I’m baaaaaaack! I’ve got so much to tell you all about this trip that it has to be in segments or you’ll burn your retinas.
Good thing Coach EK was here to fill in. Although, Lloyd was not too happy. (He got over it pretty quickly when I gave him the Chicago dog I had stuffed in my purse before the plane ride home.)
Yes, that is the actual dog I ate. I know it looks kind of crazy but it was delish. Apparently Chicago dogs incorporate everything but the kitchen sink.
As you all know the
Redhead kicked her first marathon’s butt and is now more than ever, my hero. Seriously, the girl is indefatigable.
CONGRATS REDHEAD!!!!I am also ELATED to report that Speedy Jess is officially a Boston Marathon qualified runner! She blew her qualifying time out of the water. CONGRATS SPEEDY JESS!!!!
Now, I have so many pictures, over 400, that I am having trouble deciding where to go with this recap. First things first, we had such a great time and I really, really enjoyed meeting Redhead’s family. Her cousin, M and M’s boyfriend B, and Redhead’s Dad and aunts were just super great people. (No surprise there really.)
In addition I got to meet
Running Spike. Go read his recap please. I’ll wait.
CONGRATS SPIKE!!!!You back? Ok so, the other bloggy meet-ups didn’t happen but knowing they were there running too is good enough for me.
Redhead, Spike, Speedy Jess, Moi, and Speedy’s friend also a first timer I did have an awesome eat and drink fest and full filled my dreams of pizza, beer, hot dogs, and a fancy pants dinner date with the Cuz at The Signature Room which is on the 95th floor of the Handcock building. Can you say champagne and creme brulee? I knew that you could. Jamoosh, they have a pretty tasty local beer called three one two. Don’t say three twelve or the locals will look at you funny. Not that I did or anything.
In addition to the three one two, I had some other tasty libations and decided that it would be awesome to jump in on keyboard and jam with this handsome fellow. 
It had to be done. The people of Chicago are so amazing and the Chicago Marathon should be on EVERY runner’s list. It is a must do. It is certainly on mine now.Check back soon for the official spectator report. I missed you guys and have a lot to catch up on!
fun pics! glad your travels were safe and you had a blast spectating. can't wait for the official spectator report 🙂
Sounds like it was an unforgettable time! So excited for Redhead and I can't wait to read more!
Looks SO fun. Can't wait for the race recap!!
okay – so right now, that chicago dog is looking mighty fine. Darn you! I want one now. NOW!!! lol
Great photos…I sometimes feel like a hot dog snob because I grew up on Nathan's from Brooklyn, but that Chicago dog is lookin' delish!
Sounds like you had a blast from start to finish in Chi-town! Thanks for your encouragement and support and for the awesome sign, even though I somehow missed it. It's definitely the thought that counts!
So fun! The hot dog looks so yummy!!!
So fun!! I wanna go to chicago now 🙂
Great pics! Are you supposed to be in a hair commercial??? Your hair is so shiny in the last photo! Jealous! 🙂
I heart you. 🙂
So glad you had a great time!
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for everything…
Damn that dog looks good. I love me some Chicago Dogs (I almost always hook up with one at the Airport during a layover)
Dude, that dog looks great. Matter of fact, if you handed it to me right now, I'd eat it for breakfast. No joke.
Sounds like quite the trip! Love the photos so far.
Is it wrong that I am craving a hot dog right now, at 9:51AM?
Looks like you had a great time! How fun. I Really want to run Chicago some day.
That's it? You're gonna leave me hangin'? Get on it girly! I need your post-race/party recap!
(Looks like you all had a blast – glad you're home safe and sound!) 🙂
looks like you had a great trip. I'll be in Chi-town next week… for work… not so much fun
yum a pickle in a hotdog! Looks like a great trip–Chi-town is one place I would love to visit!
Hahaha at the Keyboarder guy! Did ya'll play chopsticks???? I've got to get to Chicago one day!
OMG, I would DOMINATE that hot dog!! SO glad you had such a blast. : )
haha, it's called 312 for the area code…which is why it's pronounced "three one two"…glad you got yourself some goose island while visiting the great city of chicago! fun stuff!
Thought you got rid of me huh? Nope. Not that easy!
Chicago dogs! Mmmmm! I think the thing that makes them special is the pickle and the pepper! And the pooppy seed bun. Just don't have drug test afterwards!
I'm just catching up and need all the deets…
I'm glad you took lots of great pics…mission accomplished you paparazzi…
OMG, why didn't I eat a Chicago dog (or ten) while I was there? I am so upset I might just have to go back . . .
Or, I suppose, there's always next year 🙂