2011 Shamrock Shuffle Race Report

This weekend was my first official race of the year, the 2011 Madison Shamrock Shuffle (HERE). The race started at 10 am, which was much welcomed after being out way too late the night before and feeling the effects from daylight savings time that morning. There were both 5k (1,435 participants) and 10k (795 participants) events, and a 2 mile run/walk. I had never participated in a 10k event and was looking forward to seeing what the distance had to offer. I was not sure how I would pace myself. The weather was chilly (upper 30's?), but perfect for a run. It turned out to be a little cool along the lake, as the breeze picked up. But, the sun made it comfortable.

Packet pickup was on State Street at the Overture Center. Upon arrival, there were lots of runners dressed in green. I certainly would have stood out in the crowd, had I wore my typical pink ensemble. But, I opted for green and white and green shamrock knee high socks.

I planned on meeting up with some local bloggers and runners in the Overture Center Rotunda. In the sea of people, is it surprising that I spotted Kerri immediately?! That girl always is so fun and outgoing .... I love it. She was like a celebrity; several runners wanted their photo taken with her. I was surprised that no one asked her for an autograph!!

Me, Chelsea, Kerri, Linda

I met up with Chelsea from Early Runner (HERE), Kerri from Tutu Runner (HERE) and Linda from Mom Running from Cancer (HERE). We always have a blast catching up and talking about the course. After some photos, good laughs and and great conversation, we headed up stairs to use the bathroom, before heading to the start line. The women's bathroom line was semi-long as usual. There were only three stalls. But, at least they weren't porta potties! We said our good-byes as well all headed to the start line separately.

(I stole some great shots from Kerri!)

After meeting up with another runner, we were delayed and ended up at the BACK of the 5K start line. We missed the 10K start .... as they were headed off way in front of us. UGH! I tried to make the best of it.

We started once the 5K runners were given the GO, and I tried to run past all of the people at the back of the pack. I ran up and winded around the dreaded Observatory Drive hill. I felt fantastic, actually, since I've attacked the monster-of-a-hill several times. Almost every local race includes this hill in their race course. I felt phenomenal as I passed others stopping to walk. I was running SLOW, however, and my first mile was just under 10 minutes. Seriously? My goal was to run sub-52:00. I was gonna need to pick it up.

We headed to the path along the Lakeshore, after I passed up the first water station, due to inconvenience. Since most of the 10K runners were way ahead of me, it was very peacefull. You could hear everything around us. As we approached the UW Clinical Campus, the leaders of the 10K were starting to head back on the out-and-back course. Along the way, I spotted several friends and bloggers. Lots of friendly waves and shout-outs encouraged me to pick up the pace ... and I did. I was feeling great on miles three and four and passed tons of people after the turnaround. I spotted Kerri in her adorable tutu and tapped her on the shoulder. She had to take the opportunity for a great action shot, just after mile four!

I headed towards Observatory Drive and was ready to take the hill in the opposite direction. I grabbed some water at the last water station and made my way up ... slow and steady. That thing is a beast in the opposite direction; so gradual. I passed a guy in a jogging stroller, as well as Linda in the last mile and gave her a gentle grin and wave as I panted at the top of the hill! I sped down the hill and heard the guy in the jogging stroller skid behind me and some people gasp. He then proceded to speed down the hill and lost his kid's blanket and had to come to a sudden hault. It was kind of scary. I made the turn towards Memorial Union and back to state street where the chute was waiting for me. I heard a friend yell my name, as he encouraged me to push it a little more. I approached the finish line with a smile on my face.

52:03 was my chip time. I didn't reach my goal, but had an absolute blast. I know if I had actually started in the right race .... and with the group of similar pace ... I probably would have blown my goal out of the water! At least now I have a 10K under my belt and have a benchmark.

After the race, there was bottled water, bananas and Bonk Breaker Bars; which I reviewed and loved last year (HERE).

52:03
268/795 overall
35/170 age group (30-39 F)
92/448 (F)