Well folks, today is my Friday. Hallelujah!

As I normally do a thankful Thursday, I think we all know what I am thankful for today. It’s my Friday AND I leave for Chicago tomorrow, duh!

As I mentioned, I’m leaving on a jet plane tomorrow morning at the butt crack of dawn. Thank God for Mom’s who live close to the airport and get up early anyway!

Just for fun I thought I’d break down the players in my little trip to the Windy City.

The Redhead
I met the Redhead when I lived in Orlando and we worked together. I had started getting more serious about running at the same time she did. Word got out that we both ran and we paired up for some post work running. And by running I mean like oh 2 to 3 miles of dying. And well here we are now. She is now one of my closest friends and the fact that she “gets it” only makes me love her more.

I am probably going to hop in with the Redhead at about mile 22 or so. Here’s hoping I can find her. AND here’s hoping those few miles I run with her aren’t a sprint for me. We all know how speedy she is.

I told her she’d be on pace and I can provide as much comic relief/support as is needed. I know she is going to do amazingly well and am so happy to be there for her. She’s been a rock for me lately and is always there to listen. And joke. And cry. And joke and cry some more.

Here’s to your first marathon Boo!

Speedy Jess
Speedy Jess joined the BRA a little after I did. She got wind of the fact that we have some amazing coaches and took them up on their offers to help. She is one of the most dedicated runners I have ever met. She’s always got a smile on her face and is so extremely positive. She makes a mean cupcake and she loves cowboys…so if you know any…

She’s shooting for a BQ and let’s be honest here peeps, she is going to get it. I can’t wait to see her coming down the final stretch. I am sure between me, her, and the Redhead we are going to need some Kleenex.

Gatorate
Ok so I met Gatorate way back when I did that hash. You all remember my infamous hash story right? No? Fine. Click HERE. I would tell you his entire hash name, but well, it’s not exactly PG rated.

Gator recently started coming out to more BRA runs and I really enjoy him and his girlfriend, Nautical Girl. They have great senses of humor (as most hashers do) and I wish him the best of luck in Chicago!

Bloggy Friends and More
In addition to the above I am hoping to meet bloggers from Running Spike, Irish Cream, Run on Sentence, Fair Weather Runner, Tom from the Runner’s Lounge, Pretaporterpb, AND A Viking Running. (The Redhead has coordinated all of this via Excel spreadsheet. Gotta love Type A’s!)

I also get to meet some of the Redhead’s fam. I can’t wait to meet her cousin and hit the town.

That about sums it up. I should be back to a computer by Monday evening. I don’t know how you all are going to make it without me for that long either and I without you all. But rest assured this trip is going to make for some great blogging.

“This is my kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of people too
People who smile at you”
-Jimmy Van Heusen