Soldier Field 10 Miler 2015

May 23 I ran the 10 mile run starting and ending at Soldier Field. I was wary about running this because of last week when I ran the Chicago Spring Half my ankle was acting up from the sprain I got while I was in the Philippines. So I went to an orthopedic doctor and got it checked out. The x-Rays showed no breaks or fractures and the doctor gave the OK for me to run.  With his approval I ran.

Woke up early and got ready.  Just to be cautious Rick taped my foot to give me support and to stabilize my ankle. We left early, but with free parking it took awhile to park, but once we did it was really close to the corrals. There wasn’t time to go into the stands to take pictures, so I went to the corrals. I was placed in the orange corral.

In the opening events they had a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers since last year’s run and they played Taps. Then the national anthem was sung and then they started the run. It took awhile until my corral was released. Once we were released we started on the street just outside of the stadium and went south.

When we passed the McCormick place the route took on the northbound side of Lake Shore Drive. We were on the drive for awhile then they brought us back along the lakefront path. It was the same path that I ran last week, so it brought back memories of when my ankle started to hurt. But this run was much better than last week. My ankle was sore, but it didn’t hurt as it did that made me have to walk. I took a bunch of walking breaks to give my ankle a rest.

I was able to finish strong and run the race without any ankle issues.  I finished in 2hrs 13min 19sec my pace was better than last week and my recovery was way much better. The day turned out really nice, the sub came out and it was a really nice day for a run.  Once we entered the stadium’ we ran on the green and finished on the 50 yard line. This is one of my favorite races, it’s always well organized, the route was well supported and you get to finish on the field and get your medal awarded by armed service men and women in their uniform. It was a great day and a great way to start our Memorial Day weekend.

Chicago Spring Half 2015

May 17 was this years Chicago Spring Half and they combined this race with the Michelob Ultra 13.1 so this year there will be only 2 races for the Chicago Series. I still have to sign up for the Chicago Half.

I had all the intentions to get up early and get to the race early. But I set my alarm an hour late, and if it wasn’t for Mel texting me that the bathroom lines were long, I wouldn’t of realized how late it was. So I got ready very quickly and we drove downtown.

We arrived around 6:40 and we found Mel and we headed to the corrals. I was in corral G and Mel was in H. I joined Mel in H so that we can start together. It was a mild morning and it was forecasted to rain. Once we started we followed the lake front path towards the museum campus. I lost Mel around the first mile when I stopped to use the bathroom.  I didn’t see her until I approached the turnaround.

While we were running south there was an unfortunate incident, there was a lot of sirens and I saw a ambulance, I then saw a group of people on the side surrounding a guy that was being resuscitated. I really hope that they were able to help him and that it turned out well.

The focast called for rain and it drizzled a bit, but it didn’t bother me. Overall the weather was moderate and was good for running.

Mile 9.  That was when my ankle started hurting. It actually started around mile 8, but it wasn’t till mile 9 that I stopped running and walked the majority of the race. A couple weeks back while we were one Philippines while we were out for a walk I sprained my ankle and from this run I felt that it wasn’t completely healed.

Although I don’t know who this person is and a slim chance that she will see this. I have to give a shout out and thank the woman that ran passed by me, but while she passed me the rubbed and patted my back. Just that little acknowledgement kept my spirits up and helped me continue on. Also that guy that gave me the thumbs up and a woohoo when we approached the 11th mile mark. That’s  what I like about the running community, they are very encouraging and help boost the other runners. I always try to send encouraging words to those who are struggling and I am glad to see that others do that too.

This is the worst finish time to date, but at least I finished with jogging the last .10 miles. I finished the race in 3hrs 34min 35sec.   The medal is a pretty nice one this year and again got a plant, the one I got last year grew really big.  I am currently icing my ankle and hope that it gets better before my next race.