Bibrave, A Whole Bunch of Orange and a Weekend in Chicago

I’m currently somewhere in a string of however many days at work, but this past weekend, I spent the weekend in Chicago. For National Running Day in 2018, I signed up for RnR Chicago, thinking I may or may not make it out depending on my work schedule. Earlier this year, my Bibrave Peeps sent out a weekend Bibrave Pro get together in Chicago over the same weekend, so even more reason to sign up! I flew out the Thursday before and got held up with flight delays, but such is life. After getting in late on Thursday, I met up with some friends of mine from college for dinner.

Friday, July 19, 2019

I was up early and thought it was a good idea to run 4 miles in heat and humidity at 8 AM. I may have taken the 147 a mile back to my hotel. I got some breakfast, did some shopping and met up with a friend of mine from residency working in the Evanston area. Afterwards, I went to the RnR expo and met up with my fellow Bibrave Pros and got my bibs for the 5K and Half Marathon.

Back in the old stomping ground to visit some friends, run and meet up with some @BibRave Pros! #bibchat #brpsummitchi19 #runchat #travel #chicago #hotaf pic.twitter.com/yVPeOUldZJ

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 19, 2019

We hung out for about an hour, vendor surfing and getting to know each other, plus some shopping to boot. We took some time to go our own ways before meeting up for the Bibrave Orange Carpet. I met up with fellow pro Sam and ubered to dinner with her and her boyfriend. About halfway through dinner, we got news that the 5K on Saturday was canceled due to heat potential, which was a bummer, but not much you could do at that point

Saturday, July 19, 2019

Since the 5K was canceled, Samantha and I ran to the Lake Shore Path from our hotel and met up again with our fellow Bibrave Pros. We had a short shake out run before pictures, bagels and some fun. Afterwards, we broke for a bit and then went to the Cubs vs Padres Baseball Game at Wrigley Field. Thankfully, we were in the shade, but it was hot! Some of us made it through the 5-6th inning and nearly 3 hours before calling it good. At some point in the 7th inning, people were cheering when a wind gust came through (it was that hot!). After the game, we had a pre race dinner, had a live taping of a podcast with Cindy Kuzman.

Hot as all get out, but it’s not summer without a baseball ⚾️ game somewhere! Also could have sold or bartered by @Knockaround sunglasses to someone at the Concession Stand for food or water. Or something cold #bibchat #BRPSummitCHI19 #runchat #chicago #wrigley #gocubsgo pic.twitter.com/tzENWIPxIC

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 20, 2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Race day! The clouds were sketchy early on and I’m pretty sure we had some pre race lightning. Rock n Roll Chicago started at 630 AM with corrals being let out every few minutes. We were overflowing with runners, so things were crowded, especially while we were waiting. Runners who had signed up for just the 5K had the option to run the 10K on Sunday (some of us were remix runners, meaning we were doing the 5K Saturday and the 10K or Half on Sunday), so we were out of luck. The RnR course itself was a little north, a bit west and a lot of south in terms of directions. Water stations were spaced out, and I was kind of wishing they were more like a mile apart given the heat and humidity (I thought the same thing in 2010 and 2012 when I ran this race). The course is relatively flat, though gets somewhat boring the last 4-5 miles. I’d also like if the part going under McCormick Place could be taken out. It’s dark, wet and poor surface to run on. We chugged on and made it through the finish, despite heat and humidity. If only the chocolate milk was still around when I got in (just over 2 hours!). In the finish area, I hung out with Bibrave some more before heading back to the hotel for a shower and then ended up getting some lunch before heading to the airport.

Sights from @RunRocknRoll #chicago this morning. Hot, humid and the chocolate milk ran out at the finish before I could get to it 😢. Met up with team @BibRave at the start and saw the #Bibrave cheer station at mile 6.5! #bibchat #runchat #brpsummitchi19 #RNRCHICAGO #rnrchi pic.twitter.com/IlTe8gi1TD

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 21, 2019

Overall, a fun weekend, awesome people and good times for all!

 

Dallas 10K

It’s been just over a month since the Dallas 10K and Marathon. I had a blast of a weekend, but never wrote about my 10K experiences. I arrived in Dallas the Friday before race weekend and was able to beat weekend traffic. I took an Uber to the hotel, got checked in and robbed off my bags. I ended up walking over to the expo to pick up my bibs, shirts and all that fun stuff. The Convention Center was about 1/2 mile from where I was staying, so it was a quick trip. I found the expo on the second floor of the Convention Center. I got my marathon bib and 10K as well as my shirts, poster and socks for doing the challenge. I as I was wrapping up, the fire alarm started going off. Not going to lie, we kind of ignored it at first. Convention Center personnel started coming through the expo and having everyone evacuate. We headed outside where we waited. And waited. And waited some more. I headed over to a restaurant that was attached to a near by hotel. I could see people being pushed back some more and then police showed up. Turns out, there was bomb threat in the convention center, leading to the evacuation. I hung out until about 530, when it was ultimately closed down for the night.

There were people who were on their way in for the expo, especially since if you were running the 5K or 10K on Saturday, you had to get your bib on Friday at the expo. What ended up happening was the Dallas Marathon organizers had bib pick up race morning and post race shirt pick up at the Expo. Then again, some people weren’t thrilled with this, but it was something.

I worked my way into the corrals, which wasn’t that well marked at the back in on where to go. Once you were in, the 10K could go to either side. The race itself started at 8 with the 5K following at 820 AM. Shalane Flanagen was at the start and gave us all a pep talk before joining the 10K. We were off and running and at some point during the first mile, I was side by side with Shalane for a whole 1/10th of a mile. Before I was next to her, I had seen someone pass me bringing out their phone, which should have been my first clue to pull out mine. Though I didn’t get a picture, I can say I ran with Shalane. I’ll take it. We went out about a mile and a half before doubling back into town and going down Main Street. We turned on Walton before coming back on Canton and Commerce Street.  The course was flat overall, and I ended up finishing under 56 minutes and PRing by 20 seconds without trying.

After you finished, you were sent to medals and water. If you were doing the weekend series (a race on Saturday and a race on Sunday), you stopped by a tent in the chutes to pick up a wrist band to present on Sunday for your extra medal and your jacket. You then were directed to food boxes and then towards the exit.

Overall, a good race I think. Pretty well run for a first time event and weekend series. I wish they’d let other people pick up bibs for other runners at the expo, as I think that’d help with some of the pick up frustrations some people had. If you’re ever in Dallas, look this race up for sure!

Race Review Das Frank Kush Footrace 10K

This past weekend, I escaped the coldness of Spokane and the PNW (we had trace snow going into Friday the 13th) and went to Phoenix for the Craft Classic Half Marathon (another blog post for another day). In all of my insaneness, I figured why not look for another race for Saturday. I ended up finding the Frank Kush 10K on Saturday. I got in early Friday afternoon, and initially went to pick up my Craft Classic bib at Road Runner Sports in Tempe. Turns out, the Frank Kush packet pick up was at the same place. After I grabbed some lunch, I got my bib for the 10K and headed to the hotel.

Saturday morning, I was up around 630 and headed down to breakfast at the hotel after I got changed. I left around 720 and was there and parked by 740. It started at Tempe “beach” which was less of a beach if I’ve ever seen one. If you couldn’t make it to packet pick up Friday, there was an option to get your bib and shirt race morning. To get to the start, you had to walk through Oktoberfest, and it was a little difficult to find if you weren’t familiar with the area.

The 10K started at 8 AM and the 5K started at 810 AM. The 10K course started along the lake (or river?) and went out about a mile and a half or so and came back 1/4 a mile or so. At that point, we met up with the 5K and went over a bridge to the other side of the lake and continued on our route. We stayed with the 5K runners for a bit and then we separated again. The 5K turned towards the finish and we kept going until we got to Priest Road. We turned on Priest and then again onto Rio Salado towards the finish. The finish was right inside the Beach park area where Oktoberfest was set up, however, it was easily seen.

Overall, the course was relatively flat. There were minor hills when we were going over bridges and such, but nothing to cry foul about. I ended up finishing in 55:50, about 10 seconds off a PR (grrrr). After the race, you got a beer mug and a free beer if you chose to get it (I’m not a beer fan and it was 9 AM). I hung around for a little bit and ended up leaving around 915 and met up with a fellow Bibrave Pro for breakfast. Afterwards, I ended up heading back to the hotel to shower and regroup for Craft Classic in the morning.

 

 

It’s Alamo (13.1) Week!

Disclaimer: I received a free entry into Alamo 13.1 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 officially race week for Alamo 13.1! San Antonio can’t come soon enough (though the PNW is officially not being hit by super snow storms). Here’s all the info you need for this weekend!

The Expo

• Saturday, March 18 from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Location: The Granberry Events Center (6390 Granberry, San Antonio, TX
• Free parking and beer if you’d like!
• Need someone to pick up for you? Take a look and sign the waiver!
• Staying at the Menger Hotel? Special Packet Pick up (though no vendors) from 6-7 at the hotel

Race Day

• Starts at the Alamo!
• Bag Check opens at 6:15 AM
• Half Marathon Start time: 7:15 AM
• Doughnut Dash 10K, Alamo 5K: 7:45 AM
• Course Limit: 4 Hrs (18 min pace, not to shabby!)

 

 

 

Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon

Last summer, I was all signed up and excited to run the Missoula Half Marathon after moving out to Washington State. When my furniture was delayed by 2 weeks, the race went to the wayside in order to study for boards until my life from Cleveland showed up at my front door. This year, I’m signed up again and determined to make the best of it (second time’s a charm, right?).

Race weekend is over 3 days, July 7-9 and quite frankly a good excuse to prolong the 4th of July. What’s more, if you complete 3 races (read, the Missoula Big 3 Challenge), you get more bling! Friday night, enjoy the Beer Run that starts at 6 pm (and is Free!!). Come bright and early Saturday morning (8 AM), get out and about for the 5K (this one costs some money, sorry guys!). Then, make sure you’re also registered for the half or full marathon on Sunday. Complete all 3 races (and be sure to check the Big 3 Challenge while registering) and pick up your reward at the finish!

I’m looking forward to some down hill running, knocking off the state of Montana on my Half Marathon list and hopefully running with some pros. The fact that this is a race I can drive to is a huge plus for me (I’ve been flying all over as of recently!). And if this course map isn’t convincing, I’m not sure what is:

Head over here to register and save $5 with BibRave2017!

 

 

 

 

Rock n Roll Liverpool

Recently, Bibrave connected with Rock n Roll on races to help promote their races. I lucked out in that Liverpool was open, and who doesn’t enjoy a vacation?! I had been looking for a race Memorial Day weekend prior to Bibrave’s agreement, but this takes the cake.

Currently, Liverpool has a 5K on May 27 and the half and full on May 28th. Though I’m only signed up for the half, I’ll likely make it a double race weekend and sign up for the 5K as well. Part of why I’m excited is this is my first overseas race.

The course itself for the half looks (at least on paper) to cover some area by the Mersey River, as well as some of the inner parts of the city. We all know how much I love (read: hate) hills, so I suppose I’ll be doing some hill work outs as well. Don’t believe me? Check out the course map!

Interested in joining me? Review general information here and go register!

Use BIBRAVE15 to get 3 €/£ off the Half & Full races

Destination Races Santa Barbara Half Marathon

In just over 2 months, it’ll be spring in Wine Country California, which means it’s time for Destination Races Santa Barbara and 13.1 miles full of wine country! I had the opportunity to meet up with the Destination Races gang while at Surf City earlier in February. Part of why I’m excited is because of the shirts I saw and the medals that were released. Not convinced? Take a look for yourself!

If you’re on the fence, head over to the Destination Races Website to learn more and don’t forget, $10 off with BIBRAVE10!

Honolulu Marathon: Pre Marathon

Aloha from Hawaii! Such a much needed vacation and time away from the snow of Washington State. The Honolulu Marathon has been on my radar for awhile and making a trip out to Hawaii seemed like a fitting way to end 2016 (end of residency, taking/passing written boards, starting a new job, moving, all that fun jazz).

I flew out to Honolulu on Wednesday. I finished work on Monday and took Tuesday to get my stuff together. Bright and early on Wednesday, I was up working with my trainer at the gym and I got a quick beat down and work out in before getting to the airport. I flew from Spokane to Seattle (easy 45 minute flight if that), before flying 6(?) hrs to Oahu. We got delayed because the flight to Vancouver at the gate in front our flight was 2 hrs delayed. I spent the flight getting caught up on movies and reading.  I got in around 515 to Honolulu and got my bags and headed to my first hotel of the trip. I checked in and met up with Erin, a fellow pro. We watched the 75th anniversary parade for Pearl Harbor and found a place for dinner

Thursday morning, I picked up a rental a rental car for the day and we headed out to Pearl Harbor. We were able to get tickets to tour the USS Arizona and managed the last 2 tickets of the day (at 3 pm). We decided to go to the expo, get our bibs for the Marathon and Merrie mile, search the vendors (I ended up with a HNL Marathon T Shirt, long sleeved t shirt and towel) and chat with people along the way. We then picked up our stuff from our hotels and checked into the Hilton, where we’re at for the rest of the trip, splitting a room. Afterwards, we hightailed it back to Pearl Harbor and made it in time for the boat shuttle over to the USS Arizona (after a short video on the events of Pearl Harbor). After we left, we found a grocery store and found a few things before sitting in traffic for over an hour in an attempt to return the rental car before 6 pm (we failed at that). We found dinner and chilled in the hotel the rest of the night after searching through the small city that is the resort.

Friday morning, we woke up to more rain. We finally returned the renal car and went out to meet up for our shake out run. Only one other runner showed up (which we half expected due to the rain). We decided to bail on the run, just because the sidewalk was so slick, we were worried about slipping and/or injury. Instead, we found a coffee shop and had breakfast (if you’re ever in HNL, try an Acai bowl, to die for!). We did some shopping and I ended up with 3 pairs of sandals! Later in the afternoon, Erin and I ended up going to a photo shoot for the elite athletes, something we got invited to last minute. Note to selves, Outrigger has a few hotels and it’s always beneficial to ask which location things are at before walking a mile more than you need to. We then took advantage of some sun and beach time before finding some cookies at one of the stores in the resort and doing round 2 of the expo. Needless to say, round 2 of the expo found me signing up for a 1/2 Marathon in Santa Rosa and getting more stingers. For dinner, we met up with Chris and Eric, another group of pros who came in today for the race. We chatted over dinner for quite some time and made plans for the Merrie Mile and meeting up. We all went our separate ways and ended up getting ready for race #1.

Next up, the Inaugural Merrie Mile and my inaugural mile race!

Destination Races Santa Barbara

Still Contemplating Destination Races Santa Barbara?? There’s wine! Why still question??

If all else, take a look at what’s happening race weekend

May 12, 2016

• 12-6 PM: Race Expo at Solvang Park. Get your bib, check out some local vendors, shop, Wine Pairings!
  • Word of warning: bring a photo ID for bib/shirt pick up to get your packet. Can’t make it (which would be sad)? Someone else can pick up for you, give them a copy of your ID
• 6:30-8:30 PM: Welcome Reception. Culinary offerings and signature varietals of the surrounding wine region while mixing and mingling with the race director, Elites and VIPs!

May 13, 2016- Race Day!

• 7 AM: Race start
• 930 AM-12 Noon: Wine and Music Festival at Solvang Park
  • Wine Tasting for $25 (runners) or $35 (guests)
  • A good time to relax and enjoy wine country!

Hurry up and register for a fun weekend!

 

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Half Marathon… Are You In?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to The Kentucky Derby Marathon Festival 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!

I’ve had the Kentucky Derby 1/2 Marathon as a bucket list race for the past few years and had the chance to sign up for it this year (and bail on some other races, that’s how bad I wanted to go down and run it).  It takes place as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival, leading up to Kentucky Derby weekend.  The race is a Saturday race (which includes both a half and full marathon).  As of right now, registration is over 50% full- that is, chop chop and register!

The must knows.

Location: Louisville, KY

Date: 4/25/15

Time: 7:30 AM start

Why register, might you ask?

1. Why pay full price when you can use BIBKDF10 for 10% off through 3/31/15
2. The Course looks decent on paper…though there looks like there could be (hopefully not too terrible) hills. Don’t believe me? Go over here and see for yourself
3. Don’t feel like doing 26.2 miles by yourself? They have a relay!
4. Brag that you’ve been to Louisville Slugger Field. Hey it’s not your fault the race starts/stops there
5. Did I mention 10% off? See #1
6. People like it! Don’t believe me? Head over to Bibrave
7. Bling. That’s why we run isn’t it?
8. A boat load of activities to do before and after you run.

Hopefully I can convince some more people to come join me….are you in??