St. Paddy's Race Report

By far, the cutest couple there!

Welcome to new followers who joined my run in the last couple days.  I've been offline, having fun with the family... but still running!!

I'm so excited to report back on my St. Paddy's Day 8K race in Chicago this past weekend.  I threw out a time goal a couple weeks ago on this post, and almost immediately regretted it.  Today I'm proud to say... I NAILED IT with 30 seconds to spare!!

8K Straight-up Results

(exactly 5 miles according to my GPS)

44:30

8:54 avg pace

#376 out of 933 runners

(40% percentile)

#17 out of 77 in age group 35-39

(22% percentile)

The race was a lot of fun.  I ran the 8K, and my husband ran the 5K while pushing the double jogging stroller.  (I was so proud of him - This was his first 5K, and he did awesome considering the extra load!)  Both the 5K and 8K started together, split after one mile, then reunited again after another mile, then split again before the finish line.  Sounds kinda hectic, but it wasn't too bad.  My only complaint was that when we rejoined with the 5Kers in the middle, there were a lot of walkers... so it puts you into jot and dash mode trying to get around people (exert extra energy).  But the plus side is I got to see (pass) my kids and hubby in the middle of the race.

The race was organized very well.  We registered ahead of time, and had quick packet pickup the day before the race at a local running store.  The day of the event, we did register the kids for the Leprechaun Leap Kids Race (free to participate, but if you wanted the race number and kids shirt, it was $10).  The line moved quickly and the kids were ready to go in less than 10 minutes.

Girls are proud of their race ribbons!

The port-a-potties were lined up in a good location with plenty of room for lines.  Per my typical pre-race jitters, I made it through the line several times, waiting no more than 5-10 minutes each time.

The race started on time, which is always a big one for me.  I hate waiting.  They sound system was great from where I stood.  The announcer talked the crowd through some pre-run stretches and warm-up.  There were time clocks at every mile.  The route was part of the Chicago Lakeshore running/biking path.  It was well-marked with volunteers helping throughout, plus several water stations.

The rain started with about 3/4 mile to go, so I got a little wet.  My green hat protected my face from getting hit straight on.  Thankfully, the rain slowed afterward, and the kids race went on as scheduled!  My girls would have been heart-broken if they didn't get to run!

Overall, we had a great weekend in Chicago.  So much to see and do there... A great place to visit if you're looking for a race destination to bring the family along.  We were graced with a beautiful sunny spring day on Saturday to walk through Millenium and Grant Park and see Buckingham Fountain.  We walked the Lakeshore Riverwalk all the way to Navy Pier, where we rode the big Ferris Wheel and could have spent all day at the Chicago Children's Museum.  In the evening, we strolled the Chicago Riverwalk and had a fun dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.  Thank you Chicago for another great mini vacation for our family!!