The Chicago Marathon: Your Journey Begins Now (or Soon-ish!)
So, you've signed up for the Chicago Marathon. Congratulations! Or maybe you're just thinking about it. In which case, congratulations on your excellent taste in both cities and brutally long running events.
But wait... how long IS it till the marathon? Because let's be honest, training for a marathon is a bit like staring down a giant pepperoni pizza. You know it's going to be amazing, but that first bite feels a long way off.
Fear not, fellow runner (or aspiring runner)! We've got the answer to your burning question, plus some helpful advice (and maybe a few jokes) to keep you motivated.
How many weeks till the Chicago Marathon?
Grab your calendars, because the 2024 Chicago Marathon falls on Sunday, October 13th. That means, as of today (Sunday, May 5th), there are just under 24 weeks to go.
Here's your handy week-by-week breakdown:
- 0-4 weeks: "Hey, I signed up for a marathon!" This is the phase of denial and excitement. You're probably buying new running shoes (and maybe some snazzy marathon gear) and telling everyone you know about your upcoming feat of athleticism.
- 5-12 weeks: "Okay, maybe I should actually start training..." This is when the reality of those long runs sets in. But hey, at least you're burning off those celebratory donuts from phase one, right?
- 13+ weeks: "Training montage time!" You're officially in the zone. Early mornings, long runs, and that feeling of accomplishment that comes from knowing you're putting in the work.
Remember: Even though the marathon seems far off, it's never too early to start thinking about your training plan. Don't wait until the last minute to lace up your shoes – your future self will thank you (probably).
Bonus Tip: While training is important, don't forget to enjoy the process! The Chicago Marathon is an amazing experience, and the journey to get there should be too. So have some fun, embrace the challenge, and maybe even reward yourself with a guilt-free deep dish pizza after a particularly tough run.
Now get out there and train, champ! (But seriously, listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard. Injuries are no joke.)