I finally put together my running calendar for 2010. Something about it makes me quite happy. I think it’s because it will get me motivated to go running in not so pleasant conditions and help me reach my goals for this year! 
Bunny Dash 5k
Date: April 03, 2010 Place: Palatine, IL Website: http://bunnydash.com/
I decided not to register for the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle because I started to feel more and more like a corporate billboard. Each year greeted runners with a new Shuffle logo when LaSalle Bank was the title sponsor. LaSalle integrated their name and logo tastefully on shirt. This year the organizers turned the shamrock gray and kept the title sponsors logo in bold red, white, and blue. They crossed the line. I want a race shirt, not an advertising shirt. So, I’m replacing it with the Bunny Dash 5k. I’ll still volunteer for the race. I need to give back to the running and volunteering community.
The Bunny Dash is sponsored by Whole Foods and is a green race. I like green. Green is good. The have a list of what their doing to be environmentally friendly.
Illinois Marathon
Date: May 01, 2010 Place: Champaign, IL Website: http://www.illinoismarathon.com/
I searched for a spring marathon to run this year so my body remembers how it feels to run one. It gives me a goal to aim for. Without a big goal, I tend to slack off in my running to do other things in my life. I put it off. I feel yucky. I start to forget how much I enjoy running. I have a friend going to school there and she promised to take me in. I’ll owe her a few drinks after the race.
Anelise’s Run
Date: May 08, 2010 Place: Park Ridge, IL Website: http://www.anelisesrun.com/
I ran this 5k after my coworker Ruth told me about it. The 5k is named after the daughter of Ruth’s friend. Anelise was struck by a car while attempting to cross an intersection in Cumberland. All the proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this run and I can ride my bike or car pool from home.
Soldier Field 10
Date: May 29, 2010 Place: Chicago, IL Website: http://www.soldierfield10.com
My supervisor made me do it! At the company holiday party, BM asked my brother if he and I would be interested in doing the SF10 with her and her husband. Pre-occupied with feeding my hungry belly, I agreed to running the race without thinking about it. I don’t think they all expected me to say yes because the other three put off registering for it until someone pulled the trigger. I registered within a week and pestered everyone to follow through. I said I’ll do it.
I’ve always wanted to do this race but I found it closed every time I tried to register. I registered early this time. I’d be fun to be back on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field.
June 5-10k TBA
End of June 2010
I want to do an organized run but I haven’t found a local race to run.
July 5-10k TBA
Mid July 2010
There are a few options available. However, they’re all in the city of Chicago. I am hoping to find a race much closer to home.
Rock ‘n Roll Chicago
Date: August 01, 2010 Place: Chicago, IL Website: http://chicago.competitor.com/
It brought life to the Chicago Distance Classic. The bands were great along the course. It was well organized. I’m doing it again IF I don’t get the support and funding for my cross country trip. There is only two things I’d improve on this race. I wish they stuck with the Chicago Distance Classic name and PF Chang hooked me up with some free food without a wristband.
Chicago Marathon
Date: October 10, 2010 Place: Chicago, IL Website: http://www.chicagomarathon.com/
I was close to not registering for the Chicago Marathon this year. The race shirt looks more like a billboard than a race shirt just like the Shamrock Shuffle. After registering for the Illinois Marathon and running the Philadelphia Marathon, I question why a race with a big name title sponsor and ginormous expo has their runners pay $135.00. Other marathon charge around $70-$80 and are well organized. It’s my home region’s major running event in the fall and I want to see if I can cut my time further on this course.
Frozen Turkey
Date: Thanksgiving Day Place: Buffalo Grove, IL Website: http://www.frozenturkey5k.com/
They have a kick butt shirt. It’s a small field with local runners of all levels. It was their first year last Thanksgiving and I’d love to see where the organizers take it for the run’s second season.
I loved going to Philadelphia to visit and running a marathon. I loved how the raced focused on the runner, Philadelphia, and the spirit of running. It is reasonably priced, well managed, and painfully enjoyable. Sadly, my budget won’t allow me to do that race this year. It will return on my schedule one day.
This is going to be a good year of running for me. I can feel it in my bones. What races are you registering for?