Miles, Coffee, Crafts and Burgers

 If I'm walking a little funny for the next few days...there's a good reason. I thought it would be ok to

Just starting...

not train at all and then 'run' a half marathon with bad knees and brand new shoes. <insert 'that was a mistake' look here>  Yes, it was a mistake. Lesson learned. I wouldn't say I walked a half marathon, rather I survived a half marathon. I began to feel it at mile 3 and by mile 5, I was really wondering what the heck I had been thinking. To my benefit, I wasn't the only one who hadn't properly trained for the race. Papa and I lagged behind and Mom had to slow her pace way down so that we could keep up. In fact, we were kicked off the course so that the city could reopen the road.

Done at last!!!

We had to finish the last 3 miles on a walking path on the side of the road, equipped with poster board signs indicating what mile we were on. Very official. When we finally rounded the corner to the finish line, we were more concerned with if there would be any bananas left than our times. I reluctantly took my medal, found a banana, rice crispy treats and headed over to the pizza tent for a slice of Giodano's. We skipped the beer tent (against Papas will ;) ) and started on the second leg of the race...to the car. There was a brief scare when the key to the car was no where to be found. Gary doubled back and, thankfully, recovered it quickly at the lost and found tent back at the race. Traffic was awful leaving the city, but I was able to ice my knee and take a power nap. Back at the hotel, I headed straight for the hot tub. After showers, we headed into Wicker Park and Josh and I took Mom and Gary to The Wormhole, our very favorite place in the whole city! Once we were coffeed (or tea-ed) up, we walked a couple blocks down to The Renegade Craft Fair. Josh and I found this craft fair by chance last year when we were looking to kill some time in the city. Indie craftsmen and craftsladies sell some of the coolest things! Only Josh made a purchase, getting some pretty 'fly' shoes on the cheap!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View from the Blue Line Damen stop. <3

 For dinner, we made our way to Kuma's Corner; a local's  joint that is known for creative burgers and loud music! Each burger piled high with unique toppings and is named for a famous metal or rock band. We got a table out on the patio and were able to enjoy the fresh air, rather than the smoke filled dinning room.

In the morning, I had to get up at 430 to get on the road to head back to the valley. I got to see the sunrise on my drive, which was beautiful, but I think I would have traded it for an extra few hours of sleep.

Some where in northern Illinos

The weekend stats:
Mom/Papa/My race time: 3h13m (almost a whole hour longer than my time in Paris)
GZs race time: 2h
Gary's burger pick: (i can't remember)
GZs burger pick: Led Zeppelin - Pulled Pork, Bacon, Cheddar, Pickles
My burger pick: Lair of Minotaur - Caramelized Onions, Pancetta, Brie, Bourbon Soaked Pears
Mom's build your own mac pick: andouille and chicken (i think)