Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon 2011

Originally posted in January 2011 during my quest to run 7 Rock N Roll Series events in one year and earn the Rock Legend Heavy Medal. 

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3rd of 7 for Rock Legend.

Can’t think of a better way to start off a week’s vacation than with a half marathon in one of the most beautiful cities in the US: Chicago. I should also mention that I had THE best post race breakfast to date at Flat Top Grill!

We started in Grant Park and the weather was actually pretty great: overcast and cool with an additional cool breeze from the lake.

Within the first mile I heard someone yelling my name. Turns out to be Emily, who I haven’t seen since I was 12. Thanks to FB we knew we’d both be running the event and she spotted me on the course! The running skirt helped.

I ran the first 9 or so miles with Lindsey. So much fun! We’re a good time because I encourage her to go a little faster sometimes and she keeps me in check so I don’t burn all my energy in the beginning.

There was a little bit of rain but not enough to soak my socks, so I didn’t mind at all. Nothing really to speak of regarding hills. I had to be more careful about the potholes and loose gravel on the streets.

I took off at about mile 10 because I was feeling good and also because I wanted to be done. I skipped intervals and felt like I could keep going and going and going. For me, this was one of those rare moments when I feel like a real runner.

Dierk had already finished but he hadn’t gotten his medal yet. He came back and ran me in. I got to high-five John, The Penguin, Bingham at the finish line. He saw my Team In Training hat and gave me a courtesy, “Go Team”.

I know this wasn’t an official TNT event or anything, but I was still counting purple jerseys. Running downtown, over the bridges, amidst the great buildings was fantastic. It was a little dull leaving the city and heading south, but when we turned back along Lakeshore and saw the skyline again, it was sweet.

At one point during the race, we looked up into the sky. We were downtown around the skyscrapers and the clouds overhead were moving fast above the buildings. It was pretty awesome. The top of the Willis tower wasn’t even visible.

I’ve been to Chicago many times for business so it was nice to run through the streets for fun, knowing that I had a week’s worth of vacation to enjoy.

Buckingham Fountain: I have pictures of my and my friend and I here during the Taste of Chicago in 2007 eating chocolate covered strawberries, although I can’t find that right now and this is bothering me….

That friend, Remy, got married the weekend after this event which is partially why I spent my hard earned vacation time in Chicago. Great times. She was a beautiful bride.

So, Chicago half marathon. Would I do it again? Heck no. The chances of having such great weather AGAIN in Chicago are slim. Very slim. I suck in heat.

It was a lucky day and I will remember it fondly, but I have no desire to test fate.

I’ve completed my third event of the year. I’ll bet money that I get my San Jose finisher’s medal AND Los Angeles finisher’s medal BEFORE I see my Triple Crown heavy medal…. But that’s okay.

And now for the bad news: Seemingly completely unrelated to running the half marathon, I am currently suffering strong and lingering lower back pains that I can’t account for. I’m too young for this. Will be consulting a physician.