It gets warm for a few days, I have a few great runs along the lake and I’m already excited about what is (nearly) upon us: running season!
Just looking at this picture reminds me why I love running. Whether you are pounding the pavement with 45,000 runners and over a million spectators or a just handful of people on the Lake Front Path and a cheering section of one (aka the voice inside your head telling you to keep going!) there is nothing quite like running in Chicago.
This year, I’ve decided to take advantage of some road races preceding the marathon for some training runs. More community, more commitment and frankly, more fun! There are SO many that there’s no reason why I can’t be at the starting line for a few.
So here it is: my race RUNdown of the races you need to tie your laces for. If you have any favorites that I did not list and absolutely cannot miss, for the love of Gu– let me know!
April 10: Shamrock Shuffle
April 16:Race to Wrigley 5k (starts AND ends in Wrigley Field)
May 7:Cinco de Miler 8k (3 cheers for the clever name!)
May 28: Soldier Field 10 Miler (ends ON Soldier Field. Unless the Bears recruit me, this is most likely my only shot at getting anywhere near that 50 yard line.)
June 4:13.1 Chicago (Lake Front Path, my friend)
August 4:Terrapin 5k (Who doesn’t love tie-dye?)
August 11: Elvis is Alive 5k (Who doesn’t love Elvis?)
August 14: Rock N Roll Half Marathon (Hotter than hell…and I was only working a water station. Ryan ran it and loved the bands that are positions every few miles.)
September 18:CARA 20-Miler (allegedly a great way to get in your last long training run before the marathon on a fully supported course. I say allegedly because last year I opted for going it alone…which meant frequent 7/11 stops for Vitamin Water and Cliff Bars. Maybe I’ll leave long run support to the pros this year…
October 9:Bank of America Chicago Marathon!
Happy Running!