RUNNERS GET READY FOR 2022 RACING SEASON
Spring time allows for more races to happen in-person
As the winter ice and snow finally begins to thaw out, it is time for runners to lace their running shoes to the starting line for the race season to start up again.
Chicago resident John Day is just one of the many runners who will be competing in the Shamrock Shuffle on March 20.
With runners coming back to compete there is also another complex issue that has made this more difficult to come back in-person, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago resident Meredith Reynolds will be lacing up her running shoes to run the in-person race for the 2022 New York City Marathon.
In 2020 Reynolds competed in the virtual New York City and Detroit marathons as well as a handful of half marathons and smaller races.
“I did the Chicago Marathon, Chicago Half Marathon and the Hot Chocolate Run in person in 2021. I also did the Arizona Half Marathon last month,” Reynolds said.
Since the race is until the end of the year, Reynolds will be starting to train in the summer for this race.
For Day, he has not run a race during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I signed up to run the Shamrock Shuffle race in 2020. Then the pandemic came and it switched to a virtual race. I wanted to run it in-person so I decided to not run it that year,” Day said. Now that it is finally in-person I have been training,” Day said.
Day has not run in any virtual races because he feels the experience of it isn’t worth the cost.
Running groups
“I have always loved running with people. I have been running consistently. I feel that virtual races do not help me with my own growth. However, running groups have helped me so I joined the Lakeview Run Club to help me train for in-person races,” Day said.
Similarly, Reynolds joined a running group called the Chicago Endurance Sports group in the South Loop.
“I moved to the South Loop during the shutdown. Everyone (in the running group) was vaccinated and I thought I might as well enjoy it. I thought that helped with accountability,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds mentions how with virtual races you can walk, but it is good to push herself with the coaches assistance.
For Reynolds races, she ran them all by herself but stated that the Chicago Endurance Sports group offers the chance to run a virtual race together with other runners.
The Chicago Runners Area Association (CARA) is a non-profit organization that serves local runners in offering various resources and training for runners.
Brett Genschke is a Board Member for CARA and has said throughout the pandemic CARA has done everything they can to allow for safe training, group runs and races.
“CARA hosted the first ‘large’ race in Chicago in 2021 with the Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler race in April. That race was a resounding success and showed that races could be put on even during a global pandemic with thoughtful precautions put in place,” Genschke said.
Despite the Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler in 2021 being in-person, Genschke claimed that spots were limited to allow for social distancing for the runners and mentions some of the runners were frustrated that there was no virtual option.
For Reynolds, she feels that training in running groups provided her with accountability and comorbidity.
“It is nice to make friends in my neighborhood after interacting with the same five people for nine months,” Reynolds said.
Reflecting on coming back to the starting line
“My first real live race I competed in during the pandemic was the Chicago Half Marathon. It felt so good to be back in-person. You see all of these people and it feels so good to be competing,” Reynolds said.
For Day, he similarly feels excited for coming back in-person.
“It has been a tough few years. I am a runner and races provide me with a sense of belonging where I get to meet new runners. That was taken away from me due to the pandemic,” Day said.
When it comes to finishing the race, Day mentions how he will be a bit rusty for the Shamrock Shuffle since the last time he ran an in-person race was in 2019.
Reynolds brings up the idea of one of the biggest differences she sees with running in a virtual race to an in-person race is the course support.
“When I did the virtual marathons I had to carry a camel pack with snacks, water, and gatorade, I had to buy more gatorade at a gas station. When you don’t have the support for gatorade or for people cheering it gets tough,” Reynolds said.
With no course support during a race it also made Day not want to compete in a virtual race.
“I would rather be safe than sorry. I wanted to run a half marathon, but I wanted as much course support as possible,” Day said.
When asked if runners faced many obstacles and challenges from running virtual races to going back to running in-person races, Reynolds said she thinks it is the same challenges she is seeing as things are starting to open up.
“Runners come in different shapes, abilities so I can see that being more challenging,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds feels pretty confident the New York Marathon will be held in-person.
“I got into the lottery for 2020 and when 2020 happened, they let us differ from 2022. I then picked 2022,” Reynolds said.
The sudden change of running in-person races to virtual running when the pandemic just started felt sudden with the pandemic.
“I rolled with this sudden change when the pandemic started out. The Shamrock Shuffle was the first race that went virtual for me,” Reynolds said.
Winter training
For winter training for the Shamrock Shuffle, Day would try to run outside as much as possible.
“If the temperature hit below 25 as a daytime high, I would usually go run on a treadmill at my gym,” Day said.
Day would try to run outside because an indoor mask mandate has been in effect for all of winter.
Reynolds feels that running with a mask indoors is challenging as well.
“One of the hardest things was training during the week when gyms were closed. Running with a mask is challenging indoors,” Reynolds said.
Day would try to rest one to two days out of the week for recovery. Day would run one long distance run a week as well as two to three base runs a week and one to two days lifting weights or cross-training.
“Running is great. However, there is such a thing of as overtraining. I would also try to vary my workouts so sometimes I would be swimming or I even tried out a boxing class to stay in shape for the winter,” Day said.
As runners are finishing up their winter training, it is important for them to listen to their body as the pandemic has affected and played a toll on our overall health Reynolds adds.
CUPID'S UNDIE RUN CHICAGO 2022
The Cupid's Undie Run took the streets of the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago on Feb. 18. It was a numbing high of 24 degrees as runners who participated are seen running in their underwear and having a party afterwards- all towards a good cause. This annual race that takes place in many U.S. cities focuses on generating funds for Cupid's Charity to find a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF). Cupid's Charity was founded in 2010 and is now a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit with the purpose of sponsoring much-needed research to end NF. To date, Cupid's Charity raised over $21,700,000, with 100% of net proceeds going to their partner, the Children's Tumor Foundation, which is the world's leader in NF research.
CHICAGO RUNNERS GEAR UP FOR WINTER TRAINING
Using the right gear for running outside in Chicago is a must during winter
By Hector Cervantes
Jan. 30, 2022
With colder winter weather in Chicago runners face when training comes many obstacles runners face when training, it is crucial to know how to best handle the many challenges which include snow, ice, wind, and less daylight during the winter months.
It is important for runners to continue their workouts despite these winter hazards. Runners who prefer running outside and not on a treadmill need to know the best ways to stay safe while running outdoors.
Jenny Monsono, the assistant manager of Fleet Feet of Old Town and in Lake View, recommends looking at the temperature outside and then to add 15 degrees.
“Once we are outside, our body temperature itself rises 15 degrees since runners sweat (which will result in their body temperature rising). If you don't do that, you can typically be really overdressed,” Monsomo said.
According to LiveStrong, Body temperature increases during exercise because heat is created as your muscles create energy, says Brian Schulz, MD, sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, California.
Layering up to stay warm
Fleet Feet of Lakeview manager Jamie Hirshman adds that layering is important as well as something really close to the skin that's going to keep you warm.
“Ideally, layering is super important. So having a good base layer, and then a light jacket, you really don't need tons of layers,” Hirshman said.
Larson recommends that people pay the most attention to their innermost layer and whatever is touching your skin.
“You want something that's soft, and you're going to be moisture wicking, so it's going to pull that sweat off your body. Fabrics that are moisture wicking, will dry a lot quicker than say like cotton, which is going to get wet and stay wet, and then have an opportunity to freeze and then actually lower your body temperature,” Larson said.
If the fabric has a rough feel it could shave and then just be uncomfortable and you would want material that will keep you drying and sweat free, according to Larson.
Merino wool is a type of material Hirshman recommends as it is a garment that keeps the skin warm.
“So you want something soft, comfortable. Then the outermost layer, especially in a city like Chicago, it's super windy, you're constantly dealing with elements of rain and snow so you want to make sure that you kind of have a nice shell around you that will help prevent that wind from cutting through. keep you nice and insulated,” Larson said.
An example of an upper body garment that Hirshman recommends is a windproof waterproof jacket.
“Mainly in Chicago, like the biggest element is like the wind, it can obviously feel so much colder when it's super windy out. So having something that's gonna just protect you against the elements,” Hirshman said.
Running routes to stay warm
When it comes to choosing a running route some areas in Chicago see more wind than others.
“When you're in the neighborhoods, a lot of houses and buildings will kind of protect you against some of the winds, so sometimes it's nice to avoid the lakefront trails since it is super windy. Sometimes you just have to run on the lakefront. It's kind of inevitable,” Monsano said.
Monsano also adds she knows a lot of runners who choose to run along the lakefront which makes a big difference in terms of temperatures from being at the lake and within a mile or more away from the lake in residential neighborhoods.
Hirshman usually plans her running routes in the winter where she is running into the wind first and then coming back so that gives her body the chance to warm up.
“Because otherwise if you're running with the wind first you get really sweaty, and then your sweat freezes once you turn around. So planning routes that way works best for me,”Hirshman said.
Shorter days create less ideal running conditions
It is also important for runners to know that running outside in the winter means less daylight which means some runners need to be aware of how running in the dark can affect their performance.
“Some people have a preference whether they want to be seen or they want to actually be seen (when running). I mean, we are lucky since we live in a place that is very well lit,” Monsono said.
Monsonso has even seen runners on the lakefront path carry flashlights as an added protection to be able to see the grounds even though the lakefront trail is well lit.
“If the runners want to be seen, like let's say they're running in the neighborhoods, they don't have access to the lakefront trail runners and even bikers have blinky lights on them or like reflective vests,” Monso said.
If a runner only has time to run in the early morning or the evening, Monsono recommends wearing bright colors.
“You should wear something that is neon or bright. Think of the colors like a construction worker vest or like a highlighter. I know this is something silly to say but it is important that your safety is important,” Monsono said.
Larson adds that bright colored clothing makes you more visible.
“You want to be seen by cars, most importantly, but also bikes and anyone moving near you. White, neons or other bright colors are a good start for your outer layers,” Larson said.
Larson adds that wearing a headlamp is an essential gear especially if it is snowing heavily. Another recommendation Larson makes is that running in the dark requires your full attention which means it is important to Stay alert and aware of your surroundings so putting the volume lower on headphones if a runner chooses to use them is an important tip to stay safe in the cold weather.
Waterproof running shoes for the winter runs
Running shoes are just as important as upper body layers and reflective gear with winter running.
“We do have a few waterproof options (for running shoes) and they usually don't have any extra traction on the bottom but the shoe itself is a little bit more waterproof and that means it's cortex so that's really going to hold that heat in as well and you won't get like your feet won't get wet or anything like that,” Hirshman said.
Fleet Feet does sell Yaktrax which a runner puts on their shoe which has little spikes in it to better help a runner if they encounter snow or ice along their route.
“It will help you get more traction. But the caveat with that is you can't like just wear it on concrete because you have to pick a day when it's really snowy or icy to remember that,” Hirshman said.
Hirshman notes that some people also wear trail shoes which have a Vibram outsole which offers good traction for when it's icy out.
A Vibram sole is a brand of shoe sole manufactured and licensed by the same-named Italian firm. A Vibram shoe's sole is comprised of rubber, which has been reinforced to endure harsh situations including rocky paths and frigid weather.
With these tips and tricks, runners can stay safe and enjoy their time running outdoors while preparing for their next race.
RETURNING TO THE STARTING LINE DURING COVID-19
2021 Bank of America Chicago Runners reflect on their experience running the marathon during the COVID-19 pandemic
By Hector Cervantes
Jan. 12, 2022
As the Bank of America Chicago Marathon made its way back to an in-person race in 2021, many runners had to adjust the way they trained for the 26.2 mile race with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The marathon faced a cancellation last year due to the pandemic and went virtual. There was only one other time the Bank of America Chicago Marathon wasn’t held, which was in 1987, when sponsor Beatrice Foods withdrew its support.
Introducing the runners
Chicago residents Victoria Nguyen, Brett Genschke and Kayla Jane were just a few of the many runners who returned to the starting line in October 2021.
“After the 2020 Chicago Marathon was moved to a virtual race, I was really hoping the 2021 Chicago Marathon would return to an in-person race.I was really happy and thankful that I would be able to put all my hard training to good use in front of so many loud Chicagoans who came out to support us runners,” Genschke said. Despite the Bank of America Chicago Marathon announcing an in-person race, there was still a looming thought that the race would shift to a virtual one in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was happy to learn the Chicago Marathon would be in-person, and cautiously optimistic that it would stay that way. At that point, not many big marathons had taken place in-person over the past year, so I was prepared for the possibility that it would change to virtual,” Nguyen said.
Similarly, Jane reflects that there was a point during the pandemic where everything seemed “back to almost normal and remained cautiously optimist.
“I wasn’t surprised it would be in-person. Only (another) act of God would cancel it. Then, we had the honor to meet Carey Pinkowski, the Executive Director of the marathon since 1990,” Jane said. When Carey said, to the day, how many days it has been since the in-person marathon, and how many days until the 2021 marathon gets to occur in person, we knew nothing could cancel it. His energy is unmatched.”
COVID-19 creates new rules in the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
With the return of in-person races with the pandemic still raging on many races including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon required a proof of vaccine or for runners to submit a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before the race.
“As a young person in my 30s’s, active, and vaccinated, I felt a sense of security. I also believed the research that the chances of outdoor transmission are low. The expo posed the greatest risk, in my view, and I would have preferred that race kits be mailed to participants,” Nguyen said.
When signing up for the marathon Jane knew that she had to be responsible for her own health as she understood the risks she would take by entering a public crowd.
“It is not anyone else’s responsibility to take actions of their own to protect my health. ‘Did I feel 'safer' due to the strict covid policies?’ Sure, I knew there was ‘less risk’ and we have to thank the marathon management for being considerate of everyone at that level,” Jane said. “But even if the marathon had minimal protocols in place, I’d run it. No question.”
Genschke ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for his first time in 2019 and noted the many safety precautions that were established for runners when the race came back in-person in 2021.
One area where Genschke saw a lot more precautions was at the Expo at McCormack Place in 2021 compared to when he ran the Chicago Marathon for the first time in 2019 such as requiring face masks and proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours to get into the Expo.
“Also, at the start of the race the corrals were a bit more spaced out. Many volunteers at the hydration stations were wearing masks,” Genschke said.
Despite the marathon having new safety precautions, the crowds were still out cheering.
“The crowds in the Loop, in Lincoln Park, in Lakeview, in Pilsen, in Chinatown and in South Loop were just so amazing in both 2019 and 2021. I have a lot of gratitude and it's part of what makes this race so special to me,” Genschke said. “I think the sense of "normalcy" was something a lot of runners craved.”
These runners faced many different challenges when it came to training for the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the midst of a global pandemic.
Nguyen no longer had easy access to a treadmill so she did all of her training outside. Despite this challenge, the pandemic brought the opportunity to work from home.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the city of Chicago shut down the water fountains in March of 2020 and the fountains did not open back up to the public until the middle of summer in 2021 which created some problems for Jane.
“As a result of the pandemic, the city turned off the water fountains. So just some inconveniences to plan around,” Jane said.
During the longer runs and hotter days of the summer, Jane would have to buy a water bottle and plan her route accordingly where a convenience store was located.
Jane also was featured on CBS regarding the water fountain issue she encountered while training.
For Genschke, he did not face any struggles when training for the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the pandemic.
“I was able to run long runs, track workouts, speed workout and even tempo runs with the Chicago Area Runners Association group runs. Mentally, it makes it easier to run with other people that are at a similar pace and speed. It also provides a feeling of camaraderie and a "power of the group" spirit,” Genschke said.
He also notes that it makes it tougher to skip a run when you would be letting your friends down. It's the kind of peer pressure he supports.
The future of COVID-19 and running races
Runners face a new challenge when it comes to protecting themselves and others with the COVID-19 pandemic still ravaging society.
“I hope to see in the future when we COVID-19 is no longer a threat if you’re sick, stay home, it is not worth running a race and getting others potentially sick,” Jane said.
When it comes down to running races in the future, Nguyen believes as long as COVID remains a meaningful threat to public health, she hopes that proof of vaccination and negative tests will continue to be required.