Hi Reader!
It's officially Chicago Marathon race week, and I'm so excited to run this Sunday to support Imerman Angels!
The taper madness has stepped in. I can't resist checking the weather forecast and my race outfit is ready to go. Thirteen marathons in, and the race week nerves never get old.
For the full marathon prep issue, click here.
If you're running Chicago too, I'll see you out there! And if your race is later this fall, everything in this email works for you too.
Let's get into it.
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tl;dr
I know you're busy! If you want cut to the features without having to read the extra details, here are the links for these posts!
- Featured Post: The Prompt That Builds Your Marathon Spectator Plan
- #TBT: Make Your Marathon Special
- Prime Picks: Race Day Favorites
If you have a friend who would benefit from these tips, please forward this email!
Featured Post
The Prompt That Builds Your Marathon Spectator Plan
Here's a race week job nobody warns you about: being your family's tour guide.
If you're the runner, you're probably the one getting the texts. Where should we stand? Which train do we take? What time will you be there? And underneath all of it, the big one: what if we miss you?
I felt that exact overwhelm when I spectated the Berlin Marathon last month. New country, unfamiliar trains, and a course map that made my head spin. So I wrote one detailed AI prompt, and it handed me a complete spectator plan.
Here's what made it work:
- A timetable for every cheer spot, with the time my runner should pass each one. I could tell in real time that she was having a great race.
- Built-in time between spots, so I wasn't sprinting through crowds hoping I'd make it.
- Train directions down to the final stop on each line, so I never hopped on going the wrong way.
- Directions to our post-race meet-up spot, because cell service always crashes near the finish.
The result? I found my runner six times.
In the post, I'm sharing the exact copy-and-paste prompt, what to gather before you use it, and a follow-up prompt to recalculate the plan if your pace shifts mid-race. There are Chicago-specific tips too, since the loop course is one of the easiest majors for seeing your runner more than once.
Your race week to-do: plug in your start time, goal pace, and race outfit, then send the plan to your cheer squad. One less thing on your plate, and a lot more chances to hear your people screaming your name.
#TBT
5 Creative Ideas to Make Running a Marathon Special
Once your cheer squad knows where to stand, give them (and every stranger on the course) a reason to cheer even louder.
This throwback is all about the little touches that turn race day into a celebration. Wearing your name on your shirt so thousands of people cheer for you by name. Race glitter that survives sweat and humidity. And a race mantra for the miles when your legs start negotiating with you.
I'm also sharing the story behind the mantra that carried me to a PR in Berlin back in 2024. It involves a jet lag plan, 2:45 am wake-ups, and my very patient boyfriend. Plus the funniest race sign I've ever seen, which I still yell to myself late in a race.
If you're running this weekend, you still have time to pull a few of these together before Sunday.
Make Your Marathon Special →
Prime Picks
Need a few fun extras before Sunday? These are the race day add-ons I actually use. Order soon so they're in hand before your race!
Glitter Gel
Meicoly Glitter Gel: Dramatic, chunky glitter that's perfect for hair, face, and body. It's easy to spot from the crowd and washes out easily.
Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel: A more subtle sparkle with a smooth, even application.
Glitter Stick
Meicoly Waterproof Face & Body Glitter Stick: Easy, even application with zero mess. Great if you're getting ready in a hotel bathroom at 5 am.
Glitter Tattoos
Fazit Face Tattoos: These freckles stay put and stay perfectly in place, mile 1 through mile 26.2.
Anti-Chafe
Megababe Thigh Rescue: The unglamorous essential. Future you will be so grateful.
Name on Your Shirt
Waterproof Mailbox Letters: The easiest way to put your name on your shirt. They hold up to sweat and outdoor weather, so the crowd can cheer you on all race long.
Find even more of my race day favorites in my Amazon storefront.
That's it from me this week! On Sunday I'll be out on the course with glitter on my face, my name on my shirt, and my mantra on repeat. If you see me, please yell. I promise I'll yell back.
To every runner out there this weekend: you've done the work. Trust your training, soak in the crowds, and have the best time.
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See you at the finish!
-Liz
