WORKOUT -
Ran outside -
9.0 miles/1:08
flat
Walked the dog -
2 miles
This was a confidence-boosting, Ok, you won’t die on Sunday-run and I needed that.
Then I took the little mongrel on a walk because I have to say goodbye to her later today and will probably cry. not really. I’m heartless.
CHICAGO MARATHON!
This afternoon we are driving up to LAX to fly to Chicago so I’m all packed up and mostly ready to go…
You know the Don’t wear anything new on race day rule? I’m sorta destroying it:
-new shoes (but I’ve worn other pairs of Wave Rider 15s and Mizunos forever and these have about 40 miles on them)
-brand new shorts (but I wear 26.2 shorts all the time)
-brand new socks (but you’ve seen my collection of Pro socks; safe to say, I’m used to wearing them)
-new BIC Band that’s not out yet (but I’m in mega LOVE with the design)
So here’s to hoping I get some sweet chafing and blisters!
Goals for the marathon…
Originally Chicago was going to be a PR attempt and I wanted to break 3:10. That’s not going to happen since I’m not yet in PR shape, but I’m going to try to run in the low 3:20s.
If I could keep a 7:45 min/mile pace, I’d be happy. And if not, I will surely punch a small cat in the face.
Just kidding… sorta. Chicago kicks off the first of 6 consecutive weeks of racing with 4 marathons, a half and an ultra relay so I just want to run hard and give a good effort. Everything else is gravy.
I’ve got a little more work to do, gotta charge up my Compex, and then we’re outta here. Chi-town or bust!
Any Chicago recommendations/tips/advice?
DON’T BE A JERK LIKE ME AND BE NICE…
Hey, would you be a doll and go vote for Megan (Allergy Free Alaska) on the 2012 Circle of Moms Top 25 Food Allergy Moms?
I grew up in Alaska with Megan, and this girl has the BEST attitude even when faced with a multitude of health issues:
Gluten free & allergy friendly recipes for the whole family. Megan has two little girls (ages 7 & 3 years). She is a homeschooler and thrives with multiple autoimmune diseases (psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis, and secondary Raynauds).
You can vote here once a day (she’s in 4th place right now) and also check out her blog too if you have food allergies, are gluten-free or just want to make some blueberry coconut butter.
A great part of blogging is being able to help other people/blogs/readers out by giving their cause a little exposure, and it makes me feel all warm and gooey inside to do that so thank you!
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Have a great time in Chicago and kill it this weekend! Chicago is one of my all-time favorite cities – there’s just something about it. If you have time and are hungry, go to Yolk. There’s a couple locations but I always go to the one on Michigan Ave. by Millennium Park. Best breakfast in the city. And do some shopping while your at it
Ooooh I’ve heard the Chi-town marathon is killer fun. ENJOY it!! I know you will, and you’ll look good doing it too.
Agreed on the lazy husband-sitting-0n-the-couch syndrome. Don’t they know those pics make us look bad?!? (except you dont. How do u ever manage that?!)
Stay away from that deep dish pizza. Go to Lou Mitchell’s for breakfast. They give you Milk Duds!
The Kidless Kronicles
Good luck this weekend and have fun! I’ve heard great things about the Chicago marathon. Maybe this trip you can get a decent deep dish?!
So I was feeling all good about myself, because for once in my life I ran farther than SR (by .10 mile) until I saw you also walked the baby AND saw your goal time and 6 week race line upHa ha. Have fun in Chicago and you’re so smart to pick your battles!
Jessica
SweatismySanity.com
Good luck this weekend! It’s going to be perfect running weather! The temps were in the 90′s the last 2 years and it’s projected to be low 40′s at start time this year! Bundle up! And really take in all the people along the race. Chicago has THE BEST spectators in the country. Over 1 million people will be on the course cheering you on!
Good luck in Chicago! Hopefully I get to run it next year. I hope the weather is good too. I know it can vary alot year to year. Why do the husbands not know how to take pics?
I voted for your friend.
THANK YOU!
Yes, thank you very much, Leonor!!
Hugs,
Megan
I’m a Chicago girl! Welcome (back) to my city. Here’s some quick tips I can think of:
Great Restaurants:
-Chicago Q for great barbecue, in a more dressed-up environment than you normally find barbecue
-Cafe Margot for brunch (it’s a popular dinner place for french food, but I like it best for their killer brunch)
-If you don’t have a place picked out for carbing-out the night before the race, I would recommend Topo Gigio, which is huge portions of delicious Italian food. (I’d recommend a reservation though)
Stuff to See, if you have time:
-the Art Museum is to die for. I don’t even usually like art museums but I love it there.
-Lincoln Park is great for a stroll, or a day-after shake-out run, since all of the trees are changing colors right now.
Also, dress warmly! It’s very chilly in Chicago today…I wish I wore mittens this morning!
I’m volunteering at a water station around mile 11… hope to see you run by
Good luck at the race this weekend! One of my friends is running it too! Seems like a really fun race. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Have a great run! I live in the Chicago burbs and my husband and I will be in the city tomorrow and tomorrow night for his bday. I will second the yolk recommend. NoMi is amazing for dinner if you are looking for fancy and amazing sushi. We are dining at Joes stone crab but their resys are 10 weeks out. Guiliana and bills restaurant RPM italian is a super hot spot too. Have fun!!!
Woohoo- have fun and good luck!
I wore a new shirt and new pair of shorts during my last half marathon. Thankfully they didn’t bother me at all!
If you dare to try pizza again I swear Pequod’s is the best. It is carmelized cheese deep dish deliciousness. Good luck!
Good luck on Sunday! I’m planning on watching around mile 7, so I will look for you
If you are planning on doing some shopping downtown, State Street is less jam-packed on weekends than Michigan Ave tends to be and has a lot of the same stores. Also, Armitage/Halsted in Lincoln Park has some really great boutiques!
Good restaurants downtown: GT Fish and Oyster, The Purple Pig, RPM is actually really good (plus you might get a Guiliana sighting), and pretty much any of the steakhouses too.
I’ll be there too, can’t wait!!!!
Good luck! Wow, I can’t believe you race that often. How fun but also how crazy!
Good Luck in Chicago!!
Mercat a la Planxa. I love tapas restaurants where I don’t have to think and food just keeps coming to me.
Are you wearing any cold weather gear? I’m running it too, and am not really sure whether to do tights, gloves, long sleeve zip up top – looks kinda frigid for race day morning, what are you thinking on that?
im wearing shorts and a tank top but will have cheap clearance bin target clothes and maybe a hat to throw away.
Let’s see, tips on what to do in Chicago. Meet up with stalkers (er, I mean blog readers)? Ha ha, j/k.
I love the pizza at Lou Malnati’s. And I have never done one of those boat tours on the river but I hope to do so tomorrow. Navy Pier would be fun to wander around too. Can you tell I’m soo not a shopper? Michigan Avenue, whatev.
Good luck and have a great time this weekend! I hope to experience this race next year so I will live it through you in your race recap this time.
And hopefully I’ll finally meet you at Ragnar Las Vegas. That’s my only event for the rest of the year.
SR – EVERYTHING feels colder in Chicago. Good call on the cheap throw away clothes but I’d maybe pack capris just in case and some mittens or throw away gloves as well. Best of luck – I ran Chicago as my first last year and LOVED it.
Enjoy your race and have a great time in Chicago!
Have fun. Run fast.
Good luck this weekend! I love Chicago and have yet to put this race on my to do list. Can’t wait for a recap post.
I’m running Chicago too! I don’t have any recommendations since I’ve only been to Chi once, but I like your outfit choice of shorts and tank. Good luck and have a fun race!!
If you’re thinking of trying deep dish again then I suggest Lou Malnati’s – definitely better than Uno’s. For breakfast Ann Sather’s is good – the cinnamon rolls are delicious (and there are a few locations). I’ve also heard really good things about Yolk but have never been. There are SOOO many good restaurants that it’s hard to choose. They’re predicting 40 degrees at the start and a high of 57 that day (last I saw on a report). Good luck!!!
Wash your new socks first! You’ll be in blister city if you wear them pre-washed.
I like that you’re throwing caution to the wind and wearing all new gear. Then again, you’re supposed to have awesome weather, so I’m sure you’ll be fine. Have fun!
Went and checked out Megan’s blog and voted for her.
Best of luck on Sunday!
Thank you so much, Tempie!!
Hugs,
Megan
Voted! Have a great time in Chicago:)
Thank you, Sheila!!
Hugs,
Megan
I ran Chicago last year and really enjoyed it. Be aware of the cold this year. The wind coming off of the lake can feel a lot colder than you may be used to. Stay away from Uno Pizza and find some of the local joints. I loved Pizano’s Pizza. 61 East Madison Street Chicago, IL 60603. I stayed in a suite at The Palmer House and it was just a block down the street.
Good luck to you! I’ll be running Sunday with my hubby as his pace keeper. Chicago has a helluva lot of good eats. What type of food are you looking to have?
Nah, you’ll come back with a PR! Now go rock C-town!
I’m reading this from my hotel room in Chicago… good luck in the race! I’ll be running it to though WAAAY behind you. I don’t really have any recomendations since I’ve only been to Chicago a few times. I’m not usually a deep dish fan, but checked out Gino’s East one time I was here and thought it was pretty good. Apparently some area hotels have a deal with them that you can skp the line if you show you are staying there.
Aww… Sarah. Thank you so much. Your words made me tear up.
A big THANK YOU to everyone for voting!!
xo
Megan
BTW… Sarah, I think you’re amazing with all the running you do! I’m getting my run on by living vicariously through you!!
haha thank you megan
hey, girl! The Anthropologie on N. Michigan Ave. (or just off of it) near Water Tower Place is gorgeous with a capital G. check it out if you get a chance!! There is also a humongous H & M and a big Nordstrom Rack right up there, too, if I’m not mistaken…….can you tell I’m all about the shopping? Have a great race! You are going to rock the Windy City!