On Sunday, May 29th, Run Madtown returned to downtown Madison and offered runners a 13.1 or 5K filled with hills, hills, and more hills. Did I mention that it was HILLY?!?

Wow – what a course. Don’t get me wrong – it was beautiful and ever changing as runners wove through the downtown streets to begin. Downtown Madison is straight out of a Hallmark movie with coffee, wine, and art shops lining the streets. Not to mention charming restaurants and boutiques.

Runners began at the capital building where the race company had streets closed and it felt like a true party at the start and end.

It was very fun to read all of the different signs on each of the shops lining the downtown streets. Nearly every storefront was filled, which was a nice thing to see.

After the first few miles, runners enjoyed a tree lined path that wove around Lake Wingra and offered runners both shade and nature. We circled past a golf course and even ran through the University of Wisconsin.

It was a very well thought out course that required an immense amount of planning by Race Day Events. The course was very well marked and volunteers were available at every turn. Aid stations offered water and a sports drink every few miles and local law enforcement had streets closed for runners.

Luckily race morning temps were cool in the high 60’s and low 70’s and the sun only peaked out toward the end of my race. But, wow those hills. It’s similar to the Cary Half Madness in that the hills were really spread throughout the course with a killer toward the end.

All runners received a short sleeved shirt and finishers medal. And, we were treated to a great breakfast at the end of the race. Thanks to Race Day Events for an incredibly well done race.

The post Race Review: Run Madtown appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

I can usually rebound from a pretty big race fairly quickly. I can articulate feelings, emotions, and opinions about the race almost instantly. But this time around at the Ironman World Championships in St. George, Utah, I’m still struggling to find the words.

I’ve been asked about my race probably 50 times by different people. Coworkers, friends, neighbors, acquaintances. And honestly, I still find myself stumbling to bring that day to my lips.

The day started well (well) before dawn around 2:30am, coffee brewing and food intake starting. Bottles were pre-mixed, bags were packed, and clothes were laid out. Before 4am, I found myself at the Ironman Village, checking my special needs bags that contained nothing but extra salt pills. That should give you an idea about what we were anticipatin. I boarded the shuttle bus to the swim start not knowing that many of the people I was surrounded by wouldn’t see the finish line. We didn’t know it, but race day conditions were about to light up our worlds.

Transition 1 was a buzz when I arrived with friends. We separated and started the routine to prep our bikes and minds. The water temperature had actually spiked to a “balmy” 64 degrees! A huge change from the 59-degree practice swim 2 days prior. I was simply thrilled that I’d be able to feel my fingers and toes when I exited the water.

The swim was honestly… quite uneventful. But truly, it was the best part of the whole day. Smooth waters, “warm” enough to actually enjoy, and very little pushing and shoving. Being in the Female 35-39 age group, I was one of the last to start the race. A fellow Chicago Athlete author jumped into the water a full hour ahead of me. That may not sound terrible, but it meant for 2 totally different races.

I remember making the final turn to the swim exit and absolutely dreading getting out of the water. You see, St. George is quite famous for its unpredictable weather that can change on a dime. But one thing was for certain, we knew that day was going to be HOT and windy. The wind speed was 100% dependent on how fast you could get through the bike course, which of course included 7,000+ feet of climb. Climb faster and you got to deal with less wind. The slower you bike, the more you time you signed yourself up for dangerous crosswinds on some pretty gnarly descents. This was my nemesis.

Not to toot my own horn, but I find that I can usually climb a hill with the best of them. But I knew better going into this day. At the base of EVERY single climb, I dropped it into the granny gear and just started to spin as easy as I could. Survival was the name of the game and I was going to do everything I could to save my legs for a really long day. The first half of the course was “flat” compared to the 2^nd half. And all we did in the first half was climb. Looking back, I knew the day was going to get tough between miles 60-80, but I couldn’t imagine how MUCH harder considering the amount of climb we covered in the first 50 miles. To make matters worse, every single descent included some sort of wind that made you white knuckle your handlebars and say a prayer to The Man Upstairs. When I packed my nutrition for the day, I didn’t pack enough to account for of anxiety and extra adrenaline running through my veins. Entering the town of Veyo, you were greeted with a climb that can’t be matched anywhere near here. Many athletes walked their bikes up the hill, and they moved at the same pace as I. Talk about a mental buzzkill. The fun only continued as you entered Snow Canyon at mile 98. A 1,000 foot climb over 4 miles, straight up the entire way, full of switchbacks. The heat had been a factor for hours already, but I distinctly remembering during this time that I should be sweating terribly. But that desert offered not a drop of a sweat on me, yet my kit was covered in salt. Making it to the top was a sigh of relief and tension at the same time. The rest of the bike was almost 10 miles all downhill, with a crosswind that tested your brakes to no end.

Finally, finally I saw the transition tent. I handed off my bike and sat in the women’s change tent. The volunteer approached me and immediately started helping and asking “Ok, what do you need?” A minute lady, I need a minute. I made it out of the women’s change tent quicker than you would have thought. I knew the longer I lingered in there, the harder it would be to get going. Dump some water on your head and start putting on foot in front of the other, that was my motto.

The run immediately greeted you with full sun, no shade, and a 2 mile climb right out of the gates. Pardon my French, but WTFudge. I can honestly say that the entire marathon was 100% survival mode. I ran all the downhills, walked all the uphills (SO MANY UPHILLS), and tried to run any flat that my body would allow. Fatigue was setting in in a new kind of way. I found some friends from home and we shared quite a few miles together, allowing the time to pass much quicker than when we were alone. Aide stations looked like true carnage, people dunking their heads into buckets of ice water and puking on the side of the road. I knew if I wasn’t careful, that could be me. I did everything possible to keep my core temperature low and fuel appropriately. I remember seeing my husband and immediately grabbed him and made him walk with me while I cried and gave him my 60 second synopsis of the bike course and how I almost quit, I witnessed more ambulance rides than ever before, and how my nerves were absolutely shot. I know it was in that moment that he started to worry about me, but I promised him I was going to make it because I was in control now.

Finish lines are quite emotional, but none like this one. Mile 25 hit and I could hear the finish line. Mile 26 was the only mile I wouldn’t allow myself to walk at all. I found my crew along the fence and they lifted my spirits like you wouldn’t believe. A few of them were finishers, while a few others unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see the finish line. One of them, our very own, Jim Toledo. Jim is quite the athlete and even he had to come to grips with reality on race day. These are his thoughts:

“The Old adage ‘A World Championship course should be hard’ was never truer than it was in St. George this year. Challenging for even the best athletes in the world, many succumbed to the heat and climbs, especially the athletes from northern climates, who could not duplicate the harshness of the sun and the weight of 7k of climbing in their cozy indoor pain caves. The beauty of the desert was missed by many, like myself, who finished the course in a SAG van.”

I rounded the final turn and the spotlights lit up the sky and the street was transformed into an Ironman World Championship finish line. The energy was electric, and I swallowed the knot in my throat. I had stressed about this day for months, knowing full well that it was going to test me in every way possible, and it did. This was my 9^th Ironman finish line, and it was most certainly the hardest.

Don’t let this story fool you, this race was so much more. The volunteers knew we had our hands full, and they were ready for anything. I watched a volunteer help a man puke in a bucket. The wetsuit strippers and change tent volunteers deserve a medal of their own. My finish line catcher had the kindest heart, and knew exactly how to lift me up when I told him “Dude, it’s flippin’ awful here!” Yes mam, but you did it. The sights were more than I bargained for. I specifically remember the views of Gunlock and being amazed at how beautiful ROCKS could actually be. I took on this challenge knowing there was potential for a really bad day. But that’s what keeps me coming back for more, knowing I can do the really hard things. This day wasn’t for the faint of heart, some of the best in the world couldn’t even write the full story. But those of us that made it, I can certainly say we’ve all bonded in an unimaginable way. Years from now, if I see a stranger walking around in an Ironman World Championship St. George finishers hat, I’ll know they’ve got something going for them. Grit.

I certainly left a piece of my heart in St. George on May 7^th. Will I be back? You bet. But I’m leaving my bike at home next time.

The post Race Review: Ironman World Championships: St. George Edition appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

On Saturday, May 15, All Community Events held their annual Chicagoland half and marathon race. It was moved back to May this year, having been held later in the year due to the pandemic last year.

I always feel as though this is my birthday party as it sometimes falls on my birthday and always falls around my birthday. This year, my friend Lynn Crim surprised me with a birthday cupcake before the race!

Race day temperatures were in the 60’s and cloud cover was fairly strong. Humidity was pretty high which made the morning feel hotter than it actually was, and for Chicagoans, who are not completely heat acclimated yet, it felt extremely warm.

This race took place in Schaumburg and showcased the commercial area of Woodfield and several nearby trails. Thousands of runners come out to tackle this flat course and try for a BQ.

Both the half and full began at 7:15 AM and the energy was high at the start line. Peter Starykowicz, owner of All Community Events is the perfect DJ to ramp up runners before the race start. Runners love when he gets on the mic and pumps us up just minutes before start time. It’s such a personal touch and I truly appreciate that he takes the time to do this at nearly all of the races.

We began right at 7:15 AM and headed out on Martingale Road for the first 3 miles. Runners then turned into a trail system where they wove through several tree covered trail miles before splitting based on distance. The half marathon runners were routed away from the marathon runners between miles five and six.

Half marathon runners were taken on another loop before heading back to the Start/Finish. All runners received a short sleeved or long sleeved T-shirt based upon their selection and a finishers metal. There was also a huge selection of post race food.

Full marathon runners continued their route circling in and out of trail systems and residential streets. The last 3 miles circled back on Martingale Road again before heading back to the start/finish line.

This is a spring fan favorite for runners throughout the area. It is A flat course and offers lots of aid stations and sharing sections to keep energy high. The All Community Events does an incredible job with mile marker placement and an ever-changing course.

You can check out all of the All Community Events races here.

The post Race Review: Chicagoland Half and Full Marathon appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

The Syttende Mai Run/Walk took place on Saturday, May 14th and is the oldest long-distance race in Southern Wisconsin. This Norwegian Marathon is a, point to point, 20 miles, with a 10 mile run or 17 mile walk.

Hosted by Race Day Events, this is one of my favorite spring running events. It is an incredibly unique race with distances and race options that you do not see too often.

Although you could park at either the start or finish line, I opted to arrive early, park at the finish, and hop on a school bus to the start line. The start line was located in Madison, Wisconsin, where runners were greeted by the King and Queen of the festival. The race kicks of the Syttende Mai festival, which takes place in downtown Stoughton and features food and fun for all.

The 17 mile walk had a rolling start and walkers began before the runners to give them a head start on the course. Runners began at either the 20 mile or 10 mile start at 7am and began the trek back to Stoughton.

The course wove through country, winding roads and included many hills. Runners were treated to farms, residential areas, and even a cemetery, as they made their way the 20 miles from Madison to Stoughton.

There were aid stations along the way, which became extra important as the heat increased toward the second half of the race. It was fun to overlap with the walkers, which began about mile 7 or 8 for me.

The race wove through downtown Stoughton before finishing at a park. A point to point race is hard to put on but Race Day Events executed the event perfectly and runners were treated to a unique, fun experience. I encourage you to add this to your race schedule nbext year. It’s a bit of a drive but completely worth it!

The post Race Review: Syttende Mai Races appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

This past weekend I participated on the F’3 cap Saiers trail 10 mile race at Teason’s Woods in Palos Heights, IL located 30 minutes southwest from Chicago. These trails are well know for the swallow Cliff stairs by fitness enthusiasts and various gravel paths for mountain and gravel bike aficionados. This is the second year for this race which included a full marathon. The event attracted a small field of runners, it had that good old grass roots running community feel. We had beautiful spring weather on Sunday morning, with highs in the 50’s.

The marathoners started promptly at 730am. The marathon course is three parts: 2 circuits of the 10 mile course, and a final 10k out-and-back to the WEST aid station & back. Athletes run on the challenging hills on the Sag Valley Trail with 670 ft of elevation over the course of the 10 mile loop. That was definitely harder than I anticipated. Congratulations to all finisher especially the brave marathoners. Based on my calculations the marathon had almost 1500 ft of elevation.

The aid stations offered water, Gatorade, Clif Gel, Pickles, Gummi Bears and were available every 3 miles. The finish line and post run celebration had vegan chili, beer, and fruit. This was a unique, fun, well organized event. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a new challenge.

The fun part of participating on independently-owned smaller races is the swag and medals. Every participant received a pair of American-made DeFeet Knee High socks, custom-designed for F^3 and a wooden medal at the finish. I love when race directors think outside of the box. As someone who has been running for over two decades and has hundreds of race T-shirts, socks are a welcome addition to my running wardrobe.

The post Race Review: F’3 Cap Sauers Trail Marathon & 10 Mile race appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

Downtown Barrington saw many women and girls kicking off Mother’s Day by running a 5k. Moms were definitely being celebrated from start to finish of this race! All participants received a rose and a cake pop at the finish line and all registrants also received their choice of a “Mom Strong” or “Mother’s Day 5k” dri-fit t-shirt during registration.

In previous years, runners could run the Mother’s Day 5k either in downtown Barrington or Deer Park. I overheard two ladies talking about how the Barrington course was more challenging than Deer Park, and saw firsthand that this was the case. Shortly after the race began, runners were greeted with a decent sized hill. The good news? This meant that all of the rest of the miles would inevitably be faster than the first! Fortunately, many people were out in front of their houses cheering so it didn’t make the hill feel quite as bad as I thought it would. Throughout the rest of the race, runners experienced shorter rollers.

The course was extremely well-marked with directional arrows, and mile markers were spot on with my watch every single time. There was one aid station on the course, but I did not see any porta potties (which is usually fine for a 5k, but something I probably noticed since I’m pregnant!). Photographers were at the start and finish to capture the excitement of the race. There were many families running, many strollers, and great spectators cheering, “Go Mom!” every so often.

After finishing, runners were given roses to either keep (moms) or give to other moms. Participants also had the option of purchasing a medal either during registration or after the race. There were a few blow-up props (like a running shoe!) that provided great photo backgrounds. A kids race was also offered and seemed to be a very popular option. Overall, this was a great way to kick off a day to celebrate all of the wonderful mothers!

The post Race Review: Barrington Mother’s Day Race appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

On Sunday, May 8th, I attended the BeYOUtiful Half Marathon in the city I can’t say – Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. There was a half marathon and 5K distance option for runners to select from.

Although this race had a rocky start in the planning stages, it was executed perfectly by Great Lakes Multisport Crew. A few months before race day, the race day was sold to GLM. Runners were sent an email notifying us of the change and introducing us to Andrew Braun, the owner. Andrew is not new to the race scene, as GLM has directed several races over the years, and I knew we would definitely be in good hands with him. One huge bonus is that Andrew’s whole family is there to make the day special for runners. In a pre-race email, Andrew introduced us to the whole Braun crew.

The on-site Race Director will be Cole Braun, my dad. He’s the OG race director for the Braun’s and our events businesses with Great Lakes Multisport. You’re in great hands, and you know you’ll be getting a big high five when you come to the finish line.

The Race Day Athlete Services director will be Jenny Braun, my mom. Give her a big Happy Mothers Day hello! In my opinion, she’s the best mom there is. If you have any Registration needs, she will take care of you.

The Volunteer Coordinator and Athlete Services support is my beautiful wife, Karly Braun. She’s getting her first race management experience this weekend. Any Merchandise ordered can be picked up with her.

I mean, how great is that, especially for a Mother’s Day race! Runners were truly taken care of from the start to the finish. Parking was extremely easy and just steps from the start/finish line. All runners received a short sleeved shirt, wine glass, and rose! I promptly stuck my rose in a water bottle before heading out to race and utilized the wine glass that evening for some much needed relaxation!

Not only did this race switch owners, but the course had to be changed several times before race day. I know the race team was working countless hours with the city to get the course set and runners really appreciated all of the emails letting us know of the course updates.

Despite this challenge, race day went off without a hitch. The half marathon runners began at 8am, followed by the 5K runners at 8:15am. All runners began together and entered the Lake Country Trail for about a mile before heading into an adorable subdivision to loop around and circle back to the Trail. Half marathon runners continued on the trail until about mile 3.5 at which point we turned and ran directly back to the start/finish line area, where we looped back out to do it a second time.

I’ve spoken before about the benefits of a looped course and will echo that again. A loop really allows runners to plan for the higher miles when they hit fatigue. Knowing which portions of the course they can pull back on and gain a bit of energy is super helpful.

There were aid stations along the course and a few spectators viewing areas. Runners had ample space on the trail and quickly fell into their pacing packs. I had the pleasure of running with two other ladies who were getting the run in before celebrating Mother’s Day.

The real challenge of this race was the wind, which was relentless on the “out” portion of the course. It became a tailwind on the “back” but wow, it really carried a punch.

Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this race happen and congrats to all of the runners who came out and hit those miles in that wind!

The post Race Review: BeYOUtiful Half Marathon appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

On Saturday, May 7, I attended the Wisconsin Marathon. This annual event takes place at the lakefront in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin and offers runners a marathon, half marathon, and 5K option. The race sold out this year with 1,600 runners participating, although with the rising Covid numbers, several did have to defer until next year.

The race directors, Tracy and Jonathan, are friends of Chicago Athlete and put on an event truly tailored toward runners. There were several packet pick up options leading up to the event itself. I had the pleasure of assisting with the pick up scheduled the day prior. This allowed me to interact with several of the runners that were heading north to tackle this course.

Not surprisingly, the majority of runners were signed up for the half marathon. This has become a popular distance for runners. Training is not as daunting as that of a full marathon and the longer distance is still quite a challenge.

Runners were encouraged to arrive early, as there is no parking at the race. There is plentiful parking throughout downtown Kenosha, but nearly every location would include a 10 minute walk to the start/finish line area. Race directors made runners very aware of this and encouraged everyone to arrive early. I have run this race several times and have found myself running to the start line while the National Anthem was being played. So, I did not make the mistake this year!

All distances began at 7 AM promptly and runners left the Kenosha museum campus area to begin their trek. The first 9 miles were an out and back southbound, taking runners through the residential streets of Kenosha. Runners were treated to scenic homes, a historic cemetery, and several schools. Runners were then routed back on the lakefront to the start/finish line area, where they crossed over to finish the 4 miles northbound. In my opinion, these last four miles were the most challenging, as the headwind was extremely strong and there were several hills nestled into the course.

At the second turnaround, runners enjoyed a tailwind for the last mile as they headed back to the start/finish line area and were able to enjoy the crowd support. The half marathon runners finished and were able to partake in the post race festivities and food. The full marathon runners went on to complete a second loop of the same course.

I am a fan of double looped courses, as you know what to expect the second time around when you are starting to feel fatigue. This is helpful for me both emotionally and physically, as I can store energy for the portions of the course that I know I will need it. As I mentioned before, the first half was easier for me as the wind was more cooperative. Although, the wind speeds picked up for the second loop and runners had a headwind for Miles 19 through 24, making it a real challenge. Not only are you extremely fatigued at this part of the course, but that headwind was relentless. At one point I remember thinking to myself, when will we get some relief!?!

But it was all worth it when we turned around at mile 24 and had the tailwind for the last portion of the course. That combined with the great crowd support to bring us into the finish line were much needed.

I decided to run with a pace group this year and stuck close to the 3:30 team. There was a portion where I fell back about a minute during the middle part of the course, but I rallied and pulled into the group for the end. I was able to cross the finish line with another runner as we broke away for the last mile and finished at 3:28.

The pacer was amazing and kept reminding runners of the basics. He would urge us to fuel appropriately and grab hydration frequently. He also give us notice of course turns and hills. I don’t always run with pace groups, but there’s nothing like a good pacer to bring you through the challenges of a 26.2. I find myself leaning on the pacer through the last 3 miles when my legs and mind are both fatigued. I’d like to give a huge shout out to our pacer who kept us all going strong through the finish line.

I’d also like to thank the race directors who put this amazing event on and keep runners safe, prepared, and having fun throughout the event. As I mentioned before these two individuals are friends of Chicago Athlete and have created an event with runners in mind. This is evident in every detail from the multiple packet pick up options to the plentiful pre-race communications to the technical fit T-shirts and the cheesy metal, yes cheesy – It is Wisconsin! The course is always extremely well marked and hits on the mile markers perfectly.

I would urge you to watch for this race to open registration and get registered early, as they sell out quickly. Downtown Kenosha offers restaurants, shops, and beautiful lakefront views. It’s a fun area to visit and a quick and easy drive from Chicago.

The post Race Review: Wisconsin Marathon appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

“The year racing returned” continued in Pittsburgh, PA this past weekend with the return of the Pittsburgh Marathon, a weekend long celebration of road racing in the City of Three Rivers. The race organizers, P3R, presented a wide variety of events to engage the local community and visitors alike.

From registration to the Expo through the finish-line festival, P3R provided a solid and fun race experience for all participants and spectators.

The relationships between P3R and their race sponsors was evident throughout. In the runup to race weekend, there were raffles for free running shoes from Brooks and Dick’s Sporting Goods. There were free chicken sandwiches from Chick Fil A (the title sponsor for the kid’s race), health screenings from UPMC  as well as beer samples from IC LIght at the Expo,  and multiple local gyms had free workout classes on offer. The packet pickup process was extremely easy to navigate, and I was even able to exchange my race t-shirt to a size that fit.

The course was well-marked and in good condition. The fluid and aid stations would have benefited from more prominent signage and better training for the volunteers- especially in the first half of the course where the volume of runners obscure the stations. Otherwise, stations were well-stocked and frequent enough to support the participants.

On Saturday, 15,000 people participated in the festival-like atmosphere of a 5K, Toddler Trot, Kids Marathon, and Pet Walk. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and mild temperatures. My hotel room overlooked the Andy Warhol bridge- one of four of Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges to be featured in the weekend’s racing. I enjoyed my morning coffee while watching the 5K from my window. Then, I suited up for a shakeout run and ran out to watch the participants in the Kid’s Marathon (one mile run) cross the same bridge. The kids were so much fun to watch, I briefly considered adopting their “sprint for 50 meters at a time” pacing strategy for my own race.

The main event on Sunday included a 26.2-mile full marathon, a 13.1-mile half marathon, and for the first time, a “back-half marathon” for a limited number of fundraisers. About 17,000 people participated across these events. The organizers gathered a small but impressive elite field for the half-marathon that included running luminaries such as Caroline Rotich, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Sarah Sellers representing the podium in the women’s competition. Wesley Kiptoo, James Ngandu, and Jared Ward rounded out the men’s podium.

The corrals were grouped by pace and mixed by event, which made for a fun combination of energy and nervousness leading to the starting gun. The weather on Sunday was markedly different than the celebration on Saturday, with the rain starting just as I checked into my corral, continuing for the next 10 miles, and reappearing sporadically (and epically) throughout. As runners, we sometimes like to blame the race organizers for not sacrificing enough to the weather gods to ensure perfect running conditions. If that is the case, I also have to give P3R credit for providing a fantastic rainbow just as I crested the 16th Street Bridge over the Allegheny, the first of the three rivers I would traverse in my 26.2-mile journey through 14 of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. About 4 ½ miles into the race I found that I had caught up to my wife and primary training partner, Sharon. We spent the next 8 miles running together in the rain, which was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in a race. We crossed the Ohio River on the West End Bridge to go from the North Side to the South Side of Pittsburgh at mile 7. At mile 11, crossing the Monongahela River on the Birmingham Bridge, we left the half-marathoners and the flat part of the course behind.

The second half of the marathon course in Pittsburgh is HILLY. The run from “The Mon” into Oakland is a steep ¾ mile grind that is difficult enough that teams of volunteers run up and down the slope to encourage racers along. My hill training on the treadmill all winter in anticipation of this hill paid off as I crested the top with a great view of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. Sharon and I attended college at Pitt, and we were looking forward to running through campus. Unfortunately, Pitt’s graduation occurred the day before, and the students were gone, and Oakland was desolate.

The negative energy of the empty campus streets was, thankfully, temporary. There were many highlights on the course to bring us back to happy racing. There were live bands playing every few miles along the route– mostly classic rock; and notably– one polka band and one death metal band. At one point, there was even a band rocking out near the pumps under a gas station canopy. The volunteers and spectators who came out and withstood the weather were inspiring the entire day. There were not one, but two separate women on megaphones making up marathon-themed lyrics to popular songs. A special shout out goes to the aid station in Homewood- you guys BROUGHT IT! All runners received a boost at the Greyhound Mile, a section of the course at mile 18 where runners can “high-four” and run with retired greyhounds cared for by volunteers from Steel City Greyhounds.

When you start thinking about spring races for next year, the Pittsburgh Marathon should figure prominently in your planning. P3R provides a great event in a great city that is especially fun for running families. I’ll close with a mention of one additional sponsor for the 2022 Pittsburgh Marathon- Magee Women’s Research Institute and Foundation, the sponsor of the PR bell, which I got to ring. Racing is definitely back in 2022!

The post Race Report- 2022 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

On Saturday, April 30th I participated in the Kentucky Derby Marathon. This annual event brings 8,000 runners from over 40 states and 10 countries to run this interstate event. Offering a marathon, half marathon, and relay option, along with a six-hour cut off, this race provides options for all runners.

The race began at 7 AM in downtown Louisville. Just outside of the Little Slugger stadium, runners gathered anxiously to wait for the starting gun. To kick things off, the bugler from Churchill Downs played “Call to Post”. After the National Anthem and a cheerful rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home”, the wheelchair division began followed by the marathon and half marathon runners.

The temps were in the low 60’s and the skies were cloud covered, providing runners a cooler start to the day. The race wound through downtown Louisville taking in the historic site and landmarks. I was impressed with how many turns were included in the course. Law-enforcement officials closed countless streets, as spectators lined the first half of the course.

The constant turns kept runners engaged and the scenery ever-changing. Around mile 10, runners entered Churchill Down where they were able to run alongside the horses practicing for the Kentucky Derby. Runners circled through the track before exiting back onto the streets and entering the University of Louisville campus area. A college band greeted runners as we were filled with the college spirit.

At mile 12.5 we were brought back into downtown Louisville and the half marathoners split from the full marathon. The full marathoners crossed the Big Four Bridge, is a six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Any marathon that includes two states is a winner in my book. The sheer technicalities for the Race Director and support staff are intense. Working with multiple law-enforcement agencies and municipalities to secure permits and provide Runner protection is a monstrous task. Ensuring that volunteer stations are adequately placed while following that state’s Covid protocol is also incredibly difficult. And yet, Chris Martini, RD of the Kentucky Marathon, and the incredible staff and volunteer team did this seamlessly.

The most difficult part of the race was the spiral incline leading up to this bridge. It felt never ending, especially during the second half of a marathon. The views from the bridge were beautiful and offered runners the opportunity to take in the Louisville skyline and Ohio River.

After crossing into Indiana, runners enjoyed a flat, paved, trail that led into a residential area of the state. It was an out and back from the bridge, which challenged runners as the sun began to peek through clouds around mile 15 for me. There was little to no tree covering so the challenge of increasing temperatures hit me, especially as a non-heat acclimated Chicagoan who saw snow just a few days ago!

We circled back to the bridge and were again challenged with the incline, this time more intensely, as it was miles 24 to 25. The course then led runners back into downtown Louisville where we finished at the Lynn Family Stadium and were greeted with a large celebration.

I was incredibly impressed with the thoughtful course and incredible course support throughout this event. There was an energetic pace team from Dick’s Sporting Goods (Yes, I’m sure this time – If you know, you know) and several places for spectators to catch their runners.

The expo was held at the Louisville Convention Center. It was medium sized, with several vendors and information about the course. It was easy to access and even had a bourbon tasting truck!

I made a weekend of this event with my family and would highly encourage our Chicago area runners to do the same. It is about a 5 hour drive and about 20 degrees warmer than our Chicago spring. Held at the end of April, it’s just the time we need a break from our never ending winter!

We stayed downtown, just blocks from the start line and had countless restaurants, bourbon bars, and coffee shops within walking distance. The city of Louisville holds a huge festival and many different events the two weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby so there is plenty to do in the downtown area.

We had the opportunity to visit the Louisville Zoo, which was about a 10 minute drive from the downtown area. This is a great, family friendly zoo with multiple animal exhibits and shows. We visited in the evening and were enchanted by the Wildlight exhibit. The exhibit spans a 1.4 mile walkway and showcases lit up, hand crafted animals, insects, and flowers in vibrant colors.

It transports you to a magical land of beauty as you walk through the exhibits. And unlike Chicago, the temperatures were warm enough that we were comfortable walking in the evening with shorts and T-shirts. Most of the animals had been put away for the night, so if you are interested in seeing the animals, I would recommend a day trip.

But, the Wildlights were the perfect way to end the day after the marathon. A slow stroll this magical wonderland was peaceful and beautiful, as I took in all of the magic of the Louisville Zoo.

Another great option for active families is the Louisville Mega Cavern underground zip line. Ranked as the number one attraction in the state of Kentucky by TripAdvisor, this activity is one you definitely should not miss on your trip to Louisville. Located about 10 minutes from downtown, it’s easy to get to and offers free parking for guests. The underground adventure Park showcases a mega zip line tour, ariel ropes challenge course, mega tram historical tour, and mega bike electric bike tour. It is the perfect addition to a weekend getaway for active families.

It is the world’s only underground zip line and is a true adventure. Included in the tour are five underground zip lines and two challenge bridges, including the world record holder as the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Participants go up to 45 mph and as high as 90 feet off the ground on the zip lines which weave through the underground cave system. Each tour group is kept small and led by a set of tour guides.

Our tour guides, Charlie and Drew, kept us safe and having fun the entire time. They prepped us for each zip line and we’re especially reassuring to me, as a nervous mom with my children participating. They were incredibly skilled in maneuvering each guest through the intense 2.5 hour experience. I cant speak highly enough about the special care they gave to each member of the group, making sure that our experience was fun, memorable, and safe.

It was evident that Charlie and Drew knew every inch of the zip line tour and that nothing caught them off guard. They wove in humor to ease our nervous excitement as we stood 100 feet in the air waiting to step off the platform into the cave filled darkness and zip across the cavernous trench below.

The experience was incredible and the tour guides are largely to thank for the unique and fun experience. I know my daughter will never forget rolling herself into a ball and being given an extra push to ensure her light frame made it the full length of the zip line!

While the marathon was the event driving our trip to Louisville, my family enjoyed every second spent in this incredible city. This spring, I urge you to take advantage of an out of state race and all of the “extra’s” you can enjoy while there. Make it a run-cation and let us know about your experience! And make sure to check back in here for our next “On the Road” experience for Chicago Athletes!

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On Sunday April 24, approximately 1400 runners returned to the Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, at North Central College in Naperville, IL. Over 800 Half Marathon runners toed the line at 7AM and close to 600 5K runners started at 7:30AM.

Plenty of parking spaces were available throughout the Downtown Naperville area and runners only walked a short distance to the start line. Packet pick up was available starting Friday 10AM through Saturday 5PM at Naperville Running Company on Jefferson Avenue. Onsite Race day packet pick up (6AM-7:15AM) and mail delivery with an extra fee was offered for those who requested. The registered runners received a green long sleeve shirt and timing chip bib at a packet pick up.

Runners were nervously checking the weather forecast all week. Thunderstorms were predicted at the time of the start but Mother Nature knew how much we needed her to hold off. High humidity and wind made this event more challenging but this is the one element of any outdoor races that runners have no control over.

Katie Colella, a resident of Woodridge, was courageous enough to show up for her first 13.1 race despite the weather forecast. Katie started running again about two and half years ago when her youngest son, Tony, was 6 months old. She signed up for this race because she wanted her first half marathon to be local and this women-centric race was just perfect for her. She nervously stood at the start line but continued to focus on her inner voice, “Just listen to your body, Katie!” Her children, Sam (age 6) and Tony (age 3) were cheering for her throughout the course with her husband.

Jess Heitman, a resident of Plainfield, was also a first time half marathon runner. She chose to run this race because her gym friends were talking about it. She decided to challenge herself just a month prior to the event. At the startling, she whispered to herself, “please let me finish without any injuries! And under three hours!” And she did just that. With no injuries and definitely under three hours, Jess crossed the finish line.

The race name “Naperville Women’s Half marathon/5K” didn’t stop 39 male runners from taking part in this race. Dan Ulaszek of Plainfield is a GirlDad of three lovely ladies. He was hesitant at first to sign up for this race because he wasn’t sure male runners were welcomed. But then he thought, “Women’s charities and support of the community in general is a big deal for my family.” He took the opportunity to run this event to show support for an event that took place where he grew up. Dan added, “The timing of this race was perfect to kick off my October Chicago Marathon Training.”

Robert Lee of Aurora is another male runner who participated in the 13.1 Naperville Women’s half marathon. He said he appreciated the opportunity to participate in an event that celebrates the great athleticism and camaraderie of female runners. Robert has been a big part of Team World Vision Naperville Team, much of whom are made up of women, they made a natural extend of invite to him to participate in an event they enjoy as a nice event in the city of Naperville.

Aaron Min of Aurora originally registered for the Naperville 10K race in June that was organized by the same organization. Since the Naperville 10K race has been canceled, the organizer offered to transfer all 10K registered runners bibs to Naperville Women’s Half/5K. Aaron said the name of the race didn’t bother him at all since he already runs with strong women of many backgrounds. Even with the possibilities of pouring rain, several ladies stayed behind to see him cross the finish line. Local races like these are important to support runners of all abilities, and it was great seeing so many spectators during the race.

The Naperville Women’s half marathon/5K has been one of my favorite races and I have been a part of this race since it started in 2016. My race plan was to run with a steady pace and consistent effort. Somewhere before reaching mile 5, I found myself struggling physically. I took this opportunity to challenge myself mentally and decided to move forward one block at the time. When all training hours and miles come together on a race day, you feel like you are on the top of the mountain. When things go the other way, you feel deflated. But every race for me is an opportunity to learn and level up. For that, I am thankful that I participated in this race and learned something new once again.

Congratulations to all finishers who received lovely medals that can be used as wine bottle stoppers. And Congratulations to all top three winners of each age group who received a lovely wine glass. Cheers!

The post Race Recap: Naperville Women’s 5K and Half Marathon appeared first on Chicago Athlete Magazine.

On Saturday, April 23, I attended the Spring Chance BQ.2 race in Geneva, Illinois. This pristinely done race has been crafted to give runners their best chance to earn a Boston qualifying time. Runners come from throughout the country hoping to get a time that will get them into Boston.

The race directors think through every detail. Parking is located across the street in a corporate parking lot. Upon arrival, runners crossed the street and pick up their packet, if they had not done the day prior. We then entered Race Village which was located in the Fabyan Forest preserve system in Geneva. There were several Porta potty‘s and runners were able to drop their gear before the start of the race.

This race is capped at 300 runners so that every runner can be watched and taken care of throughout the entire race. There is a time cap of four hours and 30 minutes, so this is not a marathon to sign up for if you are looking for a fun marathon experience. This is a high intensity, goal focused event.

Runners began on a new course this year with two side loops on the exterior, before beginning the main 3 mile loop. Runners completed the 3 mile loop eight times, passing aid stations twice on the course. All runners were also given the opportunity to have elite bottle station access at the start/finish line.

The energy was high, but also focused throughout the event. There was conversation on the course, but many runners were intently focused on hitting their times at each mile marker.

My favorite part this year was the pace team provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Unique to this race, pace groups were set four minutes under your goal time to ensure entrance into Boston. My Boston qualifying time is 3:40, so might pace team focused on 3:36. I had a fabulous duo of runners to start us off. They kept the energy high in our all female group with conversations, stories, and tips. I especially liked the constant reminder to grab hydration at every water station given that the temperatures were quickly rising to 80°.

Our dynamic duo switched out at the 14 mile mark and a new pair of Pacers came in with fresh legs and fresh stories. They took over our group and pulled us along through the last four loops, where we tackled the wall and the even higher temperatures and sunshine.

I am always extremely appreciative of the race staff and volunteers for the time and energy they put into making our day special at events. This is no different with this race. Race Director, Craig Bixler, made sure that this event was effectively done, focusing on every detail. The volunteers had high energy and kept us going. The Pacers were incredible with their guidance and support. And at this event, we even had the race guards. I’ve previously written a story about this incredible team here.

The race guards were out in full force, working hard to keep us safe on Saturday. With the rising temperatures, humidity dewpoints, and the fact that most Chicago runners were not heat activated yet, there were several injuries and runners who had to leave the course. Race guards were running in between injured runners making sure that everyone was taken care of.

It should also be noted that the race director pulled a high class move the day prior to the race. With the forecasted temperatures being so high, and the goal of this race being a BQ, he sent out a discount code for registered runners to sign up for the fall BQ, since race day weather was throwing curve balls to runners chasing their times.

As with all temperature acclamations, the heat came as a shock, especially as I rounded mile 15 through 18. It really set in that the heat was there to stay and I had to deal with it. For me, constant hydration and throwing water on myself helps to keep my core temperature down.

I ended the race with a BQ and was able to ring the bell. Supported by the pace team, volunteers, race guards, RD, DJ, and my fellow runners, it was an extremely successful and fun day. Congratulations to everyone who was out there on Saturday braving the heat and trying to hit their goal. And a huge thank you to the BQ last chance team that puts these races on. As a reminder, there is another one in September that you can sign up for here.

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Triathlon and endurance sports have brought a lot of inspiring people to my life and many epic adventures. Over the years I have belong to different endurance clubs and training groups. One of those groups is the Betty Squad. This is my second year in the Betty squad sponsored by Betty Designs, by far the most fashionable, comfortable, and badass endurance apparel for women in the industry.  There are about 300 women worldwide in the squad. It is a great community where women support women. A few months back a few of them sent an invite for an organized self-supported bike ride in California along the Pacific Coast Highway. I was immediately intrigued and willing to participate. I believe opportunities like this are always exciting and a great way to make friends, train, build stamina, character, and challenge yourself.

The coastal ride is an epic cycling adventure along the west coast dating back to 1990’s. People ride in the spirit of “The Ride” meaning riding down the coast from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (approximately 370 miles) over three to four days with one small pack containing all your gear, fueling and hydrating essentials. This is a self-supported ride along a challenging but breathtaking route along the California coast with about 23,100 ft of elevation. This is a bucket list ride for many avid cyclists like me.

We had 15 women committed to do the ride, most of them from California and Utah. We had one rider from Canada and me from Chicago (the flatlander). We were fortunate to have the best organizers and support crew. Thank you to TRIFINITI and Betty Designs for all the support. We all agreed to ride in the spirit of “The ride” down the coast in four days and with an amazing support group, which included five volunteer sag vehicles and the best Sherpas. Thank you so much to Beth, Chris, Duane, Jay, Chris 2, Doretta, and Luciana.

So last week I flew to California with my bike and a small suitcase for our 4-day Coastal Ride from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. The route was carefully prepared with details about mileage, road conditions, pit stops, and fun landmarks. We were able to download each day course map with map my ride and send it directly to our Garmin devices. My goal for this ride was simply to ride each day at my own pace and enjoy the journey. I made it a point to find time for gratitude and reflection each day,

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On Saturday, April 9th, the ChiTown Races put on by All Community Events came back in the spring in full force. With distances of a 10K, and half marathon, thousands of runners flooded Montrose Beach to enjoy the scenic courses along the lakefront trail.

Parking was incredibly difficult this year due to construction in the area, but runners were fairly warned by the race company and encouraged to carpool and take public transportation. Unfortunately, most runners come from the suburbs for this race, so driving was inevitable. And parking was a huge pain in the you know what.

Runners were making up spots, parking along ditches, and getting creative with where they left their vehicles. Luckily, the city must have been on alert to the morning’s festivities, because I didn’t see any cars being towed or ticketed. And, the race was chip timed, so you could theoretically cross the start line whenever you made it to the beach front.

As with all ACE races, this one was fantastically well done. Pre-race communication was on point and multiple packet pick up options were provided to runners. Volunteers were plentiful in the race start area staffing packet pick up, gear check, and answering runner’s questions. The race start area was high energy with a DJ, announcements and plenty of pre-race fun.

Runners were split into three corrals, depending on their anticipated finish time, staggering the start for the thousands of participants. This meant runners had space on the course and the ability to easily grab aid, when needed.

It was a chilly start with the wind pushing in off the lake but warmed up throughout the morning for runners. The course was clearly marked with turn off’s for the various distances. Aid stations were packed throughout the course offering water and gatorade every few miles. The mile markers were right on with my watch and runners ended where they began. All runners received their choice of a hoody or quarter zip and large medal. All in all, it was a great morning and so nice to see a large scale event back at the LFT.

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This past weekend, Silver Circle Sporting Events and the Waukesha Parks Foundation hosted their annual Trailbreaker races. With a distance for everyone, runners had the option of a full, half, 10K, or 5K. How this race company continuously offers so many race day options, nearly every weekend, baffles me. Sean Osborne, owner of SCSE puts on low key, friendly, well-managed races, truly built for runners.

On Saturday, April 2nd, runners gathered at 8am, ready to run their desired distance. Parking was free and surrounded the community center where runners picked up their packets and used INDOOR restrooms. We all headed to the start line, which was located on the road outside of the center. For families with children, there was a delightful playset to entertain the little ones. At 8am, the skies were cloudy and runners had high spirits in the 35 degree-ish weather. It seemed to be the perfect day for a run. Little did we know that winter was not willing to let go.

We began by weaving through the downtown Waukesha streets. Local law enforcement stopped traffic as we crossed over multiple city streets making our way to the Glacial Drumlin Trail. It was a picturesque 3 miles to begin the full course. There were clearly marked turning points for the 5K and 10K runners, which the half and full runners passed as we entered the flat, fast trail system.

At about mile 6, the smallest of snowflakes began to fall and I thought, well what a great way to say goodbye to winter. At mile 10, I was in a full blown blizzard, with heavy snow gathering at my feet. Having never run a full marathon in a snowstorm before, I was not aware of the challenges that would be placed before me.

For me, running on snow is much like running on sand. The ground texture causes me to exert a higher level of energy to push off from each step. I don’t get the bounce that I normally gain from hitting flat ground, thus propelling me forward. The energy that I put out through my steps is soaked into the snow and I have to push harder to gain the forward movement. I find it challenging on my training runs and extremely frustrating on races!

Not only was the actual act of running more difficult than normal, but the heavy snow soaked me head to toe. At the 13.1 turn, I realized that my soaks felt a bit damp. By mile 16, they were soaked. The relentless snow was beautiful on the trail system, which is lined with trees, but it was hard. I felt as though I earned every mile.

The aid stations were incredibly helpful cheering us on at each stop. One aid station toward the end of the race built two 4 feet tall snowmen to join their team! The course was well marked and runners enjoyed the beauty of the trail system, as well as the charm of the downtown areas. All runners received a bright pink, long sleeved shirt and medal.

Great job to all of the runners who ran the blizzard, I mean Trailbreaker in 2022. And a huge thank you to SCSE staff and volunteers for taking such good care of us!

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For runners, there aren’t four seasons, there are two…Fall marathon season and Spring marathon season. Many athletes select a goal race for each fall and spring season. If you haven’t yet selected your spring marathon, or if you’re thinking of adding a second to your race schedule, here are some coming up locally.

April 23rd – Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon

Runners from over 30 states attend this race in an effort to earn a Boston qualifying time. Located in Geneva, this course loops 8 times, with first loop being slightly longer than the following 7. You hit two aid stations along the course and can easily track your pace with this controlled course. The field is capped at 300 runners and the field is extremely fast. This course has a time limit of 4:30. Over 50% of the runners over the past five years have earned a BQ on this course.

Editor’s Note: This is not a feel-good, commercialized, type of race. This race is fast and efficiently run, offering runners the most controlled environment that they can have, in an effort to earn a BQ. If you are looking for a serious event that is well done on every level, this is your race.

April 23 – Brew City Marathon

Newly added this year, All Community Events is adding the marathon distance to this classic race in Milwaukee, WI. I’ve ran the half before and have thoroughly enjoyed the scenic, well marked course and high energy of the start/finish line area. The course starts at McKinley Beach and travels north to Lincoln Park (yes, WI has one too) before looping back to the start line. The course travels through several park systems and communities.

Editor’s Note: As this is a new distance, I have no personal experience to share regarding the 26.2. However, I’ve run the half multiple times and always enjoy the different views and swag included in this race.

April 30 – Non Cancelled Marathon

Held in Oconomowoc (I can type it, just can’t say it), this race is put on by Silver Circle Sporting Events. There are multiple distances in this race so if you travel with friends who don’t want a full, they can take advantage of the half, 10K, or 5K. SCSE puts on great events that are efficiently run and incredibly low pressure. This is a looped course with 4 out and backs between Roosevelt Park & Valley Road on the Lake Country trail. It’s flat and fast, and a good chance to hit a PR or BQ.

Editor’s Note: I haven’t run this one so have no personal experience to share. I have run several SCSE races, including multiple marathons. The race company will do an excellent job of making sure runners are prepared and can navigate the course. With a looped course, you will also hit your drop bag four times, which allows you to control your nutrition easier than in a traditional course.

May 7 – Wisconsin Marathon

The marathon distance comes back in 2022 but has changed slightly. This course begins and ends at the lakefront in downtown Kenosha. This year the marathon course is 2 loops of the half marathon course, which is incredibly scenic and showcases the gems of Kenosha. It’s fairly flat and the RD’s do an excellent job of course marking. Crowd support is intense and live bands line portions of the course. A huge bonus is that you end with a giant cheese medal draped around your neck!

Editor’s Note: I’ve run this course multiple times and love it. You get to experience a little bit of everything from lakefront views to charming neighborhoods to adorable business distracts. If the wind gusts are strong, they come in hard on the lakefront portions so be prepared for that. Also, make sure to arrive early as parking can get difficult in downtown Kenosha. Runners use street parking, which fills quickly on race morning.

May 15 – Chicagoland Spring Marathon

All Community Events hosts this 26.2 in Schaumburg and runners are treated to a fun course that loops through neighborhoods, trails, and business districts. There are multiple aid stations throughout the course and runners can expect the high quality treatment that this race company provides every time. Parking is easy and free. The course is incredibly well marked and crowds are able to spectate easily throughout the event. It is mainly flat and does not loop so you have new scenery the entire time.

Editor’s Note: The challenge on this course is the last 2 miles. It’s hard pavement and if the sun is out, it pounds down on you, as there is no tree coverage for the end. Save a bit of mental strength for the home stretch on this one. It will be worth it when you get to the finish line and see the amazing spread of goodies that All Community Events has for runners.

Get out and hit that 26.2 this spring!

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I have long been dedicated to my festively colored, popular branded, sunglasses, which most runners are very familiar with. And, as a runner, I don’t really care for change. However, Tifosi sunglasses have come in hot and I’m now a dedicated Tifosi fan. Don’t get me wrong, my Valentine-heart sunnies will still make their way out in February, but my Tifosi’s now hold a stable place in my racing bag.

Tifosi is the #1 selling cycling brand of eyewear in the United States and it is easy to see why. Their innovative approach to design and eye-catching appearance are just the beginning. These functional shades allow you to pop out the lenses to change with the presenting weather. They were truly designed with outdoor athletes in mind, and in our Midwest weather, which can change in minutes, I am incredibly appreciative of the flexibility that this eyewear provides.

Veloce

This best selling classic is perfect for running in all conditions. I took this pair out this morning, which happened to be a rainy, semi-cloudy type of day, and felt the ultimate protection with these lenses. Their no-slip grip stayed put, even with the drizzly rain I tackled. You can even get this pair with a prescription added.

Swank XL

This pair provides a more traditional look that runners are accustomed to, and offers the high quality performance that Tifosi does so well.

Swank XL enhances Tifosi’s classic model with a larger lens and fit. The oversized design of the Swank XL in Frost Blue offers our signature sport features without compromising comfort or style. The hydrophilic rubber nosepieces provide a no-slip grip while the 100% UVA/UVB protected polycarbonate lenses offer scratch-resistance, assuring long-term use.

The Rail

If you’re looking for the Mercedes Benz of athletic sunglasses, this is it. Tifosi recently launched their first rimless sport sunglass and it’s a beauty.

The Rail provides outdoor athletes with a minimal weight frame, maximum protection via an oversized shield, and increased airflow to limit fogging. Rimless shades are perfect for all sports, like cycling, running, or ski touring, but what sets Tifosi’s Rail apart is its affordability without the sacrifice of best-in-class materials. Tifosi believes eyewear shouldn’t cost as much as a car payment.

Tifosi makes great products that I highly encourage you to try out this summer.

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Last Sunday, the Shamrock Shuffle returned after two years of cancelations due to the pandemic. This is one the largest and most popular races in Chicago as it marks the beginning of the racing season for many of us. It is also a very diverse field from the very fast competitive athletes to the fun-loving recreational runner. We all come together to celebrate spring in all shades of green.

Due to the pandemic, the logistic were a little bit different. The packet pick up was at Grant Park which I had concerns about, but it worked out well and was an efficient process.  The course was a little bit different for what I could remember. I have done this race multiple times over the years.

Race day brought warmer temps and sunny skies; it was a beautiful morning for a run. There were over 20,000 people running. I arrived early thinking it would be chaos, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well organized the race was, the corrals were well marked, and they had gear drop off and two different locations making it accessible to everyone.

I felt very lucky to be running last Sunday, the energy was contagious and motivating. It was so good to see so many old friends and be back on Columbus drive. I felt an enormous amount of gratitude and happiness while running on the streets of downtown Chicago, people were cheering, runners were smiling, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the race. The volunteers were amazing, lots of young people on the aid stations. There was something magical about the shamrock shuffle this year. I thought about it and I realized that it brought some illusion of normalcy or maybe just hope for a bright new normal. Either way I am embracing the feeling and holding on it for as long as I can. Keep on running!!

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I honestly can’t remember the last time in my adult life that I didn’t toe the line of the March Madness Half Marathon in Cary, IL. It offers quite literally everything you can think of. Having run the 2022 race, here’s what I think stands out:

1. You have a 50/50 shot at having the most gorgeous weather. The middle of March in the Chicagoland area can most definitely offer a blanket of snow on the ground. But this year athletes were welcomed with temps in the mid 30’s at the starting line, not a lick of wind, and a plethora of sunshine. And by the time you finished the race, the temps were well into the upper 40’s. If that doesn’t scream “running weather” I don’t know what else does.
2. The terrain is nothing to shake a stick at, especially in the Midwest. The course offers a variety of rather aggressive hills, amazing downhill sections, and some pretty gnarly flats as well. The first 2+ miles take you very gradually downhill. It’s pretty easy to get carried away in the beginning, considering the adrenaline is pumping and you’re soaking up the amazing running weather. But the hills come to greet you at mile 5, and they never truly stop until the finish line. Names like “Sneaky Hill” and “Lung Buster Hill” are posted at the bottom of the respected hills and their names ring true.
3. If you’re training to run the Boston Marathon in April, this race is a great tune up for the hills of the Boston. Athletes from all over the Chicagoland area use this race as a checkpoint to see where their fitness stands as they prepare to run Boston. I mean, “10 Mile Hill” could quite literally be the ugly step sister to Heartbreak Hill. Am I right?
4. An amazing race director and volunteers. The event is put on by The Hillstriders Running Club and each and every year they completely blow my mind. Packet pickup is a breeze, the start and finish line are never chaotic and are always properly managed. Aid stations are never lacking and have the best volunteers. And having run this race year after year, I’ve grown to know all the faces that work the event every year. And at this point, I can’t imagine what it would be like to race and not see the same faces at every familiar corner.

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