Every year my company participates in the Corporate Challenge event. The past few years I haven't been able to participate due to scheduling and pregnancy (it is a crowded race, didn't want to trip). The race takes place in the evening on the Thursday before Memorial Day. This year I decided to sign up and have some fun. I made arrangements to drive to work so I wouldn't be married to the train schedule. I packed a few outfit options and got ready. I forget how challenging it can be to prepare for an evening race, as you have a lot of decisions to make during the day that can affect your performance.
As part of my company's running/walking club, we got to the tent early to set up and get ready for the event. It was chilly while we were waiting so I'm glad I was prepared with some additional layers.
You can see some of the tents set up in the background. This is a HUGE event for corporate Chicago and it is filled with people that don't usually run. It is not really a great race to PR (plus it is an odd distance at 3.5 miles), but it is definitely a fun one to harbor some friendly competition among employees!
I started off slow as that was the plan for the day. But, I felt so good I decided to pick it up and see how I feel. I wasn't going to push it really hard, just a little faster than "easy." I was so excited with the adrenaline of being a race, feeling my legs turnover, passing people... I may have picked it up quite a bit (mile splits: 9:13, 8:55, 8:27). Final clock time was 30:41. I thought it would be awhile before I saw mile splits in the 8's. Looks like I'm stronger than I thought. Our bodies sure are funny that way!
After crossing the finish line, I headed back to our tent to enjoy some sandwiches and beverages. It was a beautiful night and if I didn't have Patsy waiting for me at home, I might have stayed a little while longer. All-in-all, this is such a fun event that I hope to do again in the future. If your company participates, I highly recommend joining in on the fun.
Great job Kelly! Looks like you are bouncing back quite nicely!!
ReplyDeleteNice negative splits, speedy! Wish I could have run this one. Oh well, maybe next year! :)
ReplyDeleteNice splits!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I've never done this race but have heard so many bad things about it. Glad you had a good experience.
ReplyDeleteAmazing job!!!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it if your company participates!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'd like to think so. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, there is always next year!
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