What Should of Been....

This WAS the weekend of the SHAMROCK SHUFFLE in Chicago. I went to pick up my stuff yesterday. My timing chip, bib number, and nylon drawstring bag. I was excited for this race for 2 months. It is a large race and draws tons and tons of people....32,500 to be exact. I looked at my bib number and realized I was close to the cut off point. So lucky to get in! Looking forward to running through the streets of Chicago, the people, the adreline that would be pumping through my body. The party afterwards...this weekend was the weekend of all weekends.

It however DID NOT WORK OUT LIKE I wanted it too.

My bib number has no wrinkles, my timing chip is still in the bag, and my free beer coupon is still attached to my number. Why oh Why didn't I run????

THIS IS WHY I DIDN'T RUN!!!! This is what it looked like out my sister's place around 8:00 am this morning. Hubby and I didn't want to take a chance and break something or whatever. The weather conditions were brutal. By the looks of the news broadcast this morning, the turn out didn't look record breaking...there were people running, but not like there should of been. Plus I was missing too. I WILL sign up next year!! I WILL run it no matter what! My next race is April 25th...it's got be better than this.

Hubby's truck all snow covered.

Would you run in this? Or am I a wimp!? I felt like crap so I came home, went to the Y and ran there. I decided that I would pretend I was running the Shuffle. I even created a playlist just for today. It wasn't the same, but I still worked out and ran and ran!

Wolf Trail Run

I did a trail run today. It was a 3.8 mile course. There are some real hilly parts and rough terrain, so different than road running. Felt worried about twisting my ankle or falling.

It was a cool morning. The temperature was around 60 degrees. It was perfect for running. Thank goodness it wasn't like yesterday. HOT for this time of year around here. It was mid 80s. So today was a beautiful fall day.

My goal in this race was to beat my time from last year. I delivered! I beat my time by almost 2 minutes and was 5th in my age category. My husband also did the run this year. This is his first time doing it. He did great. He of course kicked my a$$. It was great that he was cheering me on at the finish line. However, I for once would like to finish above and beyond all of my friends so I can cheer them on when they come in. Oh well...it was awesome. I still have 8 weeks until the 10K race. I am exicted about that one. The training has already started. John and I are doing that one together too. I am sure he'll kick my you know what again. That's okay, at least we are training together and spending time with eachother.

John and Tammy ~ before race...

Sausage Race

It all started at 6am today. Maybe a little last night too. ( I get race anxiety and usually can't sleep...I get all nervous) Anyways, I did another 5 K race today. It was the best time...until I realized I am not 21 anymore.

Today my friends, husband, and I signed up to do the Sausage Race in Milwaukee. It is through the Milwaukee Brewers and their charities. For anyone who does not know...there are 5 types of sausages that race on Miller Park each home game. So funny...anyways they raced in the 5K today too.

We got to the ball park around 8:30 am...put on our timing chip, bib number, got the music ready, and waited to start the big race. It was about 2,500 people. There was a group of walkers, but mostly runners. Thank goodness I got a front row spot...a timing chip...however, no timing mat at the beginning...only the end...how goofy is that.

The girls are ready to go...Heidi, Cari, Tammy.

It is time to go...I took off like a shot...thought I could hang with all those young kids and serious looking runners (that includes my bffs) anyways I did my first mile at 7:40. I thought if I keep up this speed it will be a miracle. The only thing was the sun was so HOT and it was 80 degrees already. I had to slow down a little because I was getting beat already. I approach mile 2 and am feeling so hot...thank goodness a little relief...we got to run into Miller Park and run in from right field..run around the outside of the field and exit out. That was way cool to run where some of my favorite Brewers play...Ryan Braun, JJ Hardy, Corey Hart, Prince Fielder, I was so in awww that seriously I wanted to walk just to have it last a little bit longer. But dah you are in a race...no walking allowed.

The last mile felt like forever. I knew it was almost done when I saw the tent and heard all the cheers. I finished the race in 28 minutes and 20 seconds. I placed 19th in my age group out of 126. I was pretty proud of that. I do hope to improve and I WILL. I crossed the finish , was looking for someone I knew and OMG are you serious? I felt that sensation in my mouth...the watering feeling...the feeling of you guessed it...I puked. Thank goodness there were some bushes close by. I felt much better. I only wanted water at this point...not the hot dog that they were giving out. So I drank my water and felt okay. We had a great morning...changed out of the sweaty clothes and took advantage of NO KIDS for a while kind of deal. We decided to head on over to the Miller Brewery for a tour. This is where I know I realized I am not 21... next story.

What a race...who is that guy to the right? He snuck in...

John, Tammy, Mr. Sausage, Pat (EC), Cari, Heidi


Great run bud...fishing tomorrow!