October is breast cancer awareness month and Chicago organizations continue to be relentless in their efforts to educate and raise money to beat the disease. Here’s the 411 on breast cancer plus a round-up of fundraising events going on throughout the city plus bar and restaurant deals, even gadgets.

The facts

• According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer this year.

• In Illinois this year, there will be 8,078 new cases of breast cancer 8,078 and 905 new cases of ovarian cancer. There will also be 1,687 breast cancer deaths and 613 ovarian cancer deaths.

• Up to ten percent of these cases will be due to an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. These genes can be detected by a simple blood test, which then allows women to make more informed healthcare choices. Women who carry one of these gene mutations have up to an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 44 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer.

What you can do

October is packed full of events, promotions and initiatives to help promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for charities that support research.

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If you’re running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday 11 there are three things you’ve done in the last hour…

1. Checked the forecast at Accuweather.com.
2. Refilled the water bottle you keep on your desk.
3. Checked the forecast at Weather.com.

May I suggest one more neurotic addition to your hourly routine? Check out our just-released Chicago Marathon feature package. We’ve got tons of awesome info for runners and fans. Click through our slide show of elites running for serious moolah, meet some hilarious (and nervous!) first-time marathoners, download the training tunes of the speediest American athletes, find food, drink and party ideas for your post-race celebration and drool over the sweetest new running apparel you’ll find at the expo and online. Plus so. Much. More. We’re super excited for Marathon Sunday here at TOC—and we’d love to count down to the start gun with you.

You may or may not be running a 26-mile race soon, but you’re still taking your fitness seriously this fall—which means having the right gear for running in the crisp, leaf-crunching weather. There’s another reason this is a great season to step into new footwear and running apparel—running gear is hitting a stylish and high-tech stride that enhances what has historically been a primarily functional role. Frankly, we’re finding these new runner’s duds inspirational. Editors-who-run John Dugan and Liz Plosser have selected some personal favorites from this season’s offerings of running shoes and apparel—just in time for this year’s Chicago Marathon or your pre-Thanksgiving training push. One warning: Once you’re wearing running a kit this cool, you’ve got no excuses. Meet you on the trail.

SHOES

Nike Lunar Glide+ shoes, $100 (men’s and women’s) available at Niketown (669 N Michigan)
Nike’s latest, greatest sneaker eliminates the ubiquitous runner’s quandary of having to choose between stability and cushioning by providing both in one shoe. (Bonus points for the sweet design and colorways.) The snugly fit (more slipper than sneaker) and soft (but not too soft) sole makes for a cushy ride. But lest you think you’re going to plod slowly away atop pillows, the feather-light sneaks (the women’s are a mere 8.6 ounces) make you feel like you’ve got rockets on your feet. Seeee ya!

New Balance 905 shoes, $94.95 at nbwebexpress.com
This year, New Balance 1063s turned around my running game—somehow their design gives support to my oddly shaped giant boats and has put some spring in my morning jog. I quit my gym, I lost weight—those shoes are that rad. I’m thinking of stepping up to a racing shoe (maybe even racing again) and number one on my list is the “premium lightweight stability trainer,” the New Balance 905, which can be used for both training and racing debuting in January 2010. On the techy side, these are designed to hug the foot with a custom-like fit, control moisture and reflect 360º for safety. The 905 has a brighter, more aggressive look—which I’m digging—and marks a shift for New Balance away from fairly humdrum running shoe colors of the past. These babies pop.

adiStar Ride 2, $125 at shopadidas.com
The new elite running shoe from adidas has yet to hit the streets, but its talking-point attraction is a new technology allowing the shoe to flex more naturally with your movement. Active ForMotion involves “a panel of stretch material located in the upper midfoot section of the shoe reduces overall torsion stiffness, thus supporting the foot in its natural running movement.”

SHORTS

New Balance Women’s NBX Shorts, $40 at nbwebexpress.com
At first glance, they look fairly simple. But hang on because there’s a half dozen bells and whistles humbly at work in these shorts. First, the X-Static fabric is: antimicrobial (no yucky sweat germs), eliminates odor (no nose-pinching, post-run stink), regulates temperature (perfect for an Indian summer day or steamy treadmill session), eliminates static (no lame short bunching). Then, there’s the subtle storage compartment—on the front of the shorts so you never again have to man-handle your butt as you try to grab that fiver out of the pocket for a post-run cup of coffee. Finally, the sewn-in, customizable “In Case Of Emergency” tag. Yeah, you’ll probably never need it, but it’s nice to know NB is thinking of everything, isn’t it?

Nike Pacer Women’s Low Rise Running Capris, $50 available at Niketown
Yeah, it’s just a pair of black capris, but considering they’re a staple of any runner’s wardrobe come the crisp days of October, they’d better be comfy. And cute. Nike nails both of these crucial elements with the new Pacer. Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat, flat seams minimize chafing, the low-rise waist is super flattering, mesh hems add some style, a back zip pocket stores your cash and ID, and a media-player pocket makes it a cinch to take your tunes on the road. Ladies, you will live in these suckers!

Nike Dri-Fit Tempo Track Two-in-One Men’s Running Shorts, $50 available at Niketown
Regularly jogging men, if you are still running in sweats or basketball shorts, I have news for you—there’s a better way—a much better way. If you can’t get over the fact that strangers will see your thighs and you won’t pony up for short and proper running shorts, the 7” inseam Tempo is for you. The built in boxer keeps one dry and they’re light as air, with a media pocket for your music player.

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When it comes to manicures, I am a Mademoiselle by Essie kinda girl. That’s a sheer, barely-there pink—a tiny step up from a totally natural hue. In other words, bor-ing. So it was with some trepidation that I sidled up to the manicure station at Bliss Spa last night for its new Minx service. Basically, the Minx “nail coverings” are stickers that come in more than a dozen wacky colors and patterns, from pink cheetah to chrome herringbone to silver and gold fishnet. (Bliss will roll out some new options this fall and for the holidays.)

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First, we’ll start with the bad news. Remember when we announced earlier this year that SoKo was closing? And then a customer helped save the day by becoming a co-owner of the West Town women’s boutique? Well, that deal ended up falling through, and the store is closing for real this time. The doors will finally close on August 29, and in the meantime, everything in the shop is marked up to 40% off. Owner Sheri Roney is also accepting offers on all of the store’s fixtures including shelving, racks, fitting-room mirrors, tables, mannequins, hangers and even the  register system.

Speaking of sales, Knee Deep Vintage in Pilsen is known for having great “midnight madness” sales, and guess what? There’s one tonight. From 6pm to midnight, everything in the store is up to 50% off. And, as always, refreshments will be served. While you’re in the ‘hood, stop by the new workshop/studio/storefront space at 818 West 18th Street by Frei Deigns (the designer, Annie Novotny is featured in this week’s issue). The opening party is tonight from 6–9pm.

It pays to follow local shops on Twitter (it doesn’t hurt if you follow The Get, either). SHE Boutique (483 Central Ave, Highland Park, 847-926-0150) announced today that it’s giving out free hangers at its Highland Park outpost. I made a quick call to the shop, and it has about three giant boxes of plastic hangers (it carries only wood ones in the shop) that are free for the taking. You’ll have to hurry, though; they’ll be pitched by the end of the day.

And finally, today’s deal at Groupon should have you saying “aaahhhh.” Fifty bucks will get you $125 worth of services at Ruby Room. You have only a couple of days to scoop up this deal, and then you’ll have to redeem the coupon by the middle of December. Ruby Room offers a variety of services, including haircuts, massages and healing services, so the only stressful thing about the experience will be trying to figure out which treatment to book.

Clear your calendar. Here are three deals this weekend you don’t want to miss.

Kick off your weekend grabbing a drink at the dana hotel and spa and you could be in for a treat. In honor of its one-year anniversary, the hotel is offering 3,000 “acts of kindness”  to random guests now through July 1; think anything from a complimentary overnight stay to ajasteak gift cards to cocktails at Vertigo Sky Lounge (who knows, it just might stop raining one of these days so you could actually enjoy an alfresco drink).

Remember the amazing work that Sephora pro Emily Massa did showcasing the 2008 makeup trends last fall? Now’s your chance to take advantage of her expertise yourself. This Saturday, she’s offering free makeovers from noon–6pm by appointment only at the Water Tower Place location (845 N Michigan Ave). Call 312-335-9391 to reserve a spot. Bring your camera and a notebook and pen so you can remember how to replicate the look at home.

Sunday, run over to Wicker Park for a last-minute gift grab. Think Dad would like a buttery soft throw or cassette tape–adorned mirror for Father’s Day? Stop by Zella Brown and mention today’s e-mail to receive 15% off your purchase. Then go home and actually sign up on its mailing list so you see the deals for yourself.

If you’re looking to save some cash but simply must have a new cut and color, you’re in luck. That’s because the hair gurus at the newbie Lakeview location of Free Nation of Beauty Salon are offering a very awesome deal good through the end of the month. On Thursday evenings in June, from 4–9pm, FNB hosts a Night of Pampering. For $70, the evening includes any hair color service, a haircut, blow-dry, deep conditioning treatment (with a hot towel wrap) and a relaxing hand and arm massage. Drinks and apps are included, too. Guests will also receive a certificate for 50% off their next service as well as $100 off the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, a protein treatment that smooths away frizzies for a whole summer of good hair days. All of that for $70 from seriously skilled teams of stylist? This is a huge score! Call now for tomorrow evening’s event. 3255 N Broadway, 773-857-3662.

There’s nothing like fresh air and free yoga to take the edge off your work day. You’ll get both during Fitness Formula Club Halsted’s Yoga by the Lake class, taught every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8pm at the southernmost point at Belmont Harbor (pictured here). The class is open to both FFC members and non-members. Bring a mat, towel, and some water and get ready to unwind, stretch out and take in beautiful lakefront views. Yoga by the Lake at Belmont Harbor is also offered on Sundays from 11am-12:30pm. For more info, contact FFC Lakeview Group Fitness Director Kristin Strom at 773-755-3232.

At TOC, The Get editors are all about scouring the city for the best budget-friendly deals for your spa-ing pleasure, but sometimes we get too busy to take advantage of said discoveries for ourselves. But a weekend of outdoor activity that left me a little too sun-kissed (hello, freckles) was just the push I needed today to finally take advantage of the freebie facials the Fresh counter at Macy’s offers (111 N State St). The verdict? Heavenly. The deets are after the jump.

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I moved to Chicago almost exactly three years ago. (Time flies!) And with the enviable job of reporting on Chicago’s health, fitness and wellness scene, I spent that first summer getting the lay of the land by visiting a ton of spas and gyms around town. My first stop? Ruby Room in Wicker Park (1743-45 W Division). I was totally blown away by its awesome-ness. Beautiful, Zen-inducing environs, a warm, mellow staff, a creative menu of services and experiences ranging from crystal readings to massages plus top-notch therapists delivering first-rate treatments. Ruby Room set the bar high for every venue that followed. Which is why the email that just arrived in my inbox felt a little like a third year anniversary present: 50% off all treatments tomorrow (Friday 5) when you come with a friend. I like sharing the love, so here are the deets:

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