It’s Chicago Marathon weekend — and we’ll be there! 🏙️🏃♀️
From the elites chasing records to the thousands of runners chasing their own PRs, it’s one of the biggest weekends in running.
Today I've got everything you need to get race-ready (or inspired): expert insights, practical tips, and big headlines shaking up the running world. ✨
🎙️ New podcast: Inside the Chicago Marathon: Lessons from a five-time finisher: Alex and Katelyn sit down with Michael, who’s run Chicago five times, to talk race-day strategy, pacing lessons, and what makes this course so special.
🦶 8 Foot strengthening exercises every runner should do: Build stronger, more resilient feet to boost your running performance, improve balance, and help prevent those nagging injuries from the ground up.
⚠️ Stay safe out there: 8 running safety tips for the road & trails: Smart, practical advice to keep you confident, visible, and prepared wherever you run.
🤒 Ill before your race? Here’s how to decide whether to run or rest: Feeling under the weather before Chicago? Learn how to recover smart and make the right call when it matters most.
⚖️ Garmin faces new patent lawsuit from rival smartwatch maker Suunto: Legal action could block sales of Garmin’s top models, including the Fenix and Forerunner lines.
🌍 Paris Marathon 2026 to eliminate cups and bottles at aid stations: Runners will carry their own hydration as the race eliminates all disposable containers in a bold sustainability move.
🔥 Strava users revolt against Garmin lawsuit plans: The fitness app’s feud with Garmin has ignited one of the most heated community responses in its history.
Happy running! 🏃🏻♀️⭐
Katelyn Tocci Managing Editor Head Coach
Run Your Run
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And, Wahoo have prepared an exclusive offer for Marathon Handbook readers: get a free smart fan Headwind, value $319, when purchasing a KICKR RUN from wahoofitness.com, using code MHRUN at checkout:
This week, Katelyn and Alex sit down with Michael, a five-time Chicago Marathon finisher, to talk all things Windy City running. 🏙️
From his favorite parts of the course and pre-race traditions to the toughest miles and insider tips for race day, Michael shares what makes Chicago such a special — and deceptively fast — marathon.
And remember, we'll be in Chicago this weekend, so come hang out with us at our shakeout run and live podcast! 💨👟
I don’t know about you, but my feet definitely get sore from running from time to time, or is that all the time? 🤔—and I’ll admit, they’re one area I often overlook in strength training 💪.
In this guide, I’ll dig into why your feet deserve more attention, how to build strength from the ground up, and how stronger feet can mean smoother, faster, pain-free miles ahead 🏃♀️✨.
🌅 The days are getting shorter, which means winter is coming, and with it, more challenging running conditions. ❄️ From dark mornings to icy roads, it’s the season where safety matters most.
I’m sharing my top 8 safety tips to help you adjust your training and keep running strong even in the trickiest of conditions. 🏃♀️🔥
⚖️💥 Garmin’s legal storm just got worse. Hot on the heels of Strava’s lawsuit, Finnish rival Suunto has filed its own patent infringement case targeting Garmin’s top-selling watches.
Could this double legal hit threaten Garmin’s smartwatch empire? 👀
👉 Read more to see what’s at stake for one of the biggest names in running tech.
🌍💧 Big change coming to the Paris Marathon. In 2026, one of the world’s largest races will go cup-free and bottle-free for the first time ever.
Runners will have to carry their own hydration gear as part of a bold move toward sustainability, and the rest of the marathon world is watching closely. 👀🏃♀️♻️
👉 Read more about how Paris is redefining what a “green marathon” really means.
🔥💥 After Strava sued Garmin and tried to “set the record straight” on Reddit, the internet had other ideas. Thousands of users piled on, calling out Strava’s move as one of the worst PR blunders in years.
👀💬 “Mom and dad are fighting,” one user joked — but the fallout could impact millions of athletes’ uploads.
Ready to crush your next running goal, but not sure where to start? 🏃♀️✨
Meet Katelyn, our UESCA-certified running coach with over a decade of experience helping runners of all kinds—whether you’re chasing your very first 5K finish line or gearing up for an ultra.
As a passionate ultra-runner herself, Katelyn knows the highs, lows, and everything in between. She’ll design a training plan that fits you—your fitness level, your schedule, and your goals. With unlimited messaging, ongoing feedback, and twice-monthly video check-ins, you’ll never feel like you’re training alone.
Your goals are within reach—let’s make them happen together. 💪🏼
, Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #626! 🎉 Happy Wednesday! Here's what I have for you today: Today is your last chance to grab Amazon's Prime Day Deals, including $120 off the Apple Watch 10, 20% of DJI Neo drones if you're an aspiring ShoeTuber, great deals on Garmins, hundreds of $$$ off NordicTrack treadmills, as well as a ton of discounts on daily running shoes. Here's our pick of the best deals for...
Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, 👋🏼 Katelyn here with newsletter #625! From those first sleepy morning miles to the post-run stretches we promise not to skip, today's lineup hits close to home. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite guides to help you fuel better, recover smarter, and maybe find a little extra spark for your next run — plus one seriously inspiring performance from the GOAT herself. Here’s what’s new: 🎧 In-depth Interview:...
, Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #624! 🎉 Happy Monday! Here's what I have for you today: 🏃♂️ The secret ingredient to boosting your running performance? Strides. Here's everything you need to know! 🦄 How one runner gained entry to the Boston Marathon through standards and not exactly intended as a shortcut ⛰️ Ultrarunning legend Killian Jornet links all 14er peaks across Colorado, California, and Washington...
