Title IX & the Chicago Women's Half Marathon/5K

It was a great day to be a female athlete on Sunday, June 24th! The inaugural Chicago Women's Half Marathon & 5K coincided with the 40th Anniversary of Title IX (otherwise known as the Equal Opportunity in Education Act). Without it, the women in "Miles & Trials" would not have had the chance to attempt to qualify for the Olympic Trials and I wouldn't be producing this film!

© 2012 Ali Engin Photography

It was a beautiful morning in Chicago. Christina and Heather, both teammates on the Fleet Feet Elite Racing Team, were among thousands of women of all ages who toed the line in the half marathon and 5K. 

Heather had made the somewhat painful decision to end her trials qualifying attempt after the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I spoke with her and she is completely okay about it and said that she's bringing the same intensity she put into her running into her personal and professional life and enjoying time with family and friends. Christina has been in Chicago for several months and just graduated from Northwestern University's Prosthetics-Orthotics program and will be starting a new career as a Prostheticist in Portland. 

Both continue to race well; Heather won the 5K with Christina close behind her in 2nd! The 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials is not out of the question for either of them, should they choose to go for it again.

That's what friends are for!