Free Shit !!!!!

The best things in the world are free, may be thats why I love free shit. Come on, I am not the only one here, I know half of you went to career fairs in school, not to get a job, but to get all that free stuff, pens, clips, and oh yeah T-Shirts and some of you still wear those t-shirts in the gym ( you know who you are). Alright, so now imagine the best day in a free loaders life. You can see it involves free booze, food and t-shirts (and some raffle prize, for you lucky ones).

This last Thursday, I lived the day we just defined. I signed up for Club Runchi, its Nike's Chicago running club. They have a run every Thursday at 6:15 starting at Niketown. This Thrsday was special, because the runners were headed to a secret location. I took a cab to Niketown, because it was raining a bit. I reached there, signed a waiver and got my free Nike Tech T-Shirt. We split up in to different pace groups and started running towards the secret location. The run began at Michigan Ave and Erie and was headed towards museum campus. Half way through the run, it started pouring, now everyone was drenched from head to toe. As we approached Shedd Aquarium, we saw the finish line. Nike had recreated the marathon finish line experience. There were volunteers cheering for us with their bells. There were time displays on the finish line. They also had free Gatorade and water. The run culminated in a nike tent, that had free food (sushi, sandwiches, fruits, veggies, rolls, bread, etc), free booze (beer and wine). Nike marketing team talked about their support and sponsorship plans for Chicago Marathon and Chicago runners. They announced 10 winners of a raffle who got free registration for the marathon. Two-time Olympian and Chicago Marathon vet Abdi Abdirahman was there to talk about his story and to take questions from runners.
Since everyone was wet from the rain, Nike passed out free dry Chi-Town tees and gave us a free ride back to the Nike town.

Count the word free in boldface in the last paragraph, does it get better than this for a freeloader? I know you are thinking why were you not there? Anyways, its still not too late.
Club Runchi is going to have two such runs on the north side (Monday 4/28 Fleet Feet, Tuesday 4/29 at Running Away, you can call 312-642-6363). Also Nike is starting free marathon training program starting on June 1 ( multiple locations across Chi-Town).

Updates since last post
Training :
a)Over trained (too much weights and bhangra) and injured myself. So just had two short runs (total 5.75 miles ) in last 10 days.


b)Today, I ran 5k with ASHA group at Lakeshore and Monroe Location, Beautiful view of city and lake from Shedd Aquarium always amaze me. (check out the aerial view of the running path,we take)


c) Good weather is back, and so is my bike. So hopefully it will serve as fun means of x-training.

d) Crossed the 40 mile mark for miles ran since Shamrock and completed 10 runs since Shamrock.


Earth Week: Given my injury, was using too much ice so switched from ice to gel based reusable cold pack ;)


Signing out
- Desi "Freeloader" Forrest Gump

Nike's Club RunChi http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/category/chicago/

Monday Event Details
Address :
Fleet Feet Sports- Piper Alley
1620 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312.587.3338

Discounted parking is available for $2 for the first hour in the Pipers's Alley garage (with validation).

CTA Brown line Sedwick stop is just two blocks west of the store.

Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00PM

Description:
Always wanted to be the best of the best -- or at the very least, wonder how they do it? Find out what makes Meb Keflezighi tick at this very special event, presented by Nike and Fleet Feet Sports.

Fuel your passion for running with special guest Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist and American Record Holder.

Participate in new Nike product demonstrations and raffles and join a 3, 5 or 7 mile training run.



Tuesday Event Details:

What

Joan Benoit Samuelson

When

Tue Apr 29 6pm – Tue Apr 29 8pm

20080429T180000/20080429T200000

Where

1634 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 | Phone 773.395.2929
map

Description

Women's Night
Come meet olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson.
Then let's go for a run!

More free stuff this week,
Monday :- Free Redbox rental :- R7234H
Tuesday:- Free Southern style chicken sandwich with purchase of Mickey D sweet tea ($1) all day long at McD
Wednesday :- 31Cents Scoop Night at Baskin Robins (OK almost free)