Sunday's weather was really great for watching the Bulls playoff game inside the United Center, or in front of your TV in your warm den. It was not especially great weather for running a half marathon. It was cold, wet, and windy along the lakefront. But that apparently failed to discourage more than 4,300 runners who started the Magellan Chicago Spring Half Marathon. Kudos to all the finishers.
It was about 2:30 in the morning Sunday when I learned I had to bow out of the race. It wasn't related to the weather, but a family emergency. I wasn't too dissapointed, given the miserable weather, but it did eliminate an interesting challenge I was going to face. I had committed to do a live shot for ABC-7 from the finish line at 8:50 in the morning. The race started at 7. Considering my last half marathon time was 1:38, it was going to be a quick turn-around to say the least. Basically grab a drink, then grab a microphone and start talking. Oh yeah, and catch your breath. I'm kinda glad I didn't get to see how that worked out.
In any case, there are plenty of other races coming up. Too many fun ones to run, much less mention. The next one on my calendar is my Memorial day weekend tradition: The Soldier Field 10. If you haven't run this before, trust me, it's one of the best races on the calendar. When else would you get a chance to run on the field where the Bears play? And you need to sign up quickly, because I'm told registration is going to close this week. http://www.soldierfield10.com/htm/registration.html
When is the last time you ran all-out for a single mile? Not just part of a work-out or longer race, but just a fast mile? For me, it goes back to College. And I know I'm significantly slower these days, but I would be curious to find out how much. That's good reason to drive out to St.Charles for the street mile they are doing. http://www.footmechanicsmile.com/. They tell me they will have competition at all levels, from elite to turtle pace! If you are interested, You can win an entry by being the first to respond with the correct answers to this quiz.
1. Name the 2 time winner of the Chicago Marathon who died suddenly this week?
2. What television station did Oprah start her Chicago career?
3. Name one of the two women who have set the World record at the Chicago Marathon.
Good luck!
I also expect to offer a free entry to another exciting race next week. That race is the 13.1 half marathon on June 4th. If you want to take no chances, you can register now. Here's the info:
Registration is now open for the 13.1 Marathon® Chicago and Karhu 5K on Saturday, June 4, 2011 where the party meets the pavement. 5,000 runners will hit the streets at the 13.1 Marathon® Chicago, starting and ending at the South Shore Cultural Center.
Runners will enjoy a beautiful half-marathon course along the lakefront and the sounds of over 20 party stations while they run. At the finish line all runners will enjoy festivities with friends and family including live entertainment, food and refreshments. Register to be one of the first to start and finish 13.1 Marathon® Chicago. It isn't half of anything, it's a 13.1® mile race! The 5K will start 50 minutes after the 13.1 Marathon® Chicago and participants will begin from the same start line.
Register now for only $80 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5K because the event is limited to only 5,000 party-goers and will sell out fast. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=186959
See you on the roads.........
1. Wanjiru
2. OWN - Oprah Winfrey Network
3. Paula Radcliffe
* I've already registered for the Foot Mechanics Memorial Day Mile but thought I'd play anyway!
Posted by: Joy Sherrick | May 17, 2011 at 07:02 PM
1. Sammy Wanjiru
2. WLS-TV - Channel 7. Her show was called "A.M. Chicago", Steve Dahl was slated to be the first guest, but his appearance got cancelled last minute. I heard this tidbit on Steve's podcast, yesterday.
3. Catherine Ndereba
Posted by: Pete Beuscher | May 20, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Congrats Pete! You got the answers, and an entry to the Memorial Day Mile. I'll email you separately! I was especially impressed with the Catherine Ndereba answer. Paula Radcliffe was probably the easier one.
Posted by: John Garcia | May 24, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Thanks John. I'm looking forward to it. Pete
Posted by: Pete Beuscher | May 24, 2011 at 03:48 PM
John, an update on the Memorial Day Mile. It was quite a fun race. It had a downhill portion near the end so the anticipation of hitting the downhill was like that of being in a rollercoaster just before the drop. I did well, considering it was my first mile race, and I did not train for that distance. I even got my dad to enter. Thanks again, for the race entry. - Pete
Posted by: Pete Beuscher | June 03, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Pete, Glad you ran it well. I wish I could have made it!
Posted by: John Garcia | June 06, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Maybe next year! - Pete
Posted by: Pete Beuscher | June 09, 2011 at 02:38 PM