2 weeks out and looking at a PR

Hey everyone, Ben here and lets talk about weather stalking and setting a PR at the Rock n Roll DC Marathon. As a Bib Rave Pro I was asked to write a blog post about Athlinks.Com so we will talk some about them also. I was also selected to run the Rock n Roll Marathon as a rep of Bib Rave for free. For more info about Bib Rave and being an ambassador go here.

So the marathon is about 2 weeks out and I have started checking the 10 day forecast twice a day. It has gone from 30's and snow/rain to 30's and partly cloudy. I'm really hoping for the latter, as I hate wet socks. Most people will tell you that you should have everything locked down as far as race day wear is concerned, but things change. I do agree with not buying anything new for race day without testing it. I will admit I do get a new pair of socks before a big race, but they are the brand and model I already wear.

You know, I dislike 2 things about running, tight socks or wet ones. I'm just that way. So back to the weather. I know I'm wearing shorts and calf sleeves. As for the top half it's either a shirt and gloves or singlet and arm warmers. I'm still not sure.

Time to check the weather again. It's warmed a few degrees and will be mostly sunny. Do I wear a hat or shades and a buff? I'll decide next week.

So on to the PR section. I've been running for 7 years now and started using Athlinks when our local RRCA chapter began posting results to the site. I signed up and started finding my races, and other people with the same name in Europe. Don't worry I didn't claim those. The funny thing about this marathon is it will be the first since 2014 that I'm not a pacer so I'm looking to PR. Looking at my Personal Records on Athlinks I see that 4:46:56 is my current PR for the marathon. I'm shooting to finish under 4 hours this time and get a new number on the board.
 My trail marathon was actually my first marathon ever. I know how to pick a tough one. I do see one thing on this. The race that is listed as my 5k PR was actually a 4k but still credited as a 5k.

Looks like I have to email Athlinks about changing that. Good thing they have great service and can help you with most anything.

Except the weather.

Lace up and go running...

Ben W

Chafe Free, it's the Only Way to Be

So I'm a sweaty person when I run. During the summer I go shirtless and my shoes are usually soaked by the end of it. It's gross but it's the way it is. I have used a stick anti-chafe solution before and it never worked that well. You know the scream you let out when the shower water hits your chafe.

"Disclaimer: I received pjuractive 2Skin to review 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!"

Bottle 

So 2skin is a gel. It comes in a bottles or moistened towelettes. I have the towels in my gear bag for racecations so I haven't used them yet. I was also sent a travel sized bottle that will come in handy.

2skin is colorless and odorless, so if you get into a battle of wits best stick with the iocane powder.

I've used this with three different pairs of shorts and have had no issues with stains or discoloring so we're good there. After applying just wash with soap and water and your good to go. When I first received 2skin I was in my car and put some on my hands. 

DON'T DO THAT!

It's slick.

As far as runs, I have tested on runs from 7 miles to 18 miles and in various temps, from freezing to 60+.

2skin has held up and I have not needed to reapply during my run. I'm not sure how I would apply more during a run, but where there's a will there's a way.

At the most just a squirt in my hand is sufficient enough to provide coverage to the places that tend to chafe but your needs may differ.

So I have to give 2skin a big 2 thumbs up, this is a great product and I look forward to a chaff free summer this year, and many years to come.

Lace up and get out....

Ben

If you want to check out the website, click here

Marathon training, 4 weeks out.

My hair is Awesome!

What's happening running friends? As a Bib Rave Pro, I am sometimes able to opt in to run events and promote and write about them. So in 4 weeks I will be running the Rock n Roll Marathon in D.C. If you want to run, use code RNRBRP2018 and get $15 off.

I started adding a long run to my weekly miles about 5 week ago, so I've had nine weeks to get ready. The usual training plan is 16 weeks but with an average weekly mileage of 25 miles or more I can be comfortable in ramping up on short notice. The funny part about running another marathon was I said earlier in 2017 that Richmond would be my last marathon after the scare I had in the Spring. Well, I lied. The lure of the marathon is too strong to resist and I'm at it again but better prepared.

Training is going well, even with the weather  we have been experiencing here in Virginia. I'm running with a group more and that has really helped me improve. We run at least twice a week on different 7 mile routes and practice 'first to last' so nobody gets left behind. One day a week I set aside for track work, which is usually based on 10k or half marathon pace, so we are going much faster than I plan for the marathon.

Saturday long runs are broken up with helping to coach a local 10k training team. Seeing first time runners out going further then they ever have before is rewarding and inspires me to do better.

That's enough for today, I will see everyone next week for 3 weeks out and look at the course and my plan of action.

Lace up and get out...


Ben

Pins are so 2017

How many sets of 4 pins strung together do you have? As a runner I have 2 in my car, several in the house somewhere and at least 2 pinned to the kit bag. Well that was 2017 me. 2018 me is rocking the Bib Boards and let me say these little things are awesome!

So what are Bib Boards? They are a snap that goes through the hole on your race day bib and the other half is on the inside of your shirt. They can be branded or logo and have several phrases or images to choose from. As I didn't have a race scheduled until mid-February I was trying to figure the best way to test.

First was the the snap test. While watching football I snapped and unsnapped for about 15 minutes. They still held shape and  leads us to test number 2, the shirt test.

I went for a 13 mile training run and attached two Bib Boards that I used during test one. I was worried about chafing from the inside of the snaps, but actually I forgot they were even there. At one point I had to check my shirt to make sure they were still attached.

Test 3 was the bib test. Since I didn't have a race scheduled during testing, I just grabbed an old bib and put it on. I went to the local track and just did 800 repeats for marathon training and the bib stayed in place and didn't really bother me at all. Normally I wear a bib on my shorts, but I was okay with the shirt. I never hit the bib with my arms and it stayed in place.

Pin Free

So far I'm really liking Bib Board and I would recommend checking them out.


Until next time, lace up and get out...

Ben