CARA Montrose 6am - Week 1
Welcome Back! Arrive early, wear the white singlet & purple shoe tag, construction sucks.
Cycle 1, Week 1
Welcome back, group leaders! I am excited to kick off another season of Summer Marathon Training with CARA. We have a strong turnout across all CARA sites and our Montrose location continues to grow with enthusiastic runners ready to tackle their goals.
Approximately 17% of our runners have indicated that this will be their first marathon. Let's make sure they feel welcomed and supported as they embark on this incredible journey.
First Week Considerations
Arrive early! It would be nice for group leaders to all be present by 5:45am. Many runners arrive early these first few weeks (especially first-timers) to make sure they understand the lay of the land. Let’s be there to properly greet them and claim all the good parking spots.
Expect a delayed start. In order to give runners time to sort themselves out this first week, I’m going to start announcements 5-10 minutes after hour. We’ll be back to our prompt 6am start next week.
Please wear your white Puma singlet. I know everyone has their favorite brand/style of shirt to run in, which is why I’m asking just this week that everyone wear the official training shirt.
Purple shoe tags are important for their emergency contact information and to add a little flair to your running outfit. Please remind runners who show up without one that we need them visible - just in case!
Construction Is Everywhere; Parking Sucks
Montrose Bridge is under reconstruction, so there is no passage underneath. When you are coming back north, following the detour signs, you’ll cross Montrose at a temporary stop sign, then curl back to go to the usual path over the hill.
Simonds Dr. Pedway is completely closed and there is no parking on either side of that bridge. This is going to cause some confusion for runners arriving the first time this year, and I’m so glad I’m not in the 6:30am group trying to find parking.
With the pedway/underpass closed, there is no good place to cross Simonds Dr. to get back to the start. Warn runners before crossing that cars likely won’t be very observant.
Planned & Unplanned Absences
If you know you won’t be able to group lead for any weeks this summer, please let me know. This includes any planned trips or if you have any unplanned circumstances during the summer. You can email me (david@rovani.net) or text me (812-760-1258).
Notable Path Events
Imerman Angels Brunch Run 5K & Walk is at the Montrose Harbor. They don’t start until 8:30, so we will be long gone before their events kicks off. Beware of the set-up crew and trucks when we start.
Weather, Water Stops, & Turnarounds
🌧️ Cloudy, small chance of rain, 60°-62°F.
🚰 Waveland, Diversey, and North Ave
🏃Novice: 6 miles (turnaround at Diversey water stop)
🏃Intermediate: 8 miles (Lincoln Park Zoo entrance)
🏃Advanced: 10 miles (just before Oak St. beach)
Other Items
RushPT returns as our sponsor for physical therapy services. This includes a free assessment and injury prevention services available on-site most weeks after the run. If your runners have any questions or make any comments about pains, strains, or other issues - direct them to talk with the PT on site.
And that’s all I have for this week. See you, tomorrow!
David
812-760-1258