I capped off my review of last year's edition of the Shamrock Run 15k saying, "I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to run this race again." Oddly enough this year, I did just that. Needing a break from my Chicago routine, I booked a spur of the moment trip to visit dear friends and, yes, race Shamrock Run for the 2nd year in a row!

This year's conditions were quintessentially Portlandic; a drizzle in cool temps though not chilly (at least for this Chicagoan). I enjoyed staying cool and didn't mind getting wet (I finish most of my races soaked anyways).

The course presents an interesting challenge with perceived effort and pace misaligned for this flatlander. I think this is a nice tune up going into Shamrock Shuffle and ultimately Boston Marathon with a solid uphill portion in the middle of the race followed by a rapid descent.

Despite adding another event, the half, to the already full morning (there's a 5k, 8k, and 15k already). I found race day to be worry free. I also found the competition was quite deep. I enjoyed having a lot of fast runners with which to test my meddle.