Eight Reasons to Run During Tonight's Lunar Eclipse

I know what you're thinking, Chicago: The weather is ruining your total lunar eclipse plans, especially if those plans included tonight's Lunar Eclipse run and Nike LunarEclipse+ launch at Fleet Feet Sports's Piper's Alley location.  It's cold. It's late--that 1 a.m. gathering time and 1:30 a.m. departure to catch the eclipse at 1:41 a.m. is going to require a nap, some caffeine and a little rallying. It's snowing and the Lakefront Path has definitely been covered by Old Man Winter. And you know the cloud cover and continuing snowfall are too thick to see tonight's total lunar eclipse. But don't let Debbie Downer win tonight, keeping you indoors, dry and warm and snow-free. Here's why you still want to make the trek to Fleet Feet for an event that's sure to go down in Chicago running history:

• The last time a total lunar eclipse coincided with winter solstice was back in 1638, and it's only supposed to coincide one more time this millennium. Twice in one-thousand years, people.
• It's the longest night of the year and the shortest day, you may as well have a fun event planned around running in the dark. 
• Whether you've run through all of the city's other snow spectacles like the Shamrock Snow-Shuffle, last week's Rudolph Ramble or the year of the snowy Chicago Marathon (and that's not even all the events marred by our crazy bad-timing weather), or you've never braved the elements, you'll earn your bragging rights tonight. Snow covering the ground, sub-freezing temps, and a run that starts when you would ordinarily be in bed? I'd award a badge on the spot.
• An event with Fleet Feet and Nike involved? From fashion shows and shoe unveilings at Fleet Feet to Nike's special runs back in March and April, I haven't been disappointed yet. 
• You'll get a chance to trial the newest shoes to join the Nike family, the LunarEclipse+, before most others.
• If you're one of the first 75 people through the door, you'll score a limited edition Nike tee. 
• And if you spend more than $50 on Nike product, you'll go home with a gift valued at $30--perfect for any gaps on your gift-giving list or to gift yourself.
• Music, food, drinks and a raffle? That's better than spending the night at the bar, with a workout to boot.

So come on, what are you waiting for? Tonight could be the closest you get to a bona fide snow day--and those who think you're weird for playing with the powder will all be in bed. I'm still planning to attend (I live too close to find a good excuse to skip out anyway), are you?


Photo by Alison Rezabek, featuring the way Chicago looks tonight as the snow falls.