WHERE: North Shore, Pittsburgh Pa.
SWAG: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
5K
5 Miler
COURSE: Both the 5K and the 5 Miler start on the same street, and basically run the same flat course. The only difference is for the 5 mile race you run around Heinz field after the start instead of cutting in front of it like you would for the 5K. Both races cross the Roberto Clemente bridge and take you into town. You basically run a loop and head back over the bridge for the finish. For the 5K you finish as soon as you get back to PNC park where as with the 5 miler you pass up the finish and run to the Science Center before turning around and heading back to the finish. This course is extremely fast and flat, but I warn you that it can be crowded at times.
POST RACE: Nothing really special, or at least nothing that is different than your normal post race snacks. You have your water, juice, and fruits.
MY RACE: When I woke up I didn't feel that good, but my dad and I have made going to this race some what of a tradition. After picking up my father we headed down to Heinz Field to get a parking spot. I know from previous years that you want to get there early because the lot will fill up quickly. I was surprised to see people tail gating for the race, but I guess since we finally had half decent weather for the race you might as well take full advantage. I find my dad a spot near the finish where he could set up his chair and then I headed off for a warm up run and some stretching. After my warm up run I watched the start of the 5K and then headed over to the start for my race. As I was stretching my friend Donnie came over and we discussed what time we were shooting for. We both agreed to start around the 8:30 pace group and then speed up. As the gun fired we both noticed the first mile was hard to pass people, but we were right on pace. Donnie and I ended up staying together the whole race and it made time go by quicker. I like having a person to talk too and keep my mind off the clock. We ended up finishing the race in 41:42. We both wanted to finish around 40 minutes but I kind of slowed us down for a mile when I had some shin splint problems, rather than that though we both ran a good race and did what we wanted to do.
OVERALL: This is one race that I really enjoy doing every year because it is family friendly. You can run with your dog or you can compete and the competition is always good. The course is flat, and fast and some of the costumes people wear make it pretty funny. If you ever are in Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving I highly recommend this race.
I am guessing by your time that you did the 5 miler? How wonderful that this has become a tradition for you and your dad. You'll be glad in later years that you got up & went. I agree that having someone to chat with during a race is an awesome thing. You have to love those flat/fast courses! Good job buddy!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I did the 5 miler. Not only is having a person to talk to good but I find when I am running with someone you I want to make sure they don't leave me so I will work harder to stick with them.
ReplyDeleteNice race Shaun! I always wanted to do this race and it was the first time I was able to do it. I had a great time running with my daughter (who beat me) we were way in the font so avoided a lot of the crowd. But - I see you point, there were so many people!
ReplyDeleteI saw you and I was pretty sure it was daughter as I was standing watching the start of the 5K. I am a huge fan of this race even though I don't go for time
DeleteSo mad I missed the race. I was all ready to go then woke up and my back was killing me! I ran down the block and couldn't even take a deep breath. So annoying! Are you doing any other races this year?
ReplyDeleteP.S. great job in the race! That's a great time!