If you are a regular reader around here, you know how much I love a themed race. I love it even more when I get to run with friends. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to run the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Here’s a a quick recap of the race.
Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K
I had planned to visit Chicago this past weekend to celebrate my favorite daughter’s birthday with her. When I mentioned my upcoming visit to Wendy, she had me convinced to run the race with her as a way to catch up. I was not going to pass that up.
Packet pickup and swag
I opted to have my packet mailed to me and it arrived about 10 days before the race. One less thing to worry about when traveling to a race. My packet contained the race bib, a cute green winter hat, and a nice Nike Dri fit short sleeved shirt. I incorporated that into my race day outfit. These Brooks Ghost shoes from last year were itching to be worn one more time.
weather!
Oh Chicago, someone forgot to tell you it was spring! Arriving on Friday afternoon, we were greeted with a surprise snow storm!
Walking around the city Saturday the 34 degrees felt so much colder with the wind! Race morning forecast was temps in the low 30’s which would have been fine but for the wind. I opted to add another layer to my outfit and was glad that I did.
Race morning
Well, thankfully, I was not thinking of this as a race. For me, this was a chance to do what I love while catching up with my friend, Wendy (and 29K of our friends). Wendy picked me up from my hotel at 7:15 and we were off and chatting.
We had a few porta potty stops before lining up in our corral at Grant Park. Of course, we had a few photo sessions with our matching gloves.The race starts steps from Grant Park right off the famous Lake Front Trail. Did I mention I was freezing while waiting in our corral!?
Wendy had graciously agreed to run with me and do the 5:1 intervals that I was currently training with. She was a fabulous tour guide as we ran past iconic buildings and landmarks. Honestly, the miles flew by as we chatted away about everything.
Before we knew it, we were crossing the finish line with smiles on our faces. If you find yourself in Chicago the weekend of the Shamrock Shuffle, it’s a fun way to get your workout in and see the city while completing a mid distance run. It’s a big race and is crowded. For that reason, I would not expect this race to be a PR course for anyone unless you are way up in the first wave. Would I do it again? Definitely!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Oh, this looks like so much fun!! So nice that you could meet up and run with Wendy! I’m sure you had a lot to chat about.
Next time, you’ll need to get your daughter to run with you, too!
WE could have chatted for hours more!
Glad you could run a race with Wendy while you were there! We have a St. Patricks Day race in Baltimore that is a huge 5k. I’ve actually never done it because its just so crowded. But it does look like a fun way to see the city.
It was very crowded but so much fun to do
I would love this race. And of course to see Wendy and the other Chicago bloggers.
I know what you mean. NYC for me a way to hang out with friends and run. Pace? Who cares.
You looked awesome btw.
Thanks and yes we could have talked for hours more
So what I’m hearing is: convince A to go to school out of state, visit him often, race with friends. Got it.
This looks like so much fun. Love that they mailed your package to you. That takes so much pressure off out of town runners!
You and Wendy look like you had a blast! Im so glad to hear it!
ha yes, A needs to come to college somewhere fun so you can travel! Good plan
What a fun race! I love all the green. So cool that you and Wendy got to enjoy the race together.
WE had a great time catching up while running
Looks like you guys had so much fun! Love the outfit and the hat!
We did have so much fun together
Omg, so fun to see you and Wendy together! You guys really rocked the green. Sounds like this was an amazing experience- I would definitely run this race if I’m ever in Chicago at the right time.
well that would be fun! We have to meet one of these days!
Perfect, how lovely! And I love your outfits esp your shoes!
Yes that was a fun bonus!