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 5, 2015

28 Days Until RaceDay

HAPPY EASTER!!!!Enjoy your easter because we are only 28 days away until the start of the Pittsburgh Marathon. This is crunch time. Most of us only have a week or two left until taper time. If there is any last minute things you need to work on this is the time.  If you have a long run still to do may I suggest using it as a dress rehearsal. The last thing you want to do is get out on the course and realize something you are wearing is uncomfortable. This week my training was about the same as it's been and I even attempted something very stupid. You will see as you read along.

MONDAY: REST DAY: normally the day after a long run I try to rest and just use it to stretch. I have been using my Pro Stretcher and it is working great. I have noticed recovery time has been drastically reduced.

TUESDAY: SPEED WORKOUT: I went down to Carnegie Mellon University with the SCRR club and did some 800's.  I only did four because my leg was feeling tight and I didn't want to risk injury. I ran with a group that ran 3:20's.

WEDNESDAY: It was my birthday this day. Go figure my birthday is April Fools, fits me perfect. I ran a quick 3 miles doing negative splits. I started with a 9 minute mile then dropped to 8 then down to 7 for the last. I felt really strong and feel like I can go much faster. Anyway let me tell you what I got as a gift. So in 1994 when I really became serious about running I bought a pair of Nike Huaraches. They were my favorite shoes of all time and when I wore them I felt unstoppable. I looked for years to see if I could find them and nothing. A few weeks ago I was searching and noticed Nike rereleased them last year. They changed them from a road flat to more of a trainer, but the look is the exact same. I showed Amanda and she was able to find a pair in the UK. Part of me wants to break them in real quick and wear them for the Half Marathon. I am still toying with the idea.

THURSDAY: Cross Train: I did a lot of push ups, crunches, and leg raises. I used my foam roller on my legs for about a half hour and then used my small roller to get the deep tissue. It felt great!!!

FRIDAY: It was good Friday and I had the day off work. I was laying in bed texting my friends and my cousin said he was going to head to the track for a quick run. It started out as a joke but I told him I would come and he could tape me doing the beer mile. It then turned into a serious thing and at 10 in the morning I was at the track with 4 beers ready to run a mile. Let me give you some advice. First don't just pull the beer out of the fridge. I couldn't chug because the beer was way to cold. Second don't run a slow pace and think it will help, it didn't do anything. Lastly don't bring a person who will make you laugh the whole time. So here is the Video, but the video stopped as I was about to do my third lap. Oh Ya, I only made it 3 laps and 3 beers. It is way harder than I thought. I do intend to try it again after the marathon. This time though I plan on doing it right!

SATURDAY:  I did a 8 mile training run with the SCRR at a 9:00 pace. I felt really good and was having problems with holding back. I wanted to just go and run faster, which is good because I know I am ready. During the run I was talking to some runners and one thing a lot of people are worried about is the weather on race day. We have yet to have a humid day and everyone is afraid on race day it will be and no one would be ready.  Guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

SUNDAY: Happy Easter!!!! I plan on doing a short 4 miles and just relaxing most of the day!!!

Are you where you need to be as far a training?
Are you worried about the weather?
Would you try the beer mile?

Until next time, stay safe!!

6 comments:

  1. Happy Easter, Shaun! Did you get your Cadbury egg? I just finished watching your beer mile video and that was great! The commentary had me dying laughing. He is hilarious! I want to do a beer mile so bad. I don't care if it takes me half an hour I want to do it. lol I've heard the temp of the beer makes a lot of difference... you can't have it too cold and it can't be warm either. can't wait to see you give it another go! Good training this week overall!

    Count me in as worried about the weather. I mean, I'm not driving myself crazy over it because what will be will be, but it is something on my mind.

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    1. Nichole glad you liked the video and his commentary. We have decided after the marathon we are going to get a group of us and try the beer mile together. You can join in!!!
      My mom had 2 boxes of Cadbury eggs waiting for me at her house today :)

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  2. Happy belated birthday! Cool birthday present!

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  3. Happy belated birthday! I'm not shocked that your birthday is April Fools :-P Those shoes are so cool! You'll definitely stand out if you wear them in a race!

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    1. Thanks!!! Yes the shoes will definately make me stand out. When I wore them in highschool people used to just stare at me, lol

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