Monthly Archives: August 2013

Who’s Dirty? CrossFit Day 17– Eric K Memorial WOD

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I’ve suddenly taken an affinity to black workout clothing, tops in particular.  If one thing is for certain, I’m going to come home from CrossFit looking like I just rolled thru the dirt.  If getting dirty is any indication of my level of effort then I’m definitely going to win something.

CrossFit_dirty   CrossFit_dirty2

As a side note for new CrossFitters – Besides black clothing, I also make sure my tops are form fitted so they stay in place while I’m standing on my head or doing whatever activity is on the board for the day. 

The 17th day of CrossFit brought us the  Eric K Memorial WOD.

First, let me apologize because I misspoke earlier when I said the run club (and I) finally RX’d a workout.  That’s a lie.  We modified two things.  First we subbed in kettlebell deadlifts for the real deal and second we used bands for our pull-ups.  As you may, or may not know, runners are not known for their arm strength.  So we suck at pull-ups, or at least I do, everyone else is amazing. 

 Eric K Memorial WOD

4 Rounds

  • 8 Deadlifts – 225/135 – Or if you’re in my crew, kettlebell deadlifts #35
  • 29 Push-Ups
  • 20 Wall Balls – 20/14 – I think I used a 10# ball though
  • 12 Pull-ups – I used 2 bands

We then paired with a partner and my dumbass I panicked cuz I didn’t see the “4 rounds” part of the workout.   I thought we had one round (not normal at all but I had like 2 hours of sleep and was apparently delusional) and then we would have to split each of these moves with a partner.  Since I’m not one to get out of bed for an easy workout,  I suggested that we would do the workout x2.   Yep, I did that.  And everyone agreed.  So basically we did the above WOD like we didn’t have a partner.  Instead of 8 deadlifts per round split by 2 people, we each did the full 8 deadlifts.  Then 29 push-ups, then 20 wall balls, then 12 pull-ups.  Repeat x4.  It took exactly 2 rounds for us to be dead on our ass.  Yep, don’t CrossFit with me, I’ll just make you work harder.  LOL!

So now I can’t lift my arms.  Anyone want to swim for me during my upcoming half iron distance TRI on SAT? 

** Dirty & Delusional From CrossFit ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 16 …

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The WOD for yesterday was straight forward, simple moves, but hard.  I’m still sore. 

  • 70 Kettlebell Deadlifts – 35# (I think)
  • 70 Lunges
  • 70 Push-Ups
  • 70 Step-Up – 18” Box
  • 70 Burpees

burpees suck

I had a partner and between the two of us we needed to complete 70 of the specified move before going onto the next listed item.  My partner was the superstar experienced CrossFitter of our group and she totally killed it.  She also picked up some of my slack in the push-up and burpee departments.  Sorry, Sarah, I WILL get stronger.  It’s my mission.  It’s why I show up every TUE & THUR at 5am. 

Dream of Sucess or Wake up

We had a bit of downtime then cuz Sarah is so fast so started working on Ring Rows.  Did 15 of those before we were redirected. 

  • 50 Supermans
  • 50 Ab Baskets – 14# ball

Done.  Quick workout but it left it’s mark.

** Determined to Get Strong ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Who’s Tired?

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I’m at the point of marathon training where things are getting rough.  My legs are tired.  If you are training for a fall marathon then you can probably relate cuz I know your legs are heavy too.  The mileage is starting to creep up to the point where we will soon peak, then start to taper back down.  For the Chicago Marathoners, we basically have another 4 weeks of hard training, then we are done, ready to taper, and  absolutely prepared to run the full 26.2 miles on October 13th.  So take a deep breath, just get thru the next four weekends and you will be in the home stretch!  You can do it!!!

In addition to marathon training, I’m also finishing out TRI season.  Not brilliant planning but then I didn’t plan it this way.  I have a rollover registration from the 2012 Great Illini Challenge 70.3 which was canceled, so they rolled all of our registrations from 2012 to this year.  I considered downgrading to the Olympic distance so I can just go out, smash the distance and go home but I’ve decided against that.  I don’t want to downgrade.  I don’t want to waste the registration fee.  I don’t want to waste the opportunity to tackle the distance.  I’m trained for it even if I have only swam 1x since Racine so it just feels like a cop out to go shorter.  Therefore, on Saturday, I’ll be going the distance and pushing thru the last TRI of the 2013 season, which just happens to be a half iron distance event.

Marathon Training + Half Iron Training + CrossFit + Allergy/Head Cold + IBD flare-up = One wiped out momma this weekend.

Me & Lib_8-18-13

As a result, this week is all about recovery so that I can be fresh on Saturday.  I took a rest day yesterday.  I’m pushing my water, allergy meds and probiotics to help get rid of my “extra” issues.  I’m using Nighttime Recovery and Bio Tools to help repair my tired muscles.  And I actually slept last night thanks to both Michael and Libby (my weim) being tired too.  So it will be a good week and I will be rested by Saturday even though I had to pull out my bag of tricks to aid my recovery.  At least I’ve been doing this long enough to have a bag of tricks, right?   Smile

Feeling tired is a natural part of marathon and TRI training but make sure you are able to recognize the difference between being tired and having extra factors that are also draining you.  Don’t stress if you need to skip a day of training, or two, to get some of your energy back.    Rest.  Relax.  Listen to your body.  If you “run” yourself into the ground, then you will get sick or injured or both.

** Resting up for Great Illini ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 15 …. Tabatas

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Tough workout for me today.  My back is still jacked up.  According to Dr. Alexis I have swelling in my sacral cap if I’m even remembering the correct terminology.  Regardless, my normal back “issues” have just been taken up a “notch” so we had to modify some of my CrossFit moves today.  I can’t bend very well, or reach, or sit, or stand.  Yep, just a few modifications.  Smile

A Tabatas WOD is always a group of exercises done in rotation; however, each rotation is done for 8 sets before moving onto the next exercise.  20 seconds on for the movement, 10 seconds rest = 1 set.

Day 15 brought us:  Pistols, KettleBell Swings, Rowing, Sit-ups, Air Dyne (stationary bike) and Wall Balls. 

Pistols are a new move for us and almost impossible if your back is crabby.  I used a much higher box than everyone else.  Sorry everyone, I know you were envying my taller box.  While the move doesn’t seem difficult, it was tougher than it looked.  One leg up, squat down to sit on box, stand back up with same leg out.  Then change legs.  Repeat til time is up.  Photo below from Train With Heidi.

CrossFit_Pistols_Train with Heidi

KettleBell Swings also not ideal if your back is jacked up.  I had to move to a lesser weight about half way thru. 

kettlebell-swings

Rowing – Loved this!  We used a Rowing machine.  Not easy but not difficult either.  Nice change of pace.  Pic below from CrossFit 204.

Rowing

Sit-ups, Air Dyne (Stationary Bike) & Wall Balls are all standard moves that I’ve previously mentioned.

After 15 sessions, I think it’s time to do a cost analysis.  Is CrossFit worth the cost?  First, our “box”, and I use the term box lightly cuz it just seems super hardcore, is pretty low dollar compared to others in our area.  Thanks, Jared!   When I started, the cost for our group was $10 a session or $80 a month (for 2x a week).  I have seen Groupons for our location but did not purchase one.  So there is an option to try it out for less.   That being said, $80 a month for 2x a week is still a lot of $$ for me the normal person.  If I had a gym membership I needed to maintain, or had other out of pocket fitness costs, then I wouldn’t be able to do this.  But I really don’t.   My fitness budget goes mainly to compression socks race entries.

I think we can all agree it’s pricier than a regular “gym”.  However, the individual attention, the daily modifications to make each workout “work” for the individual, and the group atmosphere which pushes each of us to be better is more beneficial {to most} than just hitting the gym.  Plus, it’s hard to cheat when you are always racing the clock for time.  In my case, the benefits outweigh the cost.  I never did strength work, no matter how good my intentions.  I had a weak core, still do but it’s improving.  I was having constant neck/shoulder/back issues from getting old old sport injuries which have caused permanent damage.  Now?  Things are starting to improve.  My back has been much stronger and I’ve had less pain until I tried to step over the dog and the kid tweaked it getting out of the shower on Tuesday.  So I know that CrossFit is helping my body.

Is CrossFit helping my running?  I don’t want to jump the gun and say that it is but I will say that my 18 miler last weekend “didn’t suck” and that’s an improvement in my world. Plus I’ve started to nail my speed work and tempo runs and that’s an improvement in my world.  I am even starting to have a glimmer of hope that I may be able to throw down some fast times this fall both in the half marathon and 5K distance.  Only time will tell but thus far, yes, I do think CrossFit is worth the cost and I believe that it WILL help my running.  Now, if they could just drop a pool in the parking lot, I would be “happy, Happy, HAPPY”.  LOL!

Do you have a fitness habit that “may” be a bit pricy but worth it in your opinion?

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Livin’ The Life …..

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“Comparison is the Thief of Joy”   Franklin Roosevelt

You probably won’t hear me say that I’m “livin’ the life” unless that statement is dripping with sarcasm.  While many I know are exactly where they want to be in life, or maybe even doing better than they had hoped, I am fully immersed in a very, very messy and chaotic life.   If it’s quiet in my house then the family is either sick or sleeping.  Otherwise we have total chaos, kids screaming & fighting, dogs running around, dishes falling out of the sink, laundry piled up and dog hair flying.  Is this where I expected to be at this point in my life?  I can’t even say.  I don’t think I had a “master plan” like some.  I know that I didn’t anticipate still being a resident of Illinois.  I know that I never looked at my future self and saw a “family picture” oozing with lovely, well behaved little ones.  To be honest, I’ve always felt like I was living on borrowed time so never thought much about life beyond the here and now.  And I still don’t.

While some sit around and boast about their professional accomplishments, brimming bank accounts and growing 401Ks, I just wonder how I’m going to get thru today.  I wonder who’s going to do the work piled on my desk if I get hit by a bus on the way home.  I wonder if traffic will be bad again as I try to get home in time to pick up Aby from practice.  I wonder if Michael is terrorizing the staff and students at daycare.  I wonder if I’ll be able to squeeze in my speed work before dinner.  I wonder what the hell we are having for dinner and dream that someone will cook it for me.  When to do laundry?  When will I grocery shop?  I hope the dog didn’t pee on the floor again today.  Gosh, it’s time to pay the bills, don’t forget! 

That’s what I think about.  Not retirement.  Not grandchildren.  Not my bank account or lack thereof.  Certainly not the fact that Aby will be driving a car in 4 short years.  I think about today.  The here and now.  I try to be thankful for what I have:  a family that usually loves me, a job, a house, a little ambition to be healthy and fit, a normal, messy and chaotic life.  I don’t have time to be looking to see what the neighbors are doing because that will be the exact instant the Michael is FINALLY able to climb all the way to the top of the fridge and jump.  The here and now.  That’s my life.  I don’t compare.  I don’t wonder why or why not.  I don’t think about what if or maybe.  I just focus on now.  Living in the moment.  Being grateful for the little things.  Making it happen if it’s possible.  Letting it slide if it’s not.  The here and the now.  That’s the life I live.  That’s the life I love.

Youre Exactly Where Your Supposed to be

So take a moment to think about the gifts in your life.  Acknowledge that you may not be in charge of the master plan so just sit back and enjoy the ride, even if it is a little bumpy along the way. 

** Live YOUR Life ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 14 …. Broken Blood Vessels

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I love the always changing, constantly challenging aspects of CrossFit.  I never know what to expect and that is one of the attractions for me.  Oh, and the fact that I’ve been running for years and years and years and am currently a bit “stalled” in that aspect of my life.  What to do when a road block appears?  Travel in a new direction!  I refuse to give up on fitness but desperately needed to freshen things up and attempt to find my lost “mojo”.    In the interim, hopefully I’ll get strong and kick running in the ass throw down some fast times somewhere in the future. 

Today was Day #14.  I only go 2x a week for strength and  cross training but certainly see that it can become additive and lead to an every day “habit”; however, that doesn’t fit into my time budget nor would it be productive for running and TRI training.  As with everything, moderation is key!

WOD

  • 10 Wall Climbs

We’ve done the wall climbs before, once.  Not an easy feat for most of us uncoordinated mortals.  I’m going to revisit the demo from CrossFit Fire below.

CrossFit_wall climbs_CrossFitFire

This time was definitely better for me.  I was able to climb up to the point where I was almost all the way back to the wall, enough to lean my body on it, then take a break and walk back out.  Still don’t have the sliding back down the wall (to the ground) mastered so, I bent at the midsection/butt and slid my feet down with my butt in the air.  Wrong.  Definitely not the proper technique but it did allow my feet to come down without feeling as if I were breaking my toes.  Baby steps!  I’ll get there.  I do notice that I’m getting stronger in the core and had more control during the wall climbs this go around verses my previous attempt.  However, I apparently spent too much time upside down because I noticed miniscule red dots on my eyelids when I returned home that I recognized as broken blood vessel (last time this happened, I had a baby to show for it, and a lot more broken blood vessels all over my face & eyelids).  #Winning

broken blood vessels

Next up – 7 rounds with one minute rest between rounds.  I only completed 6 rounds because time wasn’t on my side today.  Had I known that traffic was so jacked up that I would be 40 minutes late to work anyhow, I would have just stayed for the last round.  Live & learn, right?

  • 10 Kettlebell Deadlifts (35#)
  • 10 Push Press (bar only – 45#)  Wowzers, these were hard for me.  I was about maxed out after the third round and it was getting super tough for me.  I had to be very careful about form and pushing with my legs to keep everything in line.  I may not have done the best job either cuz I tweaked my back getting out of the shower after the workout and it’s REALLY sore now. But we looked super badass tough in the photo!  Smile

CrossFit NL_push press

  • 5 Burpees
  • 10 Tire Step Ups
  • 10 Sit-Ups
  • 100 meter run
  • 1 minute rest, then repeat x7

Great workout!  Have you broken any blood vessels, or anything else during a workout?  Tell us your most bizarre “workout” injury?

** Trying To Get Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

That Didn’t Suck!

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Wow. 18 miles done already this morn and it didn’t suck. Could I finally be getting stronger? I’m not a lover of the long run. I like 10 milers. Anything over 10 miles, including the half marathon, is a “bit” of a stretch for me. And normally anything 15 and over just sucks. Bad. I think about the long run all week. I dread it. I even promise myself that if I get thru “this” marathon training cycle, then I’ll never sign up for another. Lies. All lies. I will sign up for another marathon. I don’t know why. They aren’t my forte. I’m not fast. I don’t enjoy the distance or in some sick way, do I enjoy it? What I do enjoy, however, is the training. Getting out on the trail before the sun comes up. Watching the sunrise. Feeling like for those few hours, the world is all mine.

20130817-104731.jpg

Pure bliss.

Each training cycle is “cyclical”. I have good runs and bad runs. I can be in a bad cycle for a year or more. It could be due to injury, or fatigue, or stress. But when the cycle ends and I start hitting my workouts again, or running long without the “that sucked” feeling, then my heart sings with joy. I’m on the verge of coming out of a bad cycle and I’m starting to get excited. I still have a hamstring that is rebelling against the “come back” but I have a feeling that fast times are in my future. Finally. Could it be true? Only time will tell.

If you’re in a training rut, hang tight. This too shall pass. It can’t all be good all the time and if you have been running a long time, then you know to accept the bad with the good. And some of the downswings can be downright confidence zapping. But that’s normal too. Trust me, hang tight and keep putting in your miles unless your body is just too tired, then just take some downtime to recharge your battery (and confidence).

Any good hamstring stretches? Send them my way! I need this hamstring to get on board with the big picture. It isn’t painful, just tight and irksome.

** Hang On, You WILL Get Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 13 – Handstand Push-Ups!

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Great quote on the white board this morning.

“Even if you are dead last every single WOD, remember that you finished the same WOD as the person who finished first.  Yell “TIME” loud and proud, you did it!”

Love that.  CrossFit, and any fitness activity, is about improving oneself.  Push hard and compete against you. Try to do better than yesterday and move forward with a good attitude, being confident that the person you see in the mirror tomorrow will be stronger and tougher than the one you see today.  This is all about you, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or how quick they may be doing it.  It doesn’t matter if your activity is walking, running, biking, swimming or maybe CrossFit.  Do it for you.  Compete against you.

Today’s workout began with two new moves.  Handstand Push-ups and Kettlebell Swings.  Yay!  I’ve wanted to work my way up to handstands since I first saw my friends and fellow F’N Runners in this photo below (April 2013).  From left:  Jeni H, Amy C & Tina B.

Handstands_CF NL

I saw this photo via Facebook months before I started CrossFit.  I was green with envy.  These ladies are normal people.  They aren’t big and muscly and nobody would probably pick them out of the crowd as being overly “strong”.  They are moms who run.   Ladies I know.  Regular people like you and I.  If these ladies can do it, so can I.  So can you.  But as with everything, we have to put in the work.  These ladies obviously did that.  Wow.  This photo is what convinced me that CrossFit was something I needed to add to my life.  I’m not saying that I’ll ever be coordinated and/or strong enough to replicate this move but I’ll never know if I don’t try.  I learned a long time ago, never say never.

Handstand Push-ups – They are just as they sound.  Kick up into a handstand, then dip down to do a push-up.  Took me a few times to be confident enough to actually kick up with enough force to actually stay up but it was something that became more comfortable with each attempt.  The goal was to do the handstand, then 10 push-ups, then kick down.  Here I am below.  Yes, I always wear my Aspaeris Pivot Compression Shorts and Pro Compression or SLSTRI  Compression Socks to class.

Handstand Pushup  Handstand Pushup 2  Handstand Pushup 3

I couldn’t dip down very far for the push-up but it’s a start.  I also wasn’t able to complete all 10 before I lost my balance and had to kick out.  I did make 9 on one attempt though!  Super excited!! 

Kettlebell Swings are super fun too!!!  Demo below.  I added the last photo too because the range of motion isn’t complete until the kettlebell is above the head.  Sequence from Todo Entrenamientos and then the lady in blue is from South Coast CrossFit.

kettlebell-swings    kettlebell swing_vertical_South Coast Crossfit

After the new moves, we did a quick “2 minute AMRAP” (as many rounds as possible) workout of:  Box Jumps (12” box), Abmat Sit-ups, Squats & Ring Rows.  2 minutes on each activity, doing as many as possible in the 2 minute timeframe. 

Done.

Anything you are excited to tackle in your upcoming workouts?  Maybe your first 20 miler of marathon training?  Handstands in CrossFit?   It’s a beautiful things to watch the progress of a good training cycle.  Be proud!!

** Getting Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 12 – WOD Blake & CrossFit Day 13

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The 12th day of CrossFit brought me the Blake WOD. 

blake_David Blake

From CrossFit.com

“Blake“

Four rounds for time of:
100 foot Walking lunge with 45lb plate held overhead
30 Box jump, 24 inch box
20 Wallball shots, 20 pound ball
10 Handstand push-ups

Info on Blake below:

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician David Blake McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, Georgia, assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Support Activity in Norfolk, Virginia, was killed September 21, 2010, in a helicopter crash during combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan. McLendon is survived by his wife Kate McLendon, his parents David and Mary-Ann McLendon, his brother Chris McLendon, and his sister Kelly Lockman.

Of course, our class had to be modified for us newbies.  We did 3 rounds for time:  100′ of walking lunges (body weight only), 30 box jumps (18” box), 20 Ring Rows & 10 Push-ups.  I’m at the bottom of this photo doing crappy  push-ups in my pink shoes & green compression socks.  Took me 10:43 for all three rounds. 

CrossFit_FNRC pushups_Blake WOD

We then got to try a few new things.  Thrusters.  Bar only.  You can check out this stud gentlemen from the Reebok CrossFit Coastal Carolina page demoing the thruster below.  Just imagine us doing them without the giant muscles or the big ass weights on the end of the bar.  Since we are still relatively weak new, we have to put in the time learning the moves, proper form, etc. so that we don’t hurt ourselves. 

crossfit-thruster

The second “new” move was the Wall Climb.  LOL!  This was just entertainment at it’s finest.    We started in a push-up position with our feet against the wall, then started to back up with our hands while our feet were “climbing” (walking up) the wall.  As this is happening, your feet are walking up the wall and your hands are walking toward the wall so you “should” basically be in a handstand position facing the wall once your feet are in the full “up” position.  Yeah, right.   Not my finest hour.  Then you return to the push-up position by walking your hands back out until you are at a 45 ish degree angle.  At that point, you are “supposed” to let your feet slide down the wall back to the floor.  Controlled motion.  Not me.  I about broke my toes each time.  #WallClimbFAIL  Demo from CrossFitFire below:

CrossFit_wall climbs_CrossFitFire  

CrossFit Day 13 – Partner up!  I think he may have been taking it easy on us Tuesday, which scares the crap out of me thinking about tomorrow morn. 

10 Rounds 

  • 20 Wall Balls (14# ball, I think)
  • 20 Abmat Sit-ups

Since we were with a partner this time, the two of us had to complete the 20 moves together.  I had a great partner so each of us did 10 of each move (or half of the set).  It went fast.  Only one partner could move at a time.  I started with the Wall Balls, did 10.  Handed off to her, she did 10.  I then moved to the Abmat Sit-ups, did 10.  Then she did 10.  Repeat x10.  Fast workout.  Took us 15:40 to complete.  Done.

What will tomorrow bring?  Hmmmm, I “may” have asked about handstand push-ups and they “may” have been added to the board.  Hehehehee!  Smile  We’ll see!

** Getting Stronger, One Workout At A Time ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Zooma Chicago Half Marathon Race Review ……

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The Zooma Women’s Series came to Chicago on Saturday for the inaugural event.   Zooma Chicago offers both a Half Marathon and 10K run.  It is a ladies race that is geared toward bringing women runners together with an entire fitness focused weekend. 

The fun started with a small expo at the swanky Langrahm Hotel. 

Zooma_langrahm lobby            Zooma_langrahm_hall  

We were able to mix, mingle and shop with several vendors and I was excited to see a few of my all time favorites:  Whooha Gear and the lovely Dimity and Sarah from Another Mother Runner.  I “may” have purchased a few things.  The new “Regret Nothing” tee from Whooha Gear and the “I Run Things” tee from Another Mother Runner.  Both of these fit me to a “tee”.  Smile

image   image

Zooma can easily claim the prize for the best swag bag in town.  Our goodie bags included a navy women’s specific performance tech shirt with a cool logo, a beautiful water bottle that Aby already stole for Cross Country, a yoga mat & cool reusable bag.

Zooma_bag        Zooma_SWAG

The race venue was at Montrose Harbor on Saturday morning.  This is a massive area that is really hopping on the weekends.  However, it was easy to spot the venue as it was close to Lake Shore Drive and not too far into the park.  I was easily able to unite with my fellow Team Tough Chik members, the Chicago Running Bloggers and the Zooma Ambassadors and hit the start line on time.

Fellow Toughie – Margaret, Casey, Nicki & Myself:

Zooma_Team Tough Chik

Chicago Running Bloggers:

Zooma_Chicago Running Bloggers

The race started right on time at 7:00am with both the Half Marathon and 10K runners starting together.   The event was chip timed and the course was primarily on Chicago Park District property, thru various parks and on the Lakefront Path.

Without getting into my personal race which was merely a race from one potty to the next I’ll break the event down by Pros and Cons.

Pros

  • Ladies Only
  • Amazing SWAG Bag
  • Vendors who work to empower and encourage women of all shapes, sizes & skill levels
  • Free shuttles to/from host hotel
  • Small Race for first timers with 652 half marathon finishers & 311 finishers for the 10K
  • Large Venue that is easy to find
  • Lots of public parking if you get there early
  • Lots of people on the public park & lakefront paths so that you don’t feel “alone”
  • Lots of shade thru said parks

Zooma_lake front path 

  • Aid stations with potties every 2-3 miles
  • Cocktails and a boxed lunch at the finish
  • Cool PR medals to all those running the distance for the first time or crushing a new PR
  • Lovely Finisher’s Pendant that Aby already claimed as her own

Zooma_necklace    Zooma_necklace2

Cons

  • Costly, early bird registration was $105 for the half
  • Packet pick up was at a downtown Chicago hotel so parking was an issue
  • Course was on heavily populated trails during prime usage time for marathon training & recreational use for local residents
  • Non Zooma participants weren’t excited to have us on location, and “may” have yelled obscenities at us
  • Course was confusing in spots without proper signage or race marshals for direction.
  • Half & 10K courses crossed at times creating more confusion
  • Boring – Felt like a training run with so much chaos and so many non race participants milling around
  • Most runners expected an out and back lakefront run with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and we only had one small section, which we ran 2x, that offered the beauty of the Chicago lakefront.

Zooma_lakefront path 1

Overall, I liked everything about Zooma Chicago other than the actual 2013 course.  I’m hoping they make a change for 2014 so that our ladies have a bit more direction and also space to run or walk as they please. 

Note to those who use the Chicago Lakefront Path – Please respect one another.  I’ve now on several occasions had the opportunity to personally witness certain users of the path yelling at, or being rude to others.  It’s a public path.  Share.  Your activity is not MORE important than anyone else’s.  In some instances, it’s absolutely impossible to “GET OUT OF THE WAY”.  I’m sorry.  I’d move if I could because I don’t want you to run me down.  You are making us locals look bad and quite frankly you downright scared some of my Zooma friends.  I’m embarrassed.  Grow up and take your rage to a more appropriate venue, like the boxing ring. 

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **