The Nike Human Race

On Sunday evening, Chad and I joined 14,000 people in Chicago to run The Nike Human Race 10K. This very same race was going on in 20 cities across the world on August 31, 2008 and it was such a fun celebration to be a part of. It was the first time that Chad ran 6+ miles since 2002, and he did awesome!

The highlight of the race was during miles 2-4 when we were entertained by a very passionate runner who was screaming self-affirmations while running, such as..."Just do it, I'm doin' it, Just do it, I'm doin' it" and "Dig deeper, I'm diggin', Dig Deeper, I'm diggin'". It was a riot!

The race ended at Soldier Field with a free Fall Out Boy concert inside the stadium. It was a great event and a great night in Chicago.

Chad was so excited to run 6 miles. LOL!

The start looked so cool, with everyone in their red shirts.

Just before the start of the race.

Fall Out Boy concert in Soldier Field.

The Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon

On Sunday morning I willingly woke up at 4:30am to go for a run. The Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon had a 6:30am start time, and I had to figure out a way to trick my body into thinking that it was already noon. It was a beautiful crisp and clear morning, almost fall like, and a perfect day for the race. The last time that I ran this race was August of 2004. I was 4 years younger and in the thick of training for the Chicago Marathon- in better shape than I am today, to say the least. My time in 2004 was 1:58. I would have loved to finish Sunday's race in 2 hours, but apparently you get a few minutes slower as you get older. Unless you are Dara Torres, then you just get faster and stronger as you get older. Hmm, maybe I will be in the best shape of my life at 41 like Dara...but I digress. 

I had a blast running the course with Yoomee. I enjoyed every part of the race, especially the beautiful views along the south side lakefront path. Aside from that sneaky hill at Museum Campus (placed less than .5 mile from the finish- how cruel is that?!), I felt great right through the finish. Chad and Roscoe cheered me in at the finish line and Chicago's very own Bernie from the Biggest Loser 2008 finished just 15 seconds behind me!

My Results!
Bib: 6012
Name: Kellie Fitzgerald
City: Chicago
State: IL
Div: Women 30-34
ChipTime: 2:07:02