This last Sunday, I completed my second Chicago Marathon. It was the first time I incorporated a GoPro. I used the GoPro Hero 4 and mounted it via the chest mount. I can report the I did not experience any chafing from wearing the mount. It felt comfortable. I used the ten second time lapse to capture these Chicago Marathon GoPro time lapse photos. I would not recommend the chest mount for video though. I think the head mount provides a more stable mount for video.
Chicago Marathon GoPro photo essay – Although this is the one picture not shot with my GoPro
Related: Running, walking, and peeing the Chicago Marathon
I had hoped to run a personal best this year, but unfortunately I hurt my calf in July. I tried to rest it and stretch and come back in a week, but I re-injured it three more times. I finally realized it was more serious than a pulled muscle. I rested it for three weeks while doing toe raises. This finally healed it, but I missed over six weeks of training during the most critical stretch.
GoPro selfie at Grant Park
At the starting line with 40,000 other runners
The most I ran when I finally got healthy at one time was six miles. I knew a personal best was not in the cards, and I feared I might not even complete ten miles. I was running for charity, so I did not want to cancel my participation. Click here if you would like to check out my worthy cause.
Chicago Marathon GoPro mounted from the chest mount
I started off feeling ok, and I felt pretty good through ten miles, but around the halfway point things began to unravel. I passed the halfway point at 2:14 minutes, and I began to walk at 12 miles, so I did pretty decent through 13.1. The next 13.1 were a different story.
Chicago Marathon runners near the beginning in the downtown area
Chicago Marathon is not a lonely venture
I concentrated on getting some GoPro footage since I knew I would not have such a great time. There are over 1.5 million spectators that line the course. The crowd is amazing. They make us feel like rock stars. I remember when I ran cross-country meets in high school the only people that cheered us on were our coaches, teammates, a team members family member or two, and if we were lucky an actual fan..
Another downtown GoPro shot during the Chicago Marathon
When training there is never any support unless you are running with someone. That is why they call long distance running a lonely venture. This is not the case during the Chicago Marathon. Thank you so much to anyone who goes out and gives us support and also to the wonderful volunteers.
Chicago GoPro Marathon shots
I dedicate this photo essay to the spectators and volunteers who so selflessly give so much to make this event great. I also give high fives to my fellow marathon runners. Only a marathon runner knows how difficult it is to run a marathon. I have so much respect for every runner that stood on that starting line and finished. Heck, even if you don’t finish, you have my respect for even trying.
Chicago Marathon GoPro photos
Disappointing finish but there is always next year
I limped to the finish line, although I did run the last one mile without stopping after a run walk combination the last 14 miles. I may not have achieved my goal, but at least I captured some fun shots from a great race. There is always next year.
First shot of the amazing fans at the Chicago Marathon
Chicago Marathon GoPro photo essay
I loved giving high fives to the spectators
Great advice from one spectator – #Dontpoop
GoPro selfie around the 10 mile mark
Chicago Marathon GoPro photos
Most epic picture ever #Elvislives
GoPro Chicago Marathon photos
More shots of the wonderful crowd
All hail the Sears I mean Willis Tower
Running towards the iconic Sears Tower
Here comes the sun – What a beautiful day for a run
Mile 13 at the Chicago Marathon – Almost halfway through
Chicago Marathon GoPro photos
True words, but it surely did not feel like it at the time
More great crowd photos as Venezuela is represented to my right
Fall colors beginning to show during the Chicago Marathon
A woman collapses and a group of good samaritans come to her aid – Miraculously, she got up and started running again
Sun lighting up the blond hair of the runner next to me
Watchya talking about Willis Tower
They say when you die you see light, I sure felt like it at this point, but I managed to finish
Adventure on!
The goal of this site is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications go out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. Your email will not be share and you will receive no spam. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
