I had a good run today. I decided to start out going approximately the same route as my previous run then as I neared the end of the Promenade, I went up a little road and through the side streets of Salthill. I got a bit mixed up, as one often does in Galway since the streets are a labyrinth, but it was fun to mix things up a bit and see parts of Galway I’ve never been to before. I ran past Pearse Stadium where the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) holds Gaelic football and hurling matches. I have yet to see either of these sports in person, but hopefully that will change this summer.

I then found my way again by spotting Cooke’s Corner Shop, a landmark for all Galwegians. I turned down a side street and up one of the canals surrounding Nun’s Island. Finally, I made my way to NUI Galway campus and landed at Crunch Fitness, the privately owned gym at school. There I used the machines to work on my upper body since my legs had enough of a workout already and now I’m feeling the burn in my shoulders and abs. No pain, no gain…right? It’s important to work on your upper body, as I have learned in past few years of marathon training. If your upper body is strong, you will be able to hold yourself up longer and will not tire as easily on long runs. After about 20-30 minutes of weight training, I headed back home by way of the Salmon Weir bridge over the River Corrib, which is next to the Cathedral. I turned down Upper Abbeygate Street and quickly munched down some cashews and water at home and hit the shower.

Here are my stats and playlist:

5.67 miles (9.12 km) 52 minutes
A few small hills, gentle breeze, some light rain, 45˚F, Blues Traveler and Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked it out…

I ran the same route yesterday that I did last week which was about 5.5 miles. I feel much better today than I did after last week’s run. I am going to get on a run schedule and post my results, routes, and iPod playlists here mostly for a personal record but also for a way to share my progress as I train for the 2007 Dublin Marathon. If I can inspire just one person to get off the couch like I did almost 3 years ago and aim for something big, then this will all be worth it. I know that sounds cheesy but training for my first marathon changed my life and health for the better. So sign up for the Dublin Marathon today. I’ll be running around Galway, so join if you see me in my black North Face hat, blue shirt and black shorts.

1. Hook, Blues Traveler
2. (I’m) Gonna Kick You Out, The Caesers
3. So What’cha Want, Beastie Boys
4. Benny And The Jets, Beastie Boys
5. Where It’s At, Beck
6. Battle of Who Could Care Less, Ben Folds Five
7. Just a Friend, Biz Markie
8. Let’s Get It Started (Spike Mix), Black Eyed Peas
9. Takin’ It to the Streets, The Doobie Brothers
10. Flathead, The Fratellis
11. For The Girl, The Fratellis
12. Push It, Garbage
13. Superfreak (Roca Sound Remix), Rick James