Shamrock Run

About 20 people from my school signed up for Portland's Shamrock Run about a month ago. There are many different events, 3 mile walk, 5K, 8K, & 15K, so we were a little scattered. There were 18000 participants and it was CRAZY! I was so excited last night but got worried when I looked at the weather forecast. Only in Oregon would 18000 people get up at the crack of dawn and run in heavy rain in 40 degree weather. I woke up at 5:30am Aaron slept til 6:15. We got to the max station at 7:15 am and it took almost 45 minuted to wait in line to get our boarding ticket. By the time we got down there our "race" was starting in 2 minutes, we were about a block away from the line to get in at our "pacing" and then the guy says "walkers go!" so we just turned around and started walking! I am glad because it put us at the beginning of the line and the line stretched ALL THE WAY AROUND THE RIVER. If you have ever walked the Esplanade in Portland you know! By the time we finished there were still people just crossing the first bridge! My co-workers 10 year old daughter walked with us so she set a pretty brisk pace. My legs started to get sore from walking so I jogged quite a bit. I think next year I will do the 5K it is the same distance but you have to run/jog most of the way! At the end of the race they give you free clam chowder and beer. We tried the chowder, it was kinda cold, I guess that happens when you try to feed 18000 people in the windy rain! I didn't take any pics but I will just tell you that our clothes were so wet we were carrying extra weight, all of our pants were creeping down due to that weight! It was very funny, wet and cold. Then we came home and changed into some dry clothes and went out to breakfast with half of our group! Then I took a nap (I was tired)! I am so excited to wear my shirt to school tomorrow! Yay!