Real David H.

older. wiser. slower.

5 reasons I love Shamrock

✴︎

3.13.2012

2010 Shamrock Half Marathon

There’s no question that I love Shamrock weekend in Virginia Beach. With this weekend being my fifth Shamrock Half Marathon, I thought I’d share some thoughts on why this race is so awesome. All my other pre-race thoughts are jumbled up in my head, and might not ever make it out.

I have some great memories of Virginia Beach, both from growing up and through 4 races, so each weekend has potential to add to that memory bank.
Free Yuengling.
The course has a relatively non-crowded, mostly organized corral start and includes a nice mix of local fans, great water stops, a cool sunrise over the ocean, and a finish on the Boardwalk.
The schwag – a moisture-wicking shirt that actually fits, a medal that now doubles as a bottle opener, a finisher’s hat, and (this year) a finisher’s sweatshirt.
It’s flat. Look, I love hills and enjoy my mountain views on every run, but I also love how those hills translate to a faster time on a flat course. It makes setting a goal of 1:39:59 not seem quite as scary.

22 responses to “5 reasons I love Shamrock”

Run From The Heart

commented on

March 13, 2012

This race (and all of the J&A Racing races) looks awesome and a finishers sweatshirt? sweet… I think I may do it next year. Good luck this weekend!

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 13, 2012
  
  Not sure if the sweatshirt is for this year only or not. Two years ago was a long sleeve shirt, but still a great bonus.Sent from my iPhone
  
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Hank

commented on

March 13, 2012

Free Yuengling. Reason enough. I think I'm gonna do this one next year.My recent post Toughest Three Miles since…..well…the first three

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 13, 2012
  
  Be on the lookout for a discount code after this weekend for next year's race. It's a great race to train for in the winter.Sent from my iPhone
  
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Beth-runlikeagirl

commented on

March 13, 2012

All of those things make me want to run the race this weekend, too! Hmm… maybe I need to start planning for next year? In the meantime, have a GREAT race!!!

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 14, 2012
  
  Yes, make plans now to save money. The half usually sells out just prior to Christmas; I think the full sold out this year, or was right at the selling out point. Even the children's race that my son is doing sold out in record time.
  
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traintotri

commented on

March 13, 2012

I hadn't heard about the sweatshirt. That's pretty exciting – hope I finish!

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@PatRuns

commented on

March 14, 2012

Good luck David!

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Christina

commented on

March 14, 2012

You forgot to mention the ease of finding finishers as one of the many pluses of this great race — the ABC signs on the beach make it so much easier to find you, and almost guarantees I won't get an angry phone call from the hotel room 😉

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 14, 2012
  
  Wrong race there wifey. 😉 This is the race where I got hurt, drank beer by myself, went back to the hotel, showered and was all packed by the time you got back.Sent from my iPhone
  
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  1. Christina
    
    commented on
    
    March 14, 2012
    
    OK, you got me there. But there IS a great sandcastle ;)Maybe they'll have hearing aids at the expo…
    
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Steena

commented on

March 14, 2012

It's race week! Wahoo! It's pretty great that you get to go slay it this Sunday, I remember you not being able to do it last year. So it's like you get extra invisible swag that no one else gets. Good luck!

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 14, 2012
  
  To me, this is all about finishing what I started with this race 2 years ago when I set the tone for a faster half. Not being able to do it last year – or, rather, choosing not to be stupid and run it – only makes me want it more.Sent from my iPhone
  
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Mom

commented on

March 14, 2012

The crowd is great there and it's a lot of fun watching and cheering all the runners. Looking forward to it.

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Mary Carter Stallings

commented on

March 14, 2012

Sounds awesome!! I'm already looking forward to next year!!

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Lizzie

commented on

March 14, 2012

Ahh this makes me so happy!! Shanrock is going to be my first marathon this Sunday!!My recent post Jitterbug

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lifeisarun

commented on

March 14, 2012

We want to come run this!! LOVE race hats…and we've never been in a race where you get sweatshirt/hoodie type swag! Jealous! Hope you have a great race!

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 14, 2012
  
  The finisher's hat is one of my favorite items from any race I've ever done. You should definitely consider this in the future!
  
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Chris

commented on

March 16, 2012

Hubby ran the full last year and was going to run the full this…until shin splints and varicose veins were diagnosed, along with a month off. So, I'm running the 8k (with hubby) and the half (alone), because on top of all the above mentioned goodies, you get a DOLPHIN pin for running both days! (Yea, I'm all about the bling!)
Good luck with your run! I'll finish in about double your goal time. LOL! But, no matter how fast or slow you are, it's the same finish line.
My recent post I'm going to complain…you've been warned

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 16, 2012
  
  Have a great time! I did the Dolphin Challenge one year and came away hurt, but I really want to do it again one year.Sent from my iPhone
  
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Coco (Got2Run4Me)

commented on

March 16, 2012

Maybe next year … Is the Half on Sunday?

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1. David H.
  
  commented on
  
  March 16, 2012
  
  Yes. Half and full are sunday. 8k and kids races on Saturday. Expo is all day Friday and most of Saturday. I'd say 75% of people at Virginia beach that weekend are there for shamrock.Sent from my iPhone
  
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