Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon 2015 Race Recap

Disclaimer: I received a free 3-pack Tourpass through my Rock ‘n’ Blog ambassadorship. As always, all thoughts & opinions are my own.

It's no secret that I love Philadelphia and love racing there.  I was excited when the date for the Philly Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon finally got sorted out (the pope's visit caused some scheduling issues with the city) and could register thanks to my Rock 'n' Roll Tourpass School made scheduling things a bit of a mess later in this year so I was glad to be able to use this perk of being a Rock 'n' Blogger. 

It was also a really special race because the Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon was my first half marathon ever. It was pretty surreal running it again 3 years, countless miles, and many awesome running adventures later. I had a really great race which was especially ehanced by the fact that I had VIP access for this race. I'll review just the VIP package perks for the race separately after this race recap.

Pre-Race

I stopped by the expo Friday afternoon down at the Convention Center. It was easy enough to get to and the big Rock 'n' Roll expos are always fun to shop around in. It was an extra fun because the race was actually on Halloween morning so there was some spooky decorations and bowls of candy when I picked up my bib.  Brooks Running is the gear sponsor and always has such cute race gear for sale, but I tried to restrain myself from dropping more money. 

It was around the time that people started to get out of work so the expo was busy. I grabbed a pair of running capris on sale (plus a coupon!) at the Sports Authority booth and made sure to stop at the VIP table to grab my wristband that I needed to get into the VIP area on race day. Of course I sampled all of the snacks and looked at more running gear I don't need.  Honda had a fun interactive area where you sat in 3 different vehicles for three different activities for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip with friends to a Rock 'n' Roll race.  There was a fun photo booth car where they actually emailed you a little gif. 

 

I didn't have any expectations for the race, especially since it was only 3 weeks after the Chicago Marathon and my running had been on the lighter side.  I got up earlyyyy running on not that much sleep, to make it into the city from NJ. It was fun taking the train in on a cold, dark morning and seeing who was wearing costumes. A guy dressed up as the running Forrest Gump sat next to me-he had no idea how running 13.1 miles in a pair of khakis was going to be!  

Race

Once I got the race start area by the Philadelphia Museum of Art I walked up to the VIP area which was near the finish line. It was awesome because I got to grab a pre-race bagel from the continental breakfast and use the VIP port-a-potties (I literally waited only a few minutes!).  I also loved having the small VIP gear check right there so I said hi to Cynthia and waited until I had about 5 minutes to get into my corral. It was a pretty chilly morning, but I was just glad it wasn't raining or anything like the DC half marathon earlier this year.  Corral 6 was farther up so I had to speedwalk to get up there but eventually made it into the corral.  It was exciting to hear the elites start because many were trying for Olympic qualifying races! 

I was a modified Minnie Mouse because temps were pretty cold plus I wanted to sport my Rock 'n' blog tee. I also really loved my matching Bondiband and Rock City Skirts sparkly skirt which went perfectly with my Minnie Mouse ears. I was worried the ears would bother me, but they stayed put and didn't move around at all. 

 My favorite part about the race was seeing all the costumes people were running in.  I saw animals, Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, and superheroes out on the course.  My plan was to see how my legs feel and keep it around an 8:00 min/mile pace. I know I say this often, but I really just wanted to have fun.  

I felt pretty great for the first 6 miles and warmed up quickly. It's a flat and fast course which makes for great PRs. I had a weird twinge in my right calf all week so I had some KT tape on it, but luckily it wasn't bothering me. The race starts on the Ben Franklin Parkway and has you run through Fairmount Park on the right side of the Schuylkill River.  

Around Mile 8 once you get through parts of Fairmount Park there is a turnaround near over the Falls Bridge which has you running back towards the Art Museum on MLK Drive on the other side of the river. I was starting to feel a little tired but finished off my bottle of Nuun that I carried and ate half of a salted watermelon Gu packet.  The only thing about Philadelphia races is that most of them include those long, straight stretches along the river which can be boring or bad for your mind games. 

There was only a few bands on the course which seemed typical for the Rock 'n' Roll races. I always bring my iPod so it wasn't a big deal. There were some a couple groups like a school and cheer squad out there, which was awesome since it being a chilly Halloween morning.

Mentally miles 8-10 were tough, which is typical for half marathons for me.  Once I hit mile 10 I knew I didn't have much longer. I was running close to a 7:45 pace during the race, which felt comfortable. I kept telling myself that 3 weeks ago I ran freaking 26.2 miles so I could definitely finish half of that.   It's definitely when I needed to find my jams to bop along to as I ran. 

I felt strong finishing and definitely pushed it that last 1.2 miles, finishing in 1:41:48. I'm always happy with a top 10% finish and had a better race than I expected! 

I was hungry and knew I'd finally be able to have some food! You finish right in front of the Art Museum and the infamous Rocky steps. The announcer for the race did a great job and called out names and some different facts about some of the finishers. It was easy to shuffle through the corral chute and there was plenty of food. The only thing I wanted was a bag to hold all of my snacks in because that was annoying.  

Post-Race

I drank some chocolate milk as I walked to the VIP area again, which was not very long because it was right at the finish. Not too many runners were there yet so I immediately signed up for 10 minute massage (shout-out to Phila Massages-you rock!). My calves were really tight so it felt great to get them loosened up immediately after the race.  

Afterwards I indulged in a mimosa (or 3) and a plate of hot breakfast food from the buffet, followed by multiple cups of coffee. Gin Blossoms were the concert after the race, and I got to catch a few of their songs, which was fun. I enjoyed hanging out in the VIP area before taking the VIP shuttle back to the host hotel with Cynthia before heading out of the city.  

Overall

This race was an awesome start to my Halloween and is still one that will always be near and dear to my heart. 

I love how organized the event is and how it's such a great course. The medal and shirt are always fun-I especially loved how the medal is Halloween themed with a little witch on a broom.  I think it's a great race to run with friends or if you are looking for a fast, flat course to get a new half marathon PR on!

This post was linked up with Tuesdays on the Run. 

Did you run any Halloween races? Have you ever run in costume? 

Gametiime to FitFam Launch

Remember that you have until Sunday 11/15/15 to enter my Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts giveaway! 

The running company formerly known as Gametiime has now launched as FitFam, and I’m super happy to be an ambassador for them.  

It’s still the same people with a different website.  You can read more of the launch information here, but pretty much FitFam will still be hosting virtual race events.  You will also still have the awesome social search directory of races across the country to find races near you that Gametiime was known for. 

Honestly I am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment and wasn’t even sure I wanted to apply to be a FitFam ambassador.  Then I talked to one of the co-founders Jon, who shared with me how the FitFam brand wants to have these unique, authentic ambassadors from all different places across the country and in life. It’s a platform to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to live healthy and active lives. I'm all for super positive running communities looking to inspire. I loved the sense of community and social connection so I’m really happy I’m a part of the community. 

With FitFam you can sign up for a virtual race online, have your packet & swag items sent to you, complete the race wherever & whenever you want, and submit your results online. 

You also can win prizes not only based on your race time, but also based on fun photo contests. I had the chance to be a part of one of these virtual races through a race benefiting Girls on the Run by Nuun called Run Ride Hydrate which was super fun.  It’s awesome to race virtually with my fellow Nuun friends all across the country. 

My Run Ride Hydrate virtual race bib and medal with Team Nuun!

The virtual events have comparable entry fees but also people from all over the country to virtually run together and allows runners to see demographics from fellow runners in the event such as age, location, and gender.  I obviously love running races and have run a few virtual races for the social aspect. For others it can be a great opportunity to Besides being a fun race opportunity for runners, it’s also a great brand marketing tool for companies. 

FitFam launched yesterday and already announced their first virtual race, the FitFam Challenge which is the perfect way to kick off 2016! For only $35 you get entry into the virtual race as well as a finisher’s shirt and medal. How awesome is that, especially nowadays with the costs of races increasing. 

You can follow FitFam on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use and search the hashtags #FitFamLaunch and  #movethemission for more FitFam fun!

Have you ever done a virtual race? 

Pumpkin Hemp Soup {recipe} with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Giveaway

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Mantioba Harvest through my association with Fit Approach. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was happy to recently receive a sample of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts to try out through my partnership with Fit Approach as a Sweat Pink ambassador. I've had a few sample packs from various places before. Hemp is a plant and the plants grown in Western Canada are mostly used for hemp foods. Also I recently was reintroduced to making macrame hemp bracelets that girls made when I was younger (yet I had never mastered!)-that string comes from the hemp plant.  

The hard hemp seed is at the top of the plant and this is used to make Hemp Hearts, hemp protein powder, and hemp oil. It's a plant that has been around for centuries. No it will not get you feeling weird-read more about its misconceptions here.

These raw shelled hemp seeds have a nutty texture and taste like sunflower seeds to me. Although they are small, they are packed with protein and omegas (10g of each per serving!) and are easy to sprinkle on anything from savory dishes, cereal and oatmeal, yogurt or salads. 

I mostly have used them at breakfast time in my oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt but decided to switch things up and try a recipe from Manitoba Harvest's website. I made this seasonal Pumpkin Hemp Soup which was delicious! I happened to have some fresh pumpkin puree around from a roaster pumpkin which gave it lots of extra flavor. I had to substitute onions for shallots and used what milk I had on hand, but the recipe still turned out great. 

The soup is very creamy and flavorful. I loved adding extra hemp hearts on top for a little crunchiness.

Pumpkin Hemp Soup (adapted original recipe from Manitoba Harvest) 

Quick Pickle Kit Review

Disclosure: I was sent a complimentary Quick Pickle Kit to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

I think pickles are either a love 'em or hate 'em kinda food. I happen to think they are super delicious. I mostly eat them straight from the jar. There also was a time long ago that I once drank a cup of pickle juice because I heard it was good at replenishing salt and preventing cramps-if you can stomach it!  

{source}

While I love trying new kitchen gadgets and recipes, I also am really short on time. I was excited to have the opportunity to try the Connoisseur Creations' Quick Pickle Kit which is advertised as being a fast, simple, and all-natural way to make pickles that only takes 3 days. Yep, I can plan ahead 3 days in advance. 

The kit was simple (no assembly required!) and included a big glass jar, instruction & recipe booklet, and seasoning packets. Since I'm a pickling novice, I decided to go with good old fashioned dill pickles.  All I had to do was add some mini cucumbers I grabbed at the local farmer's market along with the dill spice packets included and some vinegar (I used plain white vinegar I had lying around) and put the kit together as the instructions said.  It was easy and there were lots of helpful tips for pickling specific vegetables. 

After filling and sealing, the jar is heated for 75 minutes and then flipped to create a vacuum. It sat in my fridge for 3 days, and then it was time for the moment of truth! Success-they tasted delicious!

You also don't have to make cucumber pickles-you can pickle ANY vegetable! I've been seeing a lot of pickled vegetables on restaurant menus so I'me excited to experiment more. Now that my first experiment is under my belt, I need to try a different vegetable-I'm thinking beets. 

I wasn't paid to talk about pickles, just sent a complimentary kit to spread the word and help this business grow (plus I really like pickles). You can purchase your own Quick Pickle Kit on Amazon (MRP $39.99) plus it's Prime eligible if you are an Amazon addict #idoitforthefreeshipping.  You can also purchase extra spice packets on Amazon (each makes 3 batches of pickles) in Bread & Butter, Dill, and Sweet  (MRP $19.99).

 It would make a great Christmas gift! 

Be sure to follow Quick Pickle Kit on Facebook.

November 14 is National Pickle Day, so it's the perfect time to make your own pickles! 

Do you like pickles and/or pickled vegetables?  What's your favorite way to eat a pickle? 

Hood to Coast with Nuun Recap Part 3: Finally Sharing Thoughts on the Race

I know it's ridiculous that over a year later I'm processing some thoughts and sharing some moments from Hood to Coast 2014 with Nuun Hydration. Last year I was busy in the midst of marathon training and only shared Part 1 & Part 2 of my recap. I never really figured out how to talk about the race itself and share how great of an experience it was so I just let it slide.  It was hard and definitely not just like any other race recap I have on the blog-there was so much involved.  Finally I have something to say because I'm excited to be having a similar opportunity this upcoming weekend. 

I also did a guest post a little bit ago on Run Far Girl about the best and worst of overnight relay races that is all based on my Hood to Coast experience. 

Well, I'm ridiculously excited to be running another overnight relay race with Nuun Hydration in less than a week. This time we're taking on Ragnar Las Vegas! I would be the person to go to Las Vegas for the first time ever for a race #crazyrunnerlady.  

It's gotten me thinking about Hood to Coast 2014 a lot so here's a kind of list of thoughts, moments and photos. 

Hood to Coast 2014 Race Recap 

Running late to the start in Leg 1 because of Seattle to Portland traffic and that anxiety of being the first person from my van to have to rush and run.  It also didn't help that Lisa was the runner before me, and she's wicked fast. 

Running in rural Oregon with nothing but some vans and a few other runners was amazing. 

I ate countless peanut butter-filled pretzels. I couldn't control myself sitting next to a giant bag for 36 hours.  

Port-a-potty lines at a relay race are no joke. 

Getting maybe an hour of sleep and then being woken up after 3 AM to get ready to run on a dirt road past Portland in the pitch black of night was a unique experience.   

Compression socks are a relay race necessity. 

I loved these Pro Compression ones with the Nuun logo we were given!

The pacific Northwest is beautiful. SO BEAUTIFUL. Why do I live so far from it?! 

SO MUCH HAPPINESS & EXCITEMENT. Having a team cheering you on and running in a new place and being surrounded by nature. All of it makes me smile like this: 

I was in awe of all the amazing stories I heard from all my van-mates and all the Team Nuun runners. Frankly felt I didn't have much of a story to share. It's just a reminder that there must be more big adventures in store for me in this life.

Counting roadkills (runners you pass). My new favorite running pastime. 

Eff serious traffic during a relay race in the middle of nowhere. 

Showing that sign who's boss. 

 Always stay hydrated (Nuun is my drink of choice, obviously). 

Cheering on teammates as they come to the exchange points is so fun. Running up to really crowded ones with lots of excitement is also fun. Unless you can't find your teammate or your team hasn't made it there yet. Otherwise the energy is awesome!

Finishing my last leg on a sunny afternoon like the badass that I am in super fast time and running one of my fastest miles ever thanks to the push from an African guy who lived in NYC who challenged me to keep up with him was awesome. 

Finish strong, amiright?

Starbucks tastes amazing after sitting in a van for 30 hours. 

Best chai latte that you've ever had, and me. 

Pizza and beer also tastes amazing after an overnight relay. 

Even when it's foggy and cloudy on the beach at the finish line, runners know how to party.

The medal could be a little bigger. The memories and that big run happy smile are worth more though. 

Post-relay race yoga is a must. 

Waking up in Seaside, Oregon with this view is not awful. 

 I'm pretty sure Nuun Lemon-Lime Energy Van 2 will be friends for life. It's easy to get to know somebody once you're all stuck in a van together for over 36 hours.

Also Eric from the other Team Nuun team made this awesome video that captures some of the race in a few minutes. Check it out!

Of course I watch the video after writing this and going through all my photos, and I'm getting all weepy. Also I'm SO EXCITED for a new experience in Las Vegas this weekend!

Have you ever done an overnight relay race? What's one snack you always have on long car rides

This post was linked up with The Fit Dish & Weekend Snapshots.

Goal Digger {End of year goals with HERstory Apparel}

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary shirt of my choice from HERstory. I was not compensated in any way for this post, I really just wanted to share the brand's story because I love their message! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

If you know me (or at least follow me on social media!) you know that I am passionate about women's rights, and women generally doing kickass things in the world. I love empowered women, girl power, and girl bosses!  So when I read about HERstory Apparel on the HelloGiggles (a positive online community for women founded in part by Zooey Deschanel), I knew I wanted to share the brand's story on my blog.  

HERstory Apparel is a clothing line that wants to "honor the trailblazing women of the past, inspire the amazing women of today and ignite a future generation of girls." They create inspiring apparel for women and girls while also honoring many of the amazing women that mostly get ignored in history books such as the "fly girls",women who flew military aircraft as part of a program during World War II.

HERstory Apparel carries t-shirts and tanks that come in unisex, women, youth, and toddler styles and sizes.  Also a portion of their proceeds are donated to "organizations that empower women and girls." To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month, they have special collection of STRONGHER apparel from which $5 of each sale from the collection in October will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I love that the website says that "this brand is for badass women...young and old!". 

Right on! 

I reached out to the brand because I really wanted to share their story on my blog and collaborate with the brand. They offered to send me a shirt of my choice so naturally I went with the GOAL DIGGER design. I'm always reaching for bigger and more amazing things in life! It especially seemed like the perfect message for me post-Chicago marathon and as this year begins to wind down. 

I have been thinking a lot about my goals life-wise and fitness-wise lately. I'm not quite sure what my racing goals for next year will be. I'm toying with the idea of running a spring full marathon or perhaps just trying to get faster and PR a half marathon. For now, here are my goals for the rest of 2015 after reflecting on my initial goals for the year.  

1. Journal everyday in my One Line a Day journal.  

I fell off the wagon hard with this but really want a little piece of my days to have, especially as I take on graduate school and a new career path.  

2. Stay in strong running shape. 

I always say I will keep myself in great marathon running shape. However the past 2 years after a fall marathon the holidays and winter weather interfere, and I never do. I want to keep some longer runs and speedwork in my schedule. 

3. Get back to lifting at least 2x a week.  

Just trying to hit the school gym might not work, but I really crave feeling strong again.  

4. Work on being confident. 

Some of my classes have reaffirmed that I really need to build my confidence in myself or at least fake it until I am confident. 

5. Fuel my body.

I've been eating a hella amount of junk lately. I can't keep hustling like I do without lots of good fuel for my body so I'm going to try to clean it up before the holidays. Don't worry there's always room for ice cream, pizza, and beer! 

6. Survive my first semester of grad school in one piece. 

Self-explanatory!

Stay connected with HERstory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

What's one goal you have for the rest of the year? What inspirational message would you like on a shirt?