Race 9: The Inaugural International Chicago 5k

As you all know, I deferred my Chicago Marathon Entry to next year. I spent all day Sunday with massive FOMO, wishing I was out there running. But I'm excited to train with Chicago Endurance Sports and Fleet Feet Racing Team next year for it, to hopefully qualify for Boston in 2019. 

To make up for missing the Marathon this year, I not only made signs and cheered, but I also ran the first ever International Chicago 5k with 4k other runners from all over the world! It was a really cool race that started at the original Chicago Marathon starting line (by the Daley Plaza) and ran through the Loop before heading down the lakefront path and ending in the southernmost edge of Grant Park. It was awesome to see my running friend Alex there along the route for me, as well as at the finish line! 

It was a cool morning (44 degrees Fahrenheit) and sunny. Absolutely perfect running weather. I didn't hit a PR, but had a nice, easy race along a fun course! It was so cool seeing all of the different countries represented on runner's bibs! I forgot to put USA on mine when registering...so I had to draw it on, like a kindergartner. Whoops!

My sweatshirt was made on www.bowanddrape.com

IMPORTANT! Below is a photo of a giveaway on my instagram! Click the photo to be redirected!

I can't wait to run this 5k again, only as my shakeout for the Marathon next year.  

--B