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Chicago Marathon is known as a fast course that can produce amazing races for athletes. We sat down with Pro Runner Dakotah Popehn to talk through how she's approaching the race this year.
Please note: We condensed the interview below, making edits for brevity and readability.
The Power of Redemption
Q: Why did you choose to run Chicago this year?
Dakotah: Last year, I was in such good shape going into Chicago and then just didn't have the race that I was hoping for there and sometimes for me that creates need [for] redemption on that course a little bit. Chicago is [also] one of those really unique marathons where it is loud almost the entire time.
And she notes that for her, she's most excited about seeing that finish line. Something that all athletes can relate to, knowing that you just did that thing!
Q: What was your biggest focus going into this training block?
Dakotah: Trying to peak at the right time. Last year, the issue that we found that I was in was we needed the race to be three weeks earlier. So, a lot of trusting the process this build, waiting to do some of those bigger sections and bigger mileage weeks. I kept having a hard time mentally because I felt like I was quote unquote behind from my build. We were much more purposeful about making sure I'm peaking at the right time, which did happen! My signs of life were happening in the last four weeks, which is right where you want them to be.
Fueling for Chicago: What's Remained and What's Changed?
Q: In terms of fueling, what do you feel has changed in this training block?
Dakotah: We're living in such like a carb heavy world right now. The biggest thing that has changed for me since I started marathoning to now is every build I feel like I'm able to get in more and more carbs more frequently if I want to. The one thing about UCAN is there will be some workouts or long runs that I don't really want to carry a lot or I don't want to take a gel every three miles and I know I don't have to because UCAN is so much more sustaining than a normal gel would be.
Q: How do you plan to use UCAN on race day and how have you been using it at training?
Dakotah: I never quite simulate exactly how it's going to be on race day. In practice I was taking a gel at most every four miles and then on race day it'll be every three miles.
And her favorite flavor? Vanilla Latte and Orange Mango are go tos as well as the new Gel + Electrolyte line, specifically Cherry!
Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to a new runner in the endurance space?
Dakotah: I think one of the most important things that I didn't learn until well after college was that you should never be running fasted ever. I can't believe how long I was running fasted every single morning. No wonder I was always tired! Even if you wake up at 4:30AM to get your run in, just grab a UCAN. Hit that as you're walking out the door, it's going to sit well and you're going to be feeling better.
Q: What does pre-race look like for you?
Dakotah: I will preface this by saying I like to do this before pretty much every one of my big long runs so that when I get to race day, this is kind of like old news. I'm usually eating a bagel about two and a half hours before with cream cheese. Then, I always pack a million gels because I never know. Sometimes, I feel full from that and then sometimes I'll be on the bus like I could use another little snack. Then, I always take one gel right on the start line. I always want to feel satiated on the start line. I don't want to feel hungry at all.
Q: What does post-race look like for you?
Dakotah noted she's diving into a Coca Cola, pizza, and her favorite chocolate cake.
Being Flexible When Marathoning and Advice for Those New to Chicago
Q: Is there anything you would have changed about this training block?
Dakotah: I'm in my 21st marathon training block. So, I feel like I've got a lot of it really dialed in. I think the thing that I can always look back at and say like,"Oh, I wish I would have done better is like chill out a little bit." I wish I could just tell myself to trust the process.
Q: What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone running Chicago for the first time?
Dakotah: The first is to make sure you're manually setting your watch at the mile markers because you will not get an accurate reading with all those tall buildings and then to start slow. No matter what pace you're going, try to run slower because it's so loud and so electric at the beginning of Chicago that I think people run outside of themselves early.
Q: What is a mantra you use when it gets challenging out there on course?
Dakotah: "I am strong, I am fast, my speed will last." It works 70% of the time, but sometimes in races you just have to find the word that resonates in that moment. Sometimes it's dig harder, dig harder or foot on the gas. You have to pivot if the thing that you usually have been using in practice isn't hitting on that day.
To all athletes getting on the start line for Chicago 2026, we are cheering for you. Have a blast, take your nutrition consistently, and don't forget your why.
