chicago half marathon updates

Hey guys! The weekend is already flying by. Tomorrow is the Chicago Half Marathon and it looks like it's gonna be pretty rough weather-wise. Hot and humid and sunny. Woof.



Lucky for us, Chicago Half is preparing for the day and will have misting stations, along with ordering extra ice and water for us all to keep us safe. Race Guards will be on site (and racing) checking on all of the runners. They are always so awesome, and though I've never had to use them (knock on wood), I appreciate them being out there looking out for us all.

Chicago Half as updated the EAS (event alert system) and we are currently starting with a yellow flag. It's likely to jump to red, but hopefully we'll stay within the yellow/red and never jump to black (which means race cancelled). Keep an eye out at aid stations for the EAS flags so you know what's going on. You'll want to slow your pace a bit as well, so your body can cope with the higher temps and humidity. I've heard it's about 30 seconds slower per mile for every 5 degree temperature increase above 60F. So that can be 1–2 minutes tomorrow depending on what we are starting out/ending with. 

Play it smart. Play it safe. Listen to your body. Drink that water (and electrolytes! Gotta replenish what we are losing through sweat). I personally am brining my own hydration pack so I can drink as much as I want/need. I'll stop at the aid stations for water to dump on my head.

I made it through Disneyland Half in 100 degrees, so I know I can finish, it just won't be my original game plan. With how training has been, I thought I might be able to PR without pushing myself too hard. I do have Chicago Marathon in two weeks, after all. Now I know there'll be no PR, and I'll just run how my body is feeling. It'll be slower, and I might have to walk more than I want, but it's about finishing upright and not exhausting myself too much.

I'm excited to see my Oiselle Volée teammates at Cowbell Corner around mile 8 or 9, and am hoping to meet up with fellow BibRave Pros Frank and Zenaida beforehand. Frank is doing the half as well, and 

Tips for running in this heat:

• Slow down your pace; about 30 seconds/mile for every 5 degrees above 60F.
• Don't wear a hat. You lose a lot of body heat off the top of your head and covering it up will prevent this. I recommend a visor (and sunglasses to protect your eyes)
• Dump water on your head. The evaporation helps cool you down, and it feels really good.
• Wear light colored and loose fitting clothing. Tech material is a must in my opinion. 
• Does it look like a runner nearby you is having some issues? Give a helping hand. Ask if they are ok and if they need assistance from a Race Guard. Look out for one another.

This is a great race. I've been running it for the past... five or six years (I really need to look back and keep a record of when I did races haha). Running on Lake Shore Drive is really cool (though not very shaded... you've been warned) and since you are on wide streets, congestion with other runners is minimal. Though I am on the slow side, so maybe there is more crowding in the faster corrals, I wouldn't know haha.

During hot races, my mantra is to live to run another day. I won't go balls out and I'll be listening to my body. If it feels tired and overheated, which can happen quickly for me, or feel nauseous, I'll take it even slower. Hopefully not so slow I get put on the SAG wagon. The nice thing about this race is they keep the finish line open a little longer. You are supposed to keep a 16 minute mile pace, but if you go below it, they can push you over to the Lakefront Path and you can still finish if it's before 11:30. The party afterwards finishes at 12. They have pizza and beer at the finish line, but I know usually after this race I'm pretty hot and tired and can't stomach eating anything.

Good luck + some reminders from Chicago Half Marathon (via their Facebook page):



Be safe out there and I hope you have a great race! Remember to say hi if you see me – I'm nice, so don't be shy ;)

north shore classic half marathon recap

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!

With good friend and BibRave Pro Frank.

This was my second year taking on the North Shore Classic Half Marathon. I enjoyed it the first year and wanted to run again in 2017. 

RAM Racing often has multiple days and locations for their races, and North Shore Classic was no exception. You can read more about the pre-race logistics in this post or this post. Here is my shorter BibRave review, as you probably know by now that I write lengthy posts haha.

The drive to Highland Park was easy, as it was so early in the morning – there wasn't a ton of traffic out. We arrived at the parking garage around 6:40am. Parking was free and plentiful. I parked at a garage about a block away, but there were closer lots available, I just figured they would be more crowded/full by the time we got there and went with where I parked last year to make it easy. 

In the corral ready to go.

The 5k start time was 7am and 7:30am for the half marathon. We got our gear ready and then went to meet up with my good friend and fellow BibRave Pro Frank. He was nice enough to grab our packets for us (I was able to make it, however, didn't really want to drive two hours for it and he was cool with it). 

Frank was at our meeting place and we chatted with him and our friend Nick for a bit before running back to the car to drop off our packets. When we got back, an online friend Maddie was chatting with Frank, and it was so great to meet her in person! We had been running all of the same races recently, but she's MUCH faster than me, and so finished most races/left before I finished and has to get in her corral earlier than I ever do. It was nice to have so many friends there to chat with pre-race.

I love meeting IG friends in real life! Becka, Maddie, Frank, Nick, me.

It was already pretty warm, though a bit cloudy before the start. It was the humidity really that had me sweating just standing around. Unfortunately, the sun would come out during the race and things were really going to heat up.

There were a good amount of porta-potties, but long lines. I waited until the half started and when lines were basically non-existent I hopped in quick. I was in the last corral, G, and we started at 7:43.

The course seemed a bit more narrow this year, as I don't remember so many streets at the start being open, so there were cones set up to keep you on the right. Didn't matter much, just something I noticed. It was still a wide enough course, most of the time, that congestion wasn't much of an issue. 

The course was well marked and each mile was marked with a flag and a clock. Plenty of cones and signs to make sure you were on the right path. Also, plenty of volunteers and police officers out keeping us safe in the streets at intersections. Not a ton of crowd support, but there were some lovely folks out cheering and some amazing community members that put our their sprinklers/hoses to help cool off the runners. During the span of our run, temps had gone up about 10–15 degrees, and of course the sun decided to make an appearance half way through, and then never go away.

The street had motivational signs on the trees.

The course is a bit hilly, with my Garmin saying elevation gain of about 500 feet give or take. The biggest hill comes right before mile 7, which is steep and long. There's a fantastic downhill right before it, about the same as what you go back up. So it was like, enjoy this downhill running towards Lake Michigan, because it's about to get REAL hard. haha.

This dang hill! They never look so bad in photos...

Right after the big hill though, is an aid station. To me the best one out there – lots of volunteers and they had Munchkins! It might have been hot out, but I took one anyway. I also met someone that was volunteering that recognized me! How fun - she was like 'Heather Runs - I follow you on instagram' haha - loved it. It gave me some extra energy when I was starting to get tired.

Speaking of aid stations – Nuun and water at each one. I don't remember how many there were, but I feel like a good amount and well-stocked with each liquid and peppy volunteers.

Lots of signs around the neighborhood alerting them of the event.

There were also lots of CES pacers out there helping runners keep pace. I was between the 13 and 14 for a while, but the poor 13 pacer was struggling in the heat (as most of us were) so we ended up passing her. The 14 was on pace for most of the race until maybe mile 10? I had seen her a lot while we passed each other, but then I got ahead and didn't see her again... though I know I was not keeping 14 pace at that point. 

I ran with my mom since it was going to be so hot out and she gets nervous running a course she isn't familiar with. We were both struggling by mile 8. The sun had come out, it was in the 80s, high humidity, and not being acclimated at all made it really tough. 

Around mile 9, a volunteer was telling us that the next part was mostly and out and back of 3 miles, and that if we wanted, we could skip it and go straight rather than turn to hit mile 12 and get to the finish sooner due to the heat. Anyone who chose this would still get their medal. I also found out later that they were allowing half marathoners to switch to the 5k the morning of if they wanted.

Tough times.

As tempted as I was to cut the course as was suggested, I knew I would feel bad if I didn't go the distance, so we headed on towards mile 9–12. I regretted it almost immediately. This part of the course had almost no shade at all. My mom was struggling hard, and even though I tried to get her to cut the course, she said no, but right after 9, she hit a wall hard. I told her to turn around and head to the finish, but she decided to stop under one of the few trees and wait for me to meet back up with her. 

I headed forward, saw Nick and we high fived and complained about the heat. I then saw Frank and stopped for a quick photo with him, both of us saying how hard we were struggling in the weather. He also admitted later that maybe he didn't love hot weather running as much as he used to. It was always a fun, playful point of contention with us, as he loved summer running and I preferred winter.

When you're struggling hard, and when a bit of the course is an out and back and you
run by your friend, you stop for a photo and some encouraging words (and complaining haha).

So for about a mile you go straight down a road, then you hit Fort Sheridan and go in a circle around the neighborhood before heading back out. I had tried to run during this portion, but ended up walking most of it. Around mile 10.5 volunteers were handing out towels and bottled water. I grabbed both and proceeded to dump water on the towel and buy head, arms, and legs. It helped cool me off for a minute or two, and I was grateful for a brief relief.

Some IG stories during a tough race haha.

Mom was waiting near the mile 11 marker and we headed on. I guess a lot of people checked on her to make sure she was ok, which I appreciated. She said she wanted to wait for me rather than go back on her own so that her finish time would still be close to what it would be if she had done the whole distance. She thought that was more fair. I told her it didn't really matter, there weren't age group awards or anything, and I doubt that the results were official then since they were allowing the cut. Turns out it didn't matter much since she was the only one in her age group anyway. I was proud of her for listening to her body – she's on the older side, so I'm glad she stopped and took a breather rather than pushed on. I reminded her it's better to take a breath and rest than to push on and leave in an ambulance, like a few others had done. I go by the motto 'Live to run another day'. No race, in my opinion, is worth pushing so hard you go to the hospital for it. I'll never be fast enough that I'm winning anything, so for me it's about running smart and safe. I know my limitations in the heat. I get heat sick all the time, so I know when I need to back off. Not everyone struggles as much in the heat, and that's great for them. Remember to always listen to your body – not try and do what everyone else is doing. Anyway haha...

Post-race photos. Sweat and sun in the eyes leads to a squinty photo. Sorry Frank!

Slowly, we hit mile 12 and then 13. We weren't doing intervals anymore, but once in a while would run to an end point (run to that sign, run to that street) or run down hills. There was a sprinkler around 12 and I just wanted to stand under it for a while. Before mile 13 Frank was walking back to meet us and we chatted a bit, then we were at 13 and we ran, albeit slowly, into the finish. The announcer said our names and we grabbed our medals and bottled water. They also had ice cold wet towels for us. That felt amazing.

Oh, when we finished, there were some other runners there cheering, and one girl congratulated us and asked if we were mother daughter. I said yes and she was like that is so awesome :) Runners are so nice.

We made it! Still upright after a tough race. Great job friends!

We also grabbed our bag of treats which was: a banana, Rice Kripsy treat mini, mini pretzels, a Clif bar, and Soy chocolate milk. After this station were fans and misters. I could have stood there all day, but we went to take our photo with the RAM Racing backdrop. Frank and I chatted a while more, but then had to say our goodbyes. 

Though race weather was far from ideal, I think RAM handled the situation well. They did their best to get runners to the finish if they wanted to take a short cut, there were bicycle aids out monitoring, volunteers checking on everyone, and added extra water and towels around that 10.5 mark. Plus those icy towels at the finish and the misters. I did hear a few had to go to the hospital for dehydration, but I feel like medics were quick to respond and grateful for all of the people out there that day trying to keep us safe – whether it was volunteers, police officers, EMTs, firefighters – every person out there was great. Thank you!

I do enjoy the race and the swag was fun – you don't see tank tops often, and I like the color and the feel of the material. The medal was pretty hefty and cool, too. I plan on coming back again next year. 

Snacks.

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. 

north shore classic half marathon & 5k: last call to register

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!

Hey guys! I'm running North Shore Classic Half Marathon for my second year on June 4! Don't you want to run, too? My friend and fellow BibRave Pro Frank will also be there, making his grand return to the half marathon race distance after injury/recovery. The race takes place at 7am for the 5k and 7:30 for the half marathon in Highland Park. Lots of free parking in the area, and RAM even provides a nice map to point on the best places to go. I didn't have any problems last year and I always appreciate when the race provides parking information (I get anxious if I don't know the area).

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 next week. When you register, use code BibRaveNSC17 to score a free RAM Racing water bottle (you'll receive it at packet pickup). It's too late to choose packet mailing option (that closes 3 weeks prior to the event), but there are three days of packet pickup – Thursday June 1–Saturday June 3. 

Packet Pickup Info:
Thursday, June 1 from 3–8pm
Fleet Feet Sports Old Town, 1620 N Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60614

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

I went to the Deerfield location last year and it was easy. Though a bit of a hike for me, I believe I went on Friday because I had the day off and the packet pickup for the Saturday race I had was about 30 minutes from there, so I just did them both the same day/trip. I also picked up Mark's packet last year for NSC. Anyway - ample amount of free parking in the area and it was a really nice store (I think it was pretty newly opened last year around that time too, if I'm not mistaken). 

The Old Town location is convenient if you live or work in the city,  but I'm not too keen on driving into the city around rush hour and having to pay for parking (to avoid driving around looking for a spot, I always just park in that parking structure around the corner, which if you get your parking validated by FF, it's $2, which isn't bad. I'd rather pay $2 than drive around looking for a spot). I used to love FF Old Town packet pickup when I was working in the city and I just hopped on the bus to get there during my lunch break or after work. Not so easy these days, unfortunately. While I think Deerfield is farther distance, it's usually a quicker drive. So if you go on Saturday, keep an eye out for me ;)

Frank, Lisa, Mark, and myself before 2016 NSC Race.

Can't make packet pickup? Send a friend or family member – they just need your registration confirmation. Five packets per person. There is NO race day pickup.

I'll warn you - there are some hills here! Last year I went in assuming it was pretty flat, and was sorely mistaken. Literally - hills make me sore haha... and tired. No one mentioned that there would be hills, and I just figured being near Chicago there wouldn't be much incline/decline, and there was. I don't mind hills, as long as I'm aware of them ahead of time. I think there might have been one or two really killer ones, but the rest were fairly tame, I guess. I just remember thinking last year how horrible there were. Again, pretty sure this was because they were completely unexpected, so every hill I encountered I was like 'again?!'.

It's a really nice, scenic course through Highland Park, and there was some cheering from the residents as we ran by. You can read my BibRave Review here or check out my blog recap here of the 2016 race (it was my first weekend of 2016 where I ran a half marathon on both Saturday and Sunday, which I repeated in September). 

f^3 lake half marathon 2017 recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry for F^3 Lake Half 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!

You can read a quick-read version of my review on BibRave.com.

I've run the F^3 Lake Half Marathon for the past two years, so of course wanted to run again in 2017. I like to run at least one race a month, and F^3 has become my go-to. It's a unique race as pre- and post- race you get to hang out in the warm United Club at Soldier Field. I also really appreciate that after every race, they send out a survey for participants to fill out to help them improve the following year. They actually take the responses to heart and make changes where necessary. The race this year was on Saturday, January 28 with a 10am start time for the half marathon and 10:30am for the 5k.

The BibRave Pros ready to take on the cold!

This year there were SIX days of packet pickup, and they weren't all in the city. THANK YOU! I was able to go to Running for Kicks on Tuesday night to grab packets for Mark, my mom, and myself. Pickup was quick and easy, and in your drawstring bag you received your bib, a thin, long sleeve tech 1/4 zip pullover, and a KIND bar.

1/4 zip pullover.

We got to Soldier Field a little before 9, and waited a few minutes to get through the line for parking. The parking at Soldier Field North Garage was discounted for runners at $19 (usually 20–30 depending on the event/day). You could go straight from the garage to the United Club without stepping outside. My mom grabbed her additional shirt that she purchased (left overs from last year's race) and dropped that back in the car while I met up with Mark and Kim. We chatted for a few and took our pre-race photo before parting ways. I met back up with Mark after he did gear check and then Mark, the RD of Run Laughlin, came up to chat for a few. This was our first time meeting him in person, as he recently moved to Chicago. Really nice guy. We also got to briefly chat with Chicago Ultra 50 of twitter fame :)

Mark toeing the line.

With about 20 minutes till race time we used the bathrooms, which seemed like long lines, but moved pretty quickly (and hey - water and soap!). 10 minutes before the race half marathoners were being ushered outside to the start line. There were pace signs set up so runners could line-up according to their expected pace. I believe they went up to 12mm. We took our place at the back of the pack. The National Anthem was sung, and then it was time to start. I'm not sure how many 'corrals' or waves there were, but the back started at about 10:10. 

CES was pacing (new this year) and they had finish times of: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30 – run/walk (5/1), 2:45 – run/walk (5/1), 3:00 – run/walk (4/2 or 3/2), 3:30 (sweep) walk. I didn't run with a pacer, but my goal was to stay ahead of the 3 hour group.

Mom and I were running our own races this time around. We often run together, but I knew she would be ok on the course herself, since it was mostly just a simple out and back that we've done before, so I wanted to use my own run/walk intervals and see how it went. I hadn't run 13.1 miles since November's Wine and Dine, and I took most of December off due to illness, so I honestly wasn't expecting to do great. My 11 miler the weekend before had not gone as I had hoped, so I just wanted to finish by 3 hours. I've only finished under 3 hours once... so to be under I would be very happy.

I was feeling good and did 70/30 intervals. I told myself that if I hit 5 miles and needed, I could change to 60 seconds of running. I hit 5, and though felt a bit fatigued, I wanted to push myself so said hit 6, hit 7, hit 8. At 8 I brought it down to 60. I loved getting to see Mark and Kim on the course to high-five and cheer them on. It also distracted me as I was keeping an eye out for them rather than paying attention to my pace or thinking about being tired.

I brought my own hydration, but there were 4 aid stations which you hit twice (out and back), with Gatorade and water. I took water from one of the stations. Around mile 8ish they also handed out Gatorade chews which was a nice touch. That doesn't happen at too many 13.1 races.

Course Map.

The course took us around Soldier Field and then onto the LFP. Though the path can be narrow, i didn't notice too much congestion or problems. The path was clear of ice and there were a few puddles, but they were pretty easy to avoid. Any other issues on the path were clearly marked with a cone. 

I'm not great with math or figuring out pacing while on the run, but when I hit mile 10 and saw my time, I knew that I would be close to hitting a PR if I kept up with the pace I had. I figured if I did, it would be about a two minute PR (finishing at about 2:52). I was getting tired, but the idea of hitting a new PR, something I was aiming for this year, and doing it at my first race of the year, kept me motivated. 

I think this was around mile 9 or 10.

I finished and was UNDER 2:50. I was not expecting that at all. After I found my previous PR and looked up my official finish time, I ended with a new PR that beat my old one by 5:53. Whoa. I was really impressed with myself haha. The real goal I'm hoping to hit this year is under 2:45 so I can use it for proof of time for Dopey Challenge and get a better corral placement. I kept thinking about how much my pace needed to improve in order to get from my PR at the time down to 2:45 and it seemed daunting and impossible. This race/pace showed me that I CAN do it. I need to cut off about 3.5 more minutes, but I feel that will definitely be doable this year. Especially since I am working on getting my run intervals longer and cutting back on the walking.

I think another reason I was able to PR was that I went into the race with low expectations and no pressure. I just wanted to get through it not feeling miserable. When I have a goal race, I seem to put a lot of pressure on myself, for whatever reason, and end up failing hard... which leads to a lack of confidence. I need to learn how to not put so much pressure on a race and just run it and have fun, trust in the training, and hope that translates into the PRs I'm looking for.

At the finish line (after picking up my snacks - notice the bagel in hand haha.

At times the wind really cut through me (16–22mph winds/gusts), but it wasn't too bad. On the LPF there isn't anything to help cut the wind - no buildings or anything. It was about 26 degrees with a real feel of 16. I had my BUFF® to help cover my face when needed, and I think I dressed appropriately for the temps (I sometimes have trouble having too many or too less layers – it takes me a few months to hone in what works for me, and then it's spring haha. I typically try to follow this guide I have, but I usually run a little warmer so do a little less than it suggests). I took my gloves off at mile 1 and didn't need them again, though these two women around mile 9 were asking me where my gloves were haha. For whatever reason, my hands warm up when I run and are ok in 16 degree weather without gloves. It's strange because my hands are cold just about any other time.

At the finish line, you received your large 2017 finisher medal (half marathoners only), a full-sized bagel (multiple flavor options available), bottled water, bananas, Gatorade in cups, Muscle Milk, and crackers. 

I then waited for my mom to finish while cheering on the other runners. I wanted to be able to clap fully, so I didn't put my gloves on, which led to very cold hands. My mom was only a few minutes behind me, and the announcer was impressed with her age. She got a lot of cheers from people around for that, which was nice.

We went inside to warm up and I ran into a friend I met back in December at an ultra race that I went to cheer my friend Angie on at. We talked a bit and she convinced me to meet up with a group of ultra runners in February on the trails. Ahhhh what did I get myself into? Haha.

After we gave hugs and said our goodbyes, we headed to the Awards Table to see if my mom won anything. They looked up results and said 60–69 she was 5th place. Well, she is 70, so we were wondering why she was in the wrong age group, and then she looked again and said it was 60+. Ok, so we went home. I was so cold now being in my wet clothes, so I changed in the car and we drove home.

Official race photo. I only had two :(  This is towards the start.

Later, I was looking at the FAQ, and saw that he age groups should have been 60–64, 65–69, and 70+, so my mom actually should have gotten an award. A few days later they sent out an email saying photos were ready (free downloads!) and mentioned that there was a mistake with the age group awards (something to do with the timer and the initial upload) and that an updated list was now available. If you didn't get your award, you are able to go to the CARA office and pick it up. My small issue with this is I feel like since it was a mistake on their end, they should just mail them out. It would cost my mom more than what she won to get into the city to pick it up, so it's not really worth the time and effort. While I appreciate they give out so many awards for all of the male and female age groups of 5 years, it still kind of stinks that she has to go out of her way to go pick it up after she did try to get it at the awards table.

Anyway, with one minor complaint, I'll be back again next year. I really like the race and feel it's well-organized/managed and is unique in that we can stay warm before the race and warm back up after the race inside.

Mark and me before the race, the runners headed outside, me before the start,
me inside after the finish. Look at how bit the medal is!

There was an after party at Kroll's where you could grab your one free beer with your ticket from the bib (Pollyanna or Noon Whistle - both good craft breweries in Chicagoland) and a discount on food, but I had another engagement to get to, so wasn't able to attend. I heard it was hopping though.

What's next for me? I've got Back on My Feet Mardi Gras 10k on February 25 and then my main goal is training for Illinois Marathon in April.

Want to run either with me... or you know, your own race, but we'll both be there ;) you can use the below codes to save some dough.

Back on My Feet Mardi Gras Chaser 5k or 10k: code RAVE saves you $5. 

BONUS: Did you run the F^3 Lake Half Marathon? Run the BoMF Mardi Gras Chaser 10k and receive the Frozen Frostbitten Challenge medal!

Illinois Marathon: code bibravebonus saves you $10 on any race (excludes Youth Run)

f^3 lake half marathon and 5k info

Disclaimer: I received entry for F^3 Lake Half Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.

I've run in the F^3 Half Marathon the past two years and will be joining in again for my third consecutive year. It's a great race that looks to improve every year, which I appreciate. You can read my recaps from 2015 and 2016 if you're so inclined. The weather the past two years was actually pretty tame, so it'll be interesting to see what 2017 holds, as weather has been all over the place this winter. The good news is that if it's cold, you get to stay warm up until about 5 minutes till race time inside United Club at Soldier Field and then head back in right after the race. 

Discount Codes and Frozen Frostbitten Feet Challenge

Use code BIBRAVE17 to save $6 on the half marathon

Use code BIBRAVE175K to save $5 on the 5k

Register Here

Are you into challenges? F^3 has partnered up with Back on My Feet Chicago's Mardi Gras Chaser. Register and complete both the F^3 Half Marathon and the Mardi Gras Chaser 10k and you'll receive the Frozen Frosbitten Feet Challenge medal. (Psssst - save $5 on Mardi Gras Chaser 5k/10k with code RAVE, but remember, only the half and 10k count towards the challenge).

Packet Pickup Schedule

We have 6 days of packet pickup available, covering the City, the western burbs, the northern burbs and the southern burbs!

Here is the schedule:

Saturday, January 21, 2017  |  10:00 am – 6:00 pm 

Fleet Feet Sports – Old Town  |  1620 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

Sunday, January 22, 2017  |  11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fleet Feet Sports – Deerfield  |  800 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield IL 60015

Monday, January 23, 2017  |  10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Fleet Feet Sports – Oak Park  |  102 N Marion St, Oak Park IL 60301

Tuesday, January 24, 2017  |  4:00-7:00 pm

Running for Kicks  |  7158 W 127th St, Palos Heights IL 60463

Thursday, January 26, 2017  |  10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Fleet Feet Sports – Old Town  |  1620 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

Friday, January 27, 2017  |  10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Fleet Feet Sports – Old Town  |  1620 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

Get Ready for Race Day - Read our Race FAQs

Want to see the race day schedule? Change your packet pickup location? Change your race distance? Check out the website for all race details and FAQs!

New for 2017: Photo Booth!

F^3 partners at Physicians Immediate Care are providing a state of the art photo booth at this year’s race. You will have the ability to take and print unlimited photos from your phone. Photos will be available for pick up at the Physicians Immediate Care table located in the United club the day of the race! 

To get a personalized photo at the F3 Lake Half Marathon:

1. Follow @visitphysicians on Instagram
2. Take a photo using Instagram
3. Use the hashtag #visitphysicians in your caption
4. Pick up your photo at the hashtag printing station located at the Physicians Immediate Care booth

What Else Do I Get?

ALL runners will get a fantastic, soft, high quality, long-sleeve 1/4 zip shirt. Sourced directly from the USA! 

• Breathable, moisture-managing interlock fabric
• Fresh assurance with anti-bacterial treatment
• UV protection
• Ladies 1/4 zips have thumb holes!
• All 1/2 Marathon Finishers will get the exclusive 2017 GIANT chunky medal!

Other Race Features:

• FREE photography downloads
• Pre-and post-race events in the United Club at Soldier Field
• Results print outs inside the United Club
• Runner tracking
• Multiple days of packet pickup in the City and Suburbs with our new store partner, Fleet Feet Sports!
• Will Call Packet Pickup
• Hot chocolate and other warming goodies, provided by our sponsors
• Legendary post-race party at Kroll's! First beer on F^3!
• Bragging rights for life!

Newest Sponsors

We have some new sponsors on board who will be supplying post-race goodies for you at the finish line! From KIND Bars to Hummus to delicious hot cocoa, you'll have plenty to snack on while you show off your medal after the race! You've earned it! Plus, Kroll's is offering 20% off its entire menu for those who join the after party!

Partner Hotel - The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Coming from out of town? Or just want a really easy commute on race morning? F^3 have once again partnered with the Radisson-Blu hotel in downtown Chicago. The hotel is conveniently located for Soldier Field, just a short taxi away. The address is 221 N. Columbus, Chicago. The special room rate is just $129. Book by calling them and referencing "Half Marathon" - (312) 565-5BLU      

F^3's Legendary After Party

After you have raced on Saturday, January 28th, head on over to Kroll's for the after party! Kroll's is the closest bar to Soldier Field and is easily accessed on foot over the 18th Street Bridge. With the support of Red Arrow Tap Room, the race will be providing your first beer at Kroll's for free, from Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont and Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard. Kroll's is offering a generous 20% off its entire food menu!

Secure your spot - this race has sold out every year! 

(There is no race day registration.)

Code: BIBRAVE17 = $6 off the half marathon

Code: BIBRAVE175K = $5 off the 5k

Register Here

Photos: F^3 website