I am still smiling thinking about all of the fun I had last weekend in Chicago. It’s going to be tough to recap all the Chicago Rock N Roll Weekend Adventures in one post but here it goes.
Chicago Rock N Roll Weekend Adventures
I cannot remember who originally suggested that we all meet up in Chicago to run the Rock N Roll Weekend of races. Knowing I had to avoid another serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out), I quickly jumped on board. After completing over packing (because who does not love to have wardrobe options) I was off to Chicago on Friday morning. Arriving at the hotel, I immediately ran right into Michelle in the lobby. Admittedly, I was a little worried about what it would be like to meet up with my URL friends IRL. Michelle and I hit it off immediately like a couple of old sorority sisters.
Michelle and I headed to the expo to meet up with Kim (Kooky Runner) and her instafamous cool mom. We were all chit chatting and giggling while checking out the expo. My achilles had been bothering me a bit the last few weeks so I happily jumped at the chance to have it taped up at the KT Tape booth.
Fueled up for the weekend of running with a delicious meal at Barrio with Kim, Kim(Running on the Fly) and Michelle. The best salsa!
The 5K-Saturday
Early wake up had me at Starbucks in my pj’s-yup that’s how I roll. A quick walk to the race start and we met up with a few more of our crew. Honestly, I was so much more excited about meeting all of my blogging buddies than I was about running the 5K. Marcia and I fell into a rhythm immediately and we could not stop chit chatting. I loved her just as much in person and she is the easiest person to talk to. We were even color coordinated. Before we knew it, the finish line was right in front of us.
After a quick change it was time for our Epic Blogger Meet Up lunch where I would get to hang with even more of my on line buddies. It was kind of like speed dating on steroids trying to get in a few minutes with each of them. Finally got to meet Wendy, Hoho, Suz, Linda and Sarah.
Not gonna lie, that mimosa along with the early morning wake up had me needing a little nap. We then had a delicious dinner at Quartino complete with pizza and pasta.
The 10k
Knowing I would not be into running a half in the heat of the summer, I opted for the 10K. Seriously these Chicagoans like to get up early! I was up at 4:30 for a 6:30 race start. We left the hotel in a light misty rain and as soon as we got to the start line the heavens open up. I mean torrential and unrelenting. Still better than 90 degrees though.
I hung with Linda (Accidental Marathoner) for the first mile or so until she split off to do the half. Oddly, this was the first time in forever that I ran by myself for 6 miles. I always run with my MRTT group. Obviously, there were 20K other runners there but I was all by myself.
Soaking wet and glad to see the finish line in sight.
One last epic blogger meet up for brunch. For me, this weekend was not really about the Rock n Roll Chicago Weekend it was instead about connecting with friends old and new. I feel very blessed to have all of these amazing, supportive women in my life. I feel as though I’ve made some new forever friends.
Thanks for sticking with my long recap of the Rock n Roll Chicago Weekend Adventures. Can’t wait for the next Epic Blogger Meet Up.
Linking up
Running on Happy, Coach Debbie Runs, Train with Marc
Marcia’s Healthy Slice and MCM Mama Runs
It sounds like a fun weekend! Chicago is serious about their races haha. When I volunteered at the Chicago marathon, we had to be there earlier than runners! As it gets closer to the Philadelphia half/full marathon, we should chat about potentially meeting up.
yes definitely! Would love that. I have to remember to sign up 🙂
Congrats!!! What a weekend!!! Super jealous 😛
It was quite a weekend!
It was just such a blast!
It was such an EPIC weekend (yes, I have probably over-used that word). It was so fun hanging out with you and Michelle for most of our ChiTown stay. Truly like a sorority sis reunion 😉 Cherry Blossom is a def possibility!!
yes that would be amazing!
I’m so glad we finally got to meet IRL! Altho it does feel like I’ve known you forever. What an amazingly fun time. I kept pinching myself to make sure it was real. I can’t wait until our next adventure!
It was fantastic! The next one will be even better 🙂
I had major FOMO this weekend. I seriously considered jumping a plane and heading there, but we just had too much going on this summer. Glad you had a good time – and I would have been happy to only be doing a 10K in that weather!
I think I have talked them all into trying to get into cherry blossom next year so we will have an epic DC meet up for sure
Fun! Glad you came for a fun weekend in Chicago. The weather was sucky but so much better than it being hot and humid.
We had an amazing time despite the weather
Love this so much and loved following along with you all! I can’t wait for another blogger meet up so that I can have the chance to finally meet you! Speaking of …there’s the National Women’s Half in DC next May, you know! Hmmmm….. 🙂
We sure missed you this time! We were talking about having everyone try to get into the Cherry Blossom race in April in DC.Stay tuned!
It was so fun meeting everyone! I wish I also would have done the 5K, but we had those noon Cubs tickets that I wound up having my son use instead. The Remix medal is pretty cool! Looking forward to seeing you again and fingers crossed we can all get spots for the Cherry Blossom!
It was so great chatting with you on the run. Yes I will remind you all to enter the lottery for CB
I definitely agree with you that I made forever friends this weekend. The whole weekend was just what I needed and so good for my soul. There’s nothing like be surrounded by strong women who also get this whole crazy “running” thing, lol
Yes exactly what I needed as well! Can’t wait for the next one
My heart is so full! I loved our 5k chat. : ) My only regret is that I couldn’t make more of the brunches and dinners and that I couldn’t get my act together in time to join you for the 10k. Next time!
Next time indeed! 🙂
What a fun weekend! And great job racing in that downpour.
It was really fun despite the weather
How fun! Love those races where you go just to enjoy yourself and you’re not freaking out about trying to make a PR. Totally agree about the early Chicago races–I think it’s because it’s the only time they can get the permits to close all the streets, plus trying to get in as many miles before the temps heat up. Thanks for sharing your recap!
yes this weekend was all about just enjoying the weekend with friends.
I so wish I was there for this! It really looks like you all had the best time! I hope we get to meet one day soon!
I would love that!
I’m so glad you guys all got to meet up! What a fun group.
It was a fantastic weekend!
I had some serious FOMO myself watching all of my favorite bloggers getting together in Chicago! What a great weekend!
WE were all talking about wishing you were there!
Awww. that’s so nice to hear! <3
Congrats! It looks like an incredible weekend!
super fun to hang out with everyone
That sounds like a really awesome weekend! Very cool to meet online friends in person!
It sure was a blast!
I am so glad I got to hang with you as much as I did. This whole weekend was just what I needed and I can’t wait to do it again. (I’ll be stalking the Cherry Blossom lottery later this year!)
Yes I will definitely remind you when it’s time to enter the lottery
Sounds like so much fun!
sure was!
Looked like such a fun time! Congrats love!
Thanks a bunch
How fun! Such an amazing experience to be a part of!
It was a fantastic weekend
Sounds like a great weekend in a great city with some wonderful people. Can’t beat that!
I agree!
How FUN! I am definitely going to have to add this one to my list for the future! I love that you go to meet up with everyone and connect in person! Congrats on the 5K and 10K, too!
Thanks it was such a fun time!
Looks like you had a great time! So fun to meet online friend in real life!
It really was!
This sounds like such a great experience being able to meet online friends in real life and combine it with a race weekend 🙂
We really had a blast
Awww, it sounds like you had so much fun! Now I’m off to read everyone else’s recaps!
Yes we all really had a nice time together
Looks like a SUPER fun weekend with all the blogger friends!! Wish I could have been there!
Love running in Chicago, it is where I started my racing back in 2004 🙂
It was my first time running there such a fun city despite the rain
I wish I had gotten to run with you! I’m glad that you made the most of everything, even with the stupid weather!
Had a blast despite the weather! One of these days we will run together