TCS NYC Marathon Training Week 8 - Weekly Running Update: Aug 12, 2018

Hi Everyone! 

Hope everyone is doing well. Anyone do any races recently or training for one, which one?
Another week of heat and humidity, hope everyone is hydrating well, especially if you are putting in work outside!

My week in review: 

Monday: 5 miles after work. Sunday, had a full day in the sun (at the Phillies gm), and a few adult beverages. Hydrated, but knew I wouldn't be ready to run before work. Heat advisory in effect Sun-wed. Hydrated a ton all day Monday. Was as ready as I could be for an after work run. Over to the trail (Pennypack Creek) around 5:15. Park in the middle. Did the side that has more shade and back. A couple min in, sweat beads starting. Definitely sweating by .5. lol... Maintained my pace for a bit, but wasn't going to stress about it. Up the hill at the mid way point, slowed down a notch, picked it up a bit after. Around the 4 mi mark, heat started to set in a bit more. Definitely counting down the minutes the rest of the way! Hydrated right after! Goal for the night was to hydrate and go to bed early.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles before work. Went to bed early Monday, up early Tues to beat the heat. Coffee, work out, stretch, and out the door by 6. A bit humid out, but cooler out than yesterday, as the sun wasn't up yet. Slowed down through a couple of the hills, but not bad.

Wednesday: 5 miles before work. Heat advisory in effect until today, still wanted to get up before the heat set in, just in case. Heat was not an issue, but of course 90%+ humidity.

Thursday: 3.11 miles. Day off from work. Stayed at my dad's house last night. Unfortunately, it was not for fun. A funeral later Thu morning, am glad I was able to be there for my friend and their family. Reminder, life is short and precious. Not just about work (and running or other hobbies/interests)). Appreciate and make the most of your family, friends, and loved ones. oh, and #FuckCancer. Sorry for the cuss. 
Back to my run...Last time I stayed at my dad's house, I didn't have time to check out a nearby trail (Gring's Mill), I just ran around his neighborhood. Similarly, I didn't have time, but this time I remembered there is an adjacent business district with a path and ponds. My run had a few inclines, but nothing severe. I did end up doing a few loops, as it wasn't as long as I expected, but was able to enjoy the ponds.

Friday: 5 miles before work. Thursday, was up slightly later than usual. Football was on! Preseason, but hey, it's still football! Set my alarm to get my run in before work. A bit tired this morning, but not bad. Coffee, work out, stretch, and out the door by 6. Temps not bad yet, a bit humid, but manageable.

Saturday: 10 miles. Long run day, yay! Got a good night's rest. Up before the alarm, per usual. Coffee (and hydrate), worked a few minutes, I was hungry but didn't feel like eating.. and over to the trail by 7:15. Park in the middle of the trail. Did the side with the hill at the end and back. Paced at 8:20 most of the way, but faded to 8:25 by mid point. Fueled at the 5 mile mark, and hydrated as I passed my car at the 5.5 mark. The fuel and hydration was refreshing. A second wind. To the side with the more gradual incline and back. Goal was to pace overall around 8:30, but faded to 8:34. The humidity, quads a bit sore, got the best of me. I may want to rethink that not eating when I'm hungry thing as well.. On a positive note, bumped into a marathoner that I met last fall and paced with them for a bit, didn't want to hold them back though. After my run, had to do yard work as well. :( 26k steps for the day.

My trail is about 10.5, the railroad crossing is about .25 from the parking lot, usually i'll run in circles if the train is holding me up, I was definitely in cool down mode as it passed today. 

Later that afternoon, caught up with my buddy T'Sean. Lunch and an adult beverage or two at Iron Abbey. Follow T'Sean's journey here. 

Sunday: Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 932. Up past my normal bed time. Stayed up till midnight for a Phillies gm (They won!). Tried to sleep in, up at 7:30. Took my time getting ready, coffee, stretch, and out the door around 9. Smooth mile around the neighborhood. Started out a few seconds slow, trying to take it easy, but pacing and breathing got my pace down, and then backed off again towards the end. A bit humid out (80%), sweating, but a non-issue for a one miler. Today I discovered a hole in my current shoes (Saucony Grid Cohesion 11's), I enjoyed them, but only got 220 miles out of them. I knew I'd have to buy another round before my marathon, guess this will nudge me to buy sooner than later. lol... 

This was week 8 of of marathon training, using the below plan. Somewhat comfortable with the half marathon portion, I have been doing a few extra miles up to this point, but will soon adhere to the plan a bit more. 

Scheduled to do this week: 

Miles: scheduled for 27 / completed 32 

Strength Training(planks/crunches/leg raises/weights: scheduled for 60 min/completed 99.

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!

10/19-10/21 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here! 

Use code RWHALF18BIBRAVE for 10% off any/all 4 races! 3.8 Altra, 5k, 10k, Half marathon!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! 

Spring Schedule 

04.06.19 - Hot Chocolate 15k Philadelphia. Use code BRHCPhilly to receive a free smart phone arm band. Check out my preview, here. 

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

Race Review: Newport Rhode Races

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to Newport Rhode Races 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!

Hope everyone is doing well! Anybody doing any races?!

This is my review of Newport Rhode Races Half Marathon! (They did have 5k and full marathon options as well!).

Hopefully you checked out my initial and follow up previews here and here!

The initial lure for me was the beautiful views and ease of travel. (ease in travel, as in 5 hr drive, but majority on turnpike or I95). The views certainly did not disappoint! Wharf town with a beautiful ocean view drive lined with mansions. Old historic mansions, such as the Vanderbilt's The Breakers, and new money such as Jay Leno's house. Most pics will be from race day, but will also include a link to vacation pics, here!

Expo: three packet pickup options! Thursday was held at a local running store, Rhode Runner
Friday was held at a Newport Storm Brewing and Distillery! There was also the option to pickup race day. I did see a couple hundred people choose the latter, and at least a few were late due to the long lines and played catch-up after the race started. Friday was my travel day, I chose to pickup at the brewery! I wouldn't normally partake in adult beverages the day before a race, but wasn't going to miss the opportunity to check out the local craft beer scene either. Had their ipa and their smoked porter, both excellent beers. After packet pick, made sure to hydrate plenty!

Race day!

Athlete tracking: by RaceJoy, excellent way to have your fans that are waiting for you track your progress!

Parking: No onsite parking, but parking was available in a nearby business district with shuttles provided. Long line, but plenty of shuttles, it moved very efficiently!

Once arriving to the starting point, there was secure gear check available by Mobile Locker Co It was a bit brisk before the race, great to have the option to leave a couple layers behind.

Pre-Race: met up with fellow BibRavePro, Brenda, she was running the full marathon! Go Brenda! Be sure to give her a follow, here!

Race!
Elevation and Scenery: over 400 ft accent! The blips on the elevation map are deceiving! A few big hills, but almost always a consistent incline. Even once it leveled out, it did not last long! Scenery, was amazing! The start of the race was by Easton Beach. Beautiful! Driving towards the starting point, you see a very steep hill. Hoping that was the ending, and not the beginning. Oh, but it was! Up the hill, a couple miles through a residential neighborhood. The remainder of the race was through the lifestyles of the rich and famous! Beautiful mansions along the coastline! Views of the coast and/or mansions the majority of the race! Did see a couple houses that had horses as well, probably to play some polo! The only noticeable decline was the end of the race. Tried to pick up some speed on the way down, but once it leveled out, still had at least a .25 to go (but seemed even further)!

My race: all of my previous halfs took place around the Philadelphia area, as most recent as of March 25th, (less than 200ft accent). Looking at the elevation map and accent, I was not going to go for a PR. Was looking to enjoy the scenery and challenge, and do my best to pace myself for under a certain time. Before the the race, I got in line a few corrals back, (long restroom lines, and fences by the starting line). Felt good to start, but was in a crowd a few corrals from where I wanted to be. Eventually passed the pacer I wanted to be near, and then passed the pacer that would get me a PR. Hung with that pace majority of the race. My PR pacer passed me with about 2 mi to go. Appreciated the words of encouragement, but it wasn't happening. Missed my PR by 2 min. But beat my goal for the event by 8 min. Definitely satisfied with my results!

Post race: met up with fellow BibRavePro, Sara, she ran the half marathon as well! She grabbed a PR! Be sure to give her a follow, here!

Swag:
Shirt: bright green tech shirt. Front side has a lighthouse, 'Newport Races Half-Marathon'. Back has the race logo and sponsors.

The bling! Race title surrounded by anchors and rope, sailboats below, with month/year, and distance. The race is part of a "Master Series", if you do all five of the series,the medals connect and create a huge medal! I would definitely do the series if it wasn't five hours away!

After receiving the bling, there is an athlete's food tent. Water, bananas, grapes, and PieZoni's pizza! Refreshing, satisfying, and delicious!

Beer garden! Your bib contained a ticket for 1 free post race beer. Sponsored by RI Brewer's Guild. There were four local craft beers to choose from. Beer also available to purchase for a very reasonable price of $5. I went with Trinity Brewhouse's Tommy's Red (Irish red ale)!

Pictures: Free race pictures by GameFace! Haven't been tagged in any yet, will let you know if there were any worth sharing. Always a good thing when they are free, usually look like death!

I would definitely recommend this race. It's beautiful, a great challenge, awesome perks and swag!

Once the results are available to Athlinks, I will be sure to claim them! Great way to store all of your race results in one central place!

Rhode Race's sites and social:
Site: http://runri.us/newport-race-info/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaceTheRhode
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhoderacesri/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhodeRacesRI/

• 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

Race Preview: Newport Rhode Races!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to Newport Rhode Races 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!

The countdown is on! Less than a month until Rhode Races Newport! Hopefully by now, you have already checked out my initial preview when I announced I'd be doing this run, but if not, you can still check out my initial preview here!

Hopefully the views, hype video, and daffodil festival mentioned in my previous preview are more than enough to peak your interest. 

Added incentive.. How about Beer and Pizza?

Pre-Race: 

Did I mention the bib pickup is at a brewery/distillery on Friday?! 

Newport Storm: ranked a 4.5/5 on Facebook. Their fb page can be found here. They currently have at least five beers on tap. Porters, Red Ale, and IPA's! Their beer is also available in cans and bottles, will definitely be picking some up to go as well! They also offer brewery tours that include tasters and a glass for $9. They are also a distillery, producing a whiskey and a couple rums! I will be picking up my packed on Friday, will definitely "sample" what they have to offer. ;)

(image pulled from tripadvisor)

Post Race: Beer and Pizza! Will definitely be craving that post-race beer and food after the race! Yum!

The party tent is hosted by RI Brewers Guild! There will be various local breweries and beers to choose from! Check out their facebook page here!

(image pulled from their fb page)

Pizza! Provided by PieZoni's! Check out their facebook page here! Yum!

(image pulled from their fb page)

Hopefully I have provided enough info to entice you by now. Hope to see you out on the course and at the post-race party tent!

Join me on 04.14.2018 for the Newport Rhode Races 5k, half marathon, or full marathon! (I'll be doing the half) Be sure to use the code 'Bibrave' to save 10% off the entry fee!

Sign up: http://runri.us/newport-race-info/

If you do this race or any others, 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

Race review: Flying Fish 5k

First of all, this is a brewery 5k! It's always nice to take a break from training to do a fun 5k. It can't much more fun than at a brewery!

Swag: A heavy duty coaster with the race logo, bottom side of the coaster has a bottle opener. A beer mug with the race logo, full of their delicious Oktoberfish. T-shirt is not included, but available for 20 and is very comfy!

Aid: adequate water along the course for a 5k. After the race, water, banana, pretzels, and granola bars included.

Scenery: most breweries are within a warehouse or business district, this one is close to a suburban neighborhood. The course starts a block from the brewery and goes through a quaint neighborhood.

Expo: I didn't go to the bib pickup the night before, but hear it was a good time. The race does take place during the Sumerdale days festival, plenty of stands to checkout before/after the race. Also post race, there's a beer garden!

Elevation: I did this race last yr and remember there being a hill. Mentally prepared for it. Start of the race there are some slight inclines, but didn't hit the hill till about midway. A decent incline for about .25. Rest of the race zig zags through the neighborhood, minimal inclines.

Parking: The brewery doesnt have ample parking, but the brewery and festival encourages paring at two nearby shopping centers. Wal-mart has plenty of parking, and an additional shopping center nearby. Plenty of parking.

Race management:
Prerace: packet pickup was very smooth.
Post race: "free beer" line was smooth as well. Plenty of beer poured ahead of time, but not warm, lines managed with efficiency.
Only opportunity for improvement i can think of is more speakers for the race start. The line goes about a block. There are speakers at the starting line. Could tell there were some announcements before the national anthem, but couldn't hear them. And this has nothing to do with management, but way too many people talking during the anthem!

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Race Review: #Levante5k

This brewery had been on my to do list for a bit. They hosted a 5k, win-win! In general, isnt breweries hosting races the perfect combo?! Lol

Pre race: there is a 5k relay before the 5k race. Get there early, but park a few businesses down to stay out of the way.

Race: loop course x3. Loop starts with a few .2/.3's going around the nearby businesses. One of the turns seems a bit narrow during the first loop before the congestion breaks up, but not bad during lap 2/3. After going around the businesses, there is a straight away decline of about .5. Turn around and up that incline! It's got some steepness to it! You get to do that 3x! After the hill levels out, around the brewery to complete the lap. Repeat.

Post race: party at the brewery! Great beer and selection. There was a food truck, but that didn't arrive for at least another hour.
I don't require games at a brewery, but there wasn't any. Unlike a few other brewery races.

Swag: brewery pint glass and 1 beer of choice! (excludes imperials). I do like the option of choice, but I could see how it would move more smoothly if the one free beer was pre determined/ poured ahead. There was 4 ppl pouring, the line was a but slow. If you're hanging out after the free beer, it does get more manageable.

Elevation: decent incline for about 1/4, but feels like .5, loop course so it's x3.

Scenery: none, it's a business district.

Parking: 30 or so spots by the brewery. Brewery is in a business district with plenty of spots for overflow. There is a relay race before the 5k, encourage relay runners to park outside of the 5k course. There was a few cars trying to drive through the 5k.

Aid:I don't require water mid 5k. But someone pointed out there wasn't any? There wasnt. There was an ambulance on site just in case.

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G