Showing posts with label trail running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trail running. Show all posts

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Weekly Running Update: April 29, 2018

Good morning Everyone!

Happy Sunday, hope all is well! Anyone have any races this past weekend or training for one? My next big race is the Broad Street Run (10 miler) next week, cant wait! Hope to see some of you there!

My week in training: 

Monday: 5 mi after work. At the trail! Long, coffee filled Monday at work. Not a bad day at work at all, just tired. Today's forecast was 70's and sunny! Been thinking about going to the trail after work more, and today was as good a day to do it! From the mid point of the trail, one side has a gradual incline, other has a big hill at the end. Did the side with the hill. Beautiful day at the trail. Could definitely sense spring is trying to come in!
trail run selfie 04.23.18
trail run 04.23.18
Tuesday: 3.11 mi after work. A bit cooler than yesterday with a chance of showers. 5k around my neighborhood, beat the rain! A bit tight up some of the hills. Hydrated and foam rolled afterwards. Also applied some KT Tape to my shins!
run selfie 04.24.18
Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day, lunch run! A hectic day at work. Was looking forward to stepping out for a few! Didn't care that it was raining! Dressed warm, the rain was not as cold as I expected, but it was refreshing!
run selfie 04.25.18
Thursday: 3.11 mi, early! Plans after work, set my alarm to get up early. Well, work decided to get me up earlier! My on-call week, worked for a few minutes. Stretched, worked out, and out the door before 6! Besides being early, legs felt the most fresh this week today!
run selfie 04.26.18
Friday: 4 mi after work. Grey and cooler today. Should have double checked the temps tho. 57 and humid, did not need the long sleeves! Also, so much for legs feeling fresh. Definitely had some tightness most of the way. Will be foam rolling tonight for sure!
run selfie 04.27.18
Saturday: 6 mi. Long run day, yay! Well, sorta. Week 13 of the training program is a 6 mi taper. Normal routine. Up early. Work a few minutes, coffee, light breakfast. Out the door by 7:15. I made sure that i checked the weather forecast today! Low 50 to start. Short sleeve shirt, but hat/gloves just in case. Did the opposite trail as Monday. Half the trail and back is 5.25 ish. Pleasant morning at the trail felt good to start, did feel a slow down along the inline, but no concerns. At the end had to add .75, off to a nearby neighborhood that has a steep hill, good challenge for this side. On to the trail an back, shaved a few seconds down incline. Glad I wore the short sleeves, only wore the hat a few minutes, got humid quick!
trail run selfie 04.28.18
trail pic 04.28.18
trail pic 04.28.18
Sunday: 1 mi. Rest day, one for the streak. A bit cooler this morning, mid 40's. Cool, smooth mile around the neighborhood. 
I recently used the below training program. One weekend to go and then the Broad Street Run. I am redoing week 6,13,14 between my last race and Broad Street. This was week 13.To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans
half marathon training program
Future races registered for:
  • 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 ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run!  Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Sunday, March 18, 2018

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




Sunday, February 18, 2018

Weekly Running Update: February 18th, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well!

My week in training:

Monday: 6.22 miles after work. Well rested, hydrated, and foam rolled Sunday. Hydrated Monday at work. Besides the afternoon drag, feeling somewhat fresh. Felt good for the most part. The sunset was pretty nice, may have gotten a few a nicer pick if I paused earlier, but didn't want to mess with momentum.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Hydrated and foam rolled last night. Ready to go after work. A bit chilly to start, warmed up pretty quickly. Worked on breathing and pacing with the cooler air. 
Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day! Lunch run! Sunny and 40 degrees. Wore an extra layer just to wear red? Silly me. Was definitely warm throughout! Besides that, a bit tight in the quads. Should definitely stretch before tomorrow's run!

Thursday: 3.11 miles before work. Errands planned for after work. Set the alarm nice and early. Workout and run done early! 
Friday: 5 miles after work. Hydrated well during the day. Felt good throughout. But to be honest, Friday runs I'm ususually thinking about what I have to do that evening and prep for tomorrow's long run! Run done. Time to prep for tomorrow, carbo load, hydrate, and stretch. Maybe relax for a few minutes! 
Saturday: long run day! 13.1 miles! As usual, set my alarm, up before that. Work for a few minutes to kill time. Coffee, light breakfast, at the trail (Pennypak Creekaround 7. The trail is 5.25 mi. Park in the middle. I could either do both sides back and forth (10.5) and then a bit more on one side. Or venture off the trail a bit. Today I ventured off. Did the side with the gradual incline first. At that end, left the trail to a nearby neighborhood. Went a bit further into the neighborhood than I have gone before. Found a hill to tackle. Went back and forth a couple times. Not sure where I was, but when I got to the main street saw a cool church. Snapped a couple pics and went back to the trail. Passed my car around mi 7 (usually 5.25). Hydrated a bit, fueled. Went to the other side of the trail, has a decent hill at the end, and ventured off a bit there as well to a nearby business complex. (still had to make up about .75). On my way back on the trail, stopped for a couple pics. That was a mistake! Was around mi 11, my body did not want to resume after that. Do not pause near the end of a long run, will lose all momentum! Should know this! My goal for the day,was to fade to about 8:45 pace, a bit passed that, but still happy with it. Shouldn't be too aggressive with long runs until race day. 
Sunday: Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 757. Saturday's weather was 30's and sunny. Was nice all day. There was a forecast of 2-4 inches of snow, but it was so nice out, it definitely didn't feel like a snow day. Guess what? It snowed! It came down pretty fast too. The temps are going back up today, the snow will be gone in a few hrs, but wasn't going to sit around and wait for it. Yaktrax day, done. 
This was week 9 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! My 2017 review 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, February 4, 2018

Weekly Running Update: February 4th, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well. Training wise and personally.

Another week of training in the books!

My week in review:

Monday: 5 miles after work. Sunday was rest day. Was well rested, stretched, and hydrated yesterday. Feeling energetic in the morning. Not as much after work, but still felt good.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles. Went to bed early Monday. Didn't set my alarm to get up early, but was hoping to get a good night rest and naturally wake up before my alarm.  Good night's rest and up early! Scheduled to snow after morning rush hour, got it in before work! I didn't stretch/foam roll last night, but felt OK, will make a point to tonight. Tuesday/Thu are also strength training days. Crunches, planks, curls, tricep extensions, push-ups done before heading out.
Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day, lunch run! I failed to foam roll again yesterday, but made a point to this morning. It was a bit colder out. Started out at a 5k race pace, with the cold air was practicing breathing, pace went a bit further than planned, decided to keep with it. Definitely a bit winded at points, but overall was my best 4 miler in a bit.
Wednesday also marked the end of the month. Feel good about the month overall. There was at least one rough long snow run in there, but got the miles in. Making more of a point to stretch and foam roll, getting it done for the most part, and think I feel a difference in recovery time. Will make a point to keep at it.
Thursday: 3.11 miles. Early. I didn't get up early on purpose, and it wasn't because I was well rested. Tossed and turned for a while, couldn't sleep. Worked out and foam rolled, out the door by 6. Went through the motions, felt decent.
Friday: 4 miles after work. A bit more well rested than Thursday. Well, almost slept till my alarm which is almost like well rested. Foam rolled in the morning, hydrated very well today at work. Noticed it a was a bit cooler out. Little reminder that it's still winter. Started out a bit faster than I wanted and kept with it a bit longer than I should have, noticed I was backing off towards the end and went with it. Shouldn't be overdoing it the day before "Long" run day.
Saturday: Long run day! But its the backing off distance long run. 7 miles. As always, woke up early. Checked out work to make sure all was clear before heading out. A bit of a mistake. Worked a bit longer than planned. Was up at 5:30, didn't get to the trail (Pennypack Creek) till 8:30. A bit chilly out, but prepared.  The trail is 5.25 mi, I park in the middle. Didn't want to do one side and back, then to the other for just a bit. Did the gradual incline side, at the end I headed off the trail into a nearby neighborhood for a bit. Didn't want to get lost, did about 1 mi over there. Head back to the midpoint parking lot, turn around for another .5 and back. The temps weren't an issue, but the gravel was pretty solid from the temps, not as soft as usual. One thing I didn't do right, fuel. I try to fuel around the 45-50 min mark. Realized it a few min later and skipped it. Need to do better on shorter long runs, don't want to 'forget' the fueling that my body is used to (tolerates). 
Sunday: 6 miles. I usually do rest day, streak day on Sunday.. But Saturday was a shorter long run day and the Superbowl is today. Going to flip today and tomorrow's runs. Hydrated and foam rolled yesterday. Well rested, up early this morning, worked out and to the trail by 7:30. Did the opposite trail as yesterday, less gradual incline with a hill at the end. Parking lot to end and back is just over 5.25, had to add a bit in somewhere. At the end there is a business complex that has a loop, ignore the no trespassing/clients only signs, back  on trail and back. Another .2 to make up near the end on a side shoot. Temps weren't an issue, done before the possible precipitation in a bit. Overall felt pretty good.  



Superbowl Sunday! I know I have at least a few Pats frenemies today. Hope it's a close gm with an Eagles win. #FlyEaglesFly! Not sure of my complete #Craftbeer lineup, but there will be Nugget Nectar!

This was week 7 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 5k/15k!! (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 do have 5k and full marathon options as well! 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! My 2017 review 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, January 28, 2018

Weekly Running Update: January 28th, 2018

Happy Sunday Funday All! Hope everyone is doing well!


My week in running: 

Monday: 6.22 miles after work. Definitely had a case of the Monday's. Yesterday I did 4 hrs yard work, and later enjoyed adult beverages while watching football. Back and shoulders hurt this morning, and overall tiredness at work. Scheduled for 50 min run, was not looking forward to it. Besides the hills, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Later Monday night, I did foam roll.
Tuesday: 3.11 miles after work. Tues/Thu is also strength training day. Crunches, planks, curls, tri extensions, push-ups before work. I didn't go to bed early as planned Monday, but still much more well rested that the day before. Felt good on the run. 


Tuesday, January 23rd, also marked the anniversary of a snow storm two years ago. I remember it well, it started overnight and went almost all day. My previous run streak was in the 20's and I will always remember how angry I was the next day when I restarted my streak.


Wednesday: 4 miles. I failed to foam roll last night, I foam rolled this morning. Wednesday is my work from home day, lunch run done! Cooler weather than the past few days, but not an issue. Glad to at least be able to see the sun! The run felt good overall. I did run into some obstacles along the way. The road outside of my neighborhood is pretty busy, a section of the sidewalk was under construction! Had to wait a few for cars to go by to get on the street. Next obstacle, a car coming out of a driveway looked one way but not the other. Glad I was able to get their attention! Last obstacle, a trash truck stopping at a local business blocked the sidewalk as well! had to wait a few for cars to go by! A few annoyances, but still enjoyed my run today!
Thursday: 3.11 miles after work. Felt good, but shins were a bit tight. Should hydrate and stretch. I did foam roll, but could have done better stretching the shins.
Friday: 4.5 mi+ (40 min). Saw the sunset last night, sun rise this morning. That wasn't planned. Woke up early, tossed and turned for a minute, and then the thought set in "oh hey, if you get up now you can get that run in before work!". Up before 5, out the door by 6. A bit cooler out, trying to take it easy for tomorrow's long run. Felt decent overall. Towards the end of my run... saw a skunk! it was maybe 20 ft from me! I went to the other side of the street and it just waddled away! So often when I see an animal at night I wonder if its a cat, skunk, or whatever. It was definitely a skunk. Sorry, no photo-op. lol Will try to hydrate during the day, stretch/foam roll tonight before bed. Did end up drinking at least 5+ waters and foam rolled to be somewhat fresh for tomorrow's long run.


Saturday: Long run day! 11 miles! Plans later in the day, set my alarm just in case, but of course, up before my alarm! Worked for a few minutes. Got ready to leave, couldn't find a glove! Went crazy, but I found it! At the trail (Pennypack Creek) by 7:30. A bit cool to start, but not an issue, the trail was a bit solid though. Trail is 5.25 mi. Park in the middle. Knew I would have to make up .5 somewhere, wasn't sure where I would do it yet, there are some side shoots I should check out more often. Out and back on the more gradual incline side first, went well. On the way back there was a railroad crossing that was in progress, ran in circles for a min or two. Passed my car at the mid point, failed to hydrate. ('doh!) After the parking lot there is a street light, it was red, ran in circles for a min or two. The other side of the trail is flatter for a bit, and has a decent hill at the end.  Around the 50 min mark bumped into some trail regulars and ran with them for a few min, didn't fuel at my normal time, but made sure to fuel at the turn around point. Made it back with about .15 to do, ran in one more circle. Got the .5 in running circles. lol Planned on doing 8:20 pace and fading to about 8:40, felt good for most of the way, was able to maintain my desired pace.

This week's social activity: rescheduled bday dinner (@IronAbbey) for my pops! Darn snow got in the way of the orig date. Below is a Peak Organic Ripe DIPA!
Sunday: Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 736. Woke up early, but took my time getting ready. Sunrise was slow to start, didn't realize it was going to be a rainy morning! Out the door around 7:30. Rain day, backup headphones, shoes, and no glasses. Rain was more of a light drizzle, it wasn't that bad. It was a bit humid out, ditched the hat and gloves early. I know it's rest day, I should take it easy, but it's also tempting to bust out some 5k speed and work on breathing. Overall, the run felt great. 
This was week 6 of half marathon training for the Philadelphia Love Run, aka #LoveRunPhilly. Right after the Love Run is the Hot Chocolate 15k, #hc15k! Am using the below training program. If you're doing the #hc15k, they provide a training program as well! 
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 5k/15k!! (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 post here! 
  • 05/06/18 - Broad Street Run!  Assuming I win the lottery! My 2017 review 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


Question: my food weakness is wings and beer. I try to limit that to once a week. Key word try. What is your food weakness?






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