There's a reason people strive to get to Boston. It's truly an unforgettable experience. Without taking into account the craziness of the 2013 bombings here's a look at my experience.

I did minimal training with no hill work (being Chicago-based) and then decided I would try to run as fast as I did to qualify (despite less training and a harder course). Not. Smart.

The race is done so well and the energy cannot be matched. Love the expo. Great shirt (and love the Sam Adams bottle opener!).

Course support and boston natives cheering are amazing. Aid stations are well run. Each neighborhood is so unique.

Tip: Make sure to bring appropriate gear for the Runners Village beforehand. My hubs and I had fold-out chairs to keep us warmer off-the-ground for our almost 2-hour wait pre-race. We also had a blanket to keep us warm too. The energy and organization of the Runners Village was also awesome. Cannot imagine what it'll be like in 2014!

Definitely a must-do if you qualify. You won't forget it!

Yes, I ran this in the infamous year with the horrible expo and the horrible race start.

Not enough things can be written about the expo. OUTSIDE in Chicago in November? Not big enough to handle the races (even though you know how many people registered?!?)?

I know people who finished the entire 15K before their friends in later corrals even started, waiting in the freezing cold. And the start was a hot mess. So crowded for the first 3 miles at least.

The only saving grace is the amazing hoodie which is one of my favorite race apparel items to date!

I. Love. The Chicago Marathon. They are a well-oiled machine, and once you run it puts most other races to shame.

They get the big things right:
· Expo – huge, lots of vendors, enough space to walk around and great samples/giveaways
· Shirt – design is better some years than others but it always fits well and have gender-specific sizing
· Course – Entertaining and well marked
· Course Support – the BEST I’ve seen. Signs let you know aid stations are ahead AND there are aid stations every mile!
· Crowds – Only to be rivaled by the other marathon majors, there is entertainment nearly the entire route. Love the different community support!

They get the little things right
· Aid Station Marking - water vs. gatorade is adequately marked by colored flags and cups
· Post-Race – stickers to keep your space blanket on! So small yet so important when you are freezing and the wind keeps trying to blow it off.
· Finish – perfect distance to see the finish with enough time to amp it up at the end but not so long you turn it up too early!

I’m lucky to have this race in my hometown. Hats off to the race directors for getting it right every year!