Race Review: Love the Philadelphia Love Run

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well!

A short background on this run.. My first half was in late summer of '16, the Rock N Roll Philly. Hooked right away, but needed to improve techniques, Rocky Run 13.1 challenge that fall (my unofficial 13.1 PR)! And after that, needed something to train for through winter, the Love Run (my official half PR)! Thoroughly enjoyed the Love Run in '17, and signed up immediately after for 2018. Seems like forever since my last race in Nov, but also can't believe spring race season is here!

Training: I use the below training program. Pulled from Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans. 

Back to the Love Run

Expo: Sorry, I skipped the expo. But I hear there were plenty of great vendors and race stands. And Bart Yasso was at the Philly Marathon stand taking plenty of photo-ops!

Parking: public transportation is encouraged. Private message me if you want to know a good lot near the museum.

Course and Elevation: the race starts in front of the museum, down the parkway, around city hall, and through the city for a bit. Flat to this point. Back to the museum. Down to the left, 76 side of the Schuykill River. Flat. Until Strawberry bridge! (175 ft accent around mi 8) Up the bridge, across, up and around the mansion, and back down. To the left side of the river for a bit, before heading back to the museum. Of course the last .25 has an incline! 

(image from Love Run web site)

My race:
Don't do anything new on race day. Well, first thing, I never sleep well before race day. Set my alarm to get up early for my morning routine, but I'm always up way before that! During the race, I was also thinking about tangents for a bit, trying to reduce the extra mileage that I tend to do. Next.. I knew I wanted to hang between pacers. Ahead of mine, and just behind the next one. Race time.. was hanging with that pace for a bit, but of course I get impatient with the wall of people surrounding that. Feeling trapped, I go ahead a bit. Hung with the group ahead for a while..until Strawberry Mansion. That's where I started to feel it. Pacer behind me passed, thought I may catch up after the down slope from the mansion. Nope! Hanging.. Still ahead of my goal pace. But looking back often for the next pacer. The last mile I knew I still had a chance to PR. Pushed through. Maybe a bit too hard. Past the finish line and... A few min to the side to collect myself, but was ok. PR!

Swag:
Love the Love Mug!

Medal: It's a heavy duty medal!
Beer: There was a beer tent hosted by Yards Brewing Co, and a free beer. (not pictured below). It was really cold out after the cool down, and the line to the tent was like a block long. We opted to stop at Conshohocken Brewing. It is conveniently located off of 76 just outside of the city, and they make excellent beer.

Shirt: Is a bit snug, but love it! 

Pictures: Free pics! I will provide an update once posted. 

The Love Run is a great winter goal to train for. Definitely recommend!

Their info below:
Site: https://www.motivrunning.com/the-love-run/
Twitter: @LOVERUNPHILLY
IG: @loverunphilly

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: March 25th, 2018

Hi Everyone!

My spring race season has finally kicked off! Week 14 of half marathon training, week ending with the Philadelphia Love Run!

Goal for the week: taper, rest, stretch, and hydrate!

Monday: 4 miles after work. Foam rolled last night. Hydrated well at work. Spring-like weather today. Concentrated more on breathing, felt great most of the way!

Tuesday: 1 mile. On my lunch break? I knew there was a chance of snow today, but have been in a bit of denial. First day of spring! Probably should have gotten a run in before work. After I got to work I heard more of the snow chatter.. Forecast is 8-13 inches from afternoon to tomorrow night! The flurries just started on my lunch break. I am fortunate enough to be able to go home for about 30 min on my lunch. Got my run in! Don't think I could go much further without being late, but today is a scheduled rest day anyway. The snow started, and some freezing rain. Incentive to get it done in a hurry! Tomorrow should be interesting!

Wednesday: 4 miles. Early! Still a forecast of 8-12. Got up early. Just a coating of ice on the sidewalks. Streets were mostly clear. Still wore the yaktrax just in case! Was definitely a bit tired throughout, and the yaktrax require a bit more effort. Done before the storm resumed!

Thursday: 1 mile before work. Rest day, one for the streak. We did get plenty of snow yesterday! Shoveled several rounds. The snow was almost done when heading to bed, but wanted to get up early just in case we had to shovel out. Up early, snow wasn't that bad. The streets were plowed and salted, but Yaktrax were still needed. Definitely got some funny looks from my neighbors that were still digging their way out!

Friday: 1 mile after work. Rest day, one for the streak. The sun has been out for two days now! Streets are clear. Temp wasn't bad either. Started a bit fast and slowed it down a notch. 

Saturday: 2 mile taper. Smooth comfortable run, working on breathing, taking it easy, and thinking about tangents. 

Sunday: 13.1 miles. Race day! The Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. A bunch to say.. but will hold that till the race review. Should be out within a few days ;) 

This was week 14 of half marathon training. Using the training program below. 

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

Future races registered for:

• 04/07/18 - Hot Chocolate 15k/5k!! (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 race preview post here! 
• 04/14/18 - Newport Rhode Races! Half marathon. They have 5k, half, and full marathon options! Use code "BibRave" to save 10% on race entry!

runri.us/newport-race-info/

Check out my race preview post here! 

• 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run! This is definitely a fav! My 2017 review 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

Weekly Running Update: March 18th, 2018

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well! 

Anyone do any St Paddy's day races? How'd they go? 

My race season starts next week!

My week in review: 

Monday: 5 miles after work. Daylight savings time change yesterday, blah! Coffee filled day at work. Wasn't exactly looking forward to getting out there afterwards, but no excuses. A light drizzle, was a bit chilly to start with, but warmed up. Toe issue from last Saturday's run starting to feel better. Still a bit tight overall. Foam rolled before relaxing for the evening.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Intentions of going to bed early last night, tired, but had another burst of energy before bed. Tuesday was another coffee filled day work, but not as bad as Monday. Foam rolled later that night.

Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day. Had a morning appt at my house sometime between 8-12. Was hoping earlier than later. Would hate for my lunch run to be affected! lol  Showed up after 10, done shortly after 11. Able to run at lunch, yay! I saw the temps were a bit chilly, but didn't notice the wind 20 mph gusts! Probably should of worn a pullover! The windy days never seem to blow in your favor, well, in my case anyway. Always against it up the hills! or so it seems!

Thursday: 3.11 miles. Early. On-call week, third shift called me at 4:15 am. Worked only for about 20 min, but by then there wasn't any point in going back to bed. Up. Worked out. What do my work outs include? Crunches, planks, leg raises, curls/tri extensions, butterflies. After that, out the door by 6. Wind chill 18, had some decent speed for a bit and then faded. One thing I didn't do right, wear reflective gear. 'Doh! It was dark, sun rise isn't till after 7! Be safe people, wear reflective gear when it's dark!

Friday: 4 miles after work. The temp wasnt that bad, but with the 20 mph wind, it was a bit chilly. Decent run with the hills, but can tell I should stretch for tomorrow. I try to foam roll just before I start relaxing for the evening, I started watching March Madness, and almost slacked on it, did get a stretch in. Will also be wearing KT Tape for the next week to help my shins a bit. 

Saturday: 6 miles. Long run day, let the tapering begin! Got up nice and early but took my time. Worked for a few minutes, coffee, hydrate, stretch, light breakfast, etc. At the trail (Pennypack Creek) around 7:30. My trail is 5.25 ish, park in the middle and either side of the trail is a bit different. Did the gradual incline side, to the end is about 2.5 ish, instead of doing the the other side of the trail for a few min decided to venture off the trail for .5. Through a neighborhood that has a good steep hill at the end, turn around after the hill and back to the trail. Last week the trail had plenty of snow, today the trail was nice and smooth, there was a small gap that had slick mud, but not that bad. 

Personal note of the week: Saturday was also St Paddy's Day. I'm sure many of you either raced and or celebrated the holiday. I may have celebrated, but I was celebrating March Madness! My bracket is not doing well, but I still enjoy watching as much madness as possible. I used to take off work to watch every minute of it! Also used to party the entire time. I may have partaken yesterday, but not as much as I used to. ;) Checked out a newer sports bar nearby, Crafty's! Would definitely recommend! Sorry, no pics of the awesome burger.  

Sunday: 1 mi. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 785. Must of been tired. Actually slept in past 7! Took my time getting ready. Coffee, some food prep for the week. Not out the door until 9:30 Was a bit cold to start, was definitely a motivator to get it over with once out there! Felt pretty good.

This was week 13 of half marathon training. Using the training program below. 
This upcoming week is taper and rest, will do my best to take rest, stretching and hydration seriously!

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 15k/5k!! (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 race preview post here! 
• 04/14/18 - Newport Rhode Races! Half marathon. They have 5k, half, and full marathon options! Use code "BibRave" to save 10% on race entry!

runri.us/newport-race-info/

Check out my race preview post here! 

• 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run! This is definitely a fav! My 2017 review 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 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

Weekly Running Update: March 11, 2018

Happy Sunday Funday all!

Hope everyone is doing well!

This was week 12 of my half marathon training. My spring races kick off in two weeks!

Question: has your race season kicked off yet or about to? What races?

My week in training:

Monday: 5 miles after work. Back from vaca, back to work. Blah. Not a bad day at work though. Hydrated, but could tell I haven't done hills in a few days, could also tell I need to stretch and foam roll. Tight.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Stretched and foam rolled, felt a bit better than yesterday, but still a bit tight. Will be sure to try to stretch some more. Key word try (to not slack on stretching).

Wednesday: 3.11 miles. early. Impending snow storm ahead. Decided to wake up a few min early to check it out. It wasn't bad yet. It's my normal work from home day, usually run at lunch. Figured I'd be shoveling later in the day, might as well try to get one in before work. The roads weren't too bad yet, mostly slushy. Wore my yaktrax just in case, usually wear extra layers when its raining/snowing. Definitely got warm fast! Shed the hat early. Gloves were on/off throughout. The terrain was manageable. But between hills and yaktrax requiring extra effort, it was a good workout!

Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. It did end up snowing pretty heavy yesterday, but finished up around 5pm. A full day of sun on Thursday. The roads were safe for the most part. Couldn't do my normal route because it's partially sidewalks along a busy road, and there's always a few sidewalks not shoveled. Back and forth each street in my neighborhood with a few repeated on the way back. Plenty of hills. Extra incentive today, happy hour afterwards!

One of my fav wing spots, Mad Mex! Half off wings/beer during happy hour. And occasional featured brewery special after happy hour!

Friday: 5 miles. early. Tossed and turned for a few minutes, up before my alarm, out the door by 6. More of the same route as Thursday. Did try part of the route that has sidewalks. Cussed at the houses that haven't shoveled. Tired, but had to be alert for black ice!

Saturday: Long run day! 10 miles. This was not a fun one. The roads may be clear (for the ost part), but not true for my trail. Pennypack Creek. The snow has been melting a bit each day, but refreezing at night. Could tell as soon as I got to the trail that it would be a Yaktrax run for sure. Started at the mid point of the trail. Did the side with the gradual incline first. About a mile into it, there was a barricade. Went around the barricade, abut 1/4 further, tree down. And another right after that. If I turned around, I would have to make up at least 3 elsewhere. Climbed over and proceeded. To that end and back, passed my car, failed to set water out to hydrate. 'Doh! To the other side of the trail with the hill at the end and back. I also failed to fuel. Think I was too busy watching my footing to think about fueling. On race day, I set reminders to fuel, I should do that on long run day as well. Of the 10 miles, it was probably 70% hard snow/ice. There were some occasional clear areas, but not much. There was also a few spots the ranger left some tire tracks, but not the entire way. Feel safe with the Yaktrax, but they definitely require extra effort. Also may have some new blisters from them, sorry if that's TMI. 

Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 778. I noticed early that one of my toes was bothering me from yesterday's run. Able to get through it though. Had to jump snow at a couple corners, and there was a small bridge that didnt have the sidewalk shoveled. Guess the business on one side and house on the other didn't feel the need to shovel a few more feet. Cussed at them both. ;)

This was week 12 of half marathon training. Using the training program below. 

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 15k/5k!! (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 race preview post here! 
• 04/14/18 - Newport Rhode Races! Half marathon. They have 5k, half, and full marathon options! Use code "BibRave" to save 10% on race entry!

runri.us/newport-race-info/

Check out my race preview post here! 

• 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run! This is definitely a fav! My 2017 review 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 Preview: Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Allstate 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!

It's been a few weeks since my original post.. As of today, 03/07/18, only a month to go! Still so excited to run America's Sweetest Race, the Allstate 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! 

If you check out my partner BibRavePro's post's, you'll see how exciting a race can be with the sweet taste of chocolate! I hear there's plenty of chocolate at the expo, and even some treats along the course!

What are other BibRavePro's experiencing with #HC15k/5k across the country?! Check out their race weekend experience's below!

Atlanta - Barking Mad 

Atlanta - Samantha  

Charlotte - Barking Mad 

Charlotte - RunNerd Girl 

Dallas - Jenna Runs

Nashville - Corey

Tampa - This Old Runner 

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia! The official map has been announced since my last post and is shown below! We'll see the Museum, a bit of the city, and the beautiful view of the Schuylkill River!

Training Program:

I am in the middle of a crazy race season. Will be doing a half program just before this. Allstate Hot Chocolate does provide a 12 week training program available on their site, they have also been so kindly sending email reminders of the upcoming week's plan each Sunday! 

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 Diego	3/18/2018
Indianapolis	3/24/2018
Philadelphia	4/7/2018
Minneapolis	4/14/2018

Now that I've signed up for the race, I'm going to head over to Athlinks to let my Athlink buddies know that I'm registered. This is my first 15k, will be a PR no matter the outcome, am looking forward to the sweet taste of accomplishment.

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