Welcome to episode 262 or should we say 26.2! The Chicago Marathon Recap Episode! We welcome back some podfam who ran the Chicago Marathon this past weekend including Tara Watt, Maurice Lowman aka the Marathon Panda and Randi Zuckerberg back to recap their weekends!

We talk about the experiences at the Chicago Marathon, comparing it to other major marathons and sharing personal anecdotes. We welcome surprise guests, adding to the lively conversation about running and community. The conversation explores the experiences of runners participating in the Chicago Marathon, focusing on personal stories of redemption, race day challenges, and the importance of community. The participants share their unique journeys, from overcoming injuries to celebrating milestones, while also discussing innovations in race hydration and the joy of shared experiences with friends and family. The conversation revolves around the experiences of participants in the Chicago Marathon, highlighting personal stories, race conditions, and future running goals. The group shares insights on the camaraderie of running, the challenges faced during races, and the excitement of upcoming events.

Thank you to Tara, Maurice and Randi for joining us!

Subscribe to our newsletter "The Bathroom Break" and always be entered to win running prizes every month in 2027!

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Episode 262: The Chicago Marathon Recap
• 02:22 Experiencing the Chicago Marathon: Logistics and Atmosphere
• 05:26 Comparing Medals: Chicago vs. New York Marathon
• 08:35 The Pursuit of Personal Records: A Marathon Debate
• 11:22 Special Guests Join the Conversation
• 12:19 The Road to Redemption
• 14:20 Personal Triumphs and Challenges
• 16:21 Navigating the Heat of Competition
• 18:12 Innovations in Race Hydration
• 20:11 Family and Community in Running
• 22:07 Girls Trip Adventures
• 29:05 Connections and Community in Running
• 32:45 Meeting New Friends and Family at Races
• 33:14 Spectating and Support During the Race
• 34:40 Memorable Encounters and Experiences
• 34:41 Recapping the Chicago Marathon Experience
• 37:32 Weather and Its Impact on Race Day
• 38:18 Logistics and Course Comparisons
• 39:16 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals
• 44:22 Celebrating Achievements and Health
• 47:18 Chicago Marathon Weekend Recap
• 47:18 Chicago Marathon Weekend Recap
• 50:01 Community and Personal Growth in Running
• 52:58 Brooks Running Collective Experience
• 55:54 The Importance of Gratitude and Encouragement
• 58:44 Newsletter Launch and Community Engagement
• 01:01:43 Motivational Insights for Runners
• 01:04:38 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Announcements

We are thrilled to officially welcome Carey Pinkowski to the PodFam!

Carey Pinkowski, race director of the Chicago Marathon joins Eric and Erika to trace the evolution of the Chicago Marathon from a 6,000-runner race to a World Major with more than 50,000 participants. He breaks down how the course, the city, and the community shaped the event, and why the race’s success came from building the experience first and letting everything else follow. We discuss the early days of Chicago running, how the marathon course was designed around neighborhoods and transit, and the stories that define race-day culture. Carey also shares what it takes to keep improving an event for 36 years, plus a few unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments from marathon week.

During the Tros, hosts Erika and Eric discuss personal milestones, including Erika's new role as an aunt and her upcoming job, while also preparing for the Chicago Marathon. The conversation flows into the excitement surrounding the marathon and the logistics of their upcoming live streaming event at the New England half marathon.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro and AUNTY SIX STAR
• 12:20 Guest Segment: Carey Pinkowski and the Chicago Marathon
• 14:39 The Evolution of the Chicago Marathon
• 17:33 Personal Journey and Early Experiences
• 20:22 Building the Chicago Marathon Brand
• 23:29 Community Engagement and Race Day Experience
• 26:25 The Role of Neighborhoods in the Marathon
• 28:55 The Community Connection in Running
• 31:21 Stories from the Marathon: Challenges and Triumphs
• 37:05 Planning for the Future: The 50th Marathon
• 40:38 Chicago: The Best Event City
• 43:31 The Chicago Spirit in Music
• 45:29 The Outro

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We are thrilled to welcome back Letty Lundquist who has recently started a new venture called "Marathon Journal". We explore how she’s turning marathon news into a standalone media brand. The conversation covers major race headlines, including London’s 2027 two-day experiment, Chicago’s refill stations, and New York’s Nine Plus One overhaul, and more. This is a segment that we hope to bring to you monthly going forward.

Be sure to follow Letty's Marathon Journal on Instagram HERE

Check out Marathon Journal Website HERE

We open the episode with a different co-host as Six Star Erika is away for a wedding in California. Thank you Jaye Duncan for jumping in! We get to catch up with Jaye on her life over the past few years since she kicked cancers ass and ran the Boston Marathon in 2024. We cover a lot with Jaye from applying for another Boston Marathon to Murder Mysteries and much more.

Our first BLOG drops on Wednesday, make sure you subscribe to the Newsletter / BLOG HERE

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro with Jaye Duncan
• 20:05 Guest Segment: Letty Lundquist
• 24:39 The Expansion of Marathon Journal
• 28:44 Nike's Controversial Marketing and Influencer Dynamics
• 33:32 London Marathon's Two-Day Event
• 43:09 Clayton Young Record Attempt
• 49:10 Media Access and Experiences
• 49:10 Refillable Drink Stations and Environmental Impact
• 53:04 Debating Water Station Methods
• 58:25 New York Marathon Changes
• 01:00:42 Boston Marathon's Qualifying Challenges
• 01:03:29 Future Collaborations and Goals
• 01:08:42 The Outro
• 01:11:33 Blogging Ideas
• 01:19:16 Murder Mystery with Jaye
• 01:27:23 Skiing Adventures and Retreats