Wicked Running Club

Last Sunday was the Chicago Marathon.  Participating from Wicked were Rich Tomlins, Tim Short, Theresa Johnson, Chip Bott, Billy Prentiss, and Billy Shea.  As with most out-of-state marathons, part of the fun is exploring new places.  Check out some of Chicago’s sites as captured by Wicked eyes.
Chip stops traffic as Billy P. crosses the street “Abbey Road” style.  He does look a bit like John Lennon in this photo, don’t you think?

Did you know our Club has become so well known, they have set the story to music?  Billy S and P stand out front waiting to be first in line for the musical.  I wonder who plays the good witch and who plays the bad witch?  Hmmmm.  What Wicked members could we assign those roles to….  Let me think….  

Chip just couldn’t contain his excitement and had to plant a big kiss on what looks like the bad witch to me.  I think the witch in white is whispering something like, “Wipe your cheek.  He works around horses.”

No pre-marathon jitters here.  We had all just stuffed our faces with lots and lots of pasta in preparation for the next morning’s adventure.  I don’t remember what Chip ate, but it certainly put a glow on him.  Check out the red crocks on Tim (the height of fashion in Chicago).  Rich looks a bit maniacal with those eyes, doesn’t he?  Missing from the photo, but accompanying us at dinner, were Theresa’s husband and daughter and Tim’s fiance, Nicole.  Have to admit, the meal was a lot better than the night before at Ronnie’s.  Right, Chip?  ”You want corn with that?  How about some mac and cheese?”

Tim is always complaining that Nicole doesn’t shout loud enough when he’s approaching the finish.  So, to show her spirit, Nicole created this Wicked cool shirt with all our names on it.  Poor Nicole, on the day she and Tim were leaving for the airport to fly to Chicago, she fell and fractured her foot.  Knowing that NOTHING was going to stop them from getting on that plane, the emergency room experience had to take place in Chicago.  When I asked Nicole at dinner if she was in pain, she smiled very sweetly and said, “Not really.”  I asked, “Did they give you something for the pain?”  She replied, again with a very pleasant smile, “Oh, yes.” “Oh, yes” is right, Nicole.  Oxycontin…..  Way to go, girl!!!!!

That Billy P.  He makes friends wherever he goes.  Walking to the marathon start site the day before the race, we spied this pleasant young man with the lip piercing.  Of course, Billy had to stop and inquire about it.  The young man said it didn’t hurt, but then proceeded to tweak his pierced nipples which he said hurt alot.  Well, for those of you who know Billy, this was the perfect opening for further rather ribald conversation.  I knew I needed to get a picture of the two of them.  As Billy placed his arm around him, the young man laughed and laughed and uttered, “Hey, I don’t care if you’re gay.  Doesn’t make any difference to me!”  Ah, Chicago, such a liberal town.

Chip needs to “check in” with himself from time to time.  Yes, Chip, you’re still you.  

Oh, there’s a marathon in town?  You mean we actually have to run while we’re here?  Is this guy practicing crawling to the finish line?

Well, we finished.  Not looking too bad for the journey, either, huh?  Course was flat, second half was very hot, crowds were great, 33,000 runners.  A wicked good time was had by all!