Race Recap: Run 3.14 Pie 2011

An inaugural race. Pretty good except for the fact that they were collecting a tag from your bib upon crossing the finish line, which for the bulk of runners meant that you couldn't actually run across the finish line. My time is over a minute slower than when I actually did finish.

(Note: Can someone explain how you can be timed with you are not given a timing device? When all they do is collect a little tag from your bib????)

I guess packet pick up was a mess too...only because the store where packet pick up took place in is downtown LaGrange, which after work is BUSY with multiple trains and a ton of commuters, etc. My sister in law sat in her car on the other side of the train tracks for 20 minutes without moving. Once she finally parked and walked into the store, it took her less than 1 minute to pick up both our packets. They could have (and should have) offered race day packet pick up. They had plenty of room since they used the local high school as their start/finish areas. Gear check and other things were actually inside the school.

The course was a simple sort of loop on the residential LaGrange streets, and many families and kids were outside cheering us on. Course marshalls were plentiful, which I was grateful for since I passed a few corners with cars wanting to get by.

I wanted to 5k PR this race, and I really think I could have done it if my calf hadn't squeezed up. I slowed to a speedy walk, then stopped to stretch, ran for a block again, then stopped to actually massage it out. Once it was massaged out I was flying, I finished the last mile in 9:09! (With a 9:30 mile 1, I would have needed to run the other 1.1 miles in 9:16 to PR...which I feel confident I could have done.)

After I finished, I turned back around and walked to the last turn (just before the 3 mile marker) to wait for my sister in law who was walking as now running had become uncomfortable for her. She said she tried running in little bits but the baby was hanging around her bladder so....yeah. It was really nice to finish it up with her and be able to cross the finish line and have the announcer announce our names as we were finishing (not sure if he did that the first time I crossed since there were more people).

I'd post pictures...but again...somehow, none of me were taken. :(

Race Recap: Pumpkins in the Park 5k

A lovely little family friendly race...except I was stupid and lined up near-ish the back and was boxed in real bad for the first mile.

The course was nice, a little roundabout in Lincoln Park on trails I've never run on before. It was a nice day out, cool but sunny, perfect afternoon for a little 5k. I met up with Tim and Abe: Abe gave us Loyola Run Club shirts (and medals after the race!) They are actually really nice shirts and I've run in it a few times.

I finished in 30:53, a 9:56 pace, which I was more than happy with as I had not run because of being a bit under the weather the week leading up to race afternoon.

Pumpkins is more than just a 5k, there are kid's events and loads of fun stuff for kids and family to take part in. I happened to take part in drinking beer with Tim. I didn't get a close look at all the activities but I can tell you, there were plenty of fun stuff to do. Also, loads of costumes. There are prizes for costumes! This is definitely a race for families!

I'd post pictures from the race, but SOMEHOW I am not in ANY pictures. Sad.

(I was provided race entry as part of being on the ffcheer team.)

Race Recap: Chicago Half Marathon 2011

I know, incredibly late...like over 3 months late, but I have to write something!

This race took place on the 10 year anniversary of the September 11 attacks. There was a lot of red, white, and blue (I was dressed all in the blue with a red sports bra). A few people ran with either the American flag or some sort of other Armed Services type of flag. It was inspiring and many people, including myself, were tearing up at the start of the race (and at the finish).

finish line photo!!!

I had a goal, run it in 2:10 or under. That didn't happen. It was just an off day for me, which wasn't helped with the bright and hot sun (though it wasn't nearly as hot as 13.1!).

finishers shoot, i'm sweaty.

I finished in 2:28. Still a solid effort, but my splits...yikes. I just looked at them...only 1 mile, mile 4, was under 10 minutes. Miles 7-13 ranged from 11:01 to 12:57. I just could not keep running no matter how hard I tried. I think that being pushed to the max at RnR, just a few short weeks beforehand, really burned me out as well.

Who knows, but I did finish my 5th half marathon in exactly 1 year (Chicago Half 2010 was my first!). This race also completed the Windy City Challenge, however, not many people are listed as finishers due to the black flagging of 13.1 in June. Regardless, we still got our Windy City Challenge medals. :)

13.1 Chicago medal, Chicago Half 2011 medal, Windy City 26.2 Challenge medal. 

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