Chicago Lakefront 50/50

Well, this one was a bit extreme to say the least. I am just very glad that the race was not cancelled as it very well could have been. I have had a full plate and started this post nearly a month ago. Chicago 50/50 featured gale force winds, high waves  from Lake  Michigan spraying you in places on the course, parts of the course  GONE washed out to sea.....!!!!!needless to say it was tough. Temperature wise it was just above freezing but the wind chill had me keeping my jacket on the whole time. I ran the first 25 tactically and just sat behind a lady who went out a bit fast the  dropped back. Yes, I did that so as not to have to cut wind as much and risk dying in the 3rd and final loop.  I lost some time doing this after about 20km when I felt she was slowing a bit but stuck behind until the turnaround at 25 then just took off at my own pace. It was NOT a day to chase records, but rather to just run smart for the win. That really was a shame. After being down most of the season after getting pneumonia in the spring, I was finally beginning to feel decent again and Coach and I felt sub 3:50 was definitely in the cards. I had recovered well after Chicago and despite havng quite a lot of racing over the past 6 weeks, felt strong. The conditions were just not what i needed that day to do it. Big kudos to the volunteers who stood out there freeeezing their asses off for us all day. It's one thing to run in bad weather and stay warm as long as you don't stop, it's another to STAND out in it all day!!! OUCH!

 Beth with the red beans and rice at the finish :) Man, did that hit the spot!

 start

 on my merry way

 trying not to freeze before the start

 cheerleaders!

 the breakwall broke!

 sitting

 finish

 looka kind of like the Apocalypse

 Rerouting here due to damage on the course 

Looks more like and  earthquake hit the course! Flooding and hurricane force winds the night before did this! Lake Shore Drive was flooded and CLOSED hours before the race!

Fueled by Dasha's HONEY!!!! Thanks!

 Meredith kicked ass in the 50 miler this year!