Chicago Marathon 2021 - Run Motivation

[@douglasmoore1251]

"So on race day, we should not demand what we think we are owed. Instead, we should run to show the world just how much we have been given. And that we are still here." Got chills from this line... Perfect video, best of luck!

[@wetzky]

This was the motivation video I didn't know that I needed. This spoke to me on many levels, and resonated deeply. I will run Chicago for others, working with the band of brothers and sisters that I find myself with, spurring each other on to achieve everything that we can, with what we have, on that day.

[@kofuzi]

give it everything you've got!

[@jasondahl8538]

Man is someone cutting onions here? I am so excited for Sunday!!! My last in person race was the 2019 Chicago Marathon, so its going to be emotional running Sunday. LETS GO!!!!

[@kofuzi]

we're still here, Jason. we made it.

[@flamingdelta9853]

This video brought me to tears, the music everything, do not be disapointed, you finished it!, its very hard

[@yutheman]

As a healthcare worker, I can't tell you how much this video means to me. You can exchange the words about running for anything people have dealt through hardship this past year. Thank you for reminding us the lesson of gratitude and pushing forward.

[@kofuzi]

thank you for what you do

[@gallagherii]

While I train for a half marathon and no a full one, this just fills me with something I can't explain. The winter is creeping in and I just want to grind, endure, dig deep, and push through. Thanks for this, I did not know I needed it. I've had the worst possible year personally as a father, and running is somehow helping me to an extent I did not imagine it was possible. Best of luck on Sunday Michael.

[@kofuzi]

You can do it

[@jogman262]

The Half Marathon is a tough distance too.

[@teetertotter5787]

Crying here. Damn you. But totally you are saying what I have been thinking. You put it into words that I hadn't quite found yet.

[@kofuzi]

that is a high compliment. thank you

[@terryfurlong518]

Heart of a warrior. Soul of a poet.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you Terry.

[@ohaiitsarielle]

I needed this. I'm going to be toeing the line in Chicago. I've been training for 5 months for this. I was supposed to run it last year and I deferred to 2021. When I cross that finish line on Sunday, there's going to be nothing left in the tank. I'm never going to run this race for the first time again, so I'm going to give it my heart and soul. Because this race deserves it. I deserve it.

[@shannonsides6017]

Can we please get you a key to this city?! THANK YOU, no words can do justice to how incredible your work is.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you so much, Shannon!

[@JB-hq9yj]

I'm running my first marathon on October 31st. Training has been difficult. Many, many, very early mornings getting the runs in before my kids wake up. I didn't realize how much I was keeping in emotionally until this just came on. GD dude you made me shed a few tears and I needed that release. Thank you.

[@kofuzi]

I feel you

[@jogman262]

October 31st marathon reminded me of the 1993 Chicago Marathon run on Halloween. Snow squalls and a 19 degree wind chill. I thought while running it if I can finish I can do anything. Good luck to you on the 31st!

[@TheAdrian1977]

The run does not owe us anything. Some of us owe it everything. Great words.

[@kofuzi]

Power of the pack

[@charriso]

I ran a half marathon yesterday and it truly felt like a celebration we all needed. I'm so happy we can race again. This is a fantastic motivational video. We GET to run. It's a privilege. So excited for you and all the runners racing marathons in the upcoming weeks!

[@kofuzi]

Awesome that you were able to race yesterday!

[@flamingdelta9853]

There are so many ups and downs with running, sometimes you dont run the whole thing and have to walk, sometimes you finish the whole run, it teaches you a lot

[@JohnSmith-fk2mn]

This is absolutely superb! and so perfectly expresses the dichotomy of why we continue to show up even after the darkest days. Thanks Ko. Wishing you well on Sunday. I'll be in Boston for my wife on Monday and then I lace up the following weekend for my 26.2 in Grand Rapids. I will take this with me on the run to help keep me going.

[@BrendonCamm]

Mike, you have a wonderful way with words. Chills. Thank you for this, I can't wait to be able to toe the line of a run again. Wishing everyone running races this fall season the best of luck, just remember: you are so much more capable than you give yourself credit for.

[@kofuzi]

thank you Brendon

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Simply beautiful and very moving.

[@venture1883]

The marathon owes us nothing is something I learned this weekend. Ran my first marathon this weekend. Stretch goal was sub 4 and I felt great for the first 16 miles. The 400 feet of elevation gain at mile 17-18 broke me - official time was 4:01:17. When I finished I swore I wouldn't do another one but it's gonna get me again. Best of luck this weekend to you and all the other marathoners! It won't be luck that gets you across the finish line.

[@tsubakichan]

It's always disappointing when you don't achieve all your goals, but clearly yours is within reach. I wouldn't be surprised if you do it again, and you've smashed the 4 hour barrier. Either way, congrats! Marathoning is tough, and you're one of the few who achieved it!

[@kofuzi]

You’re so close. Gotta try again!

[@chris_mcc_]

So so good. I thought I was done with marathons…but you’ve got me clicking on a London 2022 ballot entry after watching that🤪😂

[@kofuzi]

The marathon isn’t my favorite distance, but there’s something about it that isn’t matched by races shorter or longer.

[@jogman262]

I’m doing Dublin October 2022!

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Best of luck during race day, I am sure you do great no matter what. Finish with a smile. And thanks for the encouraging words, I will keep them in mind for my marathon on 24th, I´m already nervous but will try to enjoy and don´t leave anything in the tank.

[@crunseverywhere1247]

So inspiring! I will be coming back to watch this again and again.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you. That is a high compliment 🙏

[@JC-rn5tk]

My race day is still 2 months away. I'll keep coming back to this until that day arrives. Very well done!

[@jogman262]

St. Jude Marathon in Memphis?

[@JC-rn5tk]

@@jogman262 No, Dallas December 12th. Good luck with your training and race!

[@jogman262]

@JC. Best of luck to you! Was supposed to do Dublin Ireland on October 24th but for the second year in a row they canceled it because of the pandemic. So I’m doing a very small scale one in Columbia City Indiana November 13th. Hopefully will get Dublin in next year.

[@JC-rn5tk]

@@jogman262 Thanks! Dublin would be incredible, hope you can get there.

[@leejoycechung2162]

Great motivation kofuzi! Love you and your channel. Beautiful video!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you so much!

[@dvdpfstr1971]

I ran the 2019 Chicago Marathon. It was my first ever marathon. Met up with Mike and some others for a shakeout run the day before. The whole weekend was a blast. I’m running the Indianapolis Marathon in a little over a month from now and my wife will be running her first half-marathon there also. Good luck to everyone running Chicago, especially the ones who it will be their first time. It’s an incredible weekend.

[@kofuzi]

Good luck in Indianapolis! A great race!

[@latif87]

What an epic video

[@kofuzi]

thank you 🙏

[@jimharding2650]

This was so awesome! Our charity running team has been sharing it all day!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@sorinmitrea5138]

Wow ... big words ... they touched my soul ... I needed such urges ... Thank you!

[@robertmelendez6677]

Certainly the best day of my life! What an experience for my first marathon. I loved this inspirational video that it was playing back in my mind running the last mile. THANK YOU!,

[@kofuzi]

great job finishing! congratulations!

[@joshuaclark9366]

Running my first 100 miler in 5 days and this was some on point motivation I needed. Grateful.

[@bigchum3984]

Go go both of you 💪💪

[@kofuzi]

you can do it!

[@aristodiga82]

good luck and be strong! 👏👏

[@waterproof4403]

What a beautiful video Goodness! 💚❤ good luck to everyone running in Chicago 2021 Marathon

[@ianlowe4126]

Wonderful video Kofuzi. I wish you all the very best for Sunday and thank you for all the inspiration you have given us to keep running through this difficult time. Hope to join you same time same place next. From all your followers in 🇬🇧good luck.

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much Ian!

[@SADIQ1414]

Race morning at 4 am revisiting this 🙏🏼.

[@jogman262]

Good luck to all the runners on Sunday!! It might get a little warm but hydrate tonight and during the race, and hang tough, you trained hard!! I’m a 17 time runner of this race and I know how exciting it is.

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@jogman262]

Good luck friend!

[@macau.friend]

Man, I still remember watching your 2019 Chicago Marathon recap video and how disappointed you were after all the low heart rate training. Can’t believe it was that long ago. But glad that you are back at it again. Good luck and most importantly, enjoy!

[@kofuzi]

Low HR didn’t come until after 2019 Chicago. 2019 Chicago was a lot of speed work and lower mileage. But yeah, all that seems like a lifetime ago.

[@macau.friend]

@@kofuzi Ah my bad, I totally mixed up the Chicago and Houston marathons 🤦

[@patsy6468]

Chicago will be my first marathon I’m super nervous but excited ! Thanks for this video and all your other videos you’ve been a huge inspiration! Good luck on Sunday !

[@kofuzi]

It’s going to be awesome!

[@robertarchuleta7960]

very very inspirational!! Best of luck this weekend..this is your hometown race..go crush it!! I'll be in Boston but thinking of this video..

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

Well said Ko! All the best on race day. I know from watching other videos of triumph and failure that a lot of the unexpected can happen on a marathon. My sights are set ultimately on L.A. March 20, 2022. My goal? Too finish without injury. As a 1st timer, I believe one has to finish a marathon before learning how to race one. Full speed ahead!

[@kofuzi]

You can do it, Ray!

[@javiersong]

This video is so inspiring even after bonking at the Chicago Marathon 2021 today. Tomorrow back to the drawing board 💪

[@srk6992]

Yeaaaa…. This is incredibly well done buddy! I wish I was heading back this year. I’m sending this to everyone who will be there because it is THE video so many didn’t even know they needed. Appreciate all you do for so many 👊🏼.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you for sharing. It is the highest compliment

[@romrome]

"Give More. Find More. Keep Going." Thank you for sharing this Mike. #ImNotCrying

[@kofuzi]

We can do it!

[@AndrewCho730]

Ko, watching your all motivational videos in the morning of my race. make another one this year? this is great

[@boquii]

Awesome! Thanks man! I’m not running Chicago but I will carry your words and thoughts to NYC

[@elcoyotte8109]

So true ! Just finished Paris marathon yesterday. Nothing is granted, everything can happen no matter how hard you have trained. In my case nothing want like planned, that’s racing. Just keep moving, enjoy till you can’t 👊🏻

[@kofuzi]

Great job finishing Paris! It’s a race I’d love to run

[@elcoyotte8109]

@@kofuzi first 10k are incredible, you need to try it !

[@runnerdrey201]

Such a great video Ko! All the feels. It made me reflect on my own training over the past year. Great perspective as well. Good luck in Chicago.

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much!

[@LuisBecerra79]

👍🏼 excellent video Kofuzi. Couldn’t say it better. Have a great marathon week. Have fun

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Luis!

[@istaavno]

Hey Mike one of your best - if not the best package capturing your journey to yet another Chicago Marathon. Safe and spirit filled run Mike👍

[@kofuzi]

I really enjoyed putting this one together. I’m glad it turned out well.

[@RobertHeinsch]

Beautiful! Thanks so much, Mike! This touched me on so many levels. I was still on the fence about whether I should really run the Rotterdam Marathon in 2.5 weeks, but that question now has been solved after watching your video! :-)

[@kofuzi]

Be safe and have a great race!

[@ChrisSee]

Beautifully said Mike, I look forward to this video so much every year. I can't begin to describe how special it will be to line up with you all and run the race this year, I've never appreciated it more! Thank you for pulling us all together!

[@kofuzi]

I can’t wait to see what we can do together as a pack!

[@enonek2960]

Geezus! Is this how you close in court? 😢 I feel like I could do anything now, and I'm not even in HM shape!😤 world class motivation!

[@kofuzi]

helping write closing arguments was fun. I never actually got to deliver one though

[@boti2305]

Man, what a video! preparing for Valencia marathon, I like to think I am at the same mindset situation as you described. Motivational, emotional yet blunt! Congratulations Kofuzi and enjoy your race this Sunday.

[@kofuzi]

Good luck in Valencia!

[@Tom_A.K.]

1:40 "in this short time we've all aged so much, and that time lost has never felt so irretrievable" ... our success is about how we all finish" ... "and that WE are still here!" ...

[@betsyjohnson1293]

This will be not only my first marathon...but my first race *ever*! Best of luck to everyone else running today! Let's show 'em how Chicago does it.

[@ThatRunningGuy]

I second that Michael…just entered into the London marathon ballot for next year…London and I have unfinished business!! YOU’VE GOT THIS 💪

[@kofuzi]

Good luck with the ballot!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

@@kofuzi most importantly good luck for Chicago, this is your time. Just remember you’ve done all the hard work, believe in your plan and stick to your pace…not that I did 🤣🤦‍♂️

[@flamingdelta9853]

Love this!, gonna run a marathon in may, first ever marathon, i ran a half marathon in 2017, got 1 hour 43 minutes

[@staciejefferson5068]

Loved this…. I’ll be out there as a spectator Sunday. Good luck to everyone running 👏🏾

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for the support!

[@Mike-cs9jr]

Great words and perspective Mike. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to meeting you and the others on Saturday and then the wonderful marathon. I plan to do some high fiving along the last stretch to thanks to the great citizens of Chicago!

[@kofuzi]

See you soon!

[@adewalekadiri]

Your best video yet, Michael. That should be an official Chicagho Marathon trailer. Amazing work! I'll be doing the Manchester Marathon here in the UK on Sunday, having done London last week!

[@kofuzi]

Back to back marathon weekends! Awesome!

[@adewalekadiri]

Thanks Michael. I didn't plan it that way - I booked Manchester for 2020 expecting not to get a ballot place for London, but when I did, and both races got moved to October this year, I decided not to defer either as I already have a backlog of October races (including Chicago in 2023). And it worked - my Manchester time yesterday was 4 minutes quicker than London last week. But I won't be doing it again!

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

Awesome motivational speech!! I’m so inspired. Today I actually signed up for the Chicago marathon and hoping that I get to run it.

[@Jim-be8sj]

Damn. This is on the short-list of top running videos I have seen. The sights, sound, and sentiments expressed here resonate even with somebody like me who has no interest in running across a finish line. I've always wondered why people sign up for a race where some dude from Kenya is likely to beat them by an hour or more. Now I get it.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you for taking the time to understand

[@Matt_Kraczon]

Well done, Ko! I feel like you’re going to have a great race this year.

[@kofuzi]

I don’t know what the time will be, but I agree it will be a great race

[@TheRunningRRT]

Thank you! LA in 4 weeks for me!

[@andrewowen2549]

Kofuzi just love this!!!! I reckon I’ll have this going through my mind on Sunday for the Manchester Marathon! Thank you!! Very inspiring! 😊

[@kofuzi]

give it everything you've got!

[@andrewowen2549]

@@kofuzi same to you!!! Thanks again for all your get videos! Love them!

[@Anthony-yd2we]

I still occasionally watch the last Chicago marathon motivational video you made. This one is equally great! Nice job and hope Chicago goes well.

[@kofuzi]

I hope so too!

[@ericperramond3463]

Go get it, Mike! Great video....

[@kofuzi]

Thank you!

[@stevestarr9769]

I LOVED THIS....very inspirational. Thank you Mike!!!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@yakiweiss546]

So touching and inspiring Thanks!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@dubrow377]

Masterful, Kofuzi…just beautiful!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@DELIMAN195]

Amazing video kofuzi, keep up the great videos and great running

[@kofuzi]

thank you!

[@trevorholzman7755]

This is my favorite motivation video yet, awesome work!

[@kofuzi]

thank you. I'm really happy with how this one turned out

[@michaelcrespo2928]

This was absolutely amazing! Your talent is pouring out of this video. Kudos!!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@Arif_Run4Life]

Very inspirational video and good luck to you and all who are running this year's Chicago Marathon.

[@kofuzi]

It’ll be a very big day for us all

[@andrewkim_47]

Beautiful video Kofuzi!!!! Best of luck at the Chi Marathon!!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Andrew!

[@Librarypencils]

Bro, this got my soul. Thank you!!!

[@williamneumann7578]

Beautiful video, thanks for taking the time to put this together! See you in Chicago!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks! See you soon!

[@Abcdefkppppp]

What a unique vlog, thank you Kofuzi. NAMASTE!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@ricodevega1063]

One of the best run motivation videos!!!

[@kofuzi]

thank you!

[@Allenkcw]

I resonate with this video so much. I felt like i grown so much but also felt like the time we lost because of the pandemic is gone. Irretrievable.

[@kofuzi]

I think we all can relate

[@Allenkcw]

@@kofuzi you said it best.

[@Sal-ge7mc]

Thank you

[@aquicktake]

Going to be epic - so looking forward to it.

[@kofuzi]

I can’t wait

[@klaasswiers4029]

Spot on Mike! Kudos and enjoy your runs.

[@kofuzi]

Will do!

[@rook6378]

Give it all you got. Thanks Kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

LFG!

[@Mochicologo65]

Always great videos! Love the message

[@kofuzi]

thanks Rick!

[@noiseworks]

awesome video. imagine if you'd dropped an uplifting beat over those strings halfway through

[@kofuzi]

it would be a completely different video

[@noiseworks]

@@kofuzi you're right of course! it would detract from the powerful words - no wonder they call you Konfuziousy!!

[@rodrigogarnicacrespo3767]

thank you Ko, have a great race !

[@kofuzi]

I will!

[@aferguru]

Very well done (and said)!

[@manuelromero4179]

What amazing message, thx man

Brilliant. Beautiful. Inspiring. Thank you, Ko!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you for watching!

[@coolyouification]

Beautiful video man and extremely motivating. I am just doing a half marathon this upcoming Houston Half but next year I am motivated to do the full.

[@kofuzi]

That’s a great race. Happy running!

[@jfiore07]

Thank you for this.

[@Ryouhana7]

Great video. Very excited for race day!

[@kofuzi]

I can't wait!

[@andrewgatewood4222]

Great video, Kofuzi. Mission accomplished… this was definitely motivating. Training hasn’t gone the way I had hoped especially getting over COVID just a couple weeks ago but I’m looking forward to the race Sunday. I hope to use this to get back into consistency since it’s been so long since we’ve had races. Looking forward to meeting you. Going to try to come to the shakeout run on Saturday

[@kofuzi]

Hope to see you soon!

[@plavi7214]

Hey Mike this is one of your best videos ever, respect 🤘

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@TheJohnssco]

These are awesome, Mike. Always look forward to them.

[@kofuzi]

I love making them. Thank you for watching.

One can't help but wonder what kind of sad, miserable, soulless viewers have not liked this masterpiece.

[@kofuzi]

I’m ok if not everyone likes it

[@oldtoad76]

Im not doing the Chicago but the Long Beach this weekend. I’ll be crushing the finish line in a Path/Ko colab T-Shirt.

[@kofuzi]

Have a great race!

[@crepps]

This is so so so good! Idk if you're running this year but if you are I hope to see you out there!!

[@kofuzi]

I’ll be there!

[@aaronbr2001]

When I read the run summary off my watch I read it in Kofuzi's voice

[@kofuzi]

I love this

[@mvzinn111]

Very well done. Good luck to you next weekend!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you!

[@fosforito1522]

Best video in your Channel!!!! Thx!

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@CristianHernandez-mi3bg]

Let’s goooooo! See you in the finis line