Pre-Chicago preparations

Thursday night we had to time the annual GCR corporate run which is our only evening race.  I enjoy running in evening races, but this one I haven’t been able to participate in because the registration process is a little different and take more time for me to enter.  It was OK, though because as soon as everyone was entered and Shawn was good to finish the timing, it was time to leave and pack for the morning departure to Chicago.  Michelle came by the event with Spencer so he could cheer the runners in and run across the finish line.  He was so excited – totally cute. 

After trying to pack the smaller bag, I decided to switch to our huge rolling duffel since I was packing for any possible weather situation and expected to be bringing home more than I left with.  Got everything in with room to spare and it was time to rest.

Friday morning, Christy had agreed to pick me up so I wouldn’t have to leave a car anywhere.  She came in, greeted by Sadie and barked at by Nicki.  They warmed up, but Nicki was extra sad and kept coming over wanting hugs.  We finally assured the girls that it would be OK, loaded up the bags and headed to pick up Michelle.  She had everything ready, so it was a quick transition there.  On the way I remembered I forgot to pack my Body Glide and lube so once again we made a detour to the Cyclery so I could pick up a couple samples of the lube to minimize post-race chafe pain.  We agreed that it now must be a ritual of ours to stop there before every major race.  After all was well, we drove to RSW.  Christy hugged us goodbye and wished us all kinds of luck for great races. 

We went into the airport, picked up some food since we’d be flying over lunch and headed to the gate.  We had a small wait so we found two chairs next to a woman who immediately started coughing.  So we immediately moved.  We sat on the floor near the Southwest boarding signs and waited to go.  I had the A group, so we agreed I’d go all the way to the back of the plane so we would hopefully get a row.  By the time M was on, the plane was filling up, but we were lucky enough to keep the middle seat empty so we had some space.  Belts on, wheels up, we were onto Midway!