As many of you may already know, last weekend I was in Chicago for Rock ‘n’ Roll weekend. Wifey and I flew in a few days early to see the sights and enjoy being tourists. We had about 2.5 days to see everything we could before it was race weekend (Saturday: 5k and Sunday: half). There are plenty of race photos on this post, but I’ll include a few Chicago-ish photos.
You’ve seen the selfies… but this is what I look like when I’m taking them.
Chicago skyline from the Signature Lounge at the John Hancock building.
At the Friendly Confines
The Bean at sunset…
Friday night there was a symphony happening at Millennium Park. Wifey and I decided to grab a bottle of wine, order a Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza and enjoy an evening in downtown Chicago. It was great.
Saturday morning came pretty quickly and it was time to make our way to the start line for the 5K. Rock ‘n’ Roll is testing out doing some shorter distance races the day before to set up mini-challenges for runners, of course, I was game. Shalane Flanagan, was going to be running both the 5K and the half on Sunday and I was hoping to be able to see her or get a picture with her… little did I know, I would be able to do MUCH more than that.
The 5K had a lot of runners, but it didn’t feel crowded at the start. I was standing there with Katie of Mom’s Little Running Buddy and asked her if she wanted to get closer to the start to see if we could spot Shalane. She said sure, so we weaved through the crown like ninjas, if ninjas do in fact weave. As we got closer, Dan, a RnR friend/employee recognized me and waved me forward the last few steps to meet Shalane. After a gracious introduction, I was able to snap a pic with her (see the selfie) and was asked if I could run the race up front with her. WHAT?!? Yes, this is my life.
At the start line with Shalane Flanagan
Mile 1: 7:15
I had no idea what the pace would be, but was told that she wanted to run the first mile and then sort of fall back so that she could interact with the crowd. I can do that. So the race started and there I was up front running with Shalane and Chris (of RunWestin). Since I hadn’t planned on running the 5K “fast” I didn’t really stretch or warm up and busting out a 7:15 was on pure adrenalin. But I tried to play it cool like it was no big thing… because a 7 minute mile TOTALLY impresses Shalane. It was pretty cool to talk to her and listen about her current training and upcoming plans. Amazing.
Mile 2: 8:05
After the first mile she backed off the pace a bit and started chatting with some of the other runners. I was able to settle into my pace a little more, but committed to running the whole race with her. It was 3.1 miles and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to run a 5K with Shalane. Of course, there were some pretty epic photo opps that were happening:
Mile 3: 8:23
Home stretch and there I was, about to cross a finish line with one of the great American runners.
5K: 23:43
Dave Mari snapping this EPIC selfie.
Steps away from the finish line
To say that this was one of those moments where you are thankful, bewildered and shocked that these things happen… is just the beginning of the conversation. I know that she could have left us all in the dust from mile 1, I get that… but still, I’m a runner, blogger, and “normal” guy and there I am leading the pack (for just a few seconds), running a 5K and crossing the finish line with Shalane Flanagan… wow. It was a great way to begin race weekend.
With Katie of Mom’s Little Running Buddy after her 5K PR.
With the SA2LV crew showing off our bling – I think all of us were running the half the next day as well.
STRIKE A POSE!
Sunday’s RnRCHI Half Marathon with team Project Onward (read it here)
The reason I made the trip to RnR Chicago and how racing can be about MORE than running.
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Do you ever have those moments where you are just like: “wow”?
Well I knew you were pretty much amazing before, but now you are officially a celebrity runner. Can I get an autograph??
Seriously what a fun experience!!
This is just awesome! Not only is Chicago a fantastic city, but what a freaking cool experience. I think it’s really cool that she wanted to interact like that. And I have heard that ninjas do indeed weave, but you never actually get to see it.
THIS IS AMAZING. I’m so jealous. All of your photos are awesome too. I can’t wait to visit Chicago for the marathon in October. Since you’re now pretty much bff with Shalane, you think you can set up a time for us all to hang :)
What an amazing opportunity!! Love all the pictures. Can’t wait to read about the half!
Love the pics!
You ran a 5k with Shalane Flanagan! WHAT!!! AWESOME!
How awesome!! The pictures towards the end of the race are fabulous! Most I’ve ever done is yell “GOOOO SHALANE!!!” when watching her run past me at the London Olympics. And then I giggled like a school girl haha
WOW!!!! That’s an amazing time right there, guy!
That is the best running story :)
I think you did just prove that ninja’s do indeed weave and make their way into pics with Shalane. Nice work!
What an unforgettable experience!!!
Oh, how amazing! I probably would have passed out at the 7&change mile (just from running, alone, not to mention any talking LOL!). But what a great opportunity and experience for you!
OMG – loved looking at the pics!!!! :)
What a fun day!
That is awesome. Seriously so, so cool. Congratulations!
You look like such a badass in those race photos. Correction: you ARE a badass! Amazing.
AMAZING! i met shalane a couple years ago at the runner’s world weekend – that whole weekend was definitely a “wow!” one!
I had one of those moments just now! Wow!
~Wendy at TakingtheLongWayHome
SO RAD! What a experience and I loved all the photos.
So first of all yum to the wine and pizza symphony dinner! And second that is some seriously epic run company! Looks like you guys had a BLAST!! And I a totally jealous that you and Katie got to run together!!
WOW! SWEET, love Chicago and I totally want to do these races next year since it isn’t too bad of a drive from home.
What an awesome experience! I love the pictures of the two of you!
Love this!
I’m a bit jealous How cool!
That is so freaking awesome.
This is amazing! You look like a natural up front with Shalane!!