Jennifer Conner lives and trains in Westfield, IN. She chose to run the Chicago Marathon because she narrowly missed breaking 4 hours for the first time in Berlin two weeks prior.

How was your training leading up to the race?

I had a great training cycle, though I always feel like I struggle a bit with summer marathon training. Who doesn’t?! My coach continued to remind me that the heat and humidity affect everyone’s pace and to just keep putting in the work, so I did and it paid off!

Did the V.O2 app provide benefit to your training and racing?

Absolutely. My coach uses the V.O2 app for my training plan and to set a race plan ahead of race day. The app automatically pushes the workout to my Garmin so it’s mindless for me. I just have to get up and do the work!

Talk to us about a recent race or your progress in general! How did it go? What were your goals going into it and did you meet them?

My goal going into Chicago this year was to break 4 hours. I was prepared for it in Berlin, but my Garmin was off and they only have kilometer markers. I didn’t figure it out until it was too late in the race to compensate for it.

I went into Chicago knowing that GPS is unreliable with the buildings so I had to pace by feel and use the manual lap button. It turns out my comfortable pace was faster than what I thought I could hold, but I just kept doing it mile after mile. I held strong mentally and came in at 3:49:40. I didn’t know it at the time, but it qualifies me for Chicago next year!

Is there anything you learned from your recent training or race that can help you improve in the future?

There is so much value in just trusting in your training and the power of believing in yourself. I had no choice but to do that in Chicago. I trusted that my body and legs were strong enough to hold that pace, and mentally refused to back down.

Who is your coach and what have you learned working with them?

Rachel Sinders. I have learned so much from Rachel, most importantly to trust the process. She’s also taught me to pace a race properly and I’ve managed to negative split my last two marathons and a half marathon this year. Never thought I would actually do that! She pushes me to work harder. She makes me believe I can, but also listens when I know I need a break. I couldn’t ask for a better coach!

What is your handle on Instagram?

@Fairest_princessjc