Chicago Athlete Magazine March/April Issue

MORE THAN RUNNING

LOCAL CLUBS PROVIDE LIFELONG BENEFITS

chicago athlete ENDURANCE SPORTS AND FITNESS

magazine

DANIEL KITTAKA AND ERIKA

EDMONSON

2018 CLIF BAR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

+ RAHM

EMANUEL

REFLECTING ON HIS WORK FOR THE ENDURANCE COMMUNITY

+

+ 10KS

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MARCH/APRIL 2019

TOP 26 ILLINOIS

TAILORING YOUR TRAINING FOR 6.2

The scenic course highlights Chicago’s historic south shore and features a traffic-free Lake Shore Drive–the only Chicago race to completely shut down this main transportation artery. Runners traverse the streets of Hyde Park and the Museum of Science and Industry Campus before taking on the north and south Lake Shore Drive lanes and

SEP. 29, 2O19

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finishing at the Statue of the Republic or “Golden Lady” as she’s known to locals.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Is it just me, or did this winter seem extra-long? The treadmill at my local gym and I seemed to get very chummy this year, and if I’m being honest – I’m sick of it! With the snow behind us (hopefully), I’m ready to get this season started, and make it my best yet.

By now, most endurance athletes probably have their race schedule tentatively made for 2019; for me, my main focus will once again be the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this fall. Coming in at 4:04:36 for my first marathon made it mandatory for me to run again, and try and break that four-hour barrier.

Now that I know what to expect in terms of training, I’m going to put my best foot forward (pun intended) and get that PR. In order to do that, I’m really going to push myself to prioritize strength training. While I did increase my strength sessions this winter, being confined to the gym, I really want to keep that habit going because I know it’ll just make me a stronger runner. In fact, the Chicago Area Runners Association’s Director of Training talks about just how important strength sessions are during marathon training on page 16.

I also want to mix in some more shorter-distance races this season to channel my competitive side more often; I’ve officially decided that half marathons are my favorite distance, but sometimes, that’s more of a commitment than I’m looking for on a Saturday morning. One distance I’m looking to explore more is 10ks, because I personally feel like they’re underrated and can be a great training run. That’s why we decided to talk about them on page 30, including how to train for them, and a list of the top 26 in the area!

My favorite part of last season was being part of a running group. Not only did it keep me accountable when training for the marathon, but it introduced me to dozens of new people who share the same passion as I do. There’s not many people I’d wake up at 6 a.m. for, but my running friends I will. I highly encourage everyone to explore the benefits of running clubs, which we lay out in detail on page 26.

It wouldn’t be our March/April issue if we didn’t announce our 2018 Athletes of the Year! Meet Daniel Kittaka and Erika Edmonson; their faces grace our cover, and you can learn more about who you voted for on page 22 and 24.

We also talk to Mayor Rahm Emanuel on page 38. Although he is stepping down as Chicago’s Mayor, his work for the endurance community in the last eight years has not gone unnoticed. So while you’re enjoying the separated lakefront path and riverfront features this year, be sure to thank him.

I think it’s clear we are excited about the 2019 season.

Follow us online and on social media for more updates all year long.

chicago athlete magazine

PUBLISHER Eliot Wineberg | x201 gorun@mychicagoathlete.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Holly Petrovich | x208 editor@mychicagoathlete.com Active Kids Christine Palmquist chrisorjeff@sbcglobal.net Cycling Highlights Lindsay Knight lindsay.knight@gmail.com Ever yday Athlete Mark Buciak theroadtoboston@rcn.com

ART/PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR

Kelli Lambertsen | x206 kelli@mychicagoathlete.com PHOTOGRAPHER Ali Engin

ADVERTISING SALES

Jonathan Cain | x210 jcain@mychicagoathlete.com NATIONAL SALES Jeremy Solomon | x202 jeremy@mychicagoathlete.com CHICAGO SPORTS MEDIA, INC. 7842 N. LINCOLN AVENUE, SKOKIE, IL 60077 PHONE: 847.675.0200 | FAX: 847.675.2903 WEB: www.mychicagoathlete.com The entire contents of Chicago Athlete magazine are copyright 2019 by Chicago Sports Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Holly Petrovich

Chicago Athlete magazine is published five times per year and is available through paid subscription and newsstands at more than 500 locations. Visit www.mychicagoathlete.com for our distribution list.

CONTENTS FEATURES

23

Local Clubs Offering endless benefits

28

Tackling the 10ks 26 of the best 10ks in Illinois

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DEPARTMENTS 6.

Scoop

12.

Athlete of the Month

14.

Everyday Athlete

16.

CARA

18.

Cycling

20.

Active Kids

34.

Race Results

36.

Calendar

38.

Second Glance

EDITORIAL SUBMISSION: Unsolicited materials are welcome and will be considered for Chicago Athlete magazine. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Chicago Athlete magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited materials. Please send all materials to: editor@mychicagoathlete.com.

For any other additional submission guidelines, please contactour editor, Holly Petrovich.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20 (1 year). We will mail the next five issues, directly to your door for only $20.00.

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HOW TO WATCH THE 2019 BOSTON MARATHON

CHICAGO ATHLETE

The 123rd Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 15, and as the world’s oldest and

Your Marathon Training Run

one of the most challenging, if you’re not running it, you’re watching it. For those who aren’t traveling to the city to support runners in-person, you can still be part of the action from your living room couch.

NBC Sports will provide national TV coverage from 7:30 a.m. to noon CST. The wheelchair athlete wave begins at 8:02 a.m. CST, followed by elite women at 8:32 a.m., and elite men and wave one at 9 a.m. All waves will have started by

20 Mile Training Run

10:15 a.m. CST, so be sure to tune in by then to catch all of the action.

RETURNS TO BUSSE WOODS IN 2019 After a three-year break, the popular 20-mile training run will return this fall at Busse Woods Forest Preserve.

It will take place at 7:30 a.m. on September 21, 2019.

“We are excited to bring back the Chicago Athlete 20 Miler training run. It is one of our favorite events of the year to produce and based on the number of messages we received, it was a favorite of area runners too,” says event director Jonathan Cain. “When we heard back from the forest preserve that there was no date conflict this year, we got everything in place as fast as we could.”

The untimed run is structured for athletes training for a fall marathon; there will be pacers for every 30-second interval between 7-minute pace through

GET CONNECTED! Are you following Chicago Athlete on social media? Join the conversation today to stay up to date on everything in the Chicago endurance scene.

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13-minute pace. Aid stations will be along the course stocked with Gatorade and water.

The course itself utilizes the shaded bike path of Busse Woods Forest Preserve in a flat, out-and-back route.

Forest preserve bathrooms are scattered throughout the park, and free parking is available for all runners.

Enjoy a post-run picnic, including hot dogs and a live DJ. All registrants will receive a fleece headband and a complimentary Chicago Athlete Magazine digital subscription.

If you can’t plop it in front of your TV for four hours on that day, download the Boston Athletic Association mobile app to stay connected on all the happenings! You can also listen to the race on the radio by downloading the iHeartRadio app.

Runners can recieve a discounted rate of $35 until May 31. Register at www.20miler.com

www.facebook.com/ChicagoAthlete @ChicagoAthlete @chicagoathlete ChicagoAthlete

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BANK OF AMERICA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

EXECUTIVE RACE DIRECTOR RETURNS TO RUN AND RAISE $40,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle executive race director Carey Pinkowski will join the 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday, March 24 by running the 8K and raising funds for four local charities with a focus on youth fitness: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, After School Matters, Special Olympics Chicago, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle CELEBRATING THEIR 40TH ANNEVERSARY ON MARCH 24 The Bank of America Shamrock Shuff le is one of Chicago’s best running celebrations! The Chicago tradition continues the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and kicks off the spring running season in Chicago. This year marks 40 years of shuffling in the city, so help celebrate on March 24 as a runner or spectator.

The event offers an 8k run, which weaves through downtown Chicago, and a 2-mile walk along Chicago’s lakefront. Both distances start and finish in Grant Park. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K run will have two on-course aid stations at miles 1.6 and 3.6. Each aid station will offer Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities. The 2-mile walk will have one on-course aid station offering water and toilet facilities.

New this year is a one-mile event on Saturday, March 23. Entries are limited to the first 1,000 to register and will feature four waves that highlight Chicago’s diverse running community: recreational, competitive masters, competitive, and elite.

All participants will receive a commemorative medal, festive winter hat, and one drink ticket to redeem at the post-race party in Grant Park.

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Spectators: If you can’t be at the event, encourage your runners by watching the finish line live stream on nbcchicago.com and telemundochicago.com, which will be available from 8 – 11 a.m. on race day.

2019 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, March 22 McCormick Place, Skyline Ballroom 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Packet pick-up Saturday, March 23 McCormick Place, Skyline Ballroom 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Packet pick-up Sunday, March 24 Grant Park, Chicago 6:30 a.m.

Gear check opens 6:30 a.m.

Start corrals open 8:30 a.m.

8K Run (Wave 1) start 9:00 a.m.

Post-Race Party begins 9:00 a.m.

8K Run (Wave 2) start 9:30 a.m.

2-Mile Walk start 9:30 a.m.

Live music begins at the Post-Race Party 11:30 a.m.

Gear check closes 1:00 p.m.

Beer ticket sales end 1:30 p.m.

Post-Race Party ends

Pinkowski laced up his Nikes last year to run the 2018 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, raising $20,226 for the American Cancer Society. He aims to double his impact this year and raise $40,000 in honor of the event’s 40th year of racing in Chicago. Pinkowski initially made a name for himself as an elite athlete, finishing third in the 1988 Shamrock Shuffle in 24:07. He came to the helm of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 1990. Given his own history with youth athletics, he recognizes the importance of focusing on youth-based charities that will inspire the next generation of Shufflers.

“The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle underscores the spirit and diversity of Chicago’s running community, a community that has helped us build an iconic event like the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and a global phenomenon like the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” said Pinkowski. “And with the ongoing growth and development of our charity programs, these events have continually given back to communities across the world. It is an honor this year to run on behalf of four organizations making a profound difference in the lives of Chicagoans.”

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A COAST-TO-COAST BIKE TRAIL IS COMING TO THE U.S. AND WILL PASS THROUGH ILLINOIS The Rails-to-Trails Conversancy (RTC), the nation’s largest trails organization, recently announced its vision for the Great American Rail-Trail. This mega bike trail would connect nearly 4,000 miles of rail-trail and other multi-use trails to form a path across the country from Washington, D.C. to Washington State.

RTC has spent the past 18 months analyzing which of the more than 34,000 miles of nationwide trails would be included. The planned route will allow bikers to be separated from vehicles, and travel through 12 states continuously.

CARA’s Free ‘Go Run Program LAUNCHES NEW SCHEDULE IN 2019

The Chicago Area Runners Association’s free ‘Go Run program is back with a new schedule format for 2019. Organized in partnership with the Chicago Park District, the ‘Go Run program provides free timed one-mile and 5K running events in local Chicago Parks.

Nearly 10,000 participants have finished a ‘Go Run since its start in 2015. Over 160 of these events have been hosted at no cost to participants.

Since February 2 of this year, ‘Go Run events have been held on the first through fourth Saturday of every month, and will continue for the entire year. In previous years, ‘Go Runs were hosted only during three eight-week seasons.

‘Go Run is helping to grow participation in organized running, connecting people with their neighborhood parks, and encouraging community through active lifestyle. Not only does ‘Go Run remove the cost barrier some find when getting involved in organized running. The program also

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brings running events to neighborhoods where running events are not always held.

In 2019, ‘Go Run will take place at nine different parks, including Big Marsh Park, Columbus Park, Horner Park, Humboldt Park, River Park, Warren Park, Washington Park, 63rd Street Beach, and the 606/Bloomingdale Trail.

The events are grassroots, hassle free, and un-intimidating. All runs are timed, and results are produced, but there are no competitive awards.

Runners are required to register once to gain access to the program for all of 2019. Th is year runners may also complete various participation and performance-based challenges to earn incentives, such as ‘Go Run shirts.

All runs begin at 9:00 a.m. with check-in and on-site registration available from 8:15 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.

However, participants are encouraged to register online prior to arriving at www.gorunchicago.org.

The full map of the trail will be released this spring, but one of the gateways announced is in Illinois! The path will include the Hennepin Canal Parkway, a 100-mile-plus trail parallels the early-20th-century canal and runs west from the Illinois River to the Rock River.

The path will also pass through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington.

It could take up to a decade to complete, reports say.

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What is your goal this year?

Pursing the marathon distance and the

Olympic Trials Qualifying Standard

KIMBERLY HORNER RUNNING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2019 Female Winner of F^3 Half Marathon

What is your favorite part of the sport?

It’s the early morning miles logged alone and with teammates, the exploration of single-track trails and dusty gravel roads and the persistent desire to push my own limits. I love the freedom, challenge and the people.

How did you start running?

Marathon PR:

I grew up playing sports and joined my school’s track and cross country teams in middle school. It seemed like a natural step as both my sister and father were distance runners.

2:51:15

Ran cross country and track at Oxford University

What is your longest run-streak?

2,542 ERIC HOFMANN RUNNING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2019 Male Winner of Frosty 5 Miler

So you do track and cross country, which is your favorite?

In the spring,

track

In the fall,

consecutive days between 2005 and 2012

cross country

Favorite distance to run?

How many years have you been running?

In recent years, my best performances have come at longer distances and I consider my half marathon PR (1:13:22) to be my strongest.

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EVERYDAY ATHLETE

For Hong, though, running is much more than achieving personal goals; the most important aspect to his running is giving back. He is a charity runner on Team Red Cross.

“ I WILL BE SO EXCITED TO EXPERIENCE THE RACE, THE CHEERS OF THE CROWD, THE HISTORIC COURSE, ALL WHILE MEETING AND RUNNING WITH FELLOW MARATHONERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.” “I would like to support the American Red Cross life-saving mission: Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.,” Hong says. “This mission is very similar and compatible with our company and my value system.”

Hong will also run for the American Red Cross this October at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Jianfeng Hong

CHARITY: AMERICAN RED CROSS

Jianfeng Hong will compete in his first Boston Marathon this April, but his journey to Boston started 55 years ago from his hometown of Guangzhou in People’s Republic of China.

Hong ran the 1500 meter race in junior high track, but didn’t return to running until eight years ago when his boss, Robert Payton invited him to join him for a lunch-time run. Hong moved to the United States in 1992 to attend graduate school at University of Louisville where he earned a M. S. degree in Analytical Chemistry. Now he is an Analytical Chemist and Lab Manager for Fresenius Kabi USA LLC. 14

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Up until that time, most of Hong’s exercise was mostly swimming. Payton had qualified for the Boston Marathon and ran the race a few years ago. He shared his experience of training for and completing in the world-class event, and planted the seed for Hong to try qualifying himself.

Hong ran his first marathon in October 2013 at the Prairie State Marathon in Libertyville in 4:02:54. Four marathons later, Hong achieved his BQ at the Carmel Marathon in 2018 with a PB by over 29 minutes of 3:31:31.

Throughout his journey over the last few years, Hong has run numerous races with his son, Peter, including the Purdue Half Marathon and several 5K’s. The medal at Boston, however, will be his most precious, he says.

“The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest marathon race and one of the best known marathons in the world,” Hong says. “I trained very hard to qualify for it. I will be so excited to experience the race, the cheers of the crowd, the historic course, all while meeting and running with fellow marathoners from around the world.”

His goals for the 2019 Boston Marathon is to qualify for the 2020 event, and to run a 3:23 to qualify for the 2020 New York Marathon as well.

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Strength Training DURING MARATHON SEASON

As the weather starts to improve, you typically see runners start to ramp up their training for both the spring and summer marathon training seasons.

That usually means more time outside, higher mileage, and often neglecting to stay consistent with a strength training routine. Even if you have done a good job getting into the gym for the first few months of the year, it can be challenging to keep it up with marathon training.

Runners have heard it from physical therapists, personal trainers, and coaches that they should incorporate strength training into their marathon program. Incorporating strength work during a marathon training program has numerous benefits; running is largely an aerobic activity but your ability to manage the repetitive impact of long miles and stay injury free, is aided by strengthening the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Strength training can also improve running economy, body composition, and bone density.

It can be challenging enough just trying to fit in all the miles it takes to adequately prepare for a marathon. Often strength training is the first to get scrapped when marathon training starts. Despite this, with a few simple steps, you can blend your strength routine into your marathon training program.

APRIL 13 C H I CA G O

Marathon Season Strength Training Key Concepts Define Your Goals: Your style of strength training and exercises should reflect your goals. Examples include:

C A RA C IRC U IT RR CA C HAMP IO NS HIP CU STO M F I NIS HE R MEDAL PR EMIUM LONG S L EE VE TEC H SH IRT U NIQ UE T RA C K FIN SH FRE E B E E R!

• • • •

Maintain/build strength and stay injury free Hold a perfect plank for 1 minute Complete 20 pushups with perfect form Balance on one leg for 30 sec. without falling

Make Your Weakness a Strength: Target your weaknesses in order to improve them. For most runners that means targeting the hips and core, but could also include working on posture or balance.

L A KE F RO NT 1 0 . C O M

Focus On Technique: You can waste a lot of time and energy without seeing much improvement if you train with sloppy technique. Consult a fitness professional or experienced runner who has strength trained before and can mentor you.

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Work from the Core Out: Focus on your most running specific muscles and build out. Of course, you always have to be mindful of how much you can load up your legs without compromising your long run or speed workouts. Typically it is best to focus on the hips and core and build out from there.

Order of Importance • Core (Abdominals, Obliques) • Hips (Glutes, Hip Flexors, Adduction and Abduction muscles) • Weakness Exercises (work on your most vulnerable area for an injury) • Legs (Quads, Hamstrings, Calves) • Upper Body (Postural muscles, shoulders, biceps, triceps) Be Efficient with Your Time: Incorporate compound movements into your routine. You should be using multiple joint exercises and working large areas of muscles rather than exercises that work muscles in isolation. The exception would be your weakness exercise, that might have to be a very specific isolated movement. A classic example of a compound movement would be a squat into an overhead press.

Progression and Taper: Choose activities that have a clear way to progress or taper off depending on where you are at with your training. Often marathon training plans will have weeks of increasing mileage, but also “step back” weeks where you reduce mileage to recover before the next round of higher mileage. Coordinate strength training with your weekly mileage.

With defined goals, making weaknesses a strength and working from the core out, strength training can be a great asset to any marathon runner.

In Season Marathon Training Recommendations 18 Week Program Weeks 1-4: 2-3 x per week (focus on building a consistent routine and good exercise technique) Week 5-10: 2-3 (start to progress and build upon exercises) Week 11-16: 1 x per week during high mileage weeks, 1-2 x per week during “step back” weeks Week 17: 1 x per week (maintenance) Week 18: Rest (focus on race prep and complete muscle recovery)

By Tim Bradley

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CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS

Tackling the City Commute by Foot or Bike IN ORDER TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COMMUTER, THE STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED NEEDS AMPLE PLANNING, PRACTICE AND FLEXIBILITY. So you want to commute on a bike or by foot, year-round in Chicago? Welcome! Admittedly, it’s a niche group interested in these routines, but one of the most common questions that I field on this topic is not a why, but a how. Other than a desire to integrate this habit into your day, the only factor missing is preparation.

Keep in mind that this becomes a norm for those that practice it over a number of years, not overnight as some gigantic shock to the system.

If you’re new to cycling or running, there is no secret requirement that it’s some all-or-nothing venture. Ride or run in once a week. Figure out what fits with your schedule. Build a routine from there. Remember: These new habits ought to relieve stress and scheduling issues in your day, not create them.

How to Haul

Use a different bag for each activity. (Obviously, you can use one bag for both, but there are limitations.) On a bike, there’s more flexibility, shape and utility-wise, than if you’re pounding the pavement on foot. The only real requirements are that it holds your things and is comfortable. A number of other dimensions come into play when running; you want a pack that when fully stuffed is narrower than your torso—if it’s wider, the insides of your elbows will hit it and chafe. There’s also a lot more jostling from impact when you’re on foot, so hip and chest straps are a must. (Note: Bags with hip 18

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straps are cumbersome when pedaling...thus the multiple bags suggestion).

For either, go lightweight, synthetic, and padded.

Cotton and natural fibers take eons to dry and hold their odors. Synthetics dry quicker, can be washed more often, and most have treatments that keep stench at bay (all positives if your bag is sitting under your desk or in a shared space).

Some people argue to go as light as possible for the bag itself, but there’s actually a great deal of benefit in a more structured design (even if it’s heavier). If you carry a laptop with you, this extra layer of padding helps absorb impact between your computer and your spine. Second, a bag design that has molded back channels for air flow is desirable when it’s warm.

What to Pack

This is clearly dependent on personal preference, office dress norms, and advance preparation. The items always in my commuter kit are a brush, small toiletry bag (SPF, deodorant, minimal makeup, and chapstick), and pants/shirt/undergarments. Keep shoes or bulkier, space-wasting items like sweaters or jackets at your desk. As a gauge, I run with a bag that’s roughly 9in W x 5in D x 15in H. Everything I need fits, but pairing down took some trial and error along the way. If your workspace is more formal, find a dry cleaner nearby and keep those clothes on-site at your office. No fuss, no muss...and most importantly, no wrinkling.

Where to Clean Up

If you are one of the lucky few who have access to on-site commuter and shower facilities, please know that you are envied. For everyone else, finding a place near your office to shower and assemble yourself post-commute takes a bit of advance footwork. Before you start your search, ask around at your office building. Oddly enough, there are a number of employers who do not realize that this is a service that people would use. As a result, they don’t think to advertise that they have facilities on-site. The goal here is not to find a spa-like shower, it’s to find running, warm water and a door that locks.

If that’s a no-go, look around at gyms, specialty fitness, and physical training studios within walking distance of your work. Talk to staff there—sometimes you can negotiate a discounted rate if you’re only using a shower and not the classes or equipment. Also, if you work downtown, check out McCormick Cycle Center. It’s a solid, affordable option for both bike storage and post-commute prep.

If all else fails...keep a towel and soap at your desk and do a bathroom sink clean-up job. I also store a hairdryer at work (and use on both hair and clothes), if looking “professionally” presentable is a must that day.

By Lindsay Knight

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ACTIVE

kids

kid

**

athlete o f the m ont h

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Making Spring Break Great

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IDEAS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

After the cold winter of 2019, we all deserve an enjoyable spring break. Whether you are traveling or staying home, here are some ideas to increase the fun, keep the family active and build healthy traditions.

The “Staycation”

My family has almost always remained home for spring break, but we’ve differentiated it from all the other weeks with some special day-trips and fun. Convene a family planning session and ask the kids for input on how you can make the week special. Here are some ideas to get the conversation started.

Help the kids choose a theme to inspire all the week’s activities. Possible examples could include educational topics like Space/Animals/Dinosaurs, travel topics like Continents/ America/Geography, entertainment topics like Movies/Books/Music or anything else the kids love right now. Once you have a theme, you can learn to cook recipes, create art/crafts, sing songs and go on field trips that all relate to the theme. Get the kids thinking creatively and they will participate enthusiastically. Be sure to include some activities to keep everyone moving each day such as hiking, biking, swimming – whatever the weather allows.

Special Local Day Trips

There are so many places to explore in Illinois.

Make your spring break special by planning a day-trip to a new or old, favorite part of the state.

Head west to the Mississippi River to hike at Mississippi Palisades State Park, watch the eagles, learn about the history of the river corridor and 20

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visit hilly Galena. Another favorite is Starved Rock – which may still have some icy waterfalls and canyons in late March. Indiana Dunes State Park is a beautiful place to hike and enjoy the lake in the spring. Visit downtown Chicago and the river walk. Hike part of the Lake Geneva lakeshore path.

Car Trip Help

When we have a long car trip, our instinct is to drive non-stop. That guarantees a stiff and irritable family. Consider scheduling 15-minute break every 2-3 hours so that everyone can get out and walk around. Check out a small town off the highway, look at a river, find a little park, throw a ball or have a picnic.

Planning Healthy Fun Menus

Food is an important part of any vacation and has a direct impact on how we feel physically and emotionally. Be sure to do some food planning with your kids before spring break. It is a good time to enjoy some favorite treats, but it may also be a fun experience to try some new foods. Set a family goal to eat five fruits and/or vegetables a day.

Cook something together that is bright, healthy and flavorful. Try a new ethnic way of cooking or a restaurant. Check-out a new cookbook from the library. Use the extra time to encourage healthy, adventurous eating with your family.

Spring break means some extra time together.

Make that time special with some active exploring of foods, hobbies and places.

Noah Moose-Lopez Noah Moose-Lopez is 12-years old and a seventh grader at Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin. Noah loves to be active. He swims competitively for

1

the St. Charles Swim Team, and

runs for the Accelerators Running Team in Batavia. He also joined the MMTT Youth Triathlon Team

*

last year and was part of the team’s first place USAT Youth Team

*

National Championship finish.

1

In addition to those endurance

sports, Noah earned his Blackbelt in karate at age 10. He gets all A’s and B’s in the middle school

Gifted Program and he was part of the Leadership Program for two years in grade school. Besides sports, Noah enjoys fishing, golfing, reading and spending time with his family.

To nominate a Kid of the Month, email editor@mychicagoathlete.com

By Christine Palmquist

@elliefinneran

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DANIEL KITTAKA By: Holly Petrovich Q What was the highlight of your 2018?

A Well, I have two. The first was running a 2:29 at the

Tokyo Marathon, the second was circa navigating Man Blanc in France, Switzerland and Italy in the fall. I am doing a growing amount of international running.

Q What is your goal for 2019?

A My goal race is the London Marathon, it will be my

sixth Abbott World Marathon Major. I’d like to run a 2:28, but I think a strong effort and finishing that chapter of my running is going to be rewarding regardless.

Q What is your favorite part about being apart of the Chicago endurance community?

A The friends and interactions that I’ve had over a very long time. Just being able to see the community grow and develop, too; since I’ve been involved at all levels, including high school when I started and collegiate, it’s become more competitive and interesting. And the fact that we have great places to run in Chicago and the suburbs, and just being able to say we’re a running city is really cool.

Q What motivates you in the sport?

A The Boston Marathon logo has a unicorn in it, which

represents that idea of chasing the next thing. Every time I feel like I’m ending a certain chapter of my running, I wonder if it’s time to hang ‘em up, but there’s always that glimmer of being able to get more out of myself and see what else is possible.

Q Must-have gear. Pick one.

A It’s probably good gloves. I use GIRO, they’re actually

cycling gloves, because my hands get so cold so I need the lobster mittens. If your hands are cold you’re not going to enjoy your run.

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HEEL PAIN?

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ERIKA EDMONSON By: Holly Petrovich Q What was the highlight of your 2018?

A My favorite moment was the California International

Marathon in December. It was my last race of the year and a huge PR for me. I trained differently than I had in the past, and really stepped up my game; I added more miles and did intense long runs. In the last five miles, where usually you hit the wall and are dying, I actually found myself accelerating and I could not believe it. It was really exciting to be able to kick in the last two miles and reach my goal.

Q What is your goal for 2019?

A Since I got a 2:55 in California, I’m only 10 minutes

away from the Olympic Trials. So I’m going do what I did and see if I can step it up another level and qualify.

I’m registered for the Chicago Marathon, so that will be my focus.

Q What is your favorite part about being apart of the Chicago endurance community?

A It’s just so diverse. You have your elite competitive runners and your casual runners, and whether they’re in the city or suburbs everyone’s smiling and waving. We all do Shamrock, and leading into the Chicago Marathon, I can feel the energy in the city and it’s awesome.

Q What motivates you in the sport?

A My biggest motivator is that I’ve never reached my

full potential. I always knew I could be fast, and I don’t know what I’m capable of. The last few years, I have not stopped PRing even though I am getting older and getting close to 40, it blows my mind that I’m running faster and faster. I was a high school cross country runner, but I blow my younger self out of the water now.

Q Must-have gear. Pick one.

A I’m very low maintenance and simple. I’ve worn the

same Asics Cumulus for 25 years. I need a watch to take splits, and that’s it.

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More than Boston’s Quarter Century Club (The Road to Boston)

Running: Local Clubs

Offer Endless Benefits By: Chris Lewis

CARA 26

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For nearly five decades, Mark Buciak has been running in some way or another. A competitor of 62 marathons (including 39 consecutive Boston Marathons), he has also been a member of various running clubs, including The Road to Boston, which he founded in 2005.

In that time, Buciak has noticed a considerable improvement in running clubs. In fact, he believes their popularity has risen to the point in which they’re almost (the key word is almost) as popular in the United States as they are in Europe, which is renowned for its running club system.

“The bottom line is this: running clubs are offering a lot more than just running now—mainly social and charity aspects,” he says.

Currently, The Road to Boston has members of all ages (from 21 to 71 years old) and abilities. Some are training for the Boston Marathon, while others are either training for a BQ (Boston Qualifying time) to be eligible for the marathon, or simply running to exercise, meet new people and have fun in a healthy, social environment.

This social aspect of the club is crucial, whether members are marathoners or non-marathoners. After all, running is one of the most social sports of all, and Buciak has recognized his members’ desire for socialization since he first developed the club.

“Everyone can run by themselves. But to have a more enjoyable time and become a better runner at any level, a club is very important,” he adds.

CREATING LIFELONG BONDS

As the founder of Libertyville Running Club, Mike Brunette completely agrees, stressing that socialization has always been the key ingredient to his club’s success, as it “put the club on the map.” Since creating the club in 2014, Brunette has had one primary goal: to offer social activities to different types of runners.

Throughout the year, members (usually anywhere from 30 to more than 100, depending on the season) will meet up at bars or breweries after Wednesday night runs and local coffee shops after Saturday long runs—to the point in which Brunette often has difficulty finding locations that can host so many people at a time.

“Focusing on fun is what helps build a community of runners,” Brunette states. “I never wanted this to become a marathon-training club, a road-running club or an ultra-running club. Libertyville Running Club appeals to all types of runners.”

By offering variety without pace groups, Brunette has seen runners become great friends with other runners they may not have normally been associated with—from seven-minute milers talking to 12-minute milers at coffee shops, to hopeful 10K runners learning from accomplished ultra-runners over a beer at a local brewery.

Nick Bensen, president of Oak Park Runners Club, strives to offer his members similar opportunities by providing a wide array of events, including special theme runs every month. He hosts events such as a pre-Super Bowl run (in which members wear their favorite team’s colors and gear, and then enjoy beer and wings afterwards), a Thanksgiving morning run (with coffee at Starbucks afterwards) and a Christmas Eve morning run (as members wear Christmas themed running gear and Santa hats).

“The social aspect of Busse Woods Running Club is what makes it so special,” president Jimmy Kowalski stresses. “It’s about getting to know people that are bound by a common thread—running.”

Oak Park Runners Club

During his time as president, Kowalski has noticed that conversations not only occur on runs, but also at local establishments like bars and restaurants where they often become deeper and even more meaningful.

Busse Woods Running Club’s social events have become so popular, in fact, that Kowalski believes they’ve helped form a “running family.”

This similar influence of socialization has been noticed by John Avila, board member and communications director of Frontrunners, a running club for the LGBTQ community. Thanks to Frontrunners, members now have an entirely different social venue (aside from typical nightlife) to meet a diverse group of people.

“It’s a good introduction for individuals still coming out at all ages, so they can make new friends in the community,” he explains. “And we welcome runners and walkers of all levels, as we not only run, but also have meals at nearby restaurants after our runs, often brunches on Saturday mornings and dinners on Tuesday evenings.”

There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of running clubs either, from going to races together and cheering for one another, to warming up (and cooling down) together. People from all walks of life become friends and enjoy each other’s company even when they’re not running.

Sometimes club members introduce their fellow members to future spouses, or even ultimately marry a fellow member themselves.

“I’ve seen many long-lasting relationships begin in running clubs.

Complete strangers have met, run a bit together and started dating.

Several couples have even married,” says Brendan Cournane, owner and head running coach at Coach Brendan Running. “It’s easy to learn about a potential partner when you share stories and life experiences on long runs each week.”

Often times, running club members will also meet traveling buddies that they’ll not only run around the United States with, but the entire world. After all, most runners love to travel and explore new places.

“We extend to neighboring countries or tour the country in which we race,” Cournane adds. “These trips are often a topic of discussion on runs.”

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THE POWER OF THE PACK

Everyone has days in which they simply don’t feel like running. Or lack confidence about their recent performances. Running clubs can change runners’ outlooks entirely though—quicker than they may have imagined.

“Participants in running clubs find that there are others who share the same feelings, fears and joys as they do,” says Cournane. “They’re happy to find out that ‘I’m not alone and my thoughts are pretty common.’”

Dan Walters, co-owner and head coach at DWRunning, agrees, adding, “Whenever the weather’s crummy, you’re having a bad day or you’re struggling with a workout, having teammates around to share the work and push you makes all the difference.”

Cournane also believes that whenever it’s difficult to start a run, knowing that other runners are waiting for you and depending on you to show up provides more than enough motivation.

“My running buddies have saved me from many skipped runs that I wouldn’t have done if not for them,” he explains. “I didn’t want to let them down by not showing up—and that helped me get out the door for my run.”

“Similarly, on runs where you feel good, you can be the one empowering your teammates and making a difference in their workout,” Walters says.

“There is power in the pack!”

Group running allows runners to maintain a certain pace; during long distance runs, Cournane advises runners to consider the “talk test”; they should be able to run at a pace in which they can comfortably talk in complete sentences. This test also allows runners to monitor their effort level and determine whether they need to run slower or faster.

In addition, group running allows runners to maintain different training paces on different days, depending on weather conditions and overall energy levels. “For example, a runner trying to improve her pace may run with some faster runners to lead her to pick up her pace,” Cournane says.

“And on other days, she may want to run slow and easy.”

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK

Aside from socialization, another key benefit of running clubs is the opportunity to become involved with local charities and fundraisers.

In addition to serving as the head coach of The Road to Boston, Buciak is also an official coach for several charities that have Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity teams. Buciak encourages his club members to run for charities, as their running experiences will become even more meaningful while they help others through their running.

More often than not, charity teams don’t have enough runners to help train members of various experience levels. But, by joining a running club, charity runners can find other people who train at their 28

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pace, thereby easing their training regimens.

Frontrunner

“Many runners I know have been independent (not running on behalf of a charity), but, while running, they learned about a particular charity,” Cournane states. “A year later, these independent runners joined a charity team and raised money for a charity of choice. The information they learned from charity runners definitely sowed results.”

Currently, the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) partners with 50 different charities to support their marathon and half-marathon fundraising teams. Through these partnerships, CARA can train charity runners for their race goals, while also providing resources for the runners and their charities.

“In 2018 approximately 800 CARA members ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for charity,” says Greg Hipp, executive director of CARA. “Running for charity makes miles more meaningful and helps runners stay motivated towards their goals when training gets tough.”

Each of Oak Park Runners Club’s charity opportunities is associated with the annual Good Life Race, which it manages, plans and directs.

Nearly 1,700 people participate in the race, an all-volunteer, non-profit event. Featuring a flat, fast 5K race course, the race attracts quality runners of all ages, as prizes and age group awards are provided to every top runner.

“Over the past five years, we have raised more than $125,000 for our charitable partners,” Nick Bensen explains.

Frontrunners also hosts its own fundraising run: PROUD TO RUN. The run supports LGBTQ beneficiaries, as Frontrunners also forms teams for other fundraising runs, including an AIDS run.

“The benefit is two-fold: not only the personal achievement of finishing a race, but also raising money for an important cause,” states Avila.

Due to these charity and fundraising opportunities, along with the countless socialization benefits that can occur, Hipp believes every Chicago-based runner should consider joining running clubs.

“There are so many great clubs in Chicagoland,” Hipp concludes.

“Runners shouldn’t feel like they have to choose one. The more they become involved, the more they’ll enjoy their runs and improve their lives.”

T HE TOP

10KS

26 O F I L L I N OI S’ F I N E ST

JANUARY 12

APRIL 14

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

LISLE, IL

FROZEN GNOME 10K MARCH 16

APRIL 27

DEER PARK, IL

CHAMPAIGN, IL

DEER PARK ST. PADDY’S 10K MARCH 16

FOX VALLEY WINTER CHALLENGE TRAIL SERIES 10K GENEVA, IL APRIL 6

CHI TOWN 10K CHICAGO, IL 30

MARCH/APRIL 2019

CHAMPION OF TREES 10K

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ILLINOIS MARATHON 10K MAY 19

CHICAGO SPRING 10K CHICAGO, IL MAY 25

SALUTE, INC. RUN 10K ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL

MAY 25

WESTERN SPRINGS TOWER TROT WESTERN SPRINGS, IL MAY 27

RIDGE RUN 10K

CHICAGO, IL JUNE 1

COSLEY ZOO RUN FOR THE ANIMALS WHEATON, IL

JUNE 29

PROUD TO RUN CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL JUNE 30

CHICAGO 10K CHICAGO, IL JULY 13

THE GLO RUN

CHICAGO, IL JULY 21

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CHICAGO 10K CHICAGO, IL

JUNE 2

RUN FOR THE ZOO

AUGUST 11

JUNE 8

AUGUST 12

CHICAGO, IL

ROUTE 66 10K

EDWARDSVILLE, IL JUNE 16

FATHER’S DAY 10K CARY, IL

BTN BIG 10K CHICAGO, IL

BARRINGTON HONOR RIDE AND RUN

BARRINGTON, IL SEPTEMBER 7

RUN MAG MILE 10K CHICAGO, IL MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

MARCH/APRIL 2019

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T HE TOP

10KS

TACKLING THE 10K

FIND YOUR PACE, THEN RUN A RACE

26 OF IL LI NOI S FI NEST

By Holly Petrovich

The 10k, or 6.2 miles, race distance is arguably one of the least popular distances for runners.

In fact, EDGE Athlete owner and Nike+ coach Robyn LaLonde says that she thinks most athletes list the 10k as their least favorite distance.

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CHICAGO COUNTRY SOLE 10K

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NOVEMBER 24

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“10ks hurt … a lot! Legs and lungs burning, metallic taste in your mouth – this can last for several miles at this distance,” LaLonde says.

“Embracing this reality at the starting line will mean you don’t react against it when it happens on race day.”

Race pace for a 10k can be hard to navigate and train for, especially if you’ve never done one.

“Layering in your paces is paramount with a 10K – if you go out too fast it’s not likely you’ll be able to hold onto your pacing,” LaLonde adds. “During training, take care to hit the goal pace, but do so progressively so you end faster than you began.”

LaLonde suggests incorporating a balanced mix of speed, endurance and strength into a multifaceted training plan. For speed work, switch it up for every workout to “build aerobic capacity and sharpen run efficiency. ” One week, do some short intervals at 5k pace; the next, try a tempo run; add some race pace intervals in there too to continuously challenge your body.

When it comes to endurance training, use long runs as recovery.

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NORTH SHORE TURKEY TROT

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VIKING WINTER DASH

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“Very light efforts allow slow twitch muscle fibers to build a higher density of mitochondria, ultimately enabling higher intensity training,” LaLonde says.

No training plan is complete without some strength sessions, as it improves form and overall run economy.

“Core, dynamic and plyometric exercises all play well into 10k fitness,” LaLonde explains.

With the new race season upon us, challenge yourself this year to try a 10k. Not only will it help change up your normal training regimen, but it can help build a strong foundation for longer distance races.

Have we convinced you? Check out the top 10ks in Illinois, and register!

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RACE RESULTS

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F^3 Lake Half Marathon and 5K

Frozen Gnome 10K and 50K

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 | CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

By Mandi Florip

Ornery Mule Racing kicked off 2019 trail running with its annual Frozen Gnome races. Held at Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods in Crystal Lake, runners enjoyed a single track, 10K loop, which 50K runners tackled five times.

This triple black diamond level course was extremely challenging and included steep inclines, uneven terrain, and sharp declines. One such decline was appropriately named “butt-slide hill”, where runners were forced to slow and crouch in order to descend without ending up tumbling their way down. Despite the tough terrain, this course is a beauty; nearly the entire course is tree lined and features beautiful nature scenes. There are very few sections where a car could be heard or a building could be seen. It is truly an escape from the day-to-day in this picturesque trail.

Male 50k Results 1. Coree Woltering 28 2. Tyler Jones 22 3. Jacob Gallagher 24 4. Jonathan Petykowski 28 Name

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MARCH/APRIL 2019

Age

Ottawa, IL Wheaton, IL Lisbon, ND Palatine, IL City

3:53:07 4:21:38 4:38:49 4:41:17 Time

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5. Jereme Leafe 6. David Secord 7. Jason Midlock 8. Paul Garcia 9. Christian Jensen 10. Justin Heller

34 32 34 45 41 37

Female 50k Results 1. Rachel Burke 34 2. Elizabeth Riffel-Altman 50 3. Samantha Stimac 24 4. Alyssa Feuerer 33 5. Laura Cominetti 57 6. Ausra Butkeviciute 41 7. Nikki Vapensky Marvel 49 8. Carolyn Shreck 46 9. Melissa Alberts 47 10. Kristine Kotsch 49 Male 10k Results 1. Mark Jensen 2. Walt Jedzejec 3. Kenneth Borre 4. David Patch 5. Frank Huschitt 6. Krzysztof Pugawko 7. Michael Disbrow Name

18 37 33 35 29 37 53 Age

5:09:05 5:13:44 5:15:18 5:28:42 Crystal Lake, IL 5:31:29 Arlington Heights, IL 5:35:27 Manchester, NH

Chicago, IL Joliet, IL Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL Dubuque, IA Antigo, WI Milwaukee, WI Cross Plains, WI

Mundelein, IL Chicago, IL Hampton, NH Spring Grove, IL

Dewitt, MI

5:19:16 5:25:15 5:35:04 6:31:28 7:18:50 7:19:23 7:22:08 7:25:19 7:26:22 7:39:54

45:32 46:05 46:52 Rolling Meadows, IL 49:26 Fox River Grove, IL 51:01 Crystal Lake, IL 51:39 Lincolnshire, IL 51:49

Chicago, IL Lombard, IL

City

Time

8. Rogelio Cuatepitzi 33 Des Plaines, IL 51:59 9. Ty Sato 17 Round Lake, IL 52:05 10. Brian Schoenborn 55 Grayslake, IL 53:40 Female 10k Results 1. Giselle Lemke 2. Noelia Salas 3. Rita Jasenauskas 4. Amy Dal Santa 5. Mandi Florip 6. Jennifer Wickersty 7. Tracey Roberts 8. Silvija Basijokaite 9. Cynthia Dominguez 10. Jara Kern

16 41 44 22 38 53 50 34 29 39

Village Of Lakewood, IL

Waukegan, IL Crystal Lake, IL Kildeer, IL Lemont, IL Chicago, IL Arlington Heights, IL

52:15 55:37 58:47 58:49 59:05 59:33 59:41 1:00:30 1:01:50 1:02:15

F^3 Lake Half Marathon and 5k

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 | CHICAGO, IL

By Jacqui Guiliano

The F^3 Lake Half Marathon and 5k is the first big Chicago race of the year. Over the past nine years, runners have experienced all sorts of weather, and in the tenth year, runners experienced likely the coldest year yet with temperatures only reaching Name

Age

City

Time

double digits as the race ended. This year, however, runners were in for a treat as the Lakefront Path was now completely finished. Runners finished with salt and slush covering their clothes, but it was safe to say that this meant the path was mostly clear of ice and snow and potential falls. The Chicago Park District did an excellent job overall of providing a clean running route.

While a race in January is generally not too appealing (especially for those who take the off season seriously in November/December!), this race is a fun way to see what kind of shape you’re in and get a good benchmark going into the 2019 season.

Male Half Marathon Results 1. Robert Johnson 23 Indianapolis, IN 2. Dylan Souder 25 Madison, WI 3. Michael Ellenberger 26 Chicago, IL 4. Matt Lumbar 23 Chicago, IL 5. David Luy 27 Brookfield, WI 6. Roger Pinon 30 Chicago, IL 7. Dan Regalado 32 Oak Lawn, IL 8. Chris Cogswell 26 Chicago, IL 9. Bob LaRue 34 Chicago, IL 10. Micahel Castellani 27 Chicago, IL

1:09:36 1:11:33 1:11:36 1:12:31 1:14:04 1:15:39 1:15:50 1:17:43 1:18:14 1:18:23

Female Half Marathon Results 1. Kimberly Horner 30 Chicago, IL 2. Jamie Hershfang 25 Chicago, IL 3. Chloe Staub 26 Milwaukee, WI 4. Jamie Waters 29 Chicago, IL 5. Pamela Staton 32 Chicago, IL

1:23:09 1:24:41 1:28:02 1:28:11 1:29:17

6. Jacqueline Paylor 7. Rebecca Anderson 8. Pieke Kokke 9. Vanda Berman 10. Meghann Gorman Male 5k Results 1. Joshua Riegel 2. Jay Kopper 3. Nico Farr 4. Picasso Russell 5. Nicolas Delgado 6. Ryan Perkins 7. Kal Pence 8. Jason McGowan 9. Gus Fuguitt 10. Eric Nixon

21 42 36 42 38

Chicago, IL Valparaiso, IN Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Batavia, IL

24 29 37 29 43 33 30 23 27 29

Female 5k Results 1. Maeve McCartin 27 2. Ajahnae Hinley 34 3. Lydia Nader 27 4. Liz Upward 35 5. Becca Menke 30 6. Evance Stalley 44 7. Kaitlin Stober 25 8. Laurel Butterfield 34 9. Vanessa Theis 34 10. Stephanie Peisker 28

1:29:43 1:29:56 1:32:37 1:32:38 1:33:06

Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Libertyville, IL

17:26 18:45 19:11 19:43 20:05 20:21 20:31 Newfields, NH 20:53 Chicago, IL 20:57 Chicago, IL 21:00

Palos Park, IL Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL

18:52 20:13 20:28 20:45 20:51 22:02 22:21 22:32 22:47 Crystal Lake, IL 22:52

Cupid’s Love Dash 5k SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 HIGHLAND PARK, IL

By Erika Ostrander

Despite the weather, 199 participants braved the conditions for a fun 5k to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The course went through the downtown part of Highland Park, which was very scenic as we ran by beautiful homes with some fun hills in the mix. The residents came out to support the runners and walkers, and it was great to see many families participating in the race wearing love-themed costumes.

On the course, they had one water stop and one Cupid candy aid station with chocolate and lollipops! That’s not something you see at other races, but sweets on the run made it all more fun. Plus the hot chocolate at the finish line was the perfect treat to warm up afterwards.

Frosty 5 Mile

Name

Age

City

Time

Male 5k Results 1. Mark Vear 2. Steve Spangler 3. Vadim Racu 4. Garrett Sillanpaa 5. Colin O’Neill 6. Tim Gross 7. Brandon Miller Name

26 29 31 51 28 62 28 Age

17:56 18:02 19:28 20:17 20:23 21:20 21:44 City

Time

8. Dru Soni 35 9. Aaron Wagner 42 10. John Ruberry 56

22:06 23:13 23:41

Female 5k Results 1. Lydia Nader 2. Margret-Ann Natsis 3. Annie Meyers 4. Angelia Wang 5. Bethany Merriman 6. Nataliya Schouten 7. Erin Harvego 8. Lauren Freedman 9. Sara Zank 10. Liao Yu Yi

20:06 23:01 24:11 25:25 25:35 25:50 26:24 26:38 27:22 27:40

27 29 25 23 27 40 49 38 40 43

Frosty 5 Mile

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 | CHANNAHON, IL

By Jonathan Cain

The race HQ for the Frosty 5 Mile is at Pioneer Path Elementary School in Channahon and most runners hang out on the bleachers in the gym before the race. In the back corner, there is an emergency exit that some people use to go back and forth to their cars; every time the door opened, you would get a glimpse outside and the view got whiter, and whiter, and whiter.

Runners seemed to embrace running through the snow covered streets, even though it made the streets a little slicker and the hills a little tougher. On the mostly out-and-back course, there were plenty of smiles and cheers for passing runners as they crossed and the 40th edition of the race surely lived up to its name.

Male 5 Mile Results 1. Eric Hofmann 31 2. John Knudson 38 3. Robert Duncan 36 4. Jonathan Cain 37 5. Josh Swenson 41 6. Josh Rogowski 33 7. Eric Crutchfield 32 8. Thomas Zero 33 9. Patrick O’Connell 23 10. Ryan Bell 44 Female 5 Mile Results 1. Rachel Reyes 31 2. Jill Creaney 29 3. Leigh Anne Hall 56 4. Mary Farrell 53 5. Angela Freeman 42 6. Tracy Decourcy 58 7. Rose Bell 44 8. Leslie Kelpsch 38 9. Jessica Lomax 39 10. Leslie Williams 50 Name

Age

Homewood, IL Elgin, IL Joliet, IL Des Plaines, IL Sheridan, IL Wilmington, IL Wilmington, IL Oak Lawn, IL Channahon, IL Oglesby, IL

28:49 29:12 29:27 30:06 30:57 31:01 31:46 32:19 32:34 33:46

Joliet, IL

36:16

Schaumburg, IL 39:27

Morris, IL New Lenox, IL Channahon, IL Plainfield, IL Oglesby, IL Plainfield, IL Woodridge, IL Joliet, IL City

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

40:12 40:29 41:48 42:03 42:18 42:31 43:36 43:41 Time

MARCH/APRIL 2019

35

CALENDAR EVENTS

MORE CALENDAR EVENTS AT: YOUR PERSONAL RACE CALENDAR

CYCLING

03/17/19 Wheeling Wheelmen St. Patrick’s Day Ride Wauconda IL wheelmen.com/st_pats.asp

OTHER

02/24/19 Hustle Chicago Stair Climb Chicago IL bit.ly/2SHN5mi

RUNNING

03/02/19 10th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh Oak Forest IL www.oc-chamber.org 03/02/19 ‘Go Run Warren Park Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org

03/09/19 Celtic Run Before You Crawl 5k & 10k Monroe WI celtic5k.itsyourrace.com 03/09/19 ‘Go Run Humboldt Park Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org 03/14/19 Pi Day 3.14-mile fun run on 3.14 (w/ pie party) benefits science & math outreach Chicago IL PiDayRun.org 03/16/19 St Paddys Day 5K Naperville IL stpaddysday5K.org 03/16/19 Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series #3 Geneva IL www.runandachieve.com/fvwcts MARCH/APRIL 2019

03/16/19 Des Moines St. Paddy’s Half Marathon 5K Des Moines IA www.iowaruns.com 03/16/19 Shamrock Beer Run Rockford IL shamrockbeerrun.com/rockford 03/16/19 Deer Park St. Paddy’s 5K & 10K Deer Park IL allcommunityevents.com 03/16/19 Hills Are Alive Trail Run & Walk Lake Geneva WI www.xcthrillogy.com 03/16/19 St. Paddy’s Day 5K & 8K Run/Walk Chicago IL www.chicagoevents.com

03/09/19 Shamrock Beer Run Arlington Heights IL

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WWW.MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

03/16/19 ‘Go Run 63rd Street Beach Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org 03/17/19 March Madness Half Marathon Cary IL www.hillstriders.com

10th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh SATURDAY, MARCH 2 | OAK FOREST, IL There’s a new route to celebrate the 10th anniversary! The Fleadh (gaelic for festival) is focused on Fitness, Family and Fun. Runners will be challenged by Cicero Avenue slopes and running in the local neighborhoods.

03/17/19 Bolingbook St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon & 5k Bolingbrook IL allcommunityevents.com

03/23/19 ‘Go Run Big Marsh Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org

03/23/19 Kent City Ridge Run 15K/5K Kent City MI www.kentcityschools.org

03/30/19 FastCat 5k/10k and Kids 1 Mile Run Plainfield IL www.runfastcat.com

03/23/19 Shamrock Beer Run Milwaukee WI

03/30/19 Mushing for Meals Beloit WI mushingformeals.itsyourrace.com

03/23/19 Paleozoic Trail Runs Permian Spring 50-Km, 25-Km Willow Springs IL runrace.net/paleozoic

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

04/06/19 Chi Town Half Marathon & 10K Chicago IL allcommunityevents.com

04/06/19 Sarett Nature Center Spring Stampede 5K Benton Harbor MI www.sarett.com 04/06/19 April Fools 5k Bloomingdale IL www.aprilfools5k.com 04/06/19 Bull Valley Monster Hill Challenge 5k Bull Valley IL raceroster.com/21289 04/06/19 Arny Johnson 10 Miler and 5k Machesney Park IL

04/06/19 South Shore Half Marathon Milwaukee WI 04/06/19 ‘Go Run Warren Park Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org 04/07/19 Good Life Race Oak Park IL goodliferace.com 04/07/19 Meraki Trail Adventure Kansasville WI www.xcthrillogy.com

04/07/19 Hole-In-One 5K Run/ Walk Romeoville IL mistwoodgc.com

04/20/19 ‘Go Run 63rd Street Beach Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org

04/13/19 Saw Wee Kee Trail Run Oswego IL www.oswegolandpd.org

04/27/19 Blackberry Farm Barnyard Dash 5K Aurora IL web2.vermontsystems.com

04/13/19 Iola Trail Run Iola WI www.greatlakesendurance.com

04/27/19 Tusk 5k Terre Haute IN thetusktriand5k.itsyourrace.com

04/13/19 Beat The Eagle 5K Lombard IL

04/27/19 Spring Into Health 5K Elk Grove Village IL springintohealth.org

04/13/19 Russell Hustle 5K & Fun Run Genoa IL stmarysycamore.org 04/13/19 Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K Chicago IL www.lakefront10.com 04/13/19 Bunny Rock Hawthorn 5K & Egg Hunt Vernon Hills IL bunnydash5k.com 04/13/19 ‘Go Run Humboldt Park Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org 04/13/19 Spreading Our Wings 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk Extiende tus alas y corre con nosotros West Chicago IL 04/20/19 Bunny Rock Chicago 5K & Egg Hunt Chicago IL www.bunnyrock5k.com 04/20/19 Wisconsin Runs Title Town 10K Green Bay WI wisconsinruns.com/titletownrun

03/03/19 Advocate Good Shepherd Indoor Sprint Triathlon in Memory of Jon Carlino Barrington IL

05/11/19 Thunder In The Valley Triathlon Olympic Distance Terre Haute IN www.crossroadseventsandtiming.com

03/24/19 ET Indoor Triathlon Series Lisle IL experiencetriathlon.com

05/11/19 Thunder In The Valley Triathlon Sprint Distance Terre Haute IN www.crossroadseventsandtiming.com

04/27/19 Tusk Tri Terre Haute IN thetusktriand5k.itsyourrace.com

05/18/19 White Deer Triathlon Boulder Junction WI www.whitedeertriathlon.com

05/26/19 MMTT Youth Triathlon Geneva IL www.mmtt3.org 05/26/19 High School Triathlon Championship Geneva IL www.mmtt3.org

04/27/19 Hurt the Dirt Trail Races Grand Rapids MI hurtthedirt.com 04/27/19 (not-so) Faraway 5k Obstacle Course Race Joliet IL www.jpdrun3.com 04/27/19 ‘Go Run Horner Park Chicago IL www.gorunchicago.org 04/28/19 McHenry County Human Race Crystal Lake IL volunteercentermchenrycounty.org 04/28/19 Run, Walk & Roll Bloomingdale IL 04/28/19 The Human Race Crystal Lake IL volunteercentermchenrycounty.org

TRIATHLON

03/03/19 FitRec Indoor Triathlon Palos Hills IL www.morainevalley.edu

Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler & 5k SATURDAY, APRIL 13 | CHICAGO, IL The Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler and 5K is the perfect start to any runner’s spring season! As one of Chicago’s classic distance road races the 10-miler part of the CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit, a collection of Chicagoland’s favorite races.

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

MARCH/APRIL 2019

37

SECOND GLANCE

Mayor Rahm Emanuel breaks the tape at the Lakefront Chill 5k on January 15 to celebrate the official separation of the Lakefront Trail. (Photo submitted by CARA)

Rahm Emanuel Q During your term, you did a lot to help the endurance community in Chicago, especially with projects like the lakefront separation and the river. Where did it all begin?

A [Architect] Daniel Burnham had a big plan for the city, so our vision was to build on that plan, and make it current and relevant, hence Building on Burnham. I swim a mile every morning, have for 35 years. My wife and son are runners, my daughter is a rower; I really believe in exercise and recreation.

Q When we shared the news about the lakefront trail separation, runners and cyclists in Chicago were very excited. Why was this project important to you?

A Well everyone knows the story: I had lunch with Ken Griffin, and we went Dutch: we both put $12 million in, and out came the lakefront trail separation. We knew we had to separate all 17 miles too; it’s one of the greatest parks in America, the third most-used after Central Park and DC.

A lot of it was knowing that if you didn’t get out onto the path early, it was like rush hour traffic. Thousands of people use it every day, and we felt that citizens shouldn’t be stressed going out for a run, it should be a stress reliever.

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MARCH/APRIL 2019

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

This made it enjoyable for everyone: runners, walkers, bikers and rollerbladers. We also fixed up the Theater on the Lake, adding a restaurant and reinvigorating that part of the lakefront.

Q Your other big focus was the Chicago riverfront. Why is that?

A One aspect that I was very big on was making Chicago a two waterfront city.

When I first ran in 2011, I wanted the river to be the next park in the city. For so long, it was our industrial highway, so I wanted to make it a facility for canoeing, kayaking and crew. So, we built four boathouses along the river, two of them were built by Jeanne Gang, who’s book influenced my campaign.

Now, the University of Chicago Crew team goes out of one of her boathouses. These sports are becoming major recreational options in the city. Then the focus became the Riverwalk from the entertainment side. Now they have yoga classes too.

Q Are there any other projects related to recreation you’re particularly proud of?

A Well, we rebuilt every one of the 385 parks in the city from top to bottom. We also built six different student sport centers, three of them are open and three are still under construction.

A few do mentoring too, because we want to

offer multiple sports and academic options for kids to make it easier on them. There’s also Gately Park in Pullman, where we’re building the first indoor track facility, which will be the first after-school joint park facility in the neighborhood.

Q You’ve accomplished a lot. So, are you going to stick around and enjoy it all?

A Yes, I’m going to stay in Chicago as a citizen.

I’ve laid a foundation to put real neighborhood facilities in the city, so whoever comes in has to continue that. I do some 5ks with my son, so I’ll keep doing that, and run on the lakefront when I can.

Q As you step down, do you still have a vision for Chicago?

A Well, we sponsor the largest amateur triathlon, and we have one of the world famous marathons. There’s not a weekend that’s there’s not a 5k going on. For example, Englewood never had a 5k, so I helped get it going, and now it’s up to 800 people, and the neighborhood itself is doing better too. So really, I just want to try and help neighborhood runs out, and bring people from all walks of life to different neighborhoods they wouldn’t go to normally.

By Holly Petrovich

10•13•19 On Sunday, October 13, we invite you to discover Chicago and share your experience using #MyChicagoMarathon.

Learn more at chicagomarathon.com

MAY 19, 2O19

The Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K, kicks off distance running season in the Chicago running community.

Celebrating the city’s emergence from winter hibernation, the Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K delivers an intimate urban setting with lakefront course, charming finish line complete with a hot gourmet breakfast buffet, Athletico recovery zone, a Spring Market featuring local vendors, Spring flowers, Lagunitas beer garden, Live Music and more.

chicagospringhalf.com