Since so many people on our ride asked, puzzled, "What is this? Is it a race? Is it Critical Mass?…read moreWhat's going on?" I figured that writing a review for this great active event was only appropriate. Now, you won't have any excuse to miss the 2014 edition!! I feel that during most active/sporting events, no matter how well organized they can be, there's always something to complain about. Well, not this time. From beginning to end, it was flawless! Easy online registration (yeah, there are these annoying fees, but what can you do about it? To make it all better, I highly recommend to make a quick search about coupons. Whatever you buy online, there's a coupon for it. Most of the time. This time, I snatched a $10 off on each registration. Yay me), convenient pick up times, great directions, map, tee-shirt. And an awesome urban adventure. Here's the deal: you choose a distance. 12, 22, 35 or 62 miles.They select four different food providers. And you stop along the way for water (ice cold!!!!), food and bathroom breaks, for however long you want. You are given a map to follow but there's also excellent marking on the street. I was so impressed by the work they put into it!! It's (almost) impossible to get lost. Volunteers ride along the way with you to assure a smooth day, and you just have to enjoy the vista. This year took us all on the North Side, and we discovered great hidden gems along the way such as the Alta Vista Terrace District within a stone-throw distance from Wrigley Field, to the Indian Boundary Park in West Rogers Park and the actual Rogers Park itself, from the North Shore Channel Trail to off the beaten path streets lined with beautiful mansions and bungalows. What a glorious city Chicago is, and what little of it most of us know. My group of friends and I did the 35 miler, and had a great time. It was plenty enough for us, but not so much that we were dead at the end of it. Cannot recommend it strongly enough! Words of wisdom: - wear padded shorts, it will make the whole thing way more comfortable (REI sells pretty affordable ones) - bring a water bottle; the stops are far and in between and if it's hot out, you'll want to chug water on a regular basis - wear your helmet! - visit the ATA (Active Transportation Alliance) website http://www.activetrans.org/ for more information on the event in particular, and biking in Chicago in general - have fun!

I'm hoping that this can become a biannual event, because partaking in this years version of Active…read moreTransportation Alliance's big showcase was a day I will remember for a long time. The levels of organization and friendliness offered by the ATA and their group of volunteers was remarkable and had me beaming positive vibes all ride long. In my own words, ATA is set up as a nonprofit which advocates for people of all backgrounds to have access to more options to get around the Chicago metro area that are affordable, safe and accessible. This particular event not only introduced "newbies" to their mission, but got around 3,000 people out as examples of that mission to the rest of the city. On at least three occasions I was asked (while stopped at red lights) what we were out on the ride for, which is to say their next event will probably involve more than 3,000 riders. A very good thing, in my opinion! As for the details of the rides- you have your choice on how to participate. With four distances (12, 22, 35 and 62 mile options), you can find one to your liking. All were incredibly well-marked with volunteers scattered about to direct people on the correct path, as well as easily identifiable markers spray painted on the streets (if you were like us and didn't have a nifty map holder installed onto your bike). An overwhelmingly large portion of our ride (the 35 miler) took place on streets with either delineated bike lanes, or the segregated and buffered kind (along Dearborn going through the loop). With groups leaving in waves, there was plenty of space to go at your own pace pretty quickly upon the start of the ride, but not get too spaced out where you didn't feel like you were part of a group of riders out to do a trek. It helped that the weather was nice (mid-70s going up to the low-80s), but in all honesty, I think we would have enjoyed this event even if the weather was bad. With stations set up throughout pretty evenly for restrooms, water and the eventual snack stations - the "chow" portion, if you will - there was ample amount of ride space without pushing people too hard. Active Transportation Alliance- good on you all for putting together such a friendly, comfortable, and visual event showing off a portion of your mission to the rest of the city (well, at least this time- most of the north side). The hard work put forth by the volunteers and coordinators was evident in just how smooth and wonderful the ride and the event was. Oh, and the snacks were great! I look forward to going back to each of the vendors in the near future to enjoy their food again. Any chance you all can make this biannual? Spring ride and early-Autumn ride?

This is a great race that visit some of the great west side parks that are [art of the Chicago…read moreBoulevard system. Much of the race runs along these boulevards visiting Humbolt, Garfield and Douglas Park. This is a different view than the Chicago Marathon. The 13.1 race has improved since its first running. It was great to see Carey Pinkowski starting us on and cheering a little before the half way mark. In 2025 it was great to see Ted Metellus in the finish line VIP area after he ran the race. The start was well organized and there was no trouble with crowding. The signage was a little misleading making you take a roundabout way of getting to the bag drop. Found water stations plentiful, course easy to follow and crowd and runner support great. The postrace activities were better than the Chicago Marathon's. The music and the party were great. The only trouble I had this year was not signing up before they closed the registration. I think it closed early because many signed up for the benefit of completing the distance classic and guaranteeing a Chicago Marathon bib the following year. It would be nice to allow bibs to Chicago marathon legacy runners.

I just had to register for Bank of America Chicago 13.1 being that the start/ finish line is in my…read moreneighborhood. In time we will see how much this event grows but the opportunity to run this inaugural event was hard to pass up. The course also runs through some of the parks on Chicago's West Side that I am very familiar with like Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and Douglass Park. The health & wellness expo was held within the Roosevelt Collection Shops, a beautiful location in the south loop of Chicago. The expo was very organized with the main stations highlighted. With it being organized, it did not appear too congested in the process. The volunteers were very helpful and kind at this expo. Packet pick-up went smooth after I identified the corral letter sent via email. After that, I went to the booth section with that particular letter to pick-up my shirt and bib number. Prior to the day of the run, I smiled every time I looked at the t-shirt because it reminded me that this is an inaugural event. Running an inaugural event is something that nobody can take away from you. Starting in Garfield Park, the course ran through Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and Lawndale neighborhoods. My favorite highlights along the course were of course seeing the Garfield Park Fieldhouse, running through a peaceful Humboldt Park, and seeing locals on their porches waving. I adored the older women nearby Garfield Park on their porches waving, cheering, and greeting us with "Good morning!" as we ran towards Lawndale neighborhood. It is a memory of this event that I will always remember and cherish. There were a decent number of spectators and supporters along the course. Most were there to cheer on their supported runner whether it be friends, family, or runners' part of their particular running club which were mostly from either Three Run Two, or Chicago Road Runners. The majority of the course was flat with a slight decline and incline mostly within the viaducts along the course, but nothing too excruciating. I have to say the rough parts for me where the mental games started were from mile 8 to 12. There was a lack of spectators in the majority of the area plus I felt a nagging pain in my left ankle at the time. The course had enough medical personnel and police officers along it. There were also plentiful water stations with a combination of Nuun Hydration followed by water! And both were identifiable! It warmed my heart seeing the 'Biofreeze' set-up along the course which I just had to run through; running through it helped ease the pain I felt in my left ankle. I would definitely run Bank of America Chicago 13.1 again because its presence brings positivity to Chicago's West Side, plus, I would love to see and be part of the event's growth in time. ~Blessings~   Thomas G

- Now I've had the Ragnar of my life. - No, I never felt…read morethis sore before. - Yes, I sweat. It's the truth. - And I owe it all to GU. There is a meme by someecards floating around on the internet and it says: My life is just a bunch of "it seemed like a good idea at the time" strung together. I feel this is a pretty accurate description of some of the craziness I get myself into. I'm one of those people who wants to try everything (save for skydiving or petting spiders) and I impulsively jump at the chance for new experiences without really thinking about what that all entails. Ragnar would be a perfect example of one of those bucket list type items that sounded too good to pass up but that I dreaded as it came closer and closer to the actual relay race weekend. Lori L. had participated in the race in 2011 and was talking about how much fun it is and how it really pushes you. I had been training a lot for 5Ks and obstacle courses last year, so I figured if I kept at it then I could easily partake of this adventure in 2012. I told her to count me in and started the planning. Unfortunately, I was having knee problems and starting to doubt whether or not I could really do this. The shortest legs are 13.1 miles when combined and there isn't much time for rest. However, I really wanted to do this, so I just kept at it and went forward with the planning. We had some bumps along the way with other people being injured and having to find volunteers so we wouldn't have to pay more money, but we pretty much got everything sorted out in time and drove up to Madison the night before the race. I was scared shitless. Race day came and time both dragged and flew. It was such a whirlwind of excitement, adrenaline and the hangries. Van 1 started at 6am and Van 2 (my van) met up with them around 11am. We checked-in, got all of our goodies, relaxed before Van 2 took over, and then it was just a non-stop "Friturday" of awesomeness. I loved my team. I couldn't have asked for a better team (50 Ways to Lose a Runner). A number of us were off of Yelp (Lori L, Mary T, Rhoda G, Aurore L and driver Dalibor Z), but we also had 7 other people who knew runners in our group. More than half the people were strangers to me, but we soon became friends and we all got along. There was no fighting and everyone was so encouraging. The other teams were even friendly and helpful. I'd be plugging along at a snail's pace and get passed up by someone who would say, "Good job!" or "You can do it!" For the most part, Ragnar itself was run incredibly well. They made everything pretty easy, but I do have a few suggestions for next year. 1) They need better driving directions and maps. 2) Pay more attention to the shirt sizes. I didn't get the correct size, so I guess trying to fit into it gives me more incentive to lose weight. I would do Ragnar Relay again in a heartbeat. I'm even thinking of going out-of-state to compete in another run in their series either this year or next year.

Ragnar, you sneaky little bastard…read more... You took me by surprise, and won me over with your ragged looks and smelly ways in just over 2 days. So much so that I keep thinking about you, and consider flying all down there this winter for more. Yup, that's intense. Yup, people are going to believe you are cuckoo up there. Yup, being in a van with 5-6 other runners half of whom you have just met quite literally stinks. But oh the fun you'll have! Before you start dismissing this review on the pretense that we don't have the same definition of "fun", listen: I was highly skeptical as well. The first time I read about it, I felt this weird mix of emotions. Anticipation was not one of them. But after giving it some thought, I decided that it was worth a shot - if only for the running experience. I am so glad I did. Running a Ragnar Relay Race is like nothing else. Read the testimonies on the web: people are ecstatic about it. Yes, you have to run 3 legs of various lengths within a rough 24- to 36- hour period (depending on how fast you are), and yes, you have to stay in a van pretty much the whole time. No hot meal, no shower, no mani-pedi, no room service. In a word, no comfort. But the sense of camaraderie that develops in that van, and builds up more and more with every passing mile is unmatched. You live your team, you breathe your team and after a while, you love your team. And it gives you all the juice you need to keep pushing on your legs at 3 a.m. when you pound the pavement of a deserted road in Wisconsin, piercing the night with your little headlamp, trying to avoid the mosquitoes that fly in your eyes (idiots). There is no other word: it's exhilarating. You will get lost, and pile up the u-turns, screaming mindlessly at your phone: "What is wrong with fucking you?" (to which the appropriate response coming from right behind you is, of course: "As far as I am concerned, nothing at all"). You will add your stench to the ones of dozens of male teenagers who sweat there before you while sleeping on the wrestling floor of a high school. You will publicly acknowledge your lack of skills at peeing. You will be spooked on the trail by a snake or a couple of rockets who call themselves runners and leave you (and dust) behind. You will hear in dismay that boobs (bibs?) have to stay visible at all times. You will pass some town folks chilling on their porch who will ask you, "Where are you running to?", and when you answer, "Chicago", you will smile at their incredulous "What the fuck?" You will queue for the porter potties, drink water from the wells, eat pretzels, Twizzlers, cinnamon almonds and spinach pie and call it "breakfast". You will cross the finish line with your teammates at Montrose Harbor, and experience the biggest high of your life. And, just like me, you will sign up for more.

Other than to obtain the exclusive medal given as part of the Chicago Distance Series for…read moreparticipating in the three premier races: the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon. I felt that it was time to run Shamrock Shuffle being that I have lived in the city of Chicago for ten years now and have yet to run the event. My reason for not running it in the past was because the temperatures were always a complete turnoff during the time of the event, so I avoided it! This year, I proceeded into this event with the Chicago Distance Series being my motivator to take on this 8K run.... and the possible cold temperatures! For the packet pick-up expo, we were required to pick up our bib number and t-shirt from Grant Park, which is the location of Chicago's beloved Buckingham Fountain. Thankfully, it was held inside of a tent because it was very cold outside the day I visited. Inside, the packet pick-up was congested, but not once did I stand in any long lines due to how organized everything was. And for that, I thank the volunteers very much! All that was required is that you present the QR (Quick Response) code sent in the email in order to pick up your run essentials for the event. With the uncertainty of how my legs would perform, I had to dig down going into this run being that I ran the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon the previous weekend which was a much different pace ran. I have been a runner long enough to know that as long as I am mentally strong there is not anything that can break my spirit! The morning of the event, it was Judas by Fozzy that pumped me up prior to walking out the door headed to the event. It was the perfect hype up song prior to me making my way to the starting corral because it put me in good spirits. Speaking of the corrals, they were organized based on qualifying times and estimated times provided on applications. And when the run starts, you can clearly see who put the wrong information on their application. As expected, the temperature was cold outside, but I was well-dressed in layers for the occasion. For me, the Shamrock Shuffle ushered in that feeling that my run season has officially started for the year as I waited in the starting corral counting down the minutes until the start. At the time, I took in the music being played as I either stretched, jogged in place to keep my legs warm, or eyed the other runners in the corral. The run course was relatively flat I must say with some slight incline portions on course, but with incline there is also decline so I reminded myself to just let my legs go on the decline portions. I kept reminding myself to ease my pace until I figured out what was ahead on course, specifically those slight incline portions. I am always patient in the process and take it mile by mile because I will eventually get to that finish line at some point. The course made me think of the Chicago Marathon because it takes you within the downtown Chicago area on portions of the marathon course. It was a very beautiful course, and it even had the final hill that is part of the marathon course, leading towards the finish line. Eek! So, coast that last mile and preserve your energy for that hill, if you are running this event. Even though the distance is an 8K, the Shamrock Shuffle had the spirit of a marathon with all of the supporters; some supporters even holding signs with encouragement written on them. I cannot remember any portion of the course that did not have any spectators on it which was great to see. Along the course, each mile was marked, and there were plentiful hydration stations featuring a combination of Gatorade followed by water; both were identifiable! And the volunteers working those hydration stations were very cheerful and supportive of all runners. Now as for the swag! The Shamrock Shuffle t-shirt was green with the event name written in a circular style with a clover in-between; and it fit my body frame perfectly! The finishers medal featured Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle written out in the middle with clovers underneath, and finisher on the left side and the year on the right side. I am so grateful to now add my very first Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle medal to my run medal collection that goes back to 2007 when I initially started running. With my Garmin 235 GPS watch on my wrist, sparkle in my eye underneath my sunglasses, and Mercy Home Heroes t-shirt on, I took on this 8K.... and conquered it! Yes indeed, I would surely run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K again. ~Gonna run 'til I don't jiggle. ~ Thomas G

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k should be on every runners bucket list. I've waited a while…read moreto run this race and this year I finally got an opportunity to do it. This fun 8K (4.97 miles) usually marks the beginning of running season in Chicago. It's one of the more popular races in the city and participation at the very least, is 20K or more. I've done a number of competitive runs in my 3 years of racing and this race is perfect for runners at every level. I'd personally rate this course as easy/intermediate. This course, like many others I've done in the city, is relatively flat. There may be a few occasional slopes but it's not too short, nor is it too long. The slightly challenging part of the course for some might be taking on Roosevelt hill at the last mile. Honestly, I didn't find it to be too bad. It's a long and steady slope but if you push through it, it's manageable. Once you've crossed over the hill and made that final left turn, it's a clear path to the finish line. The strong show of support from passersby; whether it came from signage or the quick shout outs of, "Keep going, you can do it!" helped me make it through the second half. Along the way, I came across bag pipers in full regalia serenading us as we darted through the streets of downtown Chicago and its many architectural wonders. In addition to that, there was an excellent variety of music offered by DJ's along the course ranging anywhere from classic rock, the Top 40's, and the essential Chicago House music. Dress warm because temperatures in Chicago during March/April are a crapshoot. One year we can get sunny temps with comfortable highs in the 50's through 60's; other times, like this year, we saw clear skies but blistering cold winds! Your best bet is to check the weather, wear layers and gloves (when appropriate), and don't forget to wear the green! I made sure to rock my green tutu this year. Other runners pushed the envelope and wore hilarious things like horse heads. I even caught one participant in a full T-rex outfit. That was a riot! If you're curious about the cost, entry fees are cheaper if you sign up early in the fall. I signed up 4 months prior and paid roughly $45. I had to go to McCormick place to pick up my packet and it cost an additional $10 after a reduced event discount. I had some difficulty finding the McCormick garage entrance. My only suggestion for next year is to provide more signage as you arrive off the exit from I-55 or include directions in the participant packet in the days/weeks leading up to the event. This year's packet includes your racing bib, a Nike moisture wicking commemorative t-shirt, and a pair of souvenir socks. Your medal is earned upon completion of the race. Depending on your mode of transportation, you could spend an additional $5-8 for public transport or if you ride share, Divvy (bike share), or rent out a garage spot on Spot Hero, expect to spend anywhere from $10-30. If you really want to save money, your best bet is to get someone to drop you off and pick you up afterwards. Cost might be a deciding factor but the benefits totally outweigh the costs. If this is your first run, you'll be given the wonderful opportunity to run through downtown and get a grand tour of the magnificent City of Chicago. In addition to the cool swag, your entry supports a great cause and tradition which has endured for decades. If you missed out this year, next year would mark their 40th anniversary. I enjoyed participating in the 2018 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, and look forward to returning in the future.

Course is the same as almost all weeknight 5Ks in the city. Start at Soldier and run down the…read morelakeshore trail and loop back. Somehow, because the run was affiliated with the Bears, starting at Soldier, felt appropriate. Well organized event. Event was run in waves to limit the amount of congestion on the course. Descent post party activity, with post race beers. Nice Bears branded tech t-shirt.

I admit -I'm a bit partial. This 5K was held by the gym I go to. I love this gym and sense of…read morecommunity of those who attend every day and I was really excited about this race. It's not every day that you know a large majority of people involved in the event you are attending. However, this review is an objective review based on my experience with many, many 5K events. I was super impressed as to how organized this race was, especially given the really bad weather yesterday. The weather held out until about 15 minutes prior to the start, and then it was a complete downpour! They made frequent announcements and were even prepared and passed out rain ponchos to those who wanted them. Since the registration disclaimer said "rain or shine", the race was on! I was particularly impressed with the turnout and excitement of the crowd to continue to run despite the rain. There were elite athletes going for time, the "regular folks" (like me) and a bunch of walkers and families with strollers. What I LOVED about all the people who were either registered or volunteering (or even those hanging out to support everyone) was that everyone was excited and pumped up and wanted to make this a great event regardless of the damper of the downpour! The route was great -in years past, I was told people in the neighborhood typically come out and cheer but this was not case due to the rain. You could see a few people on their front porch watching, but the weather definitely had an effect on the neighborhood "cheerleaders." No worries -the volunteers along the route were happy to give "high fives" and words of encouragement as they directed the participants down the route! My favorite part of the race was two things -fellow gym member, Theo, spinnin' house music at the finish and our "coach" Lamont, who trains us every day, cheering us on as we crossed the finish line. There is nothing better than having your "coach" see the rewards of all of his training! I am definitely doing this race next year and am hoping for much better weather!

I enjoyed this race despite it being one of my worse 5K run times ever due to not training…read morewhatsoever. Normally in preparation for a 5K, I would do some sort of speed work in-between normal mileage leading up to the event, however both lacked because of life responsibilities. The glorious part about not training is that your pacing is off. Once I clocked that first mile I had an idea of what pace I preferred. Other than that, it felt great not to have that expectation to go out and kill myself, which took a stress load off. But best believe next year I have a goal! And that goal is to beat that 21:33 time that is hovering over my head at the moment. I loved the support that this race had along its course, and the race official brought enthusiasm. Outside of the volunteers on the course there were also people cheering us on from their window or porch, which is rare during a 5k event. The course itself was very accurate, flat, and out-and-back with nothing extra. It was also well marked, yet had a biker guiding the lead runner with everyone else following. Out-and-back courses are fun because you encounter the other runners in route back to the finish, which gives you that extra support to push on. The only thing that can hinder your performance during this race is the weather, so I recommend wearing something on the lines of a light long-sleeved shirt or either that fantastic race shirt with arm warmers. We all know that Chicago weather is unpredictable in the fall, so do not count out wearing shorts. With all being said if you are considering Lawndale 5k you will not be disappointed. Thomas G

Mike certified me over 20yrs ago and I've been diving with him ever since, that says it all. He…read morerecently trained and certified my wife, who, after many trips abroad watching the group gear up and get wet, finally worked up the courage to give it a try.. Mike was patient and very understanding with her. Working with her and giving her the necessary tools to push past her doubts in herself... Thanks Mike and can't wait for our next trip.

Highly recommend!! Mike is a great instructor. Very patient and knowledgeable!! Mike has many…read moreyears of diving experience.

I have never done an indoor race before, so that was something new and I'm all about expanding your…read moreexperiences. It was definitely better to run in controlled conditions than have to worry abour rain, sleet or snow in an unpredictable February (even though it ended up being 45 degrees and sunny). They did a really good job organizing everything. I found Check-In relatively easily and was directed to Gear Check. The lines moved quickly and I was at the Start Pens (12min+ I'm ashamed to admit). They let each Pen approach the Starting Line every two minutes and sounded the horn. It definitely helped keep people from stampeding and made the Course less congested. I was a big fan of the victory bananas and Smart Water. Can't say that I liked the Powerade (I'm a Vitamin Water Zero girl). I also didn't like the Gear Check Volunteer snapping at my friend's friend to "cover up [her] number!" when she asked her number (clearly printed on our bibs) and was told she already had her bag. Overall, I think it was run pretty well and will get better with a few improvements. It was their first year. I might do it next year if they bring it back, but I personally didn't like how it felt like a maze with all the winding between the North and South Buildings. I hated that you could see almost the entire Course. That's mostly because I kept seeing how much was left to run and all I could think was, "I'm glad a cardiovascular organization is running this because I might have a heart attack."

Not particularly well organized event (wasn't exactly easy to figure out where you needed to go for…read morethe race in McCormick when you were there). Course has many turns (as you would anticipate in an indoor race), and when running with the large group of entrants, log jams occurred at many of the turns. Nice to get out of the house in the winter and do something physical, but I would probably look for something else besides this event to do. Note: Writing my review for 2014 event.