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.

DECEMBER ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON SALE!!

Hall of Fame 2019!

Hello Everyone!!

I'm just getting back from the Rock 'n' Roll Cancun where I earned my Hall of Fame medal!  That's 15 races of at least a half marathon or more completed!

This is my fourth year earning this amazing accomplishment and I can't wait to sign up for more races next year!

Do you want to run some RnR races with me in 2020?  You're in luck!


Rock 'n' Roll is having it's greatest sale of the year again on December 11th!  Starting at midnight PST, register for the best pricing of the year on individual races, or do like I do and get a TourPass and decided later which races to pick!

Trouble deciding?  Check out my Five favorite RnR races and get some inspiration!


Set your alarms to get the best prices and click below to register!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SALE!!

And don't forget to register for the Heavy Medals 2020 program to earn all that extra BLING!

See you on the course!!!

Hall of Fame 2018

Hall of Fame 2017

Hall of Fame 2016

Oh, the places you will go---With a Rock 'n' Roll TourPass!

For those of you who follow my blog, you know I've run races all over North America and Europe, especially Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series races.

Black Sheep Run RnR Virginia Beach

Most of the Rock 'n' Roll races are in The United States, and I've run just about every city they offer.  Many of these cities I would never have been to if it weren't for a race there, such as Virginia Beach and Savannah.  Many of them I frequent for work such as Las Vegas and Denver and enjoy actually seeing more than an airport and convention center.

    

Lots of bling at RnR Montreal!

Then there are the international races.  It's no secret I love these just as much as the domestic races.  OK, maybe a little more... I definitely would never have visited these places if there was not a RnR race there.

I've been to:

• Dublin
• Liverpool
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• Mexico City
• Oaxaca
• Lisbon

And next week I leave for Chengdu, China!

Flying back from the RnR Liverpool
on one of the last United 747 flights

The costs associated with all these races can be quite high, so I look for savings wherever I can.  I've stayed in hostels, overnighted on an airport floor, red-eyed into a race, and found other creative ways to budget.  I fly United Airlines or one of their Star Alliance partners whenever possible to enjoy the perks of loyalty.  As a Mileage Plus Premier 1K member, I always get a complimentary meal or snack on the plane, depending on the length of the flight, even if I don't get upgraded.  I'm a United Club member, so I try and plan my flights to get a meal upon landing and again on the way home.  I fly 70-100 flights a year, and the cost of coffee and a bagel or soup and salad can add up!

And then there are the registration fees!!  We all know how much they can be, and the closer a race gets, the higher the registration fees go.  Many times I don't know what races I can do until a month or so before, and that can be where the biggest dent will be in my wallet.  For example, the 2019 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon is $175 right now.  OUCH!!

But don't worry--Rock 'n' Roll has a solution for those of us who want to do multiple races and still be able to afford it.  It's called a Rock 'n' Roll TourPass and there is one for every budget.  The TourPass is offered in three tiers:

I was running the RnR Chicago
long before I moved here

   3 Pack TourPass
   10 Pack TourPass
   Unlimited TourPass




RIGHT NOW until NOVEMBER 17th the 3 Pack TourPass is only $199!!  After the 17th, the price will go up.  It will still be a great deal, but if you can lock in a price on three races NOW, do it!  As I said,  the 2019 RnR Las Vegas is currently $175, so someone who purchased a TourPass for 2019 and didn't use the registration code until a month ago (yep, that's me) is saving a significant amount of money!

Here's an example...Maybe you want to run these three races next year, and here are the current prices:

RnR New Orleans  Half--$99  Full--$110
RnR DC  Half--$99  Full--$110
RnR Nashville  Half--$99  Full--$105

So you would spend between $297 and $325 depending on which distance.
But with the  3 Pack TourPass, you would only pay $199!!  Now that's a significant savings.  With the 10 Pack and Unlimited, the savings will be even more!

And remember, registration costs go up as the race date approaches.  So if you don't know which 3, 10 or even 15 races you want to do in 2020, buy a TourPass NOW and decide later!

One weekend, lots of bling!

Always love RnR Dublin

Also, if you like as many medals as you can earn in a weekend, I suggest getting the 10-Pack or the Unlimited and completing a Remix Challenge--running multiple races at one location--where you can earn at least 3x the amount of medals as just running one race.  One race I took home SEVEN medals.  TSA just looooved me, lol.

 Do it!!!  Run for The Bling!!



I never would have been able to see all the places I've been to if it weren't for Rock 'n' Roll.  And I certainly would never have been able to afford it.  I bought my first TourPass the day I signed up for my first Rock 'n' Roll race and have made sure I get one every year since!

Remember--get your 3 Pack TourPass before the price goes up on November 17th.  And let me know what three races you choose.  Chances are I'll be there too!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you can do the things you love and save money at the same time!

RnR Lisbon

RnR Dallas in the morning
RnR Mexico City that night!

RnR DC after taking a redeye from San Francisco

RnR San Francisco
Still my PR!

My favorite race--RnR Liverpool

Rock 'n' Roll DC--United Airlines Hub Race #1

Ohhhh....DC.  I love visiting there, but my asthma sure doesn't!

The Rock 'n' Roll DC has always been dear to me.  It was one of the first RnR races I had ever run, and if you have followed me over the years, you know how I love taking a redeye from SFO into IAD, leaving my luggage at the airport, taking an Uber to the start line, running, then taking an Uber back to IAD and flying out.  Always a challenge, and always an adrenaline thrill...  If you are new to my DC adventures every year, catch up here.

Pre-race VIP with United Flight Crew

This year, again, I was taking the redeye in from SFO with the usual plan of leaving my bags at Baggage Claim and taking an Uber back and forth to the race.

But this time I recruited another!!!!  Nichole and I had been running the Rock 'n' Roll races for some time and she, along with Sherry Ricker (see our story here) are trying to run EVERY Rock 'n' Roll race possible in 2019.  She was flying from LAX and agreed to meet me at Baggage Claim so we could Uber together.  Yay!  An accomplice!!!

Proud to run every race with Joe Harris, former Marine Veteran
and the BEST RnR spokesperson one could ask for!

As usual, the race was cold, but not below freezing, thank goodness.  While this was good for my fingers and feet, it was bad for my asthma as my trigger is tree pollen and the counts had already been high in San Francisco and Las Vegas where I had been the past month working.  I had my inhaler with me and was covered in an itchy rash on my ears, neck and chest from all the pollen that I had been exposed to already and knew the beautiful Cherry Blossoms were starting to bloom.

Well...whatever.  I came to finish a race, so I toed the line ready to go!

After four years running this race, I am still moved to tears by The Blue Mile.  Of all the RnR races I do, this is perhaps the most meaningful Blue Mile to me, as it begins right before Mile 6 and the posters of our fallen service members really make an impact along this quiet section of the course.  All of those who have given The Ultimate Sacrifice are looking back at you as you run and you can't help but say a quiet "Thank you" for what they have given.  And just as the posters end, you are greeted with an incredible support team of people cheering, yelling, waving American flags, etc. to get you up the steep hill in front of you and cross the 10K marker.  This one mile alone is worth running the entire course.

By the time I got to the top of the hill, my asthma let me know that it was aware of what I was doing, and I had to take a puff of my inhaler.  I had also entered the party section of the race where everyone has music playing from their houses and is out on the street with snacks and drinks for themselves as well as the runners, should they so choose....sooooo....

Well....I knew with hitting my inhaler that I was going to be walking the rest, so I chose to stop and socialize with various houses and parties along the next few miles.  Why not?  I had a sip of Guinness at Mile 9, a mini-mimosa a little bit farther, and even popped into a packed English Pub that said if you came in with your bib, you would get a free shot of Jameson!!!  Absolutely!!  Except they were Everton supporters (or so it seemed from what was on the tele) and as a Liverpool gal, I thanked them and got out quickly!!

As I finished the race, collected my things and took the Metro back to downtown so I could get a cheap Uber, I was reminded of my running this race for the first time and meeting all the crazy runners I know now.  Being in the right time at the right place and meeting everyone from RnR was a pure stroke of luck.

Not everyone can do what we do.  Sure, most people can finish a half or a full marathon in their home city, but how many people can fly OVERNIGHT into a city, run a half or a full, then get on an airplane and go back home or to their next destination?  Not many.

United Airlines has decided to recognize those who are willing to complete at least two of their five "Hub" races and have issued a special medal to celebrate it.  DC is the first, followed by San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, and Chengdu (China).  As of me writing this, there are four people--four women all around age 50--who are up to the task of completing all five hubs.



So, World... throw asthma, allergy rashes, busy work schedules, etc. at me.  My airline has given me a challenge that I can do whilst maintaining my work commitments throughout the year and racing at the same time.


Challenge accepted.

Life Is Good.  Life is better when you do the things you love with the people who love you back.

One United Hub down...four to go...

At IAD, ready to fly home

Finally home at ORD United Club being greeted by the staff
after being awake for 36+ hours and running a half marathon

Seeing The World One Race at a Time

I'm behind in my blogging because I've been running around The World, but I wanted to share this article that United Airlines published on their online website, The Hub:

Seeing The World One Race at a Time

I established my loyalty to United Airlines about five years ago when I started traveling heavily for work.  Time and time again, the people at United have delivered me safely to wherever it was that I needed to be and I'm happy to see the partnership between United and Rock 'n' Roll grow over the years.  There's nothing like running a marathon then grabbing your gear and heading to the airport to see that you've been upgraded for your flight home...or to work...or to your next race.

I just finished RnR Seattle and for the first time in months, my asthma didn't act up.  My legs are a little stiff, but that is expected after a one mile long hill climb.

I can't wait to get back to regular training.  With the Spring pollen gone I'm looking to enjoy training along Lake Michigan again and maybe set a new PR at an upcoming race.

I'm hoping to run all five of United's Hub races this year and earn this gorgeous medal!  You can earn it, too, by completing just two of the five hubs!  RnR Chicago and RnR Denver are pretty easy to get to, and why not join me for RnR Chengdu??




Want a discount for any 2019 RnR race?  Use the codes below for all races in the US and Montreal.

See you on the course.

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you make it through another spring allergy season!!!

Twenty Hours in New Orleans...Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!

Oh, how I love New Orleans....

Last time, I wrote about my Five Favorite Rock 'n' Roll Races

About a month ago, I got to run my second favorite, Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans.

Normally when I go to New Orleans I make it a three day trip.  I work there a few times a year so I have had the luxury of taking my time to enjoy the city without being on a fast pace to get everything on my checklist done.  After all, it's The Big Easy, so why rush?

Not this time.  I'm in between work events so I just had enough time to squeeze in one day in New Orleans to eat and run--literally.

Hall of Fame, Class of 2018

I had also been battling bronchitis all month.  I was cleared to fly, but definitely not encouraged to run as pollen season is in full swing in The South and I'm a heavy sufferer of tree pollen to the point that it causes asthma.

But....when have I ever let a little asthma stop me?  I threw my inhaler into my backpack and off I went...

I arrived in New Orleans around noon and went straight to the Expo.  The Hall of Fame banner was up and I hadn't seen it yet.  This was my third year earning the award by running at least 15 Rock 'n' Roll races of a half marathon distance or more.

One day I'll do Madrid!

Of course I run in a green sequin
fedora.  Doesn't everyone?

I was also eager to see the Europe "light box," a billboard of sorts that advertises the European races.  I was flattered to see my picture for the Rock 'n' Roll Dublin race.  My face in lights!!!


After the expo, it's time to EAT!

Chargrilled.  Best on the planet

First stop, my favorite oyster place, Felix's Oyster Bar.  The oysters there are as fresh as they come, and if you can snag a spot at the counter, you get treated to a sort of, "Dinner and a Show," as the shuckers are always trash-talking each other and are happy to have customers participate.  Their chargrilled--NOT-charbroiled--oysters are the best out of anywhere I've ever eaten.

Hmmm....check into my place for the night or keep going?  Keep going.

I make it a point to avoid Bourbon Street as much as possible, but since it was early and I was headed that way, why not?  It was the usual concoction of booze, beads, and belligerence.  Not really my scene, but once a year I do stroll down it to people-watch.

I walked down to Frenchman Street and wanted to pop in at Dat Dog for some tater tots and a Purple Haze Abita--another local favorite.  Alas, the line was a bit too long and I didn't feel like waiting so I continued on to another favorite off the street place.

Aren't you a little short
for a Storm Trooper?

It seemed that there was something going on, as there were stanchions going up everywhere.  Oh, that's right!  Mardi Gras is beginning!  The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus was going to have their parade tonight.  As a definite lover of all things Science Fiction, you bet I'm interested in staying!  I parked myself at my local taco place and caught up on emails while I ate and waited for the
shenanigans to begin.

The parade was brilliant!  Every Science Fiction character you can imagine was represented here, including a section of 40 Princess Leais dancing down the street and tossing beads.  After an hour or so, my body was telling me that it was time to head to bed...oh, right, I have to run in the morning.

Walking up Decatur, I thought about stopping at Coop's Place for their amazing green beans and sampler platter, but seems word is out about how fantastic they are and it was an hour wait.  Hrumph.  Next time.

When in New Orleans, you must eat beignets.  Must.  Most of my go-to places were closed by now (Cafe Beignet), so I walked--er, slightly stumbled--to the most popular, Cafe Du Monde.  Mmmmmm.....

I had enough sugar to fuel me home and since it was around 11 PM, I figured I might want to check in.  Oops.  LOL.

I have stayed at The Auberge Hostel each time I've run the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans and also stay here for work sometimes.  It's in the Garden District, so off the party path of most people and pretty quiet most nights, as long as it isn't Mardi Gras or another big festival.  Most people aren't comfortable in a hostel, but if all I'm going to do is sleep for a few hours, shower, and head back out, you can't beat $30 compared to most hotel rooms in New Orleans.

Ear plugs, eye mask, set my alarm.  Zzzzzz.

I never sleep well the night before a race, so I'm up at 0400 before my alarm.  As I don't want to wake anyone else in the dorm, I grab my backpack, coat, etc. and leave the room for the kitchen to prepare for the race.  Lipstick and lashes on, out the door I went.

I'm glad I chose to take advantage of The VIP Experience this year.  Each VIP is different, and, in my opinion, this is one of the best.  It was colder than the races in the past, and I'm glad it was indoors pre-race.

Coffee.  Bagel.  Peanut butter.  Banana.  Orange juice.  And the most important:

Indoor toilets.

I ate, drank, and...well...that...and headed to the start line.

The race went well.  I hadn't run since the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah in November and didn't want to push myself as I was still coughing a lot from leftover bronchitis.  And the tree pollen was out there, too, and the last thing I needed was to have an asthma attack as I had to fly immediately after the race and be in Nashville that night for work early the next morning.

My friend, Christina, was running at about my pace, so we decided to stick together and settled into a 2/1 run/walk interval.  I told her that I was really nervous about doing this race as I kept coughing and feared my asthma would kick in hard, to which she said, "Girl, I'm a Respiratory Therapist.  Anything happens to you, I got you."

That was enough for me to get going and finish strong!

Just another race hanging out in VIP
with Kathrine Switzer last year

I headed into VIP for a fantastic post-race buffet and to say hello to everyone I had met there last year.  I had a rather, "unique" outfit then and many people remembered me, lol.

I wanted to stay longer with my friends, but I had a plane to catch, so I grabbed my gear and headed to the airport.




Yes, I was still in my running clothes--tutu, hat, bib, medal and everything.  I walked up to the United ticket counter and tried to see if there was an earlier flight I could catch as there was bad weather in Houston and I had a tight connection.  The counter agent was laughing at my costume, but listed me standby on the next flight out and off through TSA I went.

The looks I received from people at the gate!  They thought I was going the wrong way since Mardi Gras was just starting and here I was decked out in Mardi Gras colors and beads.  The gate agent wasn't really sure how to take me when I asked what the load was, but once she saw I was 1K status, she said she believed I would make the flight and would ticket me the minute she knew.  Ahhhh....the perks of being loyal to your airline.

I landed in Houston with plenty of time to go to the United Club and change, eat, and have a celebratory glass of bubbles.  Thank goodness for Baby Wipes, lololol.  I landed in Nashville by 9 PM and headed to my hotel to get some well-deserved rest, as work began at 6 AM the next morning.

All in all, I think I took complete advantage of my 20 or so hours in New Orleans.  At least that's what the scale is saying...

See you all next time on the course!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you can squeeze in time to visit a place you love, even if it's only for 20 hours.


Need a discount for a 2019 race?  Use these codes below!