It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five. This Sunday is the Chicago Marathon. I’m running it for the first time since 2007. The weather is looking nice and chilly. I’m getting excited! I’ve been getting some questions and also need to get organized, so I’m going to share my “must haves.”
5 Chicago Marathon Must Haves
Marathon Day Outfit – I’m planning to wear my Janji Orbital Singlet in Night Market Floral. It’s a great material and it’s easy to spot. I’m planning to add arm warmers and gloves. I’m going to wear my Hind shorts and CEP Compression long socks. I’m planning to bring a bunch of throw aways to the start, too. I’m wearing my Karhu Fast7 MREs. [They’re discontinued but I’ve stockpiled them.]
Fuel – I’m planning to fuel up with a banana and Picky Bar before the race. Then, I’ll have some Run Gum at the start and Mile 13. I’ve been training all summer with Seattle Gummy Company Energon Qube Performance Gummies. I’ll take 2 packs with me.
A Sherpa – Well, not really a sherpa. I’ll wear my SpiBelt Glide which has two big pockets. There’s one for my phone (which I like to carry for emergencies and meet ups) and one for my fuel. It’s easy to wear and doesn’t move around a lot or chafe.
A Plan – I’m planning to run with some friends. I have a (loose) time goal in mind and I’d like to join a pace group if it’s not too crowded. I’m also planning to try to memorize where my friends and The Husband will be throughout the course. That will give me something to look forward to.
My People – I’m overflowing with gratitude for all of the friends who’ve told me that they’ll be out supporting me in the race. My community in Chicago is amazing. It’s grown a hundred fold since the last time I ran in 2007. As I mentioned, I’m going to try to memorize all of the spots. It will give me a better chance of seeing my friends AND it will make the race seem shorter. [If you have spectators coming or are spectating, check out my Chicago Marathon spectator guide on Runstreet.]
Good luck to all who are running on Sunday and thanks for your support! If you’ll be out there cheering, please let me know where you’ll be!
If you’re running what are your race day essentials?