Are the Irish Known for Running?

I'm not Irish.  At least not that I'm aware of (dad?).  Because of that I don't generally do much to celebrate St. Patrick's day aside from wearing some token green so that others will leave me alone.  However, for the last 3 years I've participated in Portland's Shamrock Run.  I don't know if it's because of the people dressed like beer bottles or the fact that every third runner is wearing a green tutu, but this is a fun event.

This was my first year participating in the 15k.  That's 9.6 miles to you and me.  The race went well, though I didn't study the race map much beforehand and was not at all prepared when the route took us up Terwilliger past OHSU.  Brutal.  However, I survived and even got a medal/bottle opener to show for my efforts.

Siena missed 2 days of school last week with a fever but was fully recovered enough to enjoy the weekend.

Luis brought the kids down to cheer me on in my race but with all the people (35,000 participants), we couldn't find each other.  It was good knowing they made the effort though.

Mason spent the weekend asking for and performing chores as he seems to have developed a new found respect for the almighty buck.  He cleaned the family room and living room, put away his clothes, and took out all the household garbage.  It only cost me $1.50.  Money well spent if you ask me.

For dinner last night we made a trip to my favorite restaurant, Delta Cafe.  It's a little bit of good southern goodness.  Here's Siena and Luis waiting to be seated.

Besides having the best casseroles and chicken fried steak in town, this here is the finest Arnold Palmer you will ever taste.  Fresh brewed sweet tea and homemade lemonade!  Mmmmhummm.

Well, I have jury duty starting tomorrow so I need to go practice some fanatical rhetoric.