I guess some races are simply not meant for me to run. That's all I can assume after signing up, and having to skip, the Urbanathlon for the third time in three years. I'm not sure what it is about this race. I love the concept, and I have been excited to run it every year. But something always seems to come up that keeps me from making it to the starting line.
And it's a shame. If you're not familiar with the race, sponsored by Men's Health magazine,
let me share. It's just short of ten miles along the lakefront and Columbus Drive. Every couple of miles they set up obstacles ranging from rings to pull yourself through, walls to climb over, and taxi cabs to vault over. One of the highlights is climbing the stairs at Soldier Fields. It's a great way to put some fun and challenge into a nice run.
My wife Christine, and friends Tom Ahern and Dina Bair (left to right above) all got to run the race. They enjoyed a beautiful morning, had a great time, and finished the longest runs they have done all year. Congrats to all three!
Meantime, I opted to run early and hang with the kids. I believe the DCFS prefers that young children have some adult supervision. Which is not to say I missed out. It's hard to complain when I got to enjoy a nice ten miler close to home with friends from the Elmhurst Running Club. I was home in plenty of time to relieve our sitter, and was eating a big breakfast about the time my wife and the others were climbing over Cabs downtown.
It really is nice to run easily with friends, taking in the fall colors, on a crisp morning. My watch wasn't even working. Because the Prarie Path is marked, I know how far we ran, but I really don't know our pace. Or care. I just know it was comfortable. Several runners were back out for their first longer run since finishing last week's Chicago marathon. So there was plenty to talk about.
There will be more races. Plenty of them. But there may be few better fall mornings on the path than Saturday. And afterward, the chance to spend a little more time with the kids is always a treat. So I have no complaints.
And I can always sign up for next year's Urbanathlon. It couldn't happen four years in a row could it?
See you on the roads......
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