Chicago Marathon 2022
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
I decided to run after talking with a few DRC members about the possibility of running a full marathon and received their immediate encouragement and confidence in me that I could absolutely run a full and should. I threw my name in the hat, along with several others and received an email confirming my application was selected. My first full marathon became a reality.
How did your training go?
I remember watching the first DRC Long Haul crew train for Marine Corps Marathon so I knew what the program was capable of and what it did for others. The beginning of training went well and I followed the plan (DRC TRN, track workouts, and Saturday long runs), but along the way things changed. I was plagued with severe groin & hip pain. I was asked it I was going to defer due to my injuries, but that wasn’t an option for me. What I had envisioned for my first full marathon (pace and finisher time) was out the window and I just wanted to cross the finish line. I began working with Micah (PT) and he designed a plan that included cutting out a few things on the program, coupled with weekly sessions and that allowed me to enjoy and appreciate the process.
How did the race/ race day go? How did this experience change you?
Race day came and I was ready (a little nervous, but ready). I knew that the hardest part was already done: the training. Going into the race my plan was to simply run my race, a pace in which was comfortable (no time associated) or in the words of J Knight, “straight vibes” - lol. Around mile 15 I developed a really bad cramp in my calf that luckily went away and allowed me to make it to cheer squad in true DRC fashion: turned up. By mile 23, my knee and feet were killing me, I was losing steam, and negative thoughts started to creep in. True grit and determination came into play. By God’s grace, I crossed the finish line. This experience allowed me to see a new strength and discipline within myself I didn’t know existed. In life you’ll experience ups and downs, something similar to Sheridan’s Saturday long run routes (lol), but how you persevere is key. Lastly, this experience showed me I absolutely can do hard things – especially with the right people around me.
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
Chicago 2022 was my first marathon. I decided to run it because I told myself that if I got in, I’d run it.
How did your training go?
My training went EXTREMELY well. I had no idea how I was going to prepare myself for the big 26.2! BUT, when I saw the DRC Long Haul training plan and asked captains about it and they assured me that if I trusted the process and followed the plan, I’d be ready.
How did the race/ race day go? How did this experience change you?
My anxiety was through the roof the morning of the marathon. My brain woke me out of my sleep at 3am & sometime around 5am, I said to myself what all of my captains suggested to me: “I’m about to run MY race.” At that moment, all of the anxiety left me and all I could think about was ENJOYING MY RUN. Seeing the dopest cheer squad on earth was a HUGE MOTIVATIONAL FACTOR! (Mind you 9 of my family members flew to Chicago to join our cheer squad at mile 21). It was literally a perfect race day for me. I was ready..! This experience reminded me the importance of enjoying, respecting and trusting the process of the journey. There is SO MUCH BEAUTY IN THE JOURNEY!! This experience changed me by burning two sayings into my head: “if you wanna go fast, go alone.. but if you wanna go far, go together” & “baby steps still get you to the mountain top”.. shoutout to my DRC Long Haul family & TMC forever!
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
Chicago Marathon was my second marathon, but my first world major marathon. I had taken a running hiatus, but was ready to get back into running groove to motivate myself -- I wrote down some race goals with "??" next to marathon distance. Fast forward to 2022, hearing that Chicago would be the premier race for DRC Long Haul, and how favorable the course was, I was inspired and encouraged to run.
How did your training go?
This training session was somewhat unique because I didn't mentally commit myself to running the marathon until month and half before – even though I was training. The hardest part of training was showing up for myself and being kind to myself as I eased back into getting back my running cadence and confidence – there were a lot of times I tried to talk myself out of it. The best part to DRC Long Haul Program is the accountability, encouragement, and bonding.
How did the race/ race day go? How did this experience change you?
My strategy was to have fun and soak in the experience. I broke the distance down into 3 segments to keep me encouraged. 10k, Mile 14, and Mile 20 (Cheer Squad), which made it much more manageable. This experience changed my perspective on race experiences – I would run this race again, and now have regained my confidence to go after more major medals.
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
I wanted a marathon experience with nice weather that I could simply enjoy. Chicago Marathon was my 2nd marathon. It was my "do-over" race. I ran the infamous, and very wet, Marine Corps Marathon in 2019, which challenged me in so many ways
How did your training go?
The Long Haul Program held me accountable and running with friends made it so much more fun. I am grateful our captains, volunteers (water stations, bikers), and photographer.
How did the race/ race day go? How did this experience change you?
The experience showed me the importance of me cheering myself on (self-love) and to keep going, no matter how hard it gets (perseverance). I run to inspire myself, family/friends and larger community to show that doing hard things is possible and very necessary for growth.
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
After the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon, I was motivated to get that 26.2 medal. The energy and motivation inspired me to go after a new goal. I signed up for the 2020 MCM, but unfortunately and unexpectedly COVID19 crushed that goal. I didn't want my first Marathon to be virtual, so I opted for a refund. Fast forward 2021– we were hopeful for races to reactivate in 2022, so I (and other DRC members) signed up for Chicago Marathon. This was definitely my first Marathon!!!
How did your training go?
Training started out rough because I was returning from injury and surgery. I was slower than I once was, and I had to find my running pace again. Training got me to racing strength. I joined the DRC Long Haul Program and arrived late the first time, for the last time. If you arrived to Saturday Long Haul late, you will get left behind (RESPECTFULLY) lol. Sheridan, one of our newly inducted Captains, had something in-store for the Long Haulers: HILLS. Sheesh!!! The Saturday routes were always very challenging and interesting. We never really understand the journey until we reach the destination.
How did race day go? How did this experience change you?
The Destination!!! If it wasn't for the DRC Long Haul crew, I don't know if I could've made it to this moment. A deep rooted connection was manifested that will never be broken! I'm forever grateful to the DRC Long Haul Crew (you know who you are) and Captains Sheridan, Jade, Leon, Tutu, Jason, and J Knight. I want to thank the amazing Water Stop Team that helped with hydration and sustainment. The race was tough once fatigue started to show it's ugly face, but I kept pushing through with help from the crowds of people and running with crew members from time-to-time along the race course. I never really had a true desire to run a marathon and now it's achievable again and again if I choose. I've gained a new level of appreciation and love for being a runner!!! WE UP!!!!!!!
What made you decide to run the Chicago Marathon?
I’ve been running with District Running Collective since 2017, and running for fun many years before that. DRC Wednesday runs started off as an easy way to get a workout in in the middle of the week and an opportunity to meet new friends and athletes with physical goals. Wednesday runs quickly encouraged Saturday long runs, which incentivized signing up for a handful of half marathons, and then a blackout moment of entering the 2022 Chicago Marathon lottery. Once the fear/excitement set in, running a full 26.2 marathon felt incredibly unattainable. I don’t even like driving 26.2 miles. I could not wrap my head around physically pushing my body and mind that far in one go, but when I commit, *I commit*. So after signing up for the DRC Long Haul Plan, I made a deal with myself to take the training seriously. With a super busy work schedule, and being that I’m often on work travel in sporadic and unexpected sprints, the DRCLong Haul plan was a huge help in planning out my weeks.
How did your training go?
Stay Committed to the Training Plan: Regardless of where I was (at home or on travel), I followed the training plan (almost) meticulously. I have morning meetings that start at 8:30AM every workday, and I work in a space where I can’t run out in the middle of the day for a workout. So, I would make sure to get my shorter runs in before that, or I would block out an hour on my schedule at the end of the day. Yes, even when I was in Hawaii, I spent my Saturday morning running 20 miles across Oahu. I am super grateful to have had DRC to run with on Wednesday and on Saturday long runs – having a group to run with made it significantly easier to complete really long miles (shout out to the squad to held us down with water stations!), and it was a relief to have friends to share a common goal with. Actually Cross Train on Cross Train Days: On cross train days, I supplemented running with pilates or an upper body or lower body day at the gym. It was clutch to have 1-2 days a week to do something other than running, which helped keep me mentally in the training plan and stronger on my long run days. Sometimes if I was burnt out of running and I had an easy run planned, it’d switch it out for an additional day of pilates, which was great for improving core strength. Actually Rest on Rest Days: I slept in on the weekends, made sure to eat hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, foam rolled and stretched, and overall just took it easy to save my energy. What Could I Have Done Better? Life Happens – Do It For Yourself: I had the whole gambit of life events working against me at some points: injuries, family events, work travel, fun travel, getting sick, and feeling overwhelmed with balancing it all out. It happens, and that’s just life! I should have been easier on myself, knowing IT IS OK. Just like there will be missed runs or workouts, there will be missed social events because I was committed to a goal. It is no different than following a plan at work to get a promotion, or to save a certain amount of money – plans are refined and adjusted to meet you where you’re at in this season of your life, but graceful discipline would have served me better mentally throughout training. RECOVERY: Lack of recovery certainly played out for me on game day, and it will for most anyone. Not just stretching and foam rolling; going to a physical therapist, chiropractor, getting sports massages, eating enough, and getting enough sleep.
How did the race/ race day go? How did this experience change you?
Overall, a life-changing and unforgettable experience!! Everyone should run Chicago once. There are crowds the entire 26.2 miles (I didn’t listen to music once). The weather was perfect, and the course is super scenic. DRC Cheer Squad showed out like I’ve never seen. I felt amazing the first 14 miles, and right after that my right IT band started acting up. By mile 18, it was excruciating – I was so frustrated with myself! I felt mentally great, my energy was high, but I just couldn’t get past the pain of my right knee. So I stopped at a med tent at the suggestion of a medic that happened to walk by me (which I would have never thought to do before in a race. Mental note, it is OK to stop at a med tent to get fixed up!). I had my knee wrapped up in an ace bandage and powered through to finish my first full marathon. All Great Milestones Teach Us About Us At the finish line and even now, every part of me is proud of myself for doing it for me – and it would have never happened without the support and encouragement of the community that exists within DRC. Even when training got rough and when the race felt impossible, as our fearless Saturday King of Hills Captain says “We are meant to do hard things”. And in these moments, I know it to be true.