2011 Road Race Recap

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No better way to celebrate Christmas than by looking back at the amazing year I ended up having in 2011 ... in terms of running! ;) The whole "2011 wrap up" will be for another post. This one is based solely on running ... and how it has changed everything! ;)

Above symbolize the 16 road races I ended up completing in 2011 - 5ks, 8ks, 10ks, 10-milers and even a Half Marathon. How about we go through the runs as a "Best Race..." theme. We all in? Let's do it.

(Note: I injured my back December 10, 2010 and was diagnosed with a herniated disc. I was not allowed to do any activity except walking for quite a few months to kick off 2011!)

New Year's Day 5k - January 1  - 48:37 (15:41 min/mile)

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I signed up for this race prior to the injury. I thought what better way to avoid going "too big" on NYE than by signing up for a 5k at 11am on New Year's Day, right? Now I wasn't allowed to run it for obvious reasons, but I had already paid the money for registration so the wife and I went anyway. It ended up being a pretty chilly morning, but we walked the whole 5k. I think in about 45 minutes. Not bad for a person that could barely move due to back pain. ;)

So the New Year's Day 5k is the Best Hangover Prevention Race! The course was near Lake Michigan and just a great surrounding to take in. Not to mention, I felt great doing something active to kick off the New Year. :)

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Following the New Year's Day 5k, I wasn't cleared to get back to running until June so between January and June I did a lot of walking, ellipticalling and biking.

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Run For The Zoo 5k - June 5 - 29:20 (9:28 min/mile)

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As the recap goes this was my first 5k back from back surgery. It felt GREAT to get back on the course. For this run, you actually got to run through the Lincoln Park Zoo. Camels, monkeys, lions, etc on either side of you. It was also my friend Ellie's first official 5k run ... and she was hooked after that. :)

The organizers not only gave out bagels, bananas and water after the run, but also popsicles! Genius!!

So the Run For The Zoo 5k wins for Best Original Course Entertainment! ;) Who can beat live animal, I mean really?

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Rock 'n' Roll Tune-Up 5k- June 19 - 33:17 (10:44 min/mile)

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For this run, the wife and I ran together the whole time for one of the only times in our running careers. :P I was being supportive and running with her then she shot ahead of me at the finish line. I didn't take that well. ;)

This was the first of many 5ks happening up at Montrose Harbor. I am still amazed that so many runs take place up there, yet all have different courses. There are just that many different paths up there ... which is great for us runners.

I LOVED that the 5k gave out a medal - most don't. I was also pumped because they were giving out a free pair of flip flops to every runner, BUT by the time we finished the line was winding around the post-race area. They only had 2 lines. I had to get to work so we said forget it and I didn't get my free flip flops. Can you tell I am still bitter about that one. ;)

Anyway, the Rock 'n' Roll Tune-Up 5k was the Best Race To Get Pumped For A Half Marathon! Well, it was the tune-up for the Half Marathon I ended up doing in August. Aaannnd since I did the 5k and the Half in Chicago I got another medal. *Swoon* :P

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Proud To Run 5k - June 25 - 28:15 (9:06 min/mile)

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So this was my first 5k after getting my iPhone and thus realizing my love of the Runkeeper app. I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am today without it. It is a great motivator and the GPS is spot on!

The Proud To Run 5k kicked off Chicago's Pride Weekend and it lived up to the hype. Gays and rainbows galore. It was a great atmosphere and a perfect day to run! It was my second race at Montrose Harbor and yet another course.

Since I had a friend visiting, we scooted right after the race and didn't stick around to check out any of the post-run festivities.

But, the Proud To Run 5k wins for Best Rainbow Inspired Race! It was a cause I could really get after and I was happy my wife was there to run as well.

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Work was wicked busy during July and I was trying to train for the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half in August that I wasn't able to fit in a single road race the whole month...

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Terrapin 5k - August 4 - 27:10 (8:46 min/mile)

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A nice August run in Chicago. Heat is to be expected - on this day it was 82 at race time. Oh fun! On those days I never try to expect a PR, but I always hope. This was the first time I clocked a pace under 9 minutes. Crazy for someone who finished at 38:21 in their first 5k back in 2005.

This was a great run. It was in a new location - down near Soldier Field - and didn't disappoint. The post-race festivities were the best by far. There was a huge grassy area set up for families/friends to hang out and listen to the music. We found ample space to set up post-race. Even better, we collected our free slice of pizza and one beer in what seemed like record time for a post-race get together. It was extremely organized and everyone was easy going and relaxed. Maybe they took the peace, love and happiness vibe to heart.

So this is a no-brainer, the Terrapin 5k wins for Best Post-Race Organization! I would happily do this run again...

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Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - August 14 - 2:12.15 (10:06 min/mile)

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So the wife signed up for the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon while I was still recovering from my back surgery, but the competitive person that I am ... I had to sign up too! I mean I couldn't let her run it by herself. I even signed up before technically getting approval from my doctor ... but I knew he would be on board. The race was just under eight months after surgery. I would be fiiiine.

Deciding to sign up for the half might have been one of the best decisions I ever made. It pushed me to new heights.

(Note: In Feb 2006, I ran my first Half Marathon on the Cape and in September 2006 I ran my one and only marathon. Besides those two, I hadn't run a race longer than a 10k)

Training not only pushed me, but reconnected me with my love of running.

The Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon had one amazing atmosphere. Even though the weather didn't fully cooperate, the amazing cheerleaders, cheerers, musical acts and volunteers along the course made up for it. At no point, did I feel like stopping because the energy kept me going. Not to mention, my dad was out there and I actually saw him at each marker he told me he was at!

The Rock 'n' Roll Half/Full Series wins for Best Race Motivation! There is music, medals and so much more. For someone just starting running and wanting to run their first Half or Full Marathon - go find yourself a Rock 'n' Roll race. It keeps you going the entire time...

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PAWS Chicago 8k - September 25 - 43:43 (8:48 min/mile)

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This was my first official 8k (5 mile) road race. It was an amazing run even with the downpour that happened. I felt so strong and rested from the August 14 Half Marathon. It was a great cause - PAWS Chicago. There was actually a doggy costume show so prior to the run there were a ton of dogs all around in costumes (there is a slide show in the original post which is linked above).

This was the first time I had kept a sub-9 min/mile pace during a race longer thna 5k. I could really feel myself getting stronger and faster. I was, and still am, so proud of how I have improved over this year.

Ellie and I did this run again, despite the fact that she was sick all week, and it was great to have a running partner. This was the start of a great running partnership between El and I. (As any regular blog readers can attest to :P).

The PAWS Chicago 8k wins for Best Race Costumes ... c'mon - no person can honestly beat a bunch of cute pups in adorable costumes. (Even though I really hate when people dress their dogs up. I know I am a hypocrite).

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Bucktown 5k - October 2 - 27:19 (8:48 min/mile)

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I really like RAM Racing as a race organizer, but I was EXTREMELY dissappointed with how this race was organized. There were WAAAYYY too many people for the course, especially the starting area. I couldn't even get to a corral to start so I was behind to start with. I spent the entire run using my energy to swerve around people and zig and zag that I didn't finish as well as I had hoped.

Yes, I love running through neighborhoods so the atmosphere was great. But, the number of people was just too much for the small streets. I was really upset. I wanted to LOVE  the race since...

The Bucktown 5k wins for Best Race Schwag! Hands down! RAM Racing hit the mark with the jacket you got for registering. I just wish they had put the same love into the race itself.

I will also say I did love the post-race cookies. I definitely had more than one of those. ;)

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Homecoming 5k - October 23 - 25:36 (8:15 min/mile)

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It was cool to be part of the inaugural Homecoming 5k in Chicago. I love a good theme. I was able to rock a new Tufts shirt (T-U-F-TS - dear old brown and blue :)).

I was extremely happy with how I did, but was underwhelmed with the race itself - course was full of potholes and hard to navigate. I understand it was the first year so there would be some kinks to work out. For my full review, you can click on the link above.

But, the Homecoming 5k does win Best Race Idea! I like the concept and the t-shirt a lot. It is new and fresh. I just hope they work out the kinks before next year...

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Trick-or-Treat Trot 5k - October 30 -25:34 (8:14 min/mile)

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I give people a ton of credit that can run in costumes. I am not usually one of them, but there are some people that go all in and I love it. It gives me something to focus on during the run when I am not feeling totally at my peak form.

I was not a big fan of the race shirt, but orange is to be expected when the race is based on Halloween. :P

To date, this is my official PR. You will see why I don't count the Hot Chocolate 5k time when you get to that post.

The Trick-or-Treat Trot 5k wins for Best Ghoulish Race! Maybe next year I will even dress up...

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Hot Chocolate 5k - November 5 -3.25 mile course in 26:05 so estimated 5k time at 24:52 (8:02 min/mile)

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You can now see why I don't accept this race as my PR. The course was actually longer than 5k due to a last minute course change because of a lodged truck on the course.

This is the only race in Chicago I had previously run (November 2010). They revamped the entire course from last year to this year and it paid off. They made the course wider, which helps when there are 25,000 people running. They also have corrals that help keep the similar timing groups together. This pays off dividends when there are so many people running.

I do give the race huge props for delaying the race just 15 minutes with the stuck truck. They moved quickly.

I also really liked the jacket they gave this year - perfect for running. I actually see people running in them all the time. :)

This is by far the easiest race accolade to hand out ... the Hot Chocolate 5k wins for Best Race Snacks! I would be lying if I told you I didn't do this race just for the chocolate fondue at the end. It is worth all the people, all the hassle, all the commotion. It is so yummy. :)

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Chicago's Perfect 10 10k - November 12 - 54:30 (8:48 min/mile)

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This was the first year for the Chicago's Perfect 10-Miler or 10k. This kicked off at Chicago's Historical Navy Pier. It was a poorly organized expo and start to the run, but the run itself was great. They also changed the start time and waited too long to let people know.

This was the wife and my one-year wedding anniversary and what a great way to start it off. :)

It was a great day and the course was familiar. I had use this part of the Lakefront Trail, while training for the Rock 'n' Roll Half. I was slightly worried when we headed towards the aquarium (small trail), but people figured it out and the group moved through that area with ease. There were also two pretty big (for Chicago) hills on the course and thankfully Spinning had paid off and I was able to push through both of those without big issues.

The Chicago's Perfect 10 10k may have been unorganized, but it wins for Best Race Medal. I absolutely love it! It features the most iconic part of Navy Pier ... the Ferris Wheel.

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Honolulu Turkey Trot 10-Miler - November 24 - 1:31.04 (9:06 min/mile)

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I was looking for a run to do while on my honeymoon in Hawaii - had I known about the Honolulu Half I would've run it, but I didn't - so I found the Honolulu Turkey Trot online. It was put on by the Honolulu Marathon Clinic that helps people train for the Honolulu Marathon.

The group didn't allow any iPods, iPhones or GPS devices on the run. So it was really just me, my thoughts and the views. Wow! It was one amazing place to run. I really got to just get out there and enjoy it. Run for the sake of running.

You can read all about how I ran into a friend,cut off seven minutes on my time and what I thought of the course in the recap.

But, this is a really easy decision: the Honolulu Turkey Trot 10-Miler wins for Most Creative Timing system - tongue depressor - and the Best Scenery. I mean those views were magnificent and will never be topped ... especially if I keep running in Chicago! ;)

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Santa Hustle 5k - December 3 - 26:50 (8:39 min/mile)

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I was not a fan of this run ... for what I was trying to get out of it, which was a competitive race. This is NOT what this run is designed for. This is designed for you and your family or friends to get out there and dress up like Santa. They gave out m&ms and cookies along the course - not your typical in-race snacks.

Now, had I gone in there with that mind frame and with a group to run with - I would have had the time of my life. But, now I know. I know that if I decide to run this next year, it is just to get out there and get moving.

The Santa Hustle 5k easily wins for Best Family Fun/Don't Take Yourself Seriously Run!

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Jingle Bell 5k - December 17 - 26:05.5 (8:24 min/mile)

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And last, but not least, is the Jingle Bell 5k. I was hoping to finish 2011 with a new shiny PR, but I fell 32 seconds short. Which is to be expected with the amount of knee pain I was feeling mixed with the snow on the ground. I am still proud of how far I had come from the beginning of June.

This was a great race. They had a cute little dash with Tommy Hawk from the Blackhawks before the run started. It was out near the Nature Museum so it wasn't up by Montrose - I enjoyed the change of pace. It was hard to get my footing with the freshly fallen snow, which I think also hurt my knee, but it was a good preview for what may be on the ground when I run the Half Marathon on January 28.

The Jingle Bell 5k is a double winner for Best Pre-Race Location (you could hang out in the museum and check out some exhibits instead of out in the cold) and Best Cause. I found this race through my sorority (AOPi) because the run benefited The Arthritis Foundation, which is our charity as well. So I was happy to raise some funds for such a worthy group.

Also, while I was running, the wife checked out the Farmer's Market at the Museum and came away with some nice healthy snacks for us...

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I am so happy that I reconnected with my inner runner. If you told me in high school that I would be where I am today, I would've said you were crazy.

This year has been a whirlwind year starting with major back surgery in January and ending with an IT band injury, but in the middle I improved from a 29:20 5k to a 25:34. Wow! What an improvement - hard work and dedication pay off.

Over this year, I have been lucky enough to find a great running community here in Chicago and I thank each and every one of you for motivating me.

I thank Ellie - my running partner - for getting up at 5:30am once or twice a week to head to the Lakefront Trail with me ... even when it was 30 and blistering. ;)

Last, but not least at all, I thank my wife for putting up with my training and signing up/attending races she would rather sleep through.

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Here's to 2012 and what I have on the docket so far:

*New Year's Day 5k - January 1

*Race to Wrigley 5k - April ??

*Soldier Field 10-Miler - May 26

*Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - July 22

*Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Full Marathon - November 3

Jingle Bell 5k - December 2011

I cannot believe that today I ran my final road race of 2011. It seems like just yesterday I was approved to start running again and I started signing up for all of these runs. In total, I ran 15 road races in 2011, 14 of those occurring after June 1 (when I was allowed to run). Today's run had extra meaning. I found this race through my sorority's (Alpha Omicron Pi) alumnae group. My sorority's charity is juvenile arthritis. Today's Jingle Bell 5k raised money for the Arthritis Foundation so  I was told about this run by the alum group. I thought it was a great cause so an easy run to sign up for.

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The race was in a new location. It was near the Nature Museum here in Chicago. I was happy to be out of the Montrose Harbor area. Not that I don't love those courses, but I needed a change of pace.

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When I woke up this morning and saw the snow, I was actually excited. I haven't run in the snow in ages and was ready for the challenge. I also thought it really set the scene for the race.

Thankfully we were able to hide out inside the Museum until the race started!

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I learned my lesson from the Santa Hustle 5k on December 3 and started much closer to the startling line than I usually do ... and it paid off!!

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I have been battling some left knee pain recently so I really wasn't sure how the race would go, especially with the morning snow fall.

I started out great. I was happy that I hit Mile One at about 8:22, which was a whole minute faster than Mile One at the Santa Hustle 5k.

There was a lot of slipping and sliding on the snow, which reminded me that I really need to buy some spikes to put on my shoes for my F^3 Lake Half Marathon training in the next six weeks.

My knee was feeling fine until I was about 2.5 miles in. Ugh, you have to be kidding me. But, I powered through. I was on a good pace and wanted to finish the last race of 2011 strong. I wasn't going to give up with about 0.5 a mile left.

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I officially crossed the line at 26:05.5 (8:24 min/mile) ... I finished 133rd out of 1,075 overall, 10 out of 120 in my division (females 25-29) and 39 out of 659 females.

I wanted to beat my PR (25:34), but it wasn't in the cards. I think overcoming the knee and the snow makes up for not getting a PR. I am proud of myself for getting up and out to the course - even though it was snowing.

I loved the size of the run. I did not get elbowed, shoved or almost tripped at any time in the race. Everyone was enjoying themselves and taking in the great surroundings.

I thank my wife for getting up and going to the race as my cheerleader/photographer. :)

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I thank you all for the support you have given me through the year. I am so proud of what I have accomplished this year. I think back often to my first 5k (March 2005) where I finished in 38:21. That really puts my 26:06 today into perspective. <<patting myself on the back>> ;)

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I am kicking off the 2012 racing season immediately ... New Year's Day 5k is in sight.

Santa Hustle 5k - December 2011

I had been looking forward to this run for a year. A coworker ran it last year and it seemed like such a cool idea. They gave you a Santa hat, beard and running shirt with a Santa jacket on it to wear while you ran. I thought it was a cool concept so I signed up as soon as I could for this year's run. Well, I was disappointed.

Let me just say that my wife made a good point when she thought the point of the run was more fun and family oriented than for people to try and PR on the course ... I think she hit it right now.

I personally look towards my 5ks competitively. I take my runs during the week as my training runs for my Half or Full Marathons and my weekend 5k or 10ks as my competitive runs. So, I took this race seriously.

We got to Montrose Harbor, where basically all the 5ks I do in Chicago are and it was just a sea of Santas. The last e-mail we got from the race organizers said there were 4000 people signed up out of the 5000 spots they allowed. Let me just tell you that is A LOT of people for these courses. Too many people in my opinion.

When the Ho Ho Ho finally went off to start the race, there was just a sea of red in front of me. It took me 2 minutes to get to the Start Line. I could tell from that point that I was going to be annoyed with this run.

I spent the entire first mile bobbing and weaving through the crowd to get to a good pace for me. It didn't help that my knee was hurting (I stupidly forgot my new knee brace at home).

I got to Mile Two where I could thankfully run along the grass and was able to get past some of the big masses and hit some open pathway. I could also tell that my pace was speeding up as I went along, which I was happy about.

Before hitting Mile Three, I was back under 9 min/mile pace so I was just hoping to finish in under 27 minutes. There was no way I would beat my PR of 25:34 at this rate.

During Mile Three, there weren't water stations - there were snack stations ... M&Ms and cookies. At this point, I really should've figured out that this run was more of a fun run than a regular race.

I ended up posting a 26:50, which is 8:39 min/mile pace. I finished 508 out of 3,645 overall and 45 out of 655 in my division (female 25-29). While those results are decent, I wanted better.

There were so many people on the course that I was elbowed, bumped in to, pushed and almost tripped more times than I can count. I only heard "Sorry" a few times ... that is runner etiquette 101.

I guess I just needed to realize before the run of the circumstances, but I really wasn't prepared. I think the race could still be fun and family oriented, while still giving other people that want to take the run seriously a chance (besides the wicked fast people at the front). The Hot Chocolate 5k does a great corralling system that helps out immensely.

To be honest, I don't think I will do this run again, but I think it is a great run for someone just getting started or wanting to go out and have a fun run with friends!!

Honolulu Turkey Trot 10-Miler - November 2011

I can now say I have officially run a road race of some sort in four different states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Illinois and now Hawaii. :) Not gonna lie, it was extra motivation to get up and sign up for the Honolulu Turkey Trot on November 24. The website I found said the run was just $5 so I was not sure what it would actually include, but I definitely got more than I bargained for.

I had no idea how registration would go (since it was only day of) so I was up at 5:30 even though the run started 5-7 minutes from the hotel. I had my clothes, iPhone holder, headphones and sneakers laid out the night before like usual. :)

I jumped out of bed and headed to register. I had my normal pre-race butterflies, especially since I was out of my comfort zone, but I was ready!

As I approached the sign-up area, I heard my name being called. It was my old coworker Hiro! RAN-DOM! I had no idea he was in Hawaii let alone running in the same race as me. Yay! I had someone to hang with before the run. He had two friends with him to so it was nice to meet new people.

While we waited around for registration to open at 6:30am sharp, I found out that the race was put on my the Honolulu Marathon Clinic group. It is a group that helps people train for the Honolulu Marathon - open to all levels of runners.

On Thanksgiving, the 10-mile run is part of their training and used to work on pacing. As a result, people aren't allowed any technology on the run - no iPhones, Garmins, Runkeepers, watches, etc. It is geared to help you work on your pace for the full marathon - listen to your body.

Wow! I was not prepared for that. Thankfully Hiro drove to the race so I was able to stash my iPhone in his car.

The other kicker of the run - since it was designed to work on pace - had no chip times or numbers, but a tongue depresser. On the depresser, you wrote your predicted finishing time for the race. I wrote 1:38.35 since that is what I ran 10 miles in in Chicago on November 15.

When you crossed the finished line, there would be someone there to write your "actual" time next to your predicted time.

How did they determine the winners? Whoever's actual time was closest to their predicted time won. Well, I figured I had to be spot on since I had just done the same run about a week earlier. I liked my chances.

At 7am, they finally had us head over to the start line. I felt so naked without my iPhone - I do EVER run with it. But, I was up for this challenge.

I started out in the back and quickly did my bob and weaving, ending up next to Hiro's two friends for the first part of the run.

I felt great. Without music or my Runkeeper updates, I really just took in the surroundings, I was able to listen to my body and could feel my feet hitting the pavement.

The views were breathtaking. The only reason I wanted my iPhone was to snap photos. I was wicked jealous of the people who brought disposable cameras. Had I known I wouldn't have my phone - I would've bought one.

I also didn't know there would be two HUGE hills on this run. Wow! I really had to thank Spinning for giving me the muscles and concentration to power up the hills with ease.

It was oddly refreshing to have no idea how long or how far I had been running. But, I was still curious. I finally found a couple guys who decided to "cheat" and had GPS watches on. They let me know we were halfway through. Okay I thought, feeling good.

Then I realized how hot it was getting. Man that sun/heat really snuck up on me ;)

The houses in the neighborhood we ran through were gorgeous. I can't imagine how much they cost ... but definitely out of my price range. :P

I overheard someone saying that the last mile or so was completely downhill. As I ran up the second hill, I figured we had to be getting close. As I started the downward portion, I caught up to another gentleman who looked like he had done this before. :)

He told me we were about 9 miles in and getting close to the finish. He asked me what my estimated time was, I said 1:38 and he let me know his pace was 1:30 so I was ahead of schedule and could take it easy if I wanted. Yeah, not my MO. ;) I knew I wanted to push myself since I was not working on my pace time for the marathon.

I kept up with the gentleman for the remainder of the run. He was originally from Chicago so we had a lot to chat about.

Not going to lie - the final mile felt like it would NEVER end. I wanted to stop. I wanted to walk. But, I couldn't.

I crossed the line at 1:31.04. A 9:06 minute/mile pace. Whhaaa?? Despite the heat and being out of my element, I cut about seven minutes off my time. I was PSYCHED. (Note: the time is as official as they could do since it probably took me at least 30 seconds to get to the start line)

I hate running with things in my hand so thankfully I kept the depresser in my Sweaty Band, while I ran. :)

Overall, it was a wicked cool experience. I am so happy I did it. I proved to myself that I could power through a run with two hills, no music and an unfamiliar route.

Of course I made Hiro (who finished in 1:05, fast I know) take a pic with me after the run to prove to everyone that I really saw him :P

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Next official race is the Santa Hustle 5k in Chicago on December 3! :)

Chicago's Perfect 10 10k - November 2011

I cannot believe I have finally completed my four-straight weekends with road races. :) It has definitely been fun though. Yesterday, I actually completed my first 10k race in years. I have been really sticking with 5ks since my back surgery besides the Half Marathon in August. Yesterday marked our one-year wedding anniversary and what better way to celebrate than making the wife get up at 5am to run a 10k at 7am :) Doesn't she look happy. :P

The race was supposed to start at 8am, but because of scheduling conflicts with another 5k in Chicago that day ours was bumped up to 7am. Thankfully my friend Miguel was running the 10 miler that day (it was Chicago's Perfect 10 miler or 10k run) so he was actually able to give us a ride, which saved us a lot of time in the AM.

We got to Navy Pier, one of the biggest tourist stops in Chicago, and got settled. This was actually the first year of the run so it was a kind of lackluster pre-race scene. I also wasn't sure whether the runs had separate starts or if everyone was starting at once. Well I walked up and down the Pier until I finally found someone to ask - the photog. He was able to ask someone else and determine we all started together. Nothing like finding that out about 10 minutes before the run started.

We went back to our corrals. I was in the 9 min/mile group and Miguel/Tori went to the 10 min/mile area. I couldn't really hear anything from where I was, but finally figured out we were started when I heard a random horn. :P

The run was to take place along the Lakefront, which I have run a lot so I sort of knew what to expect ... or not at all.

We started heading South and I was around an 8 min/mile pace. I wanted to make sure I didn't get swept up in my new 5k speed so I made sure I wasn't pushing too hard since I had an extra 3.1 miles to run.

As we embarked on Mile Two, I saw the aquarium ahead. Damn! I was not happy. There isn't a lot of running space around the aquarium. It was actually a problem the Hot Chocolate 5k run used to have before they changed their course this year. Thankfully it didn't bottleneck too much, but it was still a tight portion of the course and slowed everyone up in my group.

Once we got by the Aquarium, we encountered a hill. I did NOT expect that. But, I just powered up it. I really think my Spinning classes helped me with that extra push to get over the hill. After the hill, you either continued straight for the 10 mile run or turned around (at 3.1 miles) for the 10k. This was perfect. Now my big running group thinned out.

I was finally able to get into a groove now that I wasn't running on top of people. But, just as you turned around you had to climb back up the hill. :P Thankfully once again Spinning helped me and I just dug in.

As I hit the Mile 4 marker, I looked at my Runkeepr and it said 4.1 miles. Not sure if they measured wrong or if my GPS was slightly off. Either way I hit that spot still on a sub-9 min/mile pace. Wow! I was super proud of myself.

I just kept telling myself to keep going. Even when at Mile 5, I had to take off my hat, undo my braid and put my hair back in a bun - all while continuing at my current pace. I was sure I would wipe out, but thankfully I survived.

It was finally time to head back down the Pier. It felt like I was running in place. I never thought the finish line would come. Finally, I saw the Mile 6 marker and I just gave it everything I had. I really wanted to finish in under 55 minutes (even though my original goal was to finish under 60 minutes).

Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling. I grabbed water and a banana before getting my medal. I heart medals!!

I chatted with a couple girls while I waited for Tori to finish/find her amongst all the runners.

It took awhile to find the results online, but I officially finished in 54:30 (8:48 min/mile). I was 175th overall out of 952 and 27th out of 184 in my division.

It was my first 10k in years and it was a blast. I felt good the whole run. I didn't have any of the wardrobe or technological setbacks that I had last week. The weather was amazing. Overall, it was a great way to kick off the day!

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We are off to Hawaii November 18-25 so my next race is the Santa Hustle 5k on December 3.

Hot Chocolate 5k - November 2011

Sorry for the delay all! I was waiting on the final results from the race, which we were posted last night after a late minute change in course race morning, but I will get into that later. Saturday (November 5) marked my third-straight weekend with a 5k race. I did not intentionally do that I just kept signing up for races. :P Yes, I am plenty aware that I am back being addicted to running ... and I am A-okay with that!

The Hot Chocolate 5k was actually the first race I ever did in Chicago (November 6, 2010). It also marked the first race I had done since the marathon I completed in September 2006. After that marathon, I labored through injuries and just an apathy to working out/running in general. Last year, I completed the 5k in 29:25, which was a PR at the time so I was really hoping to dominate this year's and improve my time by at least 4 minutes.

I woke up race morning and it was cold. The Hot Chocolate race consists of a 5k, 15k and a walk so the 5k is the first race to kick off and it starts at 7:40, which meant a nice 5:30 wake-up. I was really looking forward to this race not only because of the chocolate fondue at the finish, but because they updated the course from last year.

We actually got a late start, but still managed to get to the race grounds with about 40 minutes to spare. We located the gear check, which was on the opposite side from the start (closer to the finish line). We dropped off our stuff and headed to the corrals. I was pretty proud that this year I had jumped from the open corral to the C corral (Corrals go A, B, C, D and open)

I was in the zone, listening to music and ready to get to work. Then there was the announcement: the start would be delayed 15 minutes. Ugh! It was getting wicked cold just standing around so I was looking forward to starting on time. But, apparently, a semi truck got stuck under one of the bridges along the course and the organizers/police had to quickly re-route the course.

I give RAM Racing and the police a lot of credit for being able to lock down streets, etc in 15 minutes.

We finally kicked off just before 8. My start was horrible. I felt anxious being near the faster runners - completely out of place. Then I had some wardrobe and technology malfunctions. I was wearing my new Lululemon long pants for just the second time and had to get the strings all set, while running. Then my arm band with my iPhone kept sliding down. Either way the first half mile felt like a disaster.

I came up to the 1 mile marker at what it said was 9 minutes. Man, I felt like I was really hauling butt and 9 minutes seemed off.

I knew my Runkeeper would be off since we were running downtown and GPS + Large buildings = totally skewed numbers. So I basically gave up on trying to figure out my pace as I went along.

As I mentioned, we were running in the streets and there were people trying to cross the street, bikers trying to get across, which just gets frustrating. I was almost taken out by a biker. If I had tripped, I was going to let him have it. :)

I got to Mile Two and the clock said 17 minutes. Okay well that put me at  8:30 min/miles, which seemed okay. But, I wanted to go for a PR.

So I just let my body go. I was booking it until I hit the final bridge/hill. Where that came from, I have no idea. Who puts it so close to the finish is beyond me. :P Same thing happened during the Half Marathon. Damn old city!

Anyway, I booked it. I pushed my body and crossed the finish line at 26:05. Noooo!! I wanted to finish under 26 minutes. So no PR. I was really bummed. But, I got my water, my free pieces of chocolate and waited for the wife. Okay, while waiting I hopped in line for a solo post-race pic then got back to waiting.

She finally came through and she was saying how she felt the course was longer than 3.1 miles. We took a final picture together then headed to gear check so we could get to the real prize: the chocolate fondue!!!

Mmmm... it is the main reason I do this race and it is soooo worth it. But, I was a good Weight Watchers girl and figured out all the points. The entire tray came to about 6 Points Plus then I had 2 free chocolate squares for an additional 5 Points Plus. Thank you weekly points!!!

Overall, RAM Racing did a great job. It was a smoother course, no bottlenecking at any spots and quicker lines to the fondue than last year. Of course, it stunk that the course was longer than 3.1 when it came to official times, etc - but that was out of RAM Racing's control. A fellow Hot Chocolate runner made a good suggestion - maybe a chocolate medal next year? I would definitely take that over the Hot Chocolate. ;)

The final numbers were announced last night. I finished 3.25 miles in 26:05 and RAM Racing estimated my 5k time was 24:52 (24 seconds faster than my previous 5k PR). This broke down to a 8:02 min/mile pace - a PR by 0:12 min/mile. I finished 862 out of 18,361 overall, 66 out of 3,111 in my age group and 263 out of 13,721 females!

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Now I look towards my fourth-straight weekend with a race: I am kicking off my one-year wedding anniversary on Saturday with the Chicago's Perfect 10 10k! :)

Trick Or Treat Trot 5k - October 2011

Unfortunately for this post, you will not see me running in a fun Halloween costume! :P I decided that none of the ideas I had would be conducive to running... The weather here in Chicago has definitely turned. It isn't as bad as back home in Boston with the snow, but it was chilly. I am going to have to switch to my new winter running clothes before I know it.

I hadn't run this race before, but it started in the same place as most of the races I have run here in Chicago ... Montrose Harbor. As I have written before, this is a great place to start with an open area for the pre/post race party and there are tons of trails to choose from that each race ends up being different.

I was battling some left ankle pain this week, but was determined to not let it hold me back. I also didn't want to use it as an excuse if I didn't PR. I wasn't sure what to think going into today's run after how well I did in last week's 5k. I just had to keep telling myself that you don't have to PR every time out. :P

The run kicked off and I felt waaay better than last week's race. I got to the first mile mark around 8:16, which was slower than last week so I got a little nervous. But, then I thought, well maybe I will pace myself better this way.

I still had absolutely HORRIBLE music stuck on my iPhone ever since I did the update to iCloud and it messed with my records. That was a total downer, but I pushed through.

Mile Two was along the water and entirely INTO the wind. I felt like I was running in place the entire time. I found a girl who was running about the same pace I was and just stuck right behind her. Also, she had the Lululemon winter running jacket I want so I passed time checking out how it looked/flowed while she ran. :)

I felt good and strong while going into Mile Three. I was back on my normal bike path by this point so I knew exactly where we would be going and at what point I would really need to kick it into another gear to get to the Finish.

As I rounded past the Mile Three marker, my Runkeeper chirped off that I was at 25 minutes passed. I could see the finish and I just took off. I was so close to passing the 25:36 from last week. I crossed the Finish and they read off my name (nice addition race organizers).

I hit my Runkeeper and it said 3.12 miles at 25:40. I realized last week my pace was 8:15 and this week it had said unofficially 8:14. I knew inside I had a PR, but I didn't want to get my hopes too far up!

I grabbed a water, bagel and banana and headed to the Finish to watch my wife cross! She rocked it and crossed just after 34 minutes.

I had some lingering pain in my right thigh, but so far it seems to have passed.

I am much happier with the course this week than during last week's Homecoming 5k. There weren't really any potholes and there were plenty of volunteers along the course helping direct runners if needed (which helped during the 5k and 10k split).

The results finally posted and the official word is ... a new shiny purdy PR of 25:34. You got it: a new PR by 2 whole seconds. I will freakin' take it. I am so proud of myself. I cannot believe in the last month I have cut off over 2 minutes from my previous PR. Who am I? ;)

Overall, I finished 74th out of 508 (Say whhaaa??) and fourth in my division of 38 (Who woulda thought)!

I realized after the run that I will be running my third 5k in three weeks next Saturday - Hot Chocolate 5k. This is one of my favorite runs and actually the first 5k I ever ran in Chicago (November 2010). It is kind of like this part of my running journey is going full circle and I can't wait to see how I do. I am excited they are changing the course, but are keeping the super yummy post-run chocolate fondue! Yummy!!

Homecoming 5k - October 2011

I feel like I haven’t blogged in ages. I have been so swamped with life. But, here I am. Back at it. What better way to kick it off than with a new shiny Personal Record. So yesterday I ran the inaugural Homecoming 5k. I didn’t know it was the first until the starting line, but let me start from the beginning.

My wife was out of town for the weekend so I was home alone with the pups. Let me tell you that I am a scaredy cat. I don’t sleep well when home alone. You can now gather that I didn’t get much sleep before the race. I got about four hours of sleep on Friday and five on Saturday. So I felt sluggish when I got up on Sunday.

Also, this was the first 9:30am start time I have had so I felt a little off when I woke up, hung out and then ran. Usually the plan is to just wake up and run. :)

El and I got to the race about an hour before – the usual. There weren’t that many people there, which seemed odd. Usually a place like that is swarming pre-race, but then again I had no idea how many people were signed up for the race.

Met up with some other lovely ladies running the race and just hung/stretched, listened to the marching bands and watched the cheerleaders do their thang.

If you haven’t gathered, they were there to feed in to the whole “Homecoming” theme. There weren’t many sponsor tents there, which also should’ve tipped me off that this was a newer run.

It was time to line up. Now I have progressively gotten faster over the course of this year, but I still never know where to line up unless it is clearly marked. So, we decided to scoot closer to the front. This made me a tad nervous/anxious since I HATE being passed. :P

They had what I think was a taped version of God BlessAmericaand then a couple speeches, which is when I learned this was the first Homecoming 5k.

Finally, it was time to actually start. Most of the races I do inChicagostart in the same area –MontroseHarbor– but pretty much all of them work different routes so it isn’t always the same 3.1 miles. I was interested to see where they were going to take us.

I finally started and straight out of the gate felt weird. I just felt like I was going slow even though as I creeped to the Mile One marker the timer said 8 minutes. Wha? I have never run something around an eight minute mile before. For a second, I thought their timers had to be off, but I looked down at my Runkeeper and it confirmed it. Wow! It was as if my body was doing one thing and my brain was somewhere else.

It was just after Mile One that El started slipping back a little way and I knew I was on my own for the rest of the run. Well, I started out strong and I knew I had to keep it going otherwise hundreds of people were going to start flooding past me and I wasn’t about to let that happen.

As I neared Mile Two, the lead runners started passing me in the other direction. Apparently the course was to run about 1.5 miles and turn back on the same path. It was annoying, yet motivating to see the speedy people fly by.

I hit Mile Two and felt like I was slowing. I think my average speed at Mile One was 8:01 and Mile Two was 8:08 so I knew I wasn’t going to hold the same pace the whole way.

What I decided to do for Mile Three was to find a runner in front of me and just lock in on them. I found a girl in a blue top and just made sure I didn’t fall more than 3 feet behind her. This technique got me through the Half Marathon, I figured it would work for 1.1 more miles.

It may have been the smartest thing I did. Once I had the focus point, I was able to take in more of my surroundings.

Funny thing was I ended up finishing before the girl in the blue top. :P

My previous best was 27:10. I finished the Homecoming 5k in 25:36. Sayy whhaaa?? Who is this person, right?

I was beyond proud of myself. I pushed before my comfort zone and I survived. I proved that I am stronger than I give myself credit. I “stood up and finished what I started.” (Thanks for that Bob!)

I crossed the finish line and immediately grabbed water, half a bagel, half a banana and waited for the rest of the crew to finish.

Overall, the race was tough. I just wasn’t completely in it, but I dominated it!

Here are some thoughts for the Homecoming 5k organizers:

* Maybe bump the start time up by 30 minutes or so.

* Shorter pre-race speeches, if any.

* Different course. The one used had dozens of potholes to run around.

* Have two hydration stations rather than one.

* Offer more post-run food options.

* Also, don’t cut the bananas in half – they are harder to peel.

* Less money on the “alumni” tents that didn’t look like they were really used and instead either add more to the race schwag bag or give out medals.

But overall, it was a great run race for the first one! And either way, I am darn proud of myself for the numbers I put up and would run this race again next year… Go Tufts!

*Guest Post* Chicago Marathon...

Well, as you all know, I did not run the Chicago Marathon this weekend. I am going to run one in 2012, but that plan is still in the works. But, I digress ... my friend Piper did in fact run the Chicago Marathon and I asked her to put some of her thoughts down in the first guest blog here on Weight Off My Shoulders!

So Piper, thank you for being the first. To you all, please enjoy...

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Bucket List Sunday

First off, you will have to excuse me…this is my first blog entry. Well heck, I guess it was my first marathon too so this has been quite a weekend!

When I was about 21, I made the statement that before I turned 30, I would run a marathon. Most likely this statement was made after a couple of vodka lemonades…but alas, it was said out loud…therefore it NEEDED to be completed. I have always been a procrastinator…my 30^th birthday is in about 3 months. Oops.

Training officially began in May, and at first it started off great. I was super excited and dedicated and the runs were shorter and didn’t take much time. As training progressed, it got harder and harder to actually set aside 2-3 hours to go on a long run especially while working on the weekends. So overall, if I were to describe my training in one word, it would be ‘inconsistent.’ Sometimes great, and sometimes not. Overall I felt about three weeks behind prior to race day. But, crazily enough, the race committee didn’t agree to my request of moving race day back by three weeks. Bastards.

The alarm went off at 4am on Sunday October 9^th. I had been in and out of sleep all night so it was a bit of a relief when I finally needed to get up. I am not a morning eater so forcing a banana and a peanut butter toast down my throat wasn’t all that easy, but I knew I needed it. We drove down to Grant Park and walked around in the dark. Have you ever tried to use a Porta Potty in the pitch black? It isn’t easy, trust me. We still had about an hour and a half to kill before the start, so we did everything we could to keep ourselves busy. Drank Gatorade, used the Porta Potty, watched the sunrise, used the Porta Potty…you get the point.

Start time was 7:30am. Caroline and I crossed the start line about 28 minutes later. And we were off! The first four miles, Caroline and I ran at about a 12 minute pace. The goal was to keep that pace…and we did…for the first 8 miles that is. At mile 8 we picked up Big Jim, a friend of mine from work. He proceeded to run miles 8-14 with us and was a HUGE help. That was probably the slowest he has ever run and I felt a little bit bad about that, but it was a big help to have him there. Another friend, around mile 10 met us and handed up a banana. It was a lifesaver. Everything was going great…until mile 16. That was my wall. It was that point that the thought of ten more miles was almost incomprehendable. The knees started to hurt and the feet were just throbbing. I started to get a little emotional…and who is the only person that can make you feel better when you are in that much pain? Your Mom. And there she was, standing at mile 18 with Advil and another banana. It was all I needed to kick it up again.

My lovely sister ran with us from miles 20-22.

My step-dad ran with us from miles 22-25.

Family really is the best, isn’t it?

And at mile 25, the tears started flowing. The people. The music. The cheering…it all got to me. The last mile, we took it all in. And there was NO better feeling than making that left turn fromRooseveltontoColumbus Driveand seeing that bright red finish line. Caroline was laughing. I was bawling. I have watched at that finish line the last five years or so. And I cry, ever year. And ever year, I love the people that throw their arms in the arm to get the crowd cheering. I have dreamt of that moment. And now it was my turn. I jumped in the air (maybe a few centimeters) raised my arms, and the crowd yelled…this time for me.  

Caroline and I crossed the finish line. Holding hands. One of us laughing, and the other sobbing like a little baby. It was just like I had pictured it in my head for years. It was everything I wanted and more.

The shirt that I wore just said “Bucket List 10.9.11 on it. As we walked to get our medals after crossing the finish line, one of the volunteers yelled “You can cross this off your bucket list!” I walked right over to her. And thanked her as she put the medal around my neck. I understand now why people do this. There is no better feeling than that medal hanging from your neck.

I got to thinking later on Sunday…I wish every day was Marathon Day. It brings out the best in people. Thousands of strangers, yelling FOR, not at other strangers. Good Samaritans handing out everything from Starburst, to oranges, to donuts. Others setting up misters in their lawn. Everyone is cheering everyone on. We need more of this…not just on one day a year inChicago…everyday.

On October 9^th, my bucket list got a little shorter…and my confidence and pride a little bigger.

Bucktown 5k - October 2011

So I was a little worried before this run because I started feeling sick on Thursday. I knew no matter what I was running this morning, but I was really hoping to be healthy while doing it. I wasn't, but that is okay. I was able to push through the congestion and coughing to finish the Bucktown 5k. I hadn't done this run before, but had some friends that had. They told me it was a great course. I then heard they increased the number of runners. Not a good sign. Races don't always have the kinks worked out when they increase the number of participants. Unfortunately, RAM Racing fell under that group.

Thankfully, my coworker/friend Miguel gave us a ride, which was huge! Otherwise we would've taken two buses or a train and a bus to get to the race. We parked and walked (what seemed like a couple miles :P) to the pre-race area. We came up on the Gear Check and Port-O-Potties. The wife checked our bag and got a free Bucktown 5k hat. I thought that was nice of them then later during the run realized they were protecting the runners from the blinding sun at spots on the course.

I didn't take a hat since I had my cute Sweaty Band on ... damn me for picking cuteness over necessity. :P

We started to realize at this point that there were going to be a TON of people in this run - I saw #s in the 6000 range.

When we walked further towards the staging area, we were just hit with people. There were runners everywhere. We saw the Start line then realized the chute was completely Full. There were people spilling out on to the sidewalk. The line was so long it wrapped onto the field next to the street. This wasn't putting me in a good mood. :P I don't like when I can't get my standard "pre-race" photo. There was no way that was happening. So we got in line with everyone else to wait and wait.

We faintly heard the sound of the National Anthem and figured someone was starting. I would wager about 7-8 minutes after the race started we finally got up to the front and were able to start. The wife, Miguel and our friend Wendy all started together, while I took off. Even though I was sick, I always want to go for a PR. But, I knew it would be tough with so many people.

I spent the entire run bobbing and weaving through people. There was no chance to get into a nice rhythm since you were passing people or having to stop because there was a group of walkers in front of you. I am all for people completing a 5k at their own pace, but some people don't know race etiquette. There were walkers in the middle of the road - people jogging five wide - baby carriages and little kids attempting to run. Again, I am all for everyone participating in races, but since there were so many people - it was just mass chaos.

So I hit Mile One in about 9:03ish. I was pretty pleased with that. I just tried to bear down and keep my eye on the prize - PR. I was coughing and congested the whole time, but I tried to steady my breathing as much as I could.

There was also a woman that told me to "F*&- Off" in the middle of the run. I was just trying to get around a group of people walking (six wide across the street) and accidentally cut in front of her while trying to get around. I apologized (as I always do) and she threw that at me. I just shook my head and continued on. I could've thrown down, but ya know - there were kids around. ;)

I never saw the Mile Two marker, but all of a sudden my Runkeeper told me at 20 minutes I had run about 2.2. So I figured I was in pretty good shape.

My Runkeeper told me 27:19 at the finish. I thought it was a PR so I was psyched ... until I looked through my archive races and realized I set a 27:11 5k at the Terrapin 5k August 4. Boo! I missed a PR by 9 seconds. I was bumming. My friend Brittany told me "You don't have to PR every race." I also need to remember where I started. In my first 5k in March 2005, I finished in 36 minutes. Today it was 27. That is pretty darn good. I am proud of myself!

I was really disappointed. I usually love the races RAM Racing puts together, but today was bad. Even trying to get water and a banana after the run became a hassle. Thankfully they had some chocolate chip cookies that made up for it. Yummy! Also, they ran out of bananas, while I was still holding one - I think five people came up to me asking where the bananas were hiding. I thought I was going to get mugged for my protein. :)

But, overall, I am happy I did it. I may not have PRed, but it was nice to get out on the street and explore a new neighborhood of Chicago.

Also, the jacket was SAH-WEET. This may be the best race schwag I have gotten to date...

I am rocking it now and may live in it from here on out ... COMFY! :)

Also, due to the craziness, I don't have my normal "post-race" photo either. So instead I have a nice photo the wife took of Miguel, Wendy and I.

Next up will be the Trick Or Treat Trot 5k October 30! :)