Shamrocking Snow Day
Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 8:00AM Chicago is known for many things: pizza, baseball, and a winter that defies imagination. I've lived here for twelve years and braved many a Midwestern lakeside winter. I still remember, about six years into my Chicago acclimation, we were hit with a 45 minute snow in June. THAT was a special moment.
This year, our winter really started to dial down by the beginning of March. In fact, I would say that our March was pretty spectacular. We had a number of sunny, semi-warm days without a snowflake in sight. Chicagoans assumed that we would still get a few "Gotcha!" snow days before spring begins in earnest, but for the interim, things were looking nice and bright.
This is what I saw the morning of my very first official race:
Um yeah. Crizzap! Chicago holds an annual St. Patty's themed 8k called the Shamrock Shuffle. This year, 40,000 were scheduled to run. Guess how many showed? Around 11,000. This was my very first race ever, and though my heart faltered a bit at the snow, I decided to run anyhow. Three of my friends (who shall hereafter be known as J-Rock, Maggie, and Wrigley Ann) and I had planned to run this race together, and nobody backed out. Who's a beast?!?!
We cautiously called each other to feel it out, and we unanimously felt this was an opportunity for hilarity and we were doing it, disgusting city snow or not.
SO, clothed in about 65 layers of waterproof wear, Wrigley Ann and I car pooled down to the starting line...
We all met at the 10 minute pace sign. Clearly, two of us are true runners because we have cute clothes. (I WILL point out, however, that one of us bought her hot stuff running outfit less than 24 hours prior. *cough*Mags*cough*) ;)
J-Rock, Wrigley Ann, Me, Mags
Waiting at the starting line was the worst part. It was SO COLD. Finally, we got started, and this is the fun stuff we slogged through...
Despite the snow and cold, I actually had a great time. Once my body warmed up, I didn't feel so horrifically freezing. Of the four of us girls, I am by far the worst runner. J-Rock is a for real runner. Wrigley and Mags are both much better than me. HOWEVER, I am proud to report that I finished within my goal time of one hour. Barely. Actually, the chip time was 1:00:00. Can you believe that?
They gave us bananas!
And beer!
My iPod playlist was a big part of what got me through my first race. I don't know about you all, but I am always on the hunt for new workout music, so.... here you go!
Running Time: 1 hour
- Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
- I Just Wanna Love U - Jay-Z (shut up, it was good for my run!)
- Stronger - Kanye West
- Won't Go Home Without You - Maroon 5
- Green Light - John Legend/Andre 3000
- Turnin' Me On - Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne
- Sure Shot - Beastie Boys
- Oh Timbaland - Timbaland
- Poker Face - Lady GaGa
- Loose Ends - Imogen Heap
- Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
- Just Dance - Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis
- Ghetto Musick - Outkast (Big Boi)
- John the Revelator - Depeche Mode
- Sweetest Girl - Wyclef Jean
- Gold Digger - Kanye West
- The Times They Are A Changin' - Bob Dylan
What's YOUR favorite workout beat?
Friends, Running, race report
Reader Comments (4)
That definitely looks like an adventure! I am impressed at your determination despite the weather. I never would have gotten out of bed if I saw that mess outside.
One of my favorite workout beats (ya know, from when I USED to exercise) is "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera. It always gets me a little pumped. You bet your ASS I'm a fighter, Xtina!
Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" is another great one.
That is some serious dedication! I don't think I could have gotten up to run with that much snow and still snowing. And I'm from Minnesota! Great job and great time!
PS I'm stealing your play list!
We have a similar playlist! Great report :)
Wow, I am impressed with your dedication!!!! We were lucky in Detroit, we only had a little bit of that snow.