Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts

Sunday, November 19, 2017

pumpkins in the park 5k recap

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!


RAM Racing Pumpkins in the Park 5k took place on Saturday, October 21 with a race start of 4pm (2:30pm for the Kids Spooky Sprint). I love afternoon/evening races, so this is ideal for me (though traffic around/in the city on a Saturday afternoon is not ideal. 



We got to the race site around 3pm (parked in the Lincoln Park Zoo lot) and grabbed our packets. The line was pretty long, but went quickly. We stopped back at the car to get race ready and then wandered the zoo a bit before heading back to the race. They also had packet pickup on Friday at Fleet Feet Old Town, but I wasn't able to make that, so I was very glad they did race day and I didn't have to pay $15 for shipping.



I met up with fellow BibRave Pro Bree for a quick chat and photo, and then it was time to line up. We were in corral C, which started a few minutes after 4pm.  The course is below, but it basically wound around the park, went north, turned around and came back south till the finish.



The course was a bit narrow at times, and you had to be careful of your footing because it wasn't always a smooth surface (cracks and bumps, sometimes pavement, sometimes dirt). It didn't seem as congested as the year before, or maybe it was, but being prepared for it had my expectations on the same level.



It was fun to see all of the families and different costumes. At the finish line, we received a cup of Nuun, bottled water, a taffy apple covered in sprinkles, mini Clif bar, and individually wrapped mini pumpkin pies (two in a package). Yum. I found Bree again and we talked about our race, then she had to get going. We initially were going to grab beers, but then saw the very long line (as they were checking IDs and doing wristbands), and since we were hungry for dinner, decided to leave. They were also making popcorn and handing that out.







For dinner we went to Burger Antics in Brookfield, which has some amazing food and beer. I couldn't decide on a burger, so I got the three slider option where you can choose different ones. It was awesome. We then had some pumpkin pie cheesecake for dessert. Great way to celebrate my birthday - running, burgers, fries, beer, and pie.

Favorite burger? The one on top with FOUR different cheeses.
Get in my belly!





























If you're looking for a fun Halloween race, you should give this one a go in 2018. They also have a costume contest, so bring your A game and win some prizes. I think there were also awards for the top 3 women and men, but don't quote me on that.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

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 :)

Thursday, September 14, 2017

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 :)

Friday, July 21, 2017

btn big 10k: last call to register

Disclaimer: I received entry for BTN Big 10k to review (and one package to give away) 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!


BTN Big 10k is this Sunday, July 23! I am registered for the 10k for my second year running this race. I loved this race – it was a great course and awesome tailgate party, but also it’s because of the crowd. Everyone was there having such a great time, and it can’t help but make you feel great too. I also got to hang out with some of my favorite people.


The fantastic thing about this race is that the post-race tailgate is bumping. Since I’m on the slower end, by the time I finish at most other races, the party is usually winding down and a lot of folks have left. Not this race – everyone hangs out playing games, eating, drinking, socializing, and hanging out at their school tents. 

Can't wait to see this girl this weekend!

You can read my recap here and my BibRave review here from the 2016 event.

Registration is still open! Don’t miss your chance to run this fun race. Honestly, I’m not even a huge college sports fan, but I enjoy this race a lot. Registration will be closing tonight, as tomorrow is the last day to grab packets (NO race day, since it’s such a huge race), so don’t wait any longer! $60 for the 10k, $50 for the adults 5k, and $25 for the kids 5k (ages 12 and under). Use code BibRaveBTN17 to snag a free water bottle.

What’s great about this race is you get to pick your Big Ten school that you want to support on race day, and you’ll get that race shirt. While usually taboo, it’s encouraged for runners to wear their race shirt on race day to support your school. It was cool to see so many different schools being supported out on the course from runners – and that despite the rivalries, it’s all in good fun and everyone gets along. It’s why runners are awesome. If you don’t want to pick a school, you can go with a BTN Fan gender-specific shirt (all shirts are gender-specific tech material).


Even the medals are school specific. Each 10k and 5k participant will receive an awesome medal, complete with school-specific magnetic coin. Look how fun they are!


Packet pickup is going on today and tomorrow at Fleet Feet Old Town (1620 N Wells) till 8pm today and 10am–6pm tomorrow. Remember to have your bib confirmation email ready to go (you don’t even need to print it – just have it flagged in your email or add the QR code to Apple Wallet if you use an iPhone. Volunteers will scan the QR code for a quick and easy pickup.


Can’t make it to pickup? Have a friend or family grab it for you. Forward them your bib confirmation email with a line up top stating you are giving (name) permission to pick up your packet.

I’m also very happy to see that Revolution is the beer this year! Always great to have a local craft brewery vs non-local big name brand (you know who I mean). If you know me at all, you know that craft beer is important to me, and I want the race I support to have a good beer waiting for me at the finish line :)

BibRave Pros from 2016 BTN Big 10k pre-race. Frank, Angie, me.

Fan Fest & Tailgate features:

  • Mascots and cheerleaders from Big Ten schools
  • Interactive football and tailgate games, hosted by Chicago Sport & Social Club
  • Post-race snacks and hydration from CLIF and nuun
  • A free sausage from Sausages by Amylu and beer provided by Revolution Brewing (21+ registrants only) for all registered participants
  • Additional drinks and grilled food for purchase
  • Recovery gear and race rehab services provided by Aligned Modern Health
  • Tons of great prizes, including Big Ten Football Championship tickets and contests hosted by MB Financial Bank
  • BTN on-air talent and former Big Ten player appearances

I'll be wearing the same thing this year haha.

So – who am I going to see on Sunday? I’ve got a lot of folks I need to keep an eye out for. You’ll find me in a BibRave orange tank top and a blue sparkle athletic skirt – I-L-L-I-N-I!

Sunday, June 4, 2017

soldier field 10 mile recap

Disclaimer: I received entry for Soldier Field 10 Mile 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!

If anyone knows the lady on the left, I'd love to try and connect with her!
Free race photos from RAM Racing. Thank you!

If you have read a few of my previous posts, you know that I was running my fourth consecutive Soldier Field 10 Mile. I've always loved this race as a fun way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend, and was a great reminder as to why we have that special day on Monday. You can read my BibRave review here, or check out my previous posts - 'Up Next: Soldier Field 10 Mile', 'Soldier Field 10 Mile Quick Guide' '2015 recap', or '2014 recap'.


Soldier Field 10 Mile was taken over by RAM Racing for management. Previously it had been a Fleet Feet event. Packet pickup was on multiple days (you can read about that in other blogs), and I had my mom go get ours because I was too swamped with work to get into the city during the week. She said it was easy peasy and no trouble grabbing mine.


I was not a huge fan of the shirt this year. It's blue camouflage, which totally goes with the race theme/weekend, but not really my style. I also dislike the fabric. It's a bit hefty of a material, but doesn't feel like quality material. Last year was Under Armor which was great, so when comparing this one seemed a bit cheap, sorry to say. It's too heavy to wear in the summer, and I don't know how anyone wore it on race day. I was so hot in a tank! 


Race morning brought some warm temps. It was sunny and in the 70s when we got around to starting. Talk about a sweaty run. Just about my entire tank was soaked through. Woof.


We got to Soldier Field around 6:15, and then had to sit in a little bit of traffic to get to the parking garage. It wasn't as bad as you might expect for such a large race, and I felt the line moved fairly quickly because they had the gates up (parking was FREE! Such a rare thing for a Chicago race, but I think it's necessary or no one would ever make it to the race on time and that line to get to parking would be backed up down 55). You had to enter the garage from McFetridge and Museum Campus Drive – they didn't have the entrance on McFetridge open like they sometimes do, but for us parking wasn't too bad. It maybe took 15 minutes to get in and park.


We grabbed our gear and headed out. There were porta-potties outside with not too long lines, so we figured we'd just go there rather than inside which might have longer lines. Around 6:45, we tried to get inside the stadium. It was a new set up this year and the corrals/start line was 'on the field'. 

Great views!

Well, it was a hot day, and not a fan of Nuun I brought my Orange Mud Endurance Pack with Tailwind to replenish my electrolytes. Every security guard told us, and not in a friendly way, either, that we were not allowed to use them. And yet, we saw multiple people entering with huge fuel belts and fanny packs filled to the brim, and they weren't getting hassled at all. So, we brought them back to the car. We later found out that if we had entered through Gate 4–6 where spectators were going to get bags checked and go through metal detectors, we could have used them. Well, that would have been awesome to know ahead of time, and if they had informed the staff, because they all said we couldn't use them at all. Even if we went that way. For me, this was problem number 1, and honestly things just went downhill from here.


When I got back from the car and we headed into the stadium it was about 7:05 or so. One of the security guards commented 'nice of you to join us', and it wasn't in a friendly manner. What's the deal with all of the bad attitudes from everyone there that day? Even though the initial wave started at 10, and the participant guide (which needed a lot of improvements) said all waves start at 7 and that you needed to be in your corral by 6:45, we knew that it wasn't the case. With so many corrals (through O) and 4 minutes between each corral, we knew we had time. Turned out the White wave weren't even starting to go until 7:45. Ugh. So that was frustrating as I was running back and forth from the car, getting attitude from workers, and still had plenty of time to stand around waiting to start.

Love this statue.

The staging area was hectic. Crowded. I personally was not a fan of starting inside. While it was cool to be inside the stadium (where some might have been able to utilize indoor plumbing), it seemed too difficult to fit all of the runners and corrals. The White Wave had to line up on level 1 and then once all of the Red Wave had gone through, go down the stairs and line up there. I heard from those in the front corrals and the middle corrals that it was too crowded and disorganized. It was nice when it was outside because each Wave had it's own area and could start from there. More room and seemed less crowded. I missed the opening pre-race ceremonies because of the hydration pack issues, but I heard that was really nice with the Folds of Honor founder giving a speech and reading names of deceased military members whose family would benefit from the race (you can read more about Folds of Honor here, and Salute Inc (the other charity) here. I'm guessing they had wanted to start indoors to up the 'cool' factor of the race + being able to use the jumbotron for pre-race stuff.

Headed to the finish.

At the start, the waves were at a bottle neck to cross the mat and then it was congested and crowded with a narrow course until right before the McCormick Place tunnel. You actually barely ran on the field to start, and the reason I mostly disliked it was because I felt it took away from finishing on the field... like you were already there this morning, and it took away some of the excitement for me. I could be in the very few thinking this way, but we are all allowed our own opinions, right?


I didn't notice a mile marker for 1, which for me hit just before exiting the tunnel. Two and the 5k hit on my watch right at the markers. Four didn't come until my watch said 4.5, so I knew that was off. My watch is usually off a bit, as is everyone's, but an entire half mile after being dead on just wasn't right. Others reported the same thing. I believe 5 was off too, but then I sort of stopped paying attention to the markers, knowing my watch was fairly accurate. Also of note was there were no clocks, which seemed odd.


There were I think 4 or 5 aid stations. Nuun first, water second. I always tool the water, but could have used the electrolytes. I just can't stomach the new Nuun formula, so had to pass on it. Aid stations were well-stocked with water and Nuun, had portapotties, and plenty of volunteers passing out the paper cups. 

Headed into the finish!

I like the first half of the race being on a wider course (on what I call inside LSD, I'm not sure what the street is actually called), and then around mile 5 you hit the turn around. They had a course marshall there, DJ, and a nice ramp to get up the curb and onto the grass, cross over onto the LFP headed back north.


I love the views running on the LFP going north – seeing the skyline is cool. Running-wise, though hot, my mom and I were doing ok. I was going to split off from her at the turn around, but decided stick with her. I was pretty hot and didn't want to push too much. We were running 45/45 intervals.


Up comes my next issue, which has nothing to do with the race management, but etiquette and being polite. If you know me, I've been run/walking for a few years now. I have taken etiquette very seriously and am always aware of my surroundings before stopping. I raise my arm for a few seconds before I start to walk, I check behind both sides of me to make sure I won't be stopping in front of everyone, and when possible or needed, I move over to the right, again, making sure I am not interfering with anyone else. I've had a lot of close calls of running into others or tripping because others don't have the same courtesy. Around mile 7, we were coming to a walk, I checked to my right and moved over so runners and cyclists could pass on the left, and we stopped. A lady then yelled 'what was that?'. Assuming she wanted to know what raising our hands meant, I said that it meant we were coming to a walk, and before I could finish she yells at us for supposedly stopping right in front of her. 

I love running friends.

On a normal day, I might just say sorry even though I knew it wasn't true. But I'll be honest, I was pretty sore about not having my pack and my hand was getting sore from carrying my phone for 7 miles, so I just had to say back (aka I really just should have let it go), I checked behind me and you weren't there, so I know we didn't. I also mentioned (I don't yell and have a quiet voice in the first place) that walkers go to the right and runners go on the left to pass, so we were following etiquette rules. She said things back which I don't remember, but I'll say this – I was bonking at that point, and that exchange made me mad and gave me strength again haha. 


We sped past her the next run never to see her again. So I guess I should say thanks. Honestly, it just really upset me because I work so hard not to be in anyone else way or to disturb other runners. I know how annoying that can be, it's happened to me, and I try SO hard to do the right thing always. Etiquette and being polite and cheering on other runners. I heard her a briefly after quite loudly telling not one group, but two in the span of a just a few short minutes, how we stopped right in front of her, and did anyone see it? And I was like we didn't. We didn't. And another lady ran by us as I complained to my mom about the ordeal that we were fine and not to worry about her. I appreciated that. But seriously, how rude to be going up to everyone saying that?! I wanted to be like look, put your bib on the front as per race rules and get over it. We stopped behind other runners, not right in front of her, and she was going to need to go left anyway to pass. If she thinks we stopped in front of her, I'd hate to see what she would do when someone actually does it. Woof. I know I went on a rant here, but seriously, can you tell how upsetting that was for me?

Post-race Party area.

Anyway haha - I'm sorry about that. Now for my favorite part of this years race. Around mile 8.5 another runner that mom and I had been doing the back and forth with asked us what intervals we were doing and if she could join us, I said of course. We chatted a bit, not a ton as we were all getting pretty tired, but she had started off doing like 7 minutes running, 1 walking, but kept bringing that down. It wasn't her first race, but I think first 10 miler and first Soldier Field 10 Mile. Around mile 9 she said she wanted to beat 2:30. I looked at my watch and said you'll get that for sure. Helping to pace someone to the finish gave me more energy again, as I wanted to help her and my mom stay strong for one more mile. We picked up one more runner on our way, too. She said I'm just gonna crash the party here, and I said please do! The more the merrier. She hadn't run this race in a few years, and is running Chicago in October, so was doing the race to gauge where she was at with her running.

For real - someone help me find her :)
Can't seem to find the full results, only top 10 for each age group and myslef...

And so we had a little group of 4 of us. I did my best to count down for running and walking, and saying as loud as I could 'running' or 'walking' and it seemed to help everyone. I tired to say encouraging things like 'stay strong' and 'you've got this' or 'deep breaths'. I hope it was helpful. I've never really helped pace anyone, not that  I am a steady pace or anything, but to help encourage them to get through the last tough mile was so rewarding, especially after my tough morning. Three of us crossed the finish line together (I told her she could run ahead, because we go off intervals right before the finish line for an extra walk for a final deep breath and then to run into the finish strong, but she wanted to stay with us – she was so sweet), while the other runner wasn't too far behind. Close enough that I could high five them all still on the field before grabbing our medals. i was so proud of everyone and it really made me smile and appreciate the running community, because as a whole, everyone rocks my socks. There's always going to be a few grumpy gusses out there, but we need to ignore them and push on through.


My friend Heather, who I was hoping to run with (she was going to take it easy due to injury, and her easy is my tougher pace, so thought it would be fun), but she ended up starting in her actual corral haha, waited for me at the finish line and snapped a fun photo. She saw me running south while she was on her way back to the stadium, and though there was quite the distance between the two paths, she screamed loud enough for me to hear her. She's so fun and encouraging.


We all took some photos, I thanked all of the service men and women handing out medals, grabbed a bottle of water, and then we headed out to get our food. They had cups of Nuun right outside the field area, and then you walked a bit to grab your bag of snacks which included: mini Rice Krispy Treat, Mini Pretzels, Dole fruit cups (plastic spoon included), Clif Protein bar, and Pirocrisp. We chatted with Heather and her friend for a while, snapped some photos, and then went to check out the after party briefly.

Outside in the party area (the green outside the stadium) had some vendors, you could grab a Budweiser with a ticket from your bib and buy more after that (no thank you – I tried to give my ticket away and no one wanted it), and there was a food station, but not sure what they were selling - hot dogs maybe? There was a live band and what's great about this race is that a lot of runners stick around after. Being on the slower end, a lot of after parties are dead by the time I'm done, so it's nice to see one still going when I finish haha. Clif was handing out their Shot Bloks, but other than that we were all tired and decided to call it a day. 

BibRave Pros!

Right before heading out BibRave Pro Mary Jo spotted me. It was so great to meet her in person! I didn't know if we'd see each other at all, as a lot of faster runners had left already. I'm glad she saw my orange tank and came over to say hi! You never know with a crowd that large if you'll find who you're looking for, so we got lucky.

So yes, this year I was a bit disappointed in race management. I don't feel like there was enough information given or emails with instructions received as I'm as custom to getting with a RAM Racing event. They are usually on top of it, so was surprised there were so many hiccups. I am giving them more wiggle room, since it was their first year managing it, and hoping for improvements next year. If nothing else, I'll know ahead of time to ask them about hydration packs if it's not in the event guide and have proof for security if they give me a problem. 

They sent out a survey the next day for participants to fill out, which to me means they want to improve. They do with this all of their races, and usually I don't have much on the bad side to say, and have a lot of high marks for them, so it was tough for me to have to admit all of the issues I saw/experienced this year at this race, but being honest helps them to improve, and I know they take these surveys to heart. I've seen first hand the improvements on races over the years, so they do read and listen. My hopes are high for a better 2018 event.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

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).