Into the Woods - A Little OFF

Tuesday: 5 miles

Tuesday night we met at a gorgeous wooded trail in our area – crushed limestone path, meandering creek. Here are a few of the folks that ran that night. We almost lost two of them.

Actually we did!

The trail winds around quite a bit and part of it is an island which is pretty small (0.30 miles around) but like Groundhogs Day, you can keep going round and round before you realize you are in the same place.

Hey, wait a minute, didn't we pass that a few minutes ago?

And in the woods every thing kinda looks the same…

Anyhoo, we went for burgers and beer afterwards. Except for the two ladies that got lost. We found them, but I don't think they were too happy :(

I plan to train more often on this trail for the half marathon I'm running on Labor Day - the back end of the race is in these woods. Lots of hills to practice on.

As you know, it can get pretty hot and humid in Chicagoland. 

humidity + woods = lots of bugs + lots of OFF

(and they said there would be no math)

The Perfect 10

I live in the best neighborhood with the best kind of people as neighbors and friends. Not only is everyone kind and supportive, we know how to have a good time.

There are block parties, a pumpkin carving party, a turkey bowl brunch, fundraisers, girls' nights out, bon fires....the list goes on.

And now we have a running team. 

Rachel (sweat sister) sent out an email, a hey this race looks fun The Perfect 10 Navy Pier 10k or 10 miler who wants to do it?

A little something for everyone.

Well, look at that group!

Rachel and I picked up packets (that is my part, we have a little routine, I pick up the packets for us, she drives us to the race). Friday she came with me and we had lunch at Riva's sitting in this perfect natural light, overlooking the pier and lake and skyline...ahhh. We could have been in a movie...

We truly are fortunate to live so close to the city, just beautiful.

(talk among yourselves...)

Anyway, Rachel coordinated rides and we were off to the races, as they say, dark and super early Saturday morning. (We like to give ourselves plenty of time to use the bathroom about a hundred and eight times before the race starts.)

RFM (running friend Mike) met us there too. This was the first race I have ever run where we weren't packed in at the start and it was fabulous. RFM and I moved close to the front of the line and were able to avoid most of the jockeying around people once the race started. We ran the first few miles together then settled into our own pace.

The course headed south from Navy Pier along the lake on the bike path. Gorgeous. The weather was on the cool side and sunny. Just the right temp to run in. I love taking in that moment, looking up and seeing the buildings, the water, the sky and thinking, wow, I'm running a race.

(talk among yourselves...)

Anyway, there were a lot of firsts for the group. First time running a 6 mile race, first time running a 10 mile race, first race ever, first race in the city...PRs for everyone!

Well, I am so happy to be a part of this experience with my friends. It was my first time doing a race with such a big group and I loved it.

It was also my first time running a 10 mile race. RFM and I agreed 10 miles is the perfect distance for a race. I ended up placing 4th in my age group!

Finishing time: 1:16

Avg mile time: 7:38

ps- pls excuse all typos today, my editor has the day off :)