Running the Shamrock Shuffle

One of my goals for 2011 was to give running a try. I have quite a few running friends--Kara, Kris, Rachel, Katrina and Sue, to name a few, and I've enjoyed watching their progress and their amazing accomplishments. Each time I've had the thought that I could never do that, followed by the thought that maybe I should try and see, followed by the thought that I could never do that. I finally stopped thinking and started trying! I've never really been an athletic person before. I played volleyball in junior high, but so did the rest of the girls in my class. That and the yoga I did a few years ago are the extent of my athletic experience. So I wasn't exactly sure how the running would work out.

I've also been wanting something just for me. Since bringing Joel home, my other hobbies have been neglected. I haven't scrapbooked a page, sewn any more quilts, done any yoga, or knit any blankets. I felt the need to have an activity for myself, something that's outside of me as a mommy. So when one of my running friends encouraged me to sign up for the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K (5 miles), I decided that would be just the motivation I needed.

In January, I started Hal Higdon's training plan for beginners, which was 30 minutes a day, 15 minutes of walking and 15 minutes of alternating walking and jogging every 30 seconds. I did this for a month, and then started the training for the Shuffle. At the beginning, I was pretty discouraged. I could barely run a mile without stopping and feeling like I might die. But I stuck with it, and eventually I could run four miles continuously.

I was so nervous the day before and the morning of the Shuffle! Travis and Joel came with to cheer me on, and it was great to have them there. Even if Joel was less than thrilled with the events.

Thank goodness for Kara, Kris, Sue, and Kellie. They all made me laugh and calmed my nerves. Here we are, waiting in our corral to start. (Can you find us?)

We all started together, but eventually all split up along the way. My goal was to finish in an hour or less. I was confident I could meet this goal, but I really wasn't expecting 80 degree weather! The heat definitely made the run more challenging for me. Overall, though, it was a very fun run. I love the city, and it was really neat to run down the streets of downtown Chicago with 40,000 other people. I passed Macy's and Old Navy, and only briefly thought about stopping to shop. :) Around mile 3.5 I started to get really worn out. I just wanted to be done, and I was so so thirsty! I kept running just to make it to the next water station. Around mile 4, I walked for quite a bit. And then I continued to walk until I could see the finish line. I started to run again and crossed the finish line at an hour and nine seconds. Yay!!

It was a really great experience and I'm so glad I challenged myself like this! Most of all, though, I'm so thankful to have had the support and encouragement of my friends, my family, and my God.