‘Tis the Season May 18, 2009

Ah, marathon season.

It’s the time of year when most people are waking up to sunshine, tanning at the beach, and grilling in their backyard.  Runners, on the other hand, are waking up at 6 AM to avoid the heat, slathering on sunscreen while wolfing down toast and bananas for their long runs, and taking refuge in the neighborhood sprinklers.  I’m waiting to see if I’m picked for the NYC Marathon – part of me is excited for the prospect of having a monumental, longterm goal like a marathon, and the other part of me just really wants to sleep in and not have to obsessively check the temperature every Saturday morning and watch my hydration the day before.  And then there is the part of me that whispers, “But if you train for another marathon, you’ll get to eat whatever you want again.”  Satan, get thee behind me!

In the interim, I’ve signed up for a 10K in June and, uh, Warrior Dash in July.  It’s a 6K course consisting of obstacles such as Leg Break Leaps, Tunnels of Terror, Warrior Roast, and the Slithering Swamp.  All very safe, I’m sure.   In addition to the ubiquitous race t-shirt, you also get a warrior helmet and there is knife-throwing after the race.  This is obvious a very serious and intense race; I fully expect to see Deena Kastor and Ryan Hall in Joliet that weekend.  Watch for ESPN coverage.

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I tried out The Counter in Chicago with some friends a few weeks ago.  It’s a build-your-own-burger joint, and the burgers are delicious, albeit overpriced.  They certainly don’t give them away, that’s for sure.

Half and Half

The Kai Burger

I topped my burger with fried onion strings, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and garlic aioli.  They also had a churros milkshake, which was pretty much the best thing ever – cinnamon and vanilla, with bits of churros throughout.  Yum!

I also discovered the best sandwich place the other night, having dinner with some friends.  The Bourgeois Pig Cafe is hugely personable, and has a huge selection of sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.  I had The Walden – curry honey chicken salad between focaccia.

The Walden