Nike Run Hit Wonder Report

Greetings!

The 2005 Chicago Nike Run Hit Wonder 5K is history. This was the toughest race I have ever run. I was afraid I wasn't going to finish.

15,000 people entered the races. There were a 5K and 10K in this event. My goal was to race under 40 minutes. I had an insane goal of 37 minutes.

So why was the race so tough? A couple of reasons. First it was 86 degrees at the start of the race. Chicago has been in the 90's all week, and I have not run a lot in the heat and humidity this summer. I knew if I was going to finish, I would have to adjust my running to the heat.

Next, all the runners. I am going to rant a minute here. This type of race gets a lot of beginning runners like me out there. Still, there is race etiquette to follow. If you are going to be slow, or walk, move to the right, and let the faster runners pass by. I was forever starting and stopping because of people who would just stop in front of me. Next time, I am sticking to the left hand side.

The first mile was a fast one - 11:13. That's pretty good for me. I was worried though about the heat, and thought I should slow down a bit until the first water station. I'm glad I slowed down, because I missed the first water station. Typically in the races I have run, water is on the right. This time, it was by a stage, on the left. I just thought people were watching the band playing. It wasn't until I saw all the cups on the ground that I missed the water station. I knew I couldn't turn around, so I told myself to hang in there until the next station.

At one point there were two paths. One up on a hill, one below. I saw a water station below where I was, so I left my trail, and ran to that one. That was the 10K route, and their water station. I never saw the next 5K station. So at this station I drank two Gatorades, and then went back up the hill and ran.

I figured I was no longer shooting for a PR, all I wanted to do was finish. I was getting slower, and feeling the heat. At one point I thought I was getting a headache. Still I wanted to finish. Just when I thought I would start walking I saw the 3 mile sign. I hung in there, and "sprinted" to the finish line.

At the finish line there were people waiting for the runner, passing out what I thought was water...it wasn't. They gave all the finishers a medal! I GOT MY FIRST RUNNING MEDAL!!! Woo Hoo! I was almost in tears as I put it around my neck. I know it isn't first place. I know everyone got one. As hard as this race was though, it felt like a victory to me, and I will cherish this medal.

I found the water and the Gatorade, slammed some down, and went to stretch for a bit. I picked up my gear bag, and headed home with dozens of other yellow shirt people(all runners wore the same shirt).

This was a hard and hot race, but I feel so good about finishing.

So now I am going to soak my feet, relax and go to bed. Tomorrow I have an early training session with Josh. I'll take my medal to the gym. I know...it's hokey, but I feel victorious!

:-)Charlie