Tomorrow (June 10th) I turn 25. I'm not so excited about this birthday, in part because in terms of running it bumps me up an age bracket and that age bracket is more competitive. But, I think I made the most of the last few days of my youth:

Ohiopyle

Chris surprised me with a birthday trip to Ohiopyle for lots of hiking on Saturday. We covered about 8 miles of moderate to pretty tough terrain and had an absolute blast doing so. Seeing everyone on the bike path made me realize just how much I want a bike (we went bike shopping on Friday). There was a bike that was halfway between a mountain bike and a road bike that wasn't a hybrid and of course I can't remember the name of it, but I've been thinking about it pretty consistently since we left the Trek store. Maybe that will be my present to myself for surviving a quarter of a century (although NOT biking in Pittsburgh could really help me make the next quarter century mark). Also, there is an adventure race I'd really like to do with Chris at the end of August that will involve biking... might as well start now, right? Anyway, a picture from Ohiopyle:

Beat the Heat Sunday run

Phew, it was hot on Sunday. 92 degrees when I headed out for my 8 mile run.

What I did right:

• Since I knew it was hot I ran loops in the park to benefit from the shade and water fountains

• There were times where my heart rate got around 97% of my max when I was at a slow jog pace. I knew I was getting overheated and I stopped to walk when I needed.

• When I got home I immediately hydrated and grabbed ice packs to cool myself down. By the time I got home I was feeling pretty dizzy and confused so knew I needed to take care of myself ASAP (things I learned from years as a lifeguard, swim coach and lifeguard/first aid instructor).

What I did wrong:

• My legs were not fresh after a day of hiking which was compounded the fact that I...

• Picked hilly loops. At one point you climb about 30 stairs to exit the park and my legs were so shot I had to stop to rest half way up the stairs. At this point I still had three miles to run home. Three very ugly, sweaty miles.

• I didn't bring my camelback since it was only 8 miles. Point learned that it's not "just" the distance I need to consider.

• I didn't bring any gu which I don't usually use on runs that length, but I think it would have helped (or couldn't have hurt, at least).

Wisdom comes with age, so maybe 25 will teach me some things to help my training. Here's to a good run in a new age bracket