Running with the Marines!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to XYZ 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 and I'm back with a Marine Corp Marathon wrap up and a little of what else is happening. I did make my Team in Training goal, but I don't think I will ever do that again. I loved working with the team and the training plan, that I didn't follow the whole time, was great but I'm not a fundraiser. I hate asking people for anything so I'm really not the fundraising type. I will give to causes I believe in don't get me wrong, I just will not do something like this again. 

bib pick up

I rode up from Richmond to DC with some friends the Saturday before Marine Corp and we stayed at the Gaylord where the expo was held. I have to say, this was one of the biggest expos I've ever been to in my life. There were clothes, shoe, and every other type of vendor you can imagine. The line to get your bib and shirt were very smooth and I had no trouble getting through. After that you went into the Brooks area where they had race swag and other items for sale. The rest of the expo floor was the usual vendors and race companies. I talked with the Altra reps, I love their trail shoes and the Hoka reps, I just switched over to their road shoes. After walking around for a bit I went outside to where an old Air Force One was located that you could walk around and take photos, pretty cool. I also got to meet up with Diz Runs, the famous podcaster. I was on an early episode of his podcast talking about being a race pacer and it was awesome to finally meet him and other 'Diz Runners' in person. We hung out for a bit and chatted and took some photos.

Met @dizruns

  Sunday morning came early and with drizzle, and warm temps. We got dressed and the couple I was with gave me an extra poncho they brought and we headed down to the bus to get to the start. There's so many runners, the start takes up four lanes of road to get everyone out on the course. And right on time the Howitzer sounded off and the race was underway. We started just North of the Pentagon and went around Arlington Cemetery before winding uphill the across the bridge. And then the rain started. I've run in the rain before, but his was a good steady downpour that went on and off for awhile. The street crossing were like creeks there was so much water, but we kept pushing on along the river and down the Blue Mile. This part of the course is lined with photos of fallen Marines and friends and family are there after ward thanking you and pushing you onward. We went through the National Mall turned in front of the Capitol then down to the 14th St bridge and across to Crystal City. THis wasthe final turnaround and you go back past the Pentagon and finish near the Marine Corp Monument. 

wet start

As far as races go, The course is great, uphill in the first few miles then flat for the most part. The scenery is amazing, and the crowd support is awesome, I've never ran a race with that many people out cheering you on. Team in Training had several cheer spots and I could hear them shouting encouragement as I went by. The weather went went from warm and rainy to hot and humid in a matter of hours, but that's Virginia for you and we suck it up and run in it anyway. It's what we love to do. The finisher area was crowded at the end of the walk out chute, that needs to be improved. If your waiting for someone, give them and the other runners a chance to get out in the open area. Marathon Beer was there with the 26.2 beer and it was welcome for sure. I even got to meet and take a photo with some former Presidents!

Add caption

All in all I would recommend running the Marine Corp Marathon. The Corp know how to hold a well organized event, and if I had a chance I would run it again, even though I retired from marathons after this one.

If you want to give me a follow on Insta @_benzany, on Twitter it's @bwacter70, and Youtube is Benzany. Dont forget to follow Bib Rave and join us on Tuesday nights for #BibChat

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. 

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

OOFos, Look What You Made Me Do

"Disclaimer: I received OOFos Orginial Sport Sandals 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!"

Feelin' the OO!

What's up everybody, Ben here with another Run Bigfoot Run review, and this one came just in time. I have heard so much about OOFos I was wanting to try a pair of them, but wanted to try them on first. When the chance came to test a pair, I went for it. And these did not disappoint.

Look at those boats!

Over 7 years of running, I've had my share of injuries, but this was my first encounter with Plantar Fasciatis. After the Freedom's Run Marathon I returned to soon to running to start training for the DAV 5k. After my second day back my foot started to really hurt, so bad I couldn't walk on it. At first I thought I bruised it but it was something else entirely. Here's where OOFos comes in. My first time wearing them, my foot was still sore, but it didn't hurt as much as my other shoes did. My foot was cushioned and the rocker in the sole helped ease me into the next step, taking pressure off my foot and reducing any fatigue.

Got sole? OOFos do.

If you get them wet, just keep on going. The sandals worked great when wet and stayed on my feet, while other sandals I own would be sliding off my foot when they got wet. The sole is channeled to help keep traction on slick surfaces and I have yet to have an issue with them slipping off.

Ugly Feet!

Looking at the reviews on the site, the only complaint seems to be the lack of half sizes, but I'm between a 13 and 14 in running shoes and went with the 13 OOFos sandal and they feel and fit just fine. My heels are right in the heel cup of the sandal, and I have some wiggle rooms for the toes up front.

I'm not sure what else I can say about this shoe, except I have loved wearing them and will definitely get myself another pair. And watch out for your dogs if you have any, they like chewing on them.


If you want to watch my YouToube review go HERE. While you're there, sub to the channel.

Want to get a pair for yourself, go HERE

as always follow me on Insta and Twitter, and thanks for reading.



Lace up and get out there!

Ben

All Aboard the Training Train!

So we're about 4 weeks out from Freedom's Run Marathon and training is right on schedule. I am using the FIRST training plan that has me running 3 days a week and 2 days of cross training. For cross training I'm using an elliptical, I would rather bike, but I don't have one so elliptical it is.

I just wrapped up week 12, but made my long run 18 miles instead of 15 due to missing some miles last week. The FIRST method has you running less, but the runs are at a faster pace than normal and more high intensity. Looking at week 13 I have a 6 x 1200 track workout, that's pretty intense! One thing I have adjusted is I still run with a group twice a week, so I have cut back on my pace on one of those days, and just relax.

I also have one more 20 mile run at the end of week 13, then begin to taper on the long run, but keep up the track intensity and the tempo run varies until we get to the last week, when it's just easy runs with time over distance, just to keep up your fitness.

So why did I pick this plan? I had heard a lot about it and the fact it's 3 runs a week was appealing. I've done plans that were 5 or 6 days a week and could never get the workouts in and started working harder to make them up or skipped it all together. FIRST also allows us to have adequate rest between ours runs, even though we still have cross training days in between them, it's not a daily grind of pounding the roads.
 I started using FIRST about halfway through training. I was training with a group that already ran their target race and at my fitness level it was easy to switch over to the FIRST plan to finish off my training cycle.

I'll be back in 2 weeks for some final thoughts about how my training went and if I think I'm ready for Freedom's Run or not.

Spoiler: I'm ready. I've also been posting videos about my training over on the Youtube channel. Check it out and while you're there subscribe. Here's the LINK.

You can also follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70


Remember, lace up and get out there

Ben

Just Finish (A Rock n Roll Marathon Recap)

Hey everyone, Ben here and before I get started here's the disclaimer.
 As a BibRavePro I was selected to run and write/promote the Rock n Roll DC Marathon in return for free entry. This fact does not change how I feel about the race and organizers and for more information about being an ambassador go here.

 So I arrived in DC the Friday before the race and immediately got lost. Apple Maps gets confused and had me going everywhere but to the hotel. I was finally able to stop and get that straight and checked in and parked my car. If you plan on staying inside the District, I would research parking, it can cost a lot if you're not careful. After unpacking and changing, I decided to run to the expo, as it was only 2 miles. The weather was chilly but sunny and I made it to the Expo at the DC Armory in about 20 minutes. Once you got through security we went downstairs and got our bibs. One feature I liked was the scanner before you went back upstairs to verify your information was correct. Back on the main floor, you got your shirt and gear check bag, and could enter the expo.

SWAG CENTRAL!!!

 Divided in 2 parts, we had the Brooks Swag area where you could get race specific merch and Section 2 where the vendors and other sponsors were located. I enjoyed walking around and talking with some product reps, especially the ones that I use but after awhile I headed out and went to the Metro stop to go back to the hotel.

But first a visit to the Smithsonian. If you've never been, go and if you've been, go again. I saw a lot of things I missed when I was here last year and love wandering the Natural History Museum.

Race night dinner was my usual pizza. I went to We The Pizza on Penn Ave and it was really good. If you get a chance check it out.

Yummy

Race morning was cold. I checked out and put my gear in my car, then walked to the start of the race which was about a mile or so. The gear drop was located about a block away from the start and was well run by UPS. The start was a long fenced in area, about 2 blocks behind the museums and corrals were well marked. One thing I didn't like were the race announcers, I know there are a lot of sponsors but you don't need to mention them every 4 minutes. The Rock n Roll kicked off about 30 minutes before the start of the race and we had the singing of the National Anthem. Then we were off. The race winds throughout the city and is mostly flat. Until mile 6 or 7 when you start up the hill to Calvert House. The Blue Mile was set up along the route here and the support and encouragement to continue was super. After that, not so much. I've done races of all different distances and this was one of the sparsest as far as neighborhood support. If you want to run miles with just your thoughts, this is the race for you.
 There is a second large hill at mile 23 in Fort Dupont Park and it was there my legs said enough. I walked the last 3 miles and jogged/limped across the finish. Somewhere along mile 15, I started feeling off and stiff so I started walking/running to rest some but I'm thinking I didn't eat enough in the days leading up to the race. That's my fault and not the races so just remember to fuel up properly before any event. I will keep it mind too.
  I didn't get to spend a lot of time at the finish area. Once you crossed the line you got your medal, and headed to the food and bag pick up. I had to get my car so I walked through quickly and headed out.

Cool Pick Shape.

Overall, the race was fun, well supported aid stations and a friendly group of volunteers. I wish I had more time to explore before and after, but that happens sometimes when you go to events out of you area. The course had music playing at every mile through the mile markers and several bands scattered about.

If your looking for a good Spring marathon on the East Coast I would give the Rock n Roll DC a try.


Lace up and get out....

Ben

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

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

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!

 

Richmond Marathon Recap

This was my third year running the Richmond marathon and it was the best one yet. Once again I was a pacer but moved up to the 4:45 group from 5:30. I have to say it felt a lot better pacing closer to my normal pace and look forward to doing it again.

  After my health scare I decided that I was done running fulls after this year but finishing at 4:46 just gives me the desire to run one for me. So it comes as no surprise that I'm getting back in the game.  I'm thinking something in the Spring would be a good choice. 

 Anyway back to the marathon. As I was saying I was the 4:45 pacer and started with 3 people running with me until mile 9 or so. Two of the pacers started in the wrong corral so we didn't catch them until about mile 4 but we ran together for awhile until they stopped at a water stop to long. I stopped long enough for the runners I was with to get a drink and we pressed on. Soon I was down to one person running with me, a woman named Carrie that had never broke 5 hours at a full and really wanted to. Since she was the last runner with me I was determined to get her across the line and make her goal. We had some time banked but she started to get leg cramps around mile 23 so we started to walk/run the rest of the way. 

 Her husband and children were at mile 26 waiting for us and I have never seen a look of determination like I did on Carrie. We rounded the corner and ran all the way to the finish. After thank you and hugs and a finisher photo together, I realized I'm not done with the marathon. I've still got miles in me and goals I need to make. And that is my Richmond Marathon recap.

P.S. It really is a lovely race, the neighborhoods and town really get behind it and there are people cheering almost every step of the way. If your looking for a fall event, give it a try.