Get Lucky 7K & Half Marathon: Race No. 6

This was my second Team Ortho race of the year, and I have to say, they put on some good races. The first was my first race of the year, the Polar Dash. My love for the Get Lucky race goes back to the Polar Dash -- they offered a dual packet pick-up, meaning that when I picked up my packet for the Polar Dash, they also had Get Lucky packets ready for pick up the same day. Two races, one packet pick-up, total win in my book. And as I’ll get to in later posts, I’m getting to the point that packet pick-up can make or break a race for me.

Like the Polar Dash, this one featured great swag as well: a green & black zip-up hooded fleece. It was actually too warm on race day to wear it, but I put that hoodie to good use training this winter.

The race course was again along the lake front, this time starting at Soldier Field and heading south. The distance -- 7K, or about 4.3 miles -- was a nice warm up for some of the longer runs of the season. And like all the other early season outdoor runs, the race wasn’t too crowded. My only complaint has to do with the race start -- again, like my issues with the Polar Dash. I worked my way up toward the front of the race because I wanted to go for a good time, but some other folks who pushed their way all the way to the front of the start line walked immediately. So, I spent the first 5 minutes running around walkers.

Otherwise, this was a great winter race. And with sunny, mild temps, I felt like a lucky gal.

Race Summary:

Race name: Get Lucky 7K & Half Marathon

2015 Challenge Race No.: 6

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Organizers/Sponsor: Team Ortho

Beneficiary: Team Ortho Foundation

Cost: $50
Distance: 4.34 miles

Best parts of the race:

• Early packet pick-up, distance, location and swag.

Worst parts:

• Non-corraled start

Next race:

Shamrock Shuffle 8K, March 29 @ Grant Park, Chicago, IL

April:

Be the Match 5K, April 11 @ Montrose Harbor, Chicago, IL

Race to Wrigley 5K, April 25 @ Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Ravenswood Run 5K, April 26 @ Ravenswood, Chicago, IL