I Went to the Track and the Track was There!

Remember way back in May went I went to the North Park University track, only to find this?:

I went to the track but the track was gone!

Well, three months later the track looks like this!

The former green track surface, which must have been at least 10 years old, and which had lots of burn marks and holes from fireworks has been resurfaced. It's new color is red, although you can still see the old green track in certain places, like here:

Remnants of the old green track on the left

Last year, the areas just inside the track straight-aways were covered:

The track in 2012, notice the green covered area to the right

This year, there is just blacktop, so don't fall!

The track today, notice the unfinished blacktop areas now on the inside

 The soccer field inside the track was also resurfaced:

The track and soccer field in 2012 (note the bad drainage)

The track and soccer field now with new surface

Soccer field now

Also of note: There is a long fence separating the river area from the track. Maybe they are trying to prevent the casual bikers and strollers from ending up on the track. It may also be easier to keep the fireworks off the track by locking it down near the 4th of July. Here's hoping they don't start restricting access to runners, however.

New Fence

Locked gate that used to be open

Despite the fence, you can still get a glimpse of the waterfall from the track.

Waterfall view from the track

They also added a small grandstand for spectators:

New Grandstands

The only people not happy with the rehab, will be the long jumpers. The long jump pit looks worse than it did before the rehab:

The long jump pit is now a garbage pit!

Anyway, after all the picture taking, it was time for my track workout. Since I'm just starting to build my base mileage, I did not want to overdo things today with a brutal workout like 6 x 1 mile repeats. So, I decided to do my trusty old half marathon track workout of 1 mile, .75 mile, .5 mile and .25 mile with .25 mile breaks.

Getting Ready to Run!

Warm-up 1.8 miles:

1.0 mile @ 6:55/mile, .25 mile walk
.75 miles @ 6:29/mile, .25 mile walk
.50 miles @ 6:22/mile, .25 mile walk
.25 miles @ 5:17/mile, .25 mile walk

Cool-down 1.5 miles

Total: 6.75 miles.

Analysis: Today's workout was just to get my "track legs" back. I may have gone a little too fast considering my marathon pace is in the 7:45 range, but I don't think I did too much damage!

The last .25 mile run I did while shooting a video, I was going to post it, but it is super shaky. If anyone has read this far and wants to see it, let me know and I will post it.

It's nice to have the North Park University track back, especially a new and improved one. Hopefully, I will get one or two "mile repeat" workouts in before the Chicago Marathon! If anyone wants to join me, I'll be there most Thursday mornings, but since I'm a late riser, please don't look for me there too early!

Fleet Feet Pint Night Run #2

The second summit of our newly formed running club WRCE, took place last night at the Fleet Feet Pint Night run in Lincoln Square. I was "running" a little late, and missed the pre-run meetup at the Fleet Feet store. On my way up to the event, I spotted a gaggle of runners crossing Western Avenue at Wilson. I figured the WRCE members were probably either in that group or pulling up the rear. Luckily, I spotted them on the other side of the street, pulling up the rear.

Declan pulling up the rear with a traditional butt shot

Erin, Unknown Runner, Anne and Maggie crossing Western Ave.

I jumped in the group and we ran about 1.75 miles to the Chicago North Branch trail turnaround.  I crossed over the bridge to take a look at the progress at the North Park University track. It would appear that they are almost done with the renovation of the track. It looks pristine and appeared and smelled freshly painted:

North Park University track is almost done. It will be fun to test it out soon!

Then it was turnaround picture time:

WRCE (less Declan)

WRCE (less me)

After stopping off at Fleet Feet, where we got our free pint casino chips, we headed over to The Grafton. We were joined at our table by some random dude. This dude didn't like racing too much, especially distances over 5k because he says they are boring. Declan and I both ordered the delicious fish and chips and split some hummus. Maggie got a huge beer that I initially thought was a bottle of wine:

Maggie, her giant beer (with photo bomb by Erin)

After some stimulating conversation, including discussing t-shirts, websites, a potential WRCE 5k, and the Grand Geneva 5 miler, we left. We walked as a group down Lincoln Ave, and one at a time, one of the group would peel off and walk their separate way home. Next meeting is on Thursday for Sausage Fest '13. Looking forward to eating lots of sausage! I am bringing the sauerkraut!