Zack just wasn't ready to committ to a 5k, but he has wanted a green shirt since Chad ran the 10k last year. So he signed up for the 2 mile walk, and I signed up along with him. Kevin signed up for the 5k once it looked like the weather was going to be warm. He even went on some training runs before the date of the Shuffle.
The weather on Saturday was wonderful. It was short sleeve and shorts weather, so the long sleeved green shirt that came with the entry was unseasonable. The online instructions for the run said runners should be cautious and on the look out for ice on the course. Not this year. The high for Saturday was to be 80 degrees. No ice in sight.
We parked close to the finish and headed up to the Overture Center to check out the crowd and look for bathrooms. Finding huge lines, Chad suggested we go the last few blocks to the State Capitol to use the bathrooms. It was a nice walk, and the Capitol was almost vacant, so no line at the bathroom.
The Shuffle was filled this year, and the announcements said over 4,000 runners and walkers were heading out Saturday morning.
By the time we headed back down State Street, Chad and Kevin lined up in the street for the start of their run. Zack and I headed out 5 minutes later.
The course headed down State Street, and over past the Memorial Union. Then up the Observatory Drive hill and past the Carillon Tower. The 5k was an out and back that went to the Natatorium and back. Zack and I turned at Babcock Drive and headed to the Lakeshore Path where we joined up with the 10k route. Zack enjoyed walking along the Lake. He did great, just needing a little encouragement in the last half mile.
Chad and Kevin finished in 36:09, a good job for Kevin's first run. And the best part, Kevin wants to run more. He will probably run the Monona 5k with me in a couple months.
