Back with the Blade Runners: Terrapin 5K

I've only done one other 5K with the Chicago Blade Runners, and was a little nervous going into this one.  After completing several 5K's I have developed somewhat of a routine starting the night before a race.  My bag is packed, my "pre-race pb&j" is ready and my bib is pinned.  When I arrive at the race area, I find a spot near gear check where I am a little distance from the crowd to switch legs and mentally prepare.  My running buddy, Erick is pretty familiar with my routine and usually helps me to find a quiet area for me to do all of this.  For this race, however; the pre-race routine was a little different.  We were stationed at a tent with about 40 Blade Runners and Guides, in the middle of a crowd of a few thousand people.  I would just like to note that Erick's daughters, Abby and Lex, found a nice little spot by the tent where they sat calmly watching a movie on his phone (Talk about totally unaffected by the chaos around them :P)

This race benefited the Chicago Blade Runners, which basically made us VIPs.  We got to start before the other runners in a corral just for us.  There were so many people shouting words of encouragement and of course telling us how amazing and inspirational we all were.  As always, I thanked them with a smile before rolling my eyes :) 

I ran with Erick and Tom, my new prosthetist from Scotland.  We had a great time running, walking and learning about the differences in Scottish lingo.  I learned that they call Americans "Yanks" and women "lassies."  I was a bit exhausted from a long day at practicum, and walked a bit more than I had expected for this race, but (in the words of Tom) it was truly "nay bother" to him or Erick.  

After finishing Erick, Lex, Abby and I quickly ducked out and headed to a local pizza place where we ate "Pizza Won-Tons" and a deep dish.  Overall, its was a really fun race and night with some awesome people!

Biggest Blade Runner Event EVER in Chicago!

Running Buddies :)

This sums up what happens at Mile 3

Being a "cheap grad student" (screenshot...)

A cool shot balancing on the blade with Erick and Tom

The Biggest Loser 5k!

It was such a beautiful day in Chicago for a run!  We started off a little slow, both feeling winded and unable to catch our breath.  But as we continued we both began to feel strong, running and walking in intervals.  There were so many inspiring people on the course both running and walking.  Many people participating were individuals who were trying to make changes in their life through exercise, bringing so much positive energy to the route.  It was nice to be surrounded by so many people who just wanted to finish rather than people concerned about getting the perfect time.  

There were about 14 different people along the route taking pictures, which kept us motivated to "look amazing."  We decided against our iPods for this run, but kept each other (and everyone within 100 feet) entertained through our own renditions of "Just the Way You Are," "I Swear" and "Show Me the Way." It kept us breathing and was much more fun than earbuds.   As we crossed the finish line, Danni, (Winner of Season 14) cheered us through yelling, "Great job guys! Finish Strong!" This just happens to be Erick's mantra and it definitely pushed us to the end today.   

After we finished and rested a bit, we saw Danni taking pictures and talking to some runners.  We tried to get a picture but she ran to the tour bus before we could get to her.  At this point I believe the heat, hunger and exhaustion hit me, and I flipped the switch into crazy stalker girl mode.  We waited (Seriously... like COMPLETE CREEPERS) outside of the tour bus door for her to come out.  About 10 minutes later, she emerged with Dolvette! (Who just happens to be a really attractive African-American Trainer on the show...)  They were both so nice and I was able to get a picture with them :) 

Erick and I both agreed that this was probably our favorite 5K thus far.  We truly make an awesome running team and I am excited to do yet ANOTHER 5K together on Thursday :)  

  Pre-Race Photo     

   In mid-air and smiling :)

 

Finishers    

                                                                     Finisher's Medals

Hanging with Danni (Season 14 winner) and Dolvette (The Biggest Loser Trainer!)