I simply cannot express enough importance on how significant this race is in Chicago in the support of women and exercise. Having a race of this distance focusing on a gender that has always felt challenged by the dominated testosterone intensive of our kind makes all the difference in the world.

I have been the Lead Coach for the signature training running program on behalf of Fleet Feet in Chicago. The participants have been dedicated, determined and overjoyed to participate in such a race. With a large number of first timers, running this race is a tremendous accomplishment.

The race course follows the lakefront trail primarily to avoid city traffic. Scenery is bar none to the lakefront proximity, not to mention the fantastic natural prairie that now has become our of the path. Then to top it off, an entire mile on the streets of the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Mind you that besides Fleet Feet, only two other individuals have ever closed this stretch; Mickey Mouse and Oprah.

The race colors, cheering faces of women, the glamour and excitement that comes from the adrenaline of running 13.1 are for sure some of the best experiences of the day. ALL WOMEN in Chicago that have run more than 6 miles should have this race as a yearly occurrence.

From a logistical standpoint, this race seems to be a nightmare for organizers. From the parking destination to the start requiring buses and a finishing line that still leaves you miles from your car park. Like many races, closing streets presents all sorts of challenges but this race manages to utilize property of the base to accommodate the entire race with the exception of a single street crossing.

As a Pacer for this event, the most frustrating part of the run has to do with the inaccurate mileage. No one could decipher whether it was actual miles or nautical. Imagine the nightmare it created trying to keep on pace and the distance reading varied distances each and every mile. Well, being experienced at what you do is the saving grace of life. I wish the organizers would either get the distance correct one of these days.

The course for the majority of the time is on the north shore path lined with mature trees and shrubs. The only problem is its narrowness which turns a happy scenery into dimensional chaos. 50 people in the woods is fine but a few thousands will be a bit much.

Volunteers were very supportive along the course and at water stops. The finish line has the special touch of having a service men or woman present you with the finishing medal which is fantastic. The goodies this year was in such abundance that each runner walked out with a box full of as much as they could carry.

I have mixed feelings about the race of whether its good or not. In the end, being about a specific cause to raise awareness of military personnel may be the only reason for me to keep running this race.

This past Sunday was the Chi Town Half Marathon organized by All Community Events on the lakefront path in Chicago. Great weather so conditions were ideal for either a PR or a superb Sunday morning run.

The course was manageable with participants even in the double-back areas near the ladder mileage of the Half race. I thought that the aid stations were not very well planned and seemed far apart for a Half Marathon. Might have been the lack of volunteers to staff the stations which is key. The course is flat and fast along with great competition at the various age groups to make such a race a challenge.

The swag is FANTASTIC. A dark blue hoodie that is technical and light for every spring, summer and fall occasions. Hands down the best swag I have gotten for a race in a very, very long time.

For this race I was on duty as a Pacer for the 2:15 group. The attitude of participants that kept up were great and encouraging for me to help them reach their goal.

Will likely do it again.

It was my 3rd time running the NYC race and this time, things were different. The crowds came out in numbers to cheer, aid stations were fully stocked, police were everywhere and the course was actually reserved for runners only. Given that this because of the recent tragedy in the Boston Bombing which spurred a renewed interest in the sport. Be as is may, the experience for runners at any of the major races around the country will receive a similar attention.

Running a Marathon has reached a new HIGH and seeing the organization, dedication of volunteers and staff adds greatly to the ambience which helps to cut down on that Ol' phraze "Impossible".

In prior years, the NYC race seemed not as organized and by comparison was very pleased with running Chicago instead. A point of personal criticism but then again at 26.2 miles, its always up to the runner for deciding how good or bad a race will be. Happy running.

Nothing beats running with a bunch of other crazy's around Halloween in costumes. If that's not silly enough, imagine a light dusting of snow or even perhaps a few inches from the early arrivals of Winter. The atmosphere is not like your typical races because of the colors, spirits, weather, and those darn funny costumes. I look yearly for the skin tight suits.......they are cool.

Another pacing event for me in my yearly series and at a 9:00/Mile split, I get plenty of serious folks wanting that perfect 2:00 Finish. The lakefront has its challenges working with two way traffic and the occasional pothole from the trick's plows. All in all its not super exciting other than to run a race close to home. The swag is always great with either a knit hat or wool sweatshirt. neither of which you can go wrong wearing.

The organizers are at the mercy of the lakefront path challenges but in many cases I prefer that to the city concrete streets. Water stops are well stocked and evenly spaced for proper hydration. The view of course is the Lake which during the winter is quite mesmerizing and filled with naturally formed ice sculptures. The medals are quite different from the typical and collecting a few creates a new shape which only completing four races will be revealed.

Next Year, I need to try pacing in a Monster Costume. Not sure if the pace director will approve. :-)