Spectating the "Short Course" Chi Town Half Marathon and 10k

I was running my one and only long run before Boston and it happened to coincide with the Chi Town Half Marathon and 10k. The races were held on the Lakefront Trail where I was also running.

 I arrived near Diversey Harbor at 8:45am about 30 minutes after the race started. I immediately saw a runner in an owl hat go by and knew it must be Xaarlin. So, I sped up and ran passed her to get a couple of shots of her running.

Xaarlin near the finish line

Almost there

I also got a video of her finish:

Xaarlin's 38:55 finish!

I knew that Xaarlin had been training extra hard this winter, but her time of 38:55 was phenomenal. However, it was not to be. Somewhere on the course she got misdirected and ended up running a short race. There were other runners in the same spot and they discussed what had happened.

10k runners discussing the short course

 I also noticed a couple of elite women who had just finished the half marathon in around 40 minutes, so they also ran a short course! They looked upset, and there was plenty of grumbling to go around. I needed to keep on my long run so I left. (BTW: There is youtube video later of the race director making a heartfelt apology and offering refunds to all misdirected runners. Hopefully, most of the runners are happy with that.)

I left the finish area to continue on with my long run and headed over to the Lakefront Trail.  I saw a lonely misdirected runner who was all by himself on the east side of Lake Shore Drive. He was watching the race runners on the west side of Lake Shore Drive. I spoke with him briefly, and he seemed confused as to what had happened. Luckily another runner who had also gotten lost showed him how to rejoin the race!

Another misdirected 10k runner watching the race on the other side of Lake Shore Drive

Anyway, on the positive side, I actually saw and got to say hello to Lindsay of Running The Windy City for the first time. She ran by me in the other direction, as I headed north. She is also training for Boston. Shortly thereafter, I was able to catch a video of the race leader:

I also got one of the 1:30 pace group. Chicago Runner Girl Britt was in the group. I cheered her on:

The 1:30 pace group

I ended up running the northern portion of the half course and then headed home. I got my 16 miler in with a few breaks for picture taking.

Me with sailboats in background

I don't feel very sore, probably thanks to the plentiful photo breaks. With this run, I am 85% sure I can make it to the finish line in Boston on April 15th as long as my legs can handle the hills. I have done zero hill training so far. Oops!

Total Miles: 16
Average Pace: 9:11 (includes breaks)