pumpkins in the park 5k this saturday!

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Pumpkins in the Park 5k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I can't believe we are coming to my birthday weekend! This year has been flying by. We are already past mid-October. Say what?

Anyway, my next race is on Saturday and it's my pre-race birthday fun. I ran it last year on my birthday and had a good time, so decided to come back again for 2017. I generally don't do many 5k these day unless there's a cool medal, but what draws me to this race is that it's in the afternoon (4pm start time), so I don't have to get up at 4am to get into the city for only 3.1 miles. In the afternoon, you can walk around Lincoln Park Zoo pre-race if you get there early, which I intend to do.

Some other fun things about this race:

• Costume contest (Bring out your best costumes for this year's costume contest! This year, prizes will be awarded for the Best Original Costume and Best Group Costume. The sky's the limit, so let's see what you've got!)Individual mini pumpkin pie
• Revolution Brewing Cross of Gold Pale Ale (for our 21 and over participants)
• Post-race snacks
• Multiple options for packet pickup (including race site from 1:30–3:30)
• Kids Spooky Sprint at 2:30pm

Packet pickup information:

Fleet Feet Sports Old Town

1620 N Wells St.

Chicago, Illinois 60614

Friday, October 20, 2017: 10am to 8pm

Lincoln Park – South Fieldhouse

1650 N Stockton Drive

Chicago, Illinois

Saturday, October 21, 2017: 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Looking for plans on Saturday? Come join the fun. Use code BibRavePP17 to score a free RAM Racing branded water bottle at packet pickup.

This year's goodie bag includes a long-sleeved technical tee (purple with a bat on the front and gender specific sizes). All participants in the CLIF Kids Spooky Sprints will receive a youth t-shirt, sure to brighten up those spooky fall nights! They're pretty cute.

Are you headed there this Saturday? Dressing in costume? Let me know in the comments :)

bucktown 5k recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Bucktown 5k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

At the start line.

If you prefer a short version, check out my BibRave review here.

RAM Racing Bucktown 5k was held on Sunday, September 17. This was my second year running it (2016 was my first; recap here). Though I have been trying to mostly run 10k or longer distance races, I couldn't help but register for this Bucktown 5k. Why? Because of the goodie bag. This year's included a super soft, Chicago flag blanket, and when I saw it in person at an expo/felt it, well, it was just too good to pass up.

At the finish line.

My mom picked up my bib for me on Friday afternoon at Fleet Feet Sports in Old Town. She said pickup was easy and no problems. We left the house around 7 and got to the race around 7:30. I went to where I parked last year, and both sides of the street were full. This put me in panic mode, even though we had a lot of time still. Parking in the city isn't easy, and since the course was a no parking zone, it meant all of the cars that normally were parked there were displaced, which means there was going to be limited parking in the area.

The photographer told us to do it haha.

In our search, we came across a policeman on the course. We asked if he knew where some parking might be and he said he had no idea. So, we just drove around. Eventually we found some metered parking on the street maybe mile from the race. A lot of other runners parked here as well, and in the end, though it cost us $4 rather than being free, it was closer to Starbucks and Stan's Donuts, so worked out better haha. I tried to get my mom to get out of the car near the race so she would have time for the bathroom in case we were cutting it close, but she refused.

Free race photos for the win. And there were actually a good amount.

Anyway, we were parked before 8, got our gear ready, and walked over to the race site. Plenty of time to use the portapotties, which didn't have very long lines, and all was fine. There was a DJ and an announcer letting people know when to go line up in the corrals. The race start was different than last year, moved up just a little bit so all of the corrals were on one street rather than being 'L' shaped, turning down a different street.

There were 6 corrals released every 3 minutes or so. We were in the second to last, and I ran with my mom the whole way with her intervals (45/45). The congestion seemed a bit better to me than last year, not running into as many people. I'd say the course was pretty wide in most cases, and MOST cars had parked elsewhere (there was an occasional car you had to weave around). Two sections you ran on half the street, as the other half was for another portion of the course, but it wasn't long or bad, and it was cool to watch the other runners go by.

There were plenty of volunteers and police out to keep the runners on course, safe, and keep traffic off course. There was one water stop (there might have also been Nuun, but I couldn't tell for sure - I skipped it). 

The course.

There were so many families out cheering for all of the runners, it made the race seem very special and local. 

At the finish line, we were given a cup of Nuun, bottled water, a banana, and a bag of snacks which included Soy chocolate milk, a plain bagel, Clif mini bar, Rice Krispy treat, and a piroucrisp. Post-race site had a DJ, games, and a photo backdrop. 

We didn't stick around too long. We headed back to the car to drop off the extra stuff and then headed over to Stan's to grab some amazing donuts. Then we got some iced beverages from Starbucks next door. It was a delicious morning haha.

I shared, I promise.

Definitely looking at running again in 2018 – looks like they are voting between a chicago flag blue long sleeve tech shirt with the 4 stars on the sleeve or a duffel bag. They both looked pretty cool. 

Have you ever run this race? Did anything I mention make you want to register? :)

bucktown 5k this sunday

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Bucktown 5k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Another weekend, another race! Join me at the Bucktown 5k on Sunday, September 17. Some great news? Race start is at 8:30am. A little extra sleep never hurt anyone, plus, since it's a 5k, still plenty of time to grab some breakfast afterwards. There's some great places to grab food nearby, or at least some coffee. I ran last year and had a great time. You can read my recap here.

Registration is winding down, and from what I hear it's almost sold out, so register now if you're interested. You get an AMAZING, soft, snuggly Chicago flag blanket and if you use code BibRaveBT17, you'll also get a free water bottle.

You can grab your packet at Fleet Feet Old Town on Friday, September 15 from 10am – 8pm and on Saturday, September 16 from 10am – 6pm. There is no race day pickup.

Here is the course:

Get this free using code BibRaveBT17 during registration.

You can register here and then let me know that you did so we can meet up :)

bucktown 5k 2017

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Bucktown 5k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Oops, I did it again. I just registered for another RAM Racing event. Sorry, not sorry. This year, the Bucktown 5k is offering a BLANKET! It's soft and cozy and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The design is the Chicago flag, which I guess this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Bucktown 5k always has some unique swag; last year it was a comfy tech sweatshirt that was also the Chicago flag. I love that light blue color, and of course Chicago, so I like that the theme is continuing.



Join me for this fun, Chicago neighborhood race on Sunday, September 17. Bonus: the race doesn't start until 8:30am, so you have a little bit of time to sleep longer. I enjoy not having to wake up at 4am myself. Plus, after the race it's the perfect time to go have some breakfast at one of the local eats (lots of great options).

Use code BibRaveBT17 during registration (right before checkout, click on the button to add a promo code/coupon) to score a free water bottle.



Hope to see you there!

north shore classic quick guide

Disclaimer: I received entry for North Shore Classic to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

North Shore Classic Half Marathon is in just a few days! Here's some quick info for you to be ready on race day. By the way, registration still appears to be open, but I imagine it'll close today some time, so hurry up if you want to be included in the fun! See below for registration code for some free swag.

There's some sweet swag in it for you including fun colored (ombre!) tank tops and a heft medal. You'll get the tank at packet pickup, but you need to complete the half marathon to earn the medal. 

Registration will be closing sooooon. When you register, use code BibRaveNSC17 to score a free RAM Racing water bottle (you'll receive it at packet pickup). 

Remaining Days for Packet Pickup:
Friday, June 2 from 2–6pm
Fleet Feet Sports Deerfield, 800 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015

Saturday, June 3 from 10am–6pm
Fleet Feet Sports Deerfield, 800 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015

Parking+Transit
Parking in Downtown Highland Park is plentiful. HOWEVER, PARKING IN PRIVATE LOTS INTENDED FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Please check all signs, and make sure you are not parking somewhere you should not. Click here for more information on public parking in Highland Park.



Please note that parking lots on St. Johns will be impacted by road closures from 6:45am to 7:45am, which will make them difficult to access during that time.

Race Start:
Corral A–B (5k) 7am
Corral C–G (half marathon) 7:30am
About 3 minute break between each corral (from the start, so corral D will be at approximately 7:33am).

Courses

5k elevation map

Half Marathon elevation map

15 minute mile pace is required. They don't say exactly how many, but claim to be plenty of aid stations with water and Nuun. I don't like Nuun, so I'll be bringing my Orange Mud Endurance Pack with my electrolyte drink of choice to get me through what looks like a super hot day (in the upper 80s, woof).

Free photos will be emailed to you after the race. Download, print, post on Facebook - they are yours!

Sign up to track your runner: https://register.chronotrack.com/event/tracking/eventID/30458

Post-Race Party

Results
Find them here after the race.

So who will I be seeing on Sunday? You'll find me in an orange BibRave tank top and a Sparkle Athletic Skirt... not sure which color yet. 

illinois marathon: 5k recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Illinois Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Angie, Andrey, me, Mel

See my previous post about the expo and pasta feed and head over to BibRave.com to read my shorter review of the 5k.

As previously mentioned, I had registered for the Full I-Challenge, which meant I would run the 5k Friday evening and the full marathon on Saturday morning.

Team Sparkle!

The Presence Health 5k had a start time of 7:30. According to the program, we were to be in our corrals at 7. I'm not sure why it never entered my mind that we would be running at night (when the sun would be setting haha). I didn't bring any reflective gear that I would normally wear at night, nor did I bring any lights. Luckily, it wasn't necessary, but usually I'd be more prepared. I thin my brain was just too much on the marathon to think much about the 5k haha.

On the way to the hotel from the expo, we went a different way than we got there, so we could easily get out of the parking lot. When we got back to the hotel we changed and I examined the parking lots map. Looked like on our way back I had unintentionally went by a parking lot that was close to the starting line, and would be easiest to access going back the same way rather than our initial trip, plus would cut down on pedestrian traffic.

This just made me laugh because my husband and I
had just watched an SNL skit about Papa Johns.

Headed towards the field!

We got back to the hotel around 5:45 and left about 6:15 and got to the parking lot 6:30ish. Parking was super easy and not a hassle at all, and there was a row of porta potties right there (which I think we both used... pretty sure I remember thinking how clean they were). Mom and I grabbed our gear and went to meet up with the other Pros. We were about 2 blocks from the start line. Mel was the first one there, so I tried looking for her in a sea of people. Usually orange is easy to spot, but being U of I, it was plentiful, but I found Mel easily enough. 

We chatted about the weather (being windy and colder than we were anticipating... but I'll take cold over hot any day). Soon Angie and Andrey had found us and we proceeded to chat and take photos. Angie brought the banner, so we went to the start line to take some photos with the four of us holding it. And of course there was a series of jumping photos which turned out really funny. 

Weather was in the low 50s at the start (feels like 47) and ended in the mid-40s with winds around 15mph. It was a little chilly, but ok for running. I was cold when we finished since I was sweaty and wet clothes usually means a cold post-race.

We wished one another luck, gave hugs and high-fives, and went to our corrals. We were scattered throughout. I was taking it easy, and my mom was one corral behind me, so I just went back with her to D. I think the corrals went up to H. They were VERY crowded. Trying to get back to D was difficult, as those trying to get into C were spilling out the walkway, so we went behind some bushes (following the lead of others) and were able to get into D without a problem. It was fairly open, so maybe it was just the first few that had a problem. I also wonder if they were anything like D, which had lots of spaces (people weren't getting close and friendly like at other races haha), so if they had pushed in more, maybe there'd be room? All speculation.

Anyway, we were behind the Sousaphone group... and were concerned. Were they marching and playing? Would we not be able to run because we'd get suck behind them? Turns out they weren't playing, and most seemed to run (pretty fast) carrying their sousaphone. It was quite impressive, really.

They sang the national anthem as well as Happy birthday to Alma (the whole theme around the race weekend was U of I's Sesquicentennial = 150th anniversary). Corrals were let loose about every 3 minutes I think. I don't remember much of the course. It was dark, and fairly crowded the entire way, even though we were running on streets so it was a wide course. There was one aid station with I believe just water. I didn't take any so I can't be sure, but seemed well-staffed with volunteers.

Me, Angie, Mel.

The course had volunteers all over the place and there was a good amount of spectators. I hadn't been down to U of I in exactly 10 years. I was trying to remember the bars we would go to when I visited friends, and where their apartments were at. It was funny how little I remembered... time does that doesn't it? (And no, don't say it's because I was drunk the whole time, that's simply not true haha). The course was well marked and had mile markers (though they were only on one side of the street, not always the same side, and they were a bit low, so if you were looking the wrong way, you probably missed them (or someone was running in front of you that you missed it). No biggie.

The cool part of the course was the finish. You got to run out onto U of I football field (Memorial Stadium) and finish on their 50yd line. At night. Pretty neat. After finishing, you received your medal and a bottle of water.

After we finished, mom and I waited in line for our photo and then met Angie and Mel (who I had spotted right after finishing) in the stands to go grab some food. Post-race snacks were inside the stadium, so you had to go up the stairs in the stands to get there. Food included bananas, Nature Valley granola bars, and 1/2 a Jimmy John's sub. I got the last turkey with mayo (they said more were coming), but they also had turkey no mayo, which I would have taken, and Ham (which I don't like, so yay for turkey). Delightful thing to eat as I was hungry after the race, but it was small enough that I knew it would be ok to be eating it at 8 or whatever time it was that it wouldn't upset my stomach for the next day. We eventually made it outside where the 4th Mile Party was, and where it suddenly seemed so darn cold. We waited in line for some cake while Mel went to buy a sweatshirt so she could be warm. After cake Angie decided to go grab a beer, but I was cold and wanted to get ready for the morning, so my mom and I left with Mel (we dropped her off at her hotel).

Loving our BibRave Pro Captain bags.

Behind the scenes of making a "flat runner".

I showered and then started gathering gear for the morning. I took my flat runner (and realized I never took one for the 5k! Being a night race had me out of my usual routine), joked around with Angie, and eventually we all went to bed with I think it was a 4:30/45am wake up call, as we figured we should leave around 5:45 to get to the race and Angie and I were good with about an hour to get ready (at home I only need a half hour, but sharing a bathroom and having to fill up my hydration pack with bottled water warranted a little extra time haha).

We take our Flat Runners very seriously and do what needs to be done.

Flat Runner for Illinois Marathon.

And next up - the marathon recap! Ahhhhh! This was just a 5k and it was wordy haha, just wait for how long a marathon recap will be. I surprisingly have never written one (because I'm wordy and therefore always put it off... which means I never get to it ha). Brace yourselves. A long recap is coming.