Sunday, March 30, 2008

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.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats on the PR!

yumke said...

Nice job! So I guess you get to start right up at the front? I couldn't imaging weaving my way through crowds!

Van 1- Hall said...

congrats on the PR! Boston in 3 weeks...

Arcane said...

congrats on the PR and the promotion.

jen said...

Congrats!! Amazing pace Ryan. Congrats on the promotion too.

You're going to get through this busy and exciting time with that attitude- you sound flexible and excited for the baby :) Boston would be cool but it might be tough to keep your PR streak going... but if anyone can do it, it's you!

jen said...

Congrats!! Amazing pace Ryan. Congrats on the promotion too.

You're going to get through this busy and exciting time with that attitude- you sound flexible and excited for the baby :) Boston would be cool but it might be tough to keep your PR streak going... but if anyone can do it, it's you!

Iron Jayhawk said...

So you finished before the last of the open corral was released? Nice. :)

Congrats on the new pr!

LeahC said...

nice job ryan! that's a great time and nice way to PR!