Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – The Marathon (by Cheryl Whittam)

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Hi Gang!

Huge congrats to Miguel who ran the Wineglass marathon on the weekend! I think there is a story there – we’ll have to hear it next time you’re out. And in Toronto a bunch of us ran the Toronto Women’s 5K: Erin (1st in AG), Brianna (2nd overall, 1st in AG), Monica (1st in AG), Kerry (1st in AG) and myself (3rd overall, 1st Master). And thanks to all who came out and cheered 

Coming up this weekend we have the Chicago Marathon! Jordan, Amanda, Chris, Cheryl, Meagan. Then next weekend I’ll list the Toronto Marathon people!

We have a guest post this week by Cheryl Whittam who is running Chicago – thank-you Cheryl!

The Marathon – Cheryl Whittam

“If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” ~ Dean Karnazes

After 18 half marathons, I am (finally) attempting to take on the full marathon in Chicago.  Growing up in a running family, I have always revered, respected and been slightly terrified of this distance! 

My Dad was a marathon runner back in the 80s, when the running boom was just taking off.  I have also had the privilege of seeing him celebrate his 65th birthday by completing the 2018 NYC Marathon and cheer on my brother at the Boston Marathon in 2017.  However I have never completed the full 42.2km myself.

Like any good training build, this one has provided me with many reflections:

  1. Resilience: running allows you to experience the entire spectrum of human emotions.  Some miles feel great, others are very hard, but regardless it is all temporary.  In that way, running is a metaphor for life. Our emotions are often described as energy in motion.  Running has allowed me to have a healthy way of moving through complex emotions simply by showing up and putting one foot in front of the other.  This has been a very helpful for me in both my personal and professional lives as well.

  1. Problem Solving:  Running, training and racing all require constant problem solving.  No training plan or race ever goes perfectly and has allowed me the opportunity to focus on progress over perfection.  Whether it be an injury, inclement weather or under fueling. Looking back, I can now see these as learning opportunities in the spirit of continuous improvement. I can’t control what happens on a race day, but I can control what I put into my training build.  Again, another helpful metaphor for life!

  1. The Power of Community: Over the years the running community has brought me so much joy!  It has allowed me to travel the world, make lifelong friendships and have some incredible memories with my Dad. I am also tremendously grateful to the LES Crew.  Running with all of you is an absolute privilege!  Your kindness, support and positive attitudes are such a blessing in my life.  Thank you for carrying me through this training build and various other challenge over the past year!  As well, thanks to those of you who graciously donated to my fundraising efforts for Chicago in memory of my Dad and in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.  I’ve been dealing with a couple injuries during this build therefore the support of “Team Terry” has been instrumental in keeping me motivated and inspired to fly through the streets of Chicago October 12!

On to tomorrow’s workout! We are due for hills, but I think trail racers should put hills in their weekend run, and we’ll come out and do one last workout with the Toronto Marathon people and see off any Chicago folk who show up for the taper (that said, I won’t be able to make it tomorrow as I have an early appointment – so if someone could please lead that would be great!) – Lakeshore and Leslie – 6:05 Drills, 6:15 GO!

  1. Let’s do some good ol’ cut-downs. 1 mile (2 min), 1200 (1:45), 1000 (1:45), 800 (1:30), 600 (1:30), 400

Starting at tempo pace and working down as you go.

  1. Chicago marathoners: 1 mile @ MP, 3-4 x 400 w 1:30 just smooth

That is all – have a great one and I’ll see you next week!

xo

Seanna