Instagram/@mattjames919
Matt James is pumped up for the Chicago Marathon this coming weekend. In addition to this, he is doing the last speed workout and doesn’t forget to try a special pumpkin spice recovery smoothie. The former ‘Bachelor’ star shared his daily routine and invited other runners to post their bib numbers, which he would track through them. This indeed worked and he got reactions back from the community of runners.
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The last speed workout for the Chicago Marathon was performed by Matt James who took the event with his followers. The reality star turned into an ultra-runner, flaunted his six-mile run at the insane pace of 6:30 and referred to this workout as “the last one for Chicago in three days.” While training with speedier runners than him James had also stated, “It’s cool to train with the guys who are faster than you. What more can I say?”
His post marathon training included stretching his core and preparing a special pumpkin spice smoothie. He specified the uncommon constituents of his recovery drink: “New berries. Coconut peanut butter. Vabana. Bill. Coconut water. Lave city pumpkin spice. Wave roasting with collagen. A little bit of ice. Perhaps a little bit of chocolate though. And whole fat green yogurt.” This drink indicates the meticulous nutrition planning that goes into marathon preparation.
The comment section was quickly occupied by runners’ bib numbers as they encouraged each other on the internet. One of the runners said that they had their first marathon on their birthday, so it was a double celebration. The individual said “My first marathon—and it’s on my birthday🎉 BIB 53009” and James reacted with encouraging comments.
Another runner said that this would be the second race for him with James commenting, “71268 – Sam Pace! 2nd time running together! We ran Disney Princess together last year too!!!” When James asked about the time goals, the runner answered, “4:30 is my stretch but I’ll be happy with 4:45!! You going for the sub-3???” James opined that this might not be his sub-three-hour race but he underlined it would be “a fun race.”
The communication pointed to the community aspect of marathon running as the different places the runners came from allowed them to connect. One comment stated “10890 from Boston to Chi town see you there!” demonstrating how the marathon lures runners from all parts of the country. Another person said, “Good Luck! I am running NYC!!” to which James replied that he would also be participating in the New York Marathon.
On the contrary, one of the fans was pushing for James’ performance goals: “Rooting for that sub 3 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽” whereas another marathoner declared “42081 sub 3:30 here we come!” James was very interactive with the commenters and thus a sense of a shared mission among the participants was created.
There was also a humorous side to the discussion, with one user inquiring whether James would be “running with a tail this time? 😂” alluding to the possibly bizarre race costumes. James comically replied, “Maybe not a tail but something else 😁” suggesting that he might have another surprise on race day.
In the comments, there were numerous suggestions for nutrition and hydration such as “Don’t forget to hydrate with some DryWater💧” the brand account remarked and James responded that he was “on board” with their products. Such thoroughness indicates the complete preparation that is necessary for the marathon to be successful.
To begin with, there were a couple of first-time marathoners who expressed their excitement to share the experience with James. One wrote, “51525 my first marathon! 🤗” The other said “It’s my first time running Chicago!! hope to see you there! Bib #: 21477” showing how James’ presence made things more enjoyable for the newcomers.
The mass excitement in the comments resembled a virtual cheerleading squad before the weekend’s event. Runners were wishing each other good luck, revealing their personal goals, and making the challenge ahead more exciting. James’ engagement with all the comments showed that he was prepared to go beyond his own performance in the running community.
Matt James was not only physically but also mentally prepared as the day of the Chicago Marathon was getting closer. He completed the final speed workout and also fine-tuned his recovery nutrition, and now he, along with thousands of other runners, waits for the starting gun. The collective joy in his comments is a sign of the global marathon experience—exhausting but very exciting, lonely yet very social.
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For Matt James, the Chicago Marathon becomes a new episode in his running saga, one he not only enjoys but also shares with others. His open call for sharing running numbers has turned into a virtual game of tracking not limited to the physical course but connecting runners through technology and mutual support. This weekend’s race will be a trial of all the training undergone in the last months but perhaps community-building reflected in the interactions will be just as important for every stakeholder. He recently enjoyed a five-dollar breakfast burrito and is looking forward to trying the must-try foods at the State Fair of Texas. He also highly recommends the hidden gem Miss Lucy’s Kitchen in Hudson Valley.
