Final Sunday, the Shamrock Shuffle returned after two years of cancelations as a result of pandemic. That is one the biggest and hottest races in Chicago because it marks the start of the racing season for many people. It’s also a really numerous area from the very quick aggressive athletes to the fun-loving leisure runner. All of us come collectively to rejoice spring in all shades of inexperienced.
As a result of pandemic, the logistic had been a bit bit completely different. The packet decide up was at Grant Park which I had considerations about, but it surely labored out properly and was an environment friendly course of. Â The course was a bit bit completely different for what I might keep in mind. I’ve completed this race a number of instances through the years.
Race day introduced hotter temps and sunny skies; it was a lovely morning for a run. There have been over 20,000 individuals operating. I arrived early considering it might be chaos, however I used to be pleasantly stunned at how properly organized the race was, the corrals had been properly marked, they usually had gear drop off and two completely different places making it accessible to everybody.
I felt very fortunate to be operating final Sunday, the power was contagious and motivating. It was so good to see so many elderly associates and be again on Columbus drive. I felt an infinite quantity of gratitude and happiness whereas operating on the streets of downtown Chicago, individuals had been cheering, runners had been smiling, and everybody gave the impression to be having fun with the race. The volunteers had been wonderful, a lot of younger individuals on the help stations. There was one thing magical in regards to the shamrock shuffle this 12 months. I thought of it and I noticed that it introduced some phantasm of normalcy or possibly simply hope for a shiny new regular. Both means I’m embracing the sensation and holding on it for so long as I can. Carry on operating!!