Chapter 2 page 597–RnR Chicago “Mini Marathon”

I’m typing this recap while watching the women’s Olympic marathon – they just ran 7 miles in 39:00 (so inspiring!).

Everyone reading this blog knows that in early May I signed up for 4 late summer/fall half marathons only to take a serious fall a week later resulting in an ankle, knee, and wrist injury . . . and then a back injury.  SIGH.  It definitely wasn’t the plan, but I’m a “make lemonade” kinda gal so luckily I was able to drop down from the half to a mini (5K). 

MOA and I headed to the start line and we both agreed on one thing – it.was.humid!!!  We sat on the curb during the pre-game entertainment (my back was already screaming just from our leisurely stroll from the hotel to the start line). I selected my Bondi Band because I knew that digging deep (to overcome my back pain) would not get the job done – I knew I would need to “dig deeper”.  We opted for purple so I busted out the purple polish and brought my usual enthusiasm to the party.

Soon enough we were off – I got caught up in the “sea of humanity” that was running . . . 4 minutes later I was like, “WHAT am I DOING?”  So I decided that I would run for one ipod song and walk for one.  I did that twice and my back was SCREAMINZG!  I felt as if this 3 miles was going to feel a lot like the 2 miler I had tried to do a month earlier (click HERE if you want to remember the nightmare).  During that 2nd walking break (about 3/4 of a mile into the race) I came across a true angel – Sonya!  She started talking to me and invited me to stay with her – that’s it – I knew I would need that social contact in order to be able to finish this race without sitting on the curb, stopping to stretch, or possibly even giving up.  Sonya and I walked and talked and enjoyed the beauty of the course.  I owe her EVERYTHING!  I LOVE RACING for that reason – people are just awesome!  Here are some pictures I took along the way – just so beautiful!

Here’s a picture of Sonya – thanks girl!  It was HOT and it was her first race, but she was such awesome and I’m so grateful!  You might remember last year I “met” a guy during this race (click HERE if you care). . . friendly Midwest town I guess

A painful time, but take THAT injuries – I can’t be stopped!!!!! (Slowed yes . .  51:47, but NOT STOPPED!).  BAM!

Next up?  Post Race Fun!

Chapter 2 page 596–Chicago RnR Expo

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on my last post – I was worried you may have forgotten about me since I’ve been sidelined so long – but 13 comments is the most comments I’ve ever gotten – thanks!

I know I’m a very bad blogger, but I have an AWESOME reason for my absence (can’t tell you quite yet – keep hanging on). 

In the meantime, I have finally gotten my recpas written (well, not exactly, but I am sitting here at the computer until they all get done and scheduled to post all week so you can have tons to enjoy): )

The expo was REALLY disappointing.  Last year we walked out of there with BAGS FULL of samples and trinkets and goodies. This year, it was in a much smaller expo hall with none of the BIG vendors they had last year.  It was comparative in size and swag to like the inagural RnR STL.  Don’t get me wrong, we were still there 6 hours (but like 2 of those hours were waiting in line for the KT tape).  Here are some photos from the expo – enjoy (and of course, me, well, being me!).

I LOVE YURBUDS!

After being at the expo ALL day, we went out on the balcony which was stunning – it overlooked Lake Michigan . . . perfect place to rest up for the rest of the weekend.

The bottom 4 photos are Soldier Stadium (where the Bears play). 

Next up?  The race!