Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle - 8K - Run8k

Started out with the very slow shuffle to the start line...after probably 20-30 minutes, we finally hit the mats and started a slow run. We tried not to waste too much energy dodging and weaving among the 22,000+ runners clogging the streets, but we definitely did a lot of passing and didn't get passed by too many people. I felt great until about mile 2.5, at which point I started playing the head games, wondering how my legs and feet would hold up for another almost 2.5 even at a slow speed. Grabbed some Gatorade at the first aid station since I wasn't sure how far the next would be. Walked through that mess, then got back into the steady pace. After the 5K mark I was still feeling strong but my hips and right arch were beginning to get a little sore. With Lauren keeping pace next to me, I powered on, encouraged by the fact that I had then reached a new post-knee-surgery race distance record. After 4 miles, I knew I could keep running for quite a while, and was again motivated by knowing I had surpassed my longest training run to date this year. Lauren began to fade in the last half mile, especially when we had to go up over a bridge very close to the finish. But I kept up the encouraging words and she kept moving. As we approached the finish line I had a huge smile on my face, thrilled that I had successfully completed almost 5 miles with no knee pain and little hip/right arch soreness. Lauren grabbed my hand and we finished strong, hands raised. It was the first race we ran together and won't be the last, and Lauren set a new 8K PR for herself!! So much fun.

Well of course I'd like to be running faster. But! My plan for this race was to stick with Lauren at her pace, complete the distance, and have FUN. I accomplished all those. Good enough for me right now!

Walked through the long finish area, grabbing water, bananas, bagels, etc. Got our bags back at the gear check, found Lindsay (who also ran well), took some pictures, got some bad free beer (Michelob Ultra...it's like flavored water IMO).


Current stage of knee recovery, current level of run fitness (still ramping up gradually), weather, crowd, and my plan for the race (as above).


TONS of fun. One I'd love to come back for every year, if I can.