I know I am really late with this post. Honestly, I did not want to write about it because I wasn’t sure how I felt about the race. I know, weird. Anyway, here it goes. Better late than never right?
I ran this race because of the Chicago Marathon Incentive Program. I guess I had no choice. 🙂 I was really worried about it because I knew that it was tough and challenging course. And hilly. Boy, it was definitely all of those three things.
The weather on race day was perfect! To me it means not cold nor sunny. That is how I like it. I was afraid it would rain but it stayed away, but instead got hit with humidity. Not sure what I would have preferred?
Start line and I am ready to go.
No problems at the start but half a mile later there was this steep hill that I swear is about a quarter mile long. I was told I would go up this hill 2 more times.
Let’s just say there were so many ups and downs at this race. It was a pretty course because we ran through some nice areas. There were definitely some beautiful houses!
Halfway done. So happy to see this sign.
Made it to the top of the hill again. Could not wait to be done.
Almost done. I was even more happy to see this sign.
Cool entertainment after walking up a small hill.
Not cool that the streets were not completely closed off for the race. It is dangerous. I was constantly looking back to see if there were cars behind me. I did not have headphones on but sometimes when I run I get into a zone and don’t pay too much attention to what is around me. I know, not cool either.
Finally done! There was a downhill and then flat out straight to the finish line. Another runner friend told me that would be the best part. Yes it was because I was finally done.
No medals were given to the runners but I enjoyed the “all you can eat pizza and drink beer”. Don’t know if it was really true but I went back for more pizza and no one said anything to me. As for the beer, no coupon was needed to get your cup so yes to me it is all you can drink.
It is a tough course if you like hills. I don’t. But I am glad I did this race and experienced something different from the always flat pavement I am used to in Chicago. There was no lakefront view but there were some pretty areas along the course. On the way to the race I got lost (thanks to Google Map) but stopped at a gas station and a nice man told me how to get there. I found free parking about 10 minutes from the start line. The best part is that there is race day packet pickup. Now, if only they would give medals since it is a challenging course.
The shirt is OK.
Tell me about your most challenging and difficult race.
My first relay race was Ragnar Relay Chicago in June 2012. On Sunday I completed a marathon relay and got to cross it off this list.
There were 8 girls doing this relay race (two teams: Pink Ladies and Faster than Snails). One of my teammates offered to drive to Urbana-Champaign (about 2 1/2 hours from Chicago) and we left Friday afternoon. There were two girls from the other team so it was nice to meet them and talk to them. They had food and I snacked on crackers, hummus, and sweet potato chips.
We arrived to pick up our bibs and to check out the expo. It was OK but does not compare to the Chicago Marathon or RnR expos.
I almost bought this headband.
After the expo we went to Destihl for dinner. The food was delicious! We had a few appetizers to start off along with beer. For dinner I had pasta with spicy thai shrimp. The rest of the teammates met us there and we all had a lovely time. We then said goodbye because it was late and we still had to check in the hotel and get our stuff ready for the next day.
From L to R: Lety, Liz, Rocio, Fabiola, me, Angie. We were missing Ana and Arasally.
As I was getting my things ready for the next day, I realized that I had forgotten my socks. I had originally packed everything in my Apera bag. I switched to a bigger bag because all of my things wouldn’t fit but left my socks in one of the pockets. Luckily, I borrowed a pair from a teammate.
I checked the temperature and got really nervous because all I saw was rain, rain, and more rain.
I slept good Friday night. I was up at 5am and got ready. I shared a room with 2 other girls so I waited for them to get ready before heading out to get something to eat. The hotel provided us with a free continental breakfast. Love it when hotels do that. I had coffee and a waffle. Not too much but enough for a 6.7 run.
It was cold and drizzling. I was hoping the rest of the rain would hold off till AFTER the race. It didn’t. There was a long line to get to the parking lot. One of the girls was familiar with the area and told us of a shortcut. We parked the car and got out to meet up with Ana and Lety. We quickly got a team picture and since I was runner #1, I headed over to the start line.
Team Faster than Snails From L to R: Ana, me, Lety, Rocio
I don’t remember hearing the National Anthem but I realized the race was about to start. I walked over to the start line, got in the corral and off I went.
I don’t remember too many specifics of my part of the race. Here is what I do remember:
I felt really good the first two miles. Unfortunately, I do not know my splits because the Nike + app in my phone did not work. I turned it on but somehow it turned off.
I felt tired after the first water station.
The volunteers were wonderful!
The crowd support made me happy.
I would run, walk, and repeat.
It started to rain and I had forgotten to wear my visor.
I was running in new shoes and they felt really good. Ha, little did I know what was happening in my right foot (too much callus remover and a lot of water is NOT a good combination).
One water station was after mile 2 and the next one was after mile 4. That worked out for me since I had a short run but not sure if marathon and half marathon runners will agree with me.
Between mile 5 and 6 there were signs along the course with several facts about the University. I don’t remember the exact words but I do recall reading about REO Speedwagon, PayPal, YouTube, and a Nobel Prize Winner.
I saw a sign on the floor and I thought it was the the 6 mile marker. I told my teammates I would send them a text when I got there since the exchange was at mile 6.7. There the volunteers were giving out oranges. Yummy! Up ahead I saw the actual mile marker. Oh well.
Finally, I saw the exchange spot. I removed my belt and put it on the next runner. I was done but I was also very cold.
We got in the car and drove to the next exchange which was about 10 minutes away. It was raining so much harder and I felt bad for the runners. Runner #3 got her stuff ready and then we left to meet runner #2. We finally got a text from her that she was at mile 13.
Runner #2 is done!
Two legs done and two more to go. The next exchange took a bit longer. I drove this time because the owner of the car was running. I am OK driving but get nervous driving other people’s cars. Luckily, nothing happened and we arrived at the next exchange spot. Lety was nice enough to get coffee for the both of us. It felt good to drink something warm. Earlier I had changed my top but left my skirt. I was getting colder so I changed into capris. Not sure why I didn’t do that before.
Love my colorful shoes!
We got a text from Rocio that she was at mile 20. We were meeting her at 20.5. One of the volunteers told us that the race was cancelled because of the weather. We were like “What?!?” We couldn’ believe it. We kept walking and asked another volunteer and she was not aware of the news. Ana was the last runner and she said that she would run no matter what. We saw Rocio and Ana took off to complete the race. We told Rocio what we were told about the race. On our way to the finish line, Ana sent us a text. Yes, the race was cancelled and time would not matter. She would keep going till the buses arrived. She called me and I asked her if she wanted us to pick her up. She said no and I told her that we would meet her before the entrance of Memorial Stadium.
It was raining even harder. We arrived at the stadium and went inside. It was pure chaos. There were so many people there.
Definitely not a signage you want to see at a race.
While waiting for Ana, I used the bathroom and got some pizza. There was also water, bananas, and bags of pretzels. She texted us at mile 24. We waited a little bit before heading out to meet her so that we could cross the finish line together. While waiting we cheered for the runners. Some looked tired, cold but also excited to be almost done. We waited and finally saw her.
We ran inside the stadium. We held hands and crossed the finish line together. Finally done!
Our finish time is 4:29:47.
Even with the nasty weather we all had a great time! We made the best of it and felt thankful for being able to participate in this race. We ran, laughed, motivated and helped each other out. And the rain did not stop us. Definitely teamwork! We had so much fun that we are already planning to do it again next year.
Have you ran a relay race? Which one and how was it?
On Saturday I ran my second race of the year. I’ve run this race in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. I was very excited! 10 miles is the longest I’ve run this year.
I picked up my bib Friday after school. Very fast and easy. Nothing fancy. Just a bib and a black long sleeve shirt. Definitely my kind of packet.
Saturday morning came and it was time to run. I got ready, ate, and drove to Montrose Harbor. Luckily I found a spot not too far from the start. I took advantage of the extra time to relax and use the port-a-potties.
Then I met a few bloggers and it was nice to chat with them. Notice the before and after picture. I am the only one without a jacket. I did not check in a bag and clearly I did not need a jacket cause it was almost 60 degrees. Big mistake!
Before the race. From L to R: Erin, Marcia, Sara, Wendy, me, EmilyAfter the race. From L to R: Marcia, Erin, Emily, Sara, Wendy, me. Photo Credit: Emily Seto
Emily and I had decided to run together. The plan was to start at 10 minute miles and then hopefully still have enough gas in the tank and speed it up during the second half.
She is a great runner! I was able to keep up with her for two miles before realizing that the pace was too fast for me. Plus, I got so distracted with several girls talking nonstop behind me and the sound of feet scraping. I wished I had brought my headphones to block out those sounds. I don’t run with my headphones (except on the treadmill) and I like it. But I know I need to learn to tune out the noise/sounds and just focus on the race.
Between mile 2 and 3 is the dreaded Cricket Hill. Oh how I dislike that hill. I walked. No shame.
I was feeling great until the turnaround on Fullerton Avenue (mile 6). That is when it got unbearable with the wind. I was running very slow and took several walking breaks. I was also very cold and had a headache.
Finally I saw the finish line and sprinted to it. No PR but I did get my personal worst for a 10 miles race.
After the race I met up with the same bloggers from before the race. I did not stay longer than 5 minutes before I was COLD. Heck, I couldn’t even enjoy my free beer. Bummer.
Overall, I think it is a great race. Small, nice location, and inexpensive. For sure I plan to run this again next year.
Next race: Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (Relay Member), April 25.
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In December I ran 90.71 miles compared to 69.82 in November. Last year (December) I ran 142.39. Big difference but I remember that I was training for my 50K in April.
Here is my 2014 running year in review:
# of Miles Run:1001.48. I did my last run yesterday morning.
Fun Race Destinations: All Disney races except the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Also, Des Moines and Tulsa (basically all races with Jaime).
Best Races:I had a great time at both the Shamrock Shuffle and the 4 on the 4th. I felt really good in both races and definitely enjoyed them. Also, I enjoyed the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon because I also felt great (besides some pain in my glutes) and did well despite my lack of running/training.
Running Shoes: I started off the year running in Brooks PureConnect 2 (315.35 miles). Then switched to the Brooks PureFlow 2 (346.28 miles) and then back again to Brooks PureConnect 2 (65.18 miles). I then needed more support so I got a pair of Mizuno Sayonara. There were OK. I guess I was used to lightweight shoes and found the Sayonara too heavy. I went back to Fleet Feet and was fitted with a pair of Newton’s Kismet. Wow! I really loved those shoes. Everything was going well until I experienced some toe numbness in my right foot. I went to the podiatrist who diagnosed me with Morton’s neuroma. I don’t think that’s accurate since I did not experience many of the symptoms. “Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.”
Luckily, I only experienced the numbness but it was enough to take me back to Fleet Feet for another pair of shoes and I walked out with the Brooks Ravenna. Really comfortable shoes but somehow I experienced some discomfort on the right side of my right foot. I really tried to make them work (because I did not want to buy more shoes) and used several different pairs of socks but no luck. In November I bought my last pair, Saucony Ride. My feet are happy and I am happy.
Star Sightings: I met Scott Jurek, Deena Kastor, and John Cox. Plus, I got to see Bart Yasso again in Chicago and Tulsa.
Ambassadorships:Zooma Chicago Half Marathon and Fort2Base. I did not run Fort2Base but instead volunteered at gear check which was fun but also exhausting.
So this year I ran a few Disney races. I ran a total of 8 races which equals to 104.10 miles and 14 medals. I won’t get into how much money I spent. I had fun traveling to Florida and California but prefer going to Florida because 1) It is closer and cheaper and 2) More parks and more things to do.
I remember when I signed up for the Goofy Challenge and I was nervous and scared. Running a half marathon is tough but then to add a marathon the next day? What was I thinking? I wasn’t. My friend, Jaime, convinced me to do it so I did. She did Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, 13.1, and 26.2). At the end of the marathon I was almost in tears because I had accomplished something that I did not know I was capable of. Plus, I enjoyed the course more for the full than the half. I was also very sore.
But I recovered quickly because the following weekend I went to California for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. Traveling there was nerve wrecking because there were problems with my flight and I got to the hotel after 5pm. I was too late to pick up my packet but luckily I picked it up on race day. I was not able to get my shirt but someone was nice enough to mail it to me. I liked the race and the course. The weather was perfect too. The last time I was in Disneyland was in 1991 so I stayed an extra day to hang out in Disneyland.
In February I went back to Florida for the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k on Saturday and 13.1 on Sunday). Definitely so much “easier” than Goofy Challenge. I ran the Enchanted 10k with Jeff Galloway and it was nice to chat with him. It was muggy and humid that morning but I finished early enough to head back to the hotel, shower, eat breakfast and hang out at Magic Kingdom with Arasally. We had a blast! The last time I was there was in 2004 (I did run through there in January but did not stay at the park). The half marathon was OK. Nothing too exciting about it.
Pretty medals!
At the end of August was another trip to Disneyland for the Dumbo Double Dare (10k on Saturday and 13.1 on Sunday). This time I made sure to leave early enough to avoid any problems with my flight. I saw Jaime again and it was fun hanging out with her. I knew Emily was also planning to run the half marathon but I did not see her at all. I liked the 10k but not so much the half marathon. It was cool running through Disneyland and California Adventure Park but could not wait to finish the half marathon. I did like the medal I got for completing both races.
Finally my last race was last month. I was nervous and excited about that one. The race was at night and I am not a fan of night races. The weather was pretty decent during the day but then things turned for the worst. It rained pretty much the whole time for the whole race. I heard good things about the race and was looking forward to it and the post race activities. I was cold and miserable. I could not wait to finish. I walked a lot, which made it worse. I know this was out of Disney’s control but the rain ruined it for me. However, the best part of the race was seeing all of the beautiful lights in Hollywood Studios.
Final thoughts:
Each race is a fun experience. I like the Disney theme and seeing the various costumes.
I prefer traveling to FL than CA. But unless you have a car or stay on property, it is much easier to get around in CA.
When traveling to FL make sure to stay at a resort. Disney does a great job of providing shuttle busses from/to the airport and to/from the expo and race.
Why, oh why, is it so expensive for these races? I know I spent over $300 for Goofy Challenge and while I did get 3 medals and 3 shirts, there pretty much nothing in the goody bag and in the post race box snack.
I told myself I would never run another Disney race but am finding myself drawn to the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon in 2015 and the Glass Slipper Challenge in 2016.
