chicago quarter marathon recap

You can read my more succinct race review over on BibRave.com.

The Third Annual (and my third time participating) Chicago Quarter Marathon was held on Saturday, March 26, 2016 with a 9:15am start. The start and finish were just outside Soldier Field, so we parked at Waldron Deck for $20. I do love races at Soldier Field. Though parking can cost more than other locations, it's always easy and you don't have to worry about getting a spot. Waldron Deck was wide open still (maybe 30% full) when we arrived, and even if that fills, you can head over to the North Garage.

We were also able to get free packet mailing because we registered prior to January 25. Yay! If you didn't get free (or pay for) shipping, then packet pickup was being held at Road Runner Sports on Kingbury Saturday the 19 and Thursday the 24. You could have a friend or family member pick up your bib (up to 5). This year participants received a red, full zip sweatshirt embroidered on the front with the race logo.

We arrived about 30 minutes prior to the start, so hung out in the car for a while. Weather on race morning ranged from low- to mid-40s, 7mph winds, and mostly sunny. Not bad at all.

Training leading up to this race was a bit off. I had taken some time off to let my minor quad injury (which ended my run streak) to heal, so I wasn't expecting any type of PR. I ran with my mom and we chatted and had some fun.

The course was the same as previous years - line up and start line were on Waldron Drive, then you went south on the Lake Front Path, turn around and come back north to the finish (same as the start line). The path does split at one point, so there wasn't too much of the two way race traffic causing congestion. I'd say there were approximately 1000 runners for this race. Take note that there were no corral, pace signage, or wave start. Everyone just lined up and when the race started at 9:15, we were set loose. I was towards the back at the start, but plenty of people came in behind me once we started moving, but I didn't notice too much congestion and it thinned out quickly enough. No pushing or shoving, which is always nice.

This was part of the course that has the path in two spots, so less congestion.

There were 3 water stops on course, but with it being an out and back course, this meant 6, and there was first aid at the midway point (about mile 1.75 going out, and 4.75 coming back). Pretty much my only beef with this race was that after the first water stop, there wasn't any more water at the following 5 stops - they were all out. I brought my own hydration (I love to use my Orange Mud HydraQuiver VP1 regardless of race distance to keep my phone, keys, water/electrolyte drink, etc.), so this wasn't a problem for me, but I thought of all the other people that didn't bring anything, my mom included, who probably could have used some water after mile 1. There were still plenty of volunteers at the stations, so it wasn't that they weren't staffed well, they just somehow completely missed the mark on cups or water. Disappointing to see this happen. Luckily, it wasn't 80 degrees out, so I'm sure everyone fared fine, I just hope that next year they are better prepared. This race definitely helped remind me why I do bring my own drink on course regardless of how many stations they supposedly have. I don't like to rely on when the stations are and what they have (or don't have). I can carry what I prefer to drink, and drink it when I want. Very convenient :)

Post-Race Party

I was getting nervous that there wouldn't be any post-race snacks for as at the finish line, the way they ran out of water on the course. What if they weren't prepared there either? Luckily, they still had snacks. We grabbed a bottle of water, banana, and choice of Kind bar (I grabbed the Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio). There was a live band playing, and a special Easter Kids' Hop (Additional fee) where kids got to run around with the easter bunny.

Beautiful day for a race!

Mom and I did running 45 sec and walking 55 sec. We finished with a decent time (not as great as I'd been having before my mini break, but still not bad) and I was happy with how my legs were feeling. This was also the first race I used my Aftershokz Trekz Titanium headphones and they worked great! I could listen to music, but also was able to talk with my mom without having to take earbuds out. They use bone conduction technology, so nothing is actually IN your ear. They're pretty sweet. Plus, they matched my 2XU compression tights for the race haha.

At the finish, participants received a medal (a bit on the cheaper end this year - just went through and saw my 2015 medal and it was a tad nicer). Not a big deal for me, as most of my medals are hidden away in a box, but my feelings are if you are going to have a medal, have a nice one. I generally don't expect a medal for anything less than a half (though I do think it's a nice bonus when there is one). Anyway, I wish it was a little nicer is what I'm trying to say haha.

If I'm available, I'll probably be running this event again in 2017. It's a nice way to sort of kick of the racing season (though I do race all year round, the race choices are more slim in the winter), and I just enjoy racing for fun. It's nice bonding for my mom and I. Also, the race beneficiary is Prevent Child Abuse America - love when races donate some of the proceeds to a good cause.

inaugural chicago quarter marathon

Source

I have to admit... this post has been written nearly three weeks, and it didn't get posted because I never found the time (or procrastinated too long) to get the photos edited. My bad. Anyway, here is my race recap:

The Inaugural Chicago Quarter Marathon took place at 9:15 am on Saturday, April 5, with a start just outside of Soldier Field. What I loved about this race was that when my mom and I registered, we were able to get our packets mailed to us, rather than try and get to packet pick-up (especially when at the time of registration, there was no location specified yet). Convenience matters to me, and we registered soon enough that it was free! Score! From January 25–February 25, it was only $10, which I would have paid. Sometimes the locations for pick-up aren't close or convenient to get too. I prefer to take public transportation after work, but it's not always feasible depending on where it's at. So, whenever mailing is an option, I usually take it.

I pre-paid for guaranteed parking at Soldier Field online Thursday afternoon, to ensure we'd have a spot, though I don't think it was necessary. We were there early enough that the lot was barely filled, but I like to have it taken care of so there's one less thing to stress about. I had a time crunch this day, so public transportation would have taken more time than I had. I prefer it because it's cheaper, but I have to say it was nice being able to leave a little later, get there earlier, and hang out in the car until just before the start. 

My mom and I got there around 8:00 am for a 9:15 am start, so we sat in the car, had some Nature Valley Honey & Oats granola bars, and chatted until about 8:45. We headed out of the parking garage, took a bathroom break, and then found some sun to stand in before lining up to start. The sun was warm, but the wind was a bit atrocious (especially on the second half running back north). We lined up towards the back of the group, a bit behind the 12-minute mile pace sign.

Source

At 9:15 am, they started everyone – no waves. The race started off heading south down the streets around Soldier Field, which were leading towards the Lakefront path. It was a bit congested, but nothing too horrible. I started off pretty well with 2:1 run/walk intervals, which was about a 12:30 pace for the first two miles. Unfortunately, I started having some problems breathing (darn spring!), so I had to change my run/walk intervals. I switched to 1:1, which slowed me down, but helped keep my breathing controlled. 

I was pretty warm, so took off my jacket and tied it around my waist. I was carrying a water bottle, so I didn't need to take any from the water stops (there were 2, but with the out and back, you hit them twice). It was sunny and lovely for the first half, but then at the turnaround, I regretted taking off my jacket. It had gotten so windy heading north and my arms were freezing! I didn't want to waste energy getting my jacket back on, so I just dealt with it. I ended up finishing with an average pace of 13:15 (I beat out nearly 200 people and I wasn't even last for my age group, whoo!). Not the pace/time I was hoping for, but oh well. When my breathing becomes an issue and I start coughing a lot, the only thing I can do is slow down and change my intervals. I'd rather finish than try and push myself too much to the point that I would need medical attention.

Afterwards, they had bananas, bagels, and water. My mom was asking me where we got our medals, and I sadly had to tell her there weren't any for this race. For some reason, she thought this race had them (I'm guessing because all other 10k races we've done we received medals)... wah wah. I was under a tight time constriction that day (had to get home and shower for a birthday party), so we didn't stay for all of the awards or after party. It looked like there was a band, but I can't be sure.

Overall it was a good race. I think there were a littler over 1,100 runners, but the congestion wasn't as bad as some other Lakefront races. I do love the view on the Lakefront path, and being able to park at Solider Field was convenient. I'd say one thing needing improvement was the number of portable toilets – the lines were quite long. I also would have liked a Gatorade stop, or some at the finish line, but that's not a deal breaker (now, if it was a half marathon, it would be). Each participant received an official black full-zip fleece jacket (embroidered! with the logo) for participating in the 2014 Chicago Quarter Marathon – they were quite nice (image below). I also liked that the race didn't start at 8, because I'm not happy about super early wake-up calls haha. I'll probably add this to the race list for 2015.

Source

week in review; march 31–april 6

Monday, March 31
rest day
Monday night was the hour long series finale of "How I Met Your Mother". I'm sad I won't have this show to tune in for anymore, but I do feel like it was time for it to end. I'm glad they were able to do a ninth season to wrap it all up. I won't spoil any of the moments/secrets/surprises, but I have to admit, I was a little mad at the ending. After sleeping on it, I woke up having had come to terms with it. In a way, it was a fitting ending, and the more time passes, the more ok I am with it. What did you think of it?

Tuesday, April 1
rest day
It's April, ya'll! Can you believe it? I can't, seeing as the weather is still usually in the 30s or below. Sunday and Monday were pretty beautiful days (sunny and in the 40s), but it was back to colder temps on Tuesday. It was another Tuesday night of trivia, in which we did fairly well, but not good enough to place. Same old tune.

Wednesday, April 2
rest day
Another rest day, I'm embarrassed to admit. I was having trouble sleeping, so instead of waking early to run, I decided to stay in bed. Lazy me. That evening I had to make a trip to Target for some birthday gifts for the three kid parties we have this month, and then D and I went out for dinner. 

Thursday, April 3
2.5 miles on the treadmill while watching "LOST" in the morning. 
Yep, even though one of the pups was snuggling adorably with me in the morning, I managed to roll out of bed and get a short run in. Go me. That demonstrates huge willpower, as she isn't always snuggly, so it's a treat when she comes up on her own and does. Melts my heart every time haha. Thursday night I had an eye doctor appointment and picked out a new pair of glasses (frames). I can't wait for them to come in! I'm so nerdy. My doctor gave me some new contact lenses to try out, and when I went to take them out at home before bed, had the hardest time doing so. Apparently, their method is different than what I was used to, and I had to look up the best way to take them out. It's a bit weird, but I'm hoping I'll get used to them in time. They are really comfortable for all-day wear. Not that my old ones weren't, but these are just a tad bit better at keeping my eyes from drying out.

Friday, April 4
rest day
Friday evening was spent finishing up "American Horror Story Asylum" and getting all my gear ready for the Chicago Quarter Marathon in the morning. I loved how AHS finished the season. Seriously, watch it if you haven't yet. I can't wait for the "Coven" season to come out on streaming for Netflix. "Asylum" took a long time — I think "Coven" had nearly finished before it was released to stream. Oh well. 

Saturday, April 5
Inaugural Chicago Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles)
The race went pretty well, and I was very pleased with how I did. My official pace was 3:15/mile, which was a personal best for any race since 2012, and a distance PR as well (I'll lump this distance in with the 10k's). I'll recap the race in another post later this week. After the race, I had to rush home to shower and head out to Indiana for a one year old's birthday party. It was a great time seeing friends and all their adorable, hilarious children. After that, since we were already in Indiana, my DH and I decided to hit up Three Floyd's. It was a 15–30 minute wait – I wasn't paying much attention, and the time went by quickly as we sat in the sun (to stay warm, the shade was too cold) chatting. We ended up staying there for about three hours... I guess we had a lot to talk about :) I had a delicious craft root beer (I'm a huge fan of root beer). On our way home from there, we stopped at a restaurant/alehouse to meet some friends we haven't seen in a while for a quick catch up. I hadn't seen one of the gals in so long, even though I was exhausted, I couldn't pass up the chance to see her. Basically, I was out of the house for over 12 hours. When we got home, I immediately went to bed and left the DH to feed/take care of the dogs. Sorry, pal.

Sunday, April 6

1 mile (give or take) walk with the dogs
Yesterday was gorgeous weather (sunny and in the 50s), so of course we had to take the girls for a walk. I think they're both a little out of shape from the long winter, as their usual route had them panting only a few blocks in. I can't wait for the weather to be like that more frequently, so they can get out for walks more. They love it! My quads were a bit sore from the race, so it was nice to get out for a walk and stretch the legs. After the walk, I had a quick breakfast and then got to work cleaning the house and doing laundry. I love doing these tasks when the sun is shining in the windows, and it's even warm enough to open a few and get some fresh air in (and stale air out) after the loooong winter we've had. We had plans to meet up with some friends for an early dinner and drinks — the food, drinks and company were wonderful (lots of friend time this weekend, it was great!). We obviously had to be home by 8 pm for the premier of Game of Thrones Season 4. It did not disappoint. DH and I have both read the books, and I like to pick up on things that are different between the two. They obviously will need to deviate from the plot, as they are doing seven seasons, and Mr. Martin has yet to finish the series. I'm thinking maybe by 2030? There's no way they'll be finished before the tv series ends (they plan on doing 7 seasons, and I believe I read they were renewed for 2 more, which would make it 6 for now).

Anyway, that was my exhausting week. How was yours? Did you have a race/how did it go? Do I go into too much detail about things that aren't running/race/health related? What did you think of the "HIMYM" finale, if you watched? Are you into craft beer? What's your favorite brewery?

Until next time, friends!