Weekly Running Update: December 31, 2017

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday! Happy New Year, please be safe!

Everyone getting their workouts/runs in during the holidays? Or waiting until resolution time?!  

I'm not going to do a post on year end summary. It's brief. I got my goals in. I met many awesome people. Became a BibRavePro! And surprised myself by doing my first marathon!


My week in running: 

Monday: 5 miles. Merry Christmas! This morning's run was rough! Annual Xmas eve party yesterday, several adult beverages and an over indulgence of food! Woke up early as always. Wanted to get the run out of the way before present time! Several cuss words along the way! Some lower back pain and quads a bit sore. But done!

Stopped by a little stream by a private pond that's nearby. Can't really see it until winter with all the shrubs that surround it.

Tuesday: 4 miles after work. Was up a bit late Monday for football, and a few beverages. Work wasn't bad with so many people out on vaca. Run after work. Temp of 25/wind chill in the teens. Cold, a few things tight to start, but warmed up quick.

Wednesday: 4 miles. work from home lunch run! 

Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. A bit colder today. Wind chill 4! Time to wear extra layers. Hands were cold to start, warmed up after 1. 

Friday: 4.78 mi (40 min) run after  work. The temp was a bit cool after work, but the wind chill definitely dropped mid run! Adjusting routes for time vs mileage that I know can get tricky. Ended up with a couple block cool down. lol  Not minding the cooler temps. But weird how sometimes legs/stides feel more solid/stiff, but not slowing down as much as expected. 

Saturday: long run day! 8 miles. The forecast called for a coating to an inch of snow, and was later updated to 1-3. Wanted to get out there while it was still a dusting. Set my alarm for my normal time (5:45). Got up before that, sunrise isn't until 7:15. Took my time, got there by 7. The snow just started at 6. Wasn't bad yet. Didn't need the yaktrax, will probably need them tomorrow. Wasn't going to wear the mask, but was a bit chilly. Warmed up by mile 1. Was a bit stiff, but felt good. Didn't mind the snow until the last mi. 

Sunday: 1 mi rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 708. A tad chilly, wind chill -1. The streets were well plowed and salted yesterday. A couple clear paths, but a bit slippery. Didn't need the yak trax, just needed to proceed with caution. 

This was week 2 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Am using the below training program: 

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

December goals:

• Have fun! No race training for a few more weeks, enjoy the trail when you can and do whatever I want! Update: calculated days till race day. 14 week training plan started 12/17! 
• 135 miles. No way I'll get 1700 miles for the yr, but 1650 may be doable. Update: yearly mi of 1648. Could of gotten that 1650, but also focusing on recovery in 18. 😉
  

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

• May, 2018. (Date TBD) Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 

What is everyone currently training for? Signed up for a race? New to running, or maintaining until a race peaks interest? Whatever it is, good luck to everyone with their training, keep kicking 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: December 24th, 2017

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season! Everyone getting their workouts and runs in during all the madness?

My week in running:

Monday: 5+ miles (45 min run). I had the day off. My last vacation day of the year. :(  Trail day! (Pennypack Creek) I packed by yaktrax. When I got to the trail, the parking lot and trail seemed to be clear of snow. Well, that was a lie! It's been sunny since Sat, but snow/ice along most of the trail. I should have worn them, was nervous/careful the entire way. Landing felt fine, but on launch I could feel some slippage. Despite the conditions, the pace felt good, definitely better than this past Saturday!

The water was a bit more active today with the snow melting: 

Tuesday: 4 miles after work. Temps today were a bit high, close to 60! Was 50 when I went out! If it was still daylight, I would have gone with short sleeves, in December! Overall, today felt pretty decent.

I only see daylight for a few minutes after work, but I do appreciate it.

Wednesday: 3.11 miles. My work from home day, lunch run!  The temp was 38, not bad. But prior to going out, I was feeling kind of cold. So I wore a t-shirt over my long sleeve. Well, it got warm quick. Ditched the gloves early. Run felt good, just a bit warmer than I was expecting.

Thursday: 4 miles. Tired after a long day at work. Definitely wasn't feeling it beforehand. But once I got going, it felt much better than expected.

Friday: 4.5+ miles (40 min) after work. Mild temps were nice. Some slight soreness in the shins, etc. Will hydrate, hopefully stretch as well.

Saturday: 7 miles at the trail. I saw in the forecast that there may be some rain. Woke up at my normal time, and yup, there was rain. Saw there may be a break in the rain from 8-10. Had my coffee, light breakfast, water. Took my time getting to the trail, was there by 7:45. I was the only car in the parking lot! Usually packed by this time! The rain was misty at first and cleared up most of the way. I dressed warm, backup shoes, headphones, no glasses just in case. Being the only one there most of the way was nice! I fueled at the 50 min mark, even though I was only going a bit more, but wanted to stay in routine. My quads were feeling it a bit towards the end, but happy overall. I did see a few more people towards the end. 

Sunday: 1 mile. rest day, one for the streak. streak day 701. Posting the blog a day early. Have to hit the road for an early holiday party. I promise to run and add pics. ;)  update: I ran as promised! Off to party soon, have a happy and safe one!

This was week 1 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Am using the below training program: 

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

December goals:

• Have fun! No race training for a few more weeks, enjoy the trail when you can and do whatever I want! Update: calculated days till race day. 14 week training plan started 12/17! 
• 135 miles. No way I'll get 1700 miles for the year, but 1650 may be doable. 

Future races registered for/considering:

• 03/24/18 - Phillies 5k. Have never done races back to back, already registered for the Love Run, but would hate to miss the Phillies 5k. "Free" baseball tickets!  2017 review here!
• 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

• May, 2018. (Date TBD) Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 

What is everyone currently training for? Signed up for a race? New to running, or maintaining until a race peaks interest? Whatever it is, good luck to everyone with their training, keep kicking 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

Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia race 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!"

(all photo's in this post are from hotchocolate15k.com)

Hi Everyone!

I am excited to announce that I have registered for America's Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15k Philadelphia! April, 7th, 2018.

Over the last couple years, this race has certainly peaked my interest, especially this past year. I have been much more involved in social media with running, and have seen so much excitement regarding this race series across the country, definitely wanted to give it a go the next time around!

I have run for beer on more than one occasion, run for bacon on another, but running for chocolate sounds like a pretty sweet deal! 

Race map: 2017 map below. '18 to be posted at a later time. 

Training Program:

They have a 12 week training program available on their site, available here! According to my calculations, 12 weeks starts on January 15th 2018!

Swag:

This sweet tech pullover!

The medal: all about that bling! A chocolate candy bar medal and a Liberty Bell key chain!

And of course, Hot Chocolate, as well as goodies to dip in chocolate!

Free Photo's: Don't you hate those constant emails to buy $30 photos? And let's be honest, I look like garbage in the majority of mine. Well, extra incentive to look ahead for photographers and put on that best smile! Free photo's!

Come join me on April 7th, 2018 for the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k! Register for either race below. And be sure to use code “BRHCPHILLY18” to score a BONUS Hot Chocolate branded cap!

https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia

If you can't do Philly, there are plenty of other exciting cities to check out this spring! Be sure to check out my discount page from the main menu for that free cap code for the other locations!

San Francisco	1/7/2018
Houston	1/28/2018
Dallas	2/3/2018
Atlanta	2/4/2018
Charlotte	2/10/2018
Nashville	2/17/2018
Seattle	3/4/2018
San Diego	3/18/2018
Indianapolis	3/24/2018
Philadelphia	4/7/2018
Minneapolis	4/14/2018

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

Medal Monday!

Happy Medal Monday!

Since I've been blogging, I've been working on doing a post per medal from my medal display. Finally done!

In order by distance:

G|H Railroad Run (4k): 09/07/15. Review here.

Phillies (5k): April 2016/2017. Review here. 

Runners World: Half weekend (5k): 10/21/17. Review here.

Superhero Showdown (10k): 6/18/16. Review here. 

Broad Street Run (10 miler): 5/7/17. Review here.

Army Ten Miler: 10/8/17. Review here. 

Rock N Roll Philly (13.1): 09/18/16. Review here.

Rocky Balboa Italian Stallion Challenge (13.1): 11/12/16 Review here. 

Philly Love Run (13.1): 3/26/17 Review here.

Rock N Roll Philly (13.1): 9/17/17 Review here.

Philadelphia Marathon (26.2): 11/19/17 Review here.

That's it for my medal collection, for now! Will be grabbing a few early spring '18!

To view all race reviews, including non-medal races, check them out here. 

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: December 17th, 2017.

Hi Everyone!

How's everyone doing with their training during the holiday season?? Such a busy/exciting time of yr. Hope everyone has a happy holiday!

My week in running:

Monday: 5 miles. Day off from work, able to hit up the trail (Pennypack Creek)! Rare, slept in a bit, 7:15! No major plans till later, took my time getting ready. Temps hit 40 yesterday, snow around home was clear from the streets. Wasn't sure how the trail would be, packed the Yaktrax just in case. Glad I did. There were spots that were clear, but most of the way still had some type of snow. Mostly slush, but some packed ice, and a bit of powder. Felt safe, but definitely slowed down a bit, could feel the extra effort from calves up to the glutes.

New sign up, my rail trail has some history, woah! Rip. 

Birthday celebration #5 (or so). Dinner with my pops at Iron Abbey. Pic below is their sangria, and I had Stone Enjoy by IPA. Second pic is a Peanut Butter Bomb (a ganache)

Tuesday: 4 mi after work. First day back to work after a four day weekend, blah. After work, ran a couple errands first. Gets dark a few minutes out of work, so was definitely a night run! The hills got me today. Not sure if it was the extra effort from the snow runs, or the long day, but they got me. Will be sure to get some revenge on them at a later point. 

Wednesday: 3.11 mi. My work from home day, lunch time run! Today, was a bit chilly! Reports the wind chill could be in the teens to single digits! I'm sure we'll get a bunch of days like this through the season, but today was the first. First time busting out the running pants. Still trying to remember what temps, what layers, but I'm good in shorts 30 to high 20's. So. lunch time, ready to run! Still tight in some spots, and pants may have added to that, but wasn't bad. There were some points where wind was coming at me as going up hills, but got through it. Not sure what temp I'll need the face-mask, but was okay today. Guess the sun helped! ha!

Thursday: 5 miles after work. Wednesday night, it snowed about an inch. The roads were clear by the time I got out of work, but several sidewalks were untouched or icy. I was forced to stick to the streets. My neighborhood route involves some zigzagging, then followed by a big loop around, had to cut out that loop. Found my self doing straightaways back and forth and then moving on to the next block. This felt good early, and was able to maintain. Cutting out the sidewalk loop portions also cut out some of the worse hills!   

Friday: 5k before work. I woke up early, before 5. Tossed and turned for a few and then started thinking about running. That's it, I'm up! Had my coffee, did a short workout and then head out around 6. The wind chill was around 20, but felt good. Did more straightaways, but was able to incorporate a couple hills at the end.  

Below pics of the sunrise are flash vs no flash: 

Saturday: 8 miles. It snowed Friday afternoon into early evening. The township wasn't prepared for as much as we got. I had to choose between slushy and ice roads or the trail, which would still have all the snow. Went to the trail. Still not on a training plan for a few days, so went with no real agenda. But knew I wanted to do more than 5. Got to the trail after 9, the ranger didn't drive by yet to leave any tracks, plenty of powder, but surprisingly other morning people there already, plenty of footsteps already compacted some of the snow. It was a yaktrax day for sure. Tried to do a steady 8:45 for half marathon pace, but that went out the door quickly, definitely extra effort due to the snow. My trail is just over 2.75 in each direction, park my car in the middle, passed it at 5.5, stopped to hydrate, fuel, considered leaving, but got a second wind to do a few more. Snow running is fun at first, but it is work! 

I recently wrote a review of Yaktrax pros, if you are active in the snow, check it out here. 

Stopped at one of the bridges I pass by and shot a vid from the other side of the water. I never go on that side of the bridge, but found some more trails to explore. Not sure if they are suitable for running or geared more towards hiking. Will explore more in the spring. 

Sunday: rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 694. Most of the snow has melted from the streets, a couple spots of ice on the sidewalks still. Either they didn't get enough sun, or the people did a lousy job shoveling. Was clear most of the way except a few houses. Was a brisk 28 degrees, but 80% humidity. At least we have that going for us. haha.. 

December goals:

• Have fun! No race training for a few more weeks, enjoy the trail when you can and do whatever I want! Update: calculated days till race day. 14 week training plan starts 12/17! 
• 135 miles. No way I'll get 1700 miles for the year, but 1650 may be doable. 

Future races registered for/considering:

• 03/24/18 - Phillies 5k. Have never done races back to back, already registered for the Love Run, but would hate to miss the Phillies 5k. "Free" baseball tickets!  2017 review here!
• 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

• May, 2018. (Date TBD) Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review here. 

What is everyone currently training for? Signed up for a race? New to running, or maintaining until a race peaks interest? Whatever it is, good luck to everyone with their training, keep kicking 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