So, I had said earlier in the week that I wanted to be the first female from Blair to finish, and well, that didn't happen. I pretty much realized this when I looked up some of the other ladies from Blair and saw their past race times (everyone does this, right?) and knew going into tonight that my goal for this race would have to be changed to placing in the top 5, and I achieved that...I was the 5th best time out of 38 females for William Blair.

Another good thing is my side pain stayed away...BUT, there was about a 1/2 mile stretch where I felt like it could come on, and I know it could be attributed to the breathing getting shallower (is that a word) and that was because of the HEAVY BBQ fumes coming from all of the tents...with my springtime allergies, it was almost unbearable.

My FAVORITE part of any race is the finish....I always save just enough to have a good "kick" at the end, and tonight, I just didn't have it. It's amazing to me how I did not toss my cookies right there on the home stretch on Columbes to be quite honest....the thick smoke smell coming off all of the grills was so very overpowering. I think that combined with the fact that it was absolutely mother fricking freezing tonight, (I'm sorry, isn't it May 22nd...where the hell is our warm weather????) just made that last 1/2 mile a lot tougher than I would have prefered.

Overall though, I am quite happy with my performance.

I have to be completely honest though, and say, I don't think it was a full 3.5 mile race...I would be shocked if I really did run 8 minute miles.
But, it is what it is, and it was fun.

Met up with Marc after...he did it in 21 something...ya, whatever Mr. Ironman!

Oh, the other cool thing...Chicago was the BIGGEST city this year...we even beat New York!!! WHOOO HOOO! Way to go Chitown!

Get a better starting positon...but is this even possible in this race?

On a cold night like tonight, I would have brought more clothes to put on after...Marc was right, I should have brought a heavier pullover or jacket and some gloves...yes, on May 22nd, it really was THAT cold!

Does eating really awesome prepared food by William Blair's very own caterers and drinking ice cold beer constitue a warm-down?

Then if so, that's what I did.

But, like I said above, I didn't stay long because it was so very, very cold. Hung out with Marc until he told me my lips may be turning blue, so we walked to the el, and went our separate ways home.


Crowds...will try to get further up next year.