Here is my race report for CDC. I am sure I will forget some points, but will do my best.
We drove to the WI/IL border Friday night and stayed at a Best Western with a room where the A/C was broken... and it was really hot out! Hotel was booked, so we suffered. Got up early and headed into the big city. We made it to the Hilton in time for the WISH meet. Yah, I was so excited. We walked into the hotel, pre-checked in and found Mel (chimera) instantly. It's funny how I don't forget the faces at all. She said to go to the expo because most people were there... instantly found the crowd at the Reebok booth. It was like seeing family again. How awesome it was to walk down the stairs and hear "It's Jen!!" Made my day and thanks for all the hugs.
I brought the family with, DH Paul. DDalmost 7 Emma, and DD4 Kate. The girls didn't "get" my friends but they loved how everyone was so nice to them.
OK, so then we headed out to Gino's pizza... umm, this really seemed longer than a mile guys!!! My girls were not into the walk, but we saw a
Disney Store and bribed them that if they were good we would stop there on the way back (and take a cab back to the hotel!). They were so good at Gino's, I was impressed. And the food was great. Did anyone catch that this was the Pizzeria that Katie Holmes ordered pizza to to be flown down to her movie set in Louisiana? DH Paul did and told me. How cool. It was great chatting with everyone and meeting Newbie Maggie... who by the way has a really cute little boy. And he was so polite to share play-do with my girls. Thanks!!!!
So after lunch we took the girls to the Disney Store. Since we are going to WDW/Ohio next week, I didn't want to buy much. We did find these cute little princess backpacks on clearance for $5... perfect for them and made them happy. Then we grabbed a cab back to the hotel. DH was impressed with my cab hailing ability... less than a minute and I had one. I guess that is what happens when you travel a lot!!! Oh man, the girls loved this cab ride. The driver was very impatient, honking at everyone... you know, typical crazy cab ride. Back at the hotel for swimming with the kids and rest.
4:30 alarm and I said to myself.... Why are you doing this. I didn't want to run... AT ALL. I almost bagged the whole thing. All my stress build up over the months is wiping me out and I just didn't want to exert more energy. But I did pull myself out of bed, dressed to the T in WISH wear and headed to the main floor for the meet up. Still didn't want to run, but kept a smile on my face. We walked over to Grant Park and took a really nice group photo. If anyone has a copy, please email it to me. Then I took one last potty break (good thing in case you haven't read about the lack of porta potties). I found Mel and she said "let's do the 2:45 pace group".... PANIC PANIC PANIC... OK I said. Oh wow, I couldn't get started at all. My breathing is off, I was hot, I was sluggish... But I was running with Mel and she was AWESOME. Did I mention Mel was awesome. If it wasn't for her, I would have dropped back. We followed the 2:45 for about 4 ish miles and then we decided to slow a bit. I really think the pace group was going a bit fast. By Mile 5 I think I was feeling a little better, still hot. Mel was still great, loved running with her. We went down a highway, that was a little uncomfortable, then under McCormick Place (Convention Center).... that was downright Hot and Stuffy. I could have done with out that. Shortly after that the water stop didn't have glasses, but I think the rest of them had restocked. I noticed shortly after mile 8 that Pat and Maggie and then later Anne were coming at us on our path. I asked Pat if they were diverted and she said yes. That is odd, they weren't that far behind us and there were a lot more behind them.
OK, so we are chugging along, doing intervals when we remembered to check the garmin, I was happy with that pace because my foot was aching. Then mile 10 we both decided to walk. Mel's hip was hurting and I decided I didn't care what my time was, I was enjoying the run/walk now. I know that I could have PR'ed if I kept going with intervals, but I didn't care because it was about friendship and finishing. So we walked most of the last 3 miles... at a good pace too. I think we finished just a couple minutes after 3:00. I felt good, my foot ached a bit but wasn't too bad.
After the race Mel took off to meet her daughter for the soccer game. I found my family, chatted with Carrie and Scott for a bit, watched some WISHers come through, chatted with Steve and Krista, cheered on the group of 5 (Pat, Karen, Maggie, Cam and Lily) and then headed off the hotel to pack up.
All the WISHERS were awesome. I loved having time to chat. I think I talked more this time that I did in January. Krista and Steve are the cutest couple ever and just so nice (and funny, you were cracking me up with the hot dog and hating running thing). Carrie gave me a sponge and it was the greatest thing ever!!!!!! Thank a bunch!!!! Oh and Cam... thanks for the running shirt. Mel was awesome running partner and thanks for the lime Mickey... too awesome. Oh and I met Darcey and Andrew for real. I know I screamed at them during the marathon, but we never officially met.
As for the CDC... I don't think I will do it again unless we have a WISH group there. I liked it, but it wasn't the greatest course ever. Maybe it was the muggy heat? Not sure. The lack of port a potties and no towel at the end bothered me. DH said there were lots of people throwing their towels away. Also, it was a little expensive for a one night trip. But don't get me wrong... I loved the race because I have never ran with anyone before and that made it great for me.
Thanks everyone, I can't wait to see you all real soon.
Up next, a few picture. I don't have many, but will share what I can.
See you in a couple of months for the ToT! 
Sounds like you all had a great time! Congratulations for another half marathon under your belt!
Makes me all the more excited to meet up with everyone again at ToT. I hope Bingham give LaSalle a what-for about taking down the course so early!
, so I'll have lots of catching up to do upon my return.
to everyone who traveled from MI, NJ, OH, DE, FL, etc. to attend the CDC. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Tower of Terror race in a couple of months. 
