rock n roll chicago pikermi RR

We left off with the end of Muddy Buddy.  Kelsey and I managed to rinse off pretty well, and luckily the bf thought to bring blankets for us to sit on for the car ride home.  We went to Chipotle for lunch, and I ate as if I'd never seen food before.  It tasted AMAZING.  Seriously.

Then it was onward to the expo!

My cousin had met us at my house, and the 3 of us drove downtown to McCormick Place.  We bit the bullet and parked in the garage, then headed inside.  I bought a hat (I have a million running hats and no desire to ever stop buying them) and a luggage tag, and then we set out to wander around the expo.

I posted this pic to Twitter to win Gu.  Sadly, it didn't work.

I signed up for Rock n Roll Arizona (I was lured by the discount, free shirt, and promise of the Desert Double Down Medal), and also entered to win a million things, of which I won nothing.  That's a little depressing.  And from the Brooks booth, I won a bandanna.  WHOMP WHOMP.

Race morning came REALLY early.  As in shortly after 4, early.  It felt like I took a nap instead of sleeping for the night, and I'm pretty sure that I'm still catching up on my sleep.

But I digress.

So me, my cousin, and Kelsey headed to the train.  There were other runners, so it wasn't as scary as it normally is at 5am.  Luckily we got on early, so we had a seat for the entire ride.  Got to the park at about 6am, and Garmin didn't find a signal until I was about to check my bag.  But then it found me, so I win.  We headed to our respective corrals and waited for the race to begin.

Special shirt for race day!

I waved Hi to Frank Shorter, and then I was OFF!

Mile 1:  I should point out that my Garmin was acting screwy this entire race, so I have no idea how fast I was actually running, and my splits are kinda wacky.  My goal was just to run a consistent race, and not let the heat beat me.  And if I got a course PR, then I would be more than ok with that!  7:14

Mile 2:  Dang, it's SO HUMID out here... kind of like it is every single year.  Moving the race from August to July didn't make a single difference.  Hot is hot.  Summer in the city sucks sometimes.  8:02

Mile 3:  Running past all of the beautiful theatres now, and also over the river!  I've already run over 3 bridges, and it's only mile 3!  Excitement!  9:19

Mile 4:  There was a good cover band here playing 80s hair band music.  They were great.  This is the first time ever where I have liked the bands during the race... oh, and actually heard them playing.  7:59

Mile 5:  Yay, someone with a HOSE!  It felt amazing, as even without the benefit of a cooling station, I am soaked.  8:20

Mile 6:  The buildings are getting bigger, so we're heading back to downtown.  Oh, and another band... that is taking a break... this ALWAYS happens to me during Rock n Roll races!  ALWAYS.  This is why I bring my own tunes.  8:00

Mile 7:  Now we get to run on Michigan Avenue!!!  I'm slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see the lions at the Art Institute, but running this much on the Ave is pretty great.  There's tons of people in Blackhawks jerseys cheering for us, since the convention is at the Hilton this weekend.  I saw this guy sitting on the curb who looked EXACTLY like Patrick Sharp.  It probably wasn't him.  But I'm going to pretend that it was.  8:08

Mile 8:  Now we've reached the point where I start counting blocks.  I know that we go down to 31st street.  Countdown ON.  8:29

Mile 9:  We reached McCormick Place!  And water!  And more sprinklers!  8:07

Mile 10:  I feel like I am definitely going to get that course PR today.  I am rocking this half in my home city.  I love this race!  8:36

Mile 11:  I spoke too soon.  FOR REAL.  The wheels most definitely fell off the bus at this point.  I started to not feel good, then I slowed down at the water station and almost crashed into a volunteer.  Oops.  I remember telling myself, just LOOK like you are keeping it together, so that they don't pull you off the course.  All I wanted was to cross the line and get my medal(s).  8:46

Mile 12:  I decided, with the nasty tunnel under McCormick Place upcoming, to take a little walk break and get my head on straight.  It worked, and I ran the rest of the way.  9:29

Mile 13:  Up the ramp, past Soldier Field, and straight to the finish!  My quads are KILLING me from running up those massive hills yesterday, and climbing obstacles and stuff.  To be honest, they have been stiff and angry the entire day.  I want to be done NOW.  Seriously.  Feet, don't fail me now!  8:11

Mile 13.24:  As I was cruising to the finish line, John "The Penguin" Bingham announced my name and pointed out my awesome Cubs gear.  He talked about me for like 20 seconds!  It was too cool!  1:51

FINAL TIME:  1:50:39
AVERAGE PACE:  8:21
LESSON LEARNED:  Bring your own tunes for RnR races!  The bands are always taking a break when you pass them by!
NEXT PIKERMI:  Madison Mini Marathon, 8.18.2012

After the race, I got some snacks and my bag, and sat down on the grass to wait for everyone else.  I sat right by the McDonald's golden arches, because, duh, where else would I end up?

I ran into my friend Jewel!  We are so cute!

I got 2 medals!  Rock n Mud baby!

Showing off our bling!

My awesome cousin is a Half Fanatic!

After Jill photobombed the Half Fanatics, they invited us to join their photo :)

A great day was had by all!

2012 Pikermi #12 / Overall Pikermi #50!