Leprechaun Chase 10K - 2024 recap

The luck o' the Irish? The luck o' the Chase?

Maybe it was a little o' both, but this past weekend had me donning o' the green and me running shoes and pinning on a race bib. This was my 10th time taking part and I was eager for a good time...

Now in its 14 year, the Leprechaun Chase is a race like none other. It's a friendly competition between lads and lasses (in other words, guys and gals) all on a quest for a first place finish and a celebratory free green beer for their comrades.

Leprechaun Chase 10K - 2023 recap

Lacing o' the running shoes. Wearing o' the green. Chasing and racing o' the lads and lasses.

Check, check, and check.

Such were the variables of the 2023 Leprechaun Chase. Let's just say I was jolly-good glad to be partaking in the fun.

Leprechaun Chase 2021

It was a jolly good time, indeed (and we're not just talking about that sub-9 pace LOL).

There was plenty of green to be had. Oodles of sunshine kept our hearts warm and our smiles bright. Let's not forget the numerous twisty hills to navigate. And, a new location for all the lads and lasses.

Sound familiar? Those were just some of the makings of the 2021 Leprechaun Chase!

Seeing Green

There was a whole lotta green going on this week!

We're talking emerging grass (courtesy of the melting snow). The MSU Spartans had a big victory Tuesday evening. And, there was a St. Patrick's themed (in-person!!!) race on the roster.  

After so much cold, in previous weeks, it was great to usher in an entire week of pleasant weather. March is a tricky and temperamental month, weather-wise, so this past week was a nice treat.

2020 Leprechaun Chase

For starters, there was plenty of green.

After all, the Leprechaun Chase 10K is all about some St. Patrick's Day fun, by way of a race course. But that's not all that awaits the Lads and Lasses at the Omaha venue.

There are nonstop hills. Many twists and turns along the race course keep you guessing. The terrain is constantly changing. And, this past Saturday, March 7th, there was a 22-mph steady blast of wind!

Alas, all of these variables not only made for a tough race, but a fun challenge.

Windblown!

Wind, wind, and even  more wind!

Yep. It was a windy week, pretty much on a daily basis.

Thankfully, the temps were mild, and the precip was a no-show (in the daylight hours), so it wasn't all miserable. Just windy.

Marching and Racing into Spring

March 2020 is gonna be a busy and fun month for this runner!

There's some traveling on tap. A new state to check off. And my favorite non-running event will be  the culminating crescendo.

Care to hear what's on the roster?

The Allure of a Themed Race

How do you feel about themed races?

Are you one of those who eagerly gets in the spirit (and dresses for the theme)? Or do you "ain't got time for none of that nonsense?"

I have to say that a great thing about themed races is that they draw a lot of participants to the start line. Many participants are people who may not have been interested if it was just a typical road race. Even though some participants may not know all the appropriate race etiquette, it's awesome that they're there, supporting the cause and being active.

I have been running for more than 14 years, and have done a fair share of themed races. Care to hear a bit about a few of my favorites? Read on...

SMILE because it happened

It's been a rather interesting, racing-packed spring for me.

All told, there have been seven races run over the time-span of  9.5 weeks, 67 days to be exact.

I'm pretty happy with how each and every one of them played out...but now what???

Should I be sorrowful that a great season has come to an end? Anxious that the momentum may cease during this brief time of rebooting? Or, shall I simply smile, and be quite content that all went well?

Spring Races...A Few Of My Iowa Favorites

Spring is in the air, and it's time to go racing!

Although I do not consider myself a competitive racer, it's no secret that I love pinning on a race bib.

After all, why not? Spring is a great time to test out the legs and the lungs, as well as one's endurance. After several months of cold weather running (or, in my case this year, indoor training), it's fun to see what my body can do in an outdoor setting among masses of other runners.

Even though I'm always on the search for new events to explore, there are a few nearby races that I usually do every year. Each of these has its own individual nuances, making each experience on the race course feel like a new adventure every year.

A (very rainy) Leprechaun Chase 2019

I'm always up for a good time, especially on race day.

But first, let me set the scene...

The temps were cold (upper 30F's). There was wind. And, did I mention rain was in the forecast for the entire day?

Such was the setting for the 2019 Leprechaun Chase (Des Moines, IA).