Blog Archives
…shuffle along
Well, it’s early April and for Chicago runners that means one thing: Shamrock Shuffle.
Does it make sense that a St. Patrick’s Day themed event takes place nowhere near the holiday itself? No. Do we care? No. Think of it as a city-wide acknowledgement of the fact that the holiday lasts a month anyways. Read the rest of this entry
…Make It Better
Running is hard. There I said it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you, themselves or possibly both.
Why would anyone run then?
Well, first of all, not all things worth doing are easy. And second, what makes it easier or worth doing are your reasons for running.
Some of us run for our health, some of us run because others have twisted our arms or as a sign of support for others.
And some run for a cause. Such as the not so subtly referenced organization featured in today’s photo.
Today was the 10th St. Jude Marathon weekend, and you couldn’t ask for a more inspirational cause.
So if you’re looking for a little inspiration this holiday season, maybe consider being inspired by others.
Full disclosure—This Crusader only did the 5K, but it was an inspired 3.1 miles.
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It’s a great organization. If you can, please donate: St. Jude Donations
…just for fun:
…get over it
It occurred to me as I sat down to write this post, that usually we keep you crusaders up to date on our running events. Sometimes we keep you up to date on training schedules, give you updates, share our thoughts on running….
….So… there’s this race we’re doing today (did would be the more accurate word choice), it’s the Urbanathlon. You run, climb over things, crawl under things. We did it last year if you’ll recall.
There you go, now you’re up to speed. Anyways, this year’s incarnation turned out to be over a mile longer with just as many body-breaking obstacles as the last. It was fun, both Zer and myself survived, and now we’re dead tired.
Dead tired but satisfied. I can’t tell you how much more satisfying an 11 mile run is when you throw in hurdles (of all kinds), 8 foot walls, monkey bars, a stadium full of stairs (4 flights of them anyways), and so much more. It makes going out for a simple run almost boring.
It was a blast. Combined with the fact that a certain mind-blowing baseball game kept me up until the wee hours last night, and this Crusader is exhausted. So, with that, I leave you with a video that barely captures the bad-ass-ness of this event, and of course, a smile…well maybe a few 
Oh and…GO CARDS!!!
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…bi-daily smile…
…Get Up And Go!
2WC and family hit the ground running early this morning, completing a four person marathon relay before noon. It was hot…and early…but awesome! A special congratulations to 2WC cousin and guest blogger Jenn H. on the completion of her first official race.
In honor of the occasion and National Poetry Month (again)…a poem:
The forecast was iffy, team health…less than fair.
Despite all concerns, our mission was clear.
To finish the race, with our polka-dotted bands,
We set a strong pace, and for that we were glad.
The course was our nemesis, and not at all tame.
Many hills were climbed as temps did the same.
We huffed and we puffed, but we finished the race.
We triumphed, victorious and beat our goal pace
As we crossed o’er the finish line we heard a great cheer,
Collected our medals, and of course the free beer!
Congratulations and thank to our team mates…nap time!
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…just for fun:
…Run For…
...Chocolate!
If you were to take a quick poll of a group of runners as to why they run, odds are you would get a variety of answers.
Health, fitness, the awesome fashion and fun (yes, that’s right all you non-runners) usually make the top five.
However, more often than not the number one spot belongs to that which governs us all—food.
So what could be better than a race dedicated to one of our favorite, foody indulgences? Well, if that sustenance is chocolate, the answer is obviously: nothing.
This morning, the Crusaders, along with thousands of our closest friends, took to the streets of Chicago in pursuit of this popular confection in the Hot Chocolate 5K.
True, we could have slept a few extra hours, stopped by the local Ghirardelli and had the same end result. But would that chocolate taste as sweet? Would it be quite as deserved?
No.
Because as many a novice runner has learned, everything tastes better after a borderline freezing, morning run.
So, if you’ll excuse me, this Crusader is going to enjoy some of her well deserved chocolate after a morning of fitness, fashion (we got adorable jackets) and fun.
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More on the Story: Chicago Hot Chocolate 5K/15K
…just for fun:
This was stuck in my head for the whole 3.1 miles-
Zer
Stephanie
The2Women
