Today I ran in the Chicago’s Perfect 10 Race. One had the option of running 10 miles or 6.2 miles (10K). Since I am training for the New Orleans Marathon in March I chose 10 miles. Packet pick up was at Navy Pier but I don’t like going there because it is a hassle to get there. Luckily I could pick up my packet on race day but that meant I had to be there earlier. That is OK. Friday night I went to bed at 9pm and work up at 5 on Saturday morning.
I arrived at Navy Pier around 6am and was shocked to find out that parking was $18. I inquired about a discount and was told that the price is already discounted…regular is $24. Yikes!! I made my way to the expo to pick up my packet. I was happy to be in a warm place and with real bathrooms. It was a cold morning so I was happy to be indoors. I looked outside and saw the sunrise. Gorgeous!
The race started at 7am and off I went. It was such a beautiful morning for a race. Yes, a little cold but not too bad. My goal was to run each mile a “perfect” 10. Well, that is less than 11:00 minute. Yeah, that did not happen. I was close though.
Mile1-10:36
Mile 2-10:31
Mile 3-10:52
Mile 4-11:07
Mile 5-10:33
Mile 6-11:11
Mile 7-10:22
Mile 8-11:11
Mile 9-10:38
Mile 10-11:22
It felt good to be running. I ran 10 miles last Sunday and it was tough for me. That was not the case with today’s race. I had energy and felt good towards the end. Well, sort of, since it did take me a little bit longer to finish that last mile. Overall, I was pleased with the race. I even saw Forrest Gump at the end!
What truly shocked me is that according to my Garmin the race was EXACTLY 10 miles. That had never happened before in a race.
Yes, I did have an issue with location and parking fee but overall I give this race a perfect 10!!