CHICAGO Distance Classic -- August 12, 2007

[Sir Bouncealot]

Gino's sounds delish! I'm up for some fine Chicago pie anytime!

 

[wtpclc]

Yay for Steve adn Krista!

Ginos should work for us. Just need to get to the theater in time for a 2 pm show.

 

[kareneast]

Mel - I sent you a PM with mine & John's cell numbers

Here is what our plans look like so far....We plan on getting to the expo around 10-10:30am on Saturday. Figured we'd grab some of that Gino's Pizza for lunch, but if we're going to do that for dinner then maybe we'll grab something else for lunch, then again may just have it twice.....pizza is one of my favorite foods & I'm looking forward to trying some of that famous Chicago pizza. Then we thought we would do the Sear's Tower for that birds eye view. Other then that we are open to do whatever until dinner. Also, waiting to have dinner until around 6pm is fine with us & Gino's Pizza sounds great or any kind of comfort food (ie: American, Italian)

I can't believe 3 weeks from tomorrow we will be on our way to Chicago. I am so looking forward to it.

 

[magslite]

Krista and Stephan, Glad to hear that you guys are coming. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.

Gino's sounds great.

As long as no one minds, I will have my 2 kiddos joining us for dinner. I am not going to be able to get a sitter. So, we will probably hit the expo in the early afternoon, and take them to a museum or Navy Pier before dinner.

Take care,
Maggie

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am driving in and just think, three more weeks packets will be retrieved, meet-ups will be underway and we will be getting ready for sleep time if not already trying to sleep.

10 miles for me tomorrow!

Mel, thanks for the cell phone list.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Just think....three weeks from now we will be sporting some mighty fine penguin medals! I am so looking forward to the CDC! And, there are still openings if anyone wants to join us in the fun!!

 

[magslite]

Hi TEAM,

Since this is my first event EVER (i did a 5k 1.5 yrs ago), and my first time meeting all of you, do any of you walk at a 15-16min/mile pace?

My dh is doing the event with his friend, but they run at about 9.5 min miles. So, I told him he will have to wait for me at the finish line.

Does anyone else plan on about finishing in 3.5 hours or so? I was just hoping that I might walk with someone. I do train alone and actually don't wear an ipod, but with all of you there, I thought someone might walk around the same pace.

Just wondering out loud....
Maggie

 

[Maherae]

Oh, Maggie....COME ON DOWN!!
There will be at least three of us in that range. Look for the WISH shirts and you can't go wrong!! I'll wear mine to the Expo on Saturday, if that's when you'll be there. See you soon! Anne

 

[magslite]

Anne,
Whew!

Okay, I guess sitting in bed looking at your training plan for the next 2.5 weeks, get you kinda worked up.

Back to more constructive things..i.e the last 100 pages of Harry Potter...

Maggie

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hi TEAM,

Since this is my first event EVER (i did a 5k 1.5 yrs ago), and my first time meeting all of you, do any of you walk at a 15-16min/mile pace?

My dh is doing the event with his friend, but they run at about 9.5 min miles. So, I told him he will have to wait for me at the finish line.

Does anyone else plan on about finishing in 3.5 hours or so? I was just hoping that I might walk with someone. I do train alone and actually don't wear an ipod, but with all of you there, I thought someone might walk around the same pace.

Just wondering out loud....
Maggie

Hi Maggie,

DH and I are going to be right around the 16mpm pace. Last year we walked with the 3:30 pacing group and had a blast. We will be wearing our WISH shirts so you will definitely be able to spot us!! The more the merrier!!

 

[Jen117]

We will also be meeting up before the race. I know all of us staying at the Hilton will probably walk over together. You can't miss the gaggle of safety green we will be sporting. I bet Mars could see it!!!

I am aiming for a 13 min mile pace, but it will all depend on the weather for me. Oh and how my foot feels. Oh and I get really bad butterflies before races and sometimes that gets me at the start. OK, I am just weird!!!

 

[Hockeychic]

Hey there, well believe it or not. DH and I are thinking about doing this run. We where going to Chicago the weekend before but that fell through and we are not planning the weekend after which just happens to be this event. Problem we are facing is the HIlton is sold out.

Can anyone recommend a hotel that we can try??? We have never been to Chicago so have no idea where to look.

Thanks

Kim

 

[eeyore45]

I usually start my research at Hotels.com - then I try Priceline to get a better price (go to betterbidding.com to find out the average price for hotels, and the hotels for the area! Well worth it - but it takes time!)

Congress Plaza is just a few blocks from the Hilton, but it has picketers they've been on strike forever and reports on the quality inside the hotel have not been good.

If you follow the advice on betterbidding for 4* hotels you usually end up at the Hyatt for under $100 a night - its on Michigan Ave not that far from the start or the Hilton... I would try that route!! (I'm thinking 10 -14 blocks but I'm not the best with directions, we often walk from the Hyatt to the park where the "bean" is which is a few blocks from the Hilton!) I'm sure that's clear as mud!!

 

[eeyore45]

You're tempting me with your walk time!!

Here is a cut and paste from betterbidding - someone that bid using their strategy

First bid was $88, second bid (adding MDW)- $96. Probably could have gotten it for a little less, but I'm pleased.

Hyatt Regency Chicago
Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601

Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $96.00
Subtotal: $96.00
Taxes & Service Fees: $22.12
Total Charges*: $118.12

Also for parking, keep in mind all the hotels charge a fee of around $35 a night, but you can park in the Millineum Parking garage for $23 a night!!

Here's a link to a thread someone asked a question and received some helpful info (I still would go with Millineum Garage for parking tho!)

http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=37447&

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks Sandy for the info.

I really hope we can pull this off. A little short notice but I think we will be OK.

I found some hotels on the official website but the next one on the list is the Best Western and it is full as well....or at least on the best western website...if DD gets off the phone I will call.

Is this course flat or is it hilly????

Yikes, I can't believe I might do this.....lol

Kim

 

[WDWFAN9]

Kim and anybody else wondering about the CDC - the course is EXTREMELY flat. It starts out between some big buildings, so lots of shade, and ends along the lakeshore, so some nice breeze - and very scenic. I only remember one slight incline, I think maybe a bridge, and that is it! So.....I say go for it!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi TEAM,

Since this is my first event EVER (i did a 5k 1.5 yrs ago), and my first time meeting all of you, do any of you walk at a 15-16min/mile pace?

My dh is doing the event with his friend, but they run at about 9.5 min miles. So, I told him he will have to wait for me at the finish line.

Does anyone else plan on about finishing in 3.5 hours or so? I was just hoping that I might walk with someone. I do train alone and actually don't wear an ipod, but with all of you there, I thought someone might walk around the same pace.

Just wondering out loud....
Maggie

Oh yeah, there will be company at the back of the pack! You might want to exchange cell numbers with some. I know those shirst are impossible to miss, but it may help. PM if you are interested.

 

[Maherae]

OK, Pat...time to find the link from your CDC report from last year. Lily, can you help if needed? I know I need to read it again!! Anne

 

[wtpclc]

Tow weeks from now, I will be jobless (but not for long) and getting ready to see my WISH friends!!!!

 

[magslite]

Lily, My cell number was included in the list that Mel sent out. Thanks for letting me know that I won't be alone at the back.

Carrie, congrats on being job free (for a few days) .

Pat, I will look for you and dh that morning too! I will ofcourse have my shirt on too! I wear it on my LW too, at least I know I am seen!

Looking forward to meeting everyone in a couple of weeks!

Maggie