Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Race and Weekend Recap

Nothing like a 5 hour car ride home to give me time to write my race recap which is more like a weekend recap.  

2013 Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Recap

Saturday morning, we dropped off the kids and S and I headed up to Chicago.  We stayed at the Hyatt Regency which was the hotel of choice for the race.  It was super nice because we were connected to the Expo.  I was really excited about this expo. It’s like a mall with nothing but running stores.  I drooled over the new Polar RCX5.  I listened to Olympians talk about running.  I met social media friends, connected with my Nuun friends, recorded my plea to be part of the Got Chocolate Milk team and hung out with the cast and crew of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  Crazy thing was I didn’t even buy anything but I had tons of fun!  My husband, who is a non-runner even looked like he was bit by the running bug (at least for a second).

We enjoyed some alone time with a walk along the lake and lunch at the hotel.  It was so nice to just sit and talk.  After a quick shower and a pumping session, we headed out to have dinner with some friends that live up here.  I never miss a chance to get together with them.  We ate at "The Local" in Chicago.  It was just the perfect amount of high end and casual dining. Sorry, I didn’t take any food pics.  Just visualize a beautiful salad with tons of veggies and goat cheese and a turkey sandwich.  It was delicious.  We wanted to stay out later but 5:00 A.M. was approaching quickly and I really wanted to take advantage of 7 consecutive hours of sleep. 

I was out the door at 5:30 and headed down to the race.  I had a cool zone pass and parking pass so I knew I was going to get to park close but it wasn’t the most organized situation.  I’m not exactly sure what was going on but at 6:00, as I sat in my car on the ramp to get to the parking spot, an attendant handed me a parking ticket and told me to leave the keys in my car.  Didn’t sound like the best idea but I was desperate to get settled.  So I left my car sitting there on the ramp in the parking garage. That could've gone REALLY wrong.  :) 

I dropped my stuff at the cool zone, enjoyed a line free bathroom and coffee and headed to corral 16.  Prior to the race, my longest run had been 8 miles so I was a little nervous how the last 5 were gonna feel. 

One of the best things about doing races in new cities is that it’s so easy to get lost in the run and surroundings.  So easy, in fact, my garmin clocked my first mile at 7:22, which I still don’t believe but I made an effort to slow down a little.  I didn’t look at my garmin much more after that.  At mile 6, I looked and had been running for 56:30.  

Another great things about doing runs in a big city is the ample amount of shade provided by the big beautiful architecturally interesting buildings.  It was heating up but the city provided some reprieve.  So did the organizers of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  There were plenty of water/Gatorade (wish it had been nuun but I’ll take what I can get) stations.  They had a Gu stop, around mile 9, I think but probably should’ve had 2 and one earlier in the race but at mile 9, I had my second GU and finally walked some. 

By the time Mile 10 came around I could feel my lack of distance training.  I was hot, tired and not happy at all.  But just like at hood to coast, my dad, who passed away a year ago unexpectedly managed to send me a reminder that he’s with me.  At mile 10, I saw a Mobile Classroom and not just any, one that he had sold to the school.  How do I know?  He had a unique sticker he used to put on every building and amongst all the paint, I saw it.  I’m pretty sure I cried for the next half mile or so.  I told him Thanks and started running again.  

I ran/walked the remaining 3 miles and got water at every chance.  I knew I needed to because I started to see runners go down and I was getting goosebumps which I know is a sign of dehydration setting in.  I managed to take in the scenery too.  You always see some cool runners along the way.  Check out Dr. Dribble.  He dribbled two basketballs the entire way.  He also holds the worlds record for fastest marathon while dribbling basketballs.  Crazy!

At mile 11 ½, I felt like we were in a dance club.  It was pretty cool how they converted this tunnel into a dance party.  On the other side, there were ice cold and wet sponges, which was very nice. 

I have never been more excited to see the finish line.  It was hot, I was tired and was just thankful to finish.  I downed a chocolate milk and then started rehydrating like a mad woman. As I was heading back to get my gearbag, the Maui Jim guy stopped me and cleaned my glasses.  I didn’t know they did that.  Lesson learned!

When I headed back to the parking garage where I had left my car, I was pretty sure I was going to be screwed in some way.  I wouldn’t be able to find my car or I’d be blocked in or something but I went down the elevator, turned the corner and there my car was..waiting for me.  I was so thankful.  I just buzzed right out.  

Went back to the hotel, took a shower, pumped for the millionth time and headed home.  We MIGHT have stopped for some junk food on the way home.

It was a fast weekend but we enjoyed every minute of it.  I have to thank Rock ‘n’ Roll for putting on a good race.  The course kept things interesting, they took the heat seriously and just put on a good party.  The fact that I got a brief moment with my dad made it even more special.  I’m looking forward to Rock ‘n’ Roll in STL in October. 

It’s a great race and I would love for you to run with me (See my recap from last year).  Sign up now!  If you use code “momslrb”, you’ll get $10 off. 

Did you race this weekend?