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Today, I schlepped my butt down to Montrose Harbor to do the 2010 Proud To Run 10k. This was in spite of the fact that I had a 10k within walking distance. First, I did not know about the local 10k until I was signed up already. Secondly, the local was on streets and paths I run every day. Thirdly, it has been a long time since I exported any kilometers to Chicago or ran a gay roadrace.

It stormed a lot last night, so I did not get much sleep. The thought of the trip down also kept me awake worrying about traffic, parking, etc.

Left Kenosha just before 0600 and arrived at Chicago around 0720. I had Ron, my partner drop me off, and got my t-shirt, etc, then took them to the gear drop.

Ron went to Ann Sathers and had a cinnamin roll, which is probably a greater endurance test than running a 10k.

I loved the views of the city at the starting area. The course seemed awfully complicated, and of course, this being the Chicago lakefront, there are lots of runners around not connected to the race.

Brought along the runnercam, and got lots of good pictures, even though I did get sweat on the lens.

The biggest problem I found was congestion, with 5k runners and 10k runners and walkers all running parts of the same course. I accidentally ran into a walker around k5. That was somewhat embarrassing.

Due to the storm there was lots of water on the course too. That doesn't bother me so much. Loved the stretches on the north end of the course after the 5k runners peeled off the first time, and the last quarter of the course around Montrose Harbor. I also liked the idea of the timing chip being imbedded in the race bib.

I thought the course was a little long. My GPS watch said 10.57k, but thanks to GPS technology, I believe that if you are going to be off, it is better to be long.

I ran a time of 48:33, finishing 69th overall. I wish I had run faster, but the humidity was bad, so I am fairly pleased. I would definitely do it again.

It was good to see Ron at the finish line. He found a parking spot in the nearest lot. I tell you, that guy has talent