For some reason the theme of this race simply changed my outlook on what to expect or experience for this race. I was a 9:00/Mile pacer for this race with a partner last year and we could not have been surrounded by a greater group of people. The course was modest through North Chicago using the run/bike trail heading to the Naval Base. Very Flat course with a couple of challenging areas from crowd logistics to that nasty Hill on the lakefront that seemed about a 50 degree incline.

There were quite of bit of camaraderie in this race, with folks conversing with each other and lots of singing. Felt like musical at times, then again its a military focused race.

One downside was the start which required a bus travel south from the finish line. Be as it was, the coordination of staff and race organizers made that process quite pleasant. The return trip from the finish line was a short wait which my legs cheered in joy moving around before being cramped on a school bus.

Love the finish line music, food, beverages, smiley faces and the the plethora of service men and women there to support us. Pacing the group was a great experience and am looking forward to running again this year.

Miami was a destination for the Group I was Coaching as the Winter Warriors from Chicago heading to Miami for a Hot and Humid Race. Well organized start with plenty of waves to control the crowd. Seemed that runners were following rules of the organizers. Although finding where the corrals were presented quite a challenge.

The race course is what you would expect in Miami; scenic, sunny, with streets full of joy and life. The bridge at Mile 1 which climbed to about 10-12 stories to clear the cruise ships was unexpected. Hill training for that first mile either helped you or killed the rest of your race.

Finish line and/or delineation between the Half and continued Full seemed confusing for many. Halves were continuing only to backtrack with additional mileage which sucked. Even the 1st Place Marathoner went to the Half finish only to be rerouted and lost time coming in 2nd. Super Sucks for him.

The controlled finished areas was lively, plenty of food and drinks for every runner. Pleasant staff and volunteers helping runners.

A must do race for early in the year. Afterwards, strolling down South Beach is a great plus to a Hot and Humid Race.

This race is a challenge endeavor for Team Ortho because of a number of factors. The weather varies with snow and/or wind but most importantly, the organizers are at the mercy of the Chicago Park District. Getting the lakefront plowed or potholes fixed are not necessarily their first priority prior to the race. A disappointing fact but Chicago is a city that works and getting our roads ready for driving falls within a higher priority bracket and I agree.

I have been a Pacer for this race since they began a few years ago. We are a tight group that most are coming from the Chicago Marathon NIKE pacing team to share a bit more love to other local races. Our finishing percentages and successes have been in the high 80% and in 2013 ALL of our pacers came in within 1 minute of the finishing time. Yes, we are that GOOD.

From accounts of what I see on the path, runners are generally in good spirits but running in early January will dampen spirits no matter what race in 20 degree weather. Bitching about anything is bound to happen. So one must separate enthusiasts to runners, to first timers etc.. to get a good perspective. I enjoy being a part of it and will continue to be.

As an alternative to the Polar Dash, this race in march hopefully allows for a bit warmer weather to avoid the bitter Chicago Cold. Then again the Chicago winter bites from late December to early April.

Another of Team Ortho's races, it offers a similar course, swag and experience. One advantage is a winter half marathon race right at the center of Chicago. The course can be considered scenic is your view of a frozen lake is appealing. Otherwise, the lakefront breeze can certainly make for an uncomfortable run. Pretty flat from start to finish so a fast finish is within your grasp. The pacing team comes from solid members from the NIKE Chicago Marathon pacers so you can guarantee splits to be right on queue.

Expo and race day festivities are nothing spectacular to rave about because its not a glamorous event. You are there to run because its fun, looking forward to being with friends and garnering race creds of getting your butt outside when everyone else is on the couch. Remember the worst alternative is the Shamrock shuffle where you are herded like cattle for 5 miles through the streets of Chicago. For that reason along, the Get Luck 21K gets my vote on a winter/spring running event.