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 15, 2015

Less than 50 days to PGH Marathon

Happy St. Patrick's Day Week!!!!!  I am sure a lot you celebrated on Saturday like myself, but not before getting my run in. So this week I was back to my normal schedule at work. I decided this week was going to be the first week I change up my training plan and fit it a little better to myself.

MONDAY: The normal training plan called for a 3 mile at an easy pace. I decided I would do 4 miles instead.  Even though doing the 3 miles is helping me get faster, I feel like doing 4 will not only get me faster but it will add a bit more stamina. I ended the run with a 8:54 pace and felt really good. At point I honestly felt like I was going so slow and looked down to see my mile split was a 9:05.
TUESDAY: I had to take this day as my rest day since I had some running around that needed to get done.

WEDNESDAY: Since I missed Tuesday I decided to move everything back one day. So today was my speed workout day. I was so happy when I arrived at my local track and saw that the track had no snow on it. I did 8 400 meter repeats with a 200 meter walk after each one. 
splits:  1:32
            1:28
            1:25
            1:27
            1:30
            1:27
            1:29
            1:05  as you can see on my last one I try and see what I have left in the tank and basically sprint.     I was surprised to see how good I felt for the most part. My legs really didn't feel fatigued and I was able to control my breathing for the whole run.

THURSDAY:  Once again I chose to do 4 miles instead of 3. I ended the run with a pace of 9:04. This course was a bit hard and had a lot of hills so I am really pleased to see how I did for an easy run.

FRIDAY: Instead of doing a tempo run I decided to use this day as a whole day to strength train. I did a whole body workout. I know the normal schedule calls for strength on Monday and Wednesday, but I sometimes forget to do after the run or I just do the bare minimum. Adding in one whole day is great for the core.

SATURDAY: I had to be down at the SCRR training run for DICK'S Sporting Goods. It was a benefit to 2 runners who had shoes that weren't up to par.  Our rolls for this weekend were the "Nasty Shoe Police" we gave one lady and one gentleman a gift card for $150 to buy a new pair of shoes. We may be around again for one of their runs again soon. Since I was there and I am a member of the SCRR I decided to go for a short 4 mile run. I ran with the 9:30 pace group since it was raining, and I just wanted to do an easy run.  After getting my run in, I did take in some St. Patty's Day shenanigans. A few friends and I ended up going to a few bars and throwing back a few green beers.

SUNDAY: Today I headed out to North Park with my friend Kari. Kari was having some knee issues and wasn't sure if she would be able to even run at all today. I told her I would run right next to her and let her set the pace and see how it feels. We ended up doing the "Horseshoe" and it was just over 7 miles. Our pace was nothing to brag about but, Kari was able to run the whole way and after the run decided to sign up for the Half Marathon. My training run called for a 90 minute run. We ended up finishing just a few minutes short of that. Next time we venture to the park together we will run at our speed. Today I was more concerned about a friend being safe and not hurting herself any worst.
 
 
How did your week go?  Did you do anything over the weekend for St. Patty's Day or will you do anything on the official day, Tuesday?
 
 
Until next time be safe and have good runs!!!!

8 comments:

  1. Haven't celebrated St. Patrick's day yet, but my running club has something planned tomorrow night so we'll see.
    Looks like you've had some solid training!! Keep up the good work!

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  2. Your intervals are fantastic! You've definitely got some badass speed in those legs! Great week overall! I'm actually sorry I missed the Shoe Police. I have a pair of shoes that I still wear because the tread isn't totally gone, however they have holes in them! They look ridiculous! lol If nothing else I may have given some people some laughs! I'll be celebrating St Patrick's Day with my standard big Irish dinner (corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and soda bread) and Guinness, of course. ;)

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    1. Yes Nicole I was blessed with not only being able to run long distance's but I am pretty fast as well. I always said there is few people that could take me if a race came down to who has the best kick. Sorry you missed the shoe police :( your Irish dinner sounds pretty good.

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  3. Isn't it great to run without snow & ice on the ground?! Kudos on another solid week!

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    1. Thanks, and it is amazing... Hopefully no more snow until next year

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  4. Nice intervals!! Those are super impressive!! I've been adding an extra mile to my easy days as well - I'm not dragging ass or super tired so I figured as long as I can do them, I might as well!!

    Keep up the great work!

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    1. Amanda that's basically the same concept I am using. If I am not tired and don't feel like it is hurting me then why not throw in a few extra miles

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