Who Am I?

I am an avid runner and have been running since I was 15 years old. I began running low to medium distances while on my high school track team, running the 800 meter and 1600 meter races (I was a sub 5 miler and a 2 minute 800 runner). In addition to the track team, I also joined the cross country team. After high school I still wanted to run and decided to start doing road races. I have probably ran a couple hundred 5k races (16.29 PR)along with many 10k's as well. In 2009 I decided to step up my game and try to tackle my first marathon. I will be honest; the only reason I did this was because my father ran a few and I wanted to show him that I could do what he did. I trained poorly for my first one and regret it. If you are going to run a race, train like you want to win. I still continue to run marathons and other distances as well, and every race is a chance for me to better myself.
I started this blog to hopefully communicate with other runners and to shed any knowledge I may have about the sport that can help other runners. I believe running is the best sport and can be a great stress reliever. I encourage all runners to spread the word of our sport and show people why running is so good and why the community of runners has such great people. You can follow me on twitter @byrne1324 or find me on facebook- Shaun Byrne

Sunday, March 30, 2014

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.  

8 comments:

  1. Congrats on the great week of training, I'm glad you are still allowing yourself to have fun and celebrate your birthday!
    Happy early birthday!

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  2. Love the medal hanger!
    Happy early birthday!

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  3. That fishbowl looks dangerous, but fun as hell. I can't believe we're 5 weeks out from the race, I'm totally with you that the training is getting intense. Taper, where are you?

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    1. I have 2 more long runs then I will taper around 2 weeks out.. Last week will be very little running and a lot of cross training and stretching

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