A Shamrocking good time!

In Chicago there is a race that has traditionally kicked off the unofficial start to the Chicago running season. That race is the Shamrock Shuffle. Yes shamrocks..... You think green, beer, St. Pattys day, cooler weather. Yes me too. For some stupid reason Bank Of America changed the race this year to April 10th and kept the name: The Shamrock Shuffle. All things aside it is a really great race. It is an 8k that runs through downtown Chicago. Every year it gets around 40,000 participants and this year apparently broke the record for the largest 8k in the world. Kinda cool really. I ran the race with a handful of friends. Katie drove in Saturday evening from South Bend to run it with me. Considering the temperature at race time was about 70 degrees and it is still early season I was very happy with my time of 38:56.

I spent a good portion of my weekend going to the Expo, the race, and preparing for my now second annual Shamrock Brunch. Last year was just a few friends and my roomie's family came over as well. This year I put alot more thought into it and went a little over board. I cooked an egg casserole, Pull-apart Sticky Buns, and Fruit Pizza. People brought stuff to make bottomless mimosas, bacon, muffins, and fruits and a few other things. It was a great turnout. I had so much fun putting it all together though I need to work on my timing because the race ended at like 10:30 but we didn't eat till almost 12:30. Oh well, can't really complain.

Since Erin is moving out to move in with Matt we interviewed, I guess you could call it, potential roommates. We met quite a few and I think we finally found a great match. Hope that all works out. It really seems as though time flies by, just a year and a half ago Beth, myself and Erin all moved into the Racine Apartment. I plan to continue the fond memories of our apartment through Kickball with both Beth and Erin! Go Kick in a Box!

I am kind of really excited that kickball is starting up this week. I am really hoping to find alot of people came back. Also, hoping our team is still going to dominate. Now that I work along the blue line I need to come up with stuff to do between work and the time kickball starts. I have about an hr to an hour and a half to fill but it doesn't really justify going home to just turn around and go right back, you know.

I am truly enjoying sitting out on the back deck in 81 degree weather in April typing this but now it is time for my first grilling of the season. I am just going to make brats but they are so yummy and a true sign that spring is here in Chicago!