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 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

Weekly Running Update: March 4th, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone's training is going well!

A few vaca days for me, but got my long run in!

My week in running: 

Monday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Did my Monday run on Sunday and Sunday's run today. Travel day, didn't get a good night's sleep, always up a few times thinking about the day to come. Up early, worked out, stretch and out the door by 6:15.

Tuesday: 3.11 miles. Some different conditions for a few days. Clearwater, Fl. Nearby path was nice and smooth, a few slight inclines, but nothing to worry about. Ran around the Phillies stadium, Spectrum field, and practice facilities! For more baseball pics, check out my IG!

Wednesday: 5 miles. A bit tired to start. A day of sun and a few beverages may do that. A repeat of Tues route, but a bit further. Found a trail at the end, would have kept going, but not sure if it would loop back to where I needed. Planned for 4, passed my hotel at 4.5, kept going to round it out to 5. 

Thursday: 14 miles. Long run day, on a Thu? Sleep issues. Next vaca with fam, will definitely not room with someone that snores! Anyway. Wanted to checkout the causeway at some point. Figured since I have time and weather back home may be unpredictable on Saturday, would do this week's long run today. Poor planning. No protection against chafing, fuel, or hydration. Was a tough run with the heat, but beautiful views.

Friday: 3.11 miles. Usually do a rest day after long run day, but wanted to keep rest day to Sunday. Could still feel yesterday's run, but a smooth run around the hotel block x 2. Scheduled to travel home Friday, but  did not look promising. 

Saturday: 5 miles. Turns out, doing my long run Thu was the right thing to do! Friday's flight ended up getting cancelled, just wish it was cancelled before we checked out, returned our car, and went through tsa, etc.. Stayed at a nearby airport hotel. Short blocks, too many street lights, kept this run indoors. Saturday's run was at the hotel gym. Treadmills had a preset time limit of 30 min, had to do two runs to get 5 mi in. Also took advantage of the gym. Crunches, planks, curls/tri extensions, chest press. Traveled home Saturday night.  

Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for streak. Streak day 771. Knew it would be cooler out, but didn't fully dress. Lack of hat and gloves was enough incentive to not take my time. Smooth run around the block. Still some snow on the ground and plenty of debris from Fri's wind storm.

This was week 11 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!  Assuming I win the lottery! (guess what, I did!) Love this race! 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