We've all seen those stories on the news about those crazy people who wait in line for several days to be among the first to see the latest 'Star Wars' movie. Or to get their 
hands on one of the first WII games, or I-phones. But when was the last time you saw people waiting breathlessly for midnight for the world premier of a running shoe?
Kind of crazy right? But more than 250 people crowded into the Fleet Feet store on Friday night starting at 11pm for the unveiling of the new line of UnderArmour running shoes and clothes. 250 people at midnight on a Friday night! That's crazy!
I know I'm crazy, because I wanted to be one of them. Unfortunately, I had to run 16 miles the next morning at 6:30, and I didn't think that was the best way to prepare. But the runners who made it out obviously let nothing, including the single digit temperatures, deter them.
They got a chance to try on the shoes, and even go for a run in them. And they got to be among the first anywhere to be able to buy them. Wearing blinking lights, the group went on a run along the lakefront path from the store. I'm sure some of the bar patrons along Wells were thinking they were seeing strange illusions as the pack of runners passed 
by!
I don't know how many of the runners were drawn to the event by the chance to see the UnderArmour shoes, or just by the chance to hang out with other crazy runners at a truly unique, fun event. I'm told they did sell several pairs of the shoes that night, and many more people gave them a test run. But this was the type of run that helps give the Chicago running community the great reputation we have!
As for the shoes, I have a pair of prototype UA running shoes, from a fashion show event at the store a few months ago. I've run a couple times in them, and they are comfortable, but a little stiff for my tastes. I'm not sure how the finished product is. Like most runners, I 
really can only run in a couple specific types of shoes, and these are not among them. But I'd be curious to hear what other runners think of them.
Anyway, the event lasted until 2am. So the runners were leaving the store just as the bars were closing. But they were feeling much more healthy! And while I was asleep for a couple hours by that point, I was missing out! I'll have to try not to let marathon training keep me from fun running events like this in the future!
One final note: The Shamrock Shuffle officially sold out late last week. 32,500 runners are signed up, and if you are not one of them, you are too late! I had a conversation with race director Carey Pinkowski earlier about the Shuffle, and a couple of wrinkles he's thrown into the race this year for the 30th anniversary. I'll share that conversation in my next entry. Til then, I'll see you on the roads....
Comments