Shape-up Time

Here I am getting coffee at my local Crazy Mocha, and I see an advertisement for a 5K that will be held on my birthday. http://runaroundthesquare.com/  For those of you who know me, you know that I must participate....but you also know I HATE RUNNING!!!!

For those of you who don't know me...

Last year I decided to embark on running.  As a former soccer player, I did a good bit of running my entire life but it of course envolved a ball and defending something (the goal).  The thing that made me stop playing soccer was the off-season training I had to endure my years playing at Grambling State University. It absolutely SUCKED and my coach was a madman (not really ;-) ).  Nevertheless, running was just not my thing.

For my 24th bday, I decided that I was going to run so I bought some shoes and signed up for the Pittsburgh Great Race.  My "training" consisted of about 5 runs varying in length with none over 3 miles.  After 5 runs of preparation I ran my first 5K (which was my first time running in like 3 years!!!)  I finished the race with a time of 35:35.  Not bad I guess given I had to pee at the end of mile 2. Boy that was uncomfortable!  I stopped a few times during the course within the last 1.5 miles.

My second 5K last year was the week after the Great Race.  I did the Run Shadyside 5K and vowed to run the entire race - NO STOPPING!!!  Well I accomplished that goal and finished in 33:24.  I was proud because I didn't stop and I beat my Great Race time.

So alas, it is 5K season again and I am going to be ready this time.  I will have about a month to get in race shape.  Wish me luck.  I will need it!



Picture: Me after the Pittsburgh Great Race....and after peeing
:-)

Sunday Ride

Today I woke up and decided that I wanted to go for a bike ride.  Here in Pittsburgh, the temperature was in the 80's and the humidity not too bad.  I took the Panther Hollow Trail to the Junction Hollow Trail.  The PH trail was a little messy. There were fallen tree branches and more rocks on the trail than usual. But all in all it was still a fun trip down (not so much back up but that's a different story).

Since it was Father's Day, there were a lot of families cycling around the city.  My first stop was Station Square.  I sat and enjoyed the music playing from the Pittsburgh version of the Bellagio watershow in Las Vegas.  It is a real treat for kids who like to get close to the fountain which sprays water out.  I also went to Point State Park, the River Trail, PNC park, and the Eliza Furnace Trail.  Awesome ride all in all.  Good way to begin a week...


Ride Length:  18.97 miles

Hitting the Trails: Montour Trail

Today I traveled outside of the city to explore the other trails in the area.  I visited the Montour Trail and had a nice time.  It was pretty hot today (upper 80's in fact).  The trail surface is of crushed limestone which I found to be a little more difficult to ride on as expected.  Nevertheless, the ride was really nice and I would recommend the trail to anyone.

http://www.montourtrail.org/gmaps/gmaps.html

Along the way I crossed paths with a group making an across-country tour in memory of a fallen soldier, Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, USMC.  Christoper lost his live while serving in Iraq July 21, 2007.  The group, named "Team Chris", is also riding to help wounded soldier Sgt. Leo Chargalauf, USMC. More information on the groups journey, the goals for the ride, and Cpl Chris and Sgt Leo can be found at:


http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=106148432762836
http://www.cplchris.com/

Team Chris posing for a picture on the Montour Trail

Donations for the cause can be made at:

http://www.active.com/donate/ridetoremember

Today was a great day.  Meeting "Team Chris" and reading about their mission inspires me to do something for another person.  I too have had family members who have served in Iraq (one of which was injured during duty).  I appreciate the sacrifices they and all other members of the U.S. military have made to ensure safety for us here in the U.S.

Ride Length:  16.07 miles

New GEAR!!!!

Ebay is like one of the best sites ever made!  I got 2 Pearl Izumi Jackets (New With Tags) for less than the price of one.

The first is a rip-off sleeve Pearl Izumi Vagabond Jacket/Vest.  It is form fitting and very light.  It retails for $99.

The second is a Pearl Izumi Infinity Jacket in pink and brown.  This jacket isn't convertible like the Vagabond but still a great feeling and looking jacket.  It is a little heavier than the Vagabond since I think it's more for cool weather and is a little less form fitting.  The two jackets are different but both great in their own respects.  

Lesson today: Before you spend hundreds of dollars in gear, check out eBay. Can save you a lot of money and still have you looking like a seasoned cyclist!

San Francisco Dreaming

I recently returned from 3 weeks in San Francisco. I had such an amazing time and really had a chance to get to know the city. On my last weekend, Lorant and I took a really nice ride from Hayes Valley (a neighborhood) to Ocean Beach via Golden Gate Park. The ride was AWESOME and was also my first time on a ROAD BIKE. The stem was a little long but the frame was pretty good for me and I was able to ride comfortably. I guess I have something to look forward to for next year ;-) I will definitely be purchasing a road bike next year.

The best part about the ride was the company I had while taking it. The ride was so beautiful and the beach at the end was an added bonus. Definitely a perfect ending to a perfect trip.

Until next time SF...

Ride Length: ~12 miles

Pedal Pittsburgh 2010

Today I participated in Pedal Pittsburgh. The ride was amazing but I will get back to that. This morning, I decided to put more air in my tire and instead accidentally made it completely flat. Thankfully my lab mates with whom I was going to ride with, had an adaptar that I would be able to use with my tire.

The ride started off pretty smooth for the first 10 miles and then all hell broke loose. There were a lot of hills and the ride was pretty tough. I had not anticipated the difficulty of the ride. Pittsburgh can be pretty hilly and it seems that the organizers took us to every ridable hill in the city. Nevertheless, I finished and feel great. I will definitely participate again next year.

Ride Length: 35 miles

Preparing to Pedal

So, I am participating in Pedal Pittsburgh on Sunday and signed up for the 35-mile option in my enthusiasm. The problem is that I haven't been on a bike in like a month thanks to crappy weather and the semester ending. I picked up my packet today and there will be 13,000 riders participating. This should be fun....I hope. LOL.

Wish me luck!!!