
Happy New Year!
In 2019, I’m turning 35, and running my fifth (official) half marathon on May 5 (Cinco De Mayo)! Gotta love a theme. To celebrate, after listening to I’ve Got 5 on It, I’m excited to announce that I’ve been selected as one of the 2019 Official Bloggers for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon! Since 2010, I’ve participated in this awesome marathon weekend in one way or another. I did the half four times (including my first half marathon in 2010), ran the relay and the 5K a few times, and was even a spectator once, which was so much fun (especially with my amazing sign below). Oh and if you’ve been following me for a few years you’ll remember I also ran that little thing called the marathon in 2012 — all 26.2 miles.
That’s why I was so grateful when the folks at P3R reached out and let me know I was selected a couple of weeks ago after I submitted my application!

For the next four months, I’ll check in here twice a month with blog posts. In the beginning of the month, I’ll share a running-related topic, and then at the end of the month, I’ll recap my training (kind of like I did for the full). Also, if you run into any broken links I am trying to fix them after changing my URL last year! But everything is saved here for reference: https://prettyinpgh.com/running/.
Current Routine
Truthfully, I am not a long distance runner unless I’m training for something. But weekly, running is still part of my fitness routine. I work out usually 3-5 days per week depending on the week. I run on the treadmill or outside a few days anywhere from 2 to 5 miles, and I’ve been doing Orange Theory once a week for the past six months thanks to the encouragement from my friend Mallory. At OT, running is part of each workout. Once or twice a week I also take a class — I rotate between barre, yoga and cycling thanks to ClassPass. I’ll talk about classes in a future post since those will be an important part of cross training. And I’ll share my favorite Pittsburgh studios.
Training Plan
The last big race I did was the Pittsburgh 10 Miler in November 2017. Before that, I did the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in May 2016. So needless to say it’s time for another race! I also love getting started with training right after the holidays. This year’s marathon theme is MOVE Pittsburgh, and I can’t wait to move, move, move! Good thing I have a new Apple Watch to remind me to move, too. (More on that in an upcoming post on technology as well.) I have a training plan I am going to stick to but I am definitely not as strict as I was when I ran the full and my first half. But sticking to a plan is key to stay consistent and build my miles safely and effectively. Here’s my loose plan for the next four months (as you can see, I give myself at least two days off a week, including important days like my favorite, Super Bowl Sunday, where I gorge myself on chips and dip).
Make sure to follow my fellow official bloggers, too:
And read the Pittsburgh Marathon’s official blog for guest posts from all of us!
You can learn more about the Pittsburgh Marathon weekend by clicking here. Since it’s my ninth year participating, I can tell you the weekend is tons of fun! You can hit and shop the expo, run the 5K on Saturday, then do the race on Sunday. There’s also the kids and pets events! Lots to take in — even if you’re not a runner.
Want $10 off your half or full registration? Sign up today and use code TOMASELLIDSGPM19 at checkout! Expires 3/29/19.
What do you want to see me post about this season? Let me know in the comments. Here’s to a fantastic training — we got this!
Disclosure: In exchange for promotion of the event, P3R is providing me with free race registration and merchandise. All opinions are my own, as always.