Today I'm very excited to share a guest post from Alex, a fellow runner, who writes the blog, Everybody Loves You!

Pittsburgh has a lot of challenges when it comes to running and it's not just about the hills. Alex has kindly put together a list of the worst places to run in Pittsburgh, so you can be prepared.

I have to admit, Alex is a much faster runner than I am but he still finds the time to ponder life during his runs. Check out what he has to say below!

Between three marathons, two half marathons, six 10K’s and over fifty 5K’s, my feet have pounded a helluva lot of the pavement in and around Pittsburgh. And though there are many scenic vistas to enjoy, an overwhelming amount of the routes in our beloved city are definitely no leisurely walk (or “run”) in the park.




Whenever I leave my house for a run, in the rolling South Hills suburbs, I have to immediately climb 200 feet uphill. I’m also frequently pushing a BOB stroller weighed down with a thirty pound toddler who’s yelling at me to “go faster Daddy”. It’s gotten so bad that I sometimes dream about what it would be like to live in Ohio. 




I’ve compiled a list of other running routes around Pittsburgh that could also be described as physically (and emotionally) demanding. Though they would never be described as “fun runs”, a part of me still enjoys pushing myself to do them because I have no doubt that they definitely help make me a “faster Daddy”.




Brookline Breeze

I participate in this event every year because of the wonderful community day festivities filled with music, food and prizes. However, the beginning of this race is pure evil. It’s just straight up a huge hill and saps all your energy right from the get-go. Thankfully there’s a pizza party waiting for you when it’s over, which is the best reason ever to finish a race.




The Eliza Furnace Trail

Appropriately known as "The Jail Trail", running this path can definitely make you feel like you’re being punished for a crime you didn’t commit. It offers very little protection from the weather, meaning it’s either freezingly windy or sun blazingly hot. It’s also loud due to the nearby parkway, and it’s decorated with more nonsensical graffiti than a dive bar bathroom. But it is relatively flat!




Pittsburgh Marathon

Though the start and finish of the course are relatively level, the middle stretch includes a climb into Oakland that will seriously have you hating life. 




Greenfield Glide

Another 5K from the Citiparks Footrace Series that demands participation due to its delightful post-race cookout featuring the staples of summer - burgers, hot dogs and Yuengling! But whereas the Breeze starts uphill, the Glide finishes uphill. I’m not sure which race I dislike more. Probably this course, which also features a bottleneck as it descends into Schenley Park which can cause runners to knock into each other NASCAR-style as the lane narrows. 




Boulevard of Broken Dreams aka Carson Street

Running the sidewalks of Carson Street on a Saturday or Sunday morning gives you the chance to hurdle many remnants from the past night’s revelries, including empty pizza boxes, soiled underwear, broken beer bottles and sometimes even people passed out!

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Thank you Alex! What about you? Where are your least favorite places to run?

1. During a WOD we always listen to music. What is your favorite type of music to listen to when you WOD? I like any music that has a good beat to it.  It can't be a slow or annoying type of music. So I mostly enjoy hip hop or electronic music.
    
   
2. Are there any sports that you never played, but think you would do well?  I'm not really sure.  I think that you can do well at anything you set your mind to if you practice enough.  I'm sure there are sports that I could do well just because I'm fairly fit and strong, but off the top of my head I'm not sure.  I get told a lot that I should try out for American Ninja Warrior!
    
   
3. What is your favorite CrossFit movement?  I really enjoy doing squat cleans because I think that they are a very cool-looking and feeling movement and I also really enjoy pull-ups.
    
   
4. What is your least favorite CrossFit movement?  My least favorite movement, I would have to say is thrusters and rowing.  Although I'm fairly decent at both, I just cringe when I see them in wods; especially together!
    
   
5. Did you have any female athletes that you looked up to as a child or teenager?
   There was a sailor, Dame Ellen MacArther, who I read about a lot, and was getting a lot of press because of what she was doing in sailing as a woman.  I was inspired by her following her dreams, but mostly, I grew up playing with the neighborhood boys. I played soccer, and had mud wars in the field next to our house, so I just wanted to be better than them.  I think from a very early age, I was super competitive and didn't like to loose.
    
6. What is your favorite post workout meal? I love my AboutTime shakes!  They are sometimes what motivates me to get through my workout.  I tell myself, if I make it through, I get to have my shake!  Then I'll have a FitAid.  Then I'll get around to eating.  I'm a big fan of simple clean meals: chicken, brussel sprouts and some other veggie, and some berries for dessert.
    
   
7. Why did you decide to become a CrossFit coach?  I really enjoy helping people change their lives.  I know how CrossFit really helped me change my life for the better, and helped me have an outlet of release during difficult times. It also made me a lot fitter and healthier.  Hearing people's stories on how we are helping them change their lives for the better and how much happier they are is what makes our day.  I love that!
    
   
8. Do you think that the sports of Sailing and CrossFit compliment each other well?  Yes, I think they do.  In one way, you can get yourself in shape for sailing by doing CrossFit, but on a much deeper level, they are both life long sports.  Sailing is the type of sport that you can do for a lifetime.  There are so many different avenues you can take. You can still be sailing on a boat until your last days.  CrossFit is more than just a workout, it is a lifestyle.  It is a healthy lifestyle that you will also continue for the rest of your life.  So ultimately, they are both lifetime sports.
    
   
9. You always seem to be able to push yourself through pain during a WOD, especially the longer ones. Do you have a mantra that you tell yourself during those moments when you are hurting?
   I actually enjoy the longer workouts, so when we get going I feel like I get into a rhythm.  In the shorter workouts, its about getting it done in my mind.  I tell myself the quote that is written on the board in the gym, "Fatigue makes Cowards of us All"  I love that quote, and it is so true. Also, I know that if I work harder I'll get it done faster and then the pain will be over faster.
    
   
10. What are your future fitness goals? I want to continue competing in CrossFit and I definitely want to continue in sailing.  But I also want to continue to help others achieve their goals, especially women and youth girls.  I've had so much given to me throughout my career, and I want to give it back by helping others achieve their dreams. 
    
    
    
11. What would you tell someone who would like to try CrossFit but feels intimidated? To not feel intimidated.  It is the type of sport that anyone can do.  Any workout can be changed and modified to anyone's level.  We have a prescribed workout written on the board, but each person is doing an individualized workout.  We, as coaches, make sure everyone is set and ready with movements that are for them so that they will get in a great workout, safely.  We won't make anyone do anything they can't do or that would make them hurt themselves.  It is a fun, safe way to get in a great workout, and the best news...usually under 15 mins!!!!!