Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle: Race Recap

I runfess that I love everything about the Shamrock Shuffle. I love running in downtown Chicago. I love the distance. I love that the finish line is the same as the Chicago Marathon. I love the green. I love the bling.

What's not to love?

photo courtesy of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

The first time I ran this race was in 1994. Running races was a lot different then, but the vibe of the Shamrock Shuffle remains the same. This race is all about having fun. When Steph asked me if I wanted to do it with her, of course, I said yes. She had never run the Shuffle before! Neither had Marcia, and the three of us hopped on the El early Sunday morning to toe the line with 25,000 other runners.

R-->L Zenaida, Steph, Marcia, me

The weather called for rain and the sky was gray. The temperatures were in the 40s and the wind was light. Perfect running conditions! While waiting to run, we ran into Zenaida and Tiffany, 2 local running bloggers.

R-->L me, Tiffany, Marcia

At 8:20 we were in our corral, waiting for the race to begin. The Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully and by 8:45 we crossed the starting line. As with most Chicago races, we ran up Columbus Drive. The course was crowded but not so much that you couldn't move. I quickly found a groove, running about a 9 m/m pace. I hoped I could maintain that pace and not have to stop to walk. I hadn't been feeling well and so I had no goals but to finish.

Not sure what we're laughing at but we're ready to run!

We traversed the streets through the Chicago loop, running past enthusiastic spectators and bands. Some runners were walking pretty early on. By mile 3, I was one of them. I took a one minute walk break, hoping that would be enough to allow me to recover and finish without stopping again. Unfortunately, I would have to stop 2 more times.

Mile 5 takes the runners south on Michigan Avenue and up Mount Roosevelt. I vowed not to stop and I didn't. It's not a big climb but it is long! We turned north onto Columbus Drive and I flew down the final 200 meters to the finish line. I heard the announcer call my name as I approached.

Determined to conquer Mt Roosevelt
(apologies to MarathonFoto)

Once we finished, it was a long walk to get the post-race refreshments, which were provided by local grocer Mariano's. There were bananas, squeeze pouches of applesauce, fruit bars, and nuts. None of that appealed to me, so I grabbed a water and kept walking. And walking. Finally, a volunteer placed my finisher medal over my head. Can I just comment on what a nice touch that is?

Finishing is winning

As I walked towards the gear check, I spotted the Green Guys in the middle of the street, posing for photos with some of the runners. The Green Guys are Shamrock Shuffle icons who start the race with the elite runners. They've been around for about the past 10 years. I was pretty excited to get a photo with them.

This may be one of my favorite race photos ever!

Even though I was disappointed with how I ran, it was hard to feel bad in such a fun atmosphere. After my diagnosis with RA, I made a vow to myself to make a goal of having fun at every race I run.  Mission accomplished. The Shamrock Shuffle is one of the most well-organized races I've run. Since I opted to have my packed mailed, I didn't go to the expo. Runners received a Nike race shirt as well as a stocking cap, which I wore to the race. The medal, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the race, was simply beautiful. There were 2 aid stations on the course and they were well staffed with volunteers. I hope to be running this race for many years to come.

Green guys and beautiful bling! My recap of @ChiShuffle /via @oldrunningmom #shamrockshuffle #runchat #chicago #chiruns

Do you have a race that you return to every year? What's your favorite distance? Have you ever run the Shamrock Shuffle?

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.