Solider Field 10 miler 2016

May 28, 2016

Soldier Field 10 miler - Chicago

Time: 1:58:52; Pace: 11:54

Overall: 6751/9164; Female: 3486/5283; F40-45 602/936

May races are such a crap shoot in Chicago. The weather fluctuates from freezing to boiling with all kinds of humidity levels. This day wasn't so hot but man, was it humid! It started out cloudy but the sun came out and pretty much stayed there for most of the run.

At least the day started out on a positive note. Uber has a new deal now where you can split the ride. I also had a $1 credit so was would normally cost me upwards of $30 cost me less than $3!!! We picked up another runner on her way to the race. She showed up the next day at the CARA marathon training group leaders meeting. The running community is small!

I met Beth with enough time to spare for gear check. She's such an early person that I always try to be early too or at least exactly on time when I'm meeting her. We're not even in the same starting corral but, ya know.

As with all races, it's a big hurry up and wait situation. The released each wave with a woman playing that tune they play before they release the horses in a horse race. I don't get it.

I had to stop to use the bathroom before we even hit mile 4. It was so hot. I didn't know how I was going to finish. I think it was more the heat than the Philly cheesesteak and cider I had the night before at Monty's, I'm sure.

The highlight of the race was around mile 8. I had stepped two feet past a guy holding a water jug at the last water stop shouting something like "fill up or splash!" Oh yes, I'll take a splash! I backed up a few steps and asked for a splash. About 5 people responded and pummeled me with water. Yes! it was awesomely refreshing.  I kept yelling, "splash me!" until the water stop ended getting bombarded the whole way. I could barely see but it was worth it. 

The last quarter mile was ran into the stadium and onto the field. It wasn't what I expected. The ground was covered with some hard plastic flooring to protect the turf. It didn't feel like a football field but none the less, was still cool. I got all teary-eyed as I crossed the finish line and headed over to get my medal from a soldier. I stuck around for awhile and stretched then headed over to the after party outside the stadium to get my free beer and meet Beth.

May was a pretty great month for me. I ran on the Indianapolis Speedway and kissed the famous bricks. I finished this race on Soldier field and received my medal from a real soldier. I passed my SHRM-CP exam and got an A in the latest grad school class.  Yay for me.