Lakyn Boltz

Chicago Marathon 2026. The same start line that I faced a year ago - but with new, bigger goals. A stronger, different version of myself. The marathon is humbling. The marathon is unforgiving. And the marathon doesn’t allow you to take the easy way out. The start line will always come with a little doubt no matter how experienced you are. It never gets easier. But maybe that’s why I do it? Maybe that’s why I keep coming back.

We spend months pushing our limits, transforming into new versions of ourselves, and discovering what we just might be capable of and then we show up to a start line not knowing exactly what will happen. Not knowing what will happen, but also realizing that ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

But that’s it. There’s something incredible about not knowing how race day will go and still choosing to find out anyway. I remain extremely grateful for running still allowing me to compete. To bet on myself. To endure physical and MENTAL battles I still don’t even know how I overcome. To chase scary goals - goals I NEVER thought I would truly be speaking of.

A huge shoutout to Team 816 and our massive crew of runners and supporters. Our team fights together, wins together, and learns together. Belief before ability always.❤️‍🔥

@coachrandy816 gets the credit for this one. Chasing your coach for 26.2 miles - the one who knows how to get more out of you than you even believe is possible - is something I’ll never forget. My finish time is a reflection of the preparation and work you’ve taught us is necessary to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves.👏🏻

Lastly, my guy @briantdav is officially a MARATHONER!! This training block was a little more special sharing it with my person. Meal prepping, early morning alarms, disciplined routines… this guy believed in me 1000x more than I ever believed in myself all while chasing his own accomplishment for the first time. Grateful to cross another finish line together.💙

Marathon #4 - 3:22:56🏃🏼‍♀️ (A 4 min PR, BQ🤭)
@chimarathon