To marathon or not to marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary in 2017, which makes it the perfect year to finally sign up if you’ve been meaning to check it off your bucket list forever. It’s a SIGN, you guys!!
Don’t worry, I understand if it’s not your thing – I happen to also be with you. I’ve tried to like running so many times, but since I’ve found so many other workouts that I enjoy, I have very little motivation to stay at it. But honestly, I think this is what makes me respect the people who DO run even more! If this is you, I so admire that you have found a way to love it. And if you’re one of the people who get a runner’s high along the lakefront on a regular basis, how do you think that high would feel as you run through 29 Chicago neighborhoods?! I have to imagine that would be pretty freaking cool.
I live right along the marathon trail, and I love walking outside with my coffee, inserting myself into a crowd of strangers holding signs of encouragement and cheering for the determined runners. It’s such a joyful day in the city – especially when you have a friend running!!
My friend Caroline is an extremely determined person to begin with, but when she decided to run the marathon, I was constantly inspired by her sheer stubbornness, ability to push through pain, and will to see the end of that finish line, no matter what the cost. Seeing the smile on her face as she ran down Lasalle and Wells made me cheer extra loud – especially after knowing all of the hard work she put into training. She had so much to be proud of – which made her the perfect person for me to interview for this post!
An Interview with Caroline Kenny
Q: When did you run the marathon and what made you sign up for it?
A: I ran the Chicago Marathon in October 2014. It was an idea I had toyed with for a while, but especially since my sister ran the year prior. I received my sign to go for it on a Sunday night in February in church at Old St. Pat’s, when their charity team shared their experiences of running the previous marathon. They candidly talked about the ups and downs of training, and ultimately how rewarding the experience was.
Q: Were you a runner before you started training?
A: Yes, casually. I was always an active, athletic person. My main focus was dance through college. After college, I wasn’t dancing much more and needed a new way to stay in shape. I had always admired the people who could just throw their sneakers on and head out the door for a run. Honestly, I hated it at first – lungs burned on chilly days, cramps, etc. But I was determined to stick with it, and it slowly became not only tolerable, but enjoyable! The longest I ran prior to marathon training was 10 miles (once!).
Q: What was training like? Did you stick to a specific schedule or use any resources to help you?
A: I did sign up for Old St. Pat’s charity team, and they offered training with two fantastic coaches. With their help, I quickly figured out long-distance running wasn’t as simple as it sounds – I needed a GPS watch, a new pair of shoes after so many miles, and core work was imperative. I started reading runners’ blogs for other perspectives, too.
A: I did sign up for Old St. Pat’s charity team, and they offered training with two fantastic coaches. With their help, I quickly figured out long-distance running wasn’t as simple as it sounds – I needed a GPS watch, a new pair of shoes after so many miles, and core work was imperative. I started reading runners’ blogs for other perspectives, too.
I followed a training program that involved 2 or 3 weekday runs, a long weekend run, and cross training (I chose to swim or do yoga). The team gathered for the weekly long runs on Saturday mornings. I always believed I couldn’t run/work out with other people (or without music!), but I quickly learned how important camaraderie and team encouragement can be if/when the pain kicks in in the later miles. I also was so lucky to have a girlfriend on the team with me. Our chats during long runs were another great way to keep it fun, plus it kept us accountable for showing up on a Saturday at 5:30am.
It’s a running joke that you never need to ask someone if they’re running a marathon – they will tell you. I never intended to be that person, but it’s nearly impossible, because seriously training takes a lot of time and can affect so many aspects of your life!
Q: Did training affect your eating habits? Any tips for staying healthy throughout the process?
A: In a word, yes. I am generally a healthy eater. The challenge was really tuning into what was best for me before runs – what kind of foods and how much of it would keep me fueled without causing an upset stomach. It was a lot of trial and error with different carbs and proteins.
This not only meant figuring out what foods worked for me, but during training, my Friday nights had to be pretty low-key in order to be hydrated and reseted for Saturday morning. You couldn’t find me at any Friday happy hours that summer!
Aside from nutrition, it was a priority for me to have time to stretch and foam roll after every run. I have tight IT bands (who doesn’t?) and foam rolling was a lifesaver!
Q: Did you ever want to back out? You can be honest.
A: No! I think that’s my personality though – I had committed, told me friends and family about it, and was fundraising. I was going to cross that finish line no matter what.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
A: I know it’s cheesy, but you can do anything you put your mind to. At the beginning of training, I looked at the half-marathon training run with wide eyes. But by the end of training, I found myself saying things like “it’s only 15 miles!” With the right training, I conquered the physical aspect. In addition to the great physical challenge, fundraising intimidated me. But I quickly learned people are incredible generous and want to help, specially if you believe in the cause.
Q: Would you do it again?
A: Absolutely. Running through the Chicago neighborhoods with millions of people cheering is the most incredible feeling. Plus, the beer at the end of the finish line is the best beer you can EVER have.
I have been majorly jealous as a spectator the last 2 years. I’d love to have another shot at running Chicago, train even smarter than the first time, and cross the finish line with a new PR. My name is in the lottery for 2017! Fingers crossed I will be chosen on December 13th!
Umm isn’t she the most inspiring?!?! I told you! If that interview made you want to sign up, you can sign up on their website – but hurry! Your last day to apply is Tuesday, November 29th at 2:00pm!
And for those of you who don’t get chosen, or simply don’t want to apply – I challenge you to make a few fitness/health goals for yourself anyway! Every time Caroline went for a run, I’d get myself to barre or spin or yoga. Train alongside them, just do it an a way that feels best in your body.
And my second challenge involves being the best support system you can be for your friends/family who are running the marathon! Don’t make fun of them when they can’t go out on the weekends, agree to meet them at a healthy restaurant for dinner, and be there on the sidewalk cheering as loudly as possible for them on Marathon Day.
OH! And DONATE! Fundraising is hard and you can help! Since Caroline has so many sisters, I don’t need to buy a bridesmaids dress for her wedding next year… so you bet your bottom dollar I’ll be donating what I would have spent on that straight to her fundraising goal if she gets chosen to run again. It makes it extra special that you can support your loved one and their goal, while also donating to an amazing cause. Win win win win win.
So are you going to sign up?! I’d love to know if you do!!
*This post was sponsored by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but (as always!) all opinions are my own.
Thank you for supporting the companies that make Lake Shore Lady possible!
November 27, 2016 @ 4:02 pm
Such an amazing feat – and a fun event, too!
November 28, 2016 @ 3:36 pm
I love your blog and just had to comment on this amazing post – I will be running the Chicago Marathon for the 4th year in a row; it's seriously THE BEST race ever!!
November 29, 2016 @ 2:09 pm
Love this! I've done 3 marathons and just got my guaranteed entry into Chicago for 2017. I am SO excited, because I think the Chicago marathon is the best race ever.
On a side note – I totally agree with you that I love other workouts a lot more than running. I think its a misconception that marathon runners all really LOVE running for than anything else. I think it has more to do with being competitive and liking the challenge. On a daily basis, I'd rather be doing hot yoga. But in the long run, I like the planning and prepping of a marathon 🙂
November 29, 2016 @ 2:12 pm
It's always electric in the city!
November 29, 2016 @ 2:12 pm
Wow! 4th year!! You're amazing!!!
November 29, 2016 @ 2:13 pm
That is so interesting, Hannah!! I still lack that competitive drive haha – but I'm always so curious why people do it! For the cause, to make a goal, or because they love it… could be any of those reasons!
December 1, 2016 @ 1:52 am
Yay I loved this post! This is my first year running the marathon through an Autism charity. I am so excited and nervous. But I'm happy to be doing it for a good cause.
December 23, 2016 @ 11:51 pm
I got in,,,,my first one…