Saturday, March 26, 2011

St. Paddy's Day & Grasslands Races

Fun race! Honestly, I don't remember much about it though - it went by so quickly. There were about 6,000 runners and walkers, so it took a while before we could actually start running. Once I got passed the thick of it, I took off and kept a pretty good pace throughout. My adjusted chip time was 31:12 (though I think it was closer to 29:45), but either way it was a 5K PR. Great weather, too!

This was definitely a fun run - everyone was dressed in green (except for the random girl dressed in a baby blue running suit who apparently did not get the memo).
I ran with a these guys from my MBA program and we ran into some more cohorts at the St. Patrick's Day Parade after the race. We stuck around after the parade and ate burgers at Fudrucker's. I think it tasted so good because we were all so hungry!

This was basically an all-day affair and let's just say I'm glad I rode the DART instead of driving because there was a lot of St. Paddy's Day celebrating going on! (*Also notice my awesome green tights. I borrowed them from Brad, who dressed up like a leprechaun for Halloween, haha.)


I didn't run Grasslands this year (though I unsuccessfully attempted to sign up for the half at the last minute), but I worked an aid station. It was fun being on the other side of the race.

The Outback Gate aid station was positioned at mile 36, so we got all the 50 milers. It was a pretty hot day - in the 90's in March! - and was definitely not Mudlands like last year. There was hardly any rain prior to the race, so there were lots of sand pits. Many of the runners were complaining of blisters and wishing for last year's conditions.

I went out with "the boys" (i.e. my dad & his partners in crime/highly decorated ultra-runners, Drew & Mark). We met at Whataburger for brunch beforehand and finally got home around 9pm. By the end, I was sunburned and exhausted - and I didn't even run!