Three upcoming November races

If you are looking for ideas for some race here are some ideas. I will actually be at all three of these.

November 12 (Saturday)  Paleozoic 50-Km and 25-Km on the trails of Palos Swallow Cliff forest preserve. Limestone trail although more rough than some county trails. One out n back loop for 25k, two loops for 50k. Finisher medals for those that finish. Good aid stations and neat T shirts

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=16317IL

 

 

 

 

November 13 (Sunday) St James Farm Allee 5k on the limestone trails of St James. Scenic course passing meadows, forest, historic farm building. Runners pullover type tops to all signed up

 

 https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=123830

 

 

 

November 24 (Thanksgiving Day) Winnetka Turkey Trot 5k on the residential streets of Winnetka. Great long sleeve T shirt perfect to wear at the family dinner that day!!

 

 http://carpediemraces.com/winnetka-turkey-trot/

 

Charlie Engle Book Tour

Wednesday night while the Cubs were busy losing to the Dodgers I ventured to Downers Grove to attend Anderson Bookstore author event with ultra runner Charlie Engle.

Charlie recently published his book Running Man which details his life from childhood through his recovery from drugs and drink to running across the Sahara plus many other running adventure to being unjustly convicted of mortgage crime to his new life upon release.

I had previously meet Charlie in 2009 after the Badwater 135 ultra in Lone Pine CA, just outside Death Valley and right in the shadow of Mt Whitney. Kelvin (the Aussie I had crewed for the second time) plus my fellow crew member Steve just happened to be in the same pancake breakfast house as Charlie and some of his crew so natural we all started chatting about the race. Charlie and I have also been Facebook friends for years and he says he recalls that Lone Pine meeting despite everything that has happened in his life before and since.

http://charlieengle.com/runningman/

 

 



Drove to Downers Grove after work, arriving early but plenty of time to grab a coffee and sit outside to enjoy people watching before heading to the bookstore. Upon arriving Charlie was chatting with a guy who had just got back from running in Colorado and one of the bookstore staff. He saw me, said "Ian" and got up to shake hands and give a friendship hug. Joined in the chat about running and races. Charlie had just competed in Laz's Backyard Last Man Standing "event" running for a full 27 hours but sadly (or not) that is a DNF as only one person can actual finish. Saying that a few years ago the last two decided to call is a day together so no one was declared the winner, Laz wins!! Couple other people arrive including Flatlander and TJM host Scott who had interviewed Charlie a few weeks before. So although only a total of five people joined Charlie it was a great evening. He discussed the book, what was in it, things about his life including elaborating on the prison sentence time and also what the publishing process was like. He did touch on races and running but as Charlie had stated to us his idea was not just to write a running and race book but one that covered his life and could be of interest to everyone. I feel Charlie has another book out there ready to be wrote. He also read form the first chapter. I wonder if it is strange for an author to read his own words aloud to a crowd but then again he did the audio version plus musicians do the same when doing concerts.  Although he didn't do a QA as most authors would do he answered questions as he went along. There was a lot of chat and banter amongst all.

The 90 minutes went by very quick but was a great evening. I had actually already read the book having requested my local library obtain it (so if you are not sure it is on the shelf at Naperville Library) but I had always said if Charlie appeared at a book tour stop in the area I'd buy the book. Thank you Charlie for the great words you wrote for me. And thanks for taking photos with most of us there.

 

Charlie signing my book (well his book)

 

Charlie and myself (photo by Scott Kummer)

Dick Pond Cocoa Run and Walk October 2nd, Danada FP Wheaton, IL

 

Next race I will at. Nice course along the groomed trails of Danada and Herrick Forest Preserve in Wheaton on the border with Naperville and Warrenville. Pass by meadows, wetland, through the trees and by a lake. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills in the woods.

 

8 mile run or 5k run/walk  

 

Super Cool jackets to all runners is the goody bag with cocoa and sweet treats at the finish line.

 

Race makes a good last tune up before the marathons in Chicago or Naperville.

 

http://cocoarunwalk.com/

 



Terra Sans Pave Trail Races

This weekend I attended my first Terra Sans Pave Trail Races being held for the 3rd year at Linne Woods, Morton Grove IL. http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=16254IL&tab=a2

Although I had never been on these trails before I found out I had actually cycled through them on the North Branch Trail many times when I used to live in Lakeview part of Chicago. It made for an amazing 50 mile ride. Little did I know back then that there was a dirt and limestone trail system in the woods. Although it is not an extensive trail system there is enough combined with a little grass to make a really nice 4k (2.5 miles) loop.

Bill and Michelle Thom are the RDs for the event. Yes the same team that puts on the Paleozoic trail 50k and 25k each spring and autumn, and the Chicago Full Moon 5k road race.

For Terra there are four distances to pick from. 4k (1 loop), 8k (2 loops), 10 miles (4 loops) and the newly added 8 hour (as many loops as you can in the 8 hours). I signed up for the 8k. I also signed up to volunteer at packet pick up handing out the goody bags and timing chips.

Arrived early just after sunrise which is when the Forest Preserve opens up the gates and helped Bill and his fellow helpers unload cars full of race supplies. Got the 8 hour packets ready to hand out as their race started at 7.30am. Just before that time RD Bill gave a race talk and joined the ultra runners for the first loop. He had marked the course with flagging, plate arrows and orange spray paint the night before and wanted to check it was still in order. I heard a few runners comment that they liked doing the first loop with Bill. Wonder if they know he has done the ultra grand slam that includes Western States 100 a race he has done a few times over the years. This year he ran Vermont 100.

Then we set up the fueling/aid stations and got ready for the short distance guys. I did my own packet pick up and put on my timing chip so I could demo it to others. In total there was around 60 people signed up and most people claimed their goody bags (those contained a nice green T shirt and the bib) and timing chips. It was time to run.

My good friend Penny asked if she could run with me. I was worried I'd slow her down but she was just there to have a nice run. I was very happy to run with Penny and I got to hear many stories and we chatted about folks we have know over the years through the yahoogroup ChiAdeads (hello Kelly, Teresa, Buck, Dave and others).

The 4k course started out with a grass section that crossed the North Branch Trail, before going over a bridge turning to follow a single track dirt section with some roots, we passed the race HQ but in the woods before crossing a bridge to join a limestone trail. Unlike most limestone trails in Lake and DuPage counties these are not as well groomed or maintained so we had sections of mud, puddles and even foliage growing out of it. I was not complaining!! More single track, across a road bridge for the last one km to the race HQ, then repeat again (for my two loops). There was no hills but it was still a great course and I loved the wet and mud sections.

 

Course Map

There was 14 signed up for the 8k and 11 started. Penny and I ended up right at the back of the pack and were looped a few times by the ten mile runners and some of the ultra runners, probably the lead 8k runners too but we called it more trail time for our entry plus we was having fun out there enjoying the trail and chatting away.

Crossing the finish RD Michelle presented each of us a finishers pin with a number based on our Terra finishers: one in my case, 3 in Penny's.

  

Cool Bib and Finishers Pin

 



Bill and Michelle also gave some awesome post race food. As well as the normal cookies, MMs, bagels, candies (remember RD is an ultra runner hence normal for ultras) they also supplied beef brisket sandwiches, salad, coleslaw, salted chips and sodas. I don't eat meat but the salad sandwich I made was excellent. Others seemed to be enjoying their brisket

 

I really enjoyed the race and the trail vibe.  It was a nice scenic well marked course, plenty of free parking, with a good T shirt, neat bibs, good post race food and a nice finishers award - ultra distance runners got a medal I think and there was top 3 male/female awards (I was 4th male overall). In 2017 I will be back and depending on training and other events will do the 10 mile or even 8 hour. The permit limits the numbers which keeps it low key but still with competition. This year the race was about half full so has room for more and I honestly feel it deserves more and it will get more. The ultra was announced a month out thanks to an agreement with the FP and many ultra runners have expressed interest for next year. I am sure Kimmie and Colleen will be back for the ultra. 

 

I got to talk to a number of the other runners, trail and ultra runners are so friendly. We talked about races done and up coming - think I have a few new runners for DPRT in October. Even made some new Facebook friends thanks to the race. One in particular was a big surprise. One of my favorite bands is the British group the Mission. I've followed them for over 30 years since two members quit the Sisters of Mercy to form the new group. Seen them almost 20 times and have everything they released more or less. One of my fellow 8k runners, Monica, was getting her goody bag. Her husband and kids were there to support and I noticed he was wearing a Mission T shirt. That is something outside of a live concert I never see. We got chatting and found we had been at some of the same Chicago concerts and had both meet lead singer Wayne Hussey. Eli was happy to meet a fellow fan and has since sent me a link to another of his favorite bands which I was surprised to not have heard of despite the guest vocalist and guitar players being from bands I also like. Monica seemed happy he had found a new Mission friend so she doesn't now have to go to next year's possible USA tour!!

 

In November I will be running Bill and Michelle's Paleozoic trail race in Palos (Swallow Cliff/Sag). They offer a 25k one loop (doing that one) and a 50k two loop for the ultra dogs. And yes I am volunteering at packet pick up before. The permit limits the numbers. These races are more popular than Terra so if you are interested sign up soon     http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=16317IL

 

Thanks for reading.

 



  With Monica the 8k female champ at her first trail race.

 

Some upcoming Chicago area trail races

Some people are surprised that the Chicago area actually has some places to get in some nice trial running and do trail races. Sure we don't have the mountains of the Western States 100 or even Vermont ultras. Yes some of the trails are on limestone but there are dirt trail races out there including the Frozen Gnome and Earth Day ultras in Crystal Lake, HOBO races in nearby Rockford and a little further north over the board in Wisconsin Ice Age Trail, Kettle Moraine, North Face to name a few in the cheese and New Glarus state. A little south there are trail races in Clinton, Pekin, Peoria and more. I used to live a few blocks from the Chicago Lakefront. It is a fine place to run with miles of mainly car free paths to run but tends to be a little flat and smooth. My first trail ultra was in Greenbush Wisconsin at the Glacial Trail 50k and all my training for that was done on the Lakefront. I moved to a Chicago western suburbs, got a car and found I had access to multiple trail systems. Some was limestone but others had dirt and grass trails even some hills. I love running at Palos (Bullfrog and Swallows Cliff), Knoch Knolls, Greene Valley and McDowell in Naperville which are really close to home. Recently I discovered some trails in Kendall County and Kane County. Veteran Acres in Crystal Lake, home of the mentioned Frozen Gnome and Earth Day races is probably the toughest Chicago area trails. Kettle Moraines I venture to at least once a year but I have trail running friends that get an annual pass.

A few Chicago area trail races in the next few months will see an appearance by myself.

September 10th in Linne Woods, Morton Grove  
http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=16254IL

Distances of 10 miles, 8k and 4 miles and newly added 8 hour. I have not ran here but the RD says the course is "A variety of surfaces make up the Terra Sans Pave racecourse... crushed gravel, dirt and wood-chip paths comprise about 85% of the course, with sections traversing grassy fields".

The RD is local ultra runners Bill and Michelle Thom who also put on the Palos 50k races each spring and fall plus Bill is a finisher of the Grand Slam of ultra race (4 100 miles in just a few months including the legendary Western States 100). His race fees are cheap but he doesn't skimp on the SWAG, medals nor aid station supplies and support. Not yet decided which distance I am going for, maybe the 10 mile.

October 15th in Lake County, Illinois is the Des Plaines River Trail Races.
http://www.desplainesrivertrailraces.com/

 Distances of half marathon, marathon and 50 miles. The course is groomed limestone on a very scenic trail system that includes the Des Plaines River, lots of forested area and a few prairies. It is flat unless you only run the Lakefront then it has a few rollers. This will be year 7 of this event and speaking to the RD a few days ago it is excepted to sell out in next few weeks (fastest ever sell out is forecast). Race SWAG includes an awesome T shirt, a nice finishes medal or buckle for 50 mile and a great post race meal (burgers or veggie burgers cooked on site), great aid stations every few miles plus great support of volunteers. I have been at this event every year including finishing the marathon once and the half 3 times. I have also volunteered every year on race day besides the first year (when I run the half I help at packet pick up first - so much inspiration handing the 50  and marathon goody bags out). This year I will run the half, after volunteering. The two RDs, Ed and Terry are ultra runners including both finishing the Badwater 135 ultra. They have a band of support from their families. (Hi LuAnn)   

November 12th at Swallows Cliff in the Palos forest preserve system. Paleozoic Trail Runs
 http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=16317IL 

A 25k or 50k trail race on the trails of Swallow Cliff. 2/3 limestone and 1/3 dirt/singletrack/grass. Includes a few nice hills. Although it is limestone it is not groomed like trails in DuPage or Lake County so if it rains even the limestone can be muddy. This is another race put on by the Thom's. Each year they hold a 25k/50k in Spring and Autumn/winter. One at Swallows Cliff the other at Bullfrog although which venue is used varies depending on issued permit hence Swallows Cliff might occur again in the spring followed by Bullfrog next autumn. Another race I have volunteered at but the plan is to run this time, my distance will depend on training but I would love to do the 50k. Bill designs a unique T shirt for his races and gives a cool finishers medal. Two fully stocked aid stations and an unmanned one at midway on the 15 mile out and back loop. Two loops for the 50k, one for the 25k. Entry numbers are limited due to the permit so sign up as soon as possible.

A few other trail races which I'll include the website. I have run all these races (or on the course in the case of the Aurora and TBunk events)

August 28th Muddy Monk Near Sane Lake County IL http://www.muddymonk.com/nearlysane
September 9,10, 11 RockCut HOBO races 10k, 25k, 50k http://www.rockfordroadrunners.org/hobo-runs.html
October 8 Farmdale Trail near Peoria IL races 10k to 100 mile http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/
October 8 Run Forest Run Aurora IL 5k and 10k http://runforestrunfunrun.com/
October 9 Glacial Trail 50m 50k Greenbush WI http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/home/Races/GlacialTrail50M50K.htm
November 4-6 TBunk, La Grange WI, Kettle Moraine Trails  http://tbunk.blogspot.com/

If you know of any other trail races within driving distance of Chicago please let me know so I can add if I have time. I concern driving distance to be there and back same day but I've driven to Madison, Champaign, Peoria and back on race days so that is what I feel is driving distance!!
      

GLASA Twilight 5k August 13th 2016

Registration Fee Increases on Sunday (8/7/2016) at Midnight. Guarantee Your Spot Today! GLASA's 9th Annual  Twilight 5K Run, Walk and Roll Join us for one of the largest CARA certified 5K races and BEST Post-Race parties in the Chicago-land area serving competitive and recreational runners as well as athletes with disabilities. The start and finish of the race is the Gorton Community Center, with the race winding through the streets of Lake Forest. REGISTRATION $35.00 - Now thru 8/7 $40.00 - 8/8 thru race day *Free to Injured Military.  Discounts for Military and CARA members. FUN FOR ALL!!! Come early to get your hair spray painted with Sports Clips! Get a free  InBody Scan by Lake Forest CrossFit! Play games with Mathnasium! Grab a free water bottle from Lake Forest Dental! Check out the "swag" NorthShore University HealthSystem will be handing out! FREE massages offered by Wellness Solutions! www.glasatwilight.org

Thanks to our presenting sponsor: Forward this email STAY CONNECTED

12 Hours Running in Lisle - Christmas in July

Year three of the Christmas in July ultra races in Lisle, IL. After volunteering the first two years it was time for me to lace up my running shoes and put one foot in front of the other for 12 hours on a 0.97 mile black top loop.

                            http://www.christmasinjuly24hour.com/Lisle/Default.aspx

The race is put on by the DPRT RDs Ed and Terry both ultra runners themselves and Brian another ultra runner. Brian was sadly missing from the event this year due to breaking his leg in 5 places 10 days before the event when out trail running. Heal up fast Brian. Christmas in July races (CiJ) have found a following in the local ultra community and are loved by the Village of Lisle. To introduce runners to ultra running the RDs also put on a 5k and a 10k around Lisle's Community Park and neighboring office park. The timed ultra of 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours are contained in the park itself on a 0.97 mile loop (it was not possible to get exact 1 mile but then ultras are supposed to be a challenge) which is primarily black top paved and a small concrete sidewalk section. Given the fact that myself, the RDs and many of the ultra runners prefer dirt and limestone trails this added to the challenge but then again Badwater which is due to start a few days later is all paved road I was not going to complain.

I picked up my race number, timing chip (on ankle band), T shirt, a BUFF and wooly beanie during the week after work so just had to arrive at the event ready to go. I filled a small sports bag with some things such as change of running gear, a running jacket (it had rained year before), extra pair of shoes, plus a selection of nutrition products and electrolyte mixes. Also had a headlamp, my MP3 player - surprising as I NEVER use music when running and my Garmin which I knew would only last 5 hours. Plus a tote bag with a few water bottles. A fold up seat was in my car as it always is.

Arrived at the Lisle Senior High School which is in the middle of the park - nice setting for a school, finding plenty of parking and in time to meet friends and watch the 24 hour start at 10pm. Once they were off I carried my bag, chair and tote over to my friends Julie and Michelle canopy which was set up near the start/finish area right in the middle of what had become an orderly tent city. My set up was easy. Unfold the chair, put bag beside and arrange water bottles. Tossed my phone and asthma meds (just incase) in my waist pack, donned my favorite Clif Bar cap and turned on my headlamp.

Oh headlamp not working, darn it. Checked it and notice one of the AAA batteries had popped out. I had a small basic handheld light in my bag and by chance it too used AAA batteries, Mild panic over. As it was I ended up not using my headlamp during the race as it was well lit and my eyes adjusted to the darkness very quickly.

Just before 11pm the 12 hours gathered at the starting area so RD Ed could say some words. I started right at the back but a few got to the start line a few seconds later so I was not last to start :-)

The loop was really easy to follow and not because I was following everyone else but there was lights in bags along the whole route plus inflatable Santa, reindeer, snowmen and arrows in the right place. The loop went along the DuPage River, the park lake, over a cool bridge with running water canyon below, around a sled hill with a small climb leading to the tent city, diving back along the lake and festival park stage and into the HQ staging area. Very scenic even after multiple loops.

I had no real goals for this event. Longest run of the year was around 4.5 miles. Seriously thought a half marathon would be nice. No way would an ultra distance happen which was no issue. After 90 minutes I was already at 5 loops. Took a break and thought 5 miles plus a break every 2 hours equals an ultra. I quickly dismissed that thought and it was for the best. Once I had run longer than my limited training my progress slowed dramatically and the breaks got longer. But I was having fun, chatting with friends and cheering everyone on. As I had worked the Friday of the event I knew a nap during the race would be for the best; the one hour ended up being two hours but by that time 14 loops had been completed. Goal achived but more to come. I slept in my trusty fold up chair but with temps being chilly (for July) over night I woke up cold, just glad I had put on a running jacket before the break. Many people who were resting were in blankets and fleeces, smart. Took me a good full loop to warm up basically just hiking. Another break just before daybreak then finishing up with a few extra loops.

Waiting for final results but ended up with 19 loops or just over 18 miles (18.47 I think). Calling it 18 miles and although that is not much for 12 hours I am very happy with the result.

RD Terry was there to greet me when I finished and hand me a 12 hour medal. We chatted about the race for a little bit. I'll be volunteering at his DPRT and maybe running the half as well. Watched others finish their last few loops (fast guys had time for a few more; I finished with some time to spare but not really enough to get more in).

Although I have done four trail 50k races this was only my second timed race. My first which was my first ultra distance was Danville's Howl at the Moon many years (or moons ago). That is held on a 3+ mile loop. Although CiJ was around a mile loop there are some elements that are similar such as seeing the same aid station often, seeing the same runners over and over again - as they pass me, and all the tents.

CiJ is a great event, well organized and so caring for the runners. Next year I will be back but to volunteer. DPRT 50 (plus marathon and half) is in October put on by 2 of the CiJ RDs       http://www.desplainesrivertrailraces.com/     

And to end a photo from near the end of the 12 hour. Tom, myself, Michelle and Julie. Tom and Julie did the 24 hour both hitting ultra distance (Tom finished quick so he could leave early). Michelle and I both hit out goals and made it fun. Photo by and from Annette Smith

   

CiJ 2016. Running around a misshaped circle

Maybe I can claim I will be chasing and searching for Pokemons. Friday 15th July at 11pm I am running for 12 hours. Well I am signed up to have the chance to run for 12 hours but will likely run some, rest some, hang out some, volunteer some, eat some food, drink some drink, walk some. But no Pokémon will be involved. Hey I don't even know what this craze is.

But the craze I do know is happening in Lisle this weekend as a bunch of crazy ultra runners will be running a nearly one mile loop for 6 or 12 or 24 hours to see how many miles they can or desire to cover.  http://www.christmasinjuly24hour.com/Lisle/Default.aspx

I volunteered at the event the past two years and now I get to run. Honestly have no training so to speak off and my only goal is to have fun plus of course hang out with the ultra crowd.

I will report back sometime this weekend but might post to Facebook during breaks.

Good luck to all running and volunteering and RDing.

Pokanoka 8 mile preview

Last July the 4th (2015) I had the pleasure of running a great no frills 8 mile trail race at Shabbona's Lake, the Pokanoka 8 mile run (and 1.8 mile walk). The pre-entry fee is cheap and if you sign up a week before the race you will get the race T shirt. The proceeds benefits a great cause, domestic violence agency for the prevention. In 2015 there was around 100 people in the 8 miler so small numbers but I feel it could grow. The 8 mile course is all trail mainly wide grass but a few dirt or narrow sections. A few rollers plus one big hill. It ducks in and out of meadows and trees while looping around a big lake. Around a mile out you cross a big earth dam.  Full details are on the race website including deadlines for fees and shirts plus course map.   

 http://pokanokasrun.com/

 

 

Sadly I will now have to miss this year due to a slow training start plus work requirements. Last year I ran with my friends Carina and Mike. We went really slow running, walking. hiking, power hiking. We just had fun out on the trails. I did say if I went back I'd be better trained and run a good loop. Sure I could finish but it would be slow like last year. As I building up for a few other races end of the year I am going to pass on the race this year but encourage you all to do it. I also might be working that day due to some changes and vacations occurring with one of my work centers. Given I need Labor Day off I have no problem working this holiday (plus time and a half pay)

 

 

Run with the Lions (April 30th)

Coming up on April 30th is the 3rd annual "Run with the Lions" at St James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL. It is back at the original venue after a year at Danada due to major construction.

If the past two years are anything to go by it'll be another awesome race for a great cause. I did the race both years and was impressed by the organization and everything that came with the entry fee.

For race information and signing up head here:  http://www.runwiththelions.com/index.html

You can read my race review from 2015 on this blog:  http://www.denalifc.blogspot.com/2015/04/rain-run-with-lions-5k.html

GLASA Chicago Marathon Charity Spots

 

 

http://www.glasa.org/special-events/marathon/

 

 

Over the past four years or so I have been involved with a great organization to help them put on an evening Twilight 5k race in Lake Forest. http://www.glasa.org/special-events/twilight-5k/

 

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) strives to ‘Let No One Sit on the Sidelines’ and operates under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness and competitive sports activities. GLASA offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations. http://www.glasa.dreamhosters.com/about-us/mission/.

 

They raise funds to help those that normally can't partake in a variety of sports. Everyone from kids through adults including those that compete in the Paraolympics. One of those fund raisers is a team in the Chicago Marathon. GLASA as secured slots as detailed below.  

 

If you need more information please contact:

Cherie Hrusovsky chrusovsky@glasa.org 847-283-0908 (she authored the details that follow)

 

If you have ever wanted to run the Chicago Marathon, GLASA has your chance! GLASA has charity entries for the race and we are trying to spread the word. Do you want to run? Do you have friends who want to run? Please Facebook, tweet, Snapchat, Instagram or otherwise share with your networks! 

 

There are two different ways that you can join Team GLASA as a marathon runner on Sunday, October 9, 2016!

 

As a Charity Runner with a Guaranteed Entry: If you need a guaranteed entry to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, GLASA has entries! GLASA can provide you with the opportunity to run in 2016, and you can commit to making a difference in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. All guaranteed entry charity runners are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 in exchange for their entry, but GLASA will help you with fundraising assistance, a fundraising website, tips etc.

 

As a Charity Runner with a Non- Charity Entry:  There are a few ways that you can secure entry into the Bank of America Chicago marathon without using a charity entry. You can    1. Qualify as a legacy runner by having completed 5 Chicago Marathons within the last 10 years.    2. Qualify by running a sub 3:15 (men) or sub 3:45 (women).    3. If you do not qualify as a legacy runner or a time qualifier, you can also join the lottery and take your chances of being chosen during the spring lottery selection, March 10-April 21. The lottery option does not guarantee that you get a slot to run the marathon, but if you are successful in securing a slot via the lotto, GLASA will still welcome you to join our team!

If you use a non-charity entry, GLASA suggests a fundraising minimum of $260- ten dollars per mile. You are not contractually obligated to raise the $1,000 required of charity runners. You still receive all of the same benefits as the charity runners and you still get to make a difference in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities as you tackle your marathon challenge.

 

Benefits of Running with Team GLASA:

- Team GLASA Tech T Shirt

- Fundraising Guidance

- FREE Entry to Twilight 5k

- FREE Entry to the SALUTE 5k/10k

- Race Day Hospitality Room near the finish line

Easy gear check

Massage Therapist

                Continental Breakfast and Light Lunch

- Charity Mile Party for Your Family and Friends on Race Day

- Social Events

- Fundraising Incentives and Prizes

- CARA membership and Training Program

- Race entry reimbursement* (with a $2,000 fundraising minimum)

- The satisfaction of making a difference for individuals with physical and visual disabilities.

 

More information about Team GLASA and the Chicago Marathon: www.glasa.org/marathon

 

Want to Register to Run with Team GLASA? Visit the website for the registration link for Team GLASA.

(Please note this is NOT a registration form for the Chicago Marathon. It is for the charity team. You need to register directly with the Chicago Marathon to secure your marathon entry. The marathon opens for registration on March 8th.)

 

 We will follow up with more information about fundraising pages, social events and incentives in the coming days. Right now, all you need to do is join the team and share this email with your family and friends so they can also run with GLASA!

 



Tour de Trails 20k

Preview number one

Over next few weeks I hope to write up a preview of the races I listed in my Super Duper Race list. These are all races that I hope to do in 2016 but have also had some involvement in before generally due to running or volunteer at them. As with any race please verify all details for yourself and every race is subject to changes right up to the moment it starts.

Today I am going to look at Rockford's Tour de Trails 12 mile, March 19th in Rock Cut State Park. 
 https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/IL/Rockford/TourdeTrails

This race is part of a winter series put on by the Rockford Road Runners on various trail systems around the Rockford area. They hold a 3 mile (December), 6 mile (January), 9 mile (February), 12 mile (March). There was an option to do the whole series if you signed up for the series before the first race or you can do individual race such as the 12 mile in March.

In 2007 I completed this series. It was under a different RD and all races where held at Rock Cut. If you completed the series you earned the coveted orange survivor long sleeve shirt.

The new RD has kept the same general ideas but made some nice changes. Kept is the low entry fee, challenging courses, bring a dish to share, low key race but added a small SWAG item for each race: December was a Christmas tree ornament, March will be a long sleeve cotton T shirt (see race web for full details including limits on sign up deadlines for SWAG etc), holds each race at a different trail system in the Rockford area although March will be at Rock Cut, gives a hoodie for those completing the series.

My previous races at Rock Cut have included the 2007 series, the 12mile (well 20k) series race in 2012, and in September I've done the club's HOBO races including 25k twice and 50k once. Rock Cut is a great trail system including wide cross country trails, horse trails and single track trails. Some is flat, some hilly and there could be a creek or swallow river crossing depending on the trails used. And being the tail end of winter it could be dry, wet, snowy, icy. I've ran in all conditions at Rock Cut.

My reviews:

March 2012 20k http://www.denalifc.blogspot.com/2012/03/mud-mud-and-more-mud-20k-trail-race.html

Rock Cut HOBO 50k http://www.denalifc.blogspot.com/2010/09/rock-cut-hobo-50k.html


  

Here's some super duper races for 2016

Happy New Year my friends.

2015 wasn't a good one for me. Well some parts where but running was not. A few medical issues (pneumonia, allergies, bronchitis) basically prevented any running. I did a few races but they didn't go as planned but I made them fun and finished. Hoping for a better 2016. At least work and school went well but it was a busy time.

My plan for 2016 is to get back to running, do some races, volunteer at some races all while working hard and learning well. Not sure what races I'll be shooting for in 2016 but some ideas are listed and I intend to do profiles on those listed and even others. Maybe you'll be at some of these

March 19 Tour de Trails at Rock Cut SP in Rockford. 12 miles of trails  https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/IL/Rockford/TourdeTrails 

April 30 Run with the Lions 5k St James Farm, Warrenville IL.  http://www.runwiththelions.com/ 

May and June will likely find me volunteering at the Ice Age 50 and the Kettle Moraine 10044

July 4 Pokanoka's 8 mile trail race, Shabbona Lake, IL. http://pokanokasrun.com/

July 15-16 Christmas in July, Lisle IL. This event includes a 5k, 10k, 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour.
http://www.christmasinjuly24hour.com/Lisle/Default.aspx

July 30 Hot, Hilly Hairy 50k Kenosha WI. Held on the famous UW- Parkside cross country course.
http://www.xcthrillogy.com/

August 28 Muddy Monk's Nearly Sane half  http://www.muddymonk.com/trailruns/

October 15 Des Plaines River Trail, 50 mile, marathon, half marathon.
http://www.desplainesrivertrailraces.com/

In the weeks ahead I plan to do a profile of each race detailing event details taken from their website, Facebook pages and my own experiences. I may add some other races and if any RDs want me to add their events please email me and I'll consider them (IJSEvents@gmail.com). Some of the above races are put on by RDs or organizations that do other events during the year or a series of races during the mentioned events so those will get some words during the profile postings. Good example is the Hot Hilly Hairy 50k put on my Kenosha Running Company who do a number of trail races during the year plus the HHH50k is one of a number of races held on the same day. Same with DPRT which if you have read my blogging you know what that event means to me.