Sunday, March 24, 2013

Chitown 10k [but not really] recap

38:40, for 5.15 miles. Not a 10k. Avg Pace: 7:30 a mile. YAY

So i signed up for this race a few days ago because I was going to cheer for Britt, Jenny and Hillary anyways because we had a brunch date for post race. Figured I would give an earnest effort at the 10K distance after my first 10k in Brasil in January. This race would be one in which I was trained well, and coming off a less than stellar experience at the half marathon last week due to weather.
Myself, Jenny and Britt pre race

My only goal going into this race was to try to maintain 7:30's and then kick it in for the final mile.  *Spoiler alert* there was no final mile.

The half and 10k started together. After a half mile or so there were volunteers directing 10k runners to turn. I thought this was incorrect after briefly studying the course map- but who am I to question? *Since im never in a position to win a race, I dont generally look at maps closely. I followed the small herd. After a mile and not seeing a mile marker I knew something was wrong. But there was really nothing I could have done to go back, or fix it. So I followed the herd. Somewhere after mile 4 we turned back south to head towards the finish. I knew for sure at this point, there would be no more loops and we would be done a mile early. And I was BUMMED.
The Race director made an announcement post race that volunteers had mistakenly started pointing the 10k'ers in the wrong direction and because of this snafu, they will refund the 10k runners and give a $10 coupon towards a future All Community events race. Needless to say I'm going to ask for my refund.

 I really had my heart set on beating my time from Sao Paulo. Because if you arent improving, youre going backwards right?!? And it's only about the PRs and PBs?!?!?  haha I really just wanted a good race since last week's half was in crappy conditions. I did get a good 5.15 mile "race" in today.

During the last half mile I saw Pete who was so nice to cheer me on and take a few photos!
Post race, we all went to a delicious brunch place (Frances' in Lincoln Park) that had "spiked" milkshakes. I was on "Team Oreo." And it was delicious!
I had their skillet which was yummy and cant wait to eat the remaining portion of it later.

It was so nice to catch up with new and old friends :)
Post Brunch with some serious speedy company: (photo stolen from Jenny)

Final thoughts:

I ran this race  in 2011- the first year it existed, and had no problems. (didnt run it last year due to injury) I understand problems and mistakes do happen and I applaud the Race Director for stepping up and announcing a fair resolution to this snafu. While i'll probably never do their Chitown race again, because it is run on the confusing inner paths of the lakefront, I would/ am considering running some of their other races this year.

Silver Lining:

I now know im going to PR the hell out of the Shamrock Shuffle in 2 weeks. *save for catastrophe, and that makes me happy. Im a stronger, non injured runner FINALLY!


- xaar

30 comments:

  1. The course was totally confusing on the map. After I left the finish area, I saw other "stray" runners lost on all parts of the trail. Anyway, the worst part for me of a short course like you had today is having something in the tank left for a kick and before you can open it up, you have crossed the finish line. :( Anyway, it was good seeing you out there today. On the bright side, you got an speedy training run and will have fresher legs to start your training for the Shamrock this week. BTW, I want to go to that place and get a "milkshake!" Looks awesome and so does the food! :-)

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    1. I cant even read the map from my garmin-looks like a kid drew all over chicago!

      It was a bummer for not running the real course- but i think it would have been less sheltered than what I ran :)

      Go to Frances' in Lincoln Park! YUMMY Spiked Milkshakes

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  2. Oh man major bummer, but at least they are doing the best they can to fix it right away. I ran the Chi Town Half last year with no problems, in fact, I do remember they had LOTS of volunteers directing runners at every turn on the course. But these things happen I guess :( And at least you can get a good PR at Shamrock and maybe try at 10K again soon?

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    1. So strange- I really didnt see any volunteers on the part of the course I ran on.

      Its unfortunate things like this happen, but its no reason to get too upset- i just ran a PR of a 5.15 mile race. haha

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  3. I am going to need you to tell me where this place with spiked Oreo milkshakes is.

    that sucks about being shorted, but I doubt any other race would refund you for it! Good luck at Shamrock!!!

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    1. Frances' in Lincoln park :) GO THERE!

      I cant wait for Shamrock!

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  4. You seriously would have KILLED this race without all of the course craziness. So glad they're offering you a refund---I feel like a lot of other races wouldn't. Looking forward to cheering you on at the Shamrock Shuffle in a few weeks! (And for real---must go back for a milkshake ASAP. How did I not know about that place before?!)

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    1. Thank you! I am so beat after today. Not sure even if a beer can bring me out of this funk!

      Yes. Must brunch again sooN!

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  5. Oh that stinks! But it's awesome that you were so on pace today, especially after figuring out you wouldn't get the full 10k in. Can't wait to see how you do at the Shuffle! It'll only be my second 8k, but I'm definitely looking for a PR too :)

    Where did you go for brunch? That skillet looks yummy (I love anything with fried eggs on top) and spiked milkshakes sound awesome!

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    1. We went to Frances' in Lincoln park. It was delicious. I highly recommend it :)

      I have a feeling you're going to rock the Shuffle! Youve done so much good quality training! :)

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  6. wow that is terrible, at least they were honest about it

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    1. mistakes happen- i just dont like when i'm affected by them! :)

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  7. That's so frustrating that the course was so short, but glad to hear that they were upfront about dealing with it! I've heard good things about All Community races in the past, so what a bummer that they had this snafu. You are totally going to KILL the Shamrock Shuffle in a few weeks.

    I have been to Frances' many times and never heard about that milkshake!!! Now I am hankering to go back and give that milkshake a whirl (literally and figuratively!)

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    1. Ive never heard anything bad about ACE races before- We didnt even run whatever was supposed to be the course (which ended up being more sheltered from the wind anyways. yay)

      Youve never seen the milkshakes?!?! We must go there then!:)

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  8. Major bummer. At least they knew what happened and offered something for it. Good run.

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    1. Thanks! It was a good time despite the issues :)

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  9. How awkward! That's a major faux paux.

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  10. All I can say is...team Oreo rocks major booty and so do you. Had a blast hanging out with you today and feel bad that your race was cut 1+ miles short. Boo All Community events, you stink :( Excited to see how you do at the shamrock! You are totally going to rock it out there, just keep mixing up your workouts.

    Hope your evening has been warm and cozy! I was exhausted when I came home, think it was the shivering!

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  11. bah, sorry to hear about the discord. Great job seeing the positives!

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  12. I had a short 10k once but since my Garmin was dead that day I didn't know it until I crossed the finish line and the timer clock said 35 something, I knew then that the course had cheated me out of some miles, but I was just a sheep following the herd!
    NIce job with your pace though and glad you had fun with Team Oreo!

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  13. BUT IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PRs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    JK :)

    Sigh.

    What a bummer that it turned out this way, but there will always be more 10Ks, right? I am just chuckling, because of your previous 10K aversion. This is NOT helping! LOL! :)

    So did some people run the full 10K and only a small sect was directed the wrong way? :(

    Very cool that they are offering refunds and taking care of it. I was reading the comments and saw that most people had positive ACE experiences... I have actually heard a lot of bad reviews of them! But I keep thinking they just need more experience.

    That shake and skillet look AWESOME. As does the time with friends. Wish my face was in those pics ;)

    Countdown to Shamrock is ON!!!!

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  14. New reader! :)
    I love your owl beanie! So cute!
    That shake looks amazing! I'm running the Chicago marathon for the first time this year so I will have to remember to go there!

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  15. 7:30 pace...wow you are one speedy speedy lady!! I'm glad the race director recognized the mistake and is trying to make up for it at least!

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  16. What a bummer! But yes, you are going to ACE the Shuffle! This, I have no doubt. And isn't Frances' amazing???

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  17. What a mess of a race! Ugh! But that breakfast really makes up for a bad morning. Yuuuum to spiked milkshakes!

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  18. Well that sure stinks! But yea for a good time... and that oreo shake looks to die for!
    New follower! Found you via another runner!
    Carolyn
    http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/

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  19. Good pace for 5 miles! lol on the volunteers directing people the wrong way - that is a bummer. But yea you will PR your next race, and hopefully the snow melts by then!

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  20. Oh, and that oreo milkshake looks out of control!

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  21. Ahhhhh, I remember seeing this in your Twitter feed! WTF! At least they are going to give you a refund. Because who messes up a race like that!?

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  22. What a bummer! I would be so upset. It's nice of them to refund the 10kers at least. A lot of races wouldn't even do that! Glad you rebounded with an awesome brunch!

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