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Shuffling it up
Published on 30/03/08
by Maureen
Today marks my second running of the LaSalle-Bank-of-America Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago. The race was vastly differnt from last year’s race in several ways for me and in a few ways for everyone.
Starting with the basics: I finished the race in just under 36 minutes. It also puts me 37 seconds ahead of last years fnish of 36:24, so I’m really pleased with the self-improvement.
The first difference I noticed, other than the CARA training I previously documented, is the new risk rating system. The confirmation email to the reace detailed a new system in which runners would be alerted by flags to changes in conditions they should be aware of so as to gauge the precautions they should be taking during the race. At first, I thought this seemed like a somewhat flawed plan. Once I’m on a race course, there’s little I can change about my weather preparedness short of stopping. I suppose I could slow down or drink more water, but most precautions are best taken before leaving the house: dressing well, sleeping well, not drinking too much alcohol the night before, hydrating. But when I saw the flags also displayed at the expo, I realized this was probably a good plan. The black flags that would indicate the race was cancelled could have been displayed there. Or beginning runners who didn’t feel up to a high-risk (red) race could save themselves the trouble of getting up the next morning. The more flawed part was that I’m not sure I ever saw the colored flags during the race.
The next difference, for me, was that this is the first race I’ve run since moving to the city, and I had forgotten 1) that the Wellington Brown Line station is officially closed today >fuck< and 2) that much of public transportation within a half mile of the starting line would be impeded by the race. My martyr of boyfriend, who was apalled at the thought of waking up at 7:30 on a Sunday to watch me run around in my shorts in the misty 40 degree morning, was patient enough to follow me around on a slightly wild goose chase for transit that ended at the 22 Clark bus full of runners. Maybe CARA members or another organization should start a shuttle from the northside neighborhoods to the race. I was less than thrilled that it took me about 50 minutes to get from my apartment to the start corral. And my brother nearly didn’t make it into the start corral because of road closings.
The slight drizzle that started when we got off the 22 made me apprehensive after last year’s almost-too-hot run. I’d almost opt for full out rain; the drizzle makes parts of the course, ie the bridges, unexpectedly slippery. The close-packed start warmed me up a bit after I ditched my sweatshirt and pants, but the first mile was an adrenaline sprint to get warm. I clocked it in about 6:57. The mist stopped shortly into the race’s start and started up again around mile 4. Overall, I’m complaining less for my own sake than for that of the spectators. My parents and my boyfriend and my brother’s girlfriend are awesome for sticking it out.
One thing I’m continually impessed with is the dedicated mass of Chicago runners. We marvelled at the string still finishing up on Michigan and Roosevelt from the window of my brother’s South Loop high-rise after we had both finished, showered and harrassed our parents for a good 15 minutes. Along the course, one of the best feelings is knowing that you’re just one of a flood of awesomeness– your’e never alone, even if you’re not talking to anybody. Also, kudos to the guys in the green body paint and shorts. That probably sucked, but it was entertaining.
I’m also happy with the consistently stellar course. Despite Block 37 construction and the inconvenience of L and road closings, there are never any hitches in this course. It’s easy to follow, and there’s no HARD turns and not many places where runners run only two blocks before doubling back. It includes Chicago’s iconic CBD market segments, from Michigan Avenue to River North to the Loop, the West Loop and the South Loop. I only wish the mile 2 marker was bit more apparent. I think this is the second year I’ve missed it.
Overall, I’m happy with my clocked times at 6:57 at mile 1, 21:30 at mile 3, 28:45 at mile 4 and a finish at 35:47. Next year I hope to start a bit slower to make those go down instead of up as I move along. I’m pleased with my nearly ten second per mile improvement, and I feel like now I can take a bit of a rest and start thinking about what’s next: it’ll probably be the Soldier Field 10 mile on my golden birthday, May 24.
The run is over. Now what?
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