mardi gras chaser 10k recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry into Back on My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 10k 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!

You can read my BibRave review here – it's on the shorter side ;)

I ran the Back on My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 10k for the first time in 2016. It was a great race, benefitted a wonderful cause (all proceeds go to BoMF Chicago), and delicious post-race snacks. I had such a great time, I knew I would be back for 2017 if my schedule allowed. Thankfully, it did. 

This year's race was held on Saturday, February 25 at the same location as 2016 – Montrose Harbor. The course was pretty much the same as well. What wasn't the same? The weather. I wore SHORTS in 2016... and this year, well, I had to bundle up a lot. Good old Chicago in February. Just three days before the race, the weather was in the upper 60s. Race day called for a high in the low 20s and about 16–20mph winds. That equalled a windchill of 9 degrees at the race start. 9! It was pretty dang cold. I think it would have felt more manageable if it was 9 degrees and no wind, but that wind just cut you. When the race began, it started snowing pretty heavily too. What a difference from 2016 haha. Oh well, no matter the weather, I always have a good time.

I was so happy that a few other running friends and fellow BibRave Pros and family members would be there too. I met up with Frank, Mark, Tina, Angie, and Josh. My aunt and mom ran as well. 

My mom and I got there around 8:15 (only took about 40 minutes to get there). There was ample free street parking near the start/finish line. We went to grab our packets. Mom got hers easily, but to my horror my name wasn't on the list! I knew I had registered for the 10k, but she checked the 5k in case – wasn't on there either. Of course I wasn't prepared and didn't flag the confirmation email, so I had to do some digging to find it. Luckily, I did in a few minutes (though at that point my hands were frozen as I left my gloves in the car thinking). I had to fill out a registration form (but not pay again) so they could get me a bib number and put me in the system. Not very painful, but strange nonetheless. I got a unisex medium white 1/4 zip tech pullover (the swag for this year – last year was a white long sleeve shirt).

We ran into Angie and Josh as we headed back to the car. We all said we would reconvene and chat via text so we could get warm again after pickup in our cars haha. Around 9:15 we got out of the car again to take some photos and chit chat. I went to the bathroom around 9:30 – no wait. There were about 10 porta potties near the start with a hand washing station. I think I went back to my car after for 20 minutes to warm back up before the start. And then, before we knew it, we had to line up. 

Looking good in our XX2i France2 sunglasses!

Both the 5k and 10k began at 10am. They had some pace signs so people could line up accordingly. The National Anthem was sung and we were off. The first .25ish mile was on the street on a small, coned off section. I think this was because of some potholes/cracks in the sidewalk area. We could have used a bit more space, as it was pretty congested that first part, but soon we were on the lakefront path and it started to thin out. I began my run/walk intervals of 50/15 around .5 mile. It's also then I noticed my watch was set on walk mode! NO! I would have left it, but it doesn't have the data screens I like to use when I run, so I stopped and re-started it in run mode. Womp womp. This made it hard to really know what my pace was each actual mile, but I could tell I was running a good pace for me. I was able to keep Tina in my sights, and we did a few pass each other moments, and I said if I was able to keep up till mile 4, I would try running with her the rest of the way without my walk breaks. Somehow, I did just that. 

Me, Angie, Josh, and Frank :)

Four of us wore 2XU Hyoptik tights! Ha.

I love out and backs because it gives me a chance to cheer on other runners and look for my friends. I high-fived Mark, shouted out to my aunt and Josh, waved at Angie. It's awesome. The turn around came a little after mile 3 with some Clif Bars (and my mom wasn't too far behind me, as I knew she would be), and then I hit mile 4 and started running with Tina. We chatted a bit and enjoyed each others company. It was really nice to be able to run with someone that could help me keep my pace and not go too fast, which is my problem when I try to run continuously. We stopped at mile 5 for some water. The volunteers weren't handing it out, and when I asked if there was any, they said it had frozen over. I took a cup anyway, and with a light squeeze the ice broke down and there was water underneath. Very cold, but I needed to wet my whistle. Mark met up with us around 5.5 and ran the last bit with us.

Mark and Josh.

I thought that I had a PR, but wouldn't know for sure until I looked up my official results. I was able to get Tina's watch finish time (since we started and finished together), and that pretty much told me I did, but I like the official results to tell me for sure and by how much haha.

Angie and Frank.

At the finish line I grabbed a cup of Gatorade, a banana, Clif mini bar, medal (instead of a ribbon it was beads, which was cool), Bai, Entenmann’s Mini Bagels (plain and cinnamon), Entenmann’s Little Bites, and a cracker type thing. Shortly after grabbing everything, we cheered on Frank and my mom finishing. Oh yeah at the finish line they also had mylar blankets.

We took some photos, said goodbye to Frank, and then decided to head over to the after party at Fat Cat. We were able to find a small parking lot for $2 an hour, so did that and then crossed the street to get to Fat Cat. When you walked in, they had the BoMF table with raffle tickets for sale (lots of raffle prizes – shirts, hats, jackets, etc) and you could also grab your beer with your bib beer ticket. After maybe 10 minutes, we were able to get a table large enough for our group and then hit the $15 buffet. 

The buffet was stocked with some delicious food  – Yogurt bar: Greek yogurt, house made granola, fresh fruit, sliced almonds, sprinkles, and honey, bananas foster brulee french toast, chicken fried chicken with gravy, red beans and rice, house made biscuits with Fat Cat home made jam and whipped butter, scrambled eggs, brunch potatoes, bacon. My favorite was the french toast, bacon, and potatoes (oh and the biscuits with jam and butter haha). I think we all ate enough to get our money's worth ;) 

I didn't like the beer options, so just drank water to rehydrate. Even though it was a cold day, I still sweat plenty haha. 

Some of the plates of food. We were hungry.

Mark and Tina had to get going before the hour was up (for parking), but my mom, Angie, Josh and I hung out for about another hour or so. It was great to chat and catch up with some of my best running friends. My mom had some friends there too, so after parting ways with my crowd we chatted with them for a few minutes before hitting the road.

I enjoy all races, but races where you have friends are even better. I loved spending time with everyone, cheering each other on, and of course, taking all the photos possible :)

One last photo of the group wearing orange :)

I'd definitely keep this race on your radar for 2018. It's really fun and is for a great cause (you can read more about that here).

mardi gras chaser 5/10k race information

Disclaimer: I received entry for Back on My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 5/10k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.

The Back on My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 5/1k is just 14 days away! I ran last year and had a GREAT time. You can read my recap here if you like. The start/finish are at Montrose Harbor and the course runs along the lakefront path. The race is on Saturday, February 25 with a 10am race start. I do enjoy races that have a later start time – gives me more time to sleep haha. Also, in the winter, it's always a good idea to start a bit later in order for the day to 'warm' up a bit. Below are some helpful and fun details about the race along with more info on Back on My Feet.

'On Saturday, February 25th shake the winter blues and join us for the most festive race to ever hit Montrose Harbor - the Back on My Feet Chicago’s Mardi Gras Chaser 5/10K. Let the good times roll at the ONLY 10k in the first quarter! There will be masks, music, and motivation. 

Need one more reason to join us? So many races are for charity... but few are for a charity that is all about running! Back on My Feet Chicago uses the power of running to help change the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our city. All proceeds from the race will support Back on My Feet in providing programming to change lives one job, house, and mile at a time.'

REGISTRATION 
10K -$50 until February 23rd
5K - $40 until February 23rd

Sleep in Option: $20 per person. Do you want to support Back on My Feet but don’t want to roll out of bed for the race? Then register for the Sleep in Option, you will receive the race swag but don’t have to leave the comfort of your bed.  

Save $5 on registration using code RAVE (valid through 2/23 at Noon, which is when online registration closes).

Also, if you completed the F^3 Lake Half Marathon on January 28, and complete the Mardi Gras 10k, you'll receive the Frozen Frostbitten Challenge medal!

PACKET PICKUP
Friday, February 24th from 10am–8pm at Fleet Feet Sports Old Town, 1620 N. Wells Street

If you would like to pick up someone else's packet please come with their e-mail confirmation. There will be race day packet pick up as well from 8–9:30am. But we encourage you to get your packet in advance if possible.

SWAG
Quarter Zip and 10k finishers receive beads/medal (see below for photo of medal).

COURSE

The course is an out and back.

 

In true Mardi Gras fashion, the race will kick off with a parade of runners. You will set off and flash your speed heading west along the Harbor to the main lakefront path and turn south where you will run down to the North end of Belmont Harbor for the 5k and South end of Diversey Harbor for the 10k. There, you will gain extra energy from our motivation station before turning back north and returning to race village at Montrose Harbor.

PARKING

If you are coming from the South it is easiest to access the race from Montrose and Lakeshore Drive. If you are coming from the North is it best to access the race from Foster and Lakeshore Drive. Parking is available on Montrose and Simonds, which is metered. There is also a metered parking lot at Foster and Simonds.

DAY-OF TIMELINE

8:30 a.m.    Gear Check Open

9:30 a.m.    Race announcements and music

9:45 a.m.    Warm up

9:50 a.m.    National Anthem

10:00 a.m.  Race start

POST RACE PARTY

The party will continue at Fat Cat, 4840 N. Broadway. Every runner will receive a free beer and there will be food galore. $15 Buffet will include the following perfect post run New Orleans fair:

• Yogurt bar: Greek yogurt, house made granola, fresh fruit, sliced almonds, sprinkles, and honey
• Bananas Foster Brulee French Toast
• Chicken Fried Chicken with gravy...
• Red Beans and Rice
• House made Biscuits with Fat Cat home made jam and whipped butter
• Scrambled eggs
• Brunch potatoes
• Bacon

Some background on Back on my Feet:

• BoMF Chicago was founded in September 2010.
• The main focus is helping the homeless get back on their feet through the power of community & running.
• BoMF helps them find housing, education, and jobs through running.
• Run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 545am throughout the year
• 70% of homeless population is living in a shelter, but don’t have their own address. Run out of the homeless facilities with the help of community volunteers.
• First 30 days, BoMF asks that they are positive and present and maintain 90% attendance, which is missing just one run.
• Once they identify as runners, they don’t identify as homeless anymore and gives them the motivation to take on more in life.
• After 30 days, they sit down with staff to build a road map of what goals look like, and what next steps are to take on in life – go back to school, get truck driver license, go back to work, ideas for housing.
• Provide financial aid, but they earn it through joining the runs. Help pay for beds, down payment, etc.
• $1 donation puts $2.25 back into the community. 30% success rate.
• BOMF pays to outfit them to keep running.

If a fun race isn't enough incentive to get you to register, maybe the idea of helping the homeless in Chicago get back on their feet through running is :) This race was so much fun last year, and part of it was seeing the BoMF members out there running (some their first race ever) and seeing the joy on their face.

Maybe you aren't interested in racing, but can volunteer your time? Head here to fill out the form (the form seems to be down at the moment, so if that's not available, maybe shoot an email over - info@backonmyfeet.org).

bomf mardi gras chaser 10k recap

Disclaimer: I received entry into Back on My Feet Chicago Mardi Gras 5/10k 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 had heard of Back on My Feet before, however I never really looked deep into what it was. When given the chance to run the Back on My Feet (BoMF) Chicago Mardi Gras 5k or 10k, and I was available, well... you know me. I love racing! I of course said yes. And since the race is organized by BoMF, I looked further into what it was. It really is a great organization and I feel it's only right to share a little bit about it before getting to my full race review.

Race shirt and the mask I picked out.

Back on My Feet isn't just in Chicago - there are cities nationwide that they are also based in. You can find a chapter in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, DC, Indianapolis, NYC, Philadelphia, LA, and San Francisco. Their mission is to combat homelessness through the power of running, community of support, and essential employment and housing resources. The unique running-based model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength, and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle on the road ahead and move towards jobs, homes, and new lives. BoMF aims to provide practical training and employment resources for achieving independence, an environment that promotes accountability, and a community that offers compassion and hope.

I know I personally never though I'd be a runner, and even once I began, I didn't think I'd finish a half marathon. Now look at me, a bunch of half marathons completed along with TWO marathons. I said I would NEVER run a marathon, and now I've finished two (not to say they were both super successful or fast, but going through the training and crossing the finish lines gives you a certain rush that I can't completely described). It's amazing what some training, and the finish of a mile, then two, and so on can give you the confidence to do things you never though you'd do. This confidence carries over to other parts of your life, so I can definitely see how BoMF is a great idea. 

Source.

Anyway, I was really happy to be participating and helping to promote a race where ALL PROCEEDS from the race went to supporting BoMF in providing programming to change the lives one job, house, and mile at a time. 

Registration was very simple - the form was right on the event page. Pricing was as follows:

5k early bird - $35; 5k Feb 1 -$40

10k early bird - $45; 10k Feb 1 - 50

The 10k actually sold out on Feb 17, so that was quite exciting. They also offered a 'Sleep in Option' for $20 - this meant that you could support BoMF, still receive your race swag, but don't have to leave the comfort of your bed on race day. However, race morning was so beautiful I can't imagine staying in bed on a day like that! Registration for the 5k was available on race day from 8–9:30 for $45. One final thing was to spend $35 to sponsor a member of BoMF to run the Mardi Gras Chaser 5k.

Packet pickup. Source.

Packet pickup was originally scheduled on Friday at the Fleet Feet Old Town location, however, the Old Town was still undergoing the re-build from the fire that it wasn't going to be open on time. Location was moved to Lincoln Square, and was from 10am–8pm. Decent hours. Lucky for me, they also offered race day pickup from 8–9:30am. It was encouraged to get packets in advance if possible.

Source.

I always have a hard time the night before a race deciding on what to wear. I was obviously wearing my BibRave shirt, but did I need a shirt underneath it? Would it be warm enough for shorts? Too cold for shorts? Anyway, I usually give myself a few options and then the morning of, I'll check the weather before getting dressed and make my final decision.

Flat Heather mostly ready for race day.

Since I don't know the Montrose Harbor area very well (I'm so used to Grant Park or Lincoln Park area races), I wanted to make sure mom and I had plenty of time to figure out parking and grab out packets. Traffic wasn't too bad, and we arrived at about 8:25. There was a ton of parking spots on the street for free - I was expecting meters or to have to find the other parking lot a few blocks away. Luckily, being there so early it was easy peasy.

We went to get our packets. There was one person in front of us, and it was easy to get our bibs and shirts. It was then that I introduced myself to Meredith who was helping with packets. I recognized her from the spot they did on Fox News a few days prior to the race. She was also the name the emails for the race always came from (aka the race director!). She is BoMF Chicago's Senior Development and Marketing Director. It was so nice to meet her and to chat briefly. I didn't want to hold up the line, so moved it along. Along with our bib, we got our long sleeve, white tech shirts with the logo on the front, and were able to choose a Mardi Gras mask.

Bimbo showed up!

Since there was still plenty of time till the race began (10am for the 10k and 10:15 for the 5k), we went back to the car to hang out. At about 30 till, we got out to head to the porta-potty line. It seemed really long, but it was only because for whatever reason, it was just 1 line for the entire 8ish bathrooms. That system doesn't bother me. Since it was a single line, it moved pretty quickly. And with the porta-potties, they had the hand washing station with soap and water! Much appreciated.

About 5 minutes before the race, they had everyone line up. They split the 10k into two groups so that they could release us in a wave start to help with some congestion. We were in the second group, and before we knew it, we were off. We went to the LFP and went south before looping back north. The course itself wasn't anything special if you've been on the path so many times, but I don't usually run that far north, so it was nice to have a little bit of new scenery.

At the start line.

The BoMF volunteers, workers, and everyone involved out with the race were so awesome. There were groups cheering on the runners, all of the volunteers at the aid stations were friendly - great group of people! The miles were marked with signs in the ground, and the turnaround for both the 5k and the 10k were clearly marked with cones and there were volunteers/workers there to also let you know it was the turnaround for whichever distance.

Mile marker 2.

5k turnaround markings.

Mom and I did a 40 sec run, 1 minute walk interval for the whole race. Around mile 4 I started to get really tired. It might have been that I ran 2 miles at 9pm the night before. Or that I hadn't really eaten anything before the race. Whatever it was, I thought our nice pace would vanish. However, we still PRd, so I was really happy with how it went. I decided during the run that since I was pretty warm, I could have managed without the base layer, but it wasn't too bad.

10k turnaround.

At the finish, we received our medals, which were on Mardi Gras beads - very unique touch. Then was the line of goodies! So. Much. Stuff. Bananas, apples, Thomas' mini-bagels of a variety of flavors (I saw cinnamon and regular), Bimbo goods including cookies, Sara Lee cakes, and Etenmann's Little bites (I grabbed the crumb cakes - yum). What a spread. They also had cups of Gatorade.

Was able to bother Meredith post-race for a photo. She was so sweet!

The goodies! They were all a delight.

This was a fun race and I felt well organized. I enjoyed running the course (and on such a beautiful day!), and everyone I interacted with was friendly and enthusiastic. I will definitely be keeping this race on my radar for 2017. You can read my BibRave review here and see how I scored the race (high marks!).