Today was the annual, epic Shamrock race downtown. I have a special place in my heart for this race and not just because I get to paint my fingernails green. This was my first ever race that I did. I ran the race alone and I will never forget turning the corner and seeing the finish line. I couldn't believe I finished without stopping and tears rolled down my cheeks. Cue the Rocky music. Okay I may be melodramatic, but it was memorable indeed.

I ran the race last year with my BRP, Jenny. She pushed me and we raced an average of 9:40. It was a good race and we had fun. We added on three miles at the end for our long run of seven miles.

This year, we have a large group and we all journeyed downtown together. But first, we met up at Jenny's and had fun acting like school children getting ready. You call it mid-life crisis. We call it awesome.

Arriving at the race, we hung out for a little bit around the circle, debated about the start, then discovered we were all off and lined up. I heard start and before I knew it, we were off. I had planned on doing negative splits, but that really just went out the window. I decided to just run a race for myself. I didnt want it to be gauged by pace but by what felt good. I told myself to enjoy this race. I paid for it, it was a beautiful day and I've run too many races miserable.

I felt absolutely wonderful until mile 3.25. The heat was balmy and I suddenly felt chills run down my body and I had to slow it down not to throw up. I was giving myself major pep talks. Like, don't puke all over that guy next to you.

I was never so happy to see the finish line after that. I didn't really have it in me to pick it up, but I tried. When I crossed the line, I was toast and knew I gave it my all. The race this year was 30 degrees warmer than last year and the year before. Makes a difference.

At first, I didn't think I had reached my goal of PRing. I was bummed but just happy that my leg held up and wasn't injured. (more on that later) I asked a runner friend of mine to calculate it for me and turns out I had shaved 27 seconds per mile off of my time. Woo hoo, I will take it!! I was seriously happy with this. But most of all, I was thankful for all of my little green friends. And no I am not talking about leprechauns. My runner girls that I love so much. 5 am runs wouldn't be as much fun without them.

I knew we had to run five miles after this and honestly, that was brutal. We walked a mile back for a total of 10 miles. I felt pretty sick until I came home and stuffed my face. Good times.

My runner girls did awesome and a few of them smoked it in the 8's...the others rocked it out including Val, who ran her fastest race yet! I am so proud of them all!!

Did you run a race today? What are your St, Patrick day plans?