Welcome [Home] to Chicago!

Talk about spur of the moment.  Monday I decided to make a trip out to Chicago in order to run the Chicago Half Marathon on 9/11/11.  How do you pull this off you ask?

1. Find a Schwaggle Deal that took $30 off the registration fee
2. Book an overnight amtrak train from Philadelphia to Chicago (19 hrs in case you’re wondering) to save $220 that the airlines were asking for
3. Book your hotel at hotels.com and find a hotel for $113 a night (half off! originally $225 a night)

I needed to a) get out of Philadelphia and its second round of flooding and b) guarantee that I actually get a long run in this weekend more than like 10 miles.  We got in on time this morning, all though there was no wireless on the train (very obnoxious for the amount of time we spent on the train!).  After going to the gym for a swim, I headed to Navy Pier to pick up my stuff for Sunday.  Since I signed up 3 days ago, no name on my bib (which is no big deal), but I got a long sleeved tech shirt 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the half takes place on 9/11, the organizers have made arrangements for NYFD Engine Rescue 4, which was at Ground 0 on 9/11, to lead runners through the first few miles of the race.  There’s also 2500+ flags placed throughout the course to remember those who lost their lives 10 years ago due to the terrorist attacks.  Runners are being asked to wear red, white and blue in order to show support for the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.  Maybe some more race day surprises by race day organizers?  We’ll see!