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Monday, November 26, 2018

Weekly Running Update: November 25, 2018

Hi Everyone!

How's everyone's fall training going? Any races before winter, which one(s)?

Last week was the Philly Marathon, this was a rest to recovery week for me.

My Week in Training:

Monday: 1 mile. Day off from work to recover from the Philadelphia Marathon. Hurting a bit everywhere. Stairs are definitely the enemy. Eventually head out to do a loop around the neighborhood. Run streak day 1 miler. Run Streak day 1,031. Hydration, stretching, and taking it easy remainder of the day.
Tuesday: 2 miles before work. Ankle a bit tender still. Slight soreness overall (calves, quads, hips). Took my time getting ready. Foam roll and out the door a few min after 6.
Wednesday: 2 miles before work. Ankle making progress, still slow going up/down stairs, especially in the morning. Slight soreness overall, but getting better.
Thursday: 3.11 miles. Happy Thanksgiving! (to those who celebrate) Definitely not race day ready for a Turkey Trot, but got a 5k done. Just a bit chilly out there! Wind chill 10! First day of the season wearing tights. Brisk air had me starting out a bit fast, but bought it back down to my normal pace. Not fully recovered, but getting back to "normal"

A couple hours of yard work before family time.
Friday: 3.11 miles before work. Another brisk day! Warmed up fairly quickly, but could of used my ninja mask (bavaclava)  for a bit.
Saturday: 5 miles. "Long" run day, yay! Well, not long yet. May be a couple weeks before I resume 10+ milers. But trail day, yay! My first time back at my trail since before NYC! Had plans later in the morning, had to be done, home, and ready to leave by 9. Well, no problem! At the trail  shortly after sunrise. Weather "warmed up" a few degrees. My trail Pennypack Creek. Park at Welsh and Terwood Rd. Did the side to Byeberry Rd and back. This side is more wooded along the creek. Minimal incline with a slight hill at the end. Started out much faster than I should have (7:15) and took a few min to resume "normal" pace. Not 100%, but pushed it around 8:10 pace and faded towards the end. Felt great to be back at my trail. Look forward resume spending weekends here.
Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the run streak. Run Streak day 1,037. Unfortunately, since I had plans yesterday, today was yard work day. 3 hrs of yard work, a few more weeks of fall leaves.
Total weekly miles: 17 miles
Total weekly strength training: 60 min
Misc: (yard work) 6 hrs.

Fall Schedule:
With the conclusion of the NYC and Philly Marathons, my fall schedule has concluded as well. I may squeeze in a fun run before winter, will be sure to let you know!

Spring Schedule 

03.31.19 - The Love Run! Love the Love Run Philadelphia half marathon! Check out my review from last yr, here. 

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 ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Start Spreading The News! My NYC Marathon Review!


Hi Everyone!

It's been a couple weeks, sorry for the delay.

I can't say enough about this race, it was simply amazing!

Background: last year was my first marathon in Philly. I was scheduled to do Philly once again this year. Thinking I'd do Philly one more time before I venture outside of my area. Well, the lottery came up. Only a 15% chance of getting in on your first try. I follow people that have tried multiple times with no success. No way I'll get in on my first try, might as well throw my name in the hat, after multiple attempts you are eventually guaranteed a spot down the road. The week they announced it, I was on vacation, a mini spending spree, last thing I expected was a $300 charge. Well, guess what?! Time to start making plans!

Expo: Held at the Jacob J. Kavits Convention Center. Went to the expo at approx 1 pm on Saturday, Nov 3rd. The bib and shirt pickup process was very efficient. Only a handful of people ahead of me.
 
Once bib and shirt pickup was complete, you are shuffled through the New Balance area. All of the official marathon clothing is by New Balance. Area was packed! Started to look at a few items, but the crowds were backing up. After the New Balance area, before entering the rest of the expo, there's a couple cardboard cutouts to take pics.
 
Entering the remainder of the expo. It was a mob scene! Wanted to check out a few of the stands, but the isles were a bit crazy. Did see some of my favorite brands were there, Aftershokz and Oofos. There were all sorts of clothing, shoe, nutrition, smoothie, energy gels/bars stands there as well. You could also grab a sip of beer from the Michelob Ultra stand.

After the expo, started to hydrate and was sure to carb load that evening. Went to bed early, but barely slept a wink.

Race day:

Scheduled race time of 10:40. Was scheduled to take the 8:00 am ferry from Whitehall to Staten Island. I arrived at the ferry at 7:30. May have been able to get on that ferry if I was a min sooner and prepared to rush. Got on the 7:45 ferry. Glad I did. There was ample space on the ferry. After the ferry, you are shuttled to the start area. The ferry may have had space, but the shuttle area was backed up from previous ferries.  On the ferry, I pretty much kept to myself, but met several nice people while waiting for the shuttle. Shuttle to the starting area. Security check point before entering. Plenty of security to feel safe. Walk through metal detectors, throwaway bags are checked. Signs there are 2,000 portable toilets up ahead if you need to make one last stop. There was also coffee, Gatorade, water, and bagels before you head to your corral. I left my hotel at 7, felt like I was only at the starting area for 15 minutes before go time.
Starting area: DJ and MC getting everyone amp'ed up. A brief intro. National anthem is performed before each wave. And then a cannon to start the race!

Map:
Not familiar with all of the boroughs, don't want to downplay one borough over another.
Image from tcsnycmarathon
Staten Island: You don't see much of Staten Island. We were shuttled through a small neighborhood from the ferry to the starting area. Verrazano Narrows Bridge: the race starts out on the bridge. It's the most elevation of the day, so they say. You just don't feel it yet due to fresh legs and the adrenaline. Starting out, it was packed, as to be expected. I started out near the median. Two things.. some people were hopping up on the median to take pics. Other thing, there was cop cars in my lane, wouldn't see them through the crowd until the last min and had to merge. Don't mind the security, just that I didn't see them until the last second. (I think they were also there to make sure no one was urinating off the bridge, apparently that used to be an issue).

Elevation map:
Image from tcsnycmarathon
Brooklyn: Coming of the bridge into Brooklyn, you start to feel the party! Over a million spectators across the city, you start to see that as soon as you come down that bridge! DJ's, bands, and fans welcome you!

Queens: crowd support was still amazing, rolling along the party.

My race: don't stray from your plan. Well, I definitely strayed a bit. Fresh legs and adrenaline, I was going with what felt good. Knew I would have to slow down at some point, but didn't. Wrong move Joe. After about mile 10, sore ankle, not sure if I kicked it, tripped or something, and then cramps set in. My left ankle was bothering me, and then my right foot was cramping (starting with toes). Started drinking everything I could. (also unlike my training, usually only do a few sips every 5 miles). Started to feel sick for a bit. Tried the walk a min, jog a mile method for a bit.

The crowds were so encouraging. As I head into the next big bridge (Queensboro Bridge), definitely had some doubts. But once through the bridge, fans were there to pick us back up.

Bronx: there's another bridge just before the Bronx (Willis ave Bridge). Made it through. The Bronx was so welcoming and they must know about that dreaded wall. Crowds cheering. "Welcome to the Bronx!" So many people handing out snacks, gels, glide, etc. Just before leaving the Bronx, I remember an older gentleman cheering us on and saying, now get outta here! Loved it. Harlem was just as welcoming.

Manhattan: a short bridge before heading in. Passed by a couple runners that were saying the hills weren't as bad as the Baltimore marathon two weeks ago. Remind me to not do that one. (I kid, hills are good for you, right?) The scenery starts to change a bit in Manhattan, bigger buildings, a few less people, but the party is still going. They know we're getting through the wall and offer plenty of encouragement. You start to see Central Park, but you still have about 5k to go. Central Park is packed with crowds. You see some of the park, but not much. Unfortunately, the crowd thins out a bit around mi 25. 25-26 is the cheer zone seats $, Right around mi 26, there is a turn to brief ramp, the side of the ramp has a curb. Almost didn't see that. Yikes!

26.2 miles, we made it! An MC is welcoming everyone, congratulating everyone. A few names/countries are announced.

Volunteers checking on everyone. Handed your medal. Shuffled along to get your cape and recovery bag. Fruit, granola bars, protein drink, Gatorade, water. No fancy pic here, I was beat!
After the finish line, seemed like a 2 mi walk to either the poncho or bag check area. The bag check people had to walk a bit further. After the poncho pickup, another mi walk to the family meetup area. Maybe exaggerating, but felt like walking to the end and back of the park took forever.

Misc:
Security and volunteers: 53k participants and over a million spectators. The coordination and support from the security and volunteers was overwhelming. Would like to thank them for their support.

Portable toilets: would think there would be long lines for a race of this magnitude, nope, more than enough at the starting area and throughout.

Music: I always run with headphones on. The crowd support, DJ's and Band's, could barely hear my playlist without blasting it, which I chose not to so I could hear my surroundings. Not an issue, could still hear my pace as needed.

Swag:
Medal:
Shirt:
Poncho: if you elected the poncho option. (bag check or poncho). This thing definitely provides warmth and protection from the elements. We had excellent weather on race day, but this thing would come in handy if otherwise!
Overall: I strayed from my plan and suffered, affecting my pace as well, just glad to have completed it. Will not let my results dictate my opinion of the race. The race itself is simply amazing. So much positive energy. If you are going to do a marathon, this has to be on your list to do at some point.

Site and social:
Site: https://tcsnycmarathon.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nycmarathon
Twitter: @nycmarathon
IG: https://www.instagram.com/nycmarathon/

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

Monday, November 19, 2018

Weekly Running Update: November 18, 2018

Hi Everyone!

It's been a couple weeks since NYC.. I think I'll do another marathon? The Philadelphia Marathon!

My Week in Training:

Monday 4 miles before work. Sunday was rest day, but was also a late Philadelphia Eagles game. Was up way past my bed time. Up till at least 11:30, and up before my alarm on Monday. Not as tired as expected. Foam rolled before I head out. Weather getting a bit chilly this week, the brisk air felt great!
Tuesday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the run streak. Run streak day 1,025. Poured overnight. Last night, the forecast showed it may end by 6, well, it didn't. Was still coming down hard when I got up, but lightened up a bit. Wasn't looking forward to stepping out, but wasn't bad once I did.
Wednesday: 3.11 miles before work. Went to bed early, up before my alarm. Took my time getting ready. Foam rolled.Out the door before 6. Legs starting to feel a bit fresh. First mile was under 8 most of the way, reduced to a comfortable pace after the hills. Felt pretty good overall.
Thursday: 1 mile Rest day. One for the run streak. Run Streak day 1,027. There was a possibility that today would be my last streak day. Had a eye dr appointment on Tuesday. They said I may have a retina tear and had an appointment today to verify. No symptoms, but high anxiety. Obviously my eyes are more important than missing a couple weeks of running, but feeling relatively healthy, was definitely caught off guard. Did my scheduled mile, pushed a bit hard. Also did a few min of yard work after. Dr appointment, no tear, maybe eventually down the road due to my level of astigmatism, but good for now!
Friday: 1 mile before work. Thursday, forecast of a coating to an inch. They lied! Snowed all afternoon, changing to rain/wintry mix overnight. First Yaktrax run of the season! Mush most of the way, good to have these on just in case!
Saturday: 2 miles. Relaxed pace. Hydrated like heck, Epsom salt bath, and foam rolled.
Sunday: 26.2 miles?! The Philadelphia Marathon! Sorry, kept this one under wraps. Before NYC, I was already planning a spring marathon, but after NYC, I couldn't wait that long. I strayed from my plan in NYC and suffered from it, driving me nuts. I monitored my recovery, signed back up for Philly before the deadline. Still monitoring recovery going in, prepared for a "no go" if something came up. More details to follow in a race day recap!
Marathon Training Program: image from Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
marathon training program
Two weeks between NYC and Philly Marathons: Image from Hal Higdon:

Total weekly miles: 38 miles
Total cross training: 20 min (taking it "easy" this week)


Fall Schedule: 
With the TCS NYC Marathon/and Philly Marathon coming to it's conclusion, so does my race schedule. Depending on how recovery goes, may squeeze in a fun run in before winter. Will be sure to let you know! 

Spring Schedule 

03.31.19 - The Love Run! Love the Love Run Philadelphia half marathon! Check out my review from last yr, here. 

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 ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G 

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Weekly Running Update: November 11, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well. Anyone training for or doing any races? Which ones?

This was a "recovery week" from the New York City Marathon. Taking it "easy"for a couple days, and trying to get back to "normal".

My week in training:

Monday: 1 mile. Monday, the day after the NYC Marathon. Just a bit sore, everywhere. Got a good foam roll in before starting my travel home from NYC. Once home, a stroll around the neighborhood for the run streak.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles. Day off from work. Stairs are still the enemy. Foam rolled and head out. Was going for 2, but felt decent enough for 3. The misty rain was also refreshing. Still a bit tight. Calves, quads, hips. I wouldn't say I'm feeling better, but also did half off the yard work in the afternoon.
Wednesday: 5 miles before work. Foam rolled. Head out looking to do 4-5, hills weren't fun, but was ok as I head into 4 to 5. After work, I was heading out and ran downstairs without thinking about it. Stairs are less of an enemy. Did the other half of yard work.
Thursday: 1 mile before work. Rest day, one for the streak. Run streak day 1,020.
Friday: 4 miles before work. Still not adjusted to daylight savings. Up an hr before my alarm. Took my time getting ready, foam rolled and out the door around 6.
Saturday: 5 miles. long run day? not yet. Will get some miles in today, but not back to doing long runs yet. Foam rolled and did 5 miles at comfortable pace around the neighborhood. Usually do my trail on Saturday's, but no time for that today.
Off to Citizens Bank Park for the Alzheimer's walk. Walking for a great cause.
After the walk, stopped by a nearby trail to do a "hike". Wissahickon Valley Park. The main path is a gravel road, didn't get too technical, only did a small side trail. Will be back, the park has over 50 miles of trails to walk/hike.
(my IG for a few more park pics)
After the park, did more yard work. Everyone loves the fall foliage, well, it all lands in my yard, about 25 bags of leaves between Nov/Dec. No long run day, but got some miles and work in. (25k+ steps)

Sunday: 1 mile. "Rest" day, one for the run streak. Run streak day 1,023. Comfortable mile around the neighborhood. For the most part. Construction sign on the sidewalk, almost rolled my ankle hopping down into the street. Will also be doing another hr or so of yard work, blah. lol... Will eventually try to rest on this rest day.

Total weekly miles: 20
Total cross training: 0 (taking it "easy" this week)


Fall Schedule: 
With the TCS NYC Marathon coming to it's conclusion, so does my race schedule. Depending on how recovery goes, may squeeze in a fun run in before winter. Will be sure to let you know!

Spring Schedule 

03.31.19 - The Love Run! Love the Love Run Philadelphia half marathon! Check out my review from last yr, here. 

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 ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

TCS NYC Marathon Training Week 20 - Weekly Running Update: November 4, 2018


Hi Everyone!

How's everyone's training going? Any recent races or one coming up, which one?

Sorry, my weekly post is a couple days late. Was a bit busy this past weekend!

The big week! 20 weeks of training, done! 

My week in running:

Monday: 5 miles before work. Sunday was rest day, and I got plenty of rest! Relaxed majority of the day. Could of used a few more minutes sleep, but up before my alarm. Coffee, light work-out, stretch, and out the door by 6. Comfortable run, made a point to not over do it going through the hills or after.
Tuesday: 1 mi before work. Rest day, one for the streak. Run Streak day 1,011. Light workout and run around the neighborhood before work. Arrg!
Wednesday: 3.11 miles before work. Met a new lady friend after my run. :)
Thursday: 1 mile before work. Rest day, one for the streak. Run streak day 1,013. Watch out for the wolf man! Last halloween selfie, i promise. Decor is down. lol
Friday: 2 miles before work.
Saturday: 1 mile before a road trip to NYC!
Sunday: 26.2+ miles! The TCS NYC Marathon! One pic below, race day details will be in a separate post.
This was week 20 of of marathon training, using the below plan. 
Scheduled to do this week: 
Miles: scheduled miles  38 / completed 39
Strength Training(planks/crunches/leg raises/weights: scheduled min 0/completed 45
To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
marathon training program
Fall Schedule: 
With the TCS NYC Marathon coming to it's conclusion, so does my race schedule. Depending on how recovery goes, may squeeze in a fun run in before winter. Will be sure to let you know!

Spring Schedule 

03.31.19 - The Love Run! Love the Love Run Philadelphia half marathon! Check out my review from last yr, here. 

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 ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G 

Friday, November 2, 2018

Runner's World 5k/10k race results are in! Claimed on Athlinks!

Hi Everyone! 

On October 19th, I ran the 5k and 10k at the Runner's World Half festival, had a blast! Race review here!

Since race day, the results have been released and available to Athlinks! I made sure to log into my Athlinks account and claim my results! Check out my full Athlinks review, here. 
Athlinks is a great tool, has all of your race results in one central location! Great for tracking progress. You can also fill out your schedule ahead of time and see where your friends are running! Checking out my schedule, looks like I have one more fall race. hmmm... And I'll be sure to claim those race results as well!
Athlinks site and social:
Sign up here!: https://www.athlinks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/athlinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlinks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Athlinks/

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