Chicago Marathon 2011

(in case you are bored, remember it took me 15 minutes to even cross the start line)

On Sunday I finished my second Chicago marathon. My goal this year was really simple- do better than last year. Last year I was mentally very negative throughout the race and did not enjoy it much. This year was an entirely different experience. I had a great time, as crazy as that sounds. I soaked in the crowd filled streets throughout 29 neighborhoods of Chicago. While my finishing time was only 10 minutes faster than last year and four minutes faster than my Ironman Marathon, I was elated. I ran the best I could and I keep a positive attitude, which for me, was the biggest challenge.

The best moments of the race were seeing a man with a sign at mile 2.6 which read "I thought you said 2.62", the reoccuring sign "worst parade ever", spotting the hamm famm near mile 10, posing for a picture for Anu at mile 16, running with jason from mile 17 to 20, the sign which read "your feet hurt because you are kicking ass" and of course the ice cold 312 beer at the finish line.

ART PRIZE

Last weekend Jay and I spent Sunday afternoon checking out Art Prize in Grand Rapids. We had a room at the Amway courtesy of Spectrum Health, so it was easy to walk around and look at the exhibits. My favorite were the bears seen above in the Ford Fountain. Also the monkeys on the bridge (see Hamm Famm blog). We had dinner with the Spectrum Health Gastroenterology group at sixonesix in the JW Marriott. Monday I had an all day interview with the group. I had the chance to tour the Children's Hospital, Medical School and Heart Center. All of which were amazing. Overall a great trip!

Ann Arbor Visit

This weekend we went to Ann Arbor for the Michigan game. Jay and I stayed at the Campus Inn. We started Saturday with a trip to the bookstore and bruggers bagels just like the old days.

Then we met Amanda and Aaron at my former place of employment, The Brown Jug, for a pregame cocktail. It seemed appropriate since we were playing Minnesota last weekend.

We then strolled down State Street to the stadium, past all the college parties. It was a scene! The game itself was very one-sided, but still fun to be in the sun and newly rennovated Big House.

After the game we headed to Good Time Charleys and then Pizza House to meet Jacquie and Bill for a Chapati.



Sunday we woke up early and went for a run/campus tour. We ran past my sorority, my dorm, through the Arb and finally made it up the big hill by the hospital. It was a weekend for nostalgia, which carried on as we headed to Grand Rapids for Sunday evening and Monday!