Go Hard At Everything

     With only 5 weeks to the Pittsburgh Marathon training has really intensified.  This week I had some of my best runs,I went hard.  I also went hard in other area's where I probably shouldn't.  I had all intentions of waking up early on Saturday morning and going to North Park to run a half marathon race.  Let's just say this didn't happen.  My birthday is on Tuesday so this weekend was a lot of celebrating it with friends.

As you can see from the picture to the left there was a lot of beer and alcohol drank. That fish bowl I am sucking on was a Long Island Iced Tea. Needless to say I went hard at the drinking and eating Friday night. (I still got my long run in yesterday it just was around my house.)
But I do have to say if you are ever in Shadyside go eat at Stack'd burgers. It's basically the same thing as Burgatory but way cheaper and there is never a wait.  Last night was no different than Friday, I found myself at the Oakmont Tavern drinking again with a few of my other friends.  Thank god today was my day off from running.

     I have done really good with cutting back on the alcohol intake since I got serious with training. I very rarely drink, so having one weekend where I went a little hard was alright for me.

    I also was thinking about my birthday and it hit me people really know how much running means to me. Most gifts are running related.

     My wife got my this awesome medal hanger from running on the wall.com.  It came early so she let me open it and it was hung within minutes.  She also got me padded socks and has something else but I have to wait till my actual birthday on Tuesday.  But other people have gotten me gift cards to Dicks Sporting Goods so I can buy things for running. Also if I know my wife she will have a cake for me that is running related. She is the sales consultant at Bella Christie Bakery in Aspinwall.  So when she isn't meeting with Brides and designing their cakes I am sure she will design me one.  If you even need a cake for anything I highly recommend them. I am not just saying this because my wife works there. My wife has nothing to do with the making of cakes or anything like that all she does is sales.  If you ever need one call there and ask for Amanda.  

     With only 5 weeks away from the race, I am feeling good and this week I will try to get in a couple of long runs. I figure I have about 2 more weeks before I start to pull back and taper down a bit.  As the weeks fly by I am getting more and more anxious.