T-minus 4 weeks and some until the 2015 Chicago Marathon! Last year I wrote a NYC Marathon Countdown (Motivation, Logistics, Packing, Fueling, Race Day Outfit) series each Wednesday prior to the marathon. I thought it would be fun to do the same for Chicago now that it is a month away. Today’s topic: motivation!
Compared to last year, I think my motivation is a little better (I just need more hours in the day). Of course I still have those Friday nights in which I start dreading the long run (it has gotten better with the cooler weather) or thinking “what am I doing?” when it starts to hurt during a long run. Using last year’s post as a reference, here are five ways that have helped me stay motivated (with new content of course). Hope this is useful to you know matter what distance or race you are training for:
1. Remind Yourself Why
Back in January I wrote “2015 Chicago Marathon – I Want You!” (yay for documenting everything on the blog). When I begin to dread the long run or feel my motivation is decreasing I usually refer to that post.
- After the NYC Marathon (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) I knew I had so much more room to improve and want to PR at my next marathon. Chicago’s flat course will be perfect. While this certainly motivates me, my confidence level is so-so. My training hasn’t been ideal (mushing it all on the weekend…I still need re-read my training logs from last year). Will I still PR? I know my goals have changed a bit as we approach the marathon and I will share them in a future Chicago Marathon Countdown post.
- Travel and food wanderlust – visiting Chicago and pizza pizza!
- Running another World Marathon Major.
- My mom, younger sister and Cliff are all coming to Chicago as my runtourage. Despite the outcome of the marathon, it will be great having them experience the weekend with me.
- Of course, meeting my run buds and Oiselle teammates will be a plus as well!
2. Official/Unofficial Race Social Media
Like last year, I followed the Chicago Marathon’s Facebook and Twitter accounts (not sure if they have an Insta account). While they have been posting more content this past month, I think I got spoiled by the NYC Marathon social media accounts (high engagement pretty much 24/7….I still follow them which helps). I’m a photo lover, so following hashtags like #OwnChicago #ChiMarathon #ChicagoMarathon have been helpful! I also joined the Marine Corps Marathon & 10K Club Facebook Group and it is amazing.
This group is not affiliated with the Marines, but this nearly 6,000 strong group is super motivating. People share pictures from their early or late training runs, questions, and stories. If all goes well recovery wise following Chicago, I still plan on running the MCM. Even if I wasn’t, I would highly recommend that group.
3. Read Race Recaps/Websites
After I got in through the lottery, I immediately scoured the internet for Chicago Marathon race recaps. These were my faves:
- Lauren @ Breath Deeply and Smile
- Jesica @ Run Lady Like
- Sara (formerly known as Prairie Runner Girl) @ Capitol Runner Girl
- Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
- Theodora @ Preppy Runner
- Liz @ One Tweny Five
- RunFiestaGal @ Running Fiesta
After reading them… I always think….awesome I get to run here + someone usually has tips on how to navigate race weekend. I’ll probably re-read these (and more) again as we get closer to the race.
4. Read/Follow Others who are Training
There are a number of bloggers I follow who are training for the Chicago Marathon, to name a few:
- Kristina @ Kristina Running
- Alaina @ The Simple Peach
- Helly @ hellyontherun
- Holly @ HoHoRuns
- Amanda @ Shapin’ Up
- Kathleen @ Sister to Sister Running
- Lauren @ Breath Deeply and Smile
- Cyanne @ Run Stretch Go <-def check out Cyanne’s IG account, her training posts are very motivational!
It is nice to follow others because I can empathize with their training (be careful not to play the comparison game) and most people have similar feelings. Since Chicago is held in what I call Marathon Month, it has been great following along those training for Portland, Wineglass, Baltimore, Marines Corp, etc. The Oiselle Team has also been a great source of motivation – it is wonderful having such a large support group.
5. Watch Videos/Movies
I re-watched Spirit of the Marathon I (of course) since it chronicled six runners training/running the 2005 Chicago Marathon (uhh….woah….10 years later….would be interested to see Where Are They Now?) I have watched (probably) most of the Chicago Marathon videos on YouTube. I’ve never been to Chicago, so it is nice to get a preview of the race course.
A few weeks ago I shared this video posted by Abbott World Marathon Majors to their Vimeo Site, it is probably my favorite.
My brother is giving me his old (new) GoPro, so my plan is to create and share my own video for you all!
How do you stay motivated?
Any Chicago Marathon related posts/videos/articles I should read?
Any Chicago spectator recommendations?
Mindy (Road Runner Girl)
September 16, 2015So excited for you Jenny! I agree that reading about other people’s training and previous race recaps always helps me get motivated!
Mindy (Road Runner Girl) recently posted…Gulf Coast Half Marathon Training…Week 9!
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Mindy! Definitely 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run
September 16, 2015just got goose bumps! so excited for you! 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…DC Fitness: Urban Boxing DC
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Mar! Eeks so soon.
Nathasha
September 16, 2015Whoa, 4 weeks!!! Eeek! Great post. I think staying motivated during training season is hard. What has helped me is something you already mentioned: keeping up with others (blogs, social media) that are training for marathons, too. ALSO: you are 4 weeks away from Chicago pizza!! 🙂
Nathasha recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training – Week 12 (Survived the 20-miler, thoughts on Peter Chang)
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Haha, yes the pizza!! Planning on having it 2x while I am there 🙂
Chaitali
September 16, 2015So exciting that it’s about 4 weeks away! I can’t believe how quickly the Summer went. Race recaps and following along with other people’s training are definitely the best way for me to keep my motivation up too.
Chaitali recently posted…Wine and Dine Half Marathon training – week 10
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015The summer went by so quickly! Now we will complain how cold it is haha 🙂
brittney @ corral b
September 16, 2015ahhh it’s so close! definitely take it easy the day before; chicago is a walk-able city, and you can sometimes not realize just how much you are walking! also, top pizza places? i always vote giordano’s, but pizzeria due is great, too!
brittney @ corral b recently posted…chicago half training: weeks eight, nine, and ten
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Will do! I’ll prob do a an easy easy shakeout run on Saturday morning and we will prob go on an architectural tour that morning. I’ve been hearing about Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s. So exciting!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
September 16, 2015So excited for you Jenny! I love being able to follow others on social media, and always find others’ running journeys to be motivational. Hard to believe that Chicago is just 4 weeks away!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Bulu Box Review and Discount Code
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Kathryn! Seems like training just started and we were chatting about the lottery at the St. Pats double!
Pam and Christine
September 16, 2015You are going to have the best time. Can’t wait to read all about your weekend since I hope to run Chicago next fall. I have been reading recaps of NYC Marathon to get inspired the way you have done for Chicago. Love the enthusiasm of other bloggers!
Pam and Christine recently posted…Following a training plan and some Jeff Galloway blogger tips
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Pam! I’ll make sure to document everything for you 🙂 One day I would love to run NYC again.
Jesica @rUnladylike
September 16, 2015Good luck with the last few weeks of training!!! Chicago is such a wonderful experience. I’m glad my recap was helpful to you (thanks for sharing!). Enjoy every minute. It’s an awesome experience. xo
Jesica @rUnladylike recently posted…Inside My Running Beauty Bag
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Jesica and of course!
Kristina
September 16, 2015Ohh I forgot Spirit of the Marathon was about Chicago. I need to re-watch it this weekend before my long run! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
I need to send you an email when I get a free minute so we can plan our meetup! I WILL book my flight *today* and I’m thinking I’ll be coming in on Fri as well, but probably not until later in the day.
Kristina recently posted…This Video Represents Me
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Your welcome! When I watched it again… I thought… we (everyone else) wore that?! 🙂 Excited for our Chicago meetup!
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
September 16, 2015LOVE THIS! I’m so excited for you. I reeeeally need to be doing this right now; marathon training has been kind of kicking my butt lately, and maybe if I gave myself that little boost of motivation — and a reminder of exactly why running NYCM is freakin’ awesome — that might help!
Jennifer @ The Final Forty recently posted…NYCM Training: Weeks 7 and 8
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Jennifer! Can’t believe it has almost been a year since NYC! I am so excited you will be running it again. Taking the ferry to Staten Island, the views of the city, crossing the bridge (in all Burroughs) – I know you’ll get excited real soon 🙂
Sara Brown
September 16, 2015Thanks for the shout out! You’re going to have a blast in Chicago. It’s incredible how fast and flat it really is. Great crowd support throughout; so much fun. 🙂
Sara Brown recently posted…Week Thirteen/Twelve: Baltimore and Marine Corps Marathon Training
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Your welcome! Very excited to hear about the crowd support throughtout the 26.2. You’ve been rocking your training – Baltimore is almost here!
Elizabeth
September 16, 2015This is a great round-up of resources! I’ve never watched Spirit of the Marathon and it sounds like I should. Chicago will be so fun. Lately, when I get nervous about a race I think about all of the photos I can stop an take if I need a break. 😉
Elizabeth recently posted…Travel Tuesday: Alabama 2012
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks, Elizabeth! That is a great idea – especially when I get tired at the end 😉
HoHo Runs
September 16, 2015Thanks for listing some race recaps for me to read. I’m always a little nervous about the logistics of getting to a race, etc. and I hope this will help. I’ve never been to Chicago either. Of course, with it being my first marathon I’m nervous about that too. I hope that the flat course will suit me well. I plan to enjoy every minute of it and not stress over my pace (too much anyway).
HoHo Runs recently posted…Proceed with Caution
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Your welcome – hope you enjoy 🙂 I am so excited for you and it is going to be such a fun and memorable weekend. Are you arriving Friday or Saturday?
Annette @ Sweating Through Life
September 16, 2015It’s so close!!! You’ll do great and I’m excited to read your race recap!!!
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Yikes and Yes!! Thanks, Annette 🙂
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
September 16, 2015I can’t be believe how close the race is! I can feel your excitement!
I like following other people’s training and social media for motivation, too!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…The Long Run that Wasn’t
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015You also have a really motivational IG account with all your morning runs! Hope training is going well this week.
Kelli
September 16, 2015Wow, you are definitely prepared! I don’t have anything else to add to your list. Seriously, I am super impressed.
Kelli recently posted…Woman Crush Wednesday – Heather Grier
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Awww, thanks Kelli! Although training is not where I would have liked it to be, will focus on having fun!
EB @ Running on E
September 16, 2015I love this idea! What a cool way to prep yourself for the race. You’ve got this. Your training has been solid and all that time in the heat will really pay off. Cheering for you!
EB @ Running on E recently posted…Snakebite 50k Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thank you 🙂
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
September 16, 2015This is SO AWESOME, Jenny! I felt excited just reading this post and I’m not even going – ha! I loved your posts before NYC last year; I will continue to live vicariously…for now. 😉 You’re going to have a blast and I can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…It’s Not You, It’s Me
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Aww, thanks Tara!! One day I will get to write about a race that we are BOTH training for 🙂
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races
September 17, 2015Running another World Marathon Major will be an awesome experience! And in such an incredible city. Definitely enjoy that pizza (+ those nice midwesterners)! You’re going to have the best time.
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Last Thoughts Before My First Half Marathon
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015You are right, midwesterners are so nice! Will be fun to explore the city by foot and by food 🙂
Sharon
September 17, 2015This is great! I’m so excited for you!!! Love that you will have a great support group when you go too! Also love that you will be making a video!
Sharon recently posted…Brooklyn RnR Half Marathon Training Week 9 & Weekly Wrap 9/7-9/13
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015I’m glad Cliff, my mom and sis will make it out there (my sis and mom will be in for a surprise at the amount of mileage they’ll get in spectating). Brooklyn soon!!
Molly @alsoranagain
September 17, 2015Great post, Jenny! I’m very excited for you to run Chicago. It is going to be such an amazing experience! I wish I could be there with you, but I’ll be cheering you from my desktop. 🙂
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…Lululemon SeaWheeze 2016
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Aww thanks, Molly 🙂 Hope you are having a good week!
Tracy
September 18, 2015Wow I can’t believe it’s so close! This is one of my favorite posts of yours, ever. Perfect advice for anyone heading into a big race (like, say, me haha!). I’ve been keeping a mental list of things like this that I need to do now that I’m getting close to, but it helped to see them all written down like this. Good luck with your final push! You got this!
Tracy recently posted…The Words Just Come and I Write Them As Soon As I See ‘Em
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Thanks so much, Tracy! Good luck with your final weeks of training as well. You can do it!
Gretchen | Gretchruns
September 18, 2015I absolutely love this idea for a blog series! So helpful and interesting. Thanks for all the information, and I hope you’ll continue to do it about lots of other races!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #27
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Glad you like this! Cheers to a good week ahead!
Sun
September 22, 2015I’m like you – I like reading recaps from other people that have done the race! It’s always good to read about their experience and if they have any tips.
I’ve spectated Chicago twice and my favorite spot to cheer on participants is near mile 12 by the Amtrak station. It’s not crowded so you can easily spot your runner plus since it’s right by the station you can wait inside or get coffee while you wait for your runner 🙂 It’s also within walking distance of the finishing stretch so you can hike that way after seeing your runner at the halfway point.
Sun recently posted…Playing Catch Up
Run Jenny Run
September 22, 2015Sun, thank you for the spectating tips! I’ll def pass that along to Cliff and my fam. Do you have any recommendations spectating the latter miles after mile 12? (ease of using the metro). Thanks!!