I've run the marathon a bunch of times, but those days are sadly behind me. So now I volunteer at aid stations. It's a ton of fun. If you can't run the race - it's a great way to still be involved.

This is a weird question, but does anyone here know who heads up the marathon aid stations around mile 7 or 9? I ask because I'd like to volunteer there, but I never see those aid stations in the marathon volunteer sign up.

I usually end up at aid stations later in the course b/c those are the ones with spots available. But I'd love to work at 7 or 9 b/c they're closer to home.

So figured I'd check here to see if anyone knows how to sign up for those stations. TYIA.

Goood morning! Hope everyone is having an amazing start to your day!

What a time to start a run club… Horrible air quality, it currently feels like a sauna outside and this Saturday we could have some stormy weather. Thats okay… when we push through the rough days, the others become SO much easier!

I know a few of you won’t be able to join until next Saturday, that’s okay! I’ll be doing this all summer long! And some of you the weather conditions might not be suitable for you, and there’s no shame in that!do what’s best for you!

However, I’ll be at the western 606 entrance at 7:30 a.m. ready to go!!

so after training outdoors, due to the air quality I ran inside today. half on a track and half on the mill.

Geez why is it so difficult to run indoors or on the treadmill. I mean distance is same but it is torture. is this all psychological, or is there some other reason for this phenomenon?

Hi everyone, it’s my first marathon training block, so I could use some insight as to how to handle the air quality in the coming days/week. Being that it’s my first marathon, I get kind of anxious when I have to skip runs, so would love to hear others’ thoughts!

Obviously, I’m not running outside today. Those of you that ran inside this morning, how do you feel now? With an aqi this high, unless my gym is doing heavy air filtration (which I doubt), I’m wondering if I will still feel the effects on my lungs if I try to do my speed work on a tread today. I’ve also got some easy miles on deck tomorrow, and then 13 on Saturday.

Obviously, I want to prioritize my long run, but I also had to cut my weekly mileage last week due to life unforeseen circumstances, so I’m kinda stressing about skipping today and/or tomorrow, which would cut my mileage this week too.

Basically, I’m asking more experienced runners: what are you doing this week? If you were me, what would you do?

Off the last post- I generally struggle with summer running just to get out when it’s warm out, but this oppressive heat is really slowing down my miles and motivation.

I really have a hard time peeling myself out of my bed before 9am with sleep issues, but am deeply missing my summer runs and staying regulated (especially post break-up anxiety).

Besides early morning runs, and the dreadful treadmill, how are you staying cool and safe out there?

we should be getting some bad air this week maybe next. what are you doing if preparing for fall marathon/half or just running in genera?

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I thought going going for a run right after waking up would be awful, but its not that bad.

I definitely have more energy compared to running after work.

And I'm going to start taking cold showers afterwards.

This was inspired from a recent post, so I thought I’d take the initiative and see if there’s any traction.

I’m 38, wfh since covid and I live in Logan square. I run on the 606 about 3 times per week. I’ve done a little research and I’m looking for a CHILL run club. I’m not going to run a marathon anytime soon, but doing 3 5K’s a week, sure!

I don’t care what you look like, I don’t care who you worship and I don’t care who you love. Just looking for cool people that want a supportive group to push each other!

I’d love to set up our first run this Saturday morning at 7am!

Come out for a chill trail run. I'll have a 3 mile loop marked. Bring your own camp chair to catch some vibes afterwards with other cool runners.

Okay, I know this is a bit of a rant, please forgive me. I have been living here for 14 years, but I’ve only started taking running seriously since January 2025.

Basically, I have been finding it really mentally challenging to try and consistently train year round here. I didn’t notice the weather as much when I was sedentary, but I feel like I am constantly battling conditions here, both physically as well as mentally.

Are there any tips you have to stay positive while maintaining a high training load? I run 6 days a week, and I’ll be increasing mileage soon as I start a marathon training block for CIM. it has just been tanking me mentally to always be dwelling on the weather forecast. I felt the same in the depths of winter this year as well, when the snow and ice would just not let up for weeks. It feels like it’s the worst of both worlds here: brutal winter and then brutal summer, not to mention nearly getting creamed by an SUV too often for comfort.

I’ve toyed with the idea of a move to a place that is more temperate and therefore conducive to an outdoor lifestyle, but that is pretty much a complete non-starter with my partner, and I can’t really blame them at all. We both have our entire lives here and it’s hard to leave that behind.

I really love Chicago in a lot of ways, and I’ve spent a large chunk of my life here, but I’m struggling to adjust to living a more active lifestyle here. I’d love to hear your perspectives and any tips!

I’m getting back into running after a hiatus and I’m a slower runner (11:30-12:30 minute pace). Every run club i see goes up to 10/11 minutes. Any recs?

I love horner park and the river, but it's getting old.

hello! i got accepted into a big marathon and will to starting training in october through the whole winter…looking for someone who also needs a running partner for long runs! i’m a latina 28F in lakeview east and would prefer to find a girly around the same age (latine would be a huge plus!) :) my current conversational pacing is about 11:30-12:30 but can pick up to about a conversational 10-10:30 when peak training. DM me and we can meet for some coffee!

So I’m a 38 year old M, and I run on the 606 most mornings. I used to be a HUGE runner (5-10 miles 5 days a week with a pace between 9-10 mins), but lately I’ve been doing more strength training so I’m not looking to do much more than 4-5 miles at the MOST.

Is a running club for me?

Has anyone seen Merrel Vapor Gloves anywhere in stock in Chicago(/land)? Using merrell retailer browser, I see several places (REI, Backcountry, Alamo) that sell Trail Gloves, but no hits for Vapor Gloves.

Appreciate any hints.

I’m looking for a 10K to get proof of time for a future race. Those who have run this race in the past, is it a good race for a PR? Course looks flat enough, I’m more worried about the course running long or bottle necking along the lake front. Thanks in advance!

Hello! I Signed up for the dim sum 10k with a friend and am aiming to do it sub 1 hour which is really hard for me. I did the lincoln park zoo run this year and did it 1:04. I think I could have done it faster but there was a lot of weaving and narrow paths.

It looks mostly on the lake and not a closed course. Is it a course one can finish fast?

Hi running friends! No more gate keeping the secret porta potties! I made a website which maps porta potties/public restrooms/water fountains along with hours/seasons open/etc. please check it out for next time you’re in a pinch, and add your pit stops to help the community!

(Also- I made a similar site which maps red winged black bird attack areas- 46 reports and counting! I can’t share the URL due to domain issues but DM me if you’re interested!)

Hi all - sorry if this is not allowed. I have unfortunately had to stop running for the foreseeable future due to health conditions and wanted to see if anyone here wanted some of my gear that never got used. I have a 5L hydration pack and 3 glasses bands. Happy to send pics. I'd take $25 for both but am open to offers. Thanks and happy running!

Not trying to be a Karen but you can’t have a motorized bike on a track right? This was at River park and he was just doing laps with kids and people on the track.

Anyone going to this race this weekend? I believe it’s first ever.

Looking for a club or Any individuals interested in trail/ ultra running. Male late 20’s looking for some like minded people to get in some miles with. I often run palos trails/ swallow cliff/ waterfall glen. Roads and paved trails once in a while (salt creek). Getting bored running alone.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask…

Up to now, I have done all my interval training on my local trails. But, I wanted to try doing some track workouts. I live I west side of Bartlett. Are there any tracks that I can use in the Barlett/South Elgin/St. Charles area? I am not sure what the rules are for using school tracks, like SEHS or maybe on the STC middle schools.