Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Soldier Field 10 Mile 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!
This past Saturday I ran the Soldier Field 10 Mile. This race is one of my favorites. The first time I did this race was in 2009 and this year was my 7th time running it.
I had to stay late at work on Friday so I couldn’t go to Fleet Feet to get my bib. Thankfully my friend, Claudia, got it for me. I like the color of the shirt.
It was supposed to be a HOT one. Man, we complained for so long about the winter and Mother Nature came back with a vengeance.
Saturday morning I woke up, got ready, and drove to Soldier Field. I love that they offered FREE parking to race participants. I met Claudia to get my bib and then we used the bathroom. There were plenty of port-a-potties outside but we went inside the stadium (the start line was inside). No line…ever better!
My left leg had been bothering me so I wasn’t sure how do running 10 miles.
The race began at 7am. I was in corral K but moved to L to start with Claudia. We had to wait about 15 minutes before we could start running. It felt good inside because it was shaded and there was a slight breeze.
As soon as I got outside, I could feel the heat. I knew it wasn’t going to be a good race. I don’t remember it ever being this hot on race day. I was feeling OK for about 3 miles and then it went downhill. The sun felt so hot and I took my time by walking and running.
At the runaround point the announcement teased us by saying that we looked like we could use some ice (while the song “Ice Ice Baby” was playing). I thought for sure we would get some ice at the next water station. Nope. It was Nuun and water. I did get an extra cup of water to pour over my head and that helped a little.
At this point my goal was not to pass out and just to finish. I didn’t care about my time. My left was hurting even more but I kept running and walking.
Did I tell you how hot it was? I was happy to cross the finish line and to get my medal. It was cool to finish inside Soldier Field.
I stayed for a little bit to see Heather and Claudia by the finish line. Then I went home. I was hungry and tired. In the past I’ve stayed a bit longer to hang out with friends and enjoy my free beer.
Love that Athlinks provides FREE race photos. However, I will admit that I cringed when I saw the photos and almost did not post the one below. All I see is my big, bloated and round stomach. 🙁
My finish time is 2:17:21. That is definitely my worst Soldier Field 10 Mile race. According to Athlinks, my worst time was 1:55:45 in 2017 and my PR is 1:41:56 in 2015.
Facebook reminded me of the first time I did that race. I was thinner back then. Sigh.
Another race done and another medal. I have now completed 160 races.
Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.
16 responses to “Soldier Field 10 Mile Recap”
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Congrats! It was a hot one! I’m glad that you finished safely. I’ve never done this race but I think I need to remedy that.
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Thanks! It is a great race. I know coming into the city is a hassle but I think you will like it.
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Great job on your race! Sounds like a challenging race with the heat! That is so nice that they offer free parking to race participants. I like to stay after an enjoy the festivities after the race as well, but sometimes I am just not feeling it either and can’t wait to get home to shower and nap.
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Thanks! The heat made it tough. Normally I would have stayed but just wasn’t up for it. The weekend before it was because I was too cold.
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Congratulations on your 160th race! I did not realize that Athlinks provides free photos. What a great deal! Running in the heat will definitely slow your times. I ran a half marathon last Sunday. It was hot, and it was my worst half marathon time ever! Ugh!
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Thanks. Lately they’ve been offering free race photos which I love. I dislike paying for the photos.
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Congrats for pushing through those tough conditions! I love that race. The first time I ran it (2006) there wasn’t even a medal yet. I love this year’s medal but I’m grateful I didn’t run in that ridiculous heat. I’ll never tire of the free parking and finish on the field though!
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Thanks. The free parking is a plus. Love it when races offer that to race participants.
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Heat is no fun at all. Finishing inside a stadium is fun. Glad you finished, and I do like that shirt. It’s a nice color.
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Thank you!
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I love the 10-mile distance, but it’s rare to find one (at least in my area). That medal is really cool! Congrats on gutting it out to the end, it’s tough when the weather is crazy hot like that.
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Thanks. I like that distance too. Definitely more manageable than a half marathon. 🙂
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Ugh, heat came on so fast this year that we haven’t been able to acclimate! Great job just finishing!
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Thanks. I agree that the heat came with a vengeance. Now I want some cooler weather. 🙂
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Wow, you can’t seem to catch a break. 🙁 The last race was cold, this one was hot. I’ve done quite a few races where it suddenly got hot & there was no time to acclimate — it’s not fun. So well done for sticking it out!
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Thank you! I also couldn’t believe the difference in weather from the two race weekends. Simply crazy!