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, April 27, 2014

One Week Till Race Day

     7 days, 1 week it doesn't matter how you say it, but that is all that stands between many of us and the start of the Pittsburgh Marathon.
The city will be our backdrop and the fans will be our motivation.  We will be standing in crowded corrals wishing the person next to us the best of luck.   Months of preparation have gone into this day and it will be time to let it all hang out. 
The weather has been an issue for most peoples training and as of today it looks as though mother nature may actually be on our side come race day.  61 and partly sunny is the forecast. Of course this can change, but lets hope not. 



     I started my tapering a week ago, so this week of training was a lot of shorter runs with a lot of stretching and massaging my legs.  Monday I did a quick 4 miles at an 8 min. pace. I didn't want to miss the start of the Penguins game so I was trying to just get the run done.  Tuesday I did some foam rolling followed by an electric massager on my calf muscles. Wednesday I took the day off and just relaxed.  Thursday I met up with my friend Val and took her to do my hill workout. It was her first time doing a hill as big as the one I train on and she couldn't make it all the way up.  Since I was in taper mode it didn't bother me and I was happy to walk a little with her. We tried to do the hill twice and then ran another mile afterwards.  I will be taking her again this week to do the hill. I know she can do it, it will just take some time like it took me.  Friday was another day of stretching and foam rolling.  Saturday I decided to do my last medium distance run.
It was just 7 miles but I used it as my last dress rehearsal, and what I would consume before the race.   I think I have found a really good combination of some super foods and supplements that keep me energized for a good amount.  I will share my secret after the race. I want to make sure it actually holds up for the long distance before I release my secret.   After my run I put on my compression sleeves and wore them most of the day, and it really helped with any pains that were left over.

I took a pic of my race outfit just incase anyone see's me stop over and say hi.  I am in corral A and will be wearing bib number 635. Most people put their name above the number so fans can yell their name as they go by.  My bib says "4 U DAD" . It is me paying homage to the person that got me to where I am and it is also me calling him out. I told him when he reads it make sure he knows it should say I am coming for you. I am coming to take down his best time in a marathon and I am coming to set a new PR for myself.

 
    What you see in the Pic above is my Saucony shoes with matching Saucony racing tank, Zensah compression calf sleeves( these sleeves are what always works for me) my padded socks that just so happens to match the color of my shoes. Black running shorts with the matching black Under Armour head band.   So if you see this color coordinated fool give me a holler if your a fan and if your a runner come stop by and say hello.
 
Thursday I will be posting some tips for race day that have helped me out a lot. So if this is your first marathon or first Pittsburgh Marathon they may help you out.
 
What corral are you in?
Are ready for the race? trained properly and took all the proper steps to ensure a good race?
 
 


8 comments:

  1. I'm in corral B! I always put my twitter handle on my bib. Just something different =).

    Best of luck, but I'm sure we will see each other at some point next weekend!

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    1. That's pretty cool idea, using your twitter handle. Best of luck too you as well.

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  2. I should be in corral A as well, I just don't know since I'm registered as a blogger. Boo. If you see me, say hi!

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  3. I'm not even running on Sunday but I'm excited for everyone! Crossing my fingers the weather is as nice as they're predicting now. I'll be volunteering in the finish line chute, so I'll look for you!

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  4. Excellent color coordinated outfit. My race gear is a total mix and match of colors and brands. However, my throw away warm up gear is a fantastic semi-matched top and bottom I got from a thrift store, makes me look like a coach for the Niagara University Women's Basketball team.

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    1. Hahahah i buy my throw away gear at the thrift store too. So pre race I just look like a mess walking around

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