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Showing posts from March, 2014

Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC) Race

So... I don't think I've made it any secret that I really like races that have slip 'n slides . The Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC) Race looks like it takes the slip 'n slide to the next level with all kinds of slides and other water obstacles (and a lot more water- and bubble-themed obstacles than mud). It actually looks more like running through a sweet water park than an obstacle run. So I was already interested just looking at the promos for it. And thinking about the joy of sliding on a giant slip 'n slide (I guess it's just a slide at that point) in the middle of the July heat. But after talking to Fuzzy and Erica about the race (for which they're both registered) this weekend I decided that I definitely have to run it. So I'm adding this to my list of atypical running events this year (along with May's Tough Mudder ). In case you're interested in signing up as well,  the discount code HIGH5 is good for $5 off registratio

This Photo Totally Captures Me At Every Race

Oh man. I just found this photo from last year's Chinatown 5K on the Chinatown 5K Facebook page and it so perfectly sums up my impression of myself at every race I run. Here is the masterpiece: Important things to notice: I am standing by myself. (The framing of this photo highlights this even better by putting me off to the side) I am wearing a nerdy race bib belt. (This thing looks sillier every time I see it in a picture but it is so convenient that I can't stop using it. It is the fanny pack of running gear). I am totally immersed while typing notes into my phone. (Hunching my shoulders and staring down, no less) There is a big group of people next to me standing in a circle with their backs to me. They are all wearing the same shirt (not the one I'm wearing). One of them is looking at me like, "WTF is up with that guy?" Anyway, that pretty much sums up my internal concept of my external presence at races...

Looks Like a Strong Start for the New Chicagoland Half Marathon Series

As you may have heard, this year Life Time Athletic Events and Michelob Ultra 13.1 Marathon Chicago have combined three of Chicago's most popular half marathons (the Chicago Spring Half Marathon in May, the Michelob Ultra 13.1 Marathon in June and the Chicago Half Marathon in September) to create the Chicagoland Half Marathon Series. Notably, the Chicago Spring Half - the first event in this new series has been selling entries a lot faster than usual. In fact it's almost reached capacity already; the 10K sold out last week and the half marathon has less than 250 slots left as of this writing (last week Life Time sent out an email announcing less than 350 slots left). I took a few minutes today to catch up with Chicago Office Director for Life Time Athletic Events Matt Swartz to talk about this upcoming race. When I asked him about the surge in popularity for this race, Swartz said it's been a welcome surprise.

Pi Day Pi K - Putting Science and Math into Your Everyday Life

The weekend is fast approaching and, if you read my guide to Running in Chicago on St. Paddy's Day you know there are actually a lot of race options this weekend. But there's also a precursor to St. Paddy's Day running that looks to be pretty fun (and a little nerdy): The Pi Day Pi K Fun Run . As a programmer with a compute science degree I'm especially excited for a race that benefits the Illinois Science Council - self-described as "a Chicago nonprofit promoting science and math." While I also think that the liberal and fine arts are hugely important (I'm not just a computer nerd - I have a theatre degree too! * ) I think that the sciences can always use a little more promotion in our day-to-day life (especially because we take so much of it for granted). The Illinois Science Council "was founded on the premise that understanding the scientific method and scientific discoveries is crucial to a well-rounded life." I couldn't agree m

Your Guide to Running in Chicago on St. Paddy's Day

Totally normal color for water Everybody knows that Chicago is the place to be for St. Paddy's Day. Particularly if you like getting exceptionally drunk in public and watching the Chicago River turned toxic green. But did you know it's also the place to get your run on (BEFORE you get exceptionally drunk in public and watch the Chicago River turn toxic green)? Well, it is. This year on St. Paddy's Weekend - I think at this point we can acknowledge that he gets more than just a day around these parts - there are three pretty big races fighting it out to be your pre-party run. And don't even think about trying to run all three - they all take place at pretty much the same time and in very different parts of the city. There's a Chicago stalwart, a feisty upstart and a mystery race that could make an impressive splash in the racing scene... or could be a total bust. But I'm just here to give you the info so you can make up your own mind.