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Jan 27, 2011

Running in Pittsburgh?

Great run outside again today.  Finally, that's three is a row.  Unfortunately, it's not looking good for Saturday's run.  We are expecting 2-3 inches of the white stuff.

Today I ran 3.1 miles.  The schedule had three but I really wanted that extra 0.1 miles on my Garmin.  Have you ever done that?  Rounded up your miles or round them to a 5 or 10k.  I'm sure some of you round by the ten mile(Jim 50 after 40)  Haha!  I think it's good for the confidence.

My other issue I have been thinking about is how to run when I'm out of town.  I'm going to be in Pittsburgh for a week in February.  Yes, sounds like an exciting getaway, huh?  It will probably be colder and snowier than it is here.  Ha!  Anyway, I'm trying to decide if I should just run on the treadmill at the hotel gym or if I should take my runs outside.  I have several issues I'm dealing with.  First, I don't know the area so that would mean running in unfamiliar territory.  Second, I'm running at 5am so it's dark.  My experience tells me running in a dark place AND unknown territory alone might not be the best combination for my runs that week.  I will be right downtown Pittsburgh so I'm sure there are great places to run down there.  Anyone ever been there?  Anyone from there or follow a blog from someone that lives in downtown Pittsburgh?  I will be close to PNC Park.


I did find a running club that meets during the week but it's not too close to the hotel and I will not have a car that week.  Any suggestions, let me know.  I'm thinking the dreadmill unfortunately.  Fortunately, I have a step back week that week so I only need to do 3,5,3 that week so it won't kill me to be inside but it would be nice to run outside where I don't normally run.

Have a great day and.....Keep Running!
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22 comments:

  1. JJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    I was lazy this morning and did not get up and now I regret it, but I think my body needed a rest. Great job getting out there! The temps have been mild the last few days and hopefully will remain until tomorrow.

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  2. Jim ... 50after40January 27, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Great job on committing to running while traveling. I find that most of the "riff-raff" has been in bed for a couple of hours at that time of day. The biggest hang-up for me when out of town is usually the unknown elevation. I've accidentally ran some hellacious hills while out of town because I didn't know the course.

    Great idea on going the extra .1 on your workouts. It will get you in the mindset of going a little extra in a race. For your marathon, you will most likely end up running 26.5 or something close, as opposed to 26.2. You'll think the course was marked incorrectly, but it wasn't - google "running the tangents" if you haven't already for great tips on running from point A to point B in a straight line.

    I didn't do this my first couple of races and it really freaked me out when I looked at my Garmin. After 26.2, I still had half a mile to go. Adding a little to your training runs is a great way to prepare for this mentally so it's not unexpected on race day.

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  3. TNTcoach KenJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Saturday is going to be great, it's going to be warm! Check with the People who run Downtown in Pittsburgh.

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  4. TeamarciaJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    I'd either check with a running club or running store in the area or even ask at the hotel. The darkness is an issue for sure. I love to run in new cities--hope you get to in Pitts!

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  5. Sue G.January 27, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Yep, I agree--check with the hotel people. They should be able to tell you where to run near the hotel. Good luck!

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  6. MattJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Going for a run is my favorite way to see a new city. I don't know anything about downtown Pittsburgh, so I'll echo what others are saying by checking running clubs/stores. Most have maps. You can also check routes on Dailymile/mapmyrun.com/USATF, etc.

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  7. ChristiJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I am a chicken when it comes to working out when I travel. My last trip I actually got a day pass and went to a gym. That was a big step! But I am a weirdo, I am just not an outdoor runner so most of my runs are on treadmills. Thus, I usually don't mind running on hotel treadmills.

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    New town? Perfect opportunity to step outside your hotel for a run - even if just to see what is available in the surrounding area. You can also probably find information online for parks and running trails.

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  9. The Green GirlJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Hope you can get in a good - but safe- run!

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  10. Kim (Book Worm Runs)January 27, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I definitely add the .1 or .2 all the time! :) And I would probably run on the treadmill...I am not a fan or getting lost in the dark in a new city :) Good luck with whatever you decide!!

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  11. KovasPJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    There is a trail that runs along the river, should be a decent place to run and hard to get lost!

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  12. JohannJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I love running in new places, but when its dark you have to be careful. I'm sure you'll get enough info to enjoy some great runs while you are there.

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  13. EmzJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    I say treadmill but I. am. a treadmill. girl. ;)

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  14. StephanieJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I was scheduled to run 3 yesterday but ended up running 4. I wanted to get a little extra in. I did some core work with a medicine ball and leg strength training too.

    Ouch, 2-3 in Saturday? Not good for our 8 milers! I really want to run it outside!

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    wait.... more snow predicted? NOOOOOOOOO. i think i've seen enough snow this winter to last me a lifetime. way to get out in it though :)

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  16. JillJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I'm kinda a scaredy cat when it comes to the unknown - especially unfamiliar places in the dark. I vote treadmill. :)

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  17. MalloryJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    That's awesome that you ran outside! We got hit pretty hard again last night. I am so sick of the snow!!!

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  18. dawn @ running the dawnJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    for me...i'd probably just stick to the treadmill...more because i would have to pack an entire extra bag just to take all the layers and accessories for running in the cold.

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  19. Detroit Runner(Jeff)January 27, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Thanks everyone. I'll e-mail the running club and see what they say.

    Jim - by the time I get to 26, I'm not even going to look at my watch. It would freak me out

    Coach Ken - I heard snow though 2-3 inches. That I don't like. I'm guessing Stoney will be cleared though I suppose. I'm supposed to do 5 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday.

    Kovas - I did see that on the map!

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  20. Detroit Runner(Jeff)January 27, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Stephanie - my eight miler is Sunday so hopefully it will be clear by then. My 5 miler on Saturday would be in snow :( if I go outside.

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  21. Amanda@runninghoodJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    I vote the dreadmill. Fitting in your runs while traveling can be so hard. Especially if the treadmill isn't a good one or if you have to wait to use it because they only have 1 or 2. Good luck. Good thing it is an easier week. Sorry I've been so bad about commenting on your blog...I've been horrible about keeping up lately.

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  22. DarrellJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    I travel somewhat frequently for work and one of the first things I do is figure out where I can run. I usually try to stick to main roads or find a park as a destination. Do be careful running in an unfamilar city in the dark. The local running store can often suggest routes as well. Sometimes the hotel even has suggestions.

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