Race: Fireside Frostbite 5 Miler
Location: Ambler, Pa
Date: February 23, 2019

Local community race, just over a thousand runners. This year was it's 20th anniversary!

Background:
This race wasn't originally on my calendar. A few co-workers were talking it up, haven't met up with this group from work yet. Checked my training schedule. Had to do some adjusting, but feasible. Alright, I'm in!

Packet Pickup: smooth process. Option to pick up the night before at the Ambler Theater or on race day at the school. I work 20 min away, dealt with a few extra minutes of rush hour traffic, but got it done Friday night to get it out of the way. Once in town, easy walk in and pick up.

Parking: a decent amount of parking at the school, but warnings that it would fill up quickly, may have to walk a few blocks. I got there a half hour before race time, parking lot was a few minutes from filling up.

Pre-race: could stay warm in the high school. Sponsors set up in the gymnasium to check out, packet pickup looked to still be smooth. Could also use the school facilities if needed.

Race: starts and ends in front of Wissahickon High School. National Anthem at 8:55. Race started promptly at 9 am.

Elevation: high 320 ft/low 210 ft. Ascent, according to my phone 307 ft.

My race: leading up to the race, did some extra miles earlier in the week for my training plan before doing a small taper. My right calve/shin had been feeling the extra miles. KT Tape, CEP compression socks, and a bit of stretching for a couple days. Still slightly feeling it the night before, but barely thought about it on race morning. Between the hills and this week, was hoping to maintain between 7:50-8. I didn't locate/review the elevation map, but saw warnings there were some hills. I know my pace for my hills, I may be a bit aggressive with my goal. Start of the race, first few minute alerts pace started with a 6. I told myself a few times to slow down, took a couple minutes to listen. Mile 1 is down hill. First hill shows up. Someone that know's the course was very encouraging. They almost made it sound like that was the only hill. (lol...) A decent incline, decline after that. Gradual inclines remainder of the way! Pacing: I settled in the 7:30's. The last mile averaging 7:40 and trying hard through those inclines to maintain at 7:40. Never thought about my calve/shin, thought more about cadences and my legs getting heavy towards the end. Results 7:44 vs my watch/ph 5.05 mi @ 7:40. Darn those tangents!

Scenery: course described as "rolling hills". Scenery includes the high school, through some of the local Ambler neighborhoods, then along a wooded area behind the school fields/parks as you approach back towards the school. Several houses and intersections had fans cheering us on along the way, crowd cheering as we approach the finish line!

Pre/post race: met up with one of my co-workers, an #igrunner IRL!, and a trail buddy that I trained with for my fall races. First time catching up with them in a bit! Was great to see everyone, although missed seeing a couple other co-workers that ended up not committing. Their loss, had a good time!

Swag:

Shirt: Light fluorescent green long sleeve tech, is a bit thin, but very comfy! Penguins, title sponsor, race name on the front. Sponsors and beneficiaries listed on the back.

Medal: optional, survey said 25% of the participants would like one. Had to indicate interest or grab one of the extra's. I chose not to since my medal display is full and this wasn't a goal race, but they do have penguins, I love penguins (unless they are from Pittsburgh).

In lieu of medals, you could choose a race towel, a Dietz and Watson Hat, or a previous year's shirt. I would have chosen a hat, but they were gone. No worries. Towel below:

Food: Post race, it is tempting to hang out at the finisher's area for a while. After you've met up with your group, I recommend heading back to the school. Food is setup in the lobby by the gymnasium, single file line can get pretty long depending when you get there. Food includes: Chili, two types of tomato pie provided by Sponsor Fireside Bar & & Grille, Additional food provided: banana, apple, soft pretzel, chips. popcorn, Dietz and Watson sausage snack, coffee, and plenty of water.

Photo's: Free race photo's by Jack McCoy Photography! A pre race photo (I didn't see the photographer, missed out on that), a starting line photo (I was on the opposite side, could only see my hat), and a finish line approach photo. Below!

Chip timing: provided by Run The Day
Results readily available online! Later on, as I was checking my email, noticed results were also sent via email by 10:30!

Overall: A great community race, a slight hill challenge (hills are good for you!) , swag, and food. Would definitely recommend!

Sites:http://www.aarclub.com/Frostbite/home.htm
Facebook: aarcFiresideFrostbite
Instagram: firesidefrostbite5

for more pics, check out my blog:
https://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2019/03/race-review-fireside-frostbite-5-miler.html

Hi Everyone!

A festival of running?! Sounds good to me!

Here to review the Runner's World Half Marathon Festival. The five and dime! (5k)

Runner's World Magazine is based out of Emmaus, Pa. Their annual running festival is hosted in nearby Bethlehem, Pa.

The festival offer's a bit for everyone. Multiple distances and events to choose from (3.8 Altra, 5k, 10k, and/or half marathon), seminars, and family events such as a kids run and even a dog run.

The start and end of the race is held at the Bethlehem Steel Stacks. Very cool architecture/scenery from the orig Bethlehem Steel Works. Looks like it could be scenery for a movie. oh wait, it has been. Michael Bay used the scenery for one of Transformers 2's battle scenes!

Parking: a couple huge lots by the race. But you are forewarned that you cannot leave until the last runner from the 10k has passed by. There is also a shuttle service to other large lots if you don't plan on staying until the end.

Before the race, if its' cold out, you can stay warm indoors for a few min over at the ArtsQuest Center. There may be a line, but there are indoor facilities if needed.

As it gets closer to race time, as you approach the starting line, there is a DJ/MC getting everyone amped up. Already feels like a party.

5K:
The 5k kicks off from the Steel stacks. Short distance through a nearby neighborhood/ business district. Up a ramp, across a bridge, around a building (payrow plaza), and back. Back from the bridge there's a slight incline up a nearby highway, around the ArtsQuest Center and to the finish line. Bethlehem has some hills. The 5k is not that bad. Has a couple slight inclines, unless you pushed it too hard for before the last incline, it may be rough.

At the finish line there's a party to celebrate. Huge crowd cheering you on through the finish. post race there is water, bananas, protein bars, and pretzels. (also available post 10k) Don't celebrate too hard if you are doing the 10k in a few minutes.

My 5k race: since I was also doing the 10k, wasn't sure if I was going to pace for a 15k, or go all out for the 5k. First few minutes were pretty exciting. Alright, doing a 5k pace. Pushed a bit hard, but not too hard. Once the results have been released, I'll be sure to claim them on Athlinks! Love having all of my race results in one place! Enjoyed the 5k and was ready for the next challenge!

Aid: adequate water and Gatorade throughout the course.

Expo/packet pick-up: bib pickup was a breeze. Able to pickup on race day! Also able to pick up my shirt and check out the expo post race! Notable stands such as Altra, Balega, and AfterShokz! Various other stands as well.

Swag:
Shirt: Grey long sleeve Poly/rayon blend.It's very comfy! Almost a heather cotton, but softer with a slight tech feel. The front of the shirt has the Runner's World Half & Festival presented by Altra. On the back, has the factory building outline with a gear behind it. All of the distances are listed. Bethlehem, Pa. Sponsors Altra and Balega.

Socks: If you were doing the 5 and dime, you also got socks! Grey with fluorescent green. "Runner's World" and "Balega" written on the top front/back.

Medals: Flat square in a diamond angle with the Distance, Date, "Runner's World Half and Festival" logo, and "Altra" sponsor. If you did all four races for the grand slam, there is a magnet that connects all four!

Management: Runner's World know's how to put on a race. Who would of thought that?!

Overall: The race, scenery, and festival are a blast. I will definitely be coming back to this race to do at least one if not all four.

Did I mention this was a festival? Had to meet up with some of my running buddies! Met up with team BibRave, a couple of my buddies from work, and the #RWRunStreak group! The races were great, and meeting up and cheering everyone on made it even better! The running community is so supportive and awesome!

Sites and social:
Site: http://rwhalf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHalf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWHalf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runnersworldevents/

For additional pics, checkout my blog below!
http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2018/10/runners-world-half-and-festival-race.html

Race: Army Ten Miler
Third biggest ten miler in the country, approximately 35k registered runners.
Location: Washington, D.C.

Expo: Held at the D.C. Armory. I didn't attend the expo this yr. But last yr, the expo had Humvee's and helicopters parked outside. Security line to get in. Smooth process to pick up your packet and shirt. There was a selfie area, have to do a pic after you pick up your packet, right?! Running clothing/gear vendors, other popular race stands, a mini helicopter for the kids to take pics in, and I'm pretty sure you could also enlist at the expo.

Race day:
Parking: public transportation is encouraged, there is no parking in the Pentagon parking lots. The Metro station does have a stop at the Pentagon. There is some parking in nearby Crystal City (walking distance), some street parking and a parking garage. We were early and able to park in Crystal City.

Security: Once you arrive to the race, it is obvious that it's hosted by the Army. Soldiers in uniform with guns everywhere. The security line moved very efficiently, as well as the bag check area.

Hydration: water available once you get past security, I packed a sealed bottle just in case, wasn't needed. There is water and Gatorade available on the course, about every 2 miles.

Restrooms, plenty of banks of portable toilets. 35k registered runners, and definitely enough toilets. lines were very manageable before the race.

Race start: DJ and M.C. getting the crowd pumped up. As race time approached, there was plenty of notice as each corral was about to kick off. Cannons booming as each corral started!

Course/map/elevation: The race starts and ends at the Pentagon. Several noteworthy monuments along the course. Arlington Cemetery, backside of Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial. Great views of the Potomac River as well. Elevation: most of the noteworthy elevation is going up and across the bridges, steady inclines, especially between mi 7-8. Spectator area's, plenty of areas for family, friends, and even soldiers to cheer you on. Great fan support for this race!

Finisher's area: after receiving water and your finisher's medal, you are handed a bag and funneled through a food tent. Bananas, muffins, cookie, fruit cup, bagel.

After the food tent, there's plenty of space to pause and reflect on your accomplishment, hydrate, and maybe have a snack.

There's also a huge finisher area with three double sided rows of tents/stands with plenty more free swag and snacks. ROTC, Army Reserve, National Guard, to name just a few of the stands. Each stand had swag and refreshments. Some of my extra swag (just from one stand!): draw string backpack, reusable drink bottle, hat, tech shirt, usb backup battery charger, phone grip, and a mini wireless speaker. All from the Army Reserve stand! Other stands has some snacks and swag as well, but I had more than enough.

Music: there was a stage mostly used for the awards ceremony, but there was also music in each isle of the area. Marching band/drum line: one of my favorite parts of the post race festivities!

The finishers area overall, definitely one of the best for a race of it's size.

Swag:
Shirt: white long sleeve tech shirt. Front of the shirt has a bald eagle, the Army Ten Miler logo, date of the race. Army logo and "Army" written down one of the sleeves. The back of the shirt has their major sponsors listed, as well as, the 34th Annual Army Ten Miler and their hashtag #RunArmyRunStrong

Medal: a double sided medal coin. One side has the U.S. Capitol with the American flag as the background. "Run Army, Run Strong". Other side of the medal indicates that its the 34th yr of the race, the Army Ten Miler logo, date of the race, and "Run Army, Run Strong" at the top, and finisher at the bottom.

My race: I did this race last yr, and definitely left room for improvement. I didn't research the course or respected the weather and regretted it early. Had a 10 mi PR on my mind, but my PR is on a flat course with spring weather (Broad Street, which I basically try to do a 10k sprint as long as possible). Last yr was 97% humidity, and I learned the tough way that the course has some slight elevations throughout. Definitely not comparable courses, I went out hard and paid for it. Heading into race day this year, guess what? High humidity again! Only 90% though, lol... Before hearing the weather, I already had a plan. Plan was just to treat this as a "normal" 10 mi training run, contain myself, enjoy the experience, and if I have any gas left in the tank the last couple maybe Ill kick it up a notch, and the results should be an improvement from last yr. Hearing the weather, decided to stick with the plan, that's what I would do with a training run anyway. Hydrated plenty the day before. Stretched last night and this morning. Light hydration before getting to the race. Another bottle once in the race area, gel before the start. Starting to perspire before the race even starts. Going to be a fun one! Once the race started, sweating by the 1st mile. Started out slightly faster than intended, pulled back after the first mile. Goal was to pace 8:15 ish, fading to about 8:30. Held around 8:15 for a bit, but the humidity and slight elevation did get to me. Faded slightly earlier than planned, the stretch between 7-8 was a bit rough. No final push to bring my time down. lol... Overall pace was 8:41, a 33 second pace improvement from last yr. Satisfied with my results as I paced myself more efficiently/effectively than I did last year. Would love to give one another try with some decent weather.

Pace: Overall standings provided, but percentiles were not. 35k registered runners, not sure how many completed, Will be sure to check it out on Athlinks when available!

Sites and socials:
Site: https://www.armytenmiler.com/
Facebook: ArmyTenMiler
Twitter: @ArmyTenMilerATM
Instagram: armytenmiler

If you have any questions, let me know!

For more pics, check out my blog below:
http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2018/10/hooah-race-review-army-ten-miler.html

Hi Everyone!
A festival of running?! Sounds good to me!

Here to review the Runner's World Half Marathon Festival. The five and dime! (5k + 10k)

Runner's World Magazine is based out of Emmaus, Pa. Their annual running festival is hosted in nearby Bethlehem, Pa.

The festival offer's a bit for everyone. Multiple distances and events to choose from (3.8 Altra, 5k, 10k, and/or half marathon), seminars, and family events such as a kids run and even a dog run.

The start and end of the race is held at the Bethlehem Steel Stacks. Very cool architecture/scenery from the orig Bethlehem Steel Works. Looks like it could be scenery for a movie. oh wait, it has been. Michael Bay used the scenery for one of Transformers 2's battle scenes!

Parking: a couple huge lots by the race. But you are forewarned that you cannot leave until the last runner from the 10k has passed by. There is also a shuttle service to other large lots if you don't plan on staying until the end.

Before the race, if its' cold out, you can stay warm indoors for a few min over at the ArtsQuest Center. There may be a line, but there are indoor facilities if needed.

As it gets closer to race time, as you approach the starting line, there is a DJ/MC getting everyone amped up. Already feels like a party.

10k:
The 10k. It has a few hills. :) Basically every other street has an incline of some sort. Pace yourself! A few points of interest: The race start's and ends at the Steel Stacks. The Lehigh River, you'll pass by the river twice, beautiful view of the river from the bridge. You'll pass through business districts, neighborhoods, people cheering you on throughout. The end of W Broad Street, which has quaint shops and the historic Bethlehem Hotel. You'll also pass by churches, cemeteries, and a park before heading back.

At the finish line there's a party to celebrate. Huge crowd cheering you on through the finish. post race there is water, bananas, protein bars, and pretzels.

My race: I may have pushed it slightly harder than planned for the 5k, but did not regret it for the 10k. Between races, I hydrated and stretched a bit. The weather was perfect for a hill day. Definitely prefer cool air on any run that may be a challenge. The first mile was smooth, but once the hills set in, got into rhythm for them and maintained where I wanted to be. Probably pushed it slightly harder than I should have for marathon training, but no regrets. yet. :) Once the results have been released, I'll be sure to claim them on Athlinks! Love having all of my race results in one place!

Aid: adequate water and Gatorade throughout the course.

Expo/packet pick-up: bib pickup was a breeze. Able to pickup on race day! Also able to pick up my shirt and check out the expo post race! Notable stands such as Altra, Balega, and AfterShokz! Various other stands as well.

Swag:
Shirt: Grey long sleeve Poly/rayon blend.It's very comfy! Almost a heather cotton, but softer with a slight tech feel. The front of the shirt has the Runner's World Half & Festival presented by Altra. On the back, has the factory building outline with a gear behind it. All of the distances are listed. Bethlehem, Pa. Sponsors Altra and Balega.

Socks: If you were doing the 5 and dime, you also got socks! Grey with fluorescent green. "Runner's World" and "Balega" written on the top front/back.

Medals: Flat square in a diamond angle with the Distance, Date, "Runner's World Half and Festival" logo, and "Altra" sponsor. If you did all four races for the grand slam, there is a magnet that connects all four!

Management: Runner's World know's how to put on a race. Who would of thought that?! lol... A great experience for all distances and skill sets. I do have a slight criticism for the 10k. Before the race starts, there are flags for your expected pace, but there wasn't a pause between corral start times. Basically a constant walk to the start line and then go, congestion after the starting line for a bit. It did clear up and was able to get into a groove, wouldn't hold this against them.

Overall: The race, scenery, and festival are a blast. I will definitely be coming back to this race to do at least one if not all four.

Did I mention this was a festival? Had to meet up with some of my running buddies! Met up with team BibRave, a couple of my buddies from work, and the #RWRunStreak group! The races were great, and meeting up and cheering everyone on made it even better! The running community is so supportive and awesome!

Sites and social:
Site: http://rwhalf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHalf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWHalf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runnersworldevents/

For more pics, check out my blog below:
http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2018/10/runners-world-half-and-festival-race.html

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:
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.

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.

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

Great part of parking by the Stadiums, stopping at Xfinity Live for a post race beer! Xfinity Live holds a few thousand people, has at least 5 different themed bars. For craft beer, I prefer Victory Beer Hall. ;)

Swag:
The bling! Last year's medal featured City Hall, this yr features a few more buildings and Billy P (William Penn) The medal also doubles as a bottle opener!

Shirt: cotton shirt included, up-charge for the tech. Grey, 2018 Blue Cross Broad Street Run featured with sponsors listed on the sleeves.

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!

For more pics, check out my blog below!
http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2018/05/race-review-broad-street-run.html