My Chicago Race

On Saturday I ran a 10 mile race downtown Chicago with Kreg's brother Kent. Kreg and Aiden walked around the stadium and ate the free food while we ran (I'd say Kreg had the easy job but I think I'd rather be running than chasing Aiden up and down the stairs in the stadium). The race started and ended at Soldier Field (where the Chicago Bears play) which was pretty cool in and of itself. The race was pretty much 5 miles out and 5 miles back but the 5 miles back was by far the better half being that I was running right along Lake Michigan with a beautiful view of the skyline right in front of me. Pretty cool. Some of you may find me a bit strange but I actually enjoy running. It's not always a party but it has become "my sport." I'm not fast but I am consistent. My pace was just under a 10 minute mile for this race. I finished in 1 hr and 39 mins. and I was really pleased with my time. The race started just outside the stadium and ended right on the 50 yard line. The last part of the course consisted of running in through the back entrance of the stadium and then out onto the field like the players get to do. Quite a rush actually. That was my favorite moment....running into the stadium and all the people in the stands cheering you on as you finished. You non runners out there have to admit that just might motivate you as well (just a little maybe)?

Kent did great too. He finished in 1 hour and 26 mins (i believe). I know his pace was about 8 1/2 min. miles....very impressive I'd say. After the race we got to enjoy downtown Chicago a bit. We went to "the bean" (for those of you familiar with Chicago, you know what that is). And then we let Aiden play at the fountain they call "the faces." We forgot our camera in the car so no pictures of "the bean" or "the faces" but Aiden LOVED running around like a crazy baby in the water. The rest of the weekend pretty much consisted of laying around talking about how sore we were...haha...and it was great.

That's me (blue tank top, looking straight at the camera) right after finishing the race. You can see on the opposite side of the field is where the runners are entering. Maybe someday I will do a full marathon.