Shamrock Shuffle 8k Report

Today, I was one of thirty thousand plus runners who gathered to kick off the Chicago running season with the Shamrock Shuffle 8k. It is a very large race and starts and finishes right in the vicinity as the heralded Chicago Marathon.

Weather turned out to be cool but manageable -- high 30's, heavy clouds and threats of rain. All the precipitation held off and the conditions were very comfortable, despite some decent winds.

My goal going into today's race was a 31:30. I accomplished my goal.

I ran a 31:21 today (6:18 per mile), which is a 31 second P.R. over last year's time at this exact same race. My splits were reasonably consistent ranging from 6:15-6:23. This result is consistent with a 3:05 marathon.

Overall, I am pleased with it. However, I know I have so much more potential. Fact is I don't train for 8k races.


I am three for three in setting P.R.'s in my 2008 races so far. My goal is to P.R. in every single race I run this year. This is a long shot, but I will try to keep the streak alive through the spring and summer.

Mileage was down for this week given today's race. Total was 41 for the week. However, I will crank it up to 56 miles next week.

Plan is to get in the long run I was supposed to do this week tomorrow -- 21 miles, if I can swing it. Difficult to do on a Monday, right? Plus, forecast is for steady thunderstorms most of the day.

Life is starting to get really busy and I sense my running will be affected. J's baby shower is this weekend and family/friends will be visiting from all over. I also just was assigned a new position in my company and now have seven direct reports. A promotion, I guess, given all the new responsibility, so many challenges lie ahead.

J is 5 weeks away from her due date and her tummy is growing by the day. Leaving her to go to Boston three weeks from now is still a question mark.

I am preparing to learn how to run with long work days and sleep deprivation. I'll find a way.