Having just finished two St. Patrick’s Day races, one would think I’m a huge fan of the holiday. I do like that it is just a fun holiday for most people with the majority of us just dressing in green and drinking Guinness. After all, who doesn’t love a Guinness?? (If you don’t, don’t tell me. I can’t bear to hear it.) So, since we are talking about St. Patrick’s Day for Tuesdays on the Run, here’s why I love the holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day holds a special place in my runner’s heart. Why? Because my very first race was a St. Patrick’s Day race. Nearly 10 years ago today, I stepped up to the starting line for the very first time. I had no idea what to expect and was certainly not dressed for the occasion. (In fact, I was wearing men’s running tights because, as Virginia weather likes to do, we had a sudden cold snap and I had no cold weather running clothes. And I still have those tights.)
I had no idea about pacing. I misjudged the actual distance. I thought I was going to die at the end because the race (an 8K) was the farthest I’d ever run. But I survived and the first step down the road to addiction was taken.
Know what else happened at a St. Patrick’s day race? My first ever race in a Skirt Sports skirt.
It was the Happy Hour skirt, which is similar to today’s Happy Girl. I remember at the time thinking that I’d never have more than a couple. Well, I refuse to runfess to exactly how wrong that is, but I can pretty much wear a skirt a day for more than a month without repeat.
Apparently St. Patrick’s Day for me is all about sparking the fire of obsession LOL.
What about you? Do you have any St. Patrick’s day traditions?
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How fun that a St. Patrick’s day race was your first. I’ve actually never ran a St. Patrick’s day race but I hope to remedy that next year! -M
There is a local St. Patrick’s Day race I used to love, until they changed the course. I haven’t run it since, although I hear the course isn’t as flat or the swag as good. Really, mostly it’s just been circumstances.
I no longer have the shirt or bottoms from my first race! And I’m very impressed your first was an 8k, too! I also don’t remember my first skirtsports, but yes, now my drawers are bursting with them . . . with a few more on the way. 🙂 Always, it seems.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…We have nothing to fear . . .
I have run my share of St Patrick’s Day races! Funny thing, I’m running a race on Saturday but it is not St Patty’s Day themed! The actual Shamrock Shuffle is in April?
Guinness? Yum!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Don’t Poke the Injured Runner: 10 Dos and Don’t That Can Make or Break Their Recovery
Believe it it not, I don’t have any St Patrick’s Day plans yet. I’m not Irish but my husband’s family is, so maybe we will find something to do with our 8 month old. I also didn’t run any St. Patrick’s races this year for the first time in forever. Woops!
Meliss recently posted…Training Tuesday: A pretty average week
Obviously not this year, but we usually go for a guinness because YUM
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Lucky to Be a Runner
I’ve never done the cornbeef/cabbage thing…but I have drank a few green beers (though I am not much of a beer-drinking gal). I love the holiday, though, and strongly believe in pinching the deadbeats who refuse to wear green LOL
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Leprechaun Chase – 2017 Edition
I love that St. Patrick’s day holds those special memories; that’s july 4th for us! <3 What a precious memory.
Since you wrote about your first Skirt Sports, I realized this time of year was when I tried my first Running Skirt, I think in 2013. I loved it! I may not have enough to last me a month without repeat, but I do have a few.
I don’t have any St. Patty’s day traditions, but I love how your first race was on St. Patty’s day! My city doesn’t usually have a race for that, so there’s not much to do around here that weekend. Unless you like getting drunk- I’m a beer fan but not a fan of rowdy young people drinking lol.
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…Running & Racing Traditions
The Run to the Pub half marathon is one of my favorite since in Montana it seems to really be the kickoff to the racing season for the year. i love looking back at some of my first races, the things I was wearing and how I approached it all
Christy recently posted…Run to the Pub Half Marathon Recap
Ha! We all slipped down that “rabbit hole” in one way or another, didn’t we? My first ever half was mid-March 2007 as well. Crazy.
Marcia recently posted…Chicago-Area St. Patrick’s Day Races
I usually don’t really celebrate St. Patty’s Day. I don’t know why I never sign up for a race, they always look so fun!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tunes Tuesday: R&B Dance Favorites
I usually don’t go out hard on St. Paddy’s Day, despite that being a big Chicago tradition. My first St. Paddy’s Day, I spent in the hospital (caring for someone special) so I feel like it’s a bit weird that I’ve never done the big party thing.
But I ALWAYS run the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago! Oddly though it’s usually in April now!
How neat, that your first race was on St. Patrick’s Day! I think our first race is always near and dear to us as runners.
Ha, and yes, I recall my first skirt thinking, “oh maybe one or two more, but never more than that.” LOL!
Shannon @GirlsGotSole recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: St. Patty’s Day
I’m running my first St. Patrick’s themed race this weekend!
vicki recently posted…Annual Wearing Of The Green
Aw, I love that your first race was a St. Patrick’s Day race! Happy St. Paddy’s day!