Just look at this fabulous trophy!
Ran 18:06 for 5K. It was a fair course, but flat by Pittsburgh standards. I was pretty happy considering 1) I can count the number of speed workouts I've done in the last 8 months on one hand; 2) it was 26 degrees at the start and the race got off 20 minutes late; and 3) I nearly bagged a few times on black ice underneath the bridges. In the end, it was a nice way to earn my turkey dinner. (FYI, DaveO placed 8th with a fabulous road PR of 16:13.)
This race got me excited for running the Pittsburgh Marathon. Yes, I decided to forgo a flat, fast course for the hilly torture that is Pittsburgh. Running in Dave's hometown just seemed too exciting to pass up. Not to mention, my in-laws are fantastic folks to have cheering for me (and provide a free place to stay). So... it's off to the Steel City and the famous (infamous?) two-and-a-half-mile-long hill from miles 11 to 13.5 to try to run a PR! Wish me luck....
Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!
-LTO
Pittsburgh is my hometown too, and I have run the marathon there 4 times before its hiatus - it actually runs half a block from my parents' house where I grew up. The uphill is not a big concern, the 1.5-mile downhill starting at mile 22 or so is the killer. Your legs will be shot in the last few miles.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to talk ad nauseam about the Pgh Marathon if anyone wants more info about it (tough spots, crowd areas, etc), I love that race. I won't be doing the full thing this year, but I plan on running on a relay team with some fast friends from the club I used to run with when I was living there.
Sweet trophy, Laura. Is it a bobble head? I hope so... Congrats to you and Dave!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, guys. It was nice running into you yesterday!
ReplyDeleteYMCA Pittsburgh did a great job. Great Turnout. My son Ryan age 9 ran the 5K in 23:49. It was his second 5K. First one was 23:42. Is that a good time? How should I train him? I don't want to burn him out but he loves running. Thanks, Jeff
ReplyDeleteJeff - I am not sure if I am the best candidate to answer your query, but I will try...
ReplyDeleteI would simply let Ryan "have fun" at this stage. That time is quite good for someone his age. Hopefully he gets very excited about running in 5 years (High School)...but a half decade is a long time especially at that age (growth spurts, other sports, friends, obligations etc). I would keep taking him to races...but nothing more than 5 miles (my personal opinion). Just keep encouraging him; have him work on going out slower and "learning" how to race.