This morning we headed over to watch the Chicago Marathon. Once the Elite runners started the race at 7:55 am we left the house and walked over to the Northwest corner of the course at Addison St. and Broadway St. Since our corner is between mile marker 7 and 8 we figured it would take “the elites” about 30 minutes to reach us. Thus, we stopped off at Starbuck’s for some coffee since we had time. Around 36 minutes after the race started the elite men ran by us. At 44 minutes the elite women ran by. Then as you would expect, the masses descended upon us.

As with any marathon, the main reason you are watching is to see your friends take on the 26.2 mile odyssey. Of course, with 45,000 people running and 30,000 completing the race it can be difficult to spot your friends. Thus, a strategy needs to be implemented. One of our friends, whose husband was running in the race, bought a Hannah Montana balloon so her husband could spot us. That worked as he found us before we even saw him.

After the race we went out for brunch. What better way to end an early Sunday morning.