Clayton Young Reveals Hamstring Tear, Still Plans To Chase American Record At The 2026 Chicago Marathon

In this episode of the City of Smag podcast, Chris Chavez speaks with professional marathoner Clayton Young about his preparation for the upcoming Chicago Marathon. Young aims to break Connor Mance's American record while navigating the challenges of a recent injury. He shares insights into his training regimen, including his decision to call his shot publicly by writing daily affirmations for his ambitious goal. The conversation delves into the psychology of goal-setting, comparing Young's approach with young competitors like Charles Hicks, who is focused on being the top American instead of chasing records.

Young reflects on lessons learned from previous races and emphasizes the importance of having fun amidst the pressure of performance. He discusses his experience with training data and testing, as well as the adjustments he needs to make in light of his injury, including working closely with coaches and medical professionals. Despite the challenges, Young remains committed to his goal, believing the lessons learned throughout this process will be beneficial for his future in the sport. The episode wraps up with Young sharing what he hopes spectators will yell during the race to motivate him.