Notes
Great day for running. Was looking for Dave when I arrived had a hunch I would see him. Forgot my Garmin at the house but did not really care. Knew if I got on the proper pace early that it would be fine. Went towards my corral and I eyed Dave on the other side of a fence. I yell for him a few times but got no response. I tried hollering "tall Dave" and that did the trick. Great talking to him for a while. Funny how 45,000 folks are wandering about and you spot a friendly face.
Started out with the 3:20 pace group and left them around mile 4. Lost them at a water stop but I was feeling like a French painting, long and loose, so I kept going. Just past the zoo I passed a girl with a 3:45 pace bib, had to ask a stranger what pace we were on. She must have gone out hot. The pace group leaders were a funny bunch, I could have easily ran with them.
Get past Lincoln park and head up Sheridan and saw on of the best signs. "My other signs were better but I left them at your mothers house last night". First windy stretch was in here had wind in a few spots but no big deal. Caught a glimpse of Wrigley field and headed south. This section of wrigleyville and Lincoln park is a blast with the crowd and the bands. Fro will be glad to know Elvis Presley was singing again this year in old town.
Downed the second GU around mile 12 and was on to the second half.
I think the course was changed right after the half, I will have to check. Some Wind in the western part of the course. No worries. I knew that my mom and brother would be at mile 18.5 and that helped a lot. Last GU mile 18, had one more for mile 23 but passed.
Greek town, little Italy, and on to Pilsen. They know how to have fun in Pilsen. Fantastic bands great crowd. Started to get a touch warm here so I tried to stay in the shade. Chinatown south to Cellular field, the end is near. Passed people by the dozens on the way back north. You can"see" the finish line three miles away if you focus on the skyscrapers. Crowd was really good in this stretch. It had been lite in prior years here. Excited to see the 800 meter sign, I work the crowd and got them shouting.
Crossed the finish line, new I beat the 3:20 pace group. Didn't even look at the clock. Slapped some high fives and fist pumps with the volunteers.
I'll finish this later. Have to sign up earlier for next year. October /November 16 for October 2017.