Chicago Marathon: Why giving up was not an option

Yesterday, I ran the Chicago Marathon. It was a race that touched me deeply emotionally and demanded everything physically. Around one million spectators lined the route, carrying the runners through the city with their enthusiasm – and me too, all the way to the finish line. However, finishing this marathon was anything but a foregone conclusion.

Target and difficult preparation

My clear goal for Chicago was 3:04 hours. This time would not only have qualified me for other major marathons such as Sydney and Boston, but also brought me closer to my big dream: to run all the major marathons in the world at least once. Chicago was my third major after New York and Berlin – and months of preparation suggested that this time was realistic.

But a week and a half ago, I came down with a viral infection. Fever. Cold. Everything. Despite all the countermeasures, I still went to the start yesterday with a slight sore throat. Not an ideal starting position – but giving up was out of the question.

A marathon is a mental game

Everything went according to plan until kilometer 20. I passed the halfway point in 1:34 hours – but then came the famous wall. The second half was long – very long. My pace slowed down and I even had to take short walking breaks. Physically, it was brutal.

Mentally, however, I knew I would see it through. The energy of the spectators, their tireless cheering, and the unique atmosphere in Chicago gave me new strength again and again. In the end, I crossed the finish line exhausted but proud – after 3:44 hours.

Gratitude and new perspectives

Even though I clearly missed my goal, my disappointment quickly gave way to gratitude during the race. I was infinitely grateful to have been able to experience this. The tough preparation, during which you get to know your body even better, the incomparable atmosphere, where people from all over the world celebrate together. 

With a little distance, three positive insights remain. First: I was able to experience one of the most impressive marathon atmospheres in the world. Second: Despite all the adversities, I set a new personal best. And thirdly, I can tick off another major marathon – number three is done.

The journey continues

I will remember the Chicago Marathon for a long time to come. As with my previous marathons, there was that one moment when tears of relief and joy came to my eyes. I have completed another stage on my journey – both athletically and personally.

Achieving a performance despite setbacks has shown me that I have even more potential. And that’s exactly what motivates me. The journey continues – with new goals, new challenges, and the firm conviction that giving up is not an option.