This was my first Rock and Roll Half Marathon! I was super excited to meet up with several of my fellow BibRave Pros for this event. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not looking good with a high humidity and heat index.... nothing the race can do about that though so we made the best of it.

The expo is a good quality for the size. Brooks was the main attraction at the expo. All of the people working the expo were very friendly and helpful. Packet pick-up was quick and painless and my t-shirt fit well but they were allowing people to switch out shirt sizes as needed.

The morning of the race was pretty organized. I do like how they call corrals but there did not seem to be many corrals for the number of people racing-it was packed in there and I was somehow placed in corral 9 but that was way in the back and probably not where I needed to be pace-wise.

The course was okay-it was hot and there is not much shade to be found. (I heard the 10K was along the lakefront and was really nice. ) My favorite parts of the race were definitely in mile 4 where I saw the Wear Blue: Run To Remember signs-it was very emotional and the American flags lined up after the photos of our young heros lost too soon definitely reminded me how grateful I should be for this day and this race. I also loved seeing my BibRave Cheer Team in mile 6 -def gave me a boost of energy.

SIS energy gels were on course, which was great because that was what I was training for--due to the heat I would have loved to see more than one SIS stop on the course. I did enjoy the sponges and water sprinklers along the way--it was soooo hot!

I do enjoy my finisher's medal from the race-VERY Chicago. I stayed around long enough to see my teammates finish and then headed back to the hotel because the humidity was almost too much. This race will probably be overshadowed by the weather for most, but I will remember the great energy from volunteers! Thanks, RnR Chicago!