I’m a Lou Malnati’s fan! It’s so delicious!
Cecilia @ MommiesRun recently posted…Training Week 1 + Asking for Help
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Aww, thanks Cecillia. If you ever need my help let me know (esp if you racecation to DC/MD/VA) 🙂 Good thing I LOVE pizza.. so many choices!
Sherry
September 25, 2015Way to get the logistics down! Great thinking booking your hotel before the lottery results! Have fun in Chicago! Sounds like so much fun!!
Sherry recently posted…Oregon Fall Half Marathon Recap
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Thanks, Sherry! I thought I was going to jinx myself. Eeks! This time next week you will be a marathoner 🙂
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
September 25, 2015Can’t believe it’s almost time for you to run the Chicago Marathon! I love planning my race weekend logistics…and such a great idea to book your room BEFORE the lottery results! I never thought to do that, but as long as you can cancel, why the heck not?!
Jennifer @ The Final Forty recently posted…Fall Racing and Tackling Our 18-Miler
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015I find it fun as well. Are you sticking with the same plans for NYC? Or changing it up for this year? Exactly (about the hotel)!
Sharon
September 25, 2015I’m so excited for you! Sounds like you have the logistics set and you got some good deals! Your food plan especially hearing about doughnuts is making my mouth water. :p
Sharon recently posted…A Hike In Mercer Meadows – Loop from Hunts House
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015Will post some donut pics for sure! Hope you ate some cake at Blerch – you had some fun photos!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils
September 27, 2015I didn’t realize the race was so close! Very exciting!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…BCHM Training with Hansons: Week 11
Run Jenny Run
September 27, 2015I can’t believe it! Thanks!!
Alaina @ thesimplepeach
October 1, 2015I booked our hotel, flight and restaurants months ago. I always get so afraid that everything will book up and we’ll have to eat boring food. We are checking out Mario Batali’s Eataly when we are there and I can’t wait!
Alaina @ thesimplepeach recently posted…Chocolate Chia Pudding with Berries
Run Jenny Run
October 7, 2015Yum! I just read your plan – looks great. I am the same way (esp with restaurants haha).
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races
October 8, 2015I came across do-rite donuts last time I was in Chicago and those were pretty darn delicious if you come by those too!
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…September Recap + October Goals