Weekly Running Update: May 13, 2018

Hi Everyone!

How's everyone's training going? Any races? I had the Broad Street Run last week (check out my review, here!). A bit of a recovery week for me this week.

My Week in training:

Monday: 3.1 miles. Day after a race, this should of been a rest day. Day off from work, was definitely a bit sore. But it was so nice out, I couldn't resist going to the trail. Took my time, stretched, and head over on over to Pennypack Creek. Before starting, I told myself I would only do 3.1.  The midpoint parking lot to end and back to the midpoint is 5.25.  I will usually do at least that when I'm at the trail (5 + cool down).  The first mile went much better than expected. But started to feel it before I hit 1.55.  Turned around as planned. Could also definitely feel the need to hydrate some more. Glad I went to the trail, as I was finishing up I saw a few deer!

Tuesday: 3.1 miles after work. Stretched before work. A bit tired, almost fell asleep as I was getting my hair cut after work! Stretched/foam rolled before bed as well.

Wednesday: 4 miles. Work from home day, yay! Stretched/foam rolled before work. Got my run in on my lunch break.

Thursday: 5 miles after work. Thu is usually 5k day for me, but was itching to go to the trail. Today was also a snack day at work, definitely over indulged. Figured I would do 5 today. Opposite trail as Monday. Midpoint to end, back to midpoint. Just over 5, cool down after. 

Friday: 3.11 miles after work. Foam rolled before work. Hydrated somewhat throughout the day. Did my 5k, and then made the decision to do yard work. Darn grass is growing too fast! Hoping it wouldn't affect my long run day tomorrow too much. Hydrated some more!

Saturday: 8 miles. Long run day, yay! Now that my spring races are over, don't really have a schedule for "Long" run day at the moment, but don't want to stray too far from the half plan. Up a few minutes early. Loud thunder at 5:15! Up, tossed and turn for a min, nah, I'm up! Foam rolled, worked for a few minutes, light breakfast, out the door by 7:15. To the trail! Opposite trail as Thursday. Knew I'd have to make up about 2.5 if I didn't want to head on over to the other trail for a bit. Mid point to end is about 2.75. Gradual incline, I could feel it. Well, at the end I went to the nearby neighborhood, steep hills! Did about 1.5 over there. Did I mention hills? Questioned my decision, but hills are good for ya, right?! Back to the trail to the midpoint, still had to to about .75, turned around for a few and back. Thunderstorms early, but cleared up just before I started. Didn't wear my glasses, 100% humidity, they would have fogged up anyway!

Sunday: 1 mile. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day 841. Took my time getting ready. Light chores before I head out. Smooth mile around the neighborhood for the streak day. 

Race Schedule: No more Spring/Summer races at the moment. Let me know if you have any suggestions! (Preferably within 2 hrs of Philly.) 

Fall Schedule: 

10.07.18 - Army Ten Miler? A revenge race for me. Will let you know when I'm officially registered. My 2017 review, here!

10.20.18 - Runner's World Half Festival. (5k & 10k). My 2017 5k review, here!

11.04.18 - TCS New York City Marathon! - Still can't believe I won the lottery on my 1st try!

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: Broad Street Run!

Hi Everyone! Hope all is well!

The Broad Street Run is the largest 10 miler in the country. Just you and forty thousand of your best friends! Last year was my first Broad Street Run and had a blast! Had to do this one again, for sure!

Anyone else do the Broad Street Run? How was your experience? Let us know! My Review below:

Pre Race: 

(Pre Race meetup with my buddies Barb, T'Sean and Brian, be sure to give them a follow!)

Parking: free parking by the sports complex. Plenty of parking! Got there by 6, traffic in front of the stadiums was not an issue yet. If you are not early, the lights leading up to the complex can get backed up. Once parked, free Septa train ride for all runners wearing a bib! I don't remember seeing anyone checking for bibs last yr, but there was someone working the booth to enter the station this yr. Again, early is key, the train does get filled to the brim!

Restrooms: portable toilets at the train station, tons at the athletic field, and more by each corral. Don't wait till the last minute, the crowds and lines will get insane! A few along the course as well. 

Start and corral management: Race time of 8am. The national anthem was prior to 8. Race started on time and each corral moved with efficiency. A few thousand people ahead of me, but once the race kicked off, did not feel like it was a long wait till it was time for me to go.

(image pulled from IBXRun10)

 

Race: Broad Street is a straight line race end to end with one curve around city hall. City Hall is just about the 6 mile marker. You can see City Hall most of the way leading up to it, great incentive to feel like you are almost half way there! The course is extremely flat, not sure if it was just me, but there were a few slightest of inclines that I did feel.

(mapped pulled from usatf.org)

Along the course there was so much positive energy, probably the reason why I love this race so much. Crowds cheering you on the entire way! DJ's, maybe some wannabe DJ's, rock bands, marching bands, cheerleaders, a few mascots, plenty of people holding up supportive (and/or funny) signs! I saw former governor Ed Rendell just before City Hall! I heard he was there last year, but I didn't see him, finally got to see him this year!

My race: this was my fourth race of the spring race season. Each has gone well for the most part. Had some doubts going into this that maybe I would burn out. Was also a bit tight this week, but tried to make a point to stretch/foam roll, hydrate, and even use some KT tape this week. When I registered for the race, I put down an estimation time that would give me a 1 minute PR. This placed me in the next corral up of where I was last yr, this also made me a bit nervous that i wasn't in a corral I belonged in. Well, this worked out for me. Most races I get trapped behind walls of people, get anxious and take off and weave around them, being in the next corral, didn't have any of that. Was able to do my own thing the entire way without feeling trapped. The first three minutes, I started out at a pace that was slightly too fast, pulled back to about 10-15 seconds of goal pace. Ignored most of the water stations, but did hit one up around 6, probably should of had a gel then, but waited until after 7. Could feel the slow down, but able to hang on, another slow down around .5 to go. Was able hang in there for my goal. Last yr I maintained around 8 and faded to 8:12, this yr I maintained around 7:50 and faded to 8. 2 min PR! 

 

Post race: after the finish line you are funneled to one of two tents to pickup water, a soft pretzel, a snack bag , and then your medal!  The finisher area is held in giant field in the Navy Yard. Meetup area, backdrop banners with the race logo to snap a pic with your friends and medals, a few vendor stands, a stage with music and announcements, a play area for kids, even saw a small petting zoo! Cell reception was my big complaint last yr, tons of people in the finisher area with no reception. The reception was definitely improved, but no data, tweets/IG posts have to wait until after you leave the area. lol

 (BibRave pro meetup, be sure to give iRunOnBeer a follow! Where Beer and running unites!)

(RWRunStreak fb group meetup,truly inspirational run group, you don't have to be a streaker to join, but it is part of the fun.) 

Swag: 

The bling! Last year's medal featured City Hall, this yr featured a bit more! and it doubles as a bottle opener! Pic taken at Xfinity Live! Great part of parking by the stadiums, there's a huge party at Xfinity! Multiple bars to choose from, but if you like craft beer, I would go to Victory Beer Hall. ;) 

Shirt: cotton shirt included, up-charge for the tech. Tech shirt below:

Overall, huge fan of this race! definitely recommend! It's a lottery to get in, I'm 2 for 2 so far, will be sad the yr I don't get in. lol

Sites and Social:
Site: http://www.broadstreetrun.com/index.cfm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IBXRun10
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ibxrun10/

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: May 6, 2018

Happy Sunday all!

Anyone doing any races or training for one? Let us know! This week was the Broad Street Run! Sorry, race details will be in a separate post. ;)

My Week in training: (Taper week, i tend to do a couple extra miles on non running days of my training program, but I try not to stray too much on the last week)

Monday: 5 mi after work. Trail day, yay! Perfect way to start the week! Could tell immediatley that I didn't hydrate well today. Oops! Overall, still a good day at the trail. (Pennypack Creek). Did the side with a hill at the end. Middle of my run today saw some deer! Paused, got my camera out, but they didn't stick around for much longer.

Tuesday: 1 mi after work. Rest day. One for the streak. Smooth mile around the neighborhood.

Wednesday: 4 mi. Work from home day, lunch run! Definitely needed the mid day stress reliever today! Feeling the heat (index 90? what happened to spring?), hills, and allergies a bit today!

Thursday: 1 mi before work. rest day, one for the streak. Had plans after work, set my alarm to get it in before work!

Friday: 1 mi before work. Rest day, one for the streak. Streak day . Didn't plan on getting up early, just sort of happened. Might as well get it in before work! Did yard work after work. :( Usually save yard work until after long run day, but the grass is growing too fast! Darn fertilizer is doing it's job! lol Tried not to over exert myself doing yard work. Saved the heavier stuff for Monday. Made sure to foam roll and hydrate before bed!

Saturday: 2 mi. Last taper day, yay! A comfortable 2 miles. Little extra effort on hills, but didn't go overboard. A little tightness before and after the run. Will do my best to hydrate and foam roll today!

Sunday: Race day, yay! Pic below from the Broad Street Run. Race review will follow in the next day or so. Keep an eye out for it! ;)

I recently used the below training program. I was redoing week 6,13,14 between my last race and Broad Street. This was week 14.To credit the images, it was pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans. 

Future races:
That's it for my spring lineup?! Four races in seven weeks, cant believe its over! My fall schedule is coming together. Will let you know if I add anything to Spring/Summer! let me know if you have any suggestions that are within a couple hrs of Philly. 

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

BibRave Race and Product Discounts!

           Brand Discount Codes

Rudy/Godspeed - Use code "GODSPEED” for 30% off everything Rudy Project at rudyprojectna.com. Expires 12/31/18. Main focus is to promote ticket sales to for Godspeed film

AfterShokz - Receive a bonus trucker hat and $30 off your AfterShokz Trekz Air purchase at bibrave.aftershokz.com  

Brilliant Reflective - Use code “BIBRAVE18” to Buy One, Get One free!

KT Tape - Use code “BIBRAVE30” for 30% off

Luvo - Use code “BIBRAVE” at checkout to Buy 7, get one free!

Mercury Mile- Use code "BibRave10" for $10 off styling fee!

             Shady Rays- Use code "BIBRAVE" for 50% off 2+ pairs 

Race Discount Codes

May

5/19/2018 - Harper’s Ferry Half Marathon - Harper’s Ferry, WV
Use code “BIBRAVE5” to save $5 on race entry!

5/20/2018- Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRCHISPRING18” for $10 on half & $5 on 10K race entry!

5/26/2018 - Soldier Field 10 Miler - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRSoldierField” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

5/26-5/27/2018 - Run Madtown - Madison, WI

Use code “RMRAVE18” for 10% off good through 5/23 (when online registration closes) - not valid on kid's race!

5/27/2018 - Vermont City Marathon - Burlington, VT
Use code “BibRave10” to save $10 on race entry!

June

6/1-3/2018 - Hospital Hill Run - Kansas City, MO
Use code “BIBHHR18” to save 15% on any event distance!

6/2-3/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego - San Diego, CA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the marathon and half marathon.

6/3/2018 - North Olympic Discovery Marathon - Port Angeles, WA
Use code “BibRave527” to save 5% on race entry!

6/3/2018 - Run For the Zoo - Chicago, IL
Use code “BibRave” to save 10% on race entry!

6/3/2018 - North Shore Half Classic - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRNorthShore” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

6/9-10/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle - Seattle, WA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the marathon and half marathon.

6/23-24/2018 - Big Foot Tri - Lake Geneva, WI
Use code “BRBigFoot” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

July

7/13-15/2018 - Missoula Marathon - Missoula, MT
Use code “BibRave18” to save $5 on race entry!

7/13/2018 - Under Armour Mountain Running Series: Copper Mountain - Copper Mountain, CO
Use code “BIBRAVE20” to save 20% on race entry!

7/21-22/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago - Chicago, IL
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

August

8/12/2018 - Oaktown Half Marathon - Oakland, CA
Use code “bibravevip” to save $10 on race entry.

8/26/2018 - Fort 2 Base - Fort Sheridan, IL
Use code "BIBPRO18" for 10% off the 10NM or 3NM (not valid on military pricing).

September

9/1-2/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, VA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

9/8/2018 - Run Mag Mile - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRMagMile” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

9/15-16/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

9/22-23/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal - Montreal, QC
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the full or half marathon.

9/30/2018 - Bucktown 5K - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRBucktown” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

October

10/6/2018 - Freedom’s Run - Shepherdstown, WV

Use code “BIBRAVE5” for $5 off race entry!

10/6-7/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose - San Jose, CA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

10/18-21/2018 - Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon - Detroit, MI
Use code “2018DETROCKS ” to save 10% on race entry!

10/19-21/2018 - Runner’s World Half and Festival - Bethlehem, PA

Use code “RWHALF18BIBRAVE” which is good for 10% off all events including multi distance challenges!

10/20/2018 - Urban Bourbon Half Marathon - Louisville, KY
Use code “BourbonRave2018” to save 10% on race entry.

10/20/2018 - Pumpkins in the Park - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRPumpkins” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

10/20/2018 - Kansas City Marathon - Kansas City, MO
Use code “BIBRAVE2018KCM” to save 15% on race entry.

10/20-21/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver - Denver, CO
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

10/21/2018 - PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K - Atlanta, GA

CODE TBD.

10/27/2018- Tulsa Federal Credit Union Tulsa Run- Tulsa, OK

Use code “BIBRAVE18” to save $5.

10/28/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half marathon.

November

11/3/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah - Savannah, GA
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the half and full marathon.

11/10-11/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the full or half marathon.

11/11/2018 - Madison Marathon - Madison, WI

Use “MMRAVE18” to save 10% through 11/7 (when online registration closes).

11/11/2018 - Honor Run Half Marathon - Florence, KY

Use code “bibrave15” to save $15 on entry!

11/22/2018 - North Shore Turkey Trot - Chicago, IL
Use code “BRTurkeyTrot” to score some bonus RAM Racing sunglasses! Expires two days before race day.

December

12/1-2/2018 - Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio - San Antonio, TX
Use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the full or half marathon.

12/16/2018 - Mount Dora Half Marathon - Mount Dora, FL
Use code “BIBRAVE10” to save 10% off on entry!