The Longest Saturday
This is weekend is quite often the hardest run of the summer. For the advanced runners, it will be their longest at 22 miles. For intermediate, it’ll the first 20 miler; and for novice, it’s the longest run many of them have ever done. It’s also the longest run without the celebratory spirit that comes with Ready2Run. Let’s start the morning with a positive spirit, carry that energy through the run, and congratulate our runners at the end for having come this deep into the training season.
Volunteers needed for Ready2Run - if you aren’t running R2R because you are injured or your marathon is a different weekend from Chicago, please consider volunteering for R2R. You can register at this link. We’re struggling to find people to help out with the water tables, so every extra hand is greatly appreciated. It takes over 250 volunteers to support the 2400+ runners at the event.
Notable Path Events
PAWS 5k (Grove 16, Montrose Harbor) - the event starts at 7:30, so we’ll have to watch out for event set-up during our departure. For many groups, they’ll also be on course when we return, so please be gracious and give them the right of way.
Weather, Water Stops, & Turnarounds
🌤️ Mostly sunny, 53°-58°F. Could we have any better weather for this run‼️
🚰 Waveland, Diversey, North Ave, Monroe, Waldron, and Montrose
🏃Novice: 18 miles (Waldron water stop)
🏃Intermediate 20 miles (McCormick Bird Sanctuary)
🏃♂️Advanced: 22 miles (35th St.)
The next water stop south of Waldron is at Oakwood Beach (40st St), which is too far south for us. There are water fountains at the 31st Street Harbor. Take a water break there at least once, possibly in both directions.
Other Items
Ready2Run Registration is open. There’s no charge for group leaders or training program participants, but you do need to register. Check your email for information. There are separate forms for GLs and for participants, so please make sure you use the correct one.
PUMA's Marathon VIP Experience is open for registration. This is also included with your and participants’ summer training. Registering helps CARA know how many people to expect. This is a great perk for runners, especially first-timers who may be anxious about navigating the day-of race logistics. It’s great to be able to leave as a group and help guide them to the CARA-exclusive port-a-potties, through the security checkpoints, and into their corrals.
RushPT continues to be on-site; please remind runners that a PT is available for questions and evals as part of CARA’s partnership with them.
And that’s all I have for this week. See you, tomorrow!
David
812-760-1258