The Chicago Marathon was last week. I originally just went there to cheer for the crowd, soak in the festival vibe, and enjoy the atmosphere.
But guess what? I ended up walking the entire marathon.
It was quite an experience,though probably still wouldn’t make the top 20 craziest things I’ve done.
At first, I quickly got tired of standing in one spot watching runners pass by. I’ve always preferred being in motion rather than staying still, so I naturally started walking along with the runners. And as I moved, I realized it was way more fun this way: different parts of the route, hilarious costumes, creative cheering slogans, funny signs, and bands playing along the way.
Then it hit me ,why not walk the whole thing? It might be the best way to experience it firsthand.
Why I walked the marathon (in hindsight)
Looking back, there were a few reasons why I did it almost without thinking.
I love taking long strolls on weekends and exploring the city randomly, so this just felt like a really long stroll.
Also, what’s a better way to feel the vibe than to actually be on the route? I wasn’t just part of the crowd anymore , I was one of the unofficial participants.
Another big plus: the marathon route is laid out clearly. No need to check directions. Just follow the path and enjoy the city. That kind of simplicity is surprisingly relaxing.
And marathon routes usually pass through the most iconic and scenic parts of a city. You can pretty much do this with any major marathon route , not just Chicago’s ,and get an amazing walking tour of the city.
But most importantly, I saw it as a personal challenge. We don’t get that many chances in daily life to test ourselves physically. These moments often end up sticking in our long-term memory. I asked myself, “Will I remember this a few years from now?” If the answer is yes, I usually go for it.
The not so perfect gear situation
Of course, there were a few challenges.
I was wearing possibly the most unwalkable outfit: jeans, a pair of skate shoes, and a long-sleeve shirt. If I’d known I was going to walk 26.2 miles, I probably would’ve changed. But maybe that’s the beauty of it, some things just happen in the most unexpected way.
Another challenge was hydration. There were no aid stations for me, so I had to stop by convenience stores, buy water, and carry it. Carrying anything for hours throws off your balance more than you’d expect. It seems small at first, but over time, it adds up. At least I got to pick my own drink.
First half vs second half
The first half was pretty chill, except for sweating from wearing too many layers. I didn’t even feel tired by the 13.1 mile mark. The energy from the crowd, music, and scenery made it easy.
But the second half was different. Once the scenery got more repetitive and the crowd thinned out, I felt my pace slow down. It made me realize something: what drains us isn’t always physical ,it’s often mental.
When the environment is stimulating, we can go much further than we think. But once it gets quiet and dull, tiredness hits fast. It reminded me how mental energy plays a huge role in endurance ,both in walks and in life.
Exercise, in a way, is a mental reset. It forces the mind to quiet down and focus on the body. It’s a form of positive reinforcement: when we exercise, we remind ourselves we’re doing something good, and that alone makes it meaningful.
On goals and pressure
One more thing I realized: sometimes the best way to finish something is to start without a big goal. If I had told myself in the morning, “I must walk the whole marathon,” I probably would’ve felt pressure and maybe wouldn’t have finished.
A good goal shouldn’t feel like a punishment if you don’t complete it. It should feel rewarding if you do. If your goal constantly makes you anxious about not finishing, maybe it’s not a good goal to begin with.
Final thoughts
I walked the marathon in about 6.5 hours. I’m pretty sure I could’ve gone faster with better gear or a little preparation. But honestly, the whole thing was less hard than I expected.
And now… I’m actually considering running a marathon in the future.
Sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones you never planned for.