First, if you’re doing Chicago this weekend, good luck. If I’m the only nutcase out there, I’d be surprised. The weather looks good (low humidity, warm day), but things should be okay.

Second, if you’re wondering what to do to get ready, take a look at the Tri Checklist below for help. I, myself, will be sticking to it like glue after last weekend’s failure of preparation

PlusRunner Tri Checklist_2

Thanks for the support, the great comments, and coming along on the journey. As I enter the weekend, I’m super excited for all my friends racing – including Dan, Joe, Lisa, and all the crew from Chicago Endurance Sports. Good luck everyone!

Just a quick note to say hi! and a warning that WordPress has discontinued the “theme” I was using on this page.  Which means for the next couple of days, I’ll be tryng out some new features on the site to help you find what you need, when you need it.  Also hoping to get something a bit cuter going on here, so stay tuned, and please stay patient!

If you can’t find what you need while I’m redecorating, please email me at plusrunner@gmail.com and I’ll help you out!!

Sal

If you need a suit and have been holding off, I’m a big fan of the sleeveless suit, and the price point is really good…

Enter the code SUMMER50 to get it going on.

I’ve been thinking about that a lot these last few weeks, as I just moved into a new apartment.  It’s a “walk up” which means to get to the third floor, semi-palatial estate (let’s be real, it has air conditioning, which makes it semi-palatial), I have to actually walk up 3 flights of stairs.  Every time I want to go home, that’s the requirement.  Three flights.  Every time I buy something, order something, or simply finish a day with my 15 pounds of work stuff, it’s 3 flights.  Those three flights don’t seem like much, but I couldn’t help but think of that Fit to Live concept again on Friday evening, when I returned home to find my spanking new Adirondack chair from Land’s End – parked just outside the front door and not, to my disappointment, next to my third-floor door.

As I hauled the slightly awkward box up the three flights (I did have to stop once), I found myself really irritated.  I was sweaty from the walk home from the train.  Then I was sweaty again as I hauled the box up the stairs.  The packing weight was a mere 42 pounds.  But it came in a box that was 3′ x 4′ x 1′ (at least) which meant for somewhat tough going.  Alas, I prevailed.  But I couldn’t help think “this should be easier”.

Also this weekend, I took a nice long bike ride along our lakefront path. When I returned, some 16 miles later, I needed to haul the road bike up the back stairs (in my bike cleats, which was hysterical).  The bike weighs in somewhere around 17 pounds, so you can imagine, it was easier.  But my heart was still beating faster, and my legs let me know they had been used quite a bit that day.  And in the end, I couldn’t stop asking myself the question:  “Am I fit to live?” 

The simple answer is: I don’t know.  Over the years, I’ve discovered that I have great reserves when it comes to endurance running, cycling, or swimming.  I can hike for miles, and though it’s challenging, I know I can do it. But, in direct proportion to my weight, I’ve never had any delusions of being speedy at any of these tasks.  I’ve been a long distance girl, to be sure.  And the thing with emergencies – and, with life – is that they’re not all long-distance kind of things.  

Does my failure in the world of anaerobic excellence mean that I’m not strong? Certainly not.  Could I deadlift my own weight out of, say, the Tennessee River?  (Hypothetically, this might have had to happen at one point in my past).  No, I most certainly could not.  (But I could have swam my way out of it, to be sure.) 

And what about wandering around – just simple wandering?   My friend and I were walking around Michigan Avenue a few weeks ago, one night after work.  My right foot (the one with the annoying plantar fasciitis I’ve been working to heal) was bothering me, and as we walked to dinner (me with the 20 pound computer bag on my shoulder), I was wishing I’d worn better shoes.  I was cranky and it was only the steak ahead that kept me moving.  The foot hurt, from something as simple as shopping.  Now THAT’s annoying.  And yet, it was only the pain that was a problem, not any kind of shopping endurance.    It wasn’t an anaerobic weakness that felled me there, just a pain problem.

For many of us, though, something as simple as climbing three flights of stairs instead of one flight is a big deal.  Running across a street to beat a light is tough.  Digging a hole for that new fence makes us sweat.  Shoveling a sidewalk can be annoyingly difficult.  Some of this is to be expected.  Work makes our heart race, and our bodies sweat.  And sometimes we don’t like that feeling.  So we shy away from it, and take a seat, or a ride, or pay someone else to do the hard work for us.  And in doing so, we continue down a path that involves a lot less work, and a lot less of what I call cross-training for life.

Here’s the catch, though.  We all know we have the ability to train our bodies for this kind of demand, too.  Many of you are dedicated runners and triathletes, and you have incredible reserves of strength and character.  But maybe, just maybe, you’re like me – and you take the easy way out when it comes to everyday life sometimes. 

That can change.  You can make a promise to start small – by doing your own yardwork,  or by getting friendly with your stairs.  (After four weeks in the new place, walking up three flights is so much easier than it was when I started, I’m actually kind of amazed).  And you can keep doing it by looking for simple ways to get more activity in.  Can you walk to the store, or bike?  Can you walk up the stairs to the train, instead of the escalator?  Can you, once in awhile during your run, run for a block just a bit faster than you normally would?  Yeah, you probably can.  And if you can’t do it all, today, you will, if you just start focusing on it, a little bit at a time.

So I guess my advice today is this: don’t take the easy way out.  Find the equivalent of your third-floor walkup, and test yourself on it regularly.  Accept that it’s okay to struggle with the anaerobic activities of life, but think about challenging yourself on more of it.   Work to fill in the non-endurance fitness side of your life.  Trust me, you’ll feel stronger, and healthier, and more ready for whatever comes next.

See you on the path -

I like to think  I’ve just had my own haitus here the past month or so, disappearing from the blog, and from a regular exercise routine.  Except, here’s the thing:  no showy finale.  No big revelations.  Not much at all.  More like the FCC pulled my license to write (and exercise) and I just whimpered into the sunset. 

So apologies to those who’ve come round the last month looking for inspiration or fun or just plain cheap clothes!  I have lots of reasons why I’ve not been here (I have a “new” full time job, and I’m working more, and I moved homes, and have had some travel….and, well, technically, I’m not really doing a whole lot of exercising other than biking, because I’m doing PT a few times a week)…but wait, you probably don’t care, do you?

Well, that’s fair. You shouldn’t have to care – and you know what, that’s okay. 

If I’ve learned anything from this little break, it’s this:  the excuses don’t matter.  It doesn’t matter what keeps you from doing the things you love – it’s how you get back to it that counts.  Maybe you’re on a haitus, too, right now. Maybe your sneakers are dusty, and your goggles are drying out.  But both of them will work when you get back on the path, or in the pool.  And those lovely, inanimate objects (shoes, goggles, path and pool) could care less that you started taking a class, or got sucked into a new show, or had to work on a project that was so busy you barely had time to sleep.  Those inanimate objects will welcome you back, and not judge where you’ve been, or where you’re headed.   And the people – those people who are your running friends, your rowing friends, or your former “hang out and go for a walk” friends- they won’t care, either.  They’ll just be glad to see you again.

I learned that the easy way – last weekend, as I took off for Door County, to ride my bike in gorgeous Peninsula State Park while my friends ran the Door County Half Marathon.  As the Chicago Endurance Sports crew ran through the most serene, most gorgeous course I’ve seen, I pedaled my way through a park that made me ache for Acadia, and dream of spring rides.  It was pretty, and it was easy.  And I was shocked.  After all, I’ve been “only” walking and doing core strengthening for the past few months.  But it turns out, if you’re easy on yourself when you come back from haitus, you can enjoy the return – with no drama, no fireworks, and certainly no breakdowns. 

This week, the return continues with Episodes 2 and 3 – riding, and riding some more, to prepare for Little Red.  While I’m at it, I’m also doing something else TV-esque:  I’m setting the DVR, exercise style.  Seriously – if I can “prioritize” shows on DirecTV, and record Top Gear over Castle, why can’t I prioritize a morning bike ride over sleeping in?  Or an evening ride over a Cubs game?  Well, I can.  But another valuable TV lesson here:  I do HAVE to choose at some point – and every time I choose a non-workout option when I plan my week, there  is a real cost. 

So I’m planning (always planning) and we’ll see if I can deliver.  I’ll keep you posted on the post-haitus recovery, and in the meantime, thanks for reading, and thanks for coming back.

See you on the path!

But fear not, readers! I was wandering the lunch web today and found a couple of steal-of-a-deal-deals you need to know about if you’re racing this summer.

The All-in-One Women’s Tri Top (Zoot! In Sizes That Fit!)

First, REI Outlet has listed a Women’s 09 Tri Top (impossible to come by during the season) in an XXL (which equates to a Size 14-16, measurements of 43-45 bust, 37-40 waist, and 44.5-47.5 hips). Rather than assume you know if you’re a “14″ or a “16″, grab the tape measure and see if this MIGHT fit you, because if it does, it’s a PERFECT addition to the tri wardrobe. It will solve all your problems as a “one stop top” you can wear in the water, on the bike, and on the run.  Keep in mind, it’s going to be “slimmer” but it will be worth it in the water and on the bike. 

You don’t have to be an REI member to shop there (though I recommend the one time joining fee because they have some of the best clothes out there for larger men and women). AND you can ship free to a store in your area, but right now, they’re also offering free shipping.

Zoot TriFit Tank Top ($44.95 down from $70.00). Sizes XS-XXL.

The Tri Shorts You’ll Want All Summer

For the guys, Zoot is offering their Tri Zoot 8″ triathlon short in a Size XXL for a SUPER steal, too, at $42.00. They include the leg grippers of silicone (but not those sexy quad muscles pictured below).  Also, a couple of stash pockets for your gu’s, and a nice, “it’s not really a chammy” chamois to give you just a stitch of comfort on the bike.  If you don’t own a tri short, and are wondering if you should buy one before you start training, the answer is yes.  Buy these, because this is the best price you’ll see all year.

This is last year’s model, so you’re getting a break on the price (these are normally $72.00). Click here, or on the picture below to link to Zoot’s site for purchase.  Measurements: Fits 38-40 Waist (I would think you could probably stretch that an extra inch or two, but don’t hold me to that…)

For more apparel guidance, check out the “most frequently read posts” at right, or on the “what to wear” page above.

Big news here today at Plus Runner – we’ve welcomed a little sister to the fray! Plus Athlete is a new blog that I’ve started over on the Chicago Tribune’s blog site, Chicago Now! 

Like most little sisters, (including mine) Plus Athlete is the slightly sassier version of the Plus Runner.  She’s fun, she’s smart, and she’s also very, very willing to diversify.  My goal with Plus Athlete is similar to the goal with Plus Runner – to reach a broad audience who wants to get more active – or at least have fun thinking about it – despite their size.  It’s going to be a combination of some of the humor, guidance, and (alarmingly simple) wisdom I’ve been sharing here, with a Chicago focus. 

Plus Runner will continue to be your go-to site for clothing reviews, funny stories, and the content you’ve come to know and love.  Now, though, I’ll be trying to also catch those folks who are looking for help with more than just running (I know, I do that here, but I’ll do it there too.)

So please stop by! I am really, really excited about the new launch and hope that it will wear well!!!

Sal

Big athletes – plus sized athletes – are, in many, many cases, slower than the “average” sized athlete.  Why?  Physics.  There is more weight to move, requiring more energy, and unless your body can overcome the energy needs and manage the cardio demands at the same time, chances are, you’re slower than someone who is exactly your height.  Just today, in fact, the New York Times shares the same conclusion, one which shouldn’t shock us, but is nice to see in print.

So how does that impact you?  Why should you care about it?  You’re out there, you’re running, you’re doing great things, right?  Well, right.  Except that when it comes time to put your money into a race, to give yourself a goal, you need to make sure you’re choosing a race that’s going to accept a slower runner, and support a slower runner.  Or you might as well just go run by yourself somewhere.

I have seen many, many plus-sized athletes go out for their first long, endurance race, (or even their first Shamrock Shuffle) only to find themselves completely overwhelmed by the fact that they are, in fact, slow – and as a result, their race experience sucks.   They begin at the back of the pack, as instructed, only to find that by the time they reach the mid-miles, the water is gone, or the police car is on their tail, or the mile markers have been taken down (all of which have happened to me). 

So, to help you pick your first, or next race, I offer you some simple guidelines.  Then, a list of recommended, plus-runner and walker  friendly half marathons. 

Choosing your first 5k or 10k is a bit simpler than choosing a half marathon or marathon. 5k races are typically run with a little bit of extra time, early in the morning on a weekend, resulting in minimal street closures.  But your best experiences may come in a race that’s run in a local park (on a path or in the streets) or somewhere else that doesn’t require street closures. 

Check out the terrain if you live in a hilly area.  Most of us, when we start running for the first time, make it a little easier on ourselves by finding a somewhat flat (or lightly rolling) place to run.  If you’ve been training like that, don’t choose your first 5k or 10k for a little hill action.  Check out the course, and make sure it’s manageable before choosing it as your race.

Check the “Rules and Regulations” section, or “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the race’s website before signing up – if the course will be open for one hour for the 5k, and two hours for your 10k, you’ll have plenty of time.   If in doubt, email the race director, and ask if the course will be supported while you’re out there.

Just in case, bring your own fluids.  If you’re training with a water bottle (which my running group recommends as soon as you go over 3 miles), bring your own fluids in a waist belt.  Then, you won’t have to worry about  not having that gulp of water when you need it – you’ll have it on you!

Choosing your first half marathon

If you’re not currently running or walking, you don’t know your pace yet.   Which means that looking at finishing times means bupkus to you.  So, take my advice: look for courses with a 3:30-4:00 finish.   A 3:30 finish is about a 16:00 mile, and that gives you plenty of room – but many plus runners will be unable to make a 3:30 cutoff.  A course that’s supported to four hours is rare, but they’re out there, and they’re a nice option for first-timers.

Pick a race that suits your needs.   The Indianapolis Mini Marathon, held in May, is a half marathon that has 35,000 people running 13.1 miles.   It’s urban, it’s crowded, it’s fun, and you get to do a lap on the actual Indy Motor Speedway – seriously cool.  Contrast that with the Door County Half Marathon, also held in May.  It’s a closed-course, 13.1 mile, hilly, gorgeous, quiet, course where you have a great picnic at the end.   Last year, 690 people completed the half.   Check out that contrast: 650 people versus 350000. 

If you think you might want some crowd support, maybe an Indy Mini is for you.  If you’re up for a bit more beauty, a Door County-type race might be your thing.  Just depends on what you love, and what kind of experience you’re going for.  (I went big first, starting with the Indy Mini, but as time’s passed, I like the closed courses like Door County, which give me a bit more time to groove into my run…)   Both of these courses are open for four hours, and both have their challenges (no shade in Indy occasionally a very warm day; hills in Door County).  Think about it, and choose a race that’s good for you.

Check out the race reviews.  Marathonguide.com has a full calendar of races held in the U.S., Canada, and abroad.  Use it to check the race reviews from other runners who have completed the race in the past year.   Marathon Guide will tell you what you can’t see when you’re poking around on a race website, including a few key points:  organization, hills, and crowd support. 

Skip a race with poor organization, as it most often affects the back of the pack runners worse.  If you’re reading the reviews, and the organization gets poor marks (or people are commenting about the lack of fluids on the course, direction, etc.), skip it.  Yes, just skip that one.  You don’t need to run your first race on a course where there’s no water or Gatorade, or where the organizer forgot to put volunteers out for you.  There are thousands of races out there- don’t spend your money on one that isn’t well-run.

Think carefully about what you want or need on a run – hills and crowd support are two biggies.  If you’ve never run a half before, you probably want a course that has some fans on it.  (Well, at least I did.)  You maybe want people cheering for you, to help you run your best time.  So pay close attention to the descriptions of the crowd support.   Small towns – and medium sized cities – do this well.   Bigger cities tend to have a hard time, due to the fact that the courses tend to be run on out-of-the-way streets to keep traffic snags to a minimum. 

Also, check for hills.  I run in Chicago, which is flatter than my stomach, fo sho.  So running the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati is always a bit challenging for me – but I do it, because there are wicked good downhills, they have a 3:30 time limit, and it’s home.  Be aware of what you’re willing to do to train for hills, and don’t let them freak you out – just be aware of them.   Two of my favorite courses are hilly monsters – the Flying Pig, and the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Fran.   But they’re both amazing races.

A few recommendations

So, you’ve got some advice, now for recommendations.  These are completely biased, and based on my own personal experience, likes and dislikes.  Unfortunately, they’re also very Midwest-based.  (Sorry ’bout that…)  I’ll tell you why I would and wouldn’t run them, and you can ask me anything you like.  Consider it my gift to you.  (And, if you’ve run one you really like, send me a note, and we’ll post it here!)

Half Marathons – Spring 2010

The Flying Pig Half Marathon – Cincinnati, Ohio.  May 2, 2010.  Yes, there are hills. But the first 5 miles are a nice warmup, and you get to run over the Ohio River at sunrise, a site which can’t be beat.  The Ohio is always nearby in this race, which winds through downtown Cincinnati before heading into Eden Park.  Yes, it will kick your ass going up, but you make up the speed on all the hills going down.  I know more people who have set personal records here than in Chicago, which is flat as a pancake.  Plus, the finish at Sawyer Point is a great reunion area, and the medal is pretty cool.  Walkers are welcome.   Cost: $75 through April 1.  Three hour thirty minute course.  Run this race if:  you live within driving distance of Cincinnati, and like some pretty in your run.  Skip it if: you can’t handle long hills. 

The Country Music Half Marathon - Nashville, Tennessee.  April 24, 2010.  Great crowd support, great atmosphere, and simply the best music of any of the Rock and Roll events.  Nashville is a music town, so if you’re going to go for a RNR event (girls weekend, etc.) this is the one to do.  If you like music, and are looking for some extra motivation, run this one.   Cost: $105 through April 18.  Four hour course. Run this race if:  you live near Nashville but have never run there; are looking for a party weekend with your friends, or are a big country music fan.  Skip it if: you need a flat run.  Nashville is never, ever flat.  

The Indy Mini Marathon - Indianapolis, Indiana. May 8, 2010.  Flat as a pancake, except when you’re on the track.  The Indy Mini is a great excuse to run your first half marathon if you live in the midwest, or are a fan of racing.  The course, however, leaves much to be desired.  You start downtown, then wind through dilapidated, abandoned sections of urbanity.  You focus ahead on getting to the Brickyard, and even that, you might find challenging – it’s 2.5 miles of shuffling people, baking in the sun. (Do I sound bitter?)  Don’t count on shade, and don’t count on pretty, but do count on a fast time. This race is sold out for 2010.  (Clearly, no one listens to me )   Run this race if:  you need a flat course  Skip it if: you don’t like crowds, or don’t care for a desolate urban running landscape.

The Door County Half Marathon - Door County, WI, May 2, 2010.  Beautiful course, closed to traffic, excellent organization, and no end-of-race car chewing your tail as you run.  You might be last, but you’ll be very happy you came.  Plus, at less than 900 participants, you’ll know everyone around you by the time you’re finished. Cost: $48.   Four hour course. Run this race if: you live in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Minneapolis and need an affordable, gorgeous, quiet spring half.  Skip it if: you need some quality time on a football field – check out the Green Bay Half instead, where you can finish at Lambeau Field.

The Minneapolis Marathon and Half Marathon – Minneapolis, MN, June 6, 2010.  Great shwag (finisher’s jacket and stained glass medals); in gorgeous downtown Minneapolis. Free training programs, great organizers, and a course that takes you along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi river towards Fort Snelling, then sends you back downtown.  What’s not to love?  Cost: $68 through Feb. 3. Four hour course.  Run this race if: you need one last long run before summer, or live anywhere near Minneapolis.  Skip it if: you don’t run long after May.

Half Marathons – Fall 2010

The Nike Women’s Marathon & Half Marathon - San Francisco, CA, October 17, 2010.  Not a finisher’s medal – a Tiffany finisher’s necklace (um, handed to you by a hot guy in a tux and running shoes).  Women’s specific tech shirts.  (Oh, guys can run, too, and there are shirts for you, too.)  Massages and shopping to die for.  The Ghirardelli Chocolate Mile (no, I’m not kidding.)  The. Best. Views.   The Oxygen Bar at Mile 7, on the way up behind the Golden Gate Bridge.   Oh, and it’s 99% women, so it’s uber-supportive.  Literally, I have never, ever run/walked a race where I was surrounded by people – the entire way.  Yes, it’s a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training event, so if you’re not running with them, you have to lottery to get  into the race, but it’s a lovely experience, and one of the best I’ve ever had.  If you have a Nike+ system, register with Nike beforehand and you’ll get advance notice on the lottery.  Cost: $110.  Four hour half marathon, 7.5 hour marathon. Run this race if: you can get in.  It’s a lottery system, and it’s tough.  Skip it if:  you’re a moron.  Okay, if you can’t handle hills at all, skip it – but I actually thought this race was easier than the Flying Pig.  Yeah.

The Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay Grand Rapids, MI, October 17, 2010.  Three words: Velocity-Challenged-Start.  A few years back, when the Chicago Marathon imploded due to heat, people flocked to Grand Rapids to make up for the Season That Got Overheated.  They found a small race, run by a passionate guy, with great crowd support and good perks.   There were cookies on the tables! Water everywhere! Running through the woods!  And this “Velocity Challenged Start” – an earlier start time for walkers and slower runners (over 6 hours on the full marathon, 3 hours on the half).  It’s perfect – no stress, no fuss, no muss.  Grand Rapids is a not-so-big town with a big heart, and this race opens its arms to you.  Plus, the shirt is simple and good-looking, and the posters are eight sorts of inspiring.  Even if you don’t run it, you should sign up for Don Kern’s race director blog – it’s worth reading.  Cost: $68 through May 15. Four hour half marathon, 7 hour marathon (using VCS).   Run this race if:  you need a low-key alternative to the Chicago Marathon; or would like a great fall half marathon.  Skip it if: you get into Nike. Otherwise, run this one.

The Chicamauga Battlefield Half Marathon Chattanooga, TN November 13, 2010.  If you’re a fan of American history, or simply in awe of what the Civil War meant for America, this is the race for you.  Three years ago, I was at this battlefield – I visited while on an assignment in Chattanooga.  Technically, this race is just over the border in Georgia.  But the battlefield itself – and the amazing monuments which line the park – are breathtaking.  When I was there, we watched runners lacing up for a nightly run, and I remember thinking “that’s odd”. Now, I think it’s just plain cool.  The race runs you through the park, ranked recently as one of the top three by Runner’s World readers.  And, bonus for us slowbees – it has a SIX HOUR half marathon limit.  Yes, you read that correctly.  So it’s a great, historical place. It’s beautiful.  It’s course with little or no car traffic – and it’s near one of the coolest little cities in the South, Chattanooga.  I’m about a day away from adding it to my schedule. Cost: $40 through August 10.  Six hour course.  Run this race if: you like American history, quiet runs on your tree lined streets, and want to bring the kids along (most family friendly race, too.)  Skip it if: you don’t like running alone.  It’s a small field. 

That’s it from here! Take a look, lock in your spring races, and share your plans!  We’ll see you on the path!

“Whatcha doin this weekend?  Got any good plans?” asks the person I sort-of-know but don’t know well enough to have a really in-depth conversation.

“Um, yeah,” I replied this week.  “I have a wedding on Saturday and this 50k trail run I’m going to go see…and I’m going to do some hiking while my friend runs.” 

“OH, that sounds like fun” they say, not quite sure what I’m talking about. Or why I’d go to Wisconsin. I can  see it – they’re thinking about the traffic on the way there, and the possibility of rain.  It’s like a Rain Man loop playing across their face. “Can’t have rain. Must avoid the rain.”

Gheesh people.  I want to dance and scream and remind them – IT’S OCTOBER, BABY!  It’s that time of year when the leaves turn and people start to hibernate but nature, nature is giving us one last, rewarding show for the year, before we descend into the short days and the heavy snow (at least where I live.)

But I don’t say that. Instead, I just smile politely and think about what’s coming up this weekend.

Today, I’m hitting the road with a friend who’s doing The North Face 50k at Kettle Moraine State Park in Wisconsin.  It’s my favorite (okay, the only) park that I hike and camp at in Wisconsin, and I love the Ice Age Trail, which glides up, down and across moraines (these dips of gravel and sedmiment left as glaciers moved through the areas during – ironically- the Ice Age.) 

I’m taking along those handy hiking poles, some warm clothing, and a little bit of focus – (no, not on me, or even my friend who’ll be running her butt off…).  I’ll be focusing on exactly what the Earth (and that lovely broad Mother Nature) has given all of us = and what we can do to protect her gifts.

I know, you’re thinking “stick to the funny stories, Sallie” – and I will.  But if you’ve got time, check out www.350.org which details the actions taking place tomorrow, October 24, around the world – to help folks focus on how much carbon should be in the atmosphere – and what we can all do to get to this magic number of 350 (parts per million,  if you were curious).

I’ll be hiking along in a forrest full of pine, trying to figure out a unique way to work the number 350 into what I’m doing…maybe it’s 350 steps, counted multiple times.  Maybe it’s three miles with five new friends, and zero carbon impact.  I’m not quite sure what the day holds, but I’ll be thinking about what that State Park gives me, and how I can protect it.

So get out there tomorrow, and do something to show your appreciation for Mother Nature.  Take a hike. Take a photo. Take a bike ride.  Take a walk somewhere you’ve never been.  But get out there.  Mother Nature’s opening her doors with some serious invitation to fun, and it’s OCTOBER BABY – it’s time to take her up on that invite.

I’ll see you on the path!

About 8 years ago, a friend of mine (who shall herewith only be known as “Morty”) decided to run the Chicago marathon.  Because I am a planner, my friends and I were obsessed with seeing her as many times as possible on the course. 

We examined train routes. We had done that before. We examined car routes.  We had done the hideous traffic before, too.

We knew that to be successful, we had to map out the route, in a car, taking into consideration where the Course went, which streets would be closed, and how much time we’d have to maneuver between locations.  We didn’t know it then, but that route would hold true for the next 7 years.

Now, I’m sharing my inside tricks with you.  The Bank of America people publish a lovely Spectator Guide.  If you’re a casual fan, or just want to see your person once or twice on the course, this will work for you.

But if you’re a SUPERFAN, then maybe you’ll want this Guide.  It allows you to see the runners at Mile 4, 10.75, 16, 22ish, and 23ish.  If you use this one, you’re going to miss the start, and the finish.  Adjust it as you see fit.   But I gaurantee you’ll have a great day, and your runner will know how much you support them. 

I’ll see you out there!  Questions? Email me at plusrunner@gmail.com .

Plus Runner’s Chicago Marathon Spectator Guide

Chicago Marathon Maps and Directions

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