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Sunday, January 28, 2018

Weekly Running Update: January 28th, 2018

Happy Sunday Funday All! Hope everyone is doing well!


My week in running: 

Monday: 6.22 miles after work. Definitely had a case of the Monday's. Yesterday I did 4 hrs yard work, and later enjoyed adult beverages while watching football. Back and shoulders hurt this morning, and overall tiredness at work. Scheduled for 50 min run, was not looking forward to it. Besides the hills, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Later Monday night, I did foam roll.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Tues/Thu is also strength training day. Crunches, planks, curls, tri extensions, push-ups before work. I didn't go to bed early as planned Monday, but still much more well rested that the day before. Felt good on the run. 


Tuesday, January 23rd, also marked the anniversary of a snow storm two years ago. I remember it well, it started overnight and went almost all day. My previous run streak was in the 20's and I will always remember how angry I was the next day when I restarted my streak.


Wednesday: 4 miles. I failed to foam roll last night, I foam rolled this morning. Wednesday is my work from home day, lunch run done! Cooler weather than the past few days, but not an issue. Glad to at least be able to see the sun! The run felt good overall. I did run into some obstacles along the way. The road outside of my neighborhood is pretty busy, a section of the sidewalk was under construction! Had to wait a few for cars to go by to get on the street. Next obstacle, a car coming out of a driveway looked one way but not the other. Glad I was able to get their attention! Last obstacle, a trash truck stopping at a local business blocked the sidewalk as well! had to wait a few for cars to go by! A few annoyances, but still enjoyed my run today!
Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. Felt good, but shins were a bit tight. Should hydrate and stretch. I did foam roll, but could have done better stretching the shins.
Friday: 4.5 mi+ (40 min). Saw the sunset last night, sun rise this morning. That wasn't planned. Woke up early, tossed and turned for a minute, and then the thought set in "oh hey, if you get up now you can get that run in before work!". Up before 5, out the door by 6. A bit cooler out, trying to take it easy for tomorrow's long run. Felt decent overall. Towards the end of my run... saw a skunk! it was maybe 20 ft from me! I went to the other side of the street and it just waddled away! So often when I see an animal at night I wonder if its a cat, skunk, or whatever. It was definitely a skunk. Sorry, no photo-op. lol Will try to hydrate during the day, stretch/foam roll tonight before bed. Did end up drinking at least 5+ waters and foam rolled to be somewhat fresh for tomorrow's long run.


Saturday: Long run day! 11 miles! Plans later in the day, set my alarm just in case, but of course, up before my alarm! Worked for a few minutes. Got ready to leave, couldn't find a glove! Went crazy, but I found it! At the trail (Pennypack Creek) by 7:30. A bit cool to start, but not an issue, the trail was a bit solid though. Trail is 5.25 mi. Park in the middle. Knew I would have to make up .5 somewhere, wasn't sure where I would do it yet, there are some side shoots I should check out more often. Out and back on the more gradual incline side first, went well. On the way back there was a railroad crossing that was in progress, ran in circles for a min or two. Passed my car at the mid point, failed to hydrate. ('doh!) After the parking lot there is a street light, it was red, ran in circles for a min or two. The other side of the trail is flatter for a bit, and has a decent hill at the end.  Around the 50 min mark bumped into some trail regulars and ran with them for a few min, didn't fuel at my normal time, but made sure to fuel at the turn around point. Made it back with about .15 to do, ran in one more circle. Got the .5 in running circles. lol Planned on doing 8:20 pace and fading to about 8:40, felt good for most of the way, was able to maintain my desired pace.

This week's social activity: rescheduled bday dinner (@IronAbbey) for my pops! Darn snow got in the way of the orig date. Below is a Peak Organic Ripe DIPA!
Sunday: Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 736. Woke up early, but took my time getting ready. Sunrise was slow to start, didn't realize it was going to be a rainy morning! Out the door around 7:30. Rain day, backup headphones, shoes, and no glasses. Rain was more of a light drizzle, it wasn't that bad. It was a bit humid out, ditched the hat and gloves early. I know it's rest day, I should take it easy, but it's also tempting to bust out some 5k speed and work on breathing. Overall, the run felt great. 
This was week 6 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Right after the Love Run is the Hot Chocolate 15k, #hc15k! Am using the below training program. If you're doing the #hc15k, they provide a training program as well! 
To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
Future races registered for:
  • 03/25/18 - Philadelphia Love Run half marathon. Love the love run! Check out my 2017 review here. 
  • 04/07/18 - Hot Chocolate 5k/15k!! (15k) Join me using code “BRHCPHILLY18” to score a BONUS Hot Chocolate branded cap!  
  • https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia
    Check out my Hot Chocolate 15k post here! 
  • 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 
Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 
If you do any races, please remember to review them on ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G


Question: my food weakness is wings and beer. I try to limit that to once a week. Key word try. What is your food weakness?






Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Product Review: Athlinks! All of your race results in one place!

Disclaimer: I am promoting Athlinks as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
Hi Everyone!

Don't you hate not having all your race results in one place? Whether you received it via email, picture of their results pc, or even inscribed on your medal, tracking all your results can get a bit manual and tedious! 

Athlinks has that all solved for you! All of your results in one place! You can explore to their site https://www.athlinks.com/, or download their iOS or Android app!
After you login, you are presented with all the race results that match your name! Just tag them and claim as yours! Depending on how common your name is, you may have to review each of them a bit more closely. 

Profile: lists your age (yikes), location (you can generalize your location if you don't want to display your exact home city), a few personal records, race total, and percentile. If you expand Personal Records, it will take you to the Statistics tab. 
Overview tab: You can locate your upcoming races, tag them that you are signed up to let your followers know what you're signed up for! You can also set your goal times! My upcoming races: A half marathon, first and foremost my goal is to just complete the darn thing. Personal goal for the yr is to PR a half, so my goal is set at 1:48. Putting the training in, but we'll see. Will also be running the Hot Chocolate Philadelphia 15k! Can't wait! Check out my #hc15k post here! Overview also displays your followers and their upcoming events!
Results tab: lists all of your races, age group standing, overall standing, pace, and total time! You can also filter by distance! 
Sorry, no screen shots of Following or Rivals tabs, (to protect my friends' privacy)

Following tab: lists all your Athlinks friends!

Rivals tab: doing a race with an Athlinks buddy? Well, it will show you who won and time differential. 

Statistics: all of your personal records in one place! For each distance, it displays the race name and date, time, and placement. 
Overall, this is a great tool! I have other apps that display distance PR's and dates, but it's not tied to a race. I have to jog my memory to remember what it was! Having all of this info in one place is awesome! Definitely beats tracking manually. This is also a great tool from the social side as well! 

If you have any questions, please let me know! 

Athlinks site and social:
Sign up here!: https://www.athlinks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/athlinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlinks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Athlinks/

If you do any races, please remember to review them on ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Weekly Running Update: January 21st, 2018.


Hi Everyone! Hope everyone is doing well!


My week in training: 


Monday: 5.38 mi (45 min). Day off work, trail day (Pennypack Creek)! I underestimated how cold it would be, should of packed my balaclava. 'Doh! The conditions were fine, but the gravel was solid due to the temps. Saw a fox along the way! But it didn't stop for a photo op. :(



Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. The morning started out with some flurries, I instantly regretted not waking up early to run before work. The flurries cleared up. No snow for the day, still clear after work. Run felt good overall. In addition to running, also do strength training Tue/Thu. Crunches, planks (love/hate relationship with planks, mostly hate), curls, tricep extensions, and pushups.  

Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day, lunch run! We had a bit of snow overnight, but not as bad as expected. (2-4, wash changed to 1-2 and was barely 1). Roads weren't that bad, but wore the yaktrax just in case. could definitely feel the extra effort today. 
Thursday: 3.11 mi after work. Snow/Ice melted from the streets. No need for yaktrax. A bit tight to start, but felt good overall. The first mile zigzags through my neighborhood, second loops around a busy road, third partially busy road/neighborhood. The third mile had plenty of ice! Didn't expect it, would have taken another route, for the most part, ran on people's lawns if they had ice on their sidewalks. Tried to keep cussing to a minimum. 



Friday: 4.83 miles. (40 min) after work. Weather was a non issue. Not used to going for time instead of distance, adjusted my route a couple times, decent hills, but felt good. 



Saturday: long run day! 10 miles.  I had plans and was instructed to be done running and ready to leave by 10:30. So I set my alarm. Well, woke up early and couldn't fall back to sleep, running and plans on my mind. Up early. Worked for a few minutes, light breakfast. At the trail just after 7. Temps going up today, but not yet. Chilly, but not an issue. Didnt think snow would be either. There were some patches of snow/ice still. Not an issue, but had to pay attention. The first half went well, fueled at 50 min. Did eventually feel sluggish, that lack of sleep may have hit me, but maintained my desired pace for the day. 
Sunday: rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 729. Ready to step out, realized my gloves were in the dryer downstairs. Oh, it's going to be nice out, forget getting them. Well, my hands stung a good portion. 'Doh! 

Plenty to do today after the run since I had plans yesterday. Since winter started, remainder of the leaves have fallen. Nice out today, snow is gone (for now), round of yard work to do. Blah. I try to truly rest on Sundays, but not today. 
This was week 5 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Right after the Love Run is the Hot Chocolate 15k, #hc15k! Am using the below training program. If you're doing the #hc15k, they provide a training program as well! 
To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
Future races registered for:
  • 03/25/18 - Philadelphia Love Run half marathon. Love the love run! Check out my 2017 review here. 
  • 04/07/18 - Hot Chocolate 5k/15k!! (15k) Join me using code “BRHCPHILLY18” to score a BONUS Hot Chocolate branded cap!  
  • https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia
    Check out my Hot Chocolate 15k post here! 
  • 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 


Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

If you do any races, please remember to review them on ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G







Sunday, January 14, 2018

Weekly Running Update: January 14th, 2018

Hi Everyone!  Happy Sunday Funday! Hope everyone had a great week in training! (and in general of course)

My week in training: 

Monday: 5.4 miles (45 min). Day off from work. Hotel treadmill run. I usually hate treadmills, but with the recent temps and snow, I didn't mind the idea of the treadmill. Set it to a comfortable pace. Had ESPN and music on, but still found myself counting down the time. Enjoyed the break from outdoors though.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. A heat wave starting today, 40's! Weather was refreshing!


Wednesday: 4 miles. My work from home day. It was a crazy morning at work. Was thankful to be able to get out there on my lunch break to reset. Refreshing run, but a little bit of pain in lower back, shins, etc. Will try to hydrate and stretch.
Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. Heat wave in affect through Friday. Still in the 50's after work! Short sleeves! Run was a bit tight to start, but felt good overall. 
Friday: 4 miles after work. 60 degrees! Rained all day, snow is gone! The rain cleared up just before my run. Was Just a mist. Got it done before the downpour resumed! 
Saturday: 6 miles at the trail (Pennypack Creek). Long run day! But according to the schedule, "only 6 miles". Yay! Shortest long run of the plan. Huge temperature drop from yesterday. 38/wind chill 16. Went out the door with no pants on, turned right back around. Another layer needed! lol  Was definitely a bit cooler, but once I got going, it felt great! Was so happy to do a trail run with no snow! After the run, decided to take a vid. With the snow melt and pouring all day yesterday, the creeks were pretty active. Wanted to get a close up, on my way down took a mud slide, close to a fall. That would have been a mess!



Saturday afternoon: enjoyed a few Nugget Nectars and an Eagles win! Nugget Nectar is a seasonal release by a Pa brewery, definitely one of my favs! 
Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 722. Woke up early, but took my time getting ready. Not much on the docket for today. Rest day mile, and knew it was going to be a bit chilly. Eventually got out around 8. Probably the best 1 miler in a bit, and it felt almost effortless. Not sure if it was the recovery, just trying to get it over with, breathing pace with the cold air, but it felt great!
This was week 4 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Right after the Love Run is the Hot Chocolate 15k, #hc15k! Am using the below training program. If you're doing the #hc15k, they provide a training program as well! 
To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
Future races registered for/considering:
  • 03/25/18 - Philadelphia Love Run half marathon. Love the love run! Check out my 2017 review here. 
  • 04/07/18 - Hot Chocolate 5k/15k!! (15k) Join me using code “BRHCPHILLY18” to score a BONUS Hot Chocolate branded cap!  
  • https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia
    Check out my Hot Chocolate 15k post here! 
  • 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

If you do any races, please remember to review them on ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G



Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Product Review: Sweat X Sport!


"Disclaimer: I received an Sweat X Sport to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
Hi Everyone!

Don't you hate when your hamper smells like a gym locker room?! Or when your clean gym clothes still smell like they have a bit of funk still in them even after a wash?!


Well then, let's get the Funk Outta Here!


I'll be testing these fine products by Sweat X:

Sweat X Sport Detergent and
Sweat X Sport Xtreme Odor Eliminator Spray


Sweat X Sport Xtreme Sportswear Detergent:

Example: Laundry
  • Pre-use: Full basket of laundry. At least 3-4 days of running gear. Bottom right image was from that current day. Imagine an article of clothing like that sitting for a few days. Grossness! Time to get the Funk out! 
  • Immediate post use: basket of laundry had a fresh spring scent!
  • Few days post use: Items that haven't been worn yet are still Funk and Odor free!
Sweat X Xtreme Odor Eliminator Spray:
Lets admit it. We all have clothing items that get worn more than once between washes. ie: hat and gloves, I'm sure there are more, but won't go into listing that.
Additional uses (per Sweat X)
  • For use on pads, shoes, helmets, gym bags, gloves, shin guards, and more
  • Neutralizes odor, doesn’t just mask it
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable
Example: Gloves/Hats
  • Pre-use: It's winter here in Pennsylvania. Wearing gloves and hats daily. They are certainly not getting washed daily. Maybe once a week. Should probably do something about that right? Especially items going on our head? Time to get the Funk Out! Gave the gloves two sprays each, and the hat three. Quickly learned that it didn't need that much. Initial spray does have a bit of a "soap" smell to it. But that will dissipate quickly. Instructions state to wait till its dry. Queue the Jeopardy music.
  •  Post use: Checked on them the next morning. Definitely got the Funk and odor out!

Example: Gym bag
  • Pre-use: Used the gym bag in the morning. Tossed my running gear in the outside pocket, I usually pack a resealable plastic zip top bag. But I forgot, oops. Dirty running gear spent the day in the bag.Time to get the Funk Out! A couple light sprays. 
  • Post-use: Checked a few hours later, fresh!

Example: Shoes
  • Pre-use: I admit, I firmly believe that my feet don't smell. Well, going to my current primary running shoes, that have 300+ miles logged, I was surprised to find a faint stench. Time to get the funk out!
  • Post-use: Couple hours later, shoes are good to go, no more stench! 

Example: Closets
  • Pre-use: Sorry, no pics here.  My sneakers may not smell much, but several pairs may add up. And the hamper may have a smell as well. Over the years, I have tried rotating other odor eliminators, they may work initially, but will fade and I'll forget to replace them until it gets real funky. 8 ounces of Sweat X Xtreme Odor Eliminator Spray will be going a long way until its time to replace! And will be a lot easier to remember when it's time.

Summary: I've only begun to touch the surface of getting the funk out. There are so many more possibilities! Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Purchase: 
Be sure to use code "BibRave15" for 15% off your purchase at https://sweatxsport.com/shop/