Chicago Marathon...Prerace

I was on the fence about signing up for this race from the start.  I had registered in 2008 and was unable to run it since I broke my foot walking out the front door with Kya.  Nice.  When I realized that the date would be 10-10-10, I knew I had to sign up.  The number 10 is Ken's favorite number.  I cannot think of a better way to spend the day than by running a marathon.

We arrived on Friday after flying into Midway.  We took the train and made our way downtown to our apartment.  Side note:  I am fortunate enough to work in the corporate housing industry and receive housing of my own in certain cities.  We chose to stay in an apartment instead of a hotel.  Let me tell you, staying in an apartment is so much better.  I can go to bed early and Ken can stay up in the living room and watch TV. 

Here is the view outside our apartment.  We overlooked the Chicago River and watched sailboats come in.  It was such a gorgeous view.

On Friday night, we made our way down to Navy Pier.  Ken told me it would be similar to the Fisherman's Wharf area in San Francisco.  I prefer the freaks and sea lions in San Fran, but it was fun to check it out.  The Chicago skyline is gorgeous!

On Saturday, we ventured off to the expo.  We ended up walking from our apartment, which was about a mile and a half walk.  Ken will tell you it was about 10 miles, but trust me, it was not more than two. 

I am not a huge fan of expos.  I think they are crowded and I would much rather order the items offered there online and have them conveniently shipped to my door.  This expo was huge and well organized.  I did end up buying a shirt from Niketown.  That experience in itself was enough to remind me why I shop online.  You could not even walk in the Niketown booth area without bumping into someone.  INSANE. 

This here is my favorite picture from the weekend.  As we were leaving the expo, we noticed this gentleman wearing a skin tight Asics, not sure what you call it, leotard?  Anyway, we just had to have a picture.  Perhaps this is what I should sport during my next marathon.  No? 

At lunch, I was asked if I too were running the marathon with my husband.  I informed the lady that my husband was just being kind and carrying my bag and that he was in no way, shape, or form running the marathon.  Later that evening Ken was carrying a 12 pack of beer in the elevator and a man asked him if he were running the marathon in the morning.  Did you hear that, he was carrying a 12 pack of beer and was still thought to be a marathon runner.  Ah, to have those long legs...sigh.

Ken...sherpa or poser???  You decide.