Tiny Desk

In commemoration of my recent trip to Chicago (race photos and narrative forthcoming), here's Wilco in one of the better Tiny Desk Concerts I've seen in some time. The usual Wilco wittiness coupled with great new tunes from Jeff and the crew. Take a few minutes to watch the video (if you're required to multitask, the video works equally excellent as a streaming audio-only feed). Really like what you see/hear, don't forget, NPR welcomes "your tax-deductible gift helps keep all your favorite news, entertainment, and music programs on your local public radio station." You might also want to head down to your local record store and pick up (granted you'd be hard pressed to find a record store and the more likely avenue for musical purchases [i.e. digital music download] doesn't really involve much in the way of physical involvement) Wilco's new album, The Whole Love.

Race Day!

Race bib properly pinned and ready to run. Tip of the day: before pinning the bib to your singlet, crinkle it into a ball to make it more pliable and less noisy.

Instead of the usual pacing wristband, the Chicago Marathon and Nike created these easy to read and non-interfering temporary tattoos. Since this was my first full marathon, 3 hours 10minutes seemed like a feasible accomplishment. By the end of the course, I would be rather pleased by my somewhat faster time. Does the first time racing a particular distance count as a PR?

During the wee hours of the morning I gathered with my energetic race support team. T-shirts on, the team is ready to zip around Chicago (by foot and even by taxi -- just to make sure they'd be able to cheer often and loudly) and encourage me through all 26.2 miles. Fantastic job!

While walking to the start line we spy some last minute race prep. each drink area featured one block of gatorade followed by one block of water -- tables, cups, and volunteers lined both sides of the street. thanks so much to the entire Chicago Marathon volunteer team -- it wouldn't have been possible without you!

Still waiting for the sunrise, I am more than adequately hyped up on adrenaline, nervous energy, and just general excitement. After a leisurely walk to Grant Park and the race coral area, it's time to say goodbye for a few hours. One last hug and quick photo before heading into the racers' only area.

An artistic photo (courtesy of my outstanding and never-tiring race support team) of the sun rising over the lake and illuminating the urban architecture along East Randolph Street.

And they're off! The elite marathoners (including eventual winners Moses Mosop (2:05:37) and Liliya Shobukhova (2:18:20)) head north on Columbus Drive, away from the start line toward the tunnel under East Randolph St. At this point I'm still nervously waiting to be released. Somewhere near the back of the A coral, I'm ebbing and flowing as the crowd attempts to surge forward, only to be restrained and slightly bottlenecked in the staging area.

Meanwhile...

Reggie, Alyfia, Jon, and Carmen make a quick breakfast stop at Dunkin' Donuts. 

After fueling up for a long day of zipping around the city, they're hot-footing to another spot along the course.

Here come the elite runners (see Ryan Hall stealthily drafting near the back of the pack), so the rest of the marathoners can't be too far behind...

Somewhat blurry, here I emerge from under the El tracks shortly after the elites (seconds? minutes? I'm not really sure, like the photo, the specifics of time during the race are somewhat blurry).

Oh, to be an elite marathoner. If you've ever run in a large event, you know how chaotic (not to mention treacherously slick) the hydration stations become. No matter the density of the pack that you are running with, the mad dash for fluids and fuel gives rise to a near riotous atmosphere. If you've never participated in a large event (it doesn't need to be anywhere near the size of the Chicago Marathon, get more than a few hundred runners on the same course and things get a bit hectic), glance up the screen to the pre-dawn picture of the Gatorade table. Now superimpose an image of pandemonium from Tale of Two Cities or perhaps Les Misérables and you'll have a fairly accurate understanding of la terreur of taking on fluid (I jest of course, a bit hyperbole and [hopeful] humor). Now, contrast the hydration of mere running mortals with the personalized fluid and fuel tables provided for the running elites. Pretty cool! Each runner has a specific fluid mixtures (differing ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fluids depending upon time/distance/weight) are skillfully placed atop the table by the volunteers trying to shrink themselves under the collapsible surfaces and stay well out the way as elites comes zipping through.

Eager with anticipating and noisemakers on the ready, my supporters swiftly repositioned themselves throughout the race course. Their unwavering enthusiasm was a welcome boost throughout the 26.2 miles. Although I never knew when I might hear and see them again, the mystery of it all kept me galloping through the streets.

Nearing the end and growing a bit tired, I am still loving every minute of the race. As you can see, the weather was outstanding (albeit a bit warmer than desired).

Not a cloud in the sky and the upper 70s makes for a wonderful October weekend. Much of the course featured beautiful treelined (and consequently pleasantly shaded) streets, but some portions were somewhat more of an industrial urban landscape (such as  above -- South Michigan avenue, just north of 33rd Street if I recall correctly) and a bit on the warm side.

And, now on the finishing straightway, a final surge of energy to blast toward the line (the next three photos are courtesy of MarathonFoto, thank you.)...

Realizing that I've rounded the final corner and that I actually have some energy remaining (arguably it may not have been "real" and "remaining" energy, but more accurately a boost of adrenaline), I kick up the speed a bit. The time on my watch indicates that I've qualified for the 2013 Boston Marathon, but I really want to finish under the three hour mark.

The facial expression should effectively translate the effort. With all bodily energy, I was trying desperately to break the three hour mark...

Well, that wasn't so bad. Look at that smile. One of relief? In all seriousness, it was a wonderful race and an outstanding first marathon experience. Although I just missed the three hour mark, I am well satisfied with a finishing time of 3:00:42 (757 overall, 659 male finisher, and 150 in my division (male 30-34)). While there is some much needed rest and recovery upcoming, I am already looking forward to my next marathon. Now having run a full marathon, I have a better sense of what to expect from my body over the entire 26.2 miles and believe the next race I will be in a position to [hopefully] improve upon my time.

Chicago Marathon Course Tour

Shifting mediums a bit, today's installment provides a captivating A/V experience. Courtesy of Runner's World, I proudly present a quick video preview of the 2011 Chicago Marathon.


Although the content comes from earlier editions of the Windy City's marathon, Carey Pinkowski offers a great overview of the neighborhoods and unique qualities that make this one of the world's best marathoning experiences.

More videos will (likely) be available later -- as soon as I can decipher the Runner's World embedding code (which is currently a bit wonky and therefore not working properly). In the meantime, enjoy the race preview and think about how incredible it would be to receive payment and sponsorship for hard work and swift running.

Miles, Neighborhoods, and Motivation

Here's a great series of motivational photos from Nike Running. Also a nice photographic tour of the marathon course. For residents (and many tourists as well), the iconic sites (and associated sounds -- right now I can hear the clack that marks the beginning of the bridge, followed by a few seconds of  zzzzzz-ing as vehicles hum over the bridge, and a final clack as they exit the metal and return to the concrete roadway -- and scents -- a mixture of exhaust, river water, and cool steel) provide a great reminder of just how important the diversity (architectural, economic, ethnic, landscape, etc., etc.) of the cityscape is to Chicago's history and future. Whether you'll be in the Windy City to watch the race or tracking its progress online, these images should help your orient and visual the course and runners' progress.

Let the tour begin...

Welcome to Marathon Week

Training is more or less complete (although, I certainly could benefit from more time -- isn't that always the case though?). With a mere seven days to go, I'm as prepared as possible for this attempt at 26.2. To commemorate the countdown to the 2011 Chicago Marathon, I've decided to keep the prose to a minimum and allow images and videos to convey the whole body adrenaline-surges and subsequent lightness of being that I am already experiencing. Just thinking about Sunday's race creates a floating feeling -- traversing the fine line between anxiety and excitement.

Thus it begins...

Runner's World "Rave Run" Chicago, March 2009
Download in various sizes here

If you're interesting in following the raceday events in realtime, Runners World is providing live coverage throughout the day. You can even subscribe to an email reminder system to ensure that you'll be connected for the 7:30am start.

Running with Ryan

Ryan Hall cresting Boston's Heartbreak Hill.
Check out that form and pace. Amazing!

Or at least behind him. Probably well behind him. With a personal marathon record of 2:04:58 (2011 Boston Marathon**) and having just placed fourth at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (4 September 2011) in Virginia Beach, VA, in 1:03:01, the only glimpse I'll have of Hall will likely come in the start corral. Even then, he'll be seeking pre-race serenity at the head of the Elite Corral while I jockey for breathing room in the commoners' B Corral. Still though, the field of elite runners competing at Chicago should provide for amazing spectating. If you're planning to drive, run, or ride to the marathon, don't forget to glance at the helpful info in the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Spectator Guide and website. Regardless if you're attending the marathon, there is loads of interesting  information available at the Runner's World site dedicated to the Chicago Marathon. 

An exciting development in the world of health and wellness.
Learn more about the recent Westin -- New Balance
health and fitness partnership here, here, or here.

In other exciting running and general health & fitness news, Westin Hotels & Resorts has partnered with New Balance (a great company that I think we all [no matter or running shoe preferences -- mine  conveniently happens to be NB] can get behind) to provide guests with complimentary athletic shoes and apparel during their stay. As the press release explains,

During their stay, guests can borrow running shoes with brand new, disposable insoles for each use, as well as a variety of men’s and women’s apparel including shorts, shirts and socks for men and shorts, capri pants, shirts, sports bras and socks for women. 

While there are some less-than-stellar aspects of this program (largely involving the disposal nature of some of the products -- but then again, there are some health concerns [e.g. MRSA, etc.] that probably make full-scale reusability a bit unrealistic), the overall concept is simply outstanding. The creation of a program that encourages more people to become more active must be applauded. Sure, there are some issues of accessibility (i.e. if you can afford to lodge at a Westin, you probably don't have any trouble affording fitness gear), this could very well initiate a wider hotel fitness trend. Although the Westin website states "Westin has recently partnered with New Balance to provide athletic shoes and apparel during your stay, for a fee,"the exact price of the program is not published anywhere. In fact, there is some discrepancy about the existence of the fee at all. Reports and press releases seem to indicate that the program will be available to Westin guests free of charge. In his WSJ overview and analysis of the hoteling trend "to beef up fitness offerings" Kevin Helliker stresses the no-charge aspect of the program, but the proceeds to question its appeal,

Westin Hotels & Resorts is launching a free program to loan guests New Balance-brand fitness shoes and apparel. But will road-warriors really want to wear communal running socks? 

Under the new "gear-lending" program, to be launched Tuesday, women will receive Capri pants, a sports bra, shirt, socks and shoes. Men will get a shirt, shorts, socks and shoes. Between uses, Westin says the clothes will undergo the same intense hot-water laundry process used on hotel sheets and towels. Also, the exterior of shoes will be cleaned and the inner soles will be replaced between guests.

Communal running socks? Come on Helliker. All of the official sites and releases emphatically state, "Shoes come with socks that are brand new and apparel is provided fresh and clean." Either the uproar over wearing laundered socks caused a re-evaluation of the program or Helliker's reporting was questionable. Suppose it doesn't really matter in the grad scheme of things. But, it seems important to make the program appealing and don't allow inaccurate reporting to discourage guests from taking advantage of an opportunity to improve their quality of life and health via exercise. Some food for thought if you ever find yourself at a Westin and in need of running gear.

And finally, my moment of marathon zen...

A bit of Obama inspired motivation after Barcelona's astonishing 2009 season (Josep "Pep" Guardiola is the current Barcelona manager [and former player]). During this dream of a season, Barcelona not only became the first club in Spain to win the treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, & Champions League), but also became the first football club ever to win six out of six competitions in a single year -- or the never-thought-plausible sextuple (the aforementioned treble & the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup). I'm hoping that if I recite this mantra (in addition to whatever song happens to imbed itself in my subconscious) during the race, a bit of Pep magic will help propel my legs and fill my lungs. We'll see. Superstitions are encouraging and motivational, right?

**Boston Marathon, 18 April 2011 -- Hall ran the fastest marathon ever by an American, finished fourth, but not an American record because the Boston course is not eligible for records owing to its point-to-point layout and its elevation drop of greater than 1 meter per kilometer. A kind (i.e. very strong) net tailwind (15-20 miles/hour) contributed to the runners' remarkable 2011 times (Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai ran 57 seconds under the recognized world record in winning in 2:03:02, but again, not a new official world record).

101%

For better image resolution and/or to download a pdf copy
of the official course map, please direct your browser here.

Well, we've done it! With two weeks until raceday, I've met my minimum fundraising goal! In fact, my current tally is a whopping $1,005 or 101% of the minimum fundraising requirement. Amazing!

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who donated. Your support (both emotionally and financially) has been absolutely tremendous throughout the entire training and fundraising cycle. This truly could not have been without your generous support. In some sense, I am a running version of your local PBS or NPR affiliate -- viewer supported programming. Everyone chips in a bit, whatever amount they are able, and we all benefit. Too much of a stretch maybe? Perhaps not the most lucid connection (it makes sense in my head though, listen closely during the next fund drive and maybe you'll understand my mental networking). Regardless of my metaphorical success, your kind words and generous giving are simply outstanding. Thanks so very much for making my marathon fundraising goals a reality. I and the youngster of Chicagoland appreciate your donations.

Haven't donated yet? Don't worry -- If you're still interested, there's still plenty of time to contribute to the Chicago Fire Foundation. Just visit my fundraising website and after a few easy steps you'll have made a tax-deductible contribution that will directly improve the lives of youngsters throughout Chicagoland.

Planning to travel to Chicago to watch the race? Take a look at the official 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Spectator Guide for all sorts of helpful hints (e.g. CTA, times, special viewing sections, etc.). If the PDF is your cup of tea, the marathon website is full of helpful spectator information and race specifics.

At the time of press, 12 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 27 seconds remain until the 7:30am start of the race on Sunday, 9 October 2011. Holy smokes! Hope to see many of you at the start (and more importantly at the finish) line!

Davidson Run for Green Half Marathon

Earlier today I had my biggest running result ever!

Wanting to test my fitness ahead of next month's Chicago Marathon I decided (last week) to enter the Davidson Run for Green half marathon. In planning it seemed like a great opportunity -- not only would the Run for Green half provide a raceday effort for me, but it would also raised money for the Davidson Land Conservancy. Having taught for the Duke Talent Identification Program at Davidson College for two summers, I have fond memories of the numerous miles I logged on the area's roads and trails. Needless to say, I was eager to get back to Davidson for some running. Confident in my fitness and injury-free, I was optimistic going into the race. With two previous half marathons on my running resumé (Baltimore 2010 - 1:29:08 and Outer Banks 2010 - 1:27:45) and a string of 4th place division (male and age category) finishes, I thought it might be possible to break 1:25 and finish in the top 3 of my division (in this case, 30-34 male). Little did I know how well things would go.

When I stopped at Fleet Feet in Huntersville (if your ever in need of running gear and/or local running knowledge, please stop by Birkdale Village and visit them) to purchase some Clif Shot Bloks, the friendly and knowledgeable staff informed me that the race would feature some rather fast runners (i.e. previous and current NCAA runners and olympic hopefuls. There was explicit mention of Kalib Wilkinson, a local superstar high school runner now at Liberty University and sponsored by Brooks). Now, this didn't really put a damper on my race expectations (I never expected to complete at that level -- winning was never on the pre-race radar), but was certainly humbling (and simultaneously motivating). The conversation did cause me to more seriously consider my pre-race preparation. Since the pace was likely to be quick right from the start, I wanted to be near the front to begin, hopefully I would be able to situate myself with a few other runners who were moving at fast, but manageable pace (i.e. one that I could maintain for 13.1 miles).

Well, things definitely started fast. Nearly immediately, Wilkinson pulled away from everyone. He opened a multiple second gap after the first mile. It was impressive. Meanwhile, I managed to mix in with some members of the local running club and a young lady with knee-high compression socks. The pace was quick, but not outlandish. By mile 4 or so, the lead group (save for Wilkinson who was in the lone leader by far) dwindled and I found myself alone with one man from the local club and the aforementioned long socked woman -- it turns out she is Molly Nunn (former Wake Forest distance runner and current olympic hopeful).

Everyone did a their fair share of leading (thus supplying a bit of draft for the other two). As we hit the halfway point and started heading back (my only critique of the race is the rather tight turnaround -- see the map above) toward the start/finish area, the group of three became a group of two as Molly and I increased the pace for a quicker second half.

Without any discussion or plan, Molly and I ended working together to keep the pace up and draft off one another. By sheer happenstance, we ended up running together, each runner silently motivating the other. Strategy was minimal -- work together, talk about specifics as needed, run fast. A generally rolling course, the final few miles did present a few leg burning climbs (short, but steep inclines that required quick bursts of energy to maintain the pace). With longer legs and gait, I opened a small gap on the one of the final climbs.

Nearing the finishing area (which also included a climb), I heard shouts of encouragement coming from behind. Glancing back I could see two things. 1) Molly exclaiming for me to pick up the pace and surge toward the finish and 2) another male runner, who seemingly appeared out of the ether, rapidly closing on me. At this point, all I could think was "move legs, move! you've worked so hard for the entire race, there's no way you can get passed now!" Somewhere from the reserve tank, I harnessed a few remaining atoms of energy (thanks Clif Bar). Through the magic of bodily fission, I split those atoms and released a vast, immeasurable quantify of energy and flat out (or at least what resembled a flat out sprint after 13 miles) sprinted to the finish line. As luck and legs would have it, I finished in 1:22:29, good enough for second place overall! One second faster than Travis Tarbet (Greer, SC) and a humbling twelve minutes slower than Kalib Wilkinson. After our cooperative pacing, Molly crossed the line just a few seconds behind me (1:22:40) and won the women's overall by nearly six minutes.

After the race, Molly and I chatted briefly -- offered congratulations and thank the other for working together throughout the race. At the prize ceremony (oh, yes, I also collected $50 for my effort -- which, I believe is the first time I've ever collected any sort of compensation for running), I spoke with Kalib for a few moments. Super friendly guy (not to mention blazingly fast). It turns out that he is running Chicago and was using today's half as a test of fitness. Small world, huh? After congratulations and wishing each luck in Chicago, it was time to get on with the day (and check out the Davidson Farmers Market).

I've said it before, but the collegiality of runners never fails to impress me. Whether a top-flight athlete, newbie, or anywhere in-between, runners always seem to be the friendliest, most helpful, and consistently encouraging bunch of people. Competitive? Sure, of course. But nary a hint of pretension anywhere.  

Want to know more? Read a pre-race forecast and full post-race report from DavidsonNews.net.

The look of pure excitement and total satisfaction.
A second place finisher's self portrait.

Nike and MJ

MJ Fox that is.

Since 1989, fashion forward (and generally forward-thinking) folks have been eagerly awaiting the production of Nike's self-lacing hightops worn by Marty McFly in Back to the Future II. Well sneakerheads, now's your chance to get the kicks and affect social change at the same time. In an effort to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Nike is auctioning off 1,500 pairs of the cinematically famous Nike MAG.

Wittily dubbed Back 4 the Future, Nike's ingenious charity marketing campaign involves a great video (that has more or less gone viral, but it's embedded below nonetheless  -- sorry, I'm a bit slow in getting it up on the blog) starring Kevin Durant, Bill Hader, Christopher Lloyd, among others. To bid on the 2011 Nike MAG shoes, go to nikemag.ebay.com (at time of publication, bids on my size 12.0 were between $2075.00 and $3305.55).

Great Scott! It gets better -- Google co-founder Sergey Brin and his wife Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe (sorry, I didn't hyperlink to a description of or corporate website for Google; I assume everyone is at least generally familiar with the company, product, and verb), have agreed to match all donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation - up to $50 million.

Perhaps more importantly, here is a message from Fantastic Mr. Fox himself...

And a brief clip of Fox's appearance on Letterman...

Here's a tip of my digital hat to the folks at Nike. They certainly know how to put together (what appears to be) a widely successful charity campaign. If you have some spare time and money, I encourage you to think about bidding on a pair of Nike MAGs, donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation directly, or if you're feeling particularly generous, perhaps a donating to my own charitable fundraising efforts on behalf of the Chicago Fire Foundation (25 days and $395.00 to go).

60 and 75 -- A Tale of Things Remaining

Surging toward the finish at 2011 Bozeman Classic 10k

With the calendar now reading 9 August 2011 (how did this happen?), a mere two months remain until the 34th running of the Chicago Marathon. As a number, 60 is a fair amount. Sixty dollars goes pretty far at the grocery store. Sixty minutes is more than enough time for an entire class session (for those thrice weekly Monday, Wednesday, Friday courses). Sixty feet is a descent height for bouldering, free diving, and about the same distance as the 20 yard box on a football pitch. In a runner's world however, 60 represents an all too brief training period (that is, when it is not representing 60 miles -- which is a whole lot of distance in [this] runner's world). Most training regimens for distance running suggest around 5 months (the revered Hal Higdon usually works on an 18 week schedule) weeks to adequately prepare a runner's mind and body for the marathoning experiences.   I think this rather poignantly marks what you might call "crunch time."  With training days vanishing -- only 5 (or perhaps 7 depending upon my scheduling ability) runs over 17 miles remaining -- I am focusing on the quality, speed, and altitude of the training days available.

Don't worry, there's still time to contribute to my charitable endeavors (on behalf of the Chicago Fire Foundation). If you're ready, willing, and able, please take a few moments to visit my fundraising page and make a donation. Since I'm aiming (i.e. contractually obligated) to raise a lofty $1000 (with a hefty $755 remaining [approximately 75% of my total fundraising commitment]), I will greatly appreciate any and all contributions. Don't forget -- every penny helps (no amount is too small [nor is any amount too large]). Click here or click on the Chicago Marathon logo at the top of righthand column to access my fundraising website.

With most of the past month spent in (or en route to) Bozeman, I was fortunate enough to spend some time training at (or above) 5000 feet. About twice as high as my typical training environment in Blacksburg, I am relatively confident that thinner air more than compensated for the diminished weekly mileage. The lung and leg burning elevation not only made for unique training camp of sorts, but also provided a (humbling) pre-marathon test of race fitness. My stay in Bozeman conveniently coincided with (among other things [including the Bite of Bozeman and the Sweet Pea Festival]) the annual running of the Bozeman Classic 10k (for more details about the race check out this article from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle [click here for a batch of photos]).  

Pre-race seriousness

Pre-race excitement.
Who knew that August would be sweatshirt weather in Bozeman?
Check out the new Moby Dick warm up apparel! Geeky chic at its best.

As you can see from the photos, the Bozeman Classic 10k was graced by perfect running weather (pre-race temps in the high 40s/low 50s, slightest breeze, warming sun, and finishing temps around 60). With a nice (albeit surprisingly hilly) course, enthusiastic spectators, and post-race watermelon, oranges, and Great Harvest Bread products, it was a pleasant first Montana race. After chasing some very fit athletes around the streets of downtown Bozeman, I clocked in at 39:48.06 (a respectable 6:25/mile pace) good enough for 24th overall (8th in the 30-39 male category).

Additional incentives to visit Chicago on Sunday, 9 October 2011:

Olympian Ryan Hall to Run the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has announced that U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall will compete in the 34th annual race on October 9, setting up a rematch against fellow sub 2:05 performer Moses Mosop of Kenya. Hall, who recorded a personal best 2:04:58 at the Boston Marathon in April, finishing behind Mosop’s 2:03:06, will match strides against the world’s best runners in Chicago as he begins his run up to the 2012 Olympic Games Marathon. Hall also announced that he will donate any prize money earned in Chicago to his non-profit organization, The Hall Steps Foundation (and here too when the site is repaired), to support anti-poverty programs in East Africa. 

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon presents an invaluable opportunity for Hall, the 10th place finisher at the 2008 Olympic Marathon in Beijing, to compete on a global stage with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon and the London Olympics on the horizon.

Ryan Hall on his way to finishing 4th
at the 2011 Boston Marathon (2:04:58)
photo courtesy of Asics

Ryan Hall on running the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for charity

"The joy of running for something more than yourself is contagious and totally satisfying, not to mention tremendously motivating in training. I am both excited and honored to take part in a race that realizes that it really is more blessed to give than to receive."

U.S. Women’s Soccer Stars to Lead Charitable Program

Soccer stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Alex Morgan who spearheaded the U.S. women’s team to the World Cup final will be part of the race weekend activities at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The trio will be part of a charity relay team on race day at the October 9 event. 

“The opportunity to partner with Bank of America and the Chicago Marathon is a thrill for us,” said U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo. “There’s going to be such a tremendous spirit of camaraderie - from the public and private organizations working together to stage the event to all the athletes and their supporters pursuing a personal best or advancing a community cause. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

Not sure what all the marathon hoopla is all about? Check out this great highlight video from last year's Chicago Marathon for a better picture of the dedication and enthusiasm synonymous with marathoning.

Hope to see everyone cheering from the sidelines as I grit out a (hopefully) respectable time for 26.2 miles.

Please don't forget to take a look at my Chicago Fire Foundation Marathon Fundraising site. Donations are welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 7:30am on 9 October 2011 (i.e. race day). You can access the fundraising page here or via the link in the righthand column of the blog (just click the Bank of America Chicago Marathon logo).

Montana marathon training also included a day hike on
Hidden Lakes Trail, hovering around the 9000 ft mark

Match Highlights: Chicago Fire vs. LA Galaxy

Perfect SoCal weather. Nicely played game. Unfortunate final score.

Final: Chicago Fire 1 - 2 LA Galaxy

Scoring Summary

LA: Donovan (58')

Chicago: Nazarit (62')

LA: Beckham (65')

Misconduct Summary

Chicago: Paladini (caution, 64'), Chaves (caution, 91+')

LA: Birchall (caution, 92')

Match Highlights: Chicago Fire vs. Chivas USA

Another match. Another draw. Quickly closing in on a new MLS record for draws, the Fire played to a 1-1 draw with Chivas USA on Saturday night at The Home Depot Center. With their 12th draw of the season the Fire inches closer to the FC Dallas record of 14 draws in a single season. Although unable to find the back of the net with any great frequency, the Fire's rather resolute defense (thanks in large part to the play of goalkeeper Sean Johnson) has helped keep them off the bottom of the table and (at least mathematically) in contention for post season play.  Having tied seven of their last eight league matches (including the last four in a row), Chicago needs only three more draws to set a new single season mark. With 16 matches remaining, let the wagering begin.

Final: Chicago Fire 1 - 1 Chivas USA

Scoring Summary

Chicago: Dominic Oduro (26')

Chivas: Nick LaBrocca (46')

Match Highlights: Chicago Fire vs. NY Red Bulls

As a de facto representative of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club (or at least a self-fashioned representative via fundraising endeavors for the charitable wing of the club), it seems appropriate to use the blog space to keep everyone up-to-date with club happenings. Hence forth, you can look forward to match highlights, player news, upcoming events, and other (even if sometimes only) tangentially club-related information.

Without further delay, the first of many match highlight videos...

Final: Chicago Fire 1 – 1 New York Red Bulls

Scoring Summary

New York: Joel Lindpere (40′)

Chicago: Marco Pappa (57′)

Want more Fire news? Sign up for the Chicago Fire Insider Newsletter.

A Closer Look at the Conventions of Names, Titles, and Heritage

Courtesy of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)...

shank, n.

Pronunciation: /ʃæŋk/

Forms:

α. OE sceanca, scanca, scance, ME scanke, ME (Ormin) shankk, ME–16 schank(e, shanke, ME sschanke, MEschanke, 15 shainke, shankke, sanke, shaunck, 15–16 shanck(e, ME– shank.

β. OE sconca, sconc, ME sconke, shonke, (soncke), ME schonke.

Etymology: Old English sc(e)anca weak masculine corresponds to Low German schanke leg, thigh, Flemish schank bone (Swedish, Danish skank, Norwegian skonk thigh, probably < Low German) < West Germanic *skankan-; also, with difference of declension, to Middle Low German schenke, Dutch schenk leg-bone ( < *skanki-); a derivative from the same grade of the root is Middle Low German, Middle High German, modern German schenkel thigh (West Germanic *skankila-). From other grades of the root (*skink-: *skank-:*skunk-) are Old Saxon scinka, gl. Latin ‘basis’, ‘tibia’ (Middle Low German schinke thigh, ham), Old High German scinko (masculine),scinka (feminine), leg-bone, thigh (Middle High German schinke (masculine), thigh, ham, modern German schinken (masculine), ham); Old Frisian skunka, sconck (modern Frisian skonk, schunk), Low German (Koolman) schunke thigh, ham, Dutch schonk bone. The Old English strong form sconc neuter may belong to either the a or the u grade.

The root agrees formally, and may be identical, with that of Old Norse skakk-r wry, distorted ( < Germanic *skanko-), which is probably cognate with Greek σκάζειν ( < pre-Hellenic *sq'ngy-) to limp. Even assuming the identity of the root, however, the etymological meaning of the Germanic nouns remains obscure.

1.

a. That part of the leg which extends from the knee to the ankle; the tibia or shin-bone. Also (now jocularly) the leg as a whole; chiefly pl. one's legs.

**This is the usage that is particularly relevant and applicable to my running adventures…

b. Shanks' (or Shanks's) mare, pony , etc.: one's own legs as a means of conveyance.

• a1774: R. Fergusson Poems (1785) 224
• “And auld shanks-nag wad tire, I dread, To pace to Berwick.”
• a1795: S. Bishop Poet. Wks. (1796) I. 204
• “I'd rather‥ride on Shanks's Mare.”
• 1823: Scott Fam. Lett. 11 Feb. (1894) II. xix. 167,
• “I found shanksnaigie‥the only way of moving by which I could get out to dinner.”
• 1898: T. Watts-Dunton Aylwin xii. iii,
• “I'll start for Carnarvon on Shanks's pony.”

For more information about shank, n., please review the very elaborate OED entry (or, in the event that you do not have a personal or institutional subscription to OED, take a look at this .pdf version of the entry).

Training Shanks's Mare in Vancouver, BC

Cue Chariots of Fire Title Song

Last week whilst browsing the worldwide web and in wont of motivation to increase my running regimen, I stumbled upon the homepage of the Chicago Marathon. Although interested in zipping around the Windy City in early October, I wasn't totally captivated until noticing that the Chicago Fire Foundation (the charitable wing of the MLS club) was assembling a fundraising marathon team. Well, with my longstanding passion for the beautiful game, commitment to health, wellness, and community development, not to mention my academic and personal ties to Chicago, this was an offer too good to forego.

Get details about the Chicago Marathon here.

Therefore, I'd like to formally invite each of you to a Sunday holiday in the "City by the Lake" on 9 October 2011. With me acting as your official Chicagoland tour guide, we'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food, stroll along the lakeshore, visit world renowned tourist sites, explore  less-touristy neighborhoods (arguably a more rewarding experience than typical guidebook hotspots), attend lectures and discussion sections at my alma mater, and log a few pre-marathon miles (don't worry, you'll also have 3 hours 10 minutes [hopefully] to cheer for me on beautiful [also hopefully] Sunday morning). All that I ask in return is that (a) you help ensure that I don't forget to bring my running shoes and (b) you consider donating to CFF via my personalized fundraising page.

In order to make the donation process as rewarding as possible, I promise to use this blog as a medium for detailing (with wit, humor, and photos) the athletic, culinary, scholastic, and other miscellaneous adventures leading up to the running of the 2011 marathon. And for those financial donors and emotional supporters who are able to make it to Chicago, I invite you to join the entire marathon crew for a post-marathon dinner at Heartland Cafe, Ethiopian Diamond, Blind Faith Cafe, Thai Spice, or one of my other favorites from college. 

Now, with 112 days remaining until the running of the 2011 rendition of the Chicago Marathon, I find myself amidst an abbreviated training program and scrambling to raise at least $1000 before 9 October 2011. So, in the event that you like running, football (i.e. soccer), Chicago, community development, children, sunshine, and/or happiness, please donate and help CFF "improve the quality of life of youth and communities throughout Chicagoland by promoting health, wellness, education and the environment."

Go here to learn more about CFF

And now I'm off for a quick pre-dinner 8 mile jaunt.