Do I have insane beginners luck - or am I misunderstanding something?

This really isn't a brag. I am genuinely quite baffled and wonder if I'm misunderstanding something? I started playing 6 days ago, I've not dedicated much time to actual play, mostly just been catching Pokemon on my lunch break and on my commute. I've caught 701 in total, had to give a lot to the professor as I only have 325 storage. I've not been able to earn any Pokecoins yet as every gym I've passed is either full or has a raid going on...

I've visited 227 pokestops and total XP is 948k, (level 28)...

I've got a hundo (Bulbasaur in Pikachu visor) and 7 shinies (two Litleos, a Darumaka, a Dolliv, a Rioulu, Party hat Charmander and Party Hat Wurmple)....

Everything i've seen online says it can take months to get a shiny or a hundo. Are the odds much better because of GO fest?? I feel I must have misunderstood something...

Thanks!