
I worked from downtown yesterday and met Katie right after work, then drove over to Lincoln Park. We circled the block for a while before finding a spot that she helped me navigate into, then we walked over to the expo to pick up our gear. The packet was really nice - a huge custom tote, an Athleta tank, a few magazines and some product samples. I'm looking forward to wearing this tank, it's pretty nice!
We walked around the expo for and checked out the vendors - it was quite impressive for an inaugural race. There were a few samples to try and a spa tent I made a note to visit later.
I also met up with the other Chicago Running Bloggers for a photo and a chat. It's always great to see these ladies. We eventually lined up right before 7 for announcements and notes, which included "slow down, don't push yourself.
The race started on time at a balmy 89 degrees, too. The first mile was fine, the second mile sucked and the final mile felt like a death march. I finished in 26:26 and was immediately draped with a frozen towel, handed gatorade and given a popsicle. Nice touch.
I made a beeline for the spa tent and got a quick rub down that felt heavenly. The ladies there were also doing polish changes and braids, but my nails and hair were both gross by then. I felt bad enough making someone rub my shoulders, but I would have felt really terrible making someone touch my hair. Ick.
The post-race food was awesome. It was catered by Centered Chef and featured on-site grilled flatbreads with a smoky hummus and chocolate avocado pudding with berries. I went back for seconds on both accounts. They were mobbed by the time I went for round two, so this place could have used more food, especially since every participant received three (3!) drink tickets.


All in all, I had a great time at this race hanging out with friends. It was certainly more of a run than a race for me - I'm taking it easy and it was hot. That said, there were some seriously fast ladies on site. The overall winner clocked at 20-minute 5k, and my respectable 26:56 only snagged me 8th in my age group. Impressive!
Time: 26:56
Cost: Mine was comped, but it was roughly $30 for the 5k in advance
Pros: Awesome swag from Athleta, great pre- and post-race party, massages on site, scenic course, thoughtful responses to the extreme weather, tasty post-race food, ample drink tickets
Cons: Not enough food, crowded drink area, kind of awkward drink area situation if you brought non-runners with you
Would I run this again?: Yes, and I hope to try the tri series this race offers, too.
5 comments:
i imagine the drink area like animal farm, all people are equal, but only the more equal people can have a drink. Glad you survived the run!
Another pro. The prizes were really awesome! 1st - 3rd got a pair of Sketchers Go Run shoes only $10 but all in all awesome!
Good luck Sunday!!
Sounds like some great post-race eats and drinks!
Completely agree with your assessment! Great race but needs a few tweaks for the post-race stuff.
I ran that sweaty thing, too! I loved it, although I didn't run very fast. I luckily scored a mani before the race started because it was crazy afterwards. My favorite thing was the avocado chocolate mousse.
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