Chicago Marathon opens...

[HCcD]

No turning back now ... just booked my flight with my Aeroplan Miles direct from Ottawa/Chicago return on United Airlines ... Only 25,000 aeroplan miles and ~$79.00US ...

See you there Andy! Though I think I'll be seeing you numerous times in between - Mississauga, ATB.

Oh, did you decide on the Travelodge?

I tried the Best Western, but it was booked Sat night - so the Travelodge it was!

Lisa

Yep ... Travelodge it is

[orleansrunner1962]

Who's In:

JSmitty
MrJSmiity(Maybe)
purdy65
BingeRunner
KBO
Endurox
Claire (not on RM)
Jackie (not on RM)
Andy!
Dr. S +Boyfriend =)
Run26.2
OrleansRunner (goal race)

[HCcD]

Yay, Sylvie's comin', Sylvie's comin' ...

I hear the Travelodge is the place to stay ...

[HCcD]

Just confirmed that I am confirmed on the online confirmation list that I was confirmed ....

As well, over 10,000 registered for the event yesterday ....

Glad that I have my flight and hotel already booked ...

[orleansrunner1962]

Is anyone able to help me out with the address of the TravelLodge - is it the one on Harrison??

[HCcD]

Is anyone able to help me out with the address of the TravelLodge - is it the one on Harrison??

Travelodge Hotel Downtown Chicago
65 East Harrison
Wabash St & Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60605 US

[orleansrunner1962]

Thanks Andy - you're the best -- trying to get it sorted out with TD Visa Travel Rewards-! fun stuff!!

[HCcD]

Thanks Andy - you're the best -- trying to get it sorted out with TD Visa Travel Rewards-! fun stuff!!

You're welcome ...

I chose United Airlines over Air Canada, with my aeroplan, as they offered direct flights, whereas, AC required a connection, likely via Toronto, addining another 3-4 hours of travel/wait time in airports ... Though, United Airlines are now charging $25.00 - $50.00 per luggage each way, for check-ins .. but not sure if it now applies to carry-ons ??

[orleansrunner1962]

Hotel is booked - yahoo!!

[HCcD]

Hotel is booked - yahoo!!

Did you just book it? or, save more money by paying upfront?

[JSmitty]

You guys better keep us in the loop for meet 'n greets!!
We will be staying in the same B & B as last year that KBO and Bingerunner were at and Tracy, Trixee and Prats (3yrs ago)?
It's not so far out of the loop that we can't meet up, but with parking between 25 -45 per night, it doesn't make sense to move. We need the car for our lavish outlet shopping on the way home!!!

[KBO]

You guys better keep us in the loop for meet 'n greets!!
We will be staying in the same B & B as last year that KBO and Bingerunner were at and Tracy, Trixee and Prats (3yrs ago)?
It's not so far out of the loop that we can't meet up, but with parking between 25 -45 per night, it doesn't make sense to move. We need the car for our lavish outlet shopping on the way home!!!

It's an easy train ride away. I have no doubt we'll be able to meet up.

[purdy65]

Hotel is booked - yahoo!!

We're at the Travel lodge too! See you there!

Lisa

[HCcD]

Hotel is booked - yahoo!!

We're at the Travel lodge too! See you there!

Lisa

Wonder if we could've gotten a better rate if we call for a Group Rate?

eta: Gonna be bringing your little furball, Bailey ??

[orleansrunner1962]

Using my travel points - comes out to $161.07 per night - NO CANCELLATION - that would have been an extra $40 per night.... I'll be remembering this every time I am out training -- "train smart, don't get hurt, no cancellation"!!

[purdy65]

Hotel is booked - yahoo!!

We're at the Travel lodge too! See you there!

Lisa

Wonder if we could've gotten a better rate if we call for a Group Rate?

eta: Gonna be bringing your little furball, Bailey ??

Nope! Bailey stays home! He has too much fun at the sitters

Sylvie - the $160 registration fee is enough to keep me motivated! Sheez! expensive!

I may use non-refundable airmiles for the flight - that would do it!

Lisa

[framboisine]

Who's In:

JSmitty
MrJSmiity(Maybe)
purdy65
BingeRunner
KBO
Endurox
Claire (not on RM)
Jackie (not on RM)
Andy!
Dr. S +Boyfriend =)
Run26.2
OrleansRunner (goal race)
framboisine

[KBO]

framboisine

[HCcD]

Nope! Bailey stays home! He has too much fun at the sitters

Sylvie - the $160 registration fee is enough to keep me motivated! Sheez! expensive!

I may use non-refundable airmiles for the flight - that would do it!

Lisa

After $330.00US for Goofy 2011 (incl. service fees), Chicago is cheap ..

and, yes ... Frambo is comin' Frambo is comin ..

[RobAllen]

Who's In:

JSmitty
MrJSmiity(Maybe)
purdy65
BingeRunner
KBO
Endurox
Claire (not on RM)
Jackie (not on RM)
Andy!
Dr. S +Boyfriend =)
Run26.2
OrleansRunner (goal race)
framboisine
RobAllen & wife

[endurox]

I'm in! Excited to be running my 10th marathon on the 10th day of the 10th month in 10!

[Half-Mary]

I'd love to go to a Jazz club...wanted to go last year, but was chicken of the big city.
We are staying until Tuesday, so maybe in our plans this time.
Will everything (shopping and clubs) be open on the Monday (Columbus Day)?

Two years ago, I was in Chicago on Columbus Day, and everything was open - shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions. I don't believe it's a day off for everybody.

This trip happened was while I was still a beginner runner, and I was in awe of all of the people walking around with medals around their necks while wearing Marathon souvenir clothing. Now that I know more about running, I am even more in awe of what these people accomplished the day before. I still chuckle when I think of the guy who stood at the bottom of the 3 stairs leading up to "The Bean" (that weird tourist attraction) and said to his wife "Not today honey... I'll just look from here. Three stairs are far too many for me to climb today." I didn't really get it then, but now I do!

Someday, I will run the Chicago Marathon. I have friends in the area, so it would make a great destination race for me. Not this year though. I have a 1/2 marathon (maybe even the full!) on that same day here in Victoria.

[orleansrunner1962]

I am SOOOOO excited -- my oldest son is attending NorthWestern (one of the influences for me to go to Chicago), and he has just signed up to run Chicago with me -- this will be his first marathon -- he has been doing olympic tris, and will be doing his first half-ironman in June, and then will move his training towards longer runs, and run Chicago with his Mama..... I am thrilled to no end!!!!

[HCcD]

Is it woohoo or as I just confirmed online that I am in Corral B ..

[endurox]

I'll be right behind ya in Corral C, shakin' in my Newtons!