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 26, 2015

The Final Week: It's Time

1 week away from the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, which means this is my last training recap before the race.



The next time I do my Sunday weekly recap it will be me telling you how the race went. If I could title this past week of training I would label it “Put The Record On Repeat”. Like a record on repeat that is how my training went, ice, compression, and stretching. I did not run at all this week because I needed to let my calf muscle get back to 100%. I did however manage to make it to the gym a few days and use the bike. I figured since I couldn’t run I would use the bike and keep my legs loose. I threw in some lifting as well and I feel really good. The pain in my calf is gone and it does not feel tight at all anymore. This week I will test it out with a few short 3-4 mile runs. I will not push the pace or anything stupid like that, I just want to keep the legs loose and ready for next Sunday.



 So this upcoming week has a lot in store Friday I am supposed to work the expo for DICK’S. Notice I say supposed to, there has been some changes and now I may not have to be there at all. Once I find out for sure I will put something on twitter so everyone knows to come see me. After all this marathon stuff I will get around to posting about my experience working with DICK'S for the marathon. Saturday Stephanie has created a meet up/tweet up. We will be meeting at 7:30 am at the intersection of W. General Robinson St. and Mazeroski Way outside on PNC Park. Most of the people will be running the 5K race that morning so it is the perfect time to meet up. I originally was not going to be running sinnce I am “supposed” to be working the expo shortly after, but after some peer pressure from Steph. I have decided to run. If I do have to work the expo on Saturday just follow the stench it will probably be coming from me. I am not going to have enough time to go home and shower so it looks like I will be doing a baby wipes bath. I am pretty happy I signed up for the 5K. I am now eligible for the 3rd medal. The weekend comes to an end with the half marathon for me on Sunday.

So here is my game plan for the race: I have the hydration thing down to a science ever since last year’s marathon. Water and Gatorade Saturday night while I sit at home and rest. I will be in bed early like I do for every big race. I normally set my alarm an hour before I need to leave the house. As soon as I wake up I B-Line to the kitchen and drink a glass of Gatorade and eat a protein bar. After I get dressed, I try to keep moving around the house in hopes I get the urge to use the restroom, never happens though. I bring a bottle of water to drink on the way to the race. I like to get to the starting area early and use the bathrooms before the rush hits. About a half hour before the start of the race I take my GU Chomps, and take my last swig of water. Once the race starts I take a drink out of my hand held water bottle at every mile. I use GU at mile 4 and mile 8. This is how I have trained with long runs all season and it seems to really work for me.

If I can leave you any advice before the race it would be this. Run your race! Don’t let the crowd and the other runners dictate your performance. I know even myself is guilty of this, but don’t doubt your training and your ability. We have all worked way too hard to get here and let it crumble due to doubting ourselves. Believe in yourself. Last but not least when you are on the course and you start to feel tired and the pain starts to take over, start to think about how hard you worked. Think about all the time and dedication you put in too this. Think about anyone who has ever said “you can’t do it”. This is your chance to prove everyone wrong. Set small goals if you have to, but don’t let your mind overcome your body. For me I will remember all the people that made sacrifices along the way with me. My wife who I could of stayed in bed with on a Sunday, but instead needed to get my long run in. I will think about seeing my family along the course and wanting to make them proud as I pass in a good time. We have 26.2 miles or 13.1 depending on what you run to make your mark. Make every person you pass, every person you are next too remember you. Be the image in the other runner’s mind that they remember on race day. This is our day, go own it!!!

8 comments:

  1. I can't wait!! I am so excited to be doing the relay and be able to cheer everyone on! See you on Saturday! Peer pressure always works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol, yes peer pressure does work. See you Saturday. What part of the relay are you doing?

      Delete
  2. Speaking of peer pressure, I'm on the fence with the 5k. You'll be the first to know, and Nina if she wants to jog it out wih me. 29.3 in a wwekend is tough. I like how you suggest to run your own race. I love the experience! Use the crowd is one of my favorite suggestions to people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The crowd can definately be huge and uplifting at points, sometimes though people focus on the crowd and don't focus on their form and technique... I love using the crowd to get me through the tough times. And just do the 5K with us :)

      Delete
  3. Cool that you're doing the challenge too! You can always run it slowly so you don't work up a sweat. That's what I'll be doing. I may even walk a bit to make sure I don't over-do it. Great advice about the race. The only thing I'm worried about is that
    I'll be so excited and let the crowd carry me faster than I want to go. I need to stay focused and keep to my plan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is what I meant by don't let the crowd dictate your outcome.. I always feed off the crowd and find myself going faster than I should. Just stay focused!! I think I am going to actually try and run a good 5K. Haven't ran one yet this season that I tried so I want to see where I am at from last season.

      Delete
  4. I can't believe it's almost here! I definitely need to remember to NOT get so into the crowds that I start sprinting.
    However, I did NOT cave to peer pressure so I won't be running the 5K even though I really want the medal :-)

    GOOD LUCK this weekend!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks and good luck to you Amanda. You are going to crush that course

      Delete