united relay of america: group stage 318 recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry for the United Relay of America 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!

Richard, Mandie, Laura, me.

I wrote a post a while back about joining the United Relay of America, what it was all about, which you can read here. In short, it was a three route, non-stop relay from three different cities on the west coast, all which ended in NYC. It was the first of its kind, and I am honored to say I was a part of it. You can read my shorter review of my leg of the relay (which was the group stage in Chicago) over on BibRave.com.

Orange was required... so might as well go ALL out orange, right? :)

The Group Stage was taking place at Lakeshore East, and since it was a group stage, it looped back to end in the same place, to make it easier for a large group to run together and be a part of history in the making. It was scheduled to begin at 7:15am on Tuesday, May 24. We had received an email approximately a week out with the route information, meeting/start time, etc. All of the regular stages/legs of the relay were to maintain an 11 minute mile pace. This made me nervous, because 12:30 is usually the best I can manage. However, for the group stage, they allotted an hour time limit — I think this was to encourage other runners and walkers to join in on the fun.

The hand off from Stage 317 to 318. Photo courtesy of Richard.

I believe it cost $50 to run a regular stage and $25 for the group stage. With that came a free t-shirt (plus $5 shipping) — they sent a code via email so you could go pick it out. The free shirt was the cotton, but they also were selling tech shirts and sweatshirts. Though blue is my favorite color, I chose to stick with representing my Red Route with the red shirt. I got my free one and also purchased a tech shirt to run in so I could help spread the word. With registration they requested you choose the charity you'd like to fundraise for. Fundraising had no minimum requirement and wasn't something everyone HAD to do, but there were so many great charity options, putting it out there that you were raising money for them didn't do any harm.

Stage 318 getting ready to run! Photo courtesy of Richard.

Run Laura, run!

Running along the lakefront with Laura and Richard.

I pre-purchased my parking in a nearby lot the night before, since being a workday, I figured parking could be messy. Sure, it's plentiful in the Millenium Park lots, but it also costs $30–40. No thanks. I scored parking about .5 away for $15.

Erica and myself.

I knew driving into the city would be a bit of a mess, but I left my house at 5:45 thinking I'd have plenty of time. Wrong. So. much. traffic. The time on Google maps directions kept increasing. I might be late. Luckily, I parked and made it over there with 5 minutes to spare. Weather was beautiful It was a clear day (sunny) in Chicago and about 70 degrees. It was pretty warm when running, but I don't think we could have asked for much better at the end of May.

Yay! I got to carry the baton! 

When I got there, I met Laura, who had come in the day before to help with the crew, and Richard, who had been crewing since the start of the Red Route in Seattle. The runner of the previous stage was just getting in, but it turned out that another runner had contacted Richard and was going to be late. They had some cycling stages coming up, so Richard asked if I was rushed for time and if it was ok to wait for everyone before starting. I was working from home that day, so though I did need to get back eventually, I wasn't too pressed for time.

At Buckingham Fountain.

Richard and I talked a bit while waiting for everyone, and eventually a large pack met up with us. It included Mandie (the runner of stage 317 which was 11 miles), Laura, Josh, his parents, and Erica. We all said hellos, took some photos, chatted briefly, and figured out who was running with who. It's always so funny talking with other runners – you might recognize them, but have to ask what their blog is or what their social media handles are and then it's, 'Ohhh I follow you already!' haha. Erica and Josh were fast, so they took the baton and were off. Mandie and Laura agreed to do run/walk intervals with me and go slower. I told them they didn't have to run with me and to go their own speed, since I knew my way, but they were so sweet and refused to go on their own.

Richard, Mandie, Laura, me, Erica.

About .25 of a mile in, Richard joined us for the remainder of the run. We all chatted and got to know one another, and took a bunch of photos. Sometimes we stopped to get a nice Lakefront image, other times we all took turns taking photos while running. It was such a fun, laid back group. 

The United Relay Red Route baton in Chicago. Courtesy photo of
Erica, Josh, and/or Richard. Not sure who took it, but it's Josh's hand haha.

Instead of following the route that had been created, we kind of just ran where we pleased. It was originally from Lakeshore East Park East, down Lake Shore Drive (sidewalk), around the Shedd Aquarium, and then coming back down on the Path. We decided to go down in the shade on the path in the middle, then we met Josh on the north side of the Aquarium, we grabbed the baton from him, and then we proceeded to take the 'path' that's down right on the Lake to the end of the Aquarium. At the part that ended, instead of heading east down it, we found a walk through in the fence on the upper part near the street going towards the Planetarium, walked to the other part of the path, and took that back. We then met up again with Josh and his parents (his parents had walked to the Shedd and then they stopped to wait for us), walked over to Buckingham Fountain for photos, and then we all walked back to the start together. It ended up being about 3.58 miles. The route is a little weird to explain with all the different Lake Front Paths in the area, but here's my Garmin map if it helps. We all took turns with the baton.

United Relay of America Group Stage 318
of Red Route – my Garmin Watch map.

It was such a great time getting to talk to fellow runners, who may have started out as strangers, but quickly felt like old friends. It's part of the reason I love the running community — everyone is SO friendly, supportive, kind, and enthusiastic about the sport. We of course all exchanged social media handles to make sure we were following each other and then I may have friended them on Facebook when I got home. With 'normal' people that might seem weird, but I don't think runners think anything of it. You meet once and you're pals instantly.

Red Route Stage 318 on the Lake Front Path. Photo courtesy of Laura/Richard.

When we made it back to the park, we all gave hugs and good lucks to everyone continuing on. Josh was taking the next relay leg (he had already done a few a day or two earlier) and Richard was biking alongside him. I met Ben, the other Red Route crew member, who had taken the hour or so to take a quick nap. Mad props to all of the crew members for all three routes. I don't know how they made it through all of those weeks with barely any sleep, and still continued to be so pleasant. Fantastic.

Mandie, Laura, me. Towards the end of our journey. SO MUCH FUN!

Being the first year for United Relay of America there were a few hiccups I'm sure – originally it started out as running only, but when so many of the stages weren't filling up, they included cycling as well. Hopefully through good word of mouth, more runners will register. I really enjoyed my time, and hope that when next year rolls around I can manage the time to run more legs, but I'd definitely want to participate in the group stage, too. I hope you'll look into next year and join in. You'll make some great new friends and have a lot of fun.

The hand off from Stage 318 to Stage 319. Josh's parents to Josh. They were so cute.

chicago marathon training: week 2

Week 2 of Chicago Marathon Training
Monday, May 23: Strength Training Week 5, workout 1
Tuesday, May 24: United Relay 5k - Group Stage 318
Wednesday, May 25: Strength Training Week 5, workout 2
Thursday, May 26: Medium run, 8 miles at CP; 1:49:56
Friday, May 27: Medium run, 6 miles at CP;  1:23:53
Saturday, May 28: Soldier Field 10 Mile; (10.10 via Garmin) 2:25:23
Sunday, May 29: Rest Day

Week Total Mileage: 27.69 
Marathon Training Mileage: 56.14
YTD: 426.32

This was a super busy, fun week as far as running goes (and work too, but that's not always as fun). 

My coach from Sweat Tracker was actually in town for a conference, so Monday night I went into the city to have dinner with her. It was so great to meet her in person. We talked running, upcoming strategies, and life. I feel like having met in person we have strengthened our bond as coach/running student and it's awesome. Something about talking with someone face-to-face adds to the relationship (duh). Also, she agreed to meet for pizza, so I mean... she's super cool.

Coach Val and I at Gino's East :)

Two days after running the Chicago Spring Half Marathon, I was back where that finished at The Park at Lakeshore East to take part in the United Relay Group Stage 5k. Little did I know I'd make some new, awesome friends and have a BLAST. 

I'll have a blog recap soon about the Relay, but you can read my initial post on it when I first registered if you're interested in reading what it was all about. 

It turned into a very laid back 5k, as about half way through we decided to stop and take photos, meet up with some of the other runners, and then stopped for group photos by Buckingham Fountain... and then walked back to the park. The crew had some time to kill, knowing that some of the legs coming up were cycling, so time would be made up then. Seriously, I had so so so much fun and really look forward to running again next year (and hopefully being available to do more legs!). Here's my BibRave review.

So much fun at the United Relay of America Chicago Group Stage!

Strength training has been getting tougher each week, naturally. It takes longer to complete each workout, approximately 30 minutes as apposed to the beginning few weeks which were about 15–20 — this is of course when you are beginning to learn all of the different exercises, and then as weeks progress you up the reps and add in advanced forms. I never though I could sweat so much using nothing but my body weight and occasionally a medicine ball or small weights. I'm going to be honest with you. I have very weak arms (part of the reason strength training was needed — I think you remember I've also mentioned my weak core haha). Anyway, I'd been using 3 pound weights when weights were needed, and a 5 pound medicine ball. I attempted 5 pound weights this week, and let me tell you. OW. After about 15 reps my arms were killing me. Maybe I need more time before jumping up more... :-/ (embarrassing!).

Thursday was a medium run with 8 miles. I ended with an average pace of 13:44. Not horrible for that distance, for me. I'm still trying to get used to this summer weather... it could take all summer haha.The humidity is just so draining — dehydrating you no matter how much water/electrolytes you're drinking and your body can't cool off because the sweat doesn't evaporate. Woof.

Thursday I also headed to Fleet Feet Chicago to grab packets for the Soldier Field 10 Mile on Saturday. While there, I grabbed some new gear (sports bras and shorts) while they were having a sale, and my pal Mike helped fit me for some new shoes. I love my Nike Lunarglide, but I needed another shoe to alternate with when I have back to back runs. While I could probably get away with more Lunarglide, I thought I'd give another style a shot. I ended with the New Balance Vongos. I'll keep you updated on how those go. For now, I'll just be wearing them for errands and walking, then some short runs to break them in.

Friday was a 6 mile day. I had a 13:59 pace on this run. I was not feeling the heat and was feeling so drained early on. I walked the last half mile of this run because I was starting to feel sick, but I refused to not get in my 6 miles.

Saturday was race day! I had a BLAST meeting up with so many friends at this race — Angie, Josh, Rachel and her husband Mike, Eric, and Jacob. We took some fun photos (naturally), and all headed our separate ways for race time. I'll have a full recap eventually (I have so many to catch up on), but it was fun. In the meantime you can read my BibRave review. Mom and I ran/walked 30/90 intervals. Again, the heat was not my friend come mile 6ish, but we kept on truckin'.

Two of my best buds - Josh and Angie.

Sunday was a welcomed rest day. I had the whole day free, and though my intentions were to do laundry and cleaning, my husband convinced me it was worth skipping to sit outside with the dogs on our back porch. It was warm out, but in the shade it was lovely because there was a breeze. Though some pesky bees kept bothering us (and our dogs attempting to eat said bees), it was nice to just relax for once. We shared some new brews and chatted.

I hope you guys don't mind my week in review gets written nearly a week after the fact haha. I've been busy with work and running and life in general, so it's just the way it is ;)

How is your training going? What's your big upcoming race?

calling all runners to join the united relay!

Disclaimer: I received an entry for the United Relay of America 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!

The United Relay of America is the world's first non-stop running relay setting off from Seattle (April 27), San Francisco (May 4) and Los Angeles (May 8), joining together in New York City (June 4). Those who want to make a difference for communities across the globe are hitting the pavement to fundraise for things like youth education, ending gender discrimination or providing safe homes for orphans, as part of three incredible unbroken chains of runners stretching from the West to the East coast.

Most organized runs take place on closed courses, but the United Relay’s three legs will take an estimated 9,000 runners on roadside courses, during all hours and conditions — a situation that could be potentially unsafe. We’re getting involved to ensure participants are running safely as they pass the batons, day and night, joined together in their causes.

As a BibRave Pro, I am trying to help raise awareness of the event, and help sign up as many runners as possible to keep these chains unbroken. 10,000 miles is a lot of land to cover, and it’s very likely that the United Relay will be running right through your city! 100% of proceeds raised by runners go directly toward the associated charities, and AfterShokz has also committed 5% of every purchase made by the United Relay runners and their sponsors to go to these charities. 

As the title sponsor of this event, it’s Aftershokz mission to keep runners safe with the open ear design of their headphones, while also giving back in a big way as this event makes history. The power of the Aftershokz brand lies in a single key concept: be open. Their missions are safety and comfort. And, more importantly, staying connected—from your music to your moments—without compromise. (PS If you are interested in getting some Aftershokz (I recommend the Trekz Titanium), you can get 20% your purchase with code BIBRAVE20.)

Doesn't this sound like a worthwhile cause? Would you please take a moment and look into the routes, and see if any are near you? I would love to get more runners registered to run a leg, so that we can keep the chain unbroken! There are also some fun group stages happening in large cities (like in Chicago), in which larger groups will run together. I'll be at Group Stage 318 (Team Red) which is a 3.5 mile run at Lakeshore East. We have other Pros running a legs in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri, and I'm sure some other places that I'm missing. Won't you consider joining us? It would be fun to hand off a baton to a new friend :)

Registration is $50 for a standard stage and $25 for a group stage. Registration fee will be used to cover the organizational costs of the United Relay of America with any surplus donated to the charity partners (based off of a list given during registration). Causes/charities include: Oxfam America, Keep a Child Alive, All Out, Arms Around The Child, War Child, The Trevor Project, Girl Rising, David Lynch Foundation, Boston Children's Hospital, Seattle Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, McConnell International Foundation, and Concern Universal. You can find out more about these charities here. Honestly, it's hard to choose just one. All pledges and donations made will be passed on to the beneficiary charities to help change the lives of children, families, and communities around the world.

I've decided to help raise money for All Out, a campaign for equality for LGBTQ people everywhere. All Out is building a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love. I believe in equality, whether you're straight, bi, transgender - whatever. We are all humans and deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.

Some common questions:

Who can run a stage?
Anyone can run, provided they're able to maintain an average pace of 11 minutes per mile for the duration of the stage. Under 18s must run with an adult and have signed authorization.

Do I have to fundraise as well?
Fundraising is not compulsory, but we hope that every runner who takes part will set a fundraising target of at least $300. If you do not hit your target you will not be charged. Runners can collect sponsorship pledges via their United Relay of America personal profile page.

Who decides my route?
The first runner to sign up for a standard stage becomes the lead runner. It is their responsibility to plan the route between the start and finish points for that stage.

Read all FAQ here.

Any donation would be GREATLY appreciated. My target goal is $300, but it would be so awesome if I could pass that. You can visit my page here to read about All Out or to donate.

Runners can sign up and get more info about the event here: https://unitedrelay.org

My personal United Relay fundraising page

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