The Shamrock Shuffle!

This weekend I had the rare opportunity to run a FREE 5K. And not just one that I made up in my head or on mapmyrun.com and did by myself. This was an actual run organized by JackRabbit Sports and delightfully titled the Shamrock Shuffle. JackRabbit is the same store that puts on the indoor triathlon series in which I've been participating. It wasn't a competitive race and, with maybe 20 people running it, was possibly the smallest organized one I've ever done. The course started out from their Upper East Side store on 85th and Lexington and ended at a bar called 3rd and Long, which is owned by the now famous and very inspirational Matt Long. The run was very low-key and took place on the sidewalks and streets of NYC. No roads were closed so it involved what I've learned is called parkour, which is a weird fitness movement that involves jumping and climbing over and around things.

The whole group was very pleasant and nice to run with. In particular, I had the privilege of running with a few members of my quidditch team, which made the experience that much better. Running with friends ALWAYS beats running alone, after all. Fortunately, our team shirts are green, so we managed to show team and St. Patrick's Day spirit. It was no coincidence that the run ended at a bar, either. There was pizza and beer at the finish. Did this counteract the running? Yes, in terms of caloric intake, but it only contributed to the experience as a whole.

The streak continues. I think I'm up to 40 days now. I'm also at the point where I think I'll restart my situps streak. I definitely felt good about it while it was happening and am sort of disappointed that I haven't remained committed to it.

Spring is fast approaching and I need to sign up and begin training for the half Ironman in July. Last year's debacle was one of the driving forces behind my training strategy last fall and throughout the winter, so I really need to pick my plan, tailor it to my time constraints, and jump right in. The major changes from last year to now will be the following:

- Transition practice
- More open water swims (con wetsuit)
- Practice putting on and taking off the wetsuit
- Purchase of a new bike
- Much more frequent and longer outdoor bike rides
- Bricks

You may wonder why I even bothered trying last year without these things. Sometimes I wonder that myself. It is what it is, though. It served as a valuable learning experience. I have to run, but next to discuss is the Indoor Tri Championships on March 27th.

Note: As I'm sure you all know, Japan was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a subsequent tsunami last Friday. They've since registered hundreds of aftershocks and are currently working to cool down three nuclear reactors to prevent explosions or, in the worst case, a meltdown. Please consider donating to the relief efforts.

The Japan Society 

The Red Cross - You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your phone.