Soldier Field 10

First comment: What a great race.

Never having ran this race which was now in it's 8th year I wanted to do it. Thanks to Clif Bar I was signed up. For me it started on Tuesday when I went to Fleet Feet and picked up my race packet along with four friends. It was one of the smoothest well planned race packet pick ups I've attended in and out in minutes with 5 race bibs, 5 T shirts in varying sizes.

Race morning my friend Danielle picked me up just before 5am and we drove over to a meeting point to collect four Windrunner club members and was headed to Chicago by 5:15am. Easy drive in and smooth parking around 5:40. This is one race it is best to get there early for. Danielle had some race flyers for CARA, I had to go to Clif Bar booth to get a Clif Bar running cap to wear during the race and the others had race packets to get. Back to the car to get ready, no gear check required. Danielle introduced me to more friends, boy is she well known!! We walked over to our race corral. There was six (AA, A, B, C, Open 1, open 2). I had been assigned to A down with the fast guys. I think that was due to Clif Bar. I felt sort of strange at the front so once the gun went off I ran to the side of the road.

The race started on time. First we headed south on either Lake Shore Drive or the frontage roads along side it for almost five miles then back north on the bike and running path. It was a good course even with the marina construction around 31st St.

I am one of those slow runners. I had speed at one time but after getting burned out on running then some medical and injury issues I've not yet got any speed back, distance yes speed no. I thought I could go 2:10 at this race (said I am slow) but deep down wanted to hit 2:00.

Due to being in corral A I hit the first mile in around 9 minutes, too fast. As the course went by my miles got slower. First four averaged just over 10s and I knew I'd slow down. I did but not by that much. I was excited to make the turn around at the big Clif Bar structure and head for home. This is generally one of the best city views you can get and only gets better has you get closer. Not today though as the city was covered in low clouds or fog. It reminded me of of when I got married at Navy Pier 21 years and 2 days ago (May 26) when it was also foggy. Oh well. Around mile 7 my friend Sarah passed me. I coached her to her first marathon many years ago via CARA. Sarah still calls me Coach and did today, love it. Finally I hit McCormick Place at mile nine. Checked my watch. WOW (for me) could I break 1:50. Along the bike path and make the turn on to the start line road along side Soldier Field. We had to head north and into the stadium via the service entrance, through a players tunnel and out onto the field. Fans are in the stands cheering us on, a camera crew is showing us on the jumbtron (nay didn't see myself) and I head across the grass and over the finish line on the half way line. I was done and yes broke 1:50 with a posted finish off 1:49:15. I was pleased with that.

Get a bottle of water. Walk around to soak it in especially as the finish run had gone by so fast. Left the playing field and got a nice medal, food bag and a souvenir blanket.

Easily found Danielle and gang. I was the slowest of the six so they had to wait for me join them, thanks guys. We all had good races. Drive back to western burbs was full of race talk and where to go for breakfast. Hmmm those pancakes and coffee hit the spot.

Soldier Field 10 is a great event. Everything from race sign up to packet pick up to race day organization to the shirts, medals and blankets. Kudos to Fleet Feet.

A big thanks to Clif Bar for my race number and being a race sponsor.
Another big thanks to Danielle for driving us all to the race.

I'll be back but first I have to run some trails just like my blog name.

A Badwater Unsupported Solo

No not by me but by a friend of mine, read on.



Lisa and crew at Badwater Basin before 2007 race (photo by Ian Stevens)

You all know how much I like the Badwater ultramarathon. I've followed the race for years. First was just reading about it then along came the DVD "Running on the Sun" and then friends doing the race and yet more reading and checking results. Finally in 2007 my dream of being part of the race came true when my friend Scott from Downers Grove asked me to be on his crew team. The race blew my mind, unless it was the 125 degree July heat, maybe both. I had an amazing time at that race. In 2008 with no one friends to crew I found an Aussie, Kelvin needing a USA based crew so along with my friend Steve I crewed Badwater again. Kelvin then did the race again in 2009 so I crewed again. Sadly I could not attend in 2010 but followed the race on line and played all my DVDs (five in total), watched You Tube clips etc and even planned a noon time run at Springbrook with Cat.

One of my good friends is Lisa Bliss an ultrarunner from the Midwest currently living in Washington State. Lisa has been the Badwater head MD for years. Lisa as ran the race twice including in 2007 when she won. This year Lisa has decided to do a solo unsupported run from Badwater (282 feet below sea level) to the top of Mt Whitney (highest point in lower 48) in July. The race finishes at the Whitney portal trail head at nearly 9000 feet and after 135 miles. Lisa is going to around 14500 feet and 146 miles. (Race finishes lower due to current government rules). By solo unsupported she will have no support or crew, has to carry all her supplies (food, water, ice etc) in a cart that she'll need to pull or push and accept no help from anyone. Her boyfriend, Tim will be in the Valley for security and safety but that is it.

Here is Lisa's blog report:
http://lisabliss.blogspot.com/2011/05/so-back-to-that-looming-question.html

This will be one long hard run. Even before Lisa gets to Mt Whitney at mile 122 there is miles of straight never ending roads, two mountain passes both around 5,000 feet with long climbs and descents, heat, wind, traffic and did I mention no restocking. Then the climb up Mt Whitney begins. First it is a steady doable uphill until you hit the switchbacks when the grade gets steeper. Then the paved road runs out and Lisa will have to hike 11 miles up steep switchbacks with some sheer drops in possible unpredictable weather than can include wind, rain, ice, lightening, snow - yes in July. Mt Whitney creates its own weather.

If anyone can do it Lisa can. To the best of my knowledge (and what Lisa writes) only one person has ever done a solo unsupported run. Some others have tried but Marshall Ulrich is the only success. Lisa can be number two. www.badwater.com/stories/1999/99ulrichsolo.html

This July will be a busy month for me, first following the Badwater race then following any reports that might come through on my friend Lisa.

If any one can Lisa can.

10 days to go

I am less than 10 days away from my next race and only my second road/paved race in around 4 or 5 years. Looking forward to doing the Soldier Field 10. The race numbers and starting corrals where emailed to the near 15000 runners on Monday night. Packet pickup is next week at Fleet Feet store in Lincoln Park then race day is May 28th at 7.30am.

Although I am excited to do this race not looking forward to the numbers running but I'll just go out and enjoy myself, not everyday or even every month I get to run on the Chicago lakefront these days.

www.soldierfield10.com

Sad News

Media are reporting that Sammy Wanjiru has died from a fall (or jump) off a balcony at his home
http://racingnews.runnersworld.com/2011/05/sammy-wanjiru-dead-at-age-24.html

In 2009 I had the honour of picking Sammy and Richard Limo up at the O'Hare airport and driving them into Chicago for the marathon. I got to spend 2 hours with them, more with Sammy as we had to wait for Richard to get through customs and immigration. Race day Sammy broke the Chicago and North American marathon time by 1 second, worth $100,000. Both guys were so nice. I am in shock

Here's my report from 2009
http://denalifc.blogspot.com/2009/10/driving-olympic-gold-medalist.html

Soldier Field 10 - signed up

http://www.soldierfield10.com/

I signed up for Fleet Feet's Soldier Field 10 mile scheduled for May 28th.

After running 9.7 miles on the roads and bike paths of the Chicago lakefront the race enters and finishes on the half way line inside Soldier Field. Most people know this venue as home to the Chicago Bears. I've only seen one Bears game but spent six years watching MLS' Chicago Fire play at Soldier Field along with many an international game and friendlies. Now you see why I say half way and not 50 yards.

I am looking forward to this race. I've always wanted to do it but never been able to. Life gets in the way at times. Last year I was at the event working the Clif Bar booth handling out Clif products and samples. I had a blast walking around the expo area before the race with a messenger bag stuffed full of Clif Shots gels and Clif Shot Bloks handing them out to many a smiling face. During the race I ducked into Soldier Field and saw runners crossing the halfway line. That was neat. Clif Bar will be back at the race as a major sponsor this year and although I'll not be working the booth or the messenger bag this year I guess I am running with Team Clif Bar. I won't be the fastest and likely closer to the back of the back (more running time for the entry I say) I am going to enjoy the race and all the Chicago Lakefront as to offer.

I don't do many races. Last year I did 7 varying in length from 5k to 50k plus an orienteering race. All these races were on trails, either dirt or limestone. In 2009 I did four races and three were on trails. I like trails, a lot as my blog title says. Therefore my last race on the black top was 18 months ago while doing the 4 mile http://www.wozhawarun.com/ in Wisconsin Dells. Sure I do some training on the roads but prefer to hit the dirt or limestone. I'll have to do a few long runs on the roads in next few weeks. I've run up to 12 miles this year (my first ultra is not till the summer so not rushing the build up) but that was on trails. I should be fine but I bet I'll be more sore from this road race than any recent trail race.

I can't wait

Legal stuff: Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10 logo owned by Fleet Feet Chicago. Clif Bar logo owned/trademarked by Clif Bar

A Badwater Solo

Photo supplied by Steve O

Update: Steve has decided not to do his planned solo run this year. Hopefully it'll be on next year or the year after. Whenever Steve is ready to run myself and his fellow crew will be there to guide him across the desert and blacktop.

This past weekend Adventure Corp sent emails out to the 100 or so accepted applicants for the 2011 Badwater Ultramarathon. As previous readers (think there are some) know this is one of my favourite events. It is not something I could ever run. 135 miles through Death Valley in July with temperature around 125 but I've crewed there 3 times and love it.

My good buddy Steve has crewed those 3 times with me plus he has a 4th crew time. Steve has covered many miles pacing our runners at Badwater including topping 50 miles one year. He is a little energizer bulldog that can just keep going and going. Steve could easily finish the full 135 mile crossing but the race application calls for a minimum three 100 mile ultra finishes. Steve has two successful finishes at Arizona's Javelina 100. At a minimum he would need another, then maybe more. Steve just wants do a crossing so in the tradition and spirit of how the race got it's start he has decided to do a solo crossing along the race route this July.

I hope to be there to crew him. I love Death Valley. I love the idea of running from the lowest to the highest points in the lower 48 of America. I could never do it but I can be there to make that dream come true for my buddy.

Good luck Steve and let's get the planning started my friend

Frozen Zucchini

After a few fun hours on snowy trails on Saturday what better than going to a snow shoe race on Sunday. Barrington IL was holding the Frozen Zucchini Snow Shoe 5k race and I had some friends entered. What better than cheering on Cathie, Tom and Kim.

http://frozenzucchini.wordpress.com/

I've seen people snow shoeing before but never racing. This race was a sell out with 160 people and a kids race. Erehwon Outfitters had a small supply of rental shoes. They also supplied some great items in the racers goody bag. The goody bag was enough for me wishing I had signed up. The T shirt was a great long sleeve cotton with the clever race logo on the front. In the bag was a pair of merino wool socks, a water bottle, pair of winter gloves, some good healthy snack items, a small novelty compass (which actually appears to work), some hand lotion and other assorted times. I believe the sign up cost was only $25. The goody bag was worth that alone. The race also had some good post race snacks, coffee and hot chocolate then an award party at a near by bar with pizza and beer.

The 5k course was two loops of a city park which from the start line area appeared to have a few hills and likely an extension of the hills we passed on the drive in. The racers lined up almost cross country run style and where off. Snow was flying every where and the lead guys were flying right from the start. We watched them shoe around a baseball field pass the soccer fields then out into some park fields along the snow covered grass trails that from the course map are part of the park system. It didn't take the leaders long to get back to the start/finish at 1.55 miles and head out on their second loop. I was surprised how fast some folks were moving. I missed the winner returning to finish the race as I had crossed the soccer fields to get some photos across the park. Got back in time to see Kim finish her race and still smiling. Kim did great and was close to the top of her age group. Cathie and Tom raced together and they put the fun in fun by enjoying their race and not worrying about the time, more trail time for their money I say.

Everyone at this race was so friendly from the race staff, the announcer, the volunteers, the timing crew, the cheering fans and the big Frozen Zucchini. After the race most folks headed into downtown Barrington for pizza and beer at a cool bar.

Kudos to the race organizers for a race well put on. I think next year they can hopefully increase the numbers allowed. I think I'll be there.



Kim before the start




Cathie and Tom finishing