Oracle Fun Run: Routing Runners

A few weeks ago my co-worker asked me if I would be interested in making a few bucks helping out with a run that one of her friends was coordinating.  I love volunteer work, and couldn't pass up an opportunity to make money :)  I even convinced my running buddy to join me, thinking it might be fun to be a part of an event together, after all of the 5k's we have done. 

When my alarm went off at 3:50am, let's just say I was NOT a happy camper.  Luckily, Erick and I made a quick dash for Dunkin' before heading to meet the team. :)  Gotta love a hot vanilla latte lite at 4am.

We got to the hotel, and the coordinator handed us two t-shirts.  Erick checked the sizes and laughed saying, "You are going to be swimming in this."  Turns out, I am NOT a size XL :) Ha.  However, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.  I found a way to "work" the shirt, and we headed out to the route.

We followed Dave along the path the runners would be taking, weaving in and out of Millennium Park.  I guess I assumed that the event would be bigger, and that groups of us would be placed at different "stations."  Instead we were placed individually along the route, and our job was to direct runners to the next "Red Shirt."  I was placed on the path just before the runners got to Chicago's famous "Bean" sculpture.

The event was very small, and included 35 runners, all wearing white hats (I didn't realize they would all be wearing the hat and directed a few individuals who were just out for their morning run.  Haha....oops).
The runners came through the route twice to complete the 3 mile course.  I cheered the runners on and directed them using the saying, "Keep going up and around 'The Bean!'"  I even adopted a nice flight attendant gesture pointing in the right direction.

After the run I decided to try to catch up on sleep before heading to work.  I believe my head was on the pillow for 3 seconds before I was out light a light for a few hours.  :)  Overall, a fun way to make $50 on a Thursday morning :) 

Giant T-Shirt...

Race Staff :)

I was bored before the race started and snapped a shot wearing my new kicks

Breakthrough for Brain Tumors: Team Chelsea's Chelupas!

As many people may know, my sister Chelsea was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in her left frontal lobe 2 1/2 years ago.  She underwent two major brain operations as well as seven weeks of radiation therapy  and is cancer free, and more importantly, still the girl I know and love, today.  I was so excited when I saw the "Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k" as it was the perfect way to show how much I appreciate all that was done for Chelsea.  

I created a team, called "Chelsea's Chelupas" for the race.  For some reason, Chelsea has always called me her little "Chicken Nugget" and I call her my "Chelupa," so it seemed like an appropriate team name. 

I have been having some issues with my prosthesis recently, with the main problem being that it no longer fits.  I am in the process of being fitted for a new one, but in the meantime, things are a bit uncomfortable.  We decided ahead of time that we would be walking quite a bit of the race, which ended up working out well.  I have learned that for me, it's not about getting an amazing race time, or just getting to the finish line.  It's about the journey, and the people you surround yourself with.  We had a great time talking, laughing and enjoying the beautiful view of the lake.  

We ran a bit at the beginning., through each mile marker, and in front of the photographers (gotta look good...duh...).  Everyone learned the "5k secret handshake".  The water stations, however, have become a problem.  The water fight, which took place at the "Race to Wrigley," was only the start of the vendetta between Erick and myself.  This time the volunteers seemed to be fine with the fact that we took MULTIPLE cups of water.  Needless to say... we were both soaked for the last 1 1/2 miles. :) We finished running as a team, which is exactly how every run should end.  

After the race Beata and Will headed out to the Veggie Pride Parade (Yes. Only in Chicago...Only in Chicago...) and Erick, Abby and I adventured to Garrett's Popcorn for a sample and bags for friends.  We continued to Lou Malanati's for lunch, because pizza is our 5k tradition.  After pizza Abby and I insisted that fro yo was extremely important to us.  We hit up Yogurtland, and walked through the Saturday Farmer's Market eating our fro yo.  Erick went on to watch his other daughter play three basketball games, where I on the other hand took a shower and a two hour nap. Haha. I guess I was a little tired. 

A great day and a great run :) Thank you Erick, Abby, Beata and Will for supporting my cause and helping to raise $200 for brain tumors :)

Team Chelsea's Chelupas!!

Running Buddies for Life :)

New Best Bud.

Awwwww

                    

Fro Yo!!!