“I have been running strong since I started working with Maureen two
years ago. I do her “pilates for runners” class once a week and work
with her on the reformer once a week. My balance has improved
tremendously. The exercises for hips and glutes have kept my form
solid mile after mile. In my last two marathons, I did not notice any
single muscle breakdowns like I have in the past.”

I had never tried Pilates before but  was very excited to try something new that could be beneficial to me and the runners I coach.

This past Thursday I had the opportunity to go to Flow Pilates Studio in Lincoln Park and take Maureen’s class. The class provides a full body challenge geared to endurance athletes with particular attention to muscles needed for good form, and efficiency for long runs. Maureen, being a runner herself, understands that being sidelined with an injury so she combines the principles of mat Pilates with exercises to increase range of motion and prevent injury.

Benefits you’ll discover from Pilates for Runners:

• Strong core (abs & back)
• Muscular balance
• Strength and flexibility
• Body awareness and mind-body connection
• Improved posture

I really enjoyed Maureen’s class. She has enthusiasm and passion for both Pilates and Running that is contagious. I never felt self-conscious about being a newbie and the hour class flew by. It is clear that Maureen has put the time and research in her work to create the best combination of movements to increase strength and fight imbalances in runners.

I highly recommend Maureen’s Pilates for Runners class to anyone that is interested in Pilates, staying injury free, looking for a new workout routine, or wants to find a fast-paced, fun workout.

If you’re interested in learning more about Maureen, you can check out her website, Ryan Wellness Coaching and try out her class at Flow on Thursdays at 6AM.

Have you ever taken a Pilates class? What did you think? 

When I first arrived, the volunteer coordinator told us to set up the water and Gatorade bins for the runners. That didn’t take long so we were directed to the sandwich making station.

Fun Fact: Elvis Presley’s favorite food was peanut butter and banana sandwiches so that’s what we made to hand out to the runners. I thought it was hilarious and a fun twist on post-race food.

The evening wouldn’t be complete without peanut butter sandwiches, a complimentary beer from Good Island and the Elvis tribute performance under the lights following the run.

Autumn, Erica and I had a great time chatting and getting peanut butter all over ourselves. We really enjoyed the runners dressed up in polyester and Elvis costumes. There were all kinds of funny t-shirts, wigs, and runners wearing glasses with sideburns attached. Elvis was definitely alive and well in Lincoln Park last night!

I’m looking forward to volunteering at a few more races in the coming months. It’s nice to give back and support the running community.

Do you volunteer at races? 

I went to the Rock n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon Expo on Saturday morning to pick up my bib and race packet. I have a new found-love for Sweatybands so I bought a cute green one to wear during the race. It was great to see Britt at the Protein Bar booth and I had a lovely talk with Sarah from eat2run.com. Sarah has a coaching and nutrition business so I took the opportunity to pick her brain and ask a few questions. She gave me some great business advice.

My alarm went off at 4AM and for a few seconds I had no idea what I was doing and why my alarm was set so early. I quickly realized it was RACE DAY so I jumped out of bed and rushed out the door to make sure I had plenty of time to park before the race. Of course, I was there super early and had some time to kill. Anyone else get nervous about being late so they end up 1-2 hours early for everything?

Fleet Fleet Chicago was nice enough to give me a Brooks VIP Porta Potty pass. To get our race off to the best possible start, they had climate-controlled restroom trailers set up at the starting line. There was running water, flushing toliets and some treats for the runners.

I then met up with a couple of #RunChi friends and met some new Chicago Running Bloggers by gear check. Soon enough Charlyn and I headed over the start line. We have a similar half marathon pace so we decided to run the race together. My race strategy was to run for fun, Garmin-less and enjoy the race with Charlyn. Pete ran most of the race with us too and it was so much fun. I absolutely love running with other people who have the same positive outlook as I do. We chatted about running and life, enjoyed the beautiful Chicago views and laughed throughout the entire race.

The course support was incredible. The bands through out the course were awesome, there were plenty of water stops and tons of spectators and volunteers along the streets.

My finish time was 1:47:20, top 6.8% overall. Not bad for not much training and running for fun!

My Mom and Step-dad came to cheer for me during the race. I didn’t think Tony was going to come but he surprised me at the finish line. He rode his Tri bike from Wilmette and met us at the finish line. I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw him and my Mom after the race. Their support means the world to me!

After the wedding I’ll start training, doing speed work and running with a Garmin again, but for right now I’m enjoying running for fun. It was a great race!

Have you ever run a Rock n’Roll Series Race? 

How was your weekend?

I won a free race entry for the Bastille Day 5k & 8k from Chicago Runner Girl and I’ll be running the Chinatown 5k on Saturday as part of my friends bachelorette party.

I’m going to run both of these races without a Garmin and I’ll run them by feel. I’m excited to let go of the “I’m racing” concept and just go run for fun.

Have you ever run a race just for fun?

I bounced out of bed at 5:00AM! Tony might have been a little whiny about the early wake up call and cold weather, but I think my excitement rubbed off on him.

We were running a little late so I missed the big #runchi photo, but I was able to find a few of the other Cheer Team members to get a small group shot.

I had two main goals for this race; have fun and cross the finish line with Tony. Both goals were accomplished!

We finished the race in 1:23:39 with an average pace of 8:22. Definitely NOT my fasted time, but the most fun I’ve had racing!

At the end of the race you run into Soldier Field and cross the finish line on the 50 yard line. Tony and I ran through holding hands with smiles on our faces. The best part was getting our finisher medals from the active duty Sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Station. It was an honor receiving the medal from them. Fleet Feet Sports sure knows how to put on a great event! I’m extremely impressed by the Solider Field 10 mile race! So well organized, my favorite medal I’ve ever received, the staff and volunteers were so helpful & the extra goodie bag at the end was such a nice surprise! Great job, Fleet Feet! This was my first time running this race, but definitely won’t be my last.