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

Friday, November 28, 2014

YMCA Turkey Trot Recap

     Normally on Friday I will go on a rant about whatever is bothering me. I am sorry to disappoint you, but this week there will be no rant. I will instead be doing a recap of the YMCA Turkey Trot in which I ran yesterday.

YMCA Turkey Trot

When: Thursday November 27th

Where: North shore of Pittsburgh next to PNC field

Distance:  1 mile 
               5K
               5 miler
               double gobbler- run the 5k and run the 5 miler. Must be able to complete the 5k in under 30 minutes.

Swag: The YMCA is all about being green so there is no goodie bag. All you get is your shirt,bib, and timing chip. If you registered for the double gobbler you received a beer mug as well.


Course: I can honestly say I don't know the course for the 1 mile course. The course for the 5k and the 5 miler both started next to PNC park. You headed toward Heinz field. If you were running the 5 miler you ran all the way around the field. If you were running the 5k you made a right on the road in front of the stadium. Basically both courses ended up on the same road and you made your way down to the Warhol bridge. You crossed the bridge and made a right into town. Once in town you ran what was almost a loop. Up I believe the Blvd. of the allies and went around the block and headed back toward the bridge. Instead of crossing the Warhol on the way back you crossed the Clemente bridge and made a left turn onto General Robinson Blvd. The 5k ran one block and turned left for the finish at PNC park while the 5 miler continued down the road toward Heinz Field. You ran to the back side of the stadium and did a turn around and headed back down the road toward the finish. The course is mainly flat with a few small grades as you run over the bridges. Being next to the river can make it more windy than other races also.

Post Race:  Once finished with the race they had water, Gatorade, muffins, pretzels, and Nugo bars for you to enjoy. 

My experience:  I arrived at race around 8:00 am. Parking was free which was real nice. I planned on asking race officials if it would be alright if I switched from the 5 miler and did the 5k. I was told it wouldn't be a problem but since I already had the 5 miler bib they would just change it in their system.  I decided to just stay with the 5 miler. I didn't want to be that guy who was running the wrong race. I got to watch the start of the 5k and then I headed over to the start to do a short warm up.  The race started promptly at 9:30 am.  I was not sure how this race would go for me. I had all hopes of getting a PR, but I also knew that past few weeks were rough on me. I did a lot of big races or events and then got sick.  I started at my normal pace and when I reached the first mile and looked at my Garmin the time read 6:53. This is also the point I realized that my lungs just weren't up for a PR race. I was disappointed but I knew it would be smart to just slow down and jog the remainder of the race. After I slowed down and got my lungs under control I found a nice pace that would allow me to not break to much of a sweat. I ended up finishing the race in 43:53. I am happy with my race. I haven't ran for a few weeks and I was sick. I was able to control myself and not over do it, and it felt so good to finally get back out there and run.  Today I feel really good and next week I will be back on track with full weeks of training.  

I hate the cold but I like dressing for it. Battle Frog sleeve was even brought out for this one.

3 comments:

  1. Glad you're happy with your race and feeling good. I planned to watch the 5 milers pass after I crossed the finish line but it took forever to get through the crowds to get water, so I missed the majority of runners.

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    1. It was very crowded and hard to get through the crowds

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  2. It's great that you were still able to get out there and have a good time, especially after being under the weather for a while!

    I'm also looking forward to this Friday's rant! :-D I seriously look forward to/enjoy them!

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