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As is the custom, the February version of the Common Sole Path Problem featured circumstances that delivered on the expectations set by the phrase “problem” within the title. Final week’s thaw and laborious refreeze turned the gorgeous snowy observe to ice. In an electronic mail to individuals, race director Joel Feinberg urged everybody to make use of studded footwear or YakTracks. I used to be one of many small proportion that didn’t heed this recommendation, with predictable penalties.
Situations at Schiller Woods- photograph credit score, Sharon Walbert
Held on the Schiller Woods Forest Protect, the race featured 117 folks operating the lollipop formed course for 4.6 miles by way of the woods alongside the Des Plaines River. The temperature hovered within the low teenagers that felt like single digits with the wind.
One in all my teammates quipped earlier than the race that his objective was “to remain upright.”
I retorted, “What’s your B objective?” I’d remorse these phrases. For many of the race, I might discover respectable footing alongside the edges of the path the place the snow had not completely modified to ice. At a number of factors, nonetheless, I needed to cross the middle of the path the place no such footing existed and at mile 1 ¼, I fell making an attempt to cross. I used to be comparatively unhurt, and with wounded pleasure continued the race, even managing to extend my tempo for the final two miles. I’ve since ordered spikes for my path footwear.
Talking of spiked footwear: at one level, I noticed race winner Nicholas Robertson flying down the middle of the ice like he was on pace skates. He completed the 4.6 miles in 29:23. On ice. The highest feminine finisher Elizabeth Scharle got here in at 40:30.
Comfortable Members (creator higher left)- photograph credit score, Sharon Walbert
Like all Common Sole occasions, the Valentine’s path problem featured a fantastic post-race celebration with chili, beer, music, and “world well-known raffle.”
Don’t miss the final Common Sole Path Problem race of the season an 11-mile monster at Bullfrog Lake in Palos on April 2nd. Register Here
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