This race is one of my favorites in Chicago. I love the location and the distance. This one was a HOT one compared to the other times I've run it.

I received NO communication from RAM regarding packet pickup or any other race information. Luckily I looked for the info on the website.

A friend of mine picked up my bib and shirt from Fleet Fleet Old Town since I dislike going to that location.
It takes me about an hour to get there and then another hour to get home. I prefer the South Loop location.

I left my house at 5:30am. Perfect time to avoid the traffic and still manage to park for free in the parking lot. One of my favorite things about it since parking is around $20. If I had to pay, I would have taken public transportation.

That start was inside the stadium. We had access to the indoor bathrooms which is nice. By the time I got inside, most of the runners were already lined up so there were no bathroom lines. I was in corral K but moved to L. I was in the 2nd wave and I didn't start till about 7:30am. Too long of a wait. I understand the reason behind it so maybe I just need to run faster so I can get an earlier start. :-)

I knew it was going to be a HOT day but I wasn't really prepared for it. It was nice and cool inside the stadium but one I was out I could feel the heat. Oh, and it was crowded. Too congested. Plus, it was annoying to see walkers in the middle of the path. That is one of my pet peeves.

I was feeling OK till about mile 3. Then the heat just got to me. By now my goal was simply to not pass out and finish it.

I got annoyed at the turnaround point because the announcer teased us that we looked like we could use some ice. I thought for sure we would get some ice. We didn't. Rude.

The volunteers were wonderful. At every water station, there was water and Nuun ready for me. I never had to wait. One volunteer was nice enough to fill up my water bottle with Nuun.

The finish is inside Soldier Field. I was happy to run into the tunnel leading inside. At least now it was shaded and I was almost done.

I got my medal and a bottle of water. I also got a goodie bag. I stayed for about 20 minutes to see some friends and then went home. I was hungry and tired. I wanted a burger and a beer. No, not Budweiser. Usually I do not pass up free beer but I was not in the mood for Budweiser.

Overall, it is a great race and would recommend it to everyone to run it.