This was my first race of 2015 and was bound to be a cold one. (It ended up being very "balmy" with temps in the upper 20s/low 30s!). Regardless, a February race in Chicago is basically signing up for madness, so it helps if it is for a good cause.

Back on my Feet is an amazing organization that empowers people through the magic of running - a magic that most runners who are crazy enough to sign up for a February race in the midwest winter can relate to. One of my friends from college has worked with the organization for a couple of years now and I was so excited to be able to participate in this year's Mardi Gras Chaser fundraiser.

The course is just on the lakeshore path, which I usually mind running races on in the summer, but it's not a big deal in the winter as there are not many other runners out and about on the course. The race starts at Montrose Harbor and there's lots of parking. The only issue I have with races/events at Montrose Harbor is that is can be a little tricky to get to with public transportation. Either way, if you are going to commute to this race, allot yourself some time.

I think this race did a lot of things right.
+ They had plenty of time for easy and fast packet pickup (including race day)
+ Management/volunteers were attentive and cheerful
+ Easy gear check (especially as this race is relatively small. They saw me approaching and got my bag out from gear check for me before I even got to the front!)
+ Simple course, well marked
+ Different swag. They gave out a neck gaiter instead of a tshirt which I thought was awesome and appropriate with the weather (I honestly needed one too!)
+ So much post race food and Gatorade! Gotta love that. Seriously, it was a bagel free-for-all.
+ Even though the race was small in numbers, I appreciated that they still did waves. The lakeshore path can get narrow and crowded.
+ Can't beat a race for a cause you believe in and want to support

If you're looking to get back into race mode before spring time hits, this is a great race to do. I definitely recommend it.