Suburban Vegan Stories of Survival in the Land of Meat & Dairy

After disappointing conditions at March Madness, I decided to try again for a Chicago Marathon C corral at the Egg Shell Shuffle. It was a flat course; the weather was perfect and the course was on a scenic paved trail through Busse Woods. I needed a 1:45:59 for a C corral, but I wanted to break 1:45 (my new year’s resolution).

I finally got to try out my new Oiselle armwarmers, but I got too hot by mile 2 and had to take them off. They are fun to wear though. And they go well with the stripey simplicity tank.

I started out a little fast and had to tell myself to slow down on several occasions. Miles 2-8 were pretty consistent and enjoyable. Mile 9 was out in the open and we were running into the wind, so that was a challenge. Once we got back into the woods, it got a little easier. By mile 10, the point I usually feel like quitting, I knew I could make it under 1:45. I could even slow down a bit. The desire to quit hit me at mile 12.6, but it’s easier to push yourself 1/2 a mile than 3.1 miles. And so I made my goal with 9 seconds to spare!

After the race, there were two Easter egg hunts. One for kids and one for adults. Twenty-five eggs had fancy prizes, but I just got candy.

However, the race did give out shorts instead of t-shirts and a festive medal.