Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 2019

This was the 40th anniversary of Chicago’s iconic Shamrock Shuffle. I’ve been running for 20+ years and have never once run this race. That had to change. There always seemed to be a conflict with the date, or I’d make the excuse about hauling downtown twice (pkt. pickup+race) for a 5 mile race, or it’d sell out. For once I bit the bullet and signed up and I’m glad I did.

Shamrock Shuffle

Don’t be fooled, I had my reservations. Plenty of them. I told you in my Rundown post how niggly my post-Tokyo Marathon body has been. The aches and pains made me hyper aware of pushing too hard. Should I really be racing? Even a fun-run paced race? I had my doubts.

But I also wanted to see how my body would behave. All of my niggles seem to resolve themselves after a mile or so. If something really bothered me I could always walk or even stop if need be. I needed to be super careful with the London Marathon coming up fast.

Friday was consumed with taking the train to the city for packet pickup. This year the Shuffle organized a shuttle bus from Union Station out to McCormick Place which was, in a word, awesome! I waited no more than 5 minutes for the bus and the pickup point was easy to find and clearly marked.

The Expo

The expo was small. I planned on spending as little time there as possible because I was on a tight schedule to make the train home. It was very easy to see all that I cared to anyway. However when I went to reboard the shuttle, I learned there wouldn’t be another one for an hour, which would put me in jeopardy of missing my train, so Uber to the rescue.

Race day dawned with rain in the forecast. I packed a poncho, a raincoat and held out hope the rain would hold off long enough for us to get our 5 miles in.

Zenaida, Steph, me and Wendy

Wendy, Steph and I took the El down and the walk from the station was quick and easy. We had plenty of time to hit the potties, check gear and head to our corral. Smooth and easy.

Wendy, Tiffany and moi.

We were off promptly. It took our wave about 15 minutes to hit the start line.

Goal: Run happy. And carefully. Tune into my body and make sure I don’t injure myself.
Enjoy the racecourse, which is a super-abbreviated version of the iconic Chicago Marathon course. While I didn’t have any time goals, and knew my Garmin would be way off thanks to tunnels and  tall buildings, I figured 10 minute miles would be fine. Anything faster than that? Gravy.

We were off heading North on Columbus. I kept it easy and waited for the popliteus muscle that has been ornery lately to snap and it did, twice in the first mile. They pain was very mild, but I slowed my pace to be safe.

The course was crowded but not overly so. I’ll never understand the course weavers. Especially so early on. What’s the point? The super light jacket I wore was making me broil already. Why did I wear it? Because it’s green, that’s why. I kept it on.

While there are only a tiny fraction of spectators compared to the Chi marathon, the Shuffle vibe is still energizing and fun. Lots of crazy costumes, fun entertainment, and loads of green. I really should have stopped and taken a pic of the sea of emerald-clad runners as we headed south on State St. past the Chicago theater. Soooo much green. It was a beautiful sight.

It took me a couple of miles to settle in. I was very happy the popliteus and all the other niggles were quiet. I walked through both water stations for the helluvit. I certainly didn’t NEED a drink but I had some anyway. Like I said: Easy breezy pace.

Before I knew it we turned onto Michigan Avenue and headed for Mount Roosevelt: The final bridge in the marathon before you turn onto the home stretch. The bridge is long and challenging but that home stretch with the finish line in the distance is iconic. As I ran along I wondered if this was the last time I’d experience it.

I couldn’t help but marvel at how exponentially easier an 8k in perfect conditions is than the Tokyo Marathon in cold rain was. I breezed along, heard them call my name and finished. Oh and that rain? It held off, leaving us with perfect running conditions. Yay!

Finish Time: 47:56.
I’ll take it. Especially with lolling through water stops and some on Mt. Roosevelt too.

Post-Race Food

Mariano’s sponsored the post-race food which included bananas, fruit/grain bars, nuts and applesauce. Home Run Inn was there with a pizza truck and there was beer as well.

The Swag

The shirt is a nice, bright women’s cut Nike Dri-Fit. We also got a sweet knit pom pom hat that I really love.

The medal is nothing short of gorgeous.

Overall

I really loved this race. Despite its enormous size, the organizers have this one down to a science and there’s nothing I could have wanted. Great course, wonderful volunteers, fun vibe and post-race party, fantastic swag, and at $40, a decent price too. If I run this one again, I will definitely opt to have my race packet mailed rather than spend an entire day trekking into the city for it, but even that went smoothly.

Have you ever run Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle? What’s the best race swag you ever received?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

Don’t forget the March Runfessional opens this Friday! Join us right here for the linkup!