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Your Marathon Check-List

So which marathon have you been gearing up for all summer? Twin Cities Marathon? Maybe Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon? How about the big one – The Chicago Marathon?

Either way, start thinking about what you need NOW. Plan ahead – that way you ensure you won’t miss anything! Gather everything up a few days before and get it ready for the big day!

 

Shoes, Socks & Superfeet

We hope you’ve found your magic combination of shoes, Superfeet and socks with one of our fitters. These are your MOST IMPORTANT items for race day – that is why they are first on our list.

shoes-socks-superfeet

Shirt, Shorts (& Sports Bra)

Our favorite suggestions this season include items from our friends at Brooks. Find the shorts, top and sports bra combo that works for you. Remember – don’t try anything new on race day! Don’t forget warm-up clothes – like a jacket and a loose fitting pant!

Brooks womens

Brooks Women’s Go-To Tank, Racey 7″ Short and Moving Comfort Rebound Racer Bra.

 

Brooks mens

Brooks Men’s Distance Short Sleeve & Sherpa 7″ Short.

 

Running Watch

Though running through downtown Chicago can sometimes cause GPS devices to go awry, they can still help you keep track of your time and mileage throughout your marathon. We are loving the new Garmin 25.

Garmin 25

Sunglasses

Tifosi Sunglasses are on the top of our list for eye protection for race day. Though you may have shade while running through the buildings, when the sun comes out here in Chicago it will reflect off the lake and buildings and can be blinding! Be prepared!

 

Tifosi Elder

 Tifosi Two

Nutrition

What have you been training with all season? Use that for race day.

Nutrition

Don’t make any changes on race day. Do what you’ve done the entire time.

Hydration System

Though there are aid stations approximately every 1.5 miles on the Chicago Marathon course, there may be times when you want water ASAP. Carry a handheld waterbottle or hydration belt if you want. This is especially helpful when you want to mix in your own Nuun or SKRATCH.

 Nathan Quick Shot

Hat or Visor

Depending on the forecast for your race, it isn’t a bad idea to pack a hat or visor in your race bag. Hats and Visors are great to protect your face from sun, but rain, too!

Anti-Chafe Balm

Don’t forget it. Seriously. Put this balm ANYWHERE you think you may chafe: legs, feet, waistband, bra, arms – wherever! Just don’t chafe – you’ll be so sad when it starts!

Run Guard

 

 

Compression Socks or KT Tape

Some of us may have a nagging injury or just want to increase circulation during our marathon. We recommend compression socks or even KT tape, depending on the injury. See at FIT expert at any of our stores to see what would be the best choice for you. Also, our CEP Compression Line is Buy 2, Get 1 Free this month – SOCKTOBER!

KT Tape

CEP 2

FlipBelt

If you don’t own one…buy one. Both men and women that have discovered the amazing-ness of the FlipBelt won’t go back to anything else. This belt will carry phone, keys and enough nutrition for 26.2. Nine colors available. ProTip: Pin your race bib to the FlipBelt = no holes in your shirt!

flip-belt

 

Sweaty Bands

Is a hat or visor not your thing? We love Sweaty Bands – invest in a Chicago flag version for the big day!

chicago sweaty band


 sweaty bands 

Post-Race Outfit & Footwear

We recommend lifestyle wear for after the race – something from Lucy for the ladies and something from Nike’s lifestyle collection works well on the guys’ side! For your feet? Slide on a pair of Oofos sandals – your feet will thank you as you walk your way to brunch.

oofos 3

Medal Engraving

Get your Chicago Marathon medal engraved at one of our stores on Recovery Monday (10am – 7pm) or Recovery Tuesday (10am-7pm):

Fleet Feet Sports – Lincoln Square (4762 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625)

Fleet Feet Sports – South Loop (1145 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605)

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