Race Review: A Pretty Sweet Race! Allstate Hot Chocolate 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!"

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well! I also hope by now, you may have seen my race previews and/or my race schedule. Well, race day has finally come! Had a pretty sweet time at the AllState Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia! ;)

I was so excited for this race! I have heard great things about this race series here and across the country! 

Expo: held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Easy bib pickup! About 20 stations to check in, it's not in alpha or numeric order like most pickups, they just scan your email, print a sticker and apply to a bib! The shirt pullover pickup was in a separate line and went smoothly as well, they just scan your bib to pick up your shirt. They did have a changing area nearby if you wanted to try on/exchange your shirt for another size. After pickup, there were about three rows of vendors to checkout. Some of the vendor stands to check out were running clothing, medal displays, headphones, healthy meals, Nuun hydration, KT Tape, and shoe frosting.  Did I mention this is a chocolate themed race? Well, there was a stand in the middle to sample some of the race day treats! Wafer cookie and a marshmallow to dip in chocolate fondue and a shot of hot chocolate!

Training: I've been using a half marathon program that fits my needs for this and other races. But the Allstate Hot Chocolate race has been nice enough to provide one as well. Available on their web site, and also emailed to you weekly! Each Sunday you would receive an email for the upcoming week's training schedule. Very nice!

Race week:

Weather: going into this week, it looked like weather was going to be a factor! There was a forecast of 1-3 inches of snow, then it changed to 3-6, then wintry mix, then Friday it changed to coating to an inch! Race day, nothing! Maybe flurries, but nope! It was cold pre-post race, but no issues during the race. There was a heating area that had about 8 outdoor propane heaters, definitely made a difference while standing around pre/post race!

Race day: 

Pre-race: Met up with fellow BibRavePro, Meridith, be sure to give her a follow here.

Elevation/Scenery: Great news, the course is relatively flat! Some of the Philly races have one big hill in the middle, not this one! The course starts just to the side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, (not at the end of the parkway like some races). The race is only in the city for about a mile. Down to Logan Square, turn around, back on the parkway (a mile already? am surprised more races don't use the parkway as part of the race, usually just part of the starting area), the rest of the race is along the Schuykill River (I76 side), you have a view of the river, parks, and Boathouse Row, avoid the hills, turnaround, back along the river to the museum, ending by the museum steps (which has a slight incline the last .25!). 

My race: Having just done a half marathon 2 weeks ago, was not sure if I'd have anything in the tank for a good race. Been trying to make a point to stretch, hydrate, and somewhat take it easy before race day.  I have been stretching more, but still room for improvement. Today, my goal was to pace around 8, fading to about 8:15ish. Well, feeling good, started out ahead of the 8 min pacer, felt good for a while, decided to keep with it. Ended up pacing there the entire way! I admit, the last mile I had doubts and was about to fade, the pacer passed me with about 1/4 to go. He gave me great words of encouragement, but I couldn't hang with him. My finishing time was a 7:59 pace! Results were available right away!

Post race pics: Had to get some photo ops with the marshmallow man and hot chocoloate!

Met up with my buddy post race, be sure to follow him as well, here!

Swag: 

The Chocolate! Sorry, didn't get a close up of the chocolate. Included was dark chocolate fondue  with treats to dip! Marshmallow, rice krispie treat, biscoff cookies, and pretzels. As well as hot chocolate!

Medal: pretty sweet medal! Chocolate bar! and a key chain of the Liberty Bell! (each Hot Chocolate 15k race has a city specific landmark key chain) 

Pullover! Most races have a short or long sleeve shirt, this race has a tech pullover! It is so comfy! and provides plenty of warmth! Already gave it a trial run, was very nice!

 

Free photo's! On race day?! When checking my result's yesterday, the photo's were already available! I received an additional email this morning that they tagged me in a few more! And I only look like death in a few of them, actually happy with some! 

I had a blast doing this race, it was pretty sweet! ;) Will definitely do this race again here in Philly, and hopefully in another city as well someday!

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k sites and socials: 
Site: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HotChocolate15k
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotChocolate15K/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotchocolate15k/

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know!

Good luck with your 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 Update: April 8th, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well! Anyone doing any races or training for one?

This week was the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k Philly! 

My week in review:

Monday: 5 miles. Early. Tossed and turned for a bit, might as well run before work! Forecast was for 1-3 inches of snow, this is April, right? Stepped outside, it was just starting. Heavy wintry mix the entire way. Monday was also my run streak day 800! 

Tuesday:1 mile early. Work issue got me up early, worked for a few min, and there was no point in going back to bed after that. Did my core strength training workout. (crunches, planks, curls/tri extensions, butterflies, leg raises, hip thrusts). After that did my one mile for the streak. Smooth mile around the neighborhood.

Wednesday: 3.11 miles. Work from home day. Another fun night of on-call, followed by a crazy day of work, was good to get out at lunch. 60 degrees, humid, and rain, but felt great! Perfect stress reliever!

Thursday: 1 mile. Rest day. Sort of. Still did my strength training, minus the leg raises and hip thrusts. A mile for the streak. 

Friday: 2 miles. Last taper before race day! Started out a bit slower than I wanted, then faster than I wanted, finished right around the pace I was going for. lol Rainy day. Tomorrow's forecast not looking good. But I should have plenty of bad weather experience to at least hang in there. We shall see!

Saturday: 9.3 miles. Race day! Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k! One pic below, sorry, race day highlights will be in a separate post! Check my Race Review tab for all race day highlights! ;)  Update: Race review here!

Sunday: 1 mi. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 806. 

I recently used the below training program, this week was a variation of week 14.

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

Future races registered for:

• 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

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philly and Athlinks, a sweet combination

"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!"

Hi Everyone!

Hoping by now, you have read that I'll be doing this pretty sweet race this weekend, the Allstate Hot Chocolate Philadelphia15k/5k! (15k)

Check out my initial preview here, and my follow-up preview here.

Just a few days remain, the race is bound to sell out any moment. Sign up while you still can! And be sure to use code “BRHCPHILLY18” to score a BONUS Hot Chocolate branded cap!

Sign up here: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia

Athlinks:

After signing up for the race, I was sure to tell all my race buddies on Athlinks! Check out my Athlinks review here!  Athlinks is a great way to find what races your buddies are doing across the country (and around the world) and join them, you can compare stats againsts your followers, and its a great place to keep all your stats in one place!

Once my results are available to Athlinks, I'll be sure to claim them and let everyone know! 

Be sure to join Athlinks and connect with your race buddies!

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

Weekly Running Update: April 1st, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is well! Anyone racing recently or soon?

Sunday was the Philadelphia Love Run half marathon. (Check out my review here). I have a week of  my "normal" running schedule, and then another week of taper! Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k Philly 4.7.18!

My week in review:

Monday: 1 mile. Rest day. Had the day off from work to recover from yesterday's half. A bit sore overall. Took my time around the house before heading out. Definitely still feeling it in my quads!

Tuesday:  3.11 miles after work. Hydrated well during the day. Still some slight soreness. Also have to keep an eye on a blister. Sorry if that's TMI. Foam rolled later that evening.

Wednesday: 4 miles. My work from home day, lunch run!

Thursday: 1 mile. Training program has this listed as strength training/ non-running day. Did my core strength training early. Usually still do a 5k, feeling the need for more recovery, opted for 1 and done for the streak.

Friday: 4 miles. Happy Good Friday! Day off from work, extra day at the trail! It may be a day off from work, but I still worked for about an hr in the morning. Was a bit chilly getting ready, but the moment I stepped outside, I could tell it was short sleeve weather! Spring like weather, oh my!     

Decided to check out one of the closed paths by the main bridge entrance on this side. Interesting, but less water movement over here.

Saturday: 6 miles. Stayed up a few min late Friday. Phillies game went into extra innings, but at least they won. A few min late, but still up by 6:30. Took, my time, worked for a bit. At the trail around 8:30. Trail was packed! I park in the middle, did the opposite trail from Fri. Steady incline, but had to make up .5, did that in a nearby neighborhood, steep hill! Goal was to pace around 8:20. Starting to feel better since last week's half! Today was apparently fishing season opening day! 

Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 799. Smooth 1 miler around the block. Started out a bit fast, slowed it down a notch to enjoy the rest day.

Recently used the training program below for the Love Run. Have a race next week, did a variation of recovery and week 13 this week. Definitely need to foam roll more next week!

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

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