As per tradition (year 4), we headed to Pittsburgh for a weekend of running, food, and friends. This trip was special- AB (future husband) had voiced his interest in running a few months back, and asked me to pace him for the 5K. What a great weekend!
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| Showing off my Altra Intuition 1.5 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh |
Friday:
Packet pickup is held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, downtown Pittsburgh- it's a great opportunity to see what the top vendors have to offer, in addition to spending some time near the river. I found a great new belt- one main pocket, and one on the side- perfect for a room key, inhaler, truck keys, etc. I'm thrilled with the way your bib sits too- sometimes they're too loose- this one is just right. We got AB some new sunglasses-- they're ultra flexible... I'm cautiously optimistic...
The tech shirts were sponsored by Asics, again- outstanding fit with a nice design. They fit much better than last year's shirts. They are gender specific this year, which really does matter. All race shirts are the same color (5K, half, full), and have the same design. The bags were nice too- Dick's Sporting Goods sponsored the half and full bags, and UPMC sponsored the 5K bags. They were loaded up with lots of great products.
After an hour or so at the expo, we headed back to the Wyndham Grand at the point. It's the perfect hotel for this race, as it is about a block from the start, and 2 blocks from the finish. The finish line festival is actually in the park in front of the hotel-- it's awesome! Dinner at Ruths' Chris was just 2 blocks away, followed by a 10 minute walk over to PNC Park for the Pirate's game. Perfect day?
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| Pirate's game in our Altra's |
Saturday:
AB asked me to pace him- he asked for around 30 minutes, and since he's only run twice to this point, I thought that was fair. The course was really nice- the start was near PNC Park, on the North Shore. It coursed into the North Shore, back toward the city, over one of many bridges, into the city and ended near our hotel. A breeze at that pace, it was really enjoyable for me, and he absolutely loved it. It was just challenging enough, and with a water stop at the mid point, it allowed for a beginning runner (like AB) to have a little breather before heading over the bridge. People underestimate the pitch of bridges, and in a city that is known for its bridges, Pittsburgh sure does utilize them in foot races...
This was followed by a 1.5 mile walk to the Strip District for strawberry crepe's and french toast at Pamela's Diner-- nothing short of wonderful. The evening was spent catching up with old friends- one of whom would be running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon for the first time, after some coaxing from yours truly. Incase you're wondering... Yeah, she rocked it :).
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| Repping Altra in my 1.5's- I absolutely LOVE these shoes! |
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| Our first 5K together 29:47 |
I love that running can be used for so much more than personal achievement.
Some of my most favorite athletic experiences and memories are a lot like this one.
Helping other people achieve their goals- that's the good stuff.
Sunday:
You could not have dreamed up a more perfect day- 50 degrees on a gorgeous morning at the start- the sun shining- 30,000 runners lined up, and fans everywhere. The great thing about running Pittsburgh is having the opportunity to tour the city on foot. The course begins downtown, and heads toward the strip district. Two left turns brings you back towards the city. Three bridges lie immediately ahead- you course over to the North Shore, back downtown, and back to the North Shore again before tracking a mile or so there, heading to the fourth of five bridges, the West End Bridge. I hit a wall in the West End- about 7.5 miles in. I began to walk a little, which I wasn't thrilled about, but these things happen...
Next came Carson Street- you spend about 3 miles in the south side before hanging a left onto the Birmingham Bridge, and up a steep hill. Boulevard of the Allies takes you the final mile and half, or so, to the finish. The course was the same as last year- the perfect combination of hills, bridges, and flats- touring the popular areas, some shortcuts and some lesser-known nooks and crannies. This course is challenging. The full marathon course looks to be brutal. The Eat'nPark bag you see below was a great idea- they gave out bags for your walk through the chute. You could load up with whatever you wanted, and meet up with family and friends-- it kept things moving. You didn't have to worry about carrying a banana, and a cookie, and finding something to drink, all while your cellphone is ringing because your grandmother, uncle, friends, or half of your family has been tracking you, and they're calling because they want to be sure that you are aware you finished. I love those calls :). Ironically, my aunt, her friend Amanda, my friend Joan, and I all finished within one minute of each other, running separately, starting at different points... 2:14:01
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| My biggest fan <3 |
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| My Aunt Beth Ann and her friend Amanda- They're awesome :) |
The spectators are outstanding- the city is fairly friendly, and the runners are kind. Staying at the Wyndham was great- so close to everything that we needed for the weekend. Walking to the expo, Strip District, and North Shore, makes for a relaxing time- you can park once, and if you don't mind taking the time to travel on foot- you can really make for a nice visit.
I don't know that I'd change much about this race. The 7 AM start, though early, spares runners of heat as the morning goes on. It was in the 60's at 10, which made things comfortable. The increased security was very visible, but welcome. I think the majority of runners and spectators appreciate what event organizers and first responders had put into place for the security of the race and the safety of everyone involved.
It was such a great weekend. I came home with two "Runner of Steel" medals, all my toenails, and a lot of awesome memories.
Until next year, City of Bridges...
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