It's Chicago Time!

Whenever I'm in Chicago I remember a verse that my parents used to say when we were kids - it went like this: Chicken in the car and the car won't go - that's how you spell Chi-car-go.. It seems silly now but it's just one of those childhood memories I have. So, YES, I arrived in Chicago earlier today, got settled into my hotel room, picked up my race materials for Sunday, took a 3 hour nap and had a relaxing dinner this evening.

Yes, a 3 hour nap - not a 3 hour tour. I couldn't understand why I was so tired but then I reflected on how my week progressed and it became clearer why I was so pooped!

Monday: Worked all day, drove an hour to the Philadelphis airport, flew to Boston.

Tuesday: Ran 5+ miles along the Charles River in high humidity, sat in an all day business meeting, flew from Boston to Kansas City (through Charlotte), Drove an hour to my hotel in Lenexa, KS, got to bed at 1:30am Central time.

Wednesday: Woke up at 6:00am, went to work, hosted a retirement luncheon for one of my Director's, attended meetings during the afternoon.

Thursday: Drove back to the Kansas City airport, flew back to Philadelphia, drove an hour home, unpacked, did laundry, and packed for my trip to Chicago.

Friday: Woke up at 4:30am, drove to the Philadelphia airport, flew to Chicago, took the train from the airport into the city, checked into my hotel, walked for a couple of hours around the city.

Whew! I think my 3 hour nap was justified.

Tomorrow I am planning to get in an eary morning run and then do some touristy stuff - not exactly sure yet.

Race time is 6:30am on Sunday morning so it will be another early start!

Happy Trails Folks!
John

Bridge Valley Challenge

Bridge Valley Race for Autism 5K Results

Today was the 3^rd race in the Bucks 5K series, Bridge Valley Race for Autism, and I think they should rename the race to Bridge Valley Challenge, similar to the Chalfont Challenge that will be on June 11. For me, it is the most challenging race in the series because of the rolling hills in Furlong, PA so when you finish the race, you have a great sense of accomplishment.

So, that is exactly what I did this morning. I met the challenge and finished the race in 27:42:31 which is only 39 seconds slower than my time last year. I've run in all 3 races so far this year and I've narrowed the gap in my time differences between last year and this year from 131 seconds, to 43 seconds, and down to 39 seconds. I would say that is progress moving in the right direction.

It was a pretty dreary day for a race, however. Overcast, cold and windy but at least the rain held off until after the race was finished.

Next stop is the 10-Mile Broad Street Run in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 1!

Happy running folks!
John

Bridge Valley 5K Race for Autism

This morning it is raining but yesterday morning was picture perfect for the 2010 Bridge Valley 5K Race for Autism. This was the third race in the Bucks County 5K series of seven races and the first time I ran this course.

This 5K race was by far the most challenging one for me so far. Although the course started off on a downward descent, the 2 ensuing hills really kicked my butt!

I was determined to finish and I was able to do just that, placing 178th overall and 9th in my age group with a time of 27:03 (8:43 mile). Not a PR but considering the course, I was pleased with the outcome.

Next up in the series is the Cornerstone 5K Race on Saturday, May 8. But, I will also be running the Broad Street 10 mile Run in Philadelphia next Sunday, May 2... hoping to beat my PR for a 10 mile race (1:37:57).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbWnyZU0d_U&feature=youtube_gdata

Happy trails!