Rockin!

As we walked to the starting area Sunday morning for the Rock-N-Roll Chicago half marathon, it felt like we had jumped ahead a couple months to the the Chicago marathon.  They use the same starting line in the first place, so geographically it seemed the same, but it also just felt electric, and huge!  There were runners everywhere!  They sold out the race with 25,000 entrants quite a while ago, so who knows how many runners they could have attracted, but I was one of the fortunate ones with a number.

Truth be told, I've been in the midst of a bit of a 'summer vacation' from training, meaning I've cut back on my mileage, and have done no speed work for a month.  So I had no high expectations of running a fast time here, but with all the hoopla surrounding it, this was not an experience I wanted to miss.

First off, there's the bands scattered along the course, more than one every mile, to keep you going.  They also have cheerleaders set up at various points, and in the first half, which is mostly in the loop, there are lots of family and friends cheering you on.  Then, after the race, there's a reward:  A big concert with headliner, Five for Fighting. It's fun to run small races as I've been doing for the  last couple months, but it's also fun to take part in a 'big event race' like this every once in awhile.

I started off running with my friend Greg, right on pace to run just under 1:40, but after about five miles, already drenched with sweat, I realized this was going to be a day when just finishing would be a victory for me.  We managed to finish in one piece in just over 1:45, and couldn't remember the last time we were as excited to see a finish line.  But our experience makes the performances by male and female winners Patrick Rizzo and Tera Moody even more impressive.

Moody and Rizzo are both from the area, both great high school runners, and both now live and train in Colorado.  Both also used the race as a part of their training for the Chicago marathon in October.   Moody is from St. Charles and represented the U.S. in the World Championships last year in the marathon.  Rizzo ran at division III powerhouse, North Central College in Naperville, where he was an All-American several times over.  I had a chance to chat with him and American 50k record-holder Josh Cox after the race.  Josh was in town meeting with fans sponsored by Nissan.  You can see the interview here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7588317

Oh, and after you watch Josh's interview, you might like to check out the website Nissan has set up for him and some of his training partners.  There's some great stuff on it.  Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/mastertheshift#!/mastertheshift?v=info

 

The rock and roll series races are in 14 cities around the country, and their second year in Chicago.  Judging by the numbers, it's a huge success here.  It is more of a people's race.  They bring in some elite runners, but the prize money is not huge, and that's not really the focus.  I believe they brought in more 'celebrities' than elite runners, including several stars from 'The Bachelor' and as one of the stars of the series 'The Gates' on ABC, Andrea Powell.  She has done triathlons, and finished this race as a tribute to her father who died of Cancer.  The race benefited the American Cancer Society, which raised more than $400,000 from pledges here.

Today Show weatherman Al Roker even ran.  It was the furthest he's ever run, but he finished.  I saw him icing his knees in the VIP tent afterward, even as he signed autographs and posed for pictures. 
The organizers really cater t o the average runner, trying to make it a memorable experience for everyone.  That was definitely how it felt out on the course, and afterward enjoying the concert with the other runners.   And for me, it served as the end of my 'summer hiatus'.  I've to get focused again on a big event I've got coming up in a few weeks, the Hood to Coast relay.  I'll be writing more on that in the near future.  In the meantime, if you're in the area, check out the event below on Thursday. 

And I'll see you on the roads......

Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosity at The Runner’s Soul La Grange

Come one come all to The Runner’s Soul – La Grange August 4^th, 2010 from 4-8pm.  This one of a kind Shoe-a-polooza Carnival will “feet-ure” The Brooks Run Happy® Cavalcade of Curiosities.  Runners of all ages, skill levels, shapes and sizes will be entertained, educated and awed by the Cavalcade, which is highlighted by a custom double-decker British bus featuring free running gait analysis on the upper level and an Arcade of Oddities on the lower level. The Arcade of Oddities "museum" displays running wonders such as the world’s biggest shoe, the legendary “Bunion Boy’s” malady preserved and pulsating in a jar, and other strange and memorable exhibits. Don’t miss the non-stop excitement at The Runner’s Soul- La Grange.  Free gait analysis, product trial and try to walk on water in the Brooks DNA demonstration.  Every visitor will receive a free gift and be entered to win a trip for two to a 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon event of your  choice!  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Experience our carnival atmosphere with a host of additional fun activities including: guess your body weight, meet the Yogi, circus midway shoe toss, fun house shoe mirror and much more. Enjoy complimentary popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs.  Fun for the whole family.  Call The Runner’s Soul La Grange today to reserve your time for free gait analysis.  The Runner’s Soul, 5 South La Grange Road, La Grange Illinois.  For more information call 708-354-7685

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[Sarah]

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