TCS NYC Marathon Training Week 1 - Weekly Running Update: June 24, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope all is well! Anyone doing any races or training for one? I just got a reminder to start training for NYC! lol... I kid. It was on my calendar, but not for a couple weeks. The first few weeks of this plan are slightly under what I would normally be doing.

My week in running:

Monday: 5 miles. Returned from my hiking trip last night. Day off to catch up on weekend chores. But you know, gotta run first. :) Up around my normal time. Aching a bit from the hikes, took my time getting ready. Over at the trail by 8. Fueled beforehand with new mango Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel, helped get me going! Was able to maintain my desired pace. But could definitely feel the heat setting in! Replenished those electrolytes post run with watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula! Made a new friend on my way back!

Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Weather was mid 90's today, mid 80's by the time I was heading out. Hydrated throughout the day, but could definitely feel the summer heat by midway! 

Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day, yay! Lunch run! Warm, but not as bad as yesterday. Although there was a section of freshly paved street that added some heat!

Thursday: 3.11 miles, early! Plans after work. Set the alarm to get up early. Up a few minutes before that! Coffee, work out, morning routine, and out the door before 6! Temps a bit cooler in the morning, go figure, should do this more often! The temps may have been cooler, but did feel the humidity towards the end. Felt good overall.

Friday: 4 miles after work. Cooler out. Chance of rain. Weather was a non issue, would have accepted some rain though. Would be refreshing. Decent run overall. A bit of shin pain, but the pace felt easy today. Wonder if weather was a factor? hmm..  Now to get ready for tomorrow morning's run!

Saturday: 10 miles. Long run day, yay! had my alarm set to my normal time, up a few minutes before that. My on-call week for work has started, so I had to check work for a bit. A slight delay getting out. Automated some of the work so it would be ok till I got back. ;) Coffee, light breakfast, still at the trail by 7:30. Cooler out, but 90% humidity! Going to do a relaxed half marathon pace for a few long runs, before getting into the full marathon pace. Felt good through the mid point. Fueled up with the mango Gatorade Energy gel at the 5 mi mark. Passed my car at 5.5, hydrated a bit. Off to the other side of the trail. Could feel the humidity, faded a bit after 8. But still felt good. Hydrated and replenished those electrolytes afterward with watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula! After my run, eventually head back outside to do yard work. I have been trying to do yard work mid week so I don't have to on long run day or rest day, but mid week plans put the kibosh on that. 28k steps for the day. 

Sunday: Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 883. Up a bit later than usual last night, entertaining company. Up at my normal time, but took my time getting ready. Coffee, signed into work for a bit, morning routine and out the door around 8:15. Casual mile around the block, felt pretty good. Some light outdoor chores afterward. Hope to relax rest most of the day. 

This was week one of marathon training, using the below plan. Will probably do a few extra miles the first few weeks. 

To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans. 

Fall Schedule: 

10.07.18 - Army Ten Miler A revenge race for me. My 2017 review, here!

10.20.18 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! - Still can't believe I won the lottery on my 1st try!

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

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

Weekly Running Update: June 17, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope all is well. Anyone doing any races or training for one? Which one? I had a 10k this past weekend, the Dairy Air 10k, check out my review! This week will be ending with some shorter runs, I'll be doing some hiking! Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

My week in training:

Monday: 5 miles before work. Sleep issues, heartburn, stuffiness, a few aches, and probably had too much coffee yesterday. Up early. Gave up trying to sleep around 4:30. Up, worked out, morning routine, out the door before 6. It poured all night and was still going. It wasn't a fun run, but the weather was invigorating.

Tuesday: 10 miles after work! Tuesday is usually 5k day for me, but since I didn't go to the trail (Pennypack Creek) yesterday, went to do 5. And.. since this past weekend I didn't have a long day, and won't have one this weekend, it was in the back of my mind. Fueled beforehand with new mango Gatorade Endurance gel, review here. Did my 5 miles on the side of my trail with the gradual incline. Felt pretty good, as I passed my car at the 5.5 mark, decided to go to the other half of the trail. Thought about doing 8, but still had some momentum, to the end and back. Cooled down after 10. Cool down felt good, was tempting to run it out to 10.5. Hydrated and replenished electrolytes afterwards with the new watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula.

Wednesday: 4 miles. My work from home day, yay! Lunch run. I usually have a rest day after a double digit day, but didn't want to change my Wed schedule. Felt yesterday's run, mixed with humidity, and hills. Got a bit sluggish at times. Will definitely be re-hydrating with Gatorade Endurance!

Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. Legs are still heavy, which  may be a theme for a bit since i didn't have a true rest day and about to go hiking this weekend. The weather was nice, cool breeze at first, sunny and 80, still sweating by mile one, parched by mile two, and time to hydrate after mile three! Watermelon Gatorade Endurance post run, light, refreshing and getting the job done!

Friday: 3.11 miles. Early. Day off from work. Road trip in a bit. Set my alarm to get up early, nah, I'm up before that! Work out, morning routine done, out the door by 6. Nice and brisk out. Legs starting to feel better, for now. Felt pretty decent overall.

Road trip! Shenandoah National park! Friday did two trails. About 2 miles each.
Hike #1 Hawksbill Summit: 700 ft ascent to the summit. 4000 ft elevation. On our way back, was about 10 ft from a deer! 

Hike #2 Dark Hollow Falls: all down hill to the falls. 600 ft ascent to get out. Saw bears near the parking lot!

Saturday: 3.11 miles. probably should of done just one for the streak, but it's not rest day. Hotel treadmill since our hotel has nothing but highway by it.

Hike #3 Old Rag Mountain: 9 miles. 2400 ft accent, 3200 ft elevation. Full day and strenuous hiking. (as indicated in the map, my first hike at this rating!). Some good challenges throughout! A false summit that was as nice as the final, but a huge scramble challenge ahead to get to the final! Very rewarding! Link to my hiking pics here, will be updated later from our DSLR camera.  

Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 876. A few overall aches from yesterday. Most notably using "retired" shoes for hiking. Remembering why they were retired. lol... Time for new shoes and demoting some. 

Race Schedule:  I may do one more race this summer before concentrating on the fall. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Preferably within 2 hrs of Philly. 

Fall Schedule: 

10.07.18 - Army Ten Miler! A revenge race for me. My 2017 review, here!

10.20.18 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! - Still can't believe I won the lottery on my 1st try!

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

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

Product Review: Gatorade Endurance

Disclaimer: I received Gatorade Endurance, Watermelon flavored Thirst Quench Powder and mango flavored Energy Gels 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!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be reviewing Gatorade Endurance, Watermelon flavored Thirst Quench Powder and mango flavored Energy Gels. Hydration and fueling is always important. Especially as the summer temps and humidity are starting to kick in.

Gatorade Endurance: watermelon Endurance Formula, Thirst Quench Powder

Specs below: for a more clear pic, their site has them listed as well, here.

Gatorade Endurance: Energy Gel, Mango

Specs: 20 g of carbs, 90 mg of sodium. for more info, their site, here

06/12/18: My initial use of both products. 
Fueled with the mango Energy Gel. Texture was less pasty than some other gels. More of a liquid texture than paste. Taste was like a sweet mango candy. Enjoyed the taste. 
My plan was to run 5 miles. Felt great! Energy levels were at a good point. (not overwhelming like my chest was going to burst or anything like that) But a good energy level. My schedule didn't permit for a long run this past weekend, dont usually do double digits during the week, but towards 5 I knew I was going to do more. Went for 10! During my cool down it was tempting to do more!

After my run, I hydrated and replenished electrolytes with the watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula. A light, refreshing drink! Definitely helped in hydration,replenishing, and recovery after my 10 mile run!

06/13/18: 4 mile lunch break run. I admit, I could have done better hydrating beforehand. But watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula helped replenish post run! During my run I was still feeling yesterday's 10 miler, coupled with humidity and hills today, was sluggish and sweating up a storm! watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula aided in my cool down and recovery!

06/14/18: 3.11 miles after work. Legs were still heavy. The weather was nice, cool breeze at first, sunny and 80, still sweating by mile one, parched by mile two, and time to hydrate after mile three! Watermelon Gatorade Endurance post run, light, refreshing and getting the job done! 

06/16/18: On a hiking trip to Shenandoah National Park! Scheduled for 9 miles over 6 hrs. 2400 ft ascent, 3200 ft elevation. Hydration was key! Packed some water, but was sure to pack my watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula as well! It was very refreshing and replenished those electrolytes! I usually only take a few sips an hr mid run, my only regret was not packing more!

06/18/18: 5 miles. Sunday was rest day. Trying to get back into my "normal" running schedule after my hiking trip. Day off from work, took my time. But still wanted to get done before the heat wave set in. Fueled with the mango Gatorade Endurance Energy gel, helped get me going! I haven't experienced any stomach issues with the gels at all, and I have a sensitive stomach. Was able to maintain my desired pace. Could feel the heat starting to set in. Post run hydrated and replenished those electrolytes with watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula! Was very refreshing, light, not over sugared. 

06/23/18: Long run day, yay! Week 1 of TCS NYC Marathon training, 10 miles. Cool out, but 90% humidity. Around the midway point I fueled up using the mango Gatorade Endurance energy gel. Helped keep me going, for sure! Passed my car around the 5.5 mark, took a few sips of the watermelon Gatorade Endurance formula, definitley quenched my thirst. Towards the end of my run, was definitley feeling the humidity, about .25 cool down, and then finished off that watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula, hit the spot! 

Overall:
mango Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel: 
taste: like a sweet mango candy
consistency: more of a liquid texture unlike others that are a thicker pasty gel.
Performance: helped get me going after a long day at work. On long run day, used mid way, helped keep me going/ helped prevent fading towards the end.

watermelon Gatorade Endurance Formula: 
Taste: light, refreshing watermelon. Definitley not over sugared. 
Performance: after a run in the heat or humidity, could feel it replenishing those fluids and electrolytes! Wasn't dehydrated for long!

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Site and Social
Site: Gatorade Endurance
IG: https://www.instagram.com/gatoradeendurance/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gatorade

Race Review: Dairy Air 10k

Hi Everyone!

Hope all is well!

My spring schedule was over. Wasn't looking for anything, but open to do a race or two before it's time to concentrate on the fall. Was invited to do race, got excited, but couldn't make it. Well, that had me looking...

Found the Dairy Air 10k! Haven't done a 10k in a while, saw there may be some different scenery from my recent races, some decent swag. Alright, I'm in!

Bib Pick-up: option to pick up Friday night at North Wales Running Co. I chose to pick up on race day. I arrived early. Plenty of parking on a nearby field behind the Del Val Market barn. Packet pick-up was smooth. But.. Two tables, but all of the bibs were in one bin. Could of split them up to make it a bit faster. 

Pre race: DJ, refreshments, and some vendors to check out. National anthem before the race. Followed by the race director giving a little speech and directions. Directions? Uh oh, with my luck I'll get lost.(no issue, course was clearly marked). He also warned us about the hills. Ruh roh. Lol.. 

Activities: they had a bounce house, inflatable slide, pedal go-carts, and plenty of other activities for kids!

Map: The map listed from Scoogie Events. Elevation/accent not listed. According to my phone 400 ft ascent, according to my watch 1.5 miles. Who knows. lol

Race/Scenery: The first two miles are an out and back by some farmland. An equestrian center, some sheep, I didn't see too many cows, but I could smell them! "Dairy Air", plenty of that outdoor smell. lol

 

Once we were back from the farmland we went out to the route 202 parkway trail. The farmland a few hills, but the parkway had plenty! Down the parkway and turn around, back to the starting point. See the starting point? Pass it, its not over yet. Another 1/4 or so to go. 

My Race: had two paces in mind before hearing about all of the hills. First was my recent Broad Street, I know I was comfortable pacing at 7:45 past the 6 mi mark. Then I made the mistake of looking up my PR, 7:18. Well, as soon as I heard all of the warnings of hills, knew PR wasnt happening. Still tried for 7:45 ish. Don't want to see my splits. Started the first mile at 7:30, then faded every single mile, ending overall with 8:09. Did not think I had a chance at an age group award, but I did!

Swag:

Shirt: I signed up with less than two weeks 'till race day, and the shirts were listed as sold out. Asked, they said to check back after the race, they still had a few! Maybe some no shows? Love the shirt! almost like a bike style. (but not compression tight). Scoogie Event and race name/logo on the front. Sleeves have cows. Back has all of the sponsors listed. 

Medal:
Del Val Market barn as the background. With cows sitting, flying, and the backside of one. "Dairy Air". Bib had a ticket for "free" ice cream or beer. Of course I went with beer. Although he ice cream looked good! There was eight craft beers to choose from!  

Post race: met up with one of my buddies from work, and some fellow streakers from #RWRunStreak! 

Overall, would definitely do this race again! Cool scenery to start. Good hill challenges. Hills are fun, right? Sure they are! Just don't think about PR's.. lol Besides, after all those fun hills, there's a great party afterwards.

Race sites and social:

Site: https://www.scoogieevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scoogieevents/

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

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

Weekly Running Update: June 10, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is well! How's training going? Any races, which ones? This week I am tapering for  the Dairy Air 10k!

My week in training:

Monday: 5 miles after work. Blah Monday at work. Busy, but not too crazy. Tired, but still looking forward to the trail (Pennypack Creek)! I rested and stretched yesterday, hoping to feel a little more loose today. Cooler weather was nice as well! Started out a bit fast for me. (7:50 ish). Eventually cut it back to 8:15 and maintained it there. Felt great the entire way! 

Tuesday: 1 mile before work. Rest day, taper. Started out a little slow. Then, I accidentally hit my blue tooth button, no music, gar! Was just getting into gear, didn't mess with fixing it. Worked on breathing and pacing. Once I was in my groove got my tunes back on. Able to get into my pace with no music for half of it. Besides that snafu, a great run. 

Wednesday: 4 miles, early. Wednesday is normally my work from home day, but today was also my work's company cookout day. A few people tried guilting me into going in today, but I was planning to run at lunch and yard work after work. That was the plan. Well, it's my on-call week, 3rd shift woke me up at 5, well, that's it, I was up. It was nice and brisk out this morning. Felt great to get it in early. Might as well go to work. Cookout was a good time. Glad it worked out.

Thursday: 1 mile before work. Smooth mile around the block before work. 

Friday: 2 miles before work. Woke up a few min before my alarm. Probably could of used a few more minutes, ended up being 5 min late to work. Oh well, that's what overtime is for. ;) First mile was near race pace. Worked on breathing and pacing. Second mile backed off a bit. 

Saturday: 6.22 miles. Race day, yay! Dairy Air 10k. First 10k race in a long time! One pic from race day, race details will be in a separate post. Keep an eye out for my race review! ;) 

Sunday: rest day, usually one and done for the streak. Streak day 869. Felt like going for a bit more after a week of tapering. Could definitely feel the hills from yesterday and today.

Race Schedule:  The Dairy Air 10k, was kinda sporadic. Was invited to do another race, had a conflict, and then felt the itch to find one! I may do one more race this summer before concentrating on the fall. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Preferably within 2 hrs of Philly. 

Fall Schedule: 

10.07.18 - Army Ten Miler! A revenge race for me. My 2017 review, here!

10.20.18 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! - Still can't believe I won the lottery on my 1st try!

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

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

Weekly Running Update: June 3, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is well! Anyone do any races or training for one, which one(s)? I just signed up for a race next week! Dairy Air 10k, in Doylestown, Pa! Sounds like we'll be running by farmland. Ice Cream and beer afterwards! 

My week in training:

Monday: 5 miles. Day off from work, some light chores to do later in the day, but plenty of time to sleep in. Nope, up at my normal time. Tired. Took my time with my morning routine. Over at the trail (Pennypack Creek) by 8. Park in the middle, did the side with the hill at the end. First half was pretty much just through the motions, got a second wind, felt great on the way back! My splits are usually consistent, or a steady fade, but could see that I was feeling better.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles before work. Plans after work. Set the alarm to get up early. Wasn't looking forward to it at first, but went to bed early. Woke up before my alarm! Decent amount of rest, was ready to go! Coffee, morning routine, and stretching done, out the door by 6!

Wednesday: Work from home day, lunch run! Decent morning at work, not overly stressed at all, but always great to get a lunch run in!

Thursday: 4 miles after work. Just a bit humid out, and the air was thick! Used my nose spray beforehand, that barely helped, tough breathing today. Humidity was kicking, sweating early! Usually do a good job of hydrating during the day, but occasionally slack towards the end. Need to stay on top of it, especially before/after heading out!

Friday: 4 miles after work. Going to the trail tomorrow, but have been thinking about it. Decided to head over after work. Park in the middle. Did the side with the gradual incline. Starting to taper, scheduled for 4, knew I may be tempted to go to the end (5.25ish), but with the weather, it was a bit easier for me to stick to the plan. :)

Saturday: 6.22 miles. My on-call week for work. Up at my normal time, but had to work for a couple hrs. Didnt get over there till about 8:15. Prefer to get there earlier, especially with summer temps starting to kick in. Did the side with the hill at the end. Start to that hill end went smoothly, could feel the hill a bit. Had to tack on about 1 mi. Decided to do a couple laps around the business complex at that end. Back to the trail, starting to feel the hill and humidity, slowed down a notch, but enjoyed the run.

Sunday: rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 862. Smooth mile around the neighborhood. The temps were noticeably cooler! Was very refreshing! 

. 

Race Schedule: 

06.09.18 - Dairy Air 10k! 

After that, I may do one more race before fall marathon training starts. Any races to recommend in the July/early Aug time frame? Preferably within 2 hrs of Philly. Let me know!

Fall Schedule: 

10.07.18 - Army Ten Miler! A revenge race for me. My 2017 review, here!

10.20.18 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! - Still can't believe I won the lottery on my 1st try!

Good luck to everyone with training! Kick some butt! 

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