Ridge Run

One of the best things about the Ridge Run is that you get to see a lot of familiar faces. Year after year, I seem to know more people every time I do the race. Some are new friends, some are old friends, but what's very special is that we all choose to start off our Memorial Day with a quick jaunt around the Beverly neighborhood.

The Ridge Run is one of the more popular races in the Chicagoland area. The event is very well organized from packet pickup to mile markers to a nice finish line spread, the race is one of the best around. The course takes you through the Beverly neighborhood and there are lots of spectators cheering the runners on. The 10K is really the premier race of the event, but I chose to run the 5K this year.

We arrived with plenty of time to make a pit stop, pick up our packets and we saw Griz and his brother near the registration table. Went back to the car, and on the return trip, I saw Goose taking Pat for a walk. I later saw Randy, BC, Donna and Lori all gearing up for the 10K. I saw Doug somewhere along the way. I was able to wish Pam good luck as she was standing in the start corral. I gave Joe a big Hi-5 and wished him luck as he ran off at the start of the 10K. I was starting to feel like a loser for being the only one entered in the 5K! Then I found JQ, who was also doing the 5K and we did a quick little warm up together. (who warms up for a 5K??)

There's not much to write about a 5K. You start, you run, you get tired, you keep running and then it's over. The course was different from last year, but still great. I was passed by Trevor, who I think is all of 11 years old and runs like the wind. The only females that passed me were much, much younger than me, hell, they could have been my kids! So as I ran, I just kept thinking - you know, you're not doing so bad, no women are passing you. But I felt heavy on my feet and I never did feel smooth.

These two very important men in my life turned in outstanding performances:



All in all, it was a fun race. Not my best time, but considering the lack of training I've been able to put in this week, I'm fine with it. The highlight of the race is still seeing all the familiar faces, some runners, some triathletes, but everyone out there to have a good time.