Lightning!

I enjoy running in just about any weather.  Sometimes the more difficult the conditions are outside, the more satisfying the run.  I've documented runs in this space in the wind, rain, snow, extreme heat, and extreme cold.  Just about everything I can think of.  It's kind of a badge of honor for my strange group of running friends.  We don't let the conditions get in the way of our training plans.  Except for lightning.

When I woke up early this morning to overcast skies, and light drizzle, I really didn't think much about it.  I put contact lenses on, rather than wearing my glasses in the rain, but that's about the only concession I made to the anticipated conditions.

My wife and I were heading out to a really great 5k starting near Montrose Beach.  It's the March on Melanoma, sponsored by the Melanoma research foundation.  When I say it's a really great run, it's because of the cause, and the people involved.  The race itself is nice, just like lots of other 5k races on virtually the same course along the lake in that location.  But after running it for the first time last year, at the behest of WGN anchor Dina Bair, we discovered a really nice group of people committed to finding better treatment options, and ultimately a cure for melanoma.  And we learned that it's a type of cancer that too often goes undetected for quite a while and claims a large number of younger victims.

Dina is a melanoma survivor as well as a persuasive spokesperson for the race.  She not only made eloquent remarks on stage, but she convinced us to come out again this year, despite the late night celebration we had planned on Saturday night for my wife's birthday.  Admittedly, it didn't feel especially nice when the alarm clock went off in the morning, but by the time we arrived a short time before the scheduled start, we were looking forward to a nice run.  Dina also rounded up some of our other media racing teammates, who were there as well.

We probably could have stayed in bed.  Right when we got out of the car, we saw a bolt of lightning light up the sky over the lake.  That's a bad sign.  We went to pick up our race numbers to find runners carrying umbrellas or hovering under tents to avoid the rain.  After we picked up our race numbers we learned they were going to have to delay the race until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. 

The storm that hovered over the city was apparently going nowhere fast, which meant a long wait for the eventual start of the race.  But I heard no complaints.  Everyone saw the lightning, and I believe, everyone realized how dangerous it can be to run in those conditions.  Race organizers really had no difficult decision to make, but they made the right one regardless.

It's a shame for the organization, though I believe their important fundraising effort is probably unaffected by the cancellation of the race.  I don't think anyone asked for their money back.  And these race organizers weren't alone.  Most other races in the area also had to be cancelled, including another that is close to our hearts, The Run for Hunger in Elmhurst.

So after waiting it out for about 45 minutes, we headed home.  And by the time we got back to the western suburbs, the skies had started to clear, and the weather was just about perfect for a run.  So that's what we did.  Timing is everything I guess. 

See you on the roads...... 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

[Chrissy Ruby]

I think its great to advocate awareness of great causes with your blog and I have a suggestion for an amazing opportunity for Chicago runners to give back.
Below is information about volunteer opportunities for this summer-to-fall with the Health STARRS 5K Running Program.

The 2010 summer program, staffed by community volunteers culminated with the group of children running the Blackhawks 5K!! The goal this year will be to have the children ready for the Blackhawks Mad Dash to Madison 5K on Saturday, September 17!!!

What we really need are more volunteers to attend our training sessions each week. This past week, we had a record number of 60 children participate and only seven volunteers! Our goal is to have 20 volunteers at every training session to ensure safety for all of the children.

Running Program Overview:
The program takes place on Sundays at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. from July 10 – September 25, 2011 at Ellen Gates Starr Park in West Town (Washington & Oakley). We need volunteers who can commit to attending once a week. The park is accessible via public transportation and parking is readily available in the neighborhood. Volunteers are not limited to coming only Sundays or Tuesday! They can come to as much as they want.

Helpful Links:
NDN Website: http://www.ndncdc.org/
NDN Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Neighbors-Development-Network/114561853912
Running Program YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uaqND5B9WQ

For questions or to sign-up please contact Meggan Runner (meggan.runner@gmail.com)

Thank you for sharing this!

[5k]

Yay! What a great time!!

[Pandora Bracelets]

I love your blog very much, more more info, I will concern it again!