Feeling really accomplished, simply for finishing.
I mean, is she the best photobomber or what?? So good.
So, the 2014 Shamrock Run is done and what do I have to show for it? Well, two tired lungs to be honest.
I knew on Thursday that I was getting sick. I blame my two-year-old’s birthday party last weekend and people coming to work sick. Work friends, you know who you are. I was bracing for impact and knew that this head cold would probably linger until today. And it totally did.
I woke up, threw on my gear, and lamented (but understood) that there would be no bag check at the race, stuffing the essentials into my Nathan Shadow Pak. I decided to take the Max to avoid the parking headache, so I headed over to the Gateway Transit Center and timed it so I would meet my friend Suzanne who was heading in on the blue line.
We chatted about MH370, our kids, and about how thankful we were to not have to deal with the parking headache. We arrived to Tom McCall just a little after 7 and perused the booths, checked out the tutus aplenty, and lined up for the race. We both had agreed that we weren’t out to set any PR’s as I was suffering from my cold and Suzanne hasn’t been training as much as she would like. A walk/run was just what the doctor ordered today.
Every looks confused and I am not even sure what my face is doing.
We took in the sights, listened to the bands (I just LOVE The Beat Goes On), and chatted some more. I usually never get to run with anyone and Suzanne is just the perfect running buddy. We can talk or not talk and be completely contented. She also is good for a pep talk. Can you tell I love her? I totally love her.
Up, up, and more up!! And blurry, too!
The course takes you out into NW and then up to PSU, up past OHSU, and then back down to the finish on Naito. Miles 2-6 were a beast. Up, up, up, but not necessarily away. I found myself just really appreciating how beautiful Portland is and from this race course you really get to see some breathtaking sights. Miles 6 to the end are great for making up lost time trudging upward, so we gunned it downhill and I even got a swig of PBR from some generous volunteers. YUM.
We finished up and headed to get our medals and some water. We decided to forego the beer and chowder, both of our stomachs were not feeling so hot.
15k Finishers!!!
The weather was great and Shamrock definitely knows what they are doing. The mood was so high and the volunteers are just so crazy awesome. Shamrock is a beast, but it is also so well put together for the 35,000 participants they have. It’s all downhill from here from the official start of the Portland running season!!!
