A Day at the Races - Illinois Half Marathon 2014

On April 26, 2014, I was proud to be my daughter's support team as she achieved her goal of completing the half marathon race at the annual Illinois Marathon at Champaign/Urbana, Illinois.

The half marathon route is 13.1 miles long. My assignment was to meet Lisa every 4th mile to provide her with water and sports drink and to cheer her on.  (I even figured out how to download a cow bell app on my cell phone.)

While I waited at the 8 mile mark, this couple walked by. There is probably a story regarding their matching pink costumes and wings.

It was a beautiful day and such a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the long cold weather. The finish line was at the 50 yard line of the University of Illinois football stadium. As I sat waiting for Lisa to finish her race, I enjoyed watching all of the participants celebrating their achievements.

 Then Lisa emerged from the tunnel and as she approached the finish line, her name was announced over the intercom.  Live video of the finish line action was being projected on the stadium scoreboard and I was able to take a photo of her (in lime green shirt) finishing. 

And finally, the standard shot of Lisa with her medals on the field.

Lisa set this goal last year as we walked the 10K together. Over the past year, she had been consistently training until she was able to walk this distance on a steady basis. It wasn't easy but she didn't give up. She finished under her personal goal time. You go, Girl!

Mini-Roadtrip - Along the Northwest Highway

When the snow finally melts, it is time for an afternoon of exploration with friends. 

If you are in the Chicago area, you might consider driving out the Northwest Highway (US 14). 

Have lunch at the Benedict's Strata restaurant in downtown Crystal Lake. The food is delicious. We ordered and thoroughly enjoyed the Moroccan Omelette and the Apple Brie Omelette. You can walk off the calories as you browse several of the downtown shops. There is actually a real Crystal Lake nearby (that the town is named after). In late April, Merganzer and Mallard ducks swam peacefully nearby. Sitting on a swinging chair by the shore was very calming. 

Crystal Lake

Then be sure to continue on to Woodstock. Yes, this is where the movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed. It was fun to identify the different film shots - the gazebo, the diner, Ned's corner. And there are several cool shops to check out. The restored City Opera House is worth a look around. 

At the northeast corner of the Woodstock town square - it's a doozie!

Stained glass in City Opera Building.

Then drive on to Harvard. The downtown was not that exciting, but nothing beats getting your photo taken with Harvard's iconic cow. 

The Harvard cow welcomes southbound travelers.

Mural behind iconic cow statue that announces that Milk Day will be celebrated in 2014 on the 1st Saturday in June.

We ventured on across the Wisconsin border in search of cheese but none was to be found in Walworth.  

Finish up the day with a sumptuous and affordable Italian dinner at Galati's in Cary. 

As with any road trip, the things you discover bring the fun, but more importantly your travelling companions bring the joy.

Snowy April in Leelanau

My son and I took a quick trip Up North to check on things. Good news - the roofs survived the record 257 inch seasonal snowfall. And the snow may not be over yet for the year. We stopped in for breakfast at Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor, Michigan and it was not surprising to hear that the locals are weary of winter. Lake Michigan and Glen Lake are still covered with ice - but the ice cover is thinning. Here are some photos taken on April 5 at the Glen Haven and Empire beaches.

By Blu Restaurant looking toward Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor Beach

Glen Haven Beach

Empire Beach

Joe is standing on sand drifts just off shore at Empire Beach. It's interesting how the sand mounds up and freezes.

Empire Bluffs