“Running with Champions”
My 2023 running year consisted of 10 races. I pushed hard and was rewarded with several PRs. However, my most gratifying moments came when I volunteered as a Chicago Marathon Course Marshall. I was stationed in Lakeview around mile 9. Taking in the grand event from the sidelines gave me a deeper appreciation for all levels of dedication and determination. Also, it was an unforgettable moment watching Kelvin Kiptum zip past me on his way to break the World Record. Mostly, my volunteer tasks were to safely escort people across the street while dodging runners. However, a runner from Mexico City came limping over to me early in the race. He did not speak very good English, but through Google translate he told me he tore a muscle in his groin. I called in medical aid and a golf cart rushed him to a tent.
It can be very challenging for runners to juggle work, training and a personal life. Balancing these are essential for overall well-being and ensuring that your passion for running enhances, rather than hinders. I have chose to run only one marathon this year. I am back running the Chicago Marathon for the second time. I have joined the Parkinson’s Champions raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation. My 2024 goals are much different than last year. I want to continue to use this avenue to stay healthy, but not have a sole focus on finish time. Training can take a toll on your personal life. I want to achieve a balance of running solid races while not worrying about missing a day of training.
Race 1 – F^3 Lake Half Marathon
My first race of the year was the F^3 Lake Half Marathon. It’s Chicago’s Original Winter Half Marathon and the F3 stands for F^cking Freezing Frozen. This year the race partnered with Girls in the Game hence the purple bib. The community-built event celebrated its 15th annual running this year. The lakefront path route started and ended outside the hallowed grounds of Soldier Field. Maybe it’s the gigantic columns or the 12-foot bronze statue of Walter Payton…but there is special aura surrounding the NFL’s oldest stadium.
I started the morning walking my dog Zoey in our neighborhood boulevard. We strolled across leaves covered in frost and people scraping car windshields. But race start time was not until 10AM. Typical races begin much earlier to avoid the midday heat. Runners checked gear and stretched inside the stadium’s United Club. The weather was in the upper 30s and sunny. The most ideal conditions for a February long run in Chicago. Previous years dawned single digit temperatures and snow. I purchased a light jacket made by On. It’s wind proof and very breathable with built-in airflow vents. It was a tad cold standing with the 2,500 winter warriors when the National Anthem played. I purposely dressed on the lighter side knowing my body was going to heat up. I was actually more worried about overheating. The 13.1-mile out and back course had a turnaround at the 63rd beach house. I ended up ditching my gloves around mile 6. The sun tucked behind the clouds for the second half which made things cooler, but overall the race was very comfortable. The groups of cheering crowds never get old and still provided motivation to push towards the finish line. This race wasn’t about trying to PR. I wanted to challenge myself in a new climate. Overall, the atmosphere was fun and I had a solid run finishing with the 1:40 pace team.
Race 2 – Shamrock Shuffle
Sea of Green – Over 24,000 runners lined up on Columbus Drive for Chicago’s 43rd Annual Shamrock Shuffle. This was my very first shuffle and I decided to not push it because of a lingering knee issue. At 8:30AM, my friend Grace McGann and I departed from corral D..the middle of the pack. We ran at a conversational pace which was a new experience for me during a race. We saw participants dressed in kilts, as leprechauns, and countless green tutus. The short distance typically attracts casual runners sporting humorous costumes. Running the downtown streets through the Chi-town skyscrapers is an experience that never gets old. Also, the post race mini green donut from Stan’s was a top notch delight.
Race 3 – Cinco de Miler
Race 4 – Chicago Marathon
RUNNING BOOKS
Running Up That Hill: The Highs and Lows of Going that Bit Further by Vassos Alexander
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Kevin Doellman
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by Kevin Doellman