Heat Returns for Big Race Weekend

After a slight temperature respite today and tomorrow, the heat comes back for this weekend's big races. On a schedule loaded with events, three stand out. The Xtreme 10-miler on Saturday morning at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve near Darien tries to dodge severe weather, which hasn't always been the case for this CARA Runners' Choice Circuit race. The Alexian Brothers Fitness for America Half-marathon, 10K and 5K run/walk, also on Saturday, in Hoffman Estates, already has issued a well-worded heat advisory. The XC Sport Fitness Rock 'n' roll Half Marathon benefiting the ACS, on Sunday, starting at 6:30 in Grant Park, promises to be a hot one with temps heading back toward 90 or higher. Thousands will run the Rock 'n' roll. Hundreds will run in the other two. And there are many other fine races to run in as well, including the Run for Hunger 5K on Sunday in Elmhurst. This race was not held last year because of lightning. If you can get there, they need the support. And what's on my docket? I'm running the Xtreme 10 and then heading north to man a water station on Sunday at the Door County (WI) Half-Ironman Triathlon. I know a lot of you are in the early stages of marathon training if you're not racing. Have fun and be careful.