Hey Hey Rock n Roll

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Rock n Roll VA Beach 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!"

What's up everybody, Ben here and over Labor Day weekend I was in Virginia Beach running the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This was the 19th year of the race and it was a fun race. The course starts on Pacific Ave and finishes on the boardwalk right along the beach. It also goes through Camp Pendleton and passes the Virginia Aquarium.

Of course with it being the last "un" official day of Summer the beach is crowded so lets get some tips out of the way for next year. Book your room EARLY! Places at the beach sell out fast and it's hard to find somewhere to stay.

Allow yourself plenty of time getting to the Beach. If you're coming from the North you have to go through the tunnel in Hampton and sometimes traffic can get backed up.

That being said I arrived on Saturday and went straight to the expo as it is on the main road coming into VA Beach. Parking was easy and the expo was well laid out. When you first enter you get your bib and shirt. From there you head off to the Brooks merch area.

They have my size!

They have almost anything you could need from shoes and socks, to shorts and shirts. One cool thing about the Rock n Roll Series is they make a shirt that lists everyone's names that signed up for the race.

There's my name

The rest of the expo was your usual vendors, clothes, other races in the area to sign up for. After the expo I checked into the campsite and set up my tent. After driving for 4+ hours I went kayaking in the Back Bay. Afterward I headed back to the Boardwalk for a bit of shopping and dinner. One great thing, there's no shortage of places to eat. 

Race day was clear sunny and hot. When I woke up at 5:00 it was already in the 70's and it was only getting hotter. The directors decided earlier in the Summer to move up the start time to try to beat the heat, but the Virginia Summer thought otherwise. 

The race start was well organized with corrals and pacers and of course Rock n Roll. The good thing about a race at the beach is it will be flat. When I first signed up I was planning on a PR, but once race day came up and I saw the temps, I decided finishing at least under 2 hours was a better plan. Did I blow my chance at a PR? Probably not, I think the heat would've gotten to me eventually even though I train and run 2 hours away in Richmond, VA. IT's been a hot Summer and there's always the Fall. On course they had Gatorade Endurance and water and one gel stop. 

There are some twisty and turny sections when you get on the base, but overall the course is long straights along the main roads. The police and organizers did a great job keeping the roads clear for everyone and they also had Medical staff on course on bikes for quick assistance. 

The Bling!

The finish area along the boardwalk was fun. After you cross the finish and get your medal everything is spaced out for bottled water, Gatorade Endurance and food. If you run multiple Rock n Roll event you can also get your multi race medal. After leaving the finisher corral there was a sectioned off area on the beach for racers only which was perfect. The cold Atlantic water felt great on my tired legs.

all in all I had a great time running the Rock n Roll Half. If your looking for a End of Summer race at a beach I highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to give me a follow on Social Media. Or check out the Rock n Roll website HERE

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So Much TRAINING Going On!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to Rock n Roll VA Beach race as part of being a BibRave Pro. I also am training with Gatorade Endurance. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

What is up everybody? It's that time of year when our Fall half and full training plans start up, or in my case, pick up in intensity. I am running the Rock n Roll Half Marathon on September first, and using this as a benchmark race. The course is mostly flat but there is some elevation halfway through. I'm will be trying for a PR, but the humidity and heat in Virginia will make that tough during the Summer. One thing I will be doing is fueling with Gatorade Endurance during my training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. During your training it's good to run a race around half the distance of your goal race. This gives you an idea of where you are training wise and what you can work on. Also you can use my tips below to help your training.

Fueling is important in training, both when your actually running and not. Most people say eating a pasta dinner the night before helps aka 'Carb Loading', but I find two nights before helps me more. That gives your body time to digest and process the food. The night before I go for something high in protein, and of course eat the same thing I always before before my long run.

When training it's okay to miss a run or workout. I've missed loads of runs, especially during the week. Just pick up the next day with what's on your schedule. The same goes if you cut a run short. Don't try to make it up, just keep going with your plan.

Per Gatorade Endurance recommendations during a race or training you should consume at least 30g of carbs per hour. So if you plan on running a half marathon in 2 hours, then you should consume 60g of carbs during the race. Of course, these are recommended, you may find you need more or less. As a rule I usually take fuel at the 6.5 mark, but this year I am trying to take more so I don't crash or run out of energy toward the end.

Stick around for more training post and if you want to run a Rock n Roll Series race check them out HERE.

For more information on Gatorade Endurance go HERE.

You can follow my training on Insta or Twitter @bwachter70
Also check out my YouTube and IGTV channel Run Bigfoot Run

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

Ben

Fall Running Schedule

Disclaimer: I received entry into Marine Corps Marathon, Rock n Roll Virginia Beach, and Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half  as part of being a Bib Rave Pro. For more info on becoming a pro or to leave and read race reviews, go to Bib Rave.

What is up everybody, Ben here with some announcements about Fall running. I know Summer is just getting started, it was humid enough to already be here the other day, but it's time to start planning your Fall race calander. Now personally, I usually only plan marathons, to give me training time, but this year we're doing something different. On September 1st I will be running the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. It's early May as I write this so training will kick in the start of June for that. It's going to be a hot one, but the ocean will be nice to get in afterward. Looking at he course it's fairly flat and out and back so it's going to be a good time to run and maybe shoot for a PR.

 YOU can get $16 off of the half with code 19RNRBRP16

For more info go HERE

Then in October, I'll be teaming up with Team in Training to run the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C. What is Team in Training? Well,  they are an organization that has raised over 1 billion for blood cancer research. One of the ways they raise money is by giving people entry into races for reaching fundraising goals. So I will be fundraising this Summer to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Want to try to fundraise too? Use the code below to get started and maybe you will be running Marine Corp Marathon with me. 

YOU can use code MCMBIBRAVE for free Team in Training registration. That's $100 right there. 

You can check out  Team in Training HERE 

Finally in November we have the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half. This is a race I'm looking forward to as the course should be flat so it's a good PR attempt. I will have a discount code soon so watch out for me on Twitter and Instagram @bwachter70 for that. Or just check back here.

Anyway thanks for reading. I'm sure I will have some 5 and 10k's here and there throughout the year so maybe I'll see you out there. 

Cary or Bust, A Tobacco Road Marathon Recap

I received entry to the Tobacco Road Marathon as a Bib Rave Pro. For more information on becoming a Bib Rave Pro and to read and write race reviews head over to Bib Rave. 

The course

What is going on everybody, Ben here with a Recap and my thoughts on the Tobacco Rd. Marathon. This was marathon number 8 for me and my 7th completion, and I have to say it was one to remember. The course, and the town of Cary, NC are amazing.

The Bling!

My wife and I arrived around midday on Saturday and went straight to the expo. It was super easy to find and there was plenty of parking. The Expo was broken into three areas. The first was mostly local races and area attractions showing upcoming events. The middle was where you picked up your bib, and verified it. They also had a station set up to check your chip and make sure it was you. The last area was vendors and sponsors and shirt pick up. I picked up my shirt, a nice tech T, and we proceeded to walk around and tried some local fare. Appalachian Brewery was there with samples of the after race beers, and we tried some bread from a local baker.

At the Expo

After the expo we checked into our hotel and went exploring around town. There was a nice shopping center down the road from us so we had a dinner out and walked around, before heading to a local brewery for a night cap.

The race started at 7:00 and the weather was perfect. In the mid 30's and slowly warming over the course of the day. The half and full went out at the same time so there was some congestion, but split up after about 2 miles when we turned onto the trail. The Tobacco Road is an abandoned railway that has been converted into a trail system and I hope more towns start doing this. Since it was once a railway the trail was mostly flat, with any hills being hardly noticeable. The water stops were well supplied and manned and everyone was cheering any time you saw people. The trail has several neighborhoods that border it so there is plenty of access to it. The few road crossing were well handled by the police and volunteers and everyone involved did a super job. The course runs mostly through pine forest and is crushed packed gravel, but there are some paved sections.

Around mile 8 or so we turned around and went back across to the half route and continued  until the turn around at about mile 20. The race had a nice downhill finish, and a short walk to the finisher party. The pizza was warm which is a first for me, and the beer was cold. They even handed out Chocolate milk to drink!

ME!

Personally, this was my best marathon ever. I've always wanted to break 4 hours and finally did it. I also set a 40 minute PR. I have to say this is a race I would do again in a heartbeat.

That about wraps it up. If you're looking for a fun, flat, fast course and a marathon that gives back to it's community then I would definitely check into Tobacco Road.

As always you can give me a follow on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70, and check out the IGTV and YouTube Channel Run Bigfoot Run. 

It's Go Time, a Tobacco Road Marathon update.

• Disclaimer: I received free entry to Tobacco Road 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!"

What I'm wearing

What's up everybody? Just a quick one today about what I'm wearing for Tobacco Road on the 17th of March. Normally I wouldn't bother, maybe just a flat Ben photo the night before, but I'm feeling really good about this race. I didn't hit all my training mileage, but what I've done has been quality and I'm feeling good.

So of course I will be in my Run Rabbit Singlet. It's my Bib Rave Uniform. Nice material, doesn't chafe and very comfortable, even when wet. For my arms I will have my Buff Arm Sleeves, and my Saucony gloves, but those will be race day determined. The weather looks super nice and if it warms up quick, I don't want to carry them with me, or toss them. If it was colder, I would wear my Turtle Glove Flip Mitts.

Shorts, I decided on my Janji 5" shorts. Lightweight, super comfy, and wick away moisture. I just wish they had pockets to carry gels or chews. But I will have a Flip Belt for that. I normally use a SPI Belt but my phone fills it up so there's not enough room.

I always race in Balega socks, so not much to talk about there, but shoes were a tough choice. I had been between my New Balance Beacon and Altra Solstice, but both have shortfalls. The Beacons gave me blood blisters during a rainy long run so I'm a little iffy on them, and the Solstice are very hard soled so I'm concerned about foot fatigue.

New Balance Beacon

Altra Soltice

Then I found the new Altra Kayenta. The lightness of the Altra Solstice with the cushion of the Altra Escalante. I wore them for my last long run and decided they were the shoe for me. Expecta full review on Run Bigfoot Run, both on IGTV and YouTube.

Altra Kayenta


That about covers the clothes portion. I will of course be wearing a Buff on my head and probably sunglasses. I still on the fence about wearing headphones, but we shall see.

Thanks for reading,

Ben

You can follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70 and check out the IGTV and YouTube Channel Run Bigfoot Run!

Turtle Power, or the lobster ate my hands

"Disclaimer: I received Turtle Gloves Turtle Flip Mitt 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!"

The fun has arrived!

What's up everyone? Ben here with my review of the Turtle Gloves Flip Mitt. I was able to test these at the perfect time, in Winter when it was cold and rainy. Normally in Winter I run with either just gloves or tucking my hands in my shirt sleeves since they have thumb-holes. I really enjoyed this product and the colorway they sent me should be called the Lobster.

Great for cleaning cars!

In a turtle shell we have a flip top mitten that will turn into a finger-less glove, one step further and you can stick your thumb out the side. And if you go a little more they become arm sleeves. The materials are a soft fleece that felt good on my hands and face and didn't snag on anything. You will need to stick out a finger or thumb to use a touchscreen with these but with the flip top that's pretty easy to do.

Mitt and arm sleeve

I tried these out in 30 degree down to the teens and never felt cold and they extend up your wrists so that area will get covered unlike gloves that stop short. I think anything warmer and a fleece glove may be too much for me.

After a few miles into my run I would get hot and it's a simple flip to open up the gloves and let in some air. This puts the soft fleece side on the back of your hand, perfect for wiping sweat or snot (the first 2 S's of winter) off your face. I did run in the rain with them, they will get wet but not heavy as you would expect. The mitts do a good job wicking off moisture. I was able to run in the snow and sleet (2 more S's) and never felt it on my hands.

As arm warmers, they did a good job, just twist them so the thumb-hole is on the inside of the elbow. Or try it on the backside of your elbow. It may fit better.

Best fact about Turtle Gloves? They are made in the USA in Michigan. I know it gets cold up there so I trust them to make something that would keep you warm!

You can check out Turtle Gloves HERE and use code TurtleBibRave for 15% off your order for a limited time.

Also give them a follow on Twitter and Insta @turtlegloves they post some funny stuff.

Give me a follow on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70 and check out Run Bigfoot Run on IGTV and Youtube for reviews and other things I do.


So lace up and get out,

Ben

Training Problems and How to Deal With It!

• "Disclaimer: I received free entry to Tobacco Road Marathon 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!

  

  Look at that BLING!

Whats up everyone, Ben here and I'm back with a little over one month to go before the Tobacco Rd Marathon on March 17th in Cary, NC. I would love to be on here talking about how great training is going but to be honest this Winter has been a hard one to get my miles in.

Living in a rural area, it's hard to get my runs in due to the lack of safe roads. That's okay, as my running group meets in town near my work so I can run before or after work. I fit my long runs in on the weekends around family schedules, usually in the mornings. The problem comes when it snows or it's raining and cold. I'm not trying to get sick a month out so it's perfectly okay to skip a run once in awhile. When you skip a lot of runs that can be an issue.

The Tobacco Road

If you're using a plan, they are broken down day by day to maximize your workouts, but if you switch up a day it's not the end of the world. I missed my run today, due to rain and will make it up tomorrow. Runners always find a way to get a run in, whether it's staying home on a Friday night to get up early, or getting a run in during lunch.

So far my current training plan calls for three to four runs per week. The fourth can be either a track day or hill day. I usually run on Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, but if I miss a day I can just skip and pick up the next day. Which leads me to a bit of advice, never try to cram a missed run in as it will usually lead to injury. I know a lot of runners that have wasted time and effort only to miss race day due to an over training injury.

The takeaway from all of this rambling is don't stress training. It can be your first or fourteenth, if you miss a couple of days during training it's okay. We all do.

That's about all for today. I'll be back in a couple of weeks to talk about my overall thoughts and what I'm expecting at Tobacco Road.

If you want to follow Tobacco Road Marathon on Twitter or follow me on Twitter or Insta

Check out Tobacco Road on the Interwebs  and use code TRMRAVE19 for a discount.

Check out my YouTube Channel

Find out if Zwift is right for you.

"Disclaimer: I received a Zwift RunPod 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!"

It's a pod!

What's up everybody, Ben here with a review of the Zwift RunPod and app. This will be a different kind of review as the pod I received had problems and I could never actually get it to work. So I will put up some links to  other BibRave Pros that were able to get the pod working.

@blackbeanqueen review

The RunPod is small and lightweight so you will barely notice it. It attaches to your shoe via a twist on piece that goes under your laces. When you lock it in you will hear a 'click' so it's locked in. It doesn't matter what shoe you put it on, either will work. My first mistake was to connect to my phones Bluetooth, when you want to connect to the app itself, just make sure your Bluetooth is on when you start the app.

@pktirish review

I see you RunPod!

Once you click 'OK' you will go to another screen where you will calibrate the pod to Zwift. Here's where my second problem occurred.  Although the app could see the pod it would not register that I was moving when I tried to calibrate it.

Okay, so maybe it was the device I was using. I tried my phone, which is a Galaxy 8, an iPod, my wife's Samsung Tablet and my laptop. For the laptop I also tried using the Zwift Companion app, but to no avail. Several of my fellow Pro's gave me tips and suggestions, like trying a new battery, and going to a different Wi-Fi network but I could not get the Pod to calibrate.

@azsungoddess review

Me getting warmed up.


I am currently working with Zwift to see what went wrong and why my RunPod was unable to register me running on the treadmill. As you can see, the other Pro's that tested the app and Pod didn't have problems, but I feel this was a good opportunity to try and work with a company to solve a problem.

If you want to try out Zwift yourself go HERE to download the software and purchase a Run Pod if needed. I know a lot of people that use Zwift especially during the Winter when they cannot get outside to make the Dreadmill bearable. Hopefully, with Zwift I can get this working and join you on a run.


Until next time,
Lace up and get out there!

Ben

You can follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70
Check out my YouTube Channel Run Bigfoot Run
Or join me on Strava or Athlinks Ben Wachter

Discounts!!!! Get Your Discounts Here!!!

Welcome to your one stop shop for Race and Product Discounts. As this is updated all the time, check back often and I will post on Twitter as well. Follow me @bwachter70

   

I am also an ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon. Use BRMBEN20 for 20% off any distance!

 

Maybe I'm Just Half (Marathon) Crazy

  So Saturday the 17th I woke up at 2 a.m. and drove three hours to run a half marathon. I was the 2:15 pacer for the Race 131 half in Roanoke , VA and it was a lot of fun. The drive really wasn't that bad but I don't think I would do it again, not driving to run, the getting up at 2 a.m. part.

  In the past I never was a fan of half marathons. They just kind of felt off, and I was too busy signing up for 10 and 5 k's to bother with them. This was half number four.

  Race 131 always put on a great race. They are fun low key events and perfect for beginners and advanced runners alike. Good aid stations, well marked courses, and a fun after party all make for a good environment. The out and back course followed the Roanoke River along the Greenway and had a hill at mile 5 and 9.

  I completed right on time and cheered the runners I was pacing that had fallen off due to the hill and then headed home. About an hour into my drive I realized my legs were not as beat up as they are after a full marathon. I felt great and in fact felt like I could make it a double day. I decided at that time to stop running marathons. I am pacing the Richmond Marathon this year and it will probably be my last. My last 2 fulls were rather hard on me and if I can go out and put in a good effort at the half and feel good after then it's a good decision for me.

  Plus my wife likes that I will not be spending half of my Saturdays on long runs training for a full.

  So go ahead call me half crazy. I don't mind.

Couple of updates: I'm not running the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall but I will be running the Crawling Crab Half and Hershey Half, so there will be plenty to talk about with those and training.