WINTER
The Shamrock Shuffle is the official kick-off to running season in Chicago. This 8k race is held right around St. Patrick's Day in March. This year was the first time I ran 'The Shuffle' and it was absolutely freezing! I know many people who actually ditched out from running because it was so cold. There was still some snow on the ground and I ran wearing at least 3 layers of clothing, a hat and gloves. Despite all of these layers, I froze my butt off while running. I couldn't feel my toes after the race. Runners over the age of 21 get a free beer after the race, but I was beyond frozen to even take a sip. Does that tell you it was a true winter run? I'm getting chills just thinking about it again.
SPRING
Spring can be a tricky season to run in. Do you wear pants? Do you wear shorts? Spring weather can be super warm one day and then cold the next. The struggle I had was that I like to run in the morning before work, but it was often too dark to run outside alone. As spring progresses, you start to notice flowers being planted, leaves on the trees and more people out and about.
SUMMER
Ah, summer. As much as I love summer weather, it can be problematic for a runner. Runners deal with sweat, exhaustion, dehydration, "August Injuries", higher mileage runs and the damn sun. The sun beats down on you and strips all the energy you have and makes you crave water. At this point of training, a Saturday long run is anywhere from 9-20 miles. Imagine running 18 miles in the August sun. August is also the month where most runners are prone to injuries due to the miles they log. However, summer also gives a runner a lot to look at while hitting the pavement. I've enjoyed watching boats out in Lake Michigan, the beauty that is the Chicago skyline and people watching at North Avenue beach. There's just so much to look at! Summer is also the time when marathoners-in-training complete half-marathons. It's a busy time to be a runner!
AUTUMN
Present day. The leaves are started to turn colors and fall from the trees. Runners are starting to trade their shorts for capri pants. I assume anyone who is still running during this season is preparing for the marathon. I know it's a pretty general assumption, but it's what I believe. I love running through the leaves that are on the ground and smelling the crisp air. It's the most beautiful time of year! Autumn is bittersweet because for more casual runners, it's the end of outdoor running season. I'm not the kind of person to run year-round, so autumn means it's time to hit the gym instead of the pavement.
How am I feeling about the marathon? Excited! Nervous! I can't wait!!!! Thank you for all the support!
