Snowflakes & Shamrocks!

The Shuffle is widely recognized as the first race of the new year for Chicago-area runners. But while it's now officially running season, the weather is clearly not on our side!

The blizzard-typhoon that swept through Chicago Saturday night into Sunday morning kept me and 16,000 others from participating in this much-anticipated race. After waking up and taking one look outside, I knew it was a bad idea to go. By 8:30 am the weather still hadn't let up, so I grimly hopped back into bed.

But with so many people supporting me, I knew I had to remain accountable. I ran a pleasant (yet still challenging!) 5 miles solo later the in the day when the elements were much, much more accommodating!

14,000 brave souls did strap on their shoes to run on Sunday (many who wore shorts and sleeveless tops - I have no idea how!!). The Chicago Tribune has some great race day photos and coverage. And, just like the Chicago Marathon, a native Kenyan took a first place finish in the Shuffle. Emmanuel Korir, who now resides in Lansing, Mich., finished in only 24 minutes and 18 seconds.

The women's title went to 2004 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor of California.

To date I've raised nearly $850 to support Hope Runs programming in Kenya and Tanzania. I'm looking forward to seeking future sponsorhip this year - hopefully with more positive race recaps!

Time Trials in Kenya

No South Side Irish Parade? Blasphemy!

The announcement to cancel the annual South Side Irish Parade, which takes place on Western with the the mayhem extending throughout Beverly and Mt. Greenwood, shocked many of its fans. Immediately groups popped up on facebook demanding that planners stick to tradition; an online petition has garnered over 1,200 signatures in 2 days; and it made all the newspaper headlines.

My friends and I had our own rambunctious time this year when one of the guys in our group was attacked by a mob of unruly teens. We were less than 4 blocks from my house, walking to the parade and minding our own business. Needless to say, he went to the hospital in an ambulance and the punks that were initially caught by the cops were later released (with no record of the 'arrest').

I asked some people what they thought about the cancellation. While comments on the Trib's website and calls to Alderman's office apparently are in favor of the parade nix, many are pissed. A lot recognize something needed to change to control what was becoming Mardi Gras fiasco on the south side.

Here's what some had to say:

I went to Brother Rice High School with lots of Beverly kids. I'm definitely upset about the loss of the parade, but I know that people are not going to let this decision stand too easily.

I do understand the problem with what the parade has become, but I'm not going to be able to give it up without a fight. The South Side Parade is a point of pride for us. It's a way for us to not only celebrate our heritage, but also make a statement to the North side about how we can throw a better parade than they can.

The city parade is so commercialized that it might as well be a Macy's Parade with shamrocks. The South Side is the only place in Chicago that doesn't try to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day because we're Irish all year long. The Parade day isn't a day you have to find some beer and get wasted. It's a day we all get to wear the outfits we secretly want to wear all year, and get a whole day to drink and eat with our family and friends. It's the only day that I can confidently say that there is no better place to be.

I assume that's why we grew to such a huge number of parade goers. The North Siders must have been jealous, and had to come see for themselves. The problem is when they come down in hoards, get way too drunk, and disrespect the neighborhood. Not being from here they don't have enough pride to throw their beer in a garbage bin, and pee in the designated places. A few less of those people would be fine with me. I know the South is going to keep the true spirit of the parade alive however we can. It's about pride for us not just getting hammered with shamrocks. -Greg Miller, 23, Oak Lawn

*****

I think that the decision to end the parade is a terrible shame. The parade isn't just a celebration of Irish heritage or even a drunk fest. Its about friends and family. What I looked forward to most about the SSI parade was the number of old friends I'd see walking towards western and reconnecting with them. For one day a year, the people of the south side would come together and forget about all their problems and just have a good time. I am not willing to let that go and will be on Western next march and encourage my friends and their friends to meet me there. - Mike, 21, Evergreen Park (Note: full name is Michael Timothy Patrick Murphy; can you get any more Irish than that?!)

*****

I think the practice of bringing crowds of people in on charter buses should end. On one end, it's better than having drunk drivers. However, its more people than what the neighborhood can deal with, and the wrong types of people on top of that. I think the parade should go back to it's roots of being a strictly-neighborhood event with family-friendly sights. I also think the CTA should run the Western bus straight from its inception to Beverly for the parade without transfers just for the day, they do this for events at United Center with the Madison bus. - Al DiZenzo, 24

*****

I think it's a bad idea. A few years ago they were "really going to crack down on public drinking" but this year I didn't see the cops doing anything about it. Some of them were telling kids and adults to "pour it into a plastic cup" so they didn't have to arrest them. Clearly, they don't have all the resources to arrest 200,000 drunk idiots, but I think if they could try and crack down on that, and the party buses bringing in people from god-knows-where, then the parade would be less of a "drunken festival" and a better event for families and people who don't attend purely to get drunk off their asses. - Angie Frazzini Gazdziak, 24

*****

Hooray! Actually, here is my real thought: I think if they cracked down on underage drinking and didn't allow for those stupid buses bringing northsiders (no offense), then it would less crowded and less chaotic. However, consider the events of this past parade, i would say crack down on the little punks! - Kathy Smola, 23, Midway

*****

I think the decision to end the parade is just ridiculous, they don't realize that they are cancelling a tradition that affects not only those on the southside, but also the rest of Chicago and the world.The southside parade has become more than just a parade but a tradition that has been passed through the years. I know for me, it was an event that I had to wait until I was 16 to attend, and that day couldn't come soon enough. It's just heartbreaking to see that they are going to let it die like this.

We are so nervous about how our business will be affected by the cancellation of the parade. - Erin, 21 (her mom owns an Irish novelties shop)

Friday, finally!

Adrienne and I are going to check out the health expo this evening and pick up our packets. Yah, can't wait for the race tee! Shamrock Shuffle always has the coolest tees.

I'm halfway home to reaching my fundraising goal! My fifth sponsor is Susan Donovan, the accountant for Loran Marketing, where I interned at during college. Sue & I grabbed lunch last summer to catch up on things - she's still avid activist and supporter of the World Can't Wait campaign. She's the one who keeps me up-to-date on the important issues that aren't getting enough attention. Thanks for your donation, Sue, and your commitment to the anti-war and anti-torture movements!

Only 5 sponsors to go with 2 days left... I think I can, I think I can...

Be like Buddha

Buddha teaches us to be grateful, right?



I received 2 more sponsors today: Kathy Smola, my Queen of Peace amie, gave $20. She also sponsored me back when I ran the marathon. Ms. StarryEyedd4U is a total rock star!

My aunt who lives in England, Rosemary Harrison, also donated. I saw her about a year ago when she came to Chicago with her husband David to meet and visit my grandparents for the very first time. It was a fun family reunion! Rosemary is a traveler and cultural connoisseur like myself (maybe that's where I get it) -- she traveled to India last summer and had a magnificent time. These are her pics from her trip!


Thanks again, Kat & Rosemary!

I'm a runner AND a rider

Just got back from 5 day trip to Killington, Vermont, where I snowboarded for 3 days straight, at least 6 hours each day, with Rodrigo and his family. It was a blast! Those mountains were definitely intense-- at times my fear of heights got the best of me! I'd have to say riding (as the snowboarders call it) is one of the more extreme things I've done. It takes a lot of practice but once you get the hang of it, it's so beautiful; it's like dancing on the snow.

I received my second sponsor - my great college partner-in-crime, Aki Ogawa! She's now working in Japan for a non-profit. I haven't seen her in almost 2 years, and I really miss her! We worked together on the Global Health Campaign at Loyola, formerly the Student Campaign for Child Survival. Aki is a die-hard advocate for human rights, especially the health rights of women and children. Dear Aki, MERCI for your $50 donation. I will see you again soon, mon amie!

Here's a cool blog badge from a Chicago agency that does great work for immigrants.

Crazy, busy fun

I received my first sponsor - Michael Wolfe, a college buddy from back in the day (we met as freshies). He's out in Cali now, pursuing his movie star dreams. Thanks for donating to Hope Runs, Mike!

Yesterday was Addy's birthday. In typical fashion we celebrated at O'Malleys. I gave her a pair of goofy socks (it's a tradition) and a dry fit long-sleeve Shamrock Shuffle shirt. Nike is sponsoring the race so they have some really cool gear.

Well, tomorrow I leave for Vermont for a snowboarding weekend with Mr. Rodrigo & his family. Very excited to hit the slopes!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Hordes of people wearing green roamed the streets of downtown Chicago today, celebrating both St. Patrick's Day and the beautiful 60-plus degree weather. Yesterday I went for a sweet 3 mile run along the lake front. Spring/summer is just on the horizon!

My fav St. Paddy's Day story (article is from the Trib):

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is going green for St. Patrick's Day.

The water in the fountains on the north and south lawns of the White House has been dyed green to mark the national holiday of Ireland.

First Lady Michelle Obama came up with the idea for the festive touch, said spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. She was inspired by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in her hometown of Chicago, where the city marks the holiday by dyeing the river green.

"It's a little piece of home for our new home," said Lelyveld, who is also from Chicago.

Lelyveld said it's the first time the water in the White House fountains has been dyed. The green hue will stay until the dye runs outs.

President Barack Obama marks St. Patrick's Day with separate meetings in Washington with Irish leaders and he'll also attend St. Patrick's Day events in the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Cheers!

A little help from my friends

This week I am launching two fundraising initiatives. First, I reached out to my track & field girls at Queen of Peace High School to see if they could sponsor a micro-fundraiser of their own. Pending administrative approval, the gals will sell mini green Gatorades on St. Patty's Day to raise some cash and awareness. This effort is being led by coach Mallory Grieger (QOP c/o 2007) and Mo Foley (c/o 2009). I have no doubt the Peace girls will pull through!

Secondly, I'm challenging my friends and family to raise a glass of Guinness to Hope Runs this holiday by sponsoring me in the Shamrock Shuffle for at least $17. I aim to get 10 folks to give. Totally possible. The Chi-Irish (my new fav word) are always generous!

ShamRockin' in the free world

Now that I've thoroughly exploited my 4 month hiatus from running (or exercise in general, for that matter...), I feel it's time to come out of my winter hibernation and strap on some shoes! I signed up for one of the most fun races in Chicago, the Shamrock Shuffle, which I'll be running with my college partner-in-crime Adrienne. This will be her real first race. She signed up for the Women's 10k and Chicago Marathon in the past but injuries put her on the sidelines. Hopefully she'll survive this 5 mile course!

So in addition to running I'm also picking up on where I left off in terms of fundraising for Hope Runs. I'd like to tie into the Shuffle, St. Patrick's Day, the South Side Irish Parade... for example, "Give up a Guinness in March and instead donate to charity!" Eh, I don't know if I can really ask people to stop drinking. So maybe, "Raise a glass to the Irish & Hope Runs!" Now that's more like it.

Chicago Marathon 2008 FINISHER!

6 Hours, 29 neighborhood and numerous gel packs later, Chicago Marathon 2008 is finished! The temp reached 84 degrees that day, and 33,000 runners participated.

A big thank you to all of my supporters for helping to make it happen. Adrienne and Dave made sure I was fueled at mile 9, Teri met up with me at mile 13 to run by my side through the hottest part of the race, I bumped into Rodrigo and Addy at mile 18 while grabbing more gel packs, and Rodrigo found me on the bridge and sprinted the last 200 meters with me (in his flip flops!). It was awesome! 

And even more amazing is over $700 will be donated to Hope Runs, which will help its children's program in Tanzania and Kenya. Read more about it at www.hoperuns.org. And fittingly so, the male Kenyans dominated the race this year. Read the Tribune's coverage here.

Along with all the congrats and hugs and handshakes, a question I keep getting is will I do it again next year. If you asked me around mile 23, the answer would have been a exasperated, exhausted and angry " NO WAY!" But a month has passed, the pain wore off, so only more time will tell. Running is addictive so odds are, another marathon is on the horizon. :)

Why run the marathon?

My marathon envy started with the jacket.  Every now and then I would spot a fellow passenger on the El sporting a black windbreaker with the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon logo on the breast and "Chicago Marathon 2006" or 2007 across the back.  In the few minutes of our encounter I tried to size them up; I wanted to decipher what it was that made them the great athletes that they were. Marathoners. I wanted to wear their jacket.

You really can't tell a lot based on looks. Marathoners look like every-day people (well, the non-elites that is).   It's not until you start talking with them about running, training, and the actual  marathon that the truth of what makes the athlete is really revealed.

And yet, if I really wanted to wear that jacket, I had to run it myself.  Traveling from Paris back to Geneva in October 2006, I shared with my friend Susan that the marathon would be the ultimate testament of my capabilities.  Ability to do what? And why the marathon? she asked.  Studying abroad had put me in touch with many new experiences and people, but new insecurities, too.  Time on the train allowed for lots of contemplation.  Somehow this 'train of thought' led me to conclude that the marathon was the most appropriate challenge for me.  If I prepared and persevered for months to run and complete 26.2 miles, what couldn't I do?  It would be my way of dispelling doubt in myself.

Running is my way of measuring my potential because while I certainly love a long run, I really have to work at it. It's a love-hate relationship.  I'm good at running, but not great.  I enjoy the feeling a strong run, and despise the pain that comes along with it.  So I figured that if I could engage in the ultimate running challenge in which I experienced all the above, and triumphed in the end, that was a testament to my potential for greatness.

My friends out east

This week I received faraway support from my friends on the east coast who will be taking on the NYC marathon next month.  Atheni, who was student gov prez while were at LUC, donated $26.20 to Hope Runs (love the symbolism!) and sent me encouraging words about conquering this Sunday. Love her!

Meredith has been my cheerleader all year.  She'll actually be taking on her 3rd (or 4th??) marathon in 23 days (according to her facebook status!) so she's practically a seasoned pro... at the ripe age of 22. We went to see "Spirit of the Marathon" together in February right after I signed up.  Meredith's been dropping me words of encouragement and advice all year and I can't thank her enough.

More to thank!

Several people have come out of the wood works to support my efforts, as well as those of Hope Runs. I can't express my appreciation enough to the following folks: Lisa C., my boss at ILAO, former collegiate track star, and encourager extraordinaire; Jake J., chaplain at Loyola who led our service trip to D.C.; Linda R., my mom's super sweet boss; Dave and Maureen S., former neighbors whose kids I used to babysit; Atheni A., a fellow LUC alum, organization leader, and marathoner; and Ms. Owens, my h.s. history teacher.

Colleagues, friends and family have collectively given close to $400 this summer.  I will continue to raise funds in the next year until I meet my goal of $5,000.  

Again, thank you to all ! ! !

My Zen Week

So since my 20 miles I haven't done much at all.  I'm starting to get real anxious about the marathon so I've been trying to lounge about, sleep, rest, and not run as much as possible.  I came across a good article in the NY Times today about reaching one's peak performance through relaxation.  

The author of the article explains that keeping the muscles tenses while performing aerobic exercise isn't the answer to moving quicker.  The paradox of athletics is remaining relaxed while pushing hard and straining the body and muscles.    

Winner's win because they are able to achieve this balance of tension and calmness within their bodies. “It’s the paradox of athletics,” said Rick DeMont, associate head coach for men’s swimming at the University of Arizona and a former Olympian. “Tension is slow, tension is inefficient. You need to be relaxed.”

And so that is the strategy I'm following this week and on Sunday.  Work hard but keep the body-- and most importantly the mind-- relaxed.

Cubs clinch, 20 miles and Vince Vaughn: A weekend in Chicago

I didn't do much this weekend except for what the title of this implies. At work on Friday I listened to the Cubs lose sorely, then watched them barely slip by to become Division Champs on Saturday. Wahoo! Go Kerry!

Sunday was my loooong run: 20 miles along LSD, from Loyola to Balboa. Felt good the first 10 miles, after 12 my knees starting aching, so my last 5 were basically walked/jogged. Along the way home, however, I passed Vince Vaughn on bike. Seriously! He sang the 7th inning stretch on Saturday at Wrigley, and was wearing a Payton jersey on Sunday when I spotted him so maybe he was at the Bears game, too.

All in all, a very interesting weekend. Gotta love Chicago for that!

The Midwest Is Under Water!

I'm spending the weekend indoors since there's a typhoon outdoors. This must be the remnants of Hurricane Ike because it's been nothing but cats and dogs outside since yesterday afternoon. Rodrigo escaped early Friday morning to Vegas where it's nice and dry and warm. Chicago is just wet.

I've had a bad head cold all week and I still can't shake this cough. So I'm hibernating, lying around and doing nothing much at all. Yep, I have a marathon to run in less than a month. Do I feel prepared, pumped, ready to go? Hahaha... no. I'm scared shitless. I need to run but the elements are against me!

14 miles... like, whoa

When I embarked on my first long run of 10 miles, I felt nervous but confident I could do it.  I kept a positive mindset and ran all the way from the Rog to Belmont Ave and back. A good, solid run.  Talk about an esteem booster.

Then I pumped it up to 14 miles. It was a busy weekend so I didn't get around to running until 8pm on Sunday.  This time I ran to North Avenue beach.  I love night running and this one went smooth, too. Until I hit mile 10, which I'm starting to think is my my wall.  I pretty much just dragged my feet for the remaining 3 miles. Oh, was I frustrated.  But it reminded me that if my runs are too comfortable, if I'm not feeling exhausted at the end, then I'm not pushing harder. Running is supposed to be a constant challenge, a struggle that leaves you fatigued and sometimes distressed when finished.  Not every run is accompanied by an euphoric moment.  But it's always worth the two, four, ten runs it takes to feel that runner's high.

For now, just knowing I ran 14 (and now 16!!) will suffice. I know I'll soon feel it, too.

A pep talk

Coming soon!

Rockin' Chicago with the Nike+ Human Race 10K

Adapted from a Nike blog

Chicago's race knocked it out of the park with a 10K to end all 10Ks in the Windy City. Our Emcee, Gene Honda said it best, 'Second City my butt.' Chicago's Human Race was the largest such event in the United States.

Runners arrived, amped up and ready to roll, at 2 PM., more than 4 hours before the race start, so we got the party started early with a rocking sound check by Fall Out Boy attended by more than a 1,000 people in the stands. It was a beautiful late summer day in Chicago, with a nice afternoon heat and a complimentary lakefront breeze. So runners got to enjoy the Human Race sponsor village with Starbucks, Saturn, Ice Mountain and Tents of Hope giving consumers a chance to interact with the Human Race partners.

14,000 runners strong lined the East Colonnades of Soldier Field and everyone in attendance was treated to an amazing pre-race program. The iconic Wayne Messmer showed Chicago along with the rest of the world why he was THE right person to sing the National Anthem in Chicago. The hometown crowd gave an extended ovation to Messmer and the sea of red soaked in the moment. Then Runners were OFF!

Venturing through the course, runners came across the 2016 Olympic Committee cheer station and our live music stations throughout. Major course highlights were the cheer stations au naturale which manifested themselves in the form of Chicagoans BBQ-ing along the lakefront beaches. All these Labor Day revelers caught the Human Race fever and joined in the event, cheering on runners to even greater heights. 

At the finish, there was a mad dash for first place and the top male finished at 31:30 edging out his nearest opponent by a hair, while the top female crushed the field at a 35:17 pace. Both top runners showed that the state of Chicago running can go up against the world on any day. 

To kick off the party post-race style, we turned to the Main stage inside Soldier Field. Opening at the main stage was DJ Dan Suh, the Mr. Miyagi of DJs and to be perfectly authentic to Chi-Town DJ began with his remix of the Super Bowl Shuffle! Every runner at the Chicago race was treated like they were the 'Funky QB!' 

At the crescendo of the evening, Fall Out Boy took the Main Stage and they shredded through a 12-song set, rocking their hometown crowd and sending a message to the rest of the world that Chicago is the center and the rest revolve around. 

The crowd rocked out until nearly 10PM, a full VIP tent of 400+ eager and dedicated runners cheering on the night from inside the stadium.

Way to rock it, Chicago! 31:30 (male) and 35:17 (female), are the times to beat!!! 

My final time: 60 minutes, 7 seconds.