Fit-Pic: Nike Chicago Pep Rally

There's nothing like a pep rally at Nike Chicago to get fired up for Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I say this because I've been going to these pep rallies since 2005 and they only get better. Take this year, which also happened to be the first Nike Run Club run since Nike Chicago closed in March for its overhaul and only reopened last week. Sure, the third floor, now the run floor, was full of runners and marathon gear, but how about a dee-jay and star-studded cast to send runners on their routes?

Who's ready to #ownchicago on Sunday?

Niketown Pep Rally to #OwnChicago with Robbie Gould and Elite Athletes

I spotted my first visiting runner this morning. The giveaway: a rolling suitcase, running shoes, capri leggings and a wandering eye. Banners are dotting the streets, hotel keys read Let's Run Together, the kick-off press conference occurred this morning and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon expo opens tomorrow. Chicago is most definitely embracing marathon fever all the way down to our Twitter accounts shouting #ownchicago.

But maybe you're like me and know this race is happening on Sunday yet you're not totally fired up about it yet. My excuse? I wish I could be basking in this Indian Summer sun, desperately seeking my tan that faded in our September chill. Silly, yes. But there is a sure-fire way to turn the dial on my excitement meter from a one to a 10--it's an event that does it every year. The Niketown Pep Rally, happening tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Niketown Chicago, 669 N. Michigan Ave. And each year only improves upon the last. Here's why this one will top them all:

Don't Be Tardy for This Party

Whether you're running the 2010 Chicago Marathon on Sunday or you're simply a runner who wants to enjoy this awesome return-to-summer weather, you need to make your way to Niketown at 669 N. Michigan Avenue tonight. Actually, even if you're not a runner, the motivation at tonight's fun run might make you want to start. Going with tradition--at least for the last five years, maybe longer--Niketown is holding its annual pep rally that precedes its Thursday Run Club fun run. Here's what you'll find tonight to kick off the run:

• a question-and-answer session and autograph signings with elite Nike Athletes, including Sammy Wanjiru, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Chris Solinsky and Amy Yoder-Begley. Wanjiru won last year's race, Samuelson won in 1985 and returns this year to celebrate her win's 25th anniversary, Solinsky is a 14-time All American, and Yoder-Begley is an Olympian. Have any questions about race day? This group can provide good answers and worthy tips.
• Appearance by the winners of the 2009 Northside Southside High School Challenge. Also keep in mind, this fun challenge will be racing 2.62 miles toward the finish line on Sunday after the runners have set off for their 26.2-mile run through the city.
• check out the marathon-themed merchandise and maybe make a few purchases before going to the expo, like some warm-weather wares. No huge lines, plenty of sizes and maybe even a few things you won't see at this weekend's expo. My favorite? Look for the Chicago hot dog tee.
• watch the unveiling of the Michigan Avenue windows featuring the names of all 45,000 participants in Sunday’s race. Maybe you'll even spot your own.

After the festivities, Nike Run Club will depart for a two-mile taper run to get those legs loose for 10-10-10. Talk about a perfect way to wrap up training. Ready, set, go!

Photo grabbed from Nike Run Club Chicago.

Niketown Pep Rally for Chicago Marathon

Sunday's the big dance in Chicago--at least for 45,000 runners who've had October 11's Chicago Marathon marked on their calendars since April--but the fun gets started on Thursday, October 8, at Niketown with its annual pep rally. And this year's pep rally, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. at Niketown at 669 N. Michigan Ave., has a star-studded cast, including Nike elite athletes and Chicago Bears' Johnny Knox.

Have a question before race day and want a seasoned pro's advice? Want to know how Olympic runners attack a race? Need to squeeze in a last minute run and want a great course along the Lakefront Path and elite company? Or just want to run? The pep rally delivers with Johnny Knox, considered a Bears speedster, plus Nike elite athletes who include: Joan Benoit Samuelson (winner of Chicago Marathon and Olympic Gold winner), Bernard Lagat (2008 Olympic Silver, Bronze winner), Shalane Flanagan (2008 Olympic Bronze winner), Matt Tegenkamp (American record-holder: 2 miles), Chris Solinksy (14-time All American) and Anna Willard (2-time national champion). They'll be on hand to advise and cheer on local runners and then head out for a training run after a Q&A session. Then come Sunday they'll be cheering on the high schoolers competing in the Nike Northside/Southside Challenge, the first-ever high school invitational meet taking place on the Chicago Marathon course, during the race itself.

Talk about excitement brewing in the Windy City. And a great running motivator especially to quell the jitters. Need more info, check out Nike's Chicago-specific section. Photo courtesy of Nike, featuring Shalane Flanagan and Joan Benoit Samuelson who also attended the 2008 event. Posted by Kate