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 22, 2015

6 weeks till PGH Marathon

"I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me to where I want to go"      Dean Karnazes

I have to say for once I can say I had a really good week. I mixed up my training a bit, got to run with some new people, and was able to do a really good long run.

MONDAY: I met a few of the SCRR Members in Frick Park and did some trail running. I haven't been able to do much trail running this season, so it was a nice change of pace. My plan only called for a 3 mile run, but we ended up doing 4. It felt really good on the legs and I plan on doing a few more trail runs before race day. After the run we met a few more people at D's six pack for some food and beers.



TUESDAY: I used this day as my rest day and just did some light stretching. I have been using a new stretcher from Medi-Dyne (review to come Thursday) and I used this to stretch out my lower legs.

WEDNESDAY: Speed Work: My plan called for 4 X 800's. I decided to do 3. My splits were
3:23
3:19
3:12 I then did 3 400's
1:20
1:24
1:26 followed by a mile run that I call the gauntlet. It is a course I designed that is mostly hill, some road some trails. I designed it to beat the shit out of me. I didn't time it, but I felt really good running it.

THURSDAY: 4 miles at 9:05 pace.

FRIDAY: 6 miles at 7:00 pace. I wanted to see where I stand on a 10K. I am pleased with my performance, but I know there is much work that needs done in the weeks to come to be able to hold it for 13.1 miles.

SATURDAY: I had to be at SCRR run on the Montour Trail. Once again Sara and I were playing the nasty shoe police. 2 more people were able to get $150 giftcards to buy new shoes. Since I was there I decided to run 4 miles with my friend Abby on the trail at a 9:30 pace.

SUNDAY: Long Slow Run: Instead of heading to North Park I decided to run by myself and do a course from Sq. Hill through Oakland, Shadyside and Frick Park. I did 90 minutes and finished with just under 11 miles. My legs were sore at points in the run, but for the most part I felt good. Good thing was my BlisterShield continues to work and my pace was pretty good for a slow run.  I am going to be taking my dog for a 2 mile walk also later. I need to start breaking in my shoes for the marathon so this should be a good start.

How was your week?
Have you ever made a course just to beat yourself down?

Until next time be safe on the roads.
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6 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Sounds like a good week! I really want to start doing trail running. After PGH I'm going to start working on my 10k.

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    1. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 7:55 AM

      I think after the marathon I am going to start hitting the trails at north park a lot more often.

      Delete
  2. GornTheVoiceofReasonMarch 23, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    Nice training week! Some weeks on my Wednesday mid-length run I go on a hill route which is nearly all hills, it's hard on the legs but is very good training.

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    1. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 8:47 AM

      Ya I have been trying to incorporate more hills this time around. Since I know the course I know a big hill is toward the end and I want to be ready for it

      Delete
  3. NicholeMarch 24, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    You did have a great week! I always say I want to get into deeper trail running, but I'm scared (mainly of snakes and stuff). But then again, I think that's what intrigues me - I like being scared. haha. Yes, I've made a course to beat my own ass. Again, I like scaring myself!

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 24, 2015 at 3:47 PM

      Lol, I like the thought of scaring yourself. Sometimes when we step out of our comfort zone it can be a huge benefit. If you are afraid run with another person, or a big stick to hit the snakes.. Hahah

      Delete

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