Chicago Marathon 2012

Call me crazy, but earlier this year I got conned into doing another marathon.  This one would be my 5th.  I keep saying that I'm done with marathoning... and then end up signing up for another.  Maybe they are kind of addictive, like how people get about tattoos. 

Training for the Chicago adventure began in June with training.  It didn't dawn on me that I would be training during the hottest months of the year - in Memphis.  Note to those that do not live here... it is incredibly hot and humid.

Finally October rolled around.  I had the fortune to go to Chi-town with my favorite twin sister Stephanie, Emily, and Kristin.  All of them knew each other from pharmacy school.  I've known Emily for many years but met Kristin for the first time in Chicago.

Celebrating finishing with Chicago-style pizza! 

Stephanie and I took the Megabus from Memphis.  Despite great reviews from several friends, we had a pretty bad experience going and returning on the bus.  Who could complain?  Our round trip was $55 each.  Next time I'll spend the money and fly or take the train.

Aside from the marathon, our time in Chicago was a dining and typical tourist experience.  We ate Chicago-style pizza twice, ate some decedent cheesecake, Garrett's popcorn, and awesome Mediterranean at a local place in the Lakeview neighborhood.  We checked out the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile (more than once), John Hancock's Signature Lounge (more than once), and even went on a segway tour.  Thanks to my friend who had recently visited the city, we were informed of a great way to see the city without walking, which was important the day after the marathon.

I was very nerdy with my "L" map, but really enjoyed getting to learn the public transportation. 
Overall, Chicago was so clean, well kept, and had very few bums anywhere we went.

Oh, a little about the marathon.  The 26.2 mi went started and ended at Grant park.  We ran through the city and got to see many neighborhoods including the artsy area(s), Chinatown, a Hispanic area, little Italy, university campus, and much more. Sorry, no pictures.  I didn't want to carry a camera for 26 miles.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!  Have you been to Chicago?

Lego skyline at the Lego Store in Water Tower Place

Lego my skyscaper!

Views from the lady's room on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building.  TripAdvisor wasn't kidding when they recommended that view.  It was the best of both the Sears tower and Navy Pier.

Looking down from the 96th floor.

Train!  We rode the red line way too many times.

This is a real picture, I promise.  Looks too good to be true.

Emily and Kristin prepping to ride to the top of the Ferris wheel

Twins!  I don't look scared, but I am realizing at this time that we are not buckled in and the only think between me and my fall to a splatter on the ground below is some thin plexy glass.

A real anchor that was used on 3 different fleet ships during wars. 

Water Tower.  So pretty but not sure what it is used for.

Giadorno's pizza!  Post-race lunch!

So many sail boats.  They are all gone by winter because the lake freezes. No fun.

Taking a break from Segway-in.  Just after sharing a chicago-style hot dog. 

More pizza!  I forgot the name of this place.  Starts with Lou.  Very yummy veggie pizza!

The bean! Fact: it is the most photographed thing in Chicago.

Gelato -pumpkin pie, tiramisu, carrot cake, and dark chocolate.  Yumm!

Pear Martini to celebrate a great trip and race!