Happy Tuesday!  I hope that everyone had a great weekend.  It finally cooled down in Chicago but we are expecting more HOT weather tomorrow.  I hope it cools down for the RnR Chicago Half Marathon on the 21st.

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What are your tips for a strong training cycle?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

For this week I am going to write about my race on Thursday – Elmhurst 4 on the 4th.  It is one of my favorite races and highly recommend it race to everyone.  It is cheap, plenty of free parking, and somewhat in a central location for those living in the Chicago area.  

I got home later than I wanted to on Wednesday night and I didn’t not want to get up.  I thought about sleeping in and missing the race.  I guess I must have been feeling guilty because I couldn’t go back to sleep and so I quickly got up, got ready, and drove to Elmhurst.  Google Map said I would arrive around 6:45am.  Yikes, that was the time for the Oiselle group photo.  Oh well.

Somehow I made it to Elmhurst about 6:38, found a parking spot, and sent a message to one of the girls letting her know that I was on my way.  I found the group and while waiting for a minute or two in case someone else showed up, I picked up my bib since packet pickup was located next to us.  I got number 23.  I was happy!  It is Michael Jordan’s number so it must be a lucky number, right?

After the photo I went to use the port-a-potty and then lined up to wait for the start.  I saw a few friends and chatted with them for a bit.  I was happy to meet/see Becca.  We both looked at each other and stopped because we recognized one another from reading each other’s blog.  

I remember hearing the National Anthem and then still waiting a few minutes for the start.  The race director had a countdown going.  Finally it was a minute to go and we all got ready to run.

Finally at 7:15 it was time to run.  I started close to the front knowing that many people would pass me.  And yes they did.  The beginning of the course has a slight downhill and coming back it is an uphill leading to the finish line.  Definitely no bueno.  It was humid and I was sweating already, but surprisingly I was feeling good. 

My 1st mile was my fastest.  I thought I could run the whole race at that pace but soon realized that I couldn’t.  

The first water station was 1/2 mile into the race.  It was much needed.  The next one was about a mile later under the underpass (??).  I got two cups of water, one to drink and another one to dump over my head.  I walked to catch my breath and then continued running.  I was slowing down and I could not make my legs go any faster.  I saw Kathleen at the turnaround point and she encouraged me to keep going.  

I am smiling because I saw some friends but inside I was struggling.

Halfway through the race I had a headache and was shivering.  Definitely not a good sign.  I was dehydrated and overheated.  I just wanted to be done.

With a mile to go I picked up the pace a bit.  Not much but anything to get me closer to the finish line.  The volunteers were encouraging.  I knew I was close to the end but I had to go up a little incline.  Right before the incline there was an ambulance and a girl on the stretcher.  I think I remember seeing that girl on the course ahead of me but I’m not sure.  I hope she is OK.

Almost done!  I ran as fast as I could.  Smiling because I was almost done.

I did a bit better than the year before.  

After the race I got some water and then went to get my bag at gear check.  The only thing I had there was my shirt.  Not sure why I picked up the shirt since I don’t keep them anyway (I gave it to my mom).  I saw a coffee company giving out free iced coffee and got a cup.  Yeah, coffee after a HOT race is probably not the best idea but the ice was so good and the coffee was delicious too.

As I’ve mentioned before, I love this race.  This is the only 4 mile race I run since not many are available.  It is a competitive race but I know I will never win nor place in my age group.  🙂  It is cheap ($25 then $30 after the price increase) and easy to get to.  Perhaps one day we will get a medal?