As I mentioned, I was a “real runner” model for the inaugural Fleet Feet Chicago Women’s Half Marathon. It was held today. They did a terrific job on a very hot day (it was 70 degrees when we left the house before 6 am!) It was supposed to be cloudy but the majority was sunny. Almost 2,400 women safely ran and walked the half! Fleet feet did an awesome job with tons of volunteers, organized gear check and race start, great swag (cute New Balance sleeveless v-neck top AND a yoga mat for finishers!) and a good course.
I was dubbed “The Expert” for having done so many half marathons. This was roughly my 89th one!
I wanted to run this half in ~7:30/mile. I was not sure how it would go with the conditions and little shade. Stacy and I started too fast chasing the leaders (not the most “expert” move – but we did bank a little time for later). We pulled back Mile 2 and 3 and were running a good pace. We enjoyed seeing Dave Z, Ken and Christy near the 5k mark and kept following the leaders through the 6.5 mile turn around. Stacy pulled ahead and I ran most of the rest of the race alone (longing for male companionship or my iPod!) The course was out and back so many of the slower runners were cheering for us which was so cool. I was happy to see Dave Z again around Mile 10 and Josh at Mile 11 (the husband who gets all of the points for showing up – despite the fact that his wife did not run!) I was feeling the heat and tired legs for the last 2 miles and got a bit confused on where the finish was going to be. That said, I came in at 1:38.29 which is 7:31/mile. Not bad for a hot day and good enough for second in my age group! This race keeps on giving – I think I get a special New Balance shirt as the age group prize to go with all my loot for being a “model”, free race entry and swag. I definitely give this race a big thumbs up – for an inaugural race – it was really great!
And while I am here, I found a fun deal, too…Do Good, Feel Good! Shop For A Cause And Save Half-Off Already-Affordable Duds & Baubles Refinery 29 Reserve has a great deal at a a-thread.com. It is $40 for $80 worth of cute, affordable, stylish clothes and accessories for women and 5% goes to your choice of one of 4 charities. A “win-win!”Click here to check out some cool indie offers at Refinery 29 Reserve.
That’s all for now – how you had a great weekend!