Saturday was my fun time around the city day with the Cuz. It was phenomenal. I got back to the hotel at about 10:30 PM and hopped in bed. The Cuz and I tried not wake the Redhead but she was awake as most of us are the night before a marathon. We all settled back in to sleep. (I slept, the other two not so much. Must have been the champagne I had at dinner!)
After the Redhead headed out, Cuz and I ate some breakfast and loaded up our signs, cameras, Redhead’s post race bag, and we were on our way. 
I failed to mention in my last post that Gatorate also ran a great race and is now a BQ for 2011. CONGRATS GATORATE!!!!
The Cuz showing our support!
As we headed toward the race start the city was teeming with spectators. The majority were holding signs or balloons. Balloons, by the way, are a great way to let your runner see you. Wish I would have thought of that!
The Cuz and I headed to the start and were amazed at the sheer volume of people milling about. I have run the Disney Marathon and it’s a pretty big race, but nothing compares to this. I was a tad worried for the runners I saw still not in their corrals. I am so OCD that I could not do that. But I guess since your race doesn’t really start until that chip hits the line…then again, it pays to be in the right pace group area.
The Redhead wanted some photos of the finish area before everyone got there so we obliged and took a few. It was well worth the walk to see it before the runners got there.
Holy bananas!
We then made our way to about the three mile mark. I got some great photos here. We saw the wheelchair racers, the elites, and then our little Redhead. I was so proud of each and every single one of these runners. I am not gonna lie, I wanted to run. You can’t help it. 
That little red arrow is our Redhead.
A real viking – real naked that is. WTF? Hahahaha.
A Blues Brother.
You go, Wonder Woman.
Hey! It’s the King! Hey Elvis!
At this point we jumped in a cab and headed to the 10.25 mile marker. We missed all of our runners and decided it would be best to head on to Chinatown where I could jump in with the Redhead. Prior to the race the Redhead decided I should jump in with her to make sure she was going strong. Let me tell you what, I jumped in and you would have thought she was on mile three. It was amazing how pumped up and lively she was. I saw people around her in serious states of suffering and she was not even phased. I am so proud of her! I was really excited to run those four miles. I jumped out at about mile 25 and sprinted to the meet up area. While we jokingly say I was a “bandit” I was really there as a pacer (banditing is frowned upon). Again, she didn’t need it, but was excited to see me. There was a slight snafu at this point because I had no phone and couldn’t find the Cuz. Luckily a friendly Chicago police officer let me use his phone. Thanks 5-0!I know this has been a super long report but I really want to impress upon you all how great the Chicago Marathon is. From the expo to the race course to the spectators, it’s an awesome time. 
I am gearing up for my Halloween Half Marathon now and am jazzed about racing again. Even though this is going to be a “fun” run, I am ready to add to my bling.
Wow just a great weekend overall. And no pooping. Who could ask for more?
This sounds like an amazing race to see! (and run!)
Sounds like an amazing weekend and I am so glad to hear that you're running again. I ran Chicago last year and it was 90 degrees by the time I got to mile 16. When we started the Long Beach Marathon on Sunday I think it was in the 30's in Chicago so the conditions were much better.
Congrats to the Cuz!!
Great post 🙂
Yay for the Blues Brother!!!! Chicago just isn't Chicago without Jake and Elwood!! Great recap! Now I really really want to go to Chicago!
How fun! I always LOVED going to meets in high school and getting to spectate instead of run. This may be a dumb question, but her arm sleeves…I've been going to purchase some, but I started reading and are they supposed to help with circulation or what? Good luck in your Halloween half. My first half is just a few weeks after that. BTW…I don't know how those people run in costumes, I would be so uncomfortable! Have a great day!
You are an awesome spectator! I am sooo going to hire you for my next big race! What are you doing Dec. 6th? Hahahahaha!
Redhead did amazing, but you were great, too. I think Chicago might have to be a big race for me next year! 😉
See you at the Halfathon – if only you knew where I was drinking beer and when…
Great recap, B.o.B.! You are a great friend! So proud of Jen and you! And you'll rock that half-marathon this month! Woooooooo hoooooooo!
You're such an awesome friend. Can I rent you for my next race? :o)
I totally agree with you–Chicago is a fantastic race! I volunteered at the starting corrals this year and it was soooo fun. Good luck with your Halloween half!
Great, now we're waiting on you in the 'D'. Hopefully the weather will be warmer than Chicago!
This was a great (two-part) race post, I loved all the photos!
You're such a good friend and man, it looks like you had so much fun!
Hey B.o.B.!!! Sorry for being so absent!
Glad you had a great time in the windy city! Congrats to the redhead!
how cool, I'm glad that you were able to participate at least a little bit!!!
You are such a great friend!! I'm so glad that you got to experience that with her and were there for her 🙂 YAY! 🙂
How fun, you guys looked like you had soooo much fun!
Ahh…you are sucha great friend and the little redhead did an amazing job!!
What a great race!
Arent' you quite the fabulous friend?
Oh and p.s….you get typos with after midnight comments. That's how I roll.
Way to support everyone!! Awesome report. Glad you all had a nice time in Chicago.
Sounds like great times!! Great pics too. 🙂
Thanks B.O.B! Great recap, it's clear you are a wonderful friend. Good tip with the balloons when there are big crowds; I never saw my family on the course but they saw me. Another good idea is to hold-up a large UF Gator flag.
Awesome pics! I love my some good races and the crazy peeps in costume!
What a great report B.o.B.! As a person who was the recipient of a cheering section this past weekend I cannot tell you how *big* a difference that made to me! I'm sure the Redhead will forever be in your debt!
And I've got to thank you for all of your words of encouragement and help these past weeks. It *really* made a difference! When I look back I can directly credit you with that fabulous gel/Endurolyte idea and the Spibelt! Thank you thank you thank you!
(Not to mention the thought of you checking in on me meant I *had* to follow through with this thing.)
I am still prtty disappointed at my results, but it was such a great experience. I'm already planning my next one in March!
A
what an awesome spectator you are! how convenient to have friends to provide a post-race bag… i've never had such luxury! well, i have, if i had thought to ask them to hold to such a bag 😉 ah well.
i definitely don't consider your 4 miles "banditing". hopping in to support a friend for a couple miles is OK in my book. (banditing irritates me to no end!)
you will run your own marathon(s) soon!! hold onto that fire!
I feel like I was there!
Wow that was one of the best spectator reports I have read.. what a great friend you are!
Love the pics and the signs (poor Spike..haha).
You look amazing! Good luck on your next big run. Glad you are feeling better.
ohhh where is the Halloween half?? I really need to find a race. Do you have any sites that you use to find FL races?
way to go on being an amazing supporter
Nice job paparazzi! Your reports are fun and inspiring. I'm ready to sign for Chi town 2010 just from reading this. Rock on!
Looks like you guys had an awesome time in Chicago! Way to be a moving cheering section!! 🙂 Glad to hear that you're on your way back to running again! Is Chicago now on your 'must run' list?? LOVE the city, route and spectators!
Hehe! LOVE IT! Your spectator report makes me feel like I'm reliving the race again! I kind of want to fast-forward to Chicago 2010 . . . just so I can do it again! 🙂