Race Review: #Levante5k

This brewery had been on my to do list for a bit. They hosted a 5k, win-win! In general, isnt breweries hosting races the perfect combo?! Lol

Pre race: there is a 5k relay before the 5k race. Get there early, but park a few businesses down to stay out of the way.

Race: loop course x3. Loop starts with a few .2/.3's going around the nearby businesses. One of the turns seems a bit narrow during the first loop before the congestion breaks up, but not bad during lap 2/3. After going around the businesses, there is a straight away decline of about .5. Turn around and up that incline! It's got some steepness to it! You get to do that 3x! After the hill levels out, around the brewery to complete the lap. Repeat.

Post race: party at the brewery! Great beer and selection. There was a food truck, but that didn't arrive for at least another hour.
I don't require games at a brewery, but there wasn't any. Unlike a few other brewery races.

Swag: brewery pint glass and 1 beer of choice! (excludes imperials). I do like the option of choice, but I could see how it would move more smoothly if the one free beer was pre determined/ poured ahead. There was 4 ppl pouring, the line was a but slow. If you're hanging out after the free beer, it does get more manageable.

Elevation: decent incline for about 1/4, but feels like .5, loop course so it's x3.

Scenery: none, it's a business district.

Parking: 30 or so spots by the brewery. Brewery is in a business district with plenty of spots for overflow. There is a relay race before the 5k, encourage relay runners to park outside of the 5k course. There was a few cars trying to drive through the 5k.

Aid:I don't require water mid 5k. But someone pointed out there wasn't any? There wasnt. There was an ambulance on site just in case.

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Race Review: My first #BroadStreetRun

My first #BroadStreetRun: was a bit nervous about the number of participants, 43k?! Heard the course was fast/flat/decline, ok with the distance (somewhat), biggest concern was crowds/personal space.

Additional back story: this morning thought to myself, this time last yr, wouldn't even think about doing this. Did a 10k last summer that lead me on my way to much bigger things.

Parking: more than ample parking, they have stadium parking lots. But you will need to take the train from parking to the starting line. Be at the stadiums early, the street lights towards parking were backed up. At 6:10 took 20 min to get from Citizens Bank Park to a parking space. The train was packed to the brim. Glad no one had B O, yet. Plenty of time for another port o pottie check when you get to your corral.

Race/elevation/scenery: ppl told me this was a flat/fast course, the majority of the course is either flat or a slight decline. There are a couple tenths of incline, but nothing to worry about. No nature scenery, all city. To begin the course you can see city hall. Oh, it's not that far. Doesn't seem to get any closer, even disappears for a few. There are awesome crowds, signs, dj's long the way. Was sure to slap high five with the Temple owl. We eventually get to city hall, just past the half way point. I hear former gov Ed Rendell was there, didn't stop for a selfie. Course narrows down around city hall, takes a few to open back up. Start to see signs for Phillies, almost by the stadiums, not really. As you do get to the stadiums, the Eagles drum line and Swoop are there, hi five Swoop! Race ends at the Navy Yard, entrance is sure to tell you your not done yet, another 1/4 to go. That was a long 1/4!

Aid: plenty of water along the course. Cops and medics the entire way. Aid stations at the finishing area. Big snack bag after completion of the race. 

Swag: 
The bling! Medal featuring City Hall. The medal also doubles as a bottle opener!

 

T-shirt included, upcharge to change it from cotton to tech. Image of a person running made up of all the Philly neighborhoods we've run though! 

My only complaint: finisher area, thousands of ppl, no cell or wifi reception, couldn't contact someone I knew was done. Took over an hr to find them.

Overall, would definitely do this again! 43k ppts registered (well managed), tons of great spectators, fast course, so much excitement!

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Race Review: #Phillies5k

Hi fellow Runners!

Backlogging some races, did this race in 2016/2017, pics are from both yrs, not backlogging this race twice.

To forewarn you, the race itself is not that exciting (plenty of excitement pre and post race), it does feel good to be back at the stadium after a long off-season!

If you like Phillies baseball, this is one week before the season starts, and game tickets are included! Best bang for your buck! (If you like baseball). 

(Statue of Michael Jack Schmidt)

Before the race starts, there are mascots making their rounds, a live band, and a few former players on stage.

The race is lead by the Phanatic on his four wheeler, the race goes around Citizens Bank Park, around the backside of Lincoln Financial Field, and down into the Navy Yard. (Actual scenery is just the major streets by the stadiums). There are a few spots of soldiers cheering you on in the Navy Yard, which was pretty cool. A slight incline after the Navy Yard, then down Broad St, and right down the final straight away. After being handled your medal, banana, soft pretzel, you get to walk the warning track from right field to around home plate!

Swag: tech hoodie. Hope it holds up better than last yr's Tee. The logo from last yr's shirt is scratching off.

Medal: 2017 was the liberty bell, 2016 was a baseball cap. Both medals have magnets on the back side

Post race includes one "free" beer over at Xfinitylive!

Definitely recommend this race if you are a Phillies fan!

Race and Charity information can be found here.

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Race Review: #LoveRunPhilly

Hi Fellow Runners!


Philadelphia Love Run half marathon, aka #LoveRunPhilly. March 26, 2017

Overall:

Background: This was my 2nd official half, 3rd 13.1. Third time through the half training program thus far. Still making some progress. After the Rocky Run in the fall, was quick to look for a race to train through winter for. I wasn't blogging or reviewing races yet, but there were some snowy long runs in there! This was definitely the perfect goal to get through winter for! Already signed up for 2018!

Training plan that I have been using for halfs. To credit the images, they were pulled Coach Jenny Hadfield's training plans.

TShirt/Swag: sweet color, tech looks/ feels webbed. Nice! Cool medal, and coffee mug as well. I've come to learn I am protective of my mug if anyone tries to use it! lol.. The pic of me wearing the shirt below is definitely not in Philly (but is my fav pic in it, Colorado, have to represent while on vaca!)

Aid: plenty of water, gatorade, aid stations throughout. Bananas, pretzels, Nesquik, etc afterwards. Can't remember if there was a free beer, I wasn't carrying my ID at the time.

Elevation/Scenery: advertised as "Flattest course yet" Race starts at the museum, first 5 miles go through the city, once back at the museum the course goes along the river across from boathouse row. There were a couple significant hills. Steep hill that goes up to a bridge, I still had energy and made the mistake of rushing it, well, should of looked into this, learned about another hill in Philly, "Strawberry Mansion" A good challenge for sure, definitely should of paced through the first hill! Once down from there is back along river to the museum.

Expo: i was unable to attend, opted to have my packet mailed.

Parking: public transportation is encouraged. pay lots nearby

Race management: everything was managed with efficiency.

Definitely recommend this race!

Signup for 2018 can be found below:
Love Run Philly signup

Please review any/all races you can on http://BibRave.com ! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

Rocky Balboa Run: The Italian Stallion Challenge!

Hi Everyone!

Backlogging some posts..

The Rocky Balboa Italian Stallion Challenge in Nov 2016! The challenge is made up of two races, a 5k, and then a 10 miler. Not an official half, but my second time going through the half training program.

My first half was in September of '16. I felt pretty accomplished, but wanted to get right back to it to make some improvements.

(My selfie game was weak(er) back then, especially with the sun in my eyes!)

The half marathon training program that I use:

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

Pre Race:
Expo: There was no expo. Packet pickup was at Lloyd Hall. I saw Lloyd Hall is on Boathouse Row, when looking for a parking spot, I took one of the first spots I could find along Boathouse Row. I probably should have looked at the map a bit more, it was a decent walk. There were no vendors at packet pickup. Just ran in and picked up my bib/shirt. 

Parking on race day: Public transportation is strongly encouraged, but there are pay lots a few blocks away.

Race day:
Rocky themed fans and runners everywhere! Eye of the tiger! DJ had plenty of Rocky songs and snippets going pre-race!

5k: about a mi through the city, then 1 down and back by the Schuylkill River (76 side, not Boathouse Row side). Smooth 5k, a slight incline on the way back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

There was mention of a break between races, wasn't sure what to expect. It was about a half hour. 

10 miler: pre-race the announcer warned us about a hill... smooth few miles. Guess what, a hill, and another, and another. About 1.5 mi hills. After the hills, down and smooth, then back up by the museum.

Aid: plenty of water along the courses. Water, bananas and soft pretzel post race. 

Swag: 

Tech Tee: 

Three awesome medals! One for each race, and one for doing both! These medals are unique, they are large coin and necklace made to look like championship belts!

Free photo's!: One of the few that I didn't look like a hot mess. 

I didn't do the race in '17 due to my full marathon training schedule, but would definitely recommend this one. Great crowd, especially with the Rocky theme!

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

Rock N Roll Philadelphia 2016, my first half marathon!

Hi Everyone!

Backlogging.. Wish I was writing/blogging back then for this one. This was my first half, will forever be near and dear to me!

In June '16, I did my first 10k race, went way better than I expected and had me hungry for more! Had me looking for a longer race, a place to train, and to go on an actual training plan!

Once I found this race, I found a training program, and then I found my trail! If you follow me, you will hopefully see at least one pic a week from Pennypack Creek. I love it there! Wish it didn't take me so long to discover my love for trails, and it's only 15 minutes from where I live!

Below is the training program I found and have used several times. One of the reasons I wish i was blogging back then, I'm not sure if it was the constant humidity, or just that it was my first time going each long run's distance, but every long was a challenge!   

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

Pre-Race: 

Expo: this was my first expo, it was pretty cool to see all the gear and race vendors! Only set back is not everyone can get back and forth to the city mult days in a row. It was exciting, not sure if I would choose expo over mailing option if it was available.

Parking: public transportation is strongly encouraged for expo and race day. Parking near the expo is tough to find. On race day, there is a pay lot a few blocks away. Please send me a message if you need the location. I would post it, but don't want it to go viral and get over packed.

Race day!

About 17000 runners, my biggest participant race to that date!

Like many Philly races, the race starts/ends by the museum. The first 3-4 miles are through the city, returns and heads past boathouse row. This is where I learn Philly isn't as flat as I thought. A minimal incline for a few miles. Seems minimal, but starts to add up. Turn around point is up a bridge, across the Schuylkill River and back. Issue with ending at the museum, one last hill!

Music: DJ to start. Live bands throughout, a couple marching bands. Music was cool, but expected a a few more bands along the way.

Aid: plenty of water/gatorade along the way. Water, pretzel, bananas after, and a few other vendors with free health snacks/drinks

Swag: Will forever rock the florescent tech tee with pride! The pic doesn't do it any justice, the color is very bright!

This medal has some thickness to it, it's a heavy medal!

Exhausted, but worth the 14 week training plan! My standard long run before this was 6 ish. I have continued to work on my long run base since then, wouldn't be be a marathon runner without it! Also discovered my love for trails!

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

Superhero Showdown: 10k

Hey Everyone!

Backlogging a few race reviews, this one lead to big things for me!

Race is for a great cause, hence the superhero theme. The cause "raise awareness for Super T’s Mast Cell Foundation, Inc. a non-profit organization providing medical and living expenses to those living with the rare disease Mast Cell Activation Disorder"

Parking: the race start/ends by Norristown Area High School parking lot. There is plenty of parking, but if you are fast and complete the race early, you are unable to leave the parking lot until the race is over. 

Pre race: there's a dj getting ever one amped up for the race. There's also a yoga instructor/warmup session, and several pre-race party tents.

Elevation/scenery: The majority of the race is through Norristown Farm Park. A paved walking trail. The view  is nearby farms, parks, and a bit through the woods. I don't recall seeing an elevation profile before or after the race, but there are several hills! Just about every half mile or so, there's a hill challenge. No complaints, just wasn't aware beforehand. 

(photo credit montopa.org)

Aid/ water: plenty of water stations throughout the course, snack bag post race with banana, soft pretzel, etc. 

Swag/shirt: 

The tee shirt is cotton, so soft! The front has a street sign indicating "caped crusader crossing". The back of the shirt has the race logo, charity name, and sponsors. 

Medal: flat medal with the Superhero Showdown logo. Good vs bad fisticuffs! 

Post race included a discount menu and a "free beer" at a nearby restaurant, Redstone Grill. 

As I mentioned earlier, this race lead to big things for me! This was my first 10k race. I had been running 4 milers on a pretty consistent basis, with 5-6 milers on weekends, I think at the time, my longest run was 7 miles. I'm not sure if it's because my neighborhood really isn't conducive to much more than that, or self doubt. Not that I was "fast" for this race, but it I did better than I expected and it had me hungry for more! 

This race had me looking to go further. A half marathon? But where would I train? This race helped me discover a trail that's only 15 minutes from where I live! I have never been a trail runner, but this got me there, I quickly fell in love with trails! Which also led me to my first half marathon 3-4 months later!

Looking back at my Athlinks profile, this was a small race, 89 participants (there were 5k and 15 options as well), but I performed slightly better than I remembered! 

Good luck to everyone with your training!

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