Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
On Sunday I ran my 159th race! I did this race mostly for fun and am glad I did it.
The forecast mentioned rain on race day. The weather continues to be ridiculously crazy here. Even with that forecast, I planned to wear a singlet, shorts, and compression socks. Not sure what I was thinking. 🙂
I signed up for the 10K but got a bib for the half marathon.
On Sunday morning it was in the mid 40s so I wore a long sleeve underneath my singlet, a jacket, and tights.
It was cold and cloudy. The half marathon began at 7am and the 10K at 7:45. I arrived at 7:30 am, dropped off my gear, used the port-a-potties, and got in line for the race. Per my Garmin, I started running at 7:58 am.
I ran by feel and paid no attention to my watch. I would only look down when it would vibrate with my mile splits. I wasn’t cold and was feeling pretty good.
For the most part I was consistent with my pace. I HAVE no idea how I ran mile 5 that fast. At least it is fast for me.
The 10K started on Columbus Drive next to Maggie Daley Park. We ran there for a little bit and then ran along the lakefront path. I found the path to be crowded since there were the 10K runners heading back along with the half marathoners.
When I was done, I got my medal and then went to get my gear. I got there just in time because after a few minutes there were a lot more people waiting in line. I felt bad for the volunteers because they were working as fast as they could but could not keep up with all of the runners.
Post race there was a hot breakfast, Lagunitas beer, and a spring flower station. I wanted to take part in it but I was just too cold. I hanged around for a little bit and then went home. But before I did that, I checked my finish time courtesy of Athlinks. Not my best and not my worst either. My last 10K was the Run Mag Mile in September 2017 and I finished in 1:07:09. However, my PR is 1:04:02 from September 2010.
The medal is pretty cool. It has a spinning Navy Pier ferris wheel.
I wished the weather would have been nicer and for sure I would have stayed longer and enjoyed the post race activities.
Overall, I enjoyed the race. I love the distance and the medal. Many races do not offer food (only beer) and it is nice to see this offered to the race participants.
Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.
That’s a pretty nice medal for a 10k! Wow!
I was signed up to run the half in Schaumburg that morning. It just poured and I didn’t run. I couldn’t believe that the city race didn’t have rain. Crazy weather!
It is a pretty neat medal. It did rain in the city. I was done before it started raining. A friend of mine did the half and she got caught in the rain.
I’ve run that race a few times and it’s always been on the warm side. Go figure. The flowers are a fun touch but it always seems to get so muddy in that area. That is some gorgeous bling. Congrats!
I’ve done the half too and the 10k as well. I remember one year I got so cold and could not finish the race.
I love the 10K distance as well. Congrats on a great race. I can’t wait to come to Chicago this summer for the RnR race I’ve never run there
Thank you. Hope to see you For RnR Chicago.
It’s so hard to enjoy the after party when it’s cold & rainy. They had pizza & burgers after my race, but who really wants that at 10 am (and I think it’s mostly for the half marathoners later on).
Mile 5 would definitely have been fast for me too! I like 10ks; there just aren’t many in this area.
I think you did great & that’s one cool medal.
Thanks Judy!
That’s such a cool medal! Does it really spin?!?! And you got that for a 10k? WOW!! Plus they had hot breakfast AND beer? Holy smokes, sign me up! Great job putting up with the weather. Sometimes, that’s even harder than the actual race.
Thanks! I was impressed with everything that was available post race. Not too many races offer that for the runners.
Wow – 159 races?! You’re amazing girl!
That race medal is so cool! Chicago races alway have the best race medals.
Thanks Kim! We may have some nice medals but sometimes the shirts are horrible. 😜
I Sorry the weather wasn’t better for you. It looks like its a really great event!
(I don’t look at my watch either during the race but I do like to analyze it afterwards…haha)
The whole weather thing is just plain crazy.
That is a very sweet medal! It seems like the weather was wonky everywhere on Saturday!
I agree. Mother Nature is just mean.
Way to go on your race! Nice medal too. I love the 10k distance, it’s definitely a favorite.
Thank you!