While I looked for hotels, they were insanely high and a week before my race I found a hotel with parking that was cheaper and closer to the race so I switched. My boyfriend came with me because I didn't feel safe going by myself. He drove us down Friday so I could pick up my packet. I always pick up my packet the day before if I can, it reduces my stress on race day. Well everyone else that was coming from other states had the same idea so it took about an hour to pickup my shirt and packet. I ended up walking around the store and bought a few racing items including a water bottle that said runCHI so I had a nice souvenir. The hotel had a gym and restaurant inside (another reason why I picked it). I did my last workout before the race, showered and then we had a nice dinner there. I always set everything out the night before the race and double and tripled checked. I made sure my phone alarm and the clock alarm was set so I wouldn't oversleep.
On Saturday, I woke up on time and got ready. I got to my corral with plenty of time so I warmed up a little and made sure my iPod and phone were all set. Since it was in July, it was warmer than I would have liked and I think they classified it as yellow or orange (go at a slower pace and drink a lot of water). The first 3 miles went well but the temperature got hotter and the pin in my foot decided to act up. I ended up having to do walking breaks. I was hoping to get a new PR for a 10K, but at this point I just wanted to make it to the finish line. I kept track of my time to make sure I could make it. At mile 5 they had a slip and slide if you wanted to cool off which would have been awesome. There was a long line so I didn't want to risk it and so I kept going. When I finally got near the finish line I had a little burst of energy so I booked it. It wasn't my best time, but I finished the race. BTN streamed the 10K race online so my parents got to watch me make it to the finish line. They saved some screenshots and sent them to me. My boyfriend was cheering me too, but I still had my earbuds in and I have horrible hearing sometimes. Right by the finish line was the Fan Fest, they had a ton of cool things to do: photo with the Big 10 Championship trophy, run sprints, photos with the mascots, etc. I got my finisher's medal and all the runners got a free beer and sausage. I didn't feel like standing in a long line so we started walking back to the hotel. My foot was killing me at this point so we ended up taking a taxi back. I tried to pace myself for the race but I think the heat was the main factor for having so many issues.
Anyways, I started to look at other races including out of state ones that I want to run at some point of my life. I will have to post a list once I figure out them all. My boyfriend was in the Marines and so I really want to run the Marine Marathon in the future! I know with the lottery system it might take a bit to get in, I might consider trying to get a charity bib. For now I'm starting to get back into running again. If I run all year I get burned out. I did sign up for my first race next year: the Paczki Run in Hamtramck. The finishers get a paczki and a beer! My dog Pasha might be running her first 5K with me :) I put a link to the races if anyone is curious about them. Thanks for reading!
