This morning I ran the Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th.  This was my 5th year running it.  It is also one of my favorite races.

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 1
Source:  www.athlinks.com

I woke up early, made coffee and ate a Clif Bar and left my house around 6am.  The race started at 7:15.  I like to get there early so I can find parking.  So far I’ve been able to park in the same spot/area as in previous years.  I got my bib and tshirt.  The shirt is actually nice!

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 2

I met up with a few of the Oiselle crew for a picture.  

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 3

Finally it was time to run.  The course is not flat.  It isn’t horrible but any little incline tires me out.  🙂

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 4

As usual, I started too fast.  When will I ever learn?  My first mile was my fastest and then it went downhill.  However, I surprised myself because my last mile was my second fastest.  

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 6

It wasn’t too hot but it was very sunny.  I remember at one point I just got very hot and had to stop for a bit. There was plenty of water stations and I drank water at every single one.  There weren’t too many people out there but those that were there were WONDERFUL.    They cheered and encouraged us throughout the way.

With less than a quarter mile to go I could see the finish line.  However, there was an incline. I did my best to run instead of walk.  Nothing wrong with that but I wanted to see if I could do it.  And I did!  I was running next to a woman and I somehow got a burst of energy and ended up passing her up.

My official time is 42:37.  I knew I was not going to PR and I did have fun running this race.

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 5

I was looking at my pictures from previous races and I have worn the same socks.  Also, I have worn running clothes in the same colors to go with the 4th of July theme.

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap18
4onthe4th2

This day is extra special to me.  It was in 1978 that my mother along with my siblings arrived here from Mexico.  I’ve been living in this country for 39 years.

How will you be celebrating today?  My two sisters and I will be heading over to my cousin’s house to eat, laugh, and have a great time.

I am linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for today’s Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

12 Comments on Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th

  1. I love that you have done the race for the past few years. It’s great when you can find a race that you love so much that you do it over and over!

    I wore the same socks today for my run 🙂 We dont have any 4th of July runs near me, so I just rain around my neighborhood, lol

    Reply

  3. Congratulations on your race! It looks like fun and I love those socks! And happy 39th anniversary of living in the U.S.!

    Reply

  4. That is great that you were able to make this special day even more special with a race.

    Congrats on a good one. We had nice weather here too. But I didn’t run or race – just relaxed.

    Reply

Thank you for your comment!