Do You Believe in Magic?

Last weekend’s muggy August weather made for a more difficult long run, but we’ve otherwise been pretty lucky this summer. Our training schedule included a Magic Mile, which is basically a time trial mile. I ran the Magic Mile at 6:14, and Jenn previously ran hers at 7:14.

After the run, I accepted an invitation to Wizard World, the Chicago satellite of Comi-Con. I saw some Harry Potters in the crowd, but despite the name, the convention is less about magic, and more about sci-fi and comic books. Seeing various celebrities (broadly construed) and costumed fans, I had an interesting and amusing time in a world where reality is suspended. I have included a couple of pictures here and posted an entire album on Facebook.

Anyway, we might not believe in magic, but we have reason to believe in a lot more. We see that running is a way of life for many, maybe even us. However, without the AFC mission and the generosity and emotional support we have received, there is no way that we would feel so empowered and improve as greatly our physical and mental strength on the run. After being one of the top fundraisers last year, we would not want to spend our summer any other way.

With less than two months until the Chicago Marathon, we hope that we can get more help for the AFC and make it truly an amazing race. Please forgive me for the photographic pun using Kynt and Vyxsin, former Amazing Race contestants and Comi-Con celebrity attendees, and consider contributing anyway.  We're approaching $1,500 and hope to reach at least $2,000 by the end of the week.

http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/TheyMightBeRunnersII-ElectricBoogaloo

Graceland

We're not really big fans of Elvis, but we ran the Elvis Is Alive 5K based on numerous recommendations from friends. We fully recommend it to runners, walkers, and spectators.

We strayed from our usual slow 5-miler on Thursdays, but running the 5K at a good clip made for a nice change. We signed up and were blessed with great weather, particularly for August. As I enjoyed a complimentary post-race beer with the peanut butter banana sandwiches, we also attended the post-race concert by an Elvis impersonator. Or was he the real deal? The passion with which he sang the Star-Spangled Banner before the start almost convinced me.

Armed with a Canon PowerShot, rather than our usual Clif brand Shot Blocs, we captured the all-Elvis pack at the start line and shot some on the course as we passed them. We have included a few photos here and posted the album on Facebook. Running more races and pushing ourselves to improve have kept our marathon mission fresh this year. And so, we have taken the King's advice: "A little less conversation, a little more action, please." http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/TheyMightBeRunnersII-ElectricBoogaloo


We're trying as hard as we can and quote Paul Simon, a musician I much prefer over Elvis:

And I may be obliged to defend
Every love every ending,
Or maybe there's no obligations now.
Maybe I've a reason to believe
We all will be received
In Graceland.