Take The Bridge ends our 2017 racing season kind of like we began it — in a new city, on a weekend in which running is the star of the show. We opened this year in Boston, marathon weekend. And now we’re super excited to make our Chicago debut two days before the city’s own storied 26.2.
There are many more threads that bind these stories. Neither Chicago nor Boston has the massive bridges on which we’re so used to staging out-and-back races in New York. But so what? As in Boston, runs with local runners led us to an epic course that’s a little off the beaten path. We’ll race a fast, tactical, spectator-friendly two-lapper over many small bridges. And like any TTB, this race is ultimately about the local clubs. We are humbled by their turnout, representing Fleet Feet / Nike Racing, 3RUN2, DW Running, NP and New Balance.
THE FAVORITES
Let’s meet a few of the ladies who we expect at the front of the pack on Friday.
Each was gracious enough to share a little about their season, their goals and their race strategy. Oh, and we asked each one — mile or marathon? Verdict, mile, 3:2. Bring on the speed!
JOSEY MINTEL
Fleet Feet / Nike Racing
5K PR: 17:04
WHY TTBN ?
It sounded up my alley: short, no clocks, all competition. I was excited about being able to race during marathon weekend in Chicago, too!
RECENT RACES?
After a breakthrough year in 2016, I've struggled a lot coming back to racing in 2017 after a winter hiatus. I'm most proud of getting out and racing when I don't necessarily feel ready; I keep reaching for one rung of the ladder at a time and staying determined to find fitness again at the top.
RACE STRATEGY?
My coach and I always approach racing with the same central thesis: go out strong, but stay poised until the last third of the race. In the last third, let go, compete, and run with heart.
MILE OR MARATHON?
For 2018, I would probably opt for the mile. My long term goals (8-10 years) are marathon oriented, but I still have some speed in my legs and some business to attend to on the track first :)
TORI GERLACH
5K PR: 15:50
WHY TTB?
I heard about it through some friends who are also competing. I'm visiting my boyfriend here in Chicago and thought I'd sign up. I am just starting my fall build-up and thought it would be the perfect hard effort race for me.
RECENT RACES?
I'm proud of my third place finish at NCAA's in the 3000m steeplechase this past June.
RACE STRATEGY?
I haven't thought too much about it but I feel comfortable in the front of most races. I wouldn't be surprised if I took it out and dictated the pace.
MILE OR MARATHON?
I would definitely put all my efforts into the mile. It's a really fun race for me and I like the training better for it. I haven't thought about doing a marathon but maybe in the future I'll try it.
KELLY MCSHEA
Chicago New Balance
5K PR: 18:14
WHY TTB?
It looked like a fun race with a different approach in a place I have never been!
RECENT RACES?
I ran the Bucktown 5k and that went well for me (Editor’s note: she won)! This will be the last race for me this fall!
RACE STRATEGY?
Race as hard as I can and have fun!
MILE OR MARATHON?
If these were my only two options I think I would choose the marathon...just so I could spend more time with my teammates on long runs!
KAREN LESIEWICZ
Chicago New Balance
MILE PR: 4:50
WHY TTB?
My teammate Kelly McShea and I run for New Balance Chicago and we thought it would be a fun thing to do (while the rest of our teammates prepare for the marathon on Sunday! Haha.)
RECENT RACES?
I raced the Wintrust Lakefront 10 miler this past Spring, placing 2nd over all female in 1:47.
RACE STRATEGY?
Run for fun and personal bests. Also, don’t get lost.
MILE OR MARATHON?
I’d race the mile any day! I have a college PR of 4:50 and enjoy the quick, fast, hard efforts.
JESSICA BIRD
DWRunning
5K PR: 19:18
WHY TTB?
It sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to meet some new runners while also representing my run crew DWRunning here in Chicago. I am a long distance girl but this community drew me and I decided to do something outside my comfort zone.
RECENT RACES?
I ran the North Face Endurance Challenge 50K in Wisconsin and placed second 2 weeks ago, and also ran my first 50 mile ultra marathon in Door County, WI in June which I won. I am currently in my taper for my second 50 mile ultra marathon on October 14.
RACE STRATEGY?
I don’t have much of a strategy! I am not used to planning for 2.6 miles - usually at that point I am just getting warmed up :) I am just going to go out and have fun and try to keep up.
MILE OR MARATHON?
Being an ultra runner my efforts are going to focus on a golden ticket race for the Western States 100. It is so prestigious and on my bucket list for sure.
