CorDynamics’ Melissa Fisher takes on Shamrock Shuffle Chicago 2012

CorDynamics is sponsoring resident runner and our operations manager, Melissa Fisher, in the upcoming Shamrock Shuffle Chicago 2012 — the largest 8K in the world with 40,000 participants expected.

Melissa Fisher Runs For the Pot of Gold — Shamrock Shuffle Chicago 2012

In a city with such a rich Irish heritage it dyes the river green, running this Shamrock Shuffle has become a Chicago tradition.

Runners have to have heart in more ways than one as running here this time of year can turn into its own form of March Madness.

“Because this race is so early in the year, it is hard to predict the weather,” admits Melissa. “When I ran the race last year, it was sunny and 70. But, there have been many years where it has been snowy, cold and not to mention windy.”

Even with its cold winters, Chicago ranked on the Forbes Top-10 Cities in America For Runners, for what it has to offer in the spring, summer and fall months.

A gorgeous 18-mile path along Lake Michigan and flat terrain.

Plenty of competition—different races are held on back-to-back days on weekends during prime running season.

Vibrant running community—training clubs, running associations and social clubs that often lead to post-run beers at one of the city’s many pubs.

The good news about training in Chicago for Chicago races: You are ready for anything.

“It was so windy yesterday, I felt like I was running backwards,” says Melissa. “During my training run two weekends ago, it was snowing, but it was pretty.”

I’m pretty sure I speak for the majority of the CorD team when I say: Thanks Melissa for taking on this challenge on our behalf.

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back and may your heart-healthy lifestyle carry you far….

Chicago Running: A Holiday Tradition

The holidays can be especially hard when trying to keep in shape. My holiday was no exception. It started with a wonderful and indulgent Thanksgiving, followed by a very Merry Christmas in England and ended with a Happy New Year’s Eve.

Traveling over Christmas made it especially hard for me to stay in shape. I was able to fit in one run while I was in England. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but one is better than none. Fortunately, I did a lot of walking in London, so I felt a little better about not sticking to a regular running schedule.

I was amazed at how few runners I saw while I was in England. My count ended at seven runners seen in the eight days that we were there—and my running partner and I were two of them! Many Chicagoans are dedicated runners so I’m used to seeing others running all the time. It never occurred to me that other cities or countries would be so different.

I have a few races I am hoping to take on this year. The Chicago Shamrock Shuffle will be my official kick-off to the 2012 running season on the 25th of March. (St. Patrick’s Day will be another holiday to hurdle.) Once again CorDynamics is sponsoring my race and my efforts to encourage those around me to stay heart healthy. With my goals set, I’m ready to shake off the holidays and to start off the New Year happy and healthy!