Sweet Home Chicago. United Airlines Hub Race #3

Baby don't you wanna go?

And you did.

What a weekend.

This was my first time hosting the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon as I had just moved here last year and was still getting settled then.  But over a year here, I was ready to showcase why this city is one of the best in the United States!

A view from my Summer office

It was a hot summer here, and I mean HOT!  This former San Franciscan is used to turning the heater on in July (yes, really), but now I own an air conditioner and definitely turned it on for this weekend!

With forecasts of 95 degrees and higher for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Rock 'n' Roll decided to cancel the 5K, a decision that was not easy, I'm sure, but one that I support.  I'd been working a Summer Job with one of the Architecture Cruises and even just BEING outside all day was testing my resilience, I can't imagine actually running in this heat.

My friend, Ryan Romero, was running the race weekend as well and I offered up my sofa for him.  We had met through the RnR Series and a wonderful friendship has developed.  Ryan runs for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has been an integral part of the HUGE amount of funds raised this year to help their cause.

Borrowing Ryan's medal for my picture.
I won't wear mine until I run all five hubs.

Now that I've worn it, not giving it back...

Since we couldn't run the 5K Saturday morning, Ryan and I decided to sleep in and then wander the city.  We walked all over and ended up at the 90-Minute Architecture Tour where I worked.

Marcos and Aracelli were determined
to earn the HoF medal.  Did they...?

My boss offered half price tickets to all my friends, so we went for a ride.  Any of the tours offered along the river are amazing, but I work on one that leaves from the South Side and is about 15 minutes longer than the River North departures.  A little cheaper too.  Look for discounts on Groupon once they start running again this year and maybe I'll see you on the boat!

Can't come to Chicago without a pic at The Bean

We stopped by the expo where we said hello to the usual crew and met a couple who were determined to earn the RnR HoF medal this year.  I'm surprised I had never met them before...I wonder what other races they will do...stay tuned and you will see!!!

We ran into our friend, Ilya Sandoval, owner of InstaRunners and as we were leaving the expo, the sky opened up for a Chicago Summer Thunderstorm.

Of course we got drenched.

We were hungry and still wanted a bit of touristy things, so we headed back to The Loop.  Lunch, some pics, and we were off for the rest of the day.  And because we wandered the city for a few miles, we felt we earned our 5K medals even though the race was cancelled.



Race Day started like all the others--waaaay too early in the morning because I never sleep the night before.  We hopped in an Uber and within 7 minutes were at the race.

The one, the only, Kathrine Switzer

I highly recommend investing in VIP at this race.  Chicago weather changes by the minute, and if it is 78 and sunny at the beginning of the race, an hour later it can be pouring down rain and then when the sun comes back out, it's 90 degrees and 90% humidity.  I've had it all at this race and having a VIP pass not only means you have food pre and post race, it means your things will stay dry in gear check, you have a private, dry place to change, and there are always clean port-o-potties with all the amenities you might need.  The past three years I've had to fly out right after the race, and having my backpack easily available so I could change and dash to the airport has been worth every penny!

The race itself was its usual fun festivities.  Running through downtown is always a treat and gives you a perspective of how beautiful the architecture is as well as how proud its citizens are of the city and especially their flag!  As a new resident, I made sure and had a proper running outfit made by my friend at So-Sew Running Apparel who custom made my running skirt for me.  I'm definitely a Chicagoan now!!

Countless volunteers out keeping us hydrated and pumped up!

After turning south for the last 10K, I was reminded why I love Chicago and I love this race.  Everyone was out in the streets celebrating and cheering us along.  The route turns towards the lake at 31st street and we were thankful for the extra water and snack stations along the way to it.  I'm not sure if these stops were official RnR stations, but it seemed that there were a lot more aid stations than usual this year which is a testament to the wonderful people in these neighborhoods.  The South Side is truly the Best Side!!!  OK...I live here, maybe I'm biased, but seeing my neighbors along the course whom I regularly share my commute with and see at the markets really gave me the extra push to keep going in this heat.  Because it was HOT.

Last three miles...I can do this.  We were along the Lakefront Trail, which is part of my usual morning strolls, so I knew what to expect.  Past the harbor, under McCormick Place and we're 1.5 miles from the finish line.

Except that when I popped up from McCormick Place, there was a runner down.  I looked to the left and saw a man on his back and a few people kneeling over him giving him CPR.  My brain and body both stopped at that moment, and the Event Manager in me kicked in.  Instinctively, I surveyed the surroundings, saw that there were people giving him aid and made sure that the closest First Responder knew what was going on.  He did.  The paramedics were on the way.  I stayed long enough to make sure the ambulance had a path clear of runners to get to the man so they could take over for the runners who were giving this man everything they had.  Knowing that I couldn't help any more, I continued on, constantly wondering if this man would be OK and sending every positive thought I had in his direction.

Finally...a hot one!

Bacon, cookies and mimosas!

I crossed the finish line, collected my multiple medals and went to the VIP section to relax and refuel.  As I normally fly out right after the race, it was a treat to be able to stay and enjoy all the little things that make VIP worth the price, namely bacon and cookies.  Yes, that's right.  Two of my favorite things are always at the Chicago RnR VIP--bacon and decorated sugar cookies.  Soooo yummy.



I was still very concerned about the man I saw and tried to find out more information about his condition.  Apparently, he was one of two people who had collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.  So scary.  I also found out that a member of my running team was one of the ones giving CPR until the paramedics arrived.  I wasn't surprised at all, that's what we do.  Times, finish lines, medals...they don't matter when there is a runner down.  We're family, even if we're strangers, and family takes care of each other.

Flying the Friendly Skies

We wrapped up the post race festivities and headed back to my house.  Both Ryan and I were flying out the next day so it was an early night for us both.  The next morning I was treated to a First Class upgrade on United--part of those Premier 1K perks that I love so much and keep me loyal to my airline.  I still don't know what happened to the runner who collapsed during the race, but I think of him every time I go past that spot at McCormick Place and hope he is doing well.

United Airlines Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Hub #3 of 5 complete.  Bring on Denver!!!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you get to run a race in your Hometown.