Race Review: #LoveRunPhilly

Hi Fellow Runners!


Philadelphia Love Run half marathon, aka #LoveRunPhilly. March 26, 2017

Overall:

Background: This was my 2nd official half, 3rd 13.1. Third time through the half training program thus far. Still making some progress. After the Rocky Run in the fall, was quick to look for a race to train through winter for. I wasn't blogging or reviewing races yet, but there were some snowy long runs in there! This was definitely the perfect goal to get through winter for! Already signed up for 2018!

Training plan that I have been using for halfs. To credit the images, they were pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans.

TShirt/Swag: sweet color, tech looks/ feels webbed. Nice! Cool medal, and coffee mug as well. I've come to learn I am protective of my mug if anyone tries to use it! lol.. The pic of me wearing the shirt below is definitely not in Philly (but is my fav pic in it, Colorado, have to represent while on vaca!)

Aid: plenty of water, gatorade, aid stations throughout. Bananas, pretzels, Nesquik, etc afterwards. Can't remember if there was a free beer, I wasn't carrying my ID at the time.

Elevation/Scenery: advertised as "Flattest course yet" Race starts at the museum, first 5 miles go through the city, once back at the museum the course goes along the river across from boathouse row. There were a couple significant hills. Steep hill that goes up to a bridge, I still had energy and made the mistake of rushing it, well, should of looked into this, learned about another hill in Philly, "Strawberry Mansion" A good challenge for sure, definitely should of paced through the first hill! Once down from there is back along river to the museum.

Expo: i was unable to attend, opted to have my packet mailed.

Parking: public transportation is encouraged. pay lots nearby

Race management: everything was managed with efficiency.

Definitely recommend this race!

Signup for 2018 can be found below:
Love Run Philly signup

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

Rocky Balboa Run: The Italian Stallion Challenge!

Hi Everyone!

Backlogging some posts..

The Rocky Balboa Italian Stallion Challenge in Nov 2016! The challenge is made up of two races, a 5k, and then a 10 miler. Not an official half, but my second time going through the half training program.

My first half was in September of '16. I felt pretty accomplished, but wanted to get right back to it to make some improvements.

(My selfie game was weak(er) back then, especially with the sun in my eyes!)

The half marathon training program that I use:

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

Pre Race:
Expo: There was no expo. Packet pickup was at Lloyd Hall. I saw Lloyd Hall is on Boathouse Row, when looking for a parking spot, I took one of the first spots I could find along Boathouse Row. I probably should have looked at the map a bit more, it was a decent walk. There were no vendors at packet pickup. Just ran in and picked up my bib/shirt. 

Parking on race day: Public transportation is strongly encouraged, but there are pay lots a few blocks away.

Race day:
Rocky themed fans and runners everywhere! Eye of the tiger! DJ had plenty of Rocky songs and snippets going pre-race!

5k: about a mi through the city, then 1 down and back by the Schuylkill River (76 side, not Boathouse Row side). Smooth 5k, a slight incline on the way back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

There was mention of a break between races, wasn't sure what to expect. It was about a half hour. 

10 miler: pre-race the announcer warned us about a hill... smooth few miles. Guess what, a hill, and another, and another. About 1.5 mi hills. After the hills, down and smooth, then back up by the museum.

Aid: plenty of water along the courses. Water, bananas and soft pretzel post race. 

Swag: 

Tech Tee: 

Three awesome medals! One for each race, and one for doing both! These medals are unique, they are large coin and necklace made to look like championship belts!

Free photo's!: One of the few that I didn't look like a hot mess. 

I didn't do the race in '17 due to my full marathon training schedule, but would definitely recommend this one. Great crowd, especially with the Rocky theme!

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

Rock N Roll Philadelphia 2016, my first half marathon!

Hi Everyone!

Backlogging.. Wish I was writing/blogging back then for this one. This was my first half, will forever be near and dear to me!

In June '16, I did my first 10k race, went way better than I expected and had me hungry for more! Had me looking for a longer race, a place to train, and to go on an actual training plan!

Once I found this race, I found a training program, and then I found my trail! If you follow me, you will hopefully see at least one pic a week from Pennypack Creek. I love it there! Wish it didn't take me so long to discover my love for trails, and it's only 15 minutes from where I live!

Below is the training program I found and have used several times. One of the reasons I wish i was blogging back then, I'm not sure if it was the constant humidity, or just that it was my first time going each long run's distance, but every long was a challenge!   

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

Pre-Race: 

Expo: this was my first expo, it was pretty cool to see all the gear and race vendors! Only set back is not everyone can get back and forth to the city mult days in a row. It was exciting, not sure if I would choose expo over mailing option if it was available.

Parking: public transportation is strongly encouraged for expo and race day. Parking near the expo is tough to find. On race day, there is a pay lot a few blocks away. Please send me a message if you need the location. I would post it, but don't want it to go viral and get over packed.

Race day!

About 17000 runners, my biggest participant race to that date!

Like many Philly races, the race starts/ends by the museum. The first 3-4 miles are through the city, returns and heads past boathouse row. This is where I learn Philly isn't as flat as I thought. A minimal incline for a few miles. Seems minimal, but starts to add up. Turn around point is up a bridge, across the Schuylkill River and back. Issue with ending at the museum, one last hill!

Music: DJ to start. Live bands throughout, a couple marching bands. Music was cool, but expected a a few more bands along the way.

Aid: plenty of water/gatorade along the way. Water, pretzel, bananas after, and a few other vendors with free health snacks/drinks

Swag: Will forever rock the florescent tech tee with pride! The pic doesn't do it any justice, the color is very bright!

This medal has some thickness to it, it's a heavy medal!

Exhausted, but worth the 14 week training plan! My standard long run before this was 6 ish. I have continued to work on my long run base since then, wouldn't be be a marathon runner without it! Also discovered my love for trails!

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

Superhero Showdown: 10k

Hey Everyone!

Backlogging a few race reviews, this one lead to big things for me!

Race is for a great cause, hence the superhero theme. The cause "raise awareness for Super T’s Mast Cell Foundation, Inc. a non-profit organization providing medical and living expenses to those living with the rare disease Mast Cell Activation Disorder"

Parking: the race start/ends by Norristown Area High School parking lot. There is plenty of parking, but if you are fast and complete the race early, you are unable to leave the parking lot until the race is over. 

Pre race: there's a dj getting ever one amped up for the race. There's also a yoga instructor/warmup session, and several pre-race party tents.

Elevation/scenery: The majority of the race is through Norristown Farm Park. A paved walking trail. The view  is nearby farms, parks, and a bit through the woods. I don't recall seeing an elevation profile before or after the race, but there are several hills! Just about every half mile or so, there's a hill challenge. No complaints, just wasn't aware beforehand. 

(photo credit montopa.org)

Aid/ water: plenty of water stations throughout the course, snack bag post race with banana, soft pretzel, etc. 

Swag/shirt: 

The tee shirt is cotton, so soft! The front has a street sign indicating "caped crusader crossing". The back of the shirt has the race logo, charity name, and sponsors. 

Medal: flat medal with the Superhero Showdown logo. Good vs bad fisticuffs! 

Post race included a discount menu and a "free beer" at a nearby restaurant, Redstone Grill. 

As I mentioned earlier, this race lead to big things for me! This was my first 10k race. I had been running 4 milers on a pretty consistent basis, with 5-6 milers on weekends, I think at the time, my longest run was 7 miles. I'm not sure if it's because my neighborhood really isn't conducive to much more than that, or self doubt. Not that I was "fast" for this race, but it I did better than I expected and it had me hungry for more! 

This race had me looking to go further. A half marathon? But where would I train? This race helped me discover a trail that's only 15 minutes from where I live! I have never been a trail runner, but this got me there, I quickly fell in love with trails! Which also led me to my first half marathon 3-4 months later!

Looking back at my Athlinks profile, this was a small race, 89 participants (there were 5k and 15 options as well), but I performed slightly better than I remembered! 

Good luck to everyone with your training!

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: Iron Pigs #Bacon5k

Hi Fellow Runners!

I wasn't blogging back in 2015. Backlogging another race. 

The Bacon 5k Challenge, hosted by the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. (minor league baseball team). 

To forewarn you, this is not a normal 5k, it contains a food challenge! Mid 5k, you must eat a half pound of bacon! There is a non bacon challenge if you are interested, but this is the Iron Pigs, and they are all about the bacon!

Parking: it's a stadium, more than ample

Scenery: majority of the race is parking lot. but if you love bacon and baseball, that is fine.

Pre race: able to walk around the stadium. A dj, mascot, vendors, a great baseball and bacon crowd. Even a few runners dressed as bacon.

Race: starts fast/flat and then down a steep hill, turn around, and up that steep hill for about 1/4! Zig zag back and forth in the parking lot. 

Pause midway in front of the stadium. Eat a half pound of bacon! Some crunchy, some a bit fatty, but all delicious. No water to help with the bacon challenge. Hands get greasy, could use napkins. There are a few employees watching to make sure no one cheats on the challenge, you must show your empty container before taking off.

Resume the race! Remainder of the race is down and around the parking lot. Cramping up? No, that's just your arteries.. Lol. Down around the backside of the stadium, through the stadium, and around the warning track. Finishes just before home plate.

My results: from my Athlinks profile. The eating portion probably accounted for at least 3 minutes of that. lol 

Aid: adequate water for a 5k

Post race: party overlooking the baseball field with one "free" beer! Stadium is nice, not a bad seat in the house!

Swag: Tech tee shirt that has bacon scratch n sniff! bacon mid race, and a "free" beer after! 

Reflecting back, i would definitely do this again. Unfortunately 2016/17 were held the day before the Rock n Roll Philly half. Made the decision to do the half, and don't think it would be wise to do this the day before. 

Yikes, also looking back at these pics, i see when i used to wear basketball shorts for running! Definitely  learned a few things since then! lol 

For more info:
Site: http://www.bacon5kchallenge.com/

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: Railroad Run, Labor Day 4k

Hi Everyone! 

Doing some backlogging, all the way back to September 2015!  

This was my first finisher’s medal! Railroad Run, Labor Day 4k! 

My first 5k was just a couple weeks before this. I had been running for a couple years, and my co-worker had been twisting my arm to do a race. Well, signed up for another race a few weeks after this one, and figured while I’m at it I might as well sign up for this one.

The race is hosted by Gilmore|Henne community fund. John Gilmore/Chad Henne, local (Reading, Pa) high school football players that went on to the NFL. I was on the same team as a NFL player for a year! Their community fund focuses on “improving our community and the lives of children through the revitalization of parks and recreational facilities”

Elevation/Scenery: course is relatively flat. No noteworthy hills or inclines. The course starts at The Railroad House bar and grill. There’s about a half mile straight away from the starting line to a nearby neighborhood, zig-zag a few blocks through the neighborhood, back on the straight away to return. 

Aid/water: at least one water station mid course. Water, bananas, and soft pretzel post race.

Parking: the restaurant has ample parking for the race. If you arrive last minute the roads may be closed, you may have to walk a few blocks. 

Expo: you may pick up your bib the day before and grab a drink.

Race Management: smooth process throughout, managed efficiently. I would recommend this race. It's for a good cause, it's a good time, you get your money's worth. Small race, approximately 200 people, you may even win a prize. 

My race: 
Let’s first go into what you shouldn’t do. The race is held on Labor Day. The day before the race, I attended a college buddy’s annual party. All sorts of summer BBQ food and several beverages were consumed. From there, drove (actually my dd drove, I did not drive) to my dad’s house, who lives close to where the race is held. We went out to dinner, another beverage consumed. 

Race day: race didn’t start till 10 am, plenty of time for coffee, light, breakfast, and hydration. I was ready to go way before race time. 

I needed to pick up my packet before the race, and saw the emails regarding street closures. So, of course I got there way too early. 

During my previous race, I learned the hard way that race speed is different than training speed. It may be/feel fast, but need to pay attention to pacing so you’re not dragging at the end. Did a little better at pacing myself, but was still something to work on.

Looking at the below pic,couple more things to work on over time. Love fluorescent shirts, they don't do well in pics. I made this comment in another post, basketball shorts? Oh, and try to stop messing with your phone when there may be a finish line pic. lol 

Shirt/Swag: The Tee shirt featuring their Railroad Run train and their G|H logo is very soft and comfy, still holding up after two years. The Railroad Run train and logo is also featured on the medal as well. Plus a “free beer” post-race. 

Good luck to everyone with your training!

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: My first 5k #Ivyland5k 2015

My background: spring of 2012, this is where it all began. Used to do a 2 mile stroll around the neighborhood, eventually decided to run a block or two of it. A block or two gradually became the full distance, this is when I started timing/tracking it. 2 miles a day, 40 a month. And then the ocd kicked in.

Fast forward to 2015. Running almost 3 yrs, avg 4 mi/100 a mo. I have yet to do a race. Started running to add cardio, then the ocd kicked in. never really thought about racing. A coworker had been twisting my arm for a while now. He found one 15 min from where I live. I finally cave.

Race: This 5k hosted by a small church. In a small neighborhood. May have been 500 runners, but at the time seemed like a big deal. Starts out down and around this neighborhood, once through there we cross a major road and into a high end neighborhood. Up through there, and turn around through a park. Small section of grass. No big deal. back through both neighborhoods to the finish.

My race:being my first, definitely nerves. Crowd was exciting, start out feeling trapped by slower ppl. After .2 I get around and take off. So much faster than my avg, is this real?! Adrenaline pumping, feeling fantastic! Well, that pace... only able to maintain about half way. Started to fade. Overall, happy with my time. But learned about race pace and the importance of pacing.

Elevation: mostly flat, entering the second neighborhood there was an incline for about 1/4.

Aid: at least two water stops. Adequate for a 5k.

Parking: small neighborhood, get there early.

Timing: professionally timed, but not chipped. Probably why I dropped a 3 rating to 2.

Swag: cotton t shirt, undersized and shrunk when washing. No medals, winners received baked goods. There was mention of pancake breakfast. Forgot and didn't see it.