Skip to main content

Christmas Running Kicks Off With the Santa Hustle 5K

Santas at the starting line
So it's December - which means that, as I said Friday, it's cold. But it also means that it's the holiday season. And that means that there are a bunch of holiday-themed races everywhere. Yesterday morning I ran one of the Christmas ones: the Santa Hustle 5K.

And, as I said in my Newcity review, it was a pretty good time.

There were around 5500 runners but, perhaps because of the gimmicky nature of the race, not that many in the first several corrals (from 5:00 minute miles to 8:00 minute miles). I - somewhat hopefully - got into the 7:30 minute mile corral before the race started (I ended up closer to 8) and they condensed everything up to 8:00 into one first wave. Though there were still a few runners who placed themselves up front incorrectly (as there are at any race) for the most part the start of the first wave was pretty clear, as was the rest of the run.

I used the Nike+ Running app to track my run for only the second time in preparation fro the Nike+ Chiberia Challenge and it said the course was 3.08, but we also went through a tunnel by McCormick Place so the GPS could have gotten off there.

Overall it was a good, fun race with a ton of volunteers along the course (all dressed as elves, which was cool until I started thinking that we were Santas and they were supporting us... but I guess that's how the elf/Santa relationship works).

Along the course and at the finish line there was milk and cookies, candy and some water for those who are silly enough to drink water when those other options are available.


I got a great post-race massage from NovaCare, ate some milk and cookies and headed back to the Roosevelt train station.

On the way home, while waiting for the Brown line to show up at Belmont, the Holiday Train pulled up. I was still dressed as Santa and the CTA Santa saw me and pointed and Ho-Ho-Ho'd... but then the train just kept going. Someone at our station must have been naughty or something. So I didn't get a Santa/Santa picture. Oh well. I did get to meet Rudolph at the race:



Which was good because the inflatable Rudolph was not having the best day:


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Daily Guide to Chicago Comedy Shows in April 2018

April 1: Character Assassination presents The Roast of Disney Princesses at Laugh Factory The latest entry in the Character Assassination roast show series pits a collection of Disney princesses -played by Chicago comics - against each other. Starring Allison Dunne, Alex Kumin, Sarah Shockey, Gena Gephart, Audrey Jonas, Eunji Kim, Samantha Berkman, Stephanie Weber and Mandee McKelvey. April 2: Comedy Overload Open Mic at Gallery Cabaret A weekly open mic open to all forms of comedy that takes place at a sweet venue in Bucktown. April 3: Shake 'Em Up Comedy Showcase at Shakers on Clark   This free two-hour comedy showcase is hosted by Darrick J and Nate Galloway. Comics get between four and 10 minutes each and the hosts let comedians know a bit needs work by hitting a bell and "shaking 'em up." April 4: Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O'Toole's Really you should be catching this weekly showcase at Timothy O'Toole's e
2 comments
Read more

Life of Pi: The Pi Day Pi K Returns to Fleet Feet Stores Across Chicago

I have run a grand total of ONE time since crossing the finish line of the Chicago Marathon in October of last year. I know, I know, I'm disgusted with me too. So when I got Fleet Feet's notice about the Pi Day "Pi K" Fun Run this coming Monday evening (3.14 - PI DAY, get it?) it seemed like a pretty solid way to get back out on the running trail without getting myself up super early or registering for a timed race where I would embarrass myself. Also, my wife and I ran this race back in 2014 and had a great time. Plus, after an article I wrote for the Tribune about xkcd creator and all-around baller Randall Munroe speaking in Chicago at an Illinois Science Council (ISC) event , I know a little more about the organization behind the Pi Day Pi K and their mission. Quick excerpt from the Trib article: Founded in 2006 by nonscientist Monica Metzler (who also serves as executive director), the ISC was created to help engage adults in science and technology
Post a Comment
Read more

Kevin Runs His Hart Out With Nike+ Run Club

Kevin Hart tells us all to be healthy and whatnot Yesterday morning I gathered with several hundred other runners at the Field Museum for a "spontaneous" run along the lakefront with comedy superstar (seriously, he just sold out the United Center for three shows) Kevin Hart after he tweeted this on Wednesday afternoon: Chicago, Get Ready. Field Museum on 7/31– Running @ 7:36AM! REGISTER HERE: http://t.co/UqOx1FcMAm #RunWithHart #NRC pic.twitter.com/AVHfzBlYej — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) July 29, 2015 It may have only been a day and a half notice, but I say "spontaneous" because Nike+ Run Club had this event decked out like it was planned months in advance (wagering a guess that they had). This also proves Hart's stardom in that an organization like Nike would invest the time and money in prepping to host (the event included gear check, a race shirt, a post-race towel, water, food and dozens of volunteers, pacers and coaches) a free event that
1 comment
Read more