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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Cinco de Miler, a 5-mile run race | May 6
Tequila, margaritas, churros, chips and salsa. Sounds like the food and drink spread at one of the weekend’s Cinco de Mayo parties, doesn't it? Except this fiesta, minus the tequila and margaritas, is happening on Sunday morning. At Montrose. With breakfast burritos. With cerveza, the first beer courtesy of the race. With the band El Guapo. After you run 5 miles and get a calorie burn in the bank. It’s the Cinco de Miler race, dubbed Chicago’s only five miler (the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is an 8K, just under the 5-mile mark).
Consider this RAM Racing event your excuse to continue whatever partying you’ll be doing for Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day. It’s early enough, 9:30 am, to condone an all-nighter—you can always crash after and sleep until Monday morning. It’s short enough to not be too painful even if you’re feeling wrecked. It’s long enough to count as a good workout, and one where you’ll burn enough calories to eat that finish line churro. It has piñatas to crack where proceeds from the $2 for 30 seconds of piñata bashing benefits Chicago Run. It has seeded corrals to control the traffic flow on the Lakefront Path. And per other RAM races, like the summer’s Terrapin 5K or the fall’s Bucktown 5K, it promises another cool wearable to add to the collection. If you’re a runner, it’s an ideal Cinco de Mayo celebration.
We all know it’s running season in Chicago even if the weather bounces between cool spring and warm summer. If you’re still looking for a race to run this weekend, you’re in luck because you can still register for the Cinco de Miler. It’s $50 well spent on a run, a beer, a band, a burrito and more. But beware: race registration is expected to close sometime this week. Until then, you can sign up here.
Where runners can train for the 2012 Shamrock Shuffle
The temperatures might be constantly fluctuating, but those running races you signed up for back when training felt like it wouldn’t be a big deal (you know, weeks ago) are steady on the calendar. And they’re not going anywhere whether you opt out of a run because it’s too cold or you ran too much because you saw signs of spring.
Take the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, the 8K that takes over the downtown streets and unofficially ushers in our running season: It’s 20 days away on Sunday, March 25. Perfect if you’ve been running on your own in our milder-than-normal winter. Not perfect, not even by a long shot, if your shoes have been sitting in your closet since before the winter solstice started. Also not perfect, if you hate trying to run on your own in conditions that aren’t your favorite—you know, the colder, winder, less sunny kind.
But who said you had to train on your own? Everyone knows it’s easier and usually far more fun to run with a group, me included even though it doesn’t happen often enough. You don’t have to worry about tracking down a training group, as long as you can run on Mondays. Just show up at Fleet Feet’s Old Town location by 6:30 pm ready to run and you’re set on training for the next three weeks. In conjunction with Nike, complimentary Shamrock Shuffle-specific training started out of the store last week. Training runs through March 19, features familiar faces as your pacers and offers post-run refreshments. Register at ownchi.com to add a social component, Run Loud, to your running—messages, photos, race day updates.
And if Mondays don’t work, Running Away Multisport has a 5-mile training program kicking off on Wednesday. It’s a beginners program aimed to train newbie runners in nine weeks for RAM Racing’s Cinco de Miler.
Speaking of races, it's not too late to sign up for either. Shamrock can be the kick-off and then see if you can run the slightly longer Cinco de Miler (it's roughly a 0.03-mile difference) faster. Maybe some personal bests are in your future this season with some training runs under your belt? As long as the weather doesn’t turn foul is how I roll.
Run to warm your heart | February 26
Running in shorts and a T-shirt without freezing? Running without having to heed snow, sleet, rain, ice and cold wind gusts? Running a race before the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle ushers in the official race season? Count me in. And that’s exactly what I did when I heard about the Warm Your Heart 5K (OK, you caught me, the end-of-2011 registration deal also helped).
Thinking about how cold it can be in February—and how little I usually run when my choices are narrowed to choosing a treadmill—it made sense. Held Sunday, Feb 26, this 5K would run through climate-controlled McCormick Place. How? One can only guess at a course that could cover 3.1 miles indoors at the convention center, but curiosity might be reason alone to check it out. How else would you learn how to snake a course through an indoor venue for 2,500 runners of mixed speeds and abilities?
But being curious about the course isn’t the only reason to run. What about having an inaugural event on the calendar when others in the city are climbing stairs at the Hustle Up the Hancock? Or not having to wake up crazy early—the race starts at 9 a.m. Or getting the blood pumping during Heart Health Month—the race benefits Northwestern’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.
Want to learn more? Read all about it at warmyourheart5k.com.
Chicago Marathon 2012 registration expects to fill soon
Thought about running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 7? Debated between this 26.2 miler and another one—say Twin Cities, Detroit or putting it all on the line by entering the ING NYC Marathon lottery? If you haven’t pulled the trigger, as some have called it, yet, you’re going to have to hurry up and decide. And even then, you might be too late.
The 35th annual Chicago Marathon opened its registration at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1. Before the day was out, the race announced it had surpassed its first-day registration total from 2011—when the race filled its 45,000-runner field in 31 days. The next morning, rumors started circulating that the race would sell out soon and warned to register soon. Fast forward to this morning and what do I find in my inbox? An email from the marathon announcing that more than 30,000 runners had already handed over $150 ($175 for international runners) to solidify their general entry, also known as the buy-now-drop-out-later option, into the October 7 race. If that’s not enough to convince you to register sooner rather than later, then maybe 2012 isn’t your year to run Chicago or maybe it’s your year to run with a charity team, which tend to have entries remaining after registration closes.
And while you’re at it, you may as well add the Shamrock Shuffle to your list. It’s a good season opener—even though it’s crowded as all get-out—but you do get a rare sampling of the marathon course (the start and finish are the same as are some of the city streets you’ll travel), a Nike Dri-Fit tee, and only five miles of pain as opposed to 26.2. It’ll be a race to see which one closes first—and when. Where would you put your money?
How to survive the F^3 Lake Half Marathon | January 28
Running Saturday’s F^3 Lake Half Marathon seemed like a good idea months ago. Back when you spent hours of your summer running along the Lakefront. Back when you had the miles of the Chicago Half Marathon or the Bank of America Chicago Marathon under your belt. Back when you couldn’t resist paying less than $45 for a half marathon in the Windy City.
But then the busy holiday season hit and your running shoes took a backseat to your party ones. But then the weather turned cold—and sometimes icy and snowy—and hibernating under a blanket sounded better than running outside. But then snow entered the forecast for the morning of the race and you really started wondering how you’d survive 13.1 miles in far-from-ideal conditions. Sure, you have to expect that when you sign up for a race that’s labeled the F^ing Freezing Frozen, held in January in one of the colder parts of the country when the wind blows. But you always hoped that race day would warrant one of those surprise spring-like days we saw around Christmas or earlier in the month…or today.
Since that’s not the case, at least if you’ve been monitoring weather.com, here are some survival suggestions for tomorrow’s half marathon. After all, you want to earn that medal that doubles as a bottle opener.
Dress in layers. When it’s hot, the choice is simple: wear as few clothes as possible to stay cool. When it’s cold, you want to wear more layers to stay warm at the start, but you have to account for your body’s rising temperature as you start moving and avoid overheating. And around these parts, a layer to protect against the wind is always key.
Bring a garbage bag. This sounds crazy, but when there’s a chance of inclement weather—snow or rain or that funky mixture that likes to fall when it’s not quite freezing—a bag poked with arm holes and a head hole is your best weapon against the elements. You can always yank it off and toss it aside when you don’t want it anymore.
Wear an older pair of shoes. You know how you’ve been advised to rotate your running shoes so you don’t have one high-mileage pair and that’s it? Consider wearing one of the pairs that are on their way out of the rotation, or are more worn-in to weather the elements, than that favorite newbie pair.
Hydrate and fuel. Cold air has a drying effect that can make you even more dehydrated during a race. Plus you’re still sweating and losing fluids. Remember this Runner’s World advisory: You want to eat or drink carb-rich items on runs that are longer than 75 minutes.
Have fun. It’s a race so you’ll want to have your game face on, but don’t forget that it’s only January, and you don’t necessarily have to PR this early in the year. Besides, wouldn’t you rather cross the finish line with a smiling or a sighing in relief than a wincing in pain? Speaking of which, you could always downgrade to the 5K option.
Where to run for burgers and beer | January 9
Sometimes you just need a nudge to go outside and run. Especially when it gets dark before you leave the office. Especially when it’s winter—even if there’s fluke weather outside that’s making it feel more like March or April. Especially when it doesn’t involve a race that cost you some serious dough. But dangle another carrot—or two—like that which promises food and beer, and that run sounds a little more appealing. Doesn’t it?
If your mouth is starting to water at the prospects, there’s an answer to your prayers. Or 12 answers--one Monday per month. It’s the Burgers and Beer Fun Run Series, which kicks of its 2012 season tonight, January 9, at Universal Sole’s Lakeview location.
Show up in your running gear at 6:30pm ready to run, walk or shuffle your way through a 5K or 5 miles. The sweet, er savory, reward? A post-run gathering at Fizz Bar to nosh on burgers, available at a special price, and imbibe Goose Island 312 beer, where the first round is on the house. It doesn’t get much better than a happy hour where the workout is already done, at least for this runner.
Ah but wait. Universal Sole knows how to sweeten the pot. The store is partnering with Saucony for some additional Burgers and Beer night deals. The store will offer some discounts on Saucony shoes and gear during these runs. Participate in six runs, take home a Burgers & Beer pint glass. Come to eight runs, score a special wicking shirt and other swag. Run all 12, be rewarded with an embroidered Burgers & Beer Saucony gift.
Can’t make it tonight? Check out Universal Sole’s Burgers and Beer schedule for the rest of the year.
Early season pricing discount for Soldier Field 10
How did 2011 go by so fast? One minute we’re ringing in the unofficial start to the running season with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and then we’re battening down the hatches to prepare for winter training and opening holiday gifts for the next running season. And more importantly, perhaps, we’re busy planning those races for 2012 and setting goals. Here’s one to put on the calendar for 2012—and do it sooner rather than later if you’re the planner or penny-pincher type: the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile race.
This race has become a favorite among Chicagoans. It typically welcomes the summer running season (and warm weather) with its Memorial Weekend kick-off on Saturday, May 26. It offers the unique opportunity to run through Soldier Field—and finish on the 50-yard line of its hallowed grass. If you’re a newer runner, the 10-mile distance is perfect to train for without moving into half marathon and marathon territory (but also works as a good jumping-off point to prep you for those longer distances). If you’re a seasoned distance runner, the distance is one you can likely cover without too much thought or anxiety (and wouldn’t we all like that every once in a while when it come to racing?).
But here’s the best part, at least for my budget-saving brain: The Soldier Field 10 offers attractive pre-season pricing that’s good until the end of the year. Uh, make that 24 hours (I wasn’t lying when I thought the year flew by). From now until the clock strikes midnight to welcome in 2012, you can register for the SF10 for $65. After the new year, the price goes up to its regular season pricing--$80. It’s an offer that’s hard to refuse, especially if your running race calendar is looking to be a full one.
For more details about the 2012 Soldier Field 10 or to register, check out soldierfield10.com.
Four ways to go running this weekend | Dec. 9-10
Last night’s snowfall has you choosing the gym over the trail, even if you despise the dreadmill. You’ve had enough of the holiday hoopla, the kind that involves late-night dinners and parties—it’s cramping your running style—and it’s not even December 10, and you know there’s more to come. You know you’ve indulged on one too many Christmas cookies, candy canes, cups of eggnog and trips to the brat stand at the Christkindlmarket, and you’re not making up for it with a workout (again it’s those holiday events getting in the way).
Whatever your excuse is for not running during the week, or last weekend when it rained, or any other justification you can concoct for why your sneakers are starting to gather dust in your closet, you can put a stop to it this weekend. It’s easy to get your run on Saturday and Sunday, especially if you need an event to get you out the door (I know I do this time of year, when I’m perfectly content burrowing under the covers and hitting snooze multiple times). Here are five ways to get started.
Red Bull Trail Daze. You’ll have to hustle to Universal Sole in Lakeview before they close tonight to register for this Saturday morning race, but you won’t regret it when you take to the forest preserve trails at Palos. The 500-person event lets you choose the trail you want to conquer, easy, medium and hard. Will it be short yet punishing, easy yet high on mileage, or somewhere in between?
Update: If you wanted to run, you’ll have to wait until next year as the race sold out Friday afternoon. But don’t let it stop you from a trail run at Palos—you can always spy on the participants and plot your course for next time.
Element Multisport/Newton Pancake Fun Run. If you want to stay local Saturday morning, not spend any money and not have your mileage set in stone (though the organizers do say it's three miles no drop) for you, join this run departing from Element at 9 am. If a run isn’t enough to get you out the door, there will be pancakes when you return to the store. Consider it refueling before you fight the masses at Costco.
Rudolph Ramble. Not to knock the other runs this weekend, but I’d opt for this Sunday special merely because the weather promises to be warmer. Me, sub-freezing temperatures, black ice potential and missing cold-weather gloves do not make a good combo. But running an 8K through Lincoln Park at 9 am, and getting a holiday-themed tech tee and wearable antlers, sounds doable if we see warm-ish, relatively speaking, temps. And at least I still have until tomorrow to head to Fleet Feet to sign up.
Ironman World Championship viewing. If you really don’t want to run and nothing will convince you otherwise—not me, your significant other, or any amount of begging and pleading—you won’t need the compression gear, running shoes or technical materials for this event. They’re all optional at Lincoln Hall from 3-5 pm on Saturday, where triathletes, endurance junkies and pretty much anyone else who’s intrigued by Ironman will be watching the NBC airing of the Ironman World Championship, which happened in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 8. Sure, you can watch it from your couch, but if you RSVP and attend this event, you could win some gear during the commercial breaks. Pretty good deal—a $5 donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation is requested at the door—if you score a raffle prize and still needed to check off that gift for the athlete on your list.
Santas run Montrose at Santa Hustle 5K | December 3
Not a fan of running in cold weather? Last week’s Turkey Trot was cool enough for me. But the promise of slightly warmer weather during today’s weekend weather forecast—at least I swear I saw claims in my half-awake stupor—and an event that sounds too spirited to skip might just get me up and running Saturday morning.
Wouldn’t you be curious about a 5K called the Santa Hustle? I sure am especially since I’ve dragged myself out of a warm bed to shuffle across the ice for the Rudolph Ramble and sprint through River North and Fulton Market for the Jingle Bell Run. Besides, this Hustle has one of the most unique goodie bags ever with its Santa hat, white beard, and technical T-shirt that doubles as a red Claus coat. Even if you do have to wear it for the race, and potentially look pretty darn silly, it’s nice to know that everyone else is doing it too. And they’re getting up early to get their Ho, Ho, Ho on—the race starts at 9 am but you know as well as I do that a race at Montrose requires early arrival or you’ll be searching forever for a parking spot.
If you know right now that you’re in for running this race, hustle over the Universal Sole to register (or register online beforehand) and pick up your packet because there is no day-of option. If you’re still on the fence, maybe because you’re doubting that the weather gods will behave and provide good running conditions, just plan to watch the Santas depart from Montrose. You can always run sans costume on your own time, and maybe take some pictures that aren’t bouncy from running with a camera. Just a thought. Or get motivated watching these Santas and then make your way to Indianapolis to run that Santa Hustle on December 17.
But, to the weather gods, please oh please, don’t rain or be too windy along the Lakefront. If that happens, I really will go into hibernation with no chance of running until we see signs of spring. And forget spectating simply to ease my curiosity on this march of the Santas—a warm bed is too inviting when it's cold, windy and wet.
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals for runners
Eat all day Thursday. Shop all day Friday. Shop again at the second Small Business Saturday. Isn’t that how all Thanksgivings are supposed to be scheduled? Feasting followed by retail therapy? If it means replacing the running shoes I burned out at yesterday’s Turkey Trot or saving on gifts for the other runners in my life, I’ll take it. Even if that does mean venturing out to the stores on this Black Friday, a day that might be better spent running (they are calling for a high of 60 after all) than waiting in line.
But I’m not suggesting pushing through the crowds at Water Tower Place, the State Street shops or the suburban malls. Nor am I urging a fight over the price-is-right sports gear at Old Navy, where the entire store is seemingly on sale at its Gooblepalooza, or the electronics sales at Best Buy.
Nope, running is on the brain when it comes to these Black Friday steals. Here are a few to check out, some of which continue through the weekend (even better!).
The Leftovers Sale. We have food leftovers in the fridge and Fleet Feet has a season’s worth of “leftover” gear in their stores at Piper’s Alley and Lincoln Square. The retailer’s Leftovers sale went into play when the doors opened this morning at 10 am and runs until Monday. Shop early because it’s only while supplies last in terms of scoring the best gear. But chances are it’ll be tough to go home empty handed considering apparel, shoes, sports bras and more are on sale.
Winter Gear Sale. Universal Sole’s flagship location is serving as the packet pick-up spot for Saturday’s Grant Park Turkey Trot, but it’s also serving up some deals on winter gear until Sunday. Not only is winter apparel discounted, but so are sale items (more than their sale price).
Online sales. Yes, we have to wait a few days for Cyber Monday, but apparently it’s not stopping online retailers from offering up the bargains. Under Armour, Skirt Sports, Adidas, Nike, to name a few—there’s something to be saved. It might not be a tamer crowd at the running stores, but it’ll be a familiar one. And who couldn’t use a closet restocking, especially adding winter gear, or a running shoe refresher? Not me.
