Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis(Bloomfield) Race Review

Short Version:

Raced the 5k
Finished in 22:29(Official Chip Time); 7:15 pace; No PR; 11 seconds short.
Overall place: 35/791; top 5%
AG(M40-44) 2/30

There were another 208 runners in the 10k for about 1,000 total runners.

Overall a fun race for charity in a nice neighborhood with good organization.  The weather conditions could not have been better for a mid December day starting the run in the mid 30's.  At the time of this blog post, $47,044 was raised for the charity for this event.

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Registration/Packet Pick Up
Registration was very simple.  I completed a paper form and scanned it to the race director.  Because I was sponsored by Renewal by Andersen of Detroit, it made things very simple since they had most of my information already.  Thank you so much to Renewal by Andersen of Detroit for sponsoring me for this race.  I had a great time and very much appreciate it!  There was also an option to register online as well to make things even easier.

In regards to packet pick up, the race had two options.  You could pick up your race packet at the Arthritis Headquarters in Michigan located in Troy.  I decided to use this option since it was only a couple miles from my office and it was the day before the race.  It was easy to find with signs to get to the pickup and there were three volunteers there helping give out packets.  I gave them my name and was all set.

You could have realistically just came that morning though.  There was plenty of time and parking to get to the race, pick up your packet and take it back to the car.  The race registration was at Covington School so it made things very easy.  It was also very organized in the registration area.  If you were registering that day, there was a separate line from actual packet pick up.  Being in the school also included using the bathrooms inside - a big plus in my opinion.  In addition, it was nice to be able to sit around and chat waiting for the race to start.

Day of registration

Packet pick up the morning of the race

There was also a mini expo going on as well.  You can see Brandon working away!  In addition, there was a silent auction as well which was a nice touch and a great way to earn money for the charity.  I mostly talked with several runners I know and also talked to Brandon from Renewal by Andersen of Detroit.

Mini expo

Silent auction

We also had an opportunity for a picture before the race with Brandon, our sponsor for the race.
me, Brandon, Josh & Dawn

Start Area
The start area was right next to the school parking lot.  This made things easy as well since everything were so close.  This is one of the advantages to going to a smaller race.  The announcers said it was time for the 5k/10k and we made our way out to the starting line.  As you saw, there was almost 1,000 people running/walking the event.  Because of the race being much more of a "fun" run, I made my way almost to the front of the starting line so I would not have to go around runners.  Just before the start, we took a quick picture as well.  There was plenty of room for all the runners to line up and then we were off.

Starting.  Pretty close to the front.

Lot's of people!

Josh, me, Matt & Janet; Josh was also running for Renewal by Andersen

Course
I really liked this course.  It's in a neighborhood next to the school.  I went to Birmingham schools growing up and had been in the neighborhood before.  It's quite a nice area to run.  The course was basically an out and back somewhat with a loop in the middle.  If you chose to do the 10k, then you had to do two loops.  The course was relatively flat but had some slight hills built into the course so it was not pancake flat.  It gave a nice challenge at the very end of the race.  There were several police on the course to help with traffic control so it was mostly a closed course and I only saw one car actually on the course itself.

Out and back loop?

Pace and elevation; under 6 pace in beginning; yahoo!

I went out extremely fast and thought to myself, "wow, my lungs feel on fire." then Matt passed me and said hey, you're going about a 5:50 pace.  No wonder my lungs felt so bad.  I've never seen an under 6 pace before.  Unfortunately, I could not keep that pace for long and dropped back for a 6:27 pace on the first mile.  That's the fastest mile I've ever ran.  Of course, as with 5k's I tend to just go as fast as I can for the entire race but slowed each mile finally finishing with a 22:29 time.  Overall, I was really happy with the time given my PR is not far off from that.  As a bonus, I placed second in my age group which was my goal.  15 medals for 15 races this year(including 2 AG)  Also, the course was a bit long but sure beats being short.

Splits

Aid Stations
One aid station was set up on the course about half way through it(that I saw).  This meant if you ran the 10k, you passed it twice.  A little light on the aid stations but then it was only a 5k and I didn't even take any water for the entire race.  There were three volunteers for the aid station as well handing out water.

Finish Area
The finish was the same spot as the start.  If you ran the 5k, you turned back into the parking lot to finish.  If you ran the 10k, you did a loop and went back on the course again.  Again, an organized area.  There was water set up for runners as you finished.

From the finish area, I made my way into the school again as several of us were talking about our race and times.  From here, there was plenty of food to eat such as apple slices, banana halves, oranges, coffee from Biggby, soup from Qdoba, and lots of bread to pick from.  It would have been nice to see some bagels but there was plenty to eat so it worked out fine.

Lots of bread

Qdoba - tortilla soup

Fruit

Janet, Matt & Marybeth
Sorry Matt - caught you with food in your mouth.

I even got a picture with Santa!

Amenities
For your race entry, you received a long sleeve cotton shirt.  You could upgrade to a tech shirt but at an extra cost.  In addition, you got a timed course(bib timing), course support from the police, and finish line food and water.  You also got jingle bells to place on your shoe to run with.  I was lucky enough to place in my Age Group so I also received a small medal for the achievement.  If you place first, like Matt and Janet, you also received a bag from New Balance which looked nice.

Long sleeve cotton shirt

Back of shirt with sponsors

AG medal

AG medal - back

AG medal - front

Organization
Overall, it was clear they have done this race before.  The parking lot attendants were helpful.  The timing company was organized, the race had water ready for everyone, the food was ready to go when we got back.  The only thing I would comment on is the Age Group Awards time.  The race started at 9am but the awards ceremony was not until 10:30am.  That meant most of us that won an award had to wait for over an hour to get our medals, but of course, they needed to wait for the 10k finishers as well.  At least it was inside so we could stay warm but it was a bit of a wait compared to most races I've attended.

Overall
Would I do this race again?  Yes, absolutely.  The location was great, I loved the course, it's for a good cause and frankly, I've never raced in December and this is a great option for some cold weather racing.

Four of us with AG medals!

I want to once again thank Renewal by Andersen of Detroit for sponsoring me in this great race.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Pearl Izumi Infinity Windblocking Jacket review

3.1 miles today.  Raced the 5k Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis.  Renewal by Andersen of Detroit sponsored me.  Full race review coming.

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Pearl Izumi

A couple weeks ago I purchased a Pearl Izumi Winter Jacket, specifically the Pearl Izumi Infinity Windblocking Jacket.  As I said in a previous post, I was looking for another winter jacket to swap out with my NorthFace jacket so I didn't have to wear one jacket everyday.

I've worn this exclusively for the last couple weeks so that I would be able to provide a good review for the blog.  The jacket has many features for runners and you can really tell that the jacket has been well thought out for the runner.  It's a bit heavier than my NorthFace Jacket but it's also rated for under 30 degrees temperature.  Since around these parts, that pretty much what it would be in winter, it fits in perfect.

The jacket is wind and water resistant which is really necessary in a winter jacket for running to help keep you try and warm.  This certainly does this.  In fact, the jacket can even start to get warmer than you might like it but overall feels great for temps under 30.  I also love the new technology built into running clothes these days.  When you put on this jacket, you would not think that it's breathable but the technology is there and you do not feel clammy as you run in this which is a big plus in keeping you comfortable even when the weather isn't.

Two other great features of the jacket are thumbholes for your hands and, if you forget your gloves, you can pull over the ends to create a built in mitten.  How convenient.

Thumbholes

Built in mittens

Pulling this over your hands not only helps keep them warm but the fit of the jacket is perfect to allow more room so this works properly without feeling like the arms are too short.  While I typically wear gloves or mittens, it's nice to have this built in just in case.

Zipper garage

Another feature that I look for in every jacket I wear is a zipper garage.  The zipper garage helps keep the zipper down and away from your skin.  The last thing I want is a zipper hitting my neck during my run creating a chafe.  Ouch.  It's a must, in my opinion, for every jacket you run in.

This jacket also has two hand pockets, which I don't have in my other jacket, and it also has a rear pocket at your back.  I love having a pocket here because you can easily put your phone or camera in this pocket and it does not bounce around all over the place.  As you can also see, there are not only reflective strips on the back of the jacket but the front as well for better visibility at night.  Even with this though, I typically wear a headlamp because it's still not enough reflection needed when running at night.

Extra protection at zipper to keep wind/rain out

Another great feature of the jacket is at the zipper.  There's an extra lining at the zipper to help keep out water and wind.  As you know, if you are cold during your run, whether from wind or getting wet, it makes for a miserable run.  Not to worry with this jacket as far as I can tell.  I've not yet run in a rainstorm but then again, it's cold so we'd be more apt to have snow than rain right now.

The retail cost of this jacket is $135 but I was lucky enough to get it on sale for $80 and had another 20% discount so I got it for the rock bottom price of $64.  A super deal for a jacket of this quality and I'm extremely happy with the decision to purchase this.

Overall, the comfort for the jacket is wonderful.  I can run long in cold, snowy temperatures and it does not bother me to be out there for a long time.  They also offer a couple other color options as well if you didn't want black.  I purchased mine from runningwarehouse(dot)com.  It's currently $107.95 on their website.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I purchased this jacket for myself and all opinions here are my own.

Headsweats Toaster Beanie Review

Rest day on the schedule today.

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Recently Headsweats sent me a new winter mid weight beanie that they just came out with called the Toaster Beanie.  Here's what I received:

Headsweats Toaster Beanie

Excellent quality like all their merchandise

Essentially the beanie is a mid weight beanie that adds together Eventure Spandex with an Eventure Terry sweatband.  This gives it similar properties of the Super Duty moisture management system but allowing it to be a lightweight beanie.

It's made for cold weather and is great for running but it can also be used under a bike helmet for you die hard bikers still out there in the cold.  This is different from any beanie that I have since much of the beanie feels very light except for the sweatband.  The fit is very comfortable giving enough pressure to stay firmly on your head but it's not restrictive.

I was able to test the beanie in the low 30's and the high 20's for temperature.  When I first went outside in order to wear it on a run, I was concerned with the lightweight feature above the sweatband.  Take a closer look:

Sweatband is thicker and above is quite thin

As you can see there is approximately a two inch plus sweatband around the beanie.  This works awesome in that it keeps your ears nice and warm.  My concern was the thin nature of the beanie on my head especially given my follicly challenged head.  Ha!

What I found out is that it is a bit cold to start the run with but after you warm up about a half mile, as with any beanie, it keeps your head warm.  In fact, I would say that if you a person that prefers not to sweat on a cold weather run, this is a great choice because the materials help keep your head temperature comfortable but not so hot that you are sweating in it.

I also had a chance to run with it on a fairly windy day and while it kept my ears warm, I'm not sure I'd want to wear the hat on a windy, cold day as you will notice the difference in how the hat was made say comparable to the Thermal Reversible Beanie that I've reviewed(HERE) - then again, that hat is geared towards a much colder temperature.  The Toaster Beanie is mid-weight so it does what it promises in the proper temperatures.  I could see using this on a windy day up to about 40 degrees while running(or perhaps higher if on a bike but having a helmet on helps with the cold)

Thermal Reversible Beanie

If you are biker, then it's ideal since it fits under a helmet and would not make you too hot while wearing it.  The Toaster beanie is geared towards cyclists which makes sense, but really is a dual purpose beanie so it's still great for the runner.

After every use, I wash my beanies and, as expected, Headsweats does not disappoint in regards to quality.  Both their hats and beanies are the best quality I've ever used and you will never be disappointed in any Headsweat hat you purchase.  This is a great Christmas gift for any runner or cyclist and Headsweats is my recommendation in this years Holiday Gift Guide for Runners in regards to hats.

Me in the Headsweats Toaster Beanie

Interested in learning more about the Headsweats Toaster Beanie?

Go to their website, HERE.

Go to their Facebook page HERE.

Go to their Twitter page HERE.

Plus when you shop now until 12/31, they are offering 20% off everything at their online store.  Please go to their Facebook page for more details.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Sports Massage and Marathon Runners

3 miles on the schedule today.  A good, cold, uneventful run.

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I recently received an e-mail from the operations manager of the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in New York.  Can't say that I've been there yet(although I'd love to go).  They contacted me in regards to an article they wrote about Sports Massage since they have experts at their state of the art SkÁ:nÁ: Spa facility.  I thought the article was well written and would be an interest of many of you since it's geared towards marathon running.  Here it is:

Sports Massage and Marathon Runners: A Match Made in Heaven

Runners should engage in regular sports massages after marathons. Massages and stretches help to keep the muscles balanced and to reduce muscle strain. Many people engage in massages both before and after a big race. Massage also promotes blood circulation and accelerates healing time. When waste products are removed from the body, skin elasticity improves and muscles are healed (http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/sports-massage-benefits-for-runners-gb-en). Here are some of the best tools that can be used in at-home sports massages. But our busy lifestyles don’t always leave enough hours in the day for a trip to the spa, especially during the holiday season.  Based on some of the popular sports massage treatments used at the state of the art Áhsi’ Spa in upstate New York, here is a guide of simplified exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home, giving you the same benefits as a professional massage.

Use Golf Balls to Relieve Muscle Cramps
Fatigue, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance is always a problem among marathon runners. Golf balls are often used to alleviate muscle tension. The golf ball may be rolled over the back to increase blood flow and decrease tension. Direct pressure through golf ball massage is quite effective. It can be used in conjunction with yoga stretching, ice massage and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Golf ball massage can be applied and used on the calf muscles and thigh muscles (http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-Massage-Therapists-Guide-to-Marathon-Runners.html).

Using a Foam Roller to Relieve Tension
Foam rollers are also used in massage. This technique can lengthen the fascia and also break down the scar tissue between bones, skin and muscle. Muscle and joint pain is alleviated by foam rollers. These tools are commonly used to alleviate pain with shin splints and IT band syndrome. Foam rollers also improve flexibility. Foam rollers are not expensive and are great for self-massage (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/ss/FoamRoller.htm).

Other Tools for Massage
Stores like Bath & Body Works and other online stores carry massage tools. Wooden devices such those with three prongs can be used in massage. Rolling wooden devices are also commonly used.  These devices are most commonly used on the back, but the rolling devices can also be used on the legs to knead out the tight muscles and knots. Consider these tools for relief.

Sports massage is becoming a necessity for athletes wanting to improve flexibility and accelerate recovery. Consider sports massage as a way to heal. More and more physicians are recognizing the benefits of massage in all arenas. Marathon runners especially benefit from sports massage and should consider making the practice a regular part of their regimen. 

If you are interested in learning more about the casino and/or spa, here some facts about it:

The spa is located at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino. Located in the Mohawk Valley Region of New York State, just 30 miles east of Syracuse.  Only a 45-minute flight or four-hour drive from New York City.  By incorporating today’s technological advances in skincare,  Áshi' Spa offers a unique experience in skincare, massage therapy and body treatments.  All of the treatments promote good health, while bringing together mind and spirit in perfect harmony.

check out their Facebook page, HERE.

or their Twitter page HERE.

and their webpage, HERE.

Hope you enjoyed the article.  While I have not personally had a professional massage, I can attest to the self tools and stretching used in the article as beneficial for all runners.  I think I need to make a massage appointment now.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I received no compensation or anything else in regards to this posting.  I posted it just because I felt you would have an interest in the article the company wrote to share with everyone.

Wordless Wednesday 12/12/12

My race mug collection

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Where the magic happens

4 miles today.  4 cold miles.  4 dark miles.  Ok, I'm done.

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I thought it'd be fun to talk about where I do all my blogging.  You know, where it all happens.  I've consistently done all my blogging in my home office.  I'm sure many of you use laptops but I really enjoy just being away from everything and being able to concentrate.  The room is separate from the family and allows me time to concentrate on what I want to write for the following day.

As you can see, we've got french doors on the office to help keep it a bit quieter when working or blogging although it's rare that I close them.  It's also nice that they can be opened up as well to have a more open feel to the rest of the house.

 Most of my blogs are done the night before, except my mileage and run recap at the top, which I typically do that morning after my run.  Also, in the morning I re-read the blog for typos and errors and if there's anything last minute things I want to add to it.  We made the room a darker color so it has a warm feeling to it.  It's one of my favorite rooms in the home.

All the essentials - computer, camera, running stuff

There's also another place to sit and read running books

As you can see, the office has pretty much been taken over by running paraphernalia, my race medals, bibs, foam rollers and perhaps some running gear yet to be reviewed.  I even have a Flying Pig Marathon poster hanging(that I need to get framed better).  All the running stuff helps get me in the blogging mode and think about what I want to share with all of you that day.

So there you have it.  Where the magic happens in my blogging lair.  So where do you blog?

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Confidence or What the F--k?

Rest day on the schedule today.

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Of course, I pick a rest day to talk about confidence but I feel that it's something that you must carry as you go through your training cycle.  For example, when I was training for my last marathon, I had confidence.  Everything in my mind said I could run a faster marathon and nothing was going to stop me.  And I did it!  It makes all the difference in the world as you are out there.  Whether it's for a 5 mile training run or a 20 mile training run, it's confidence that helps you.

It's especially important as you toe the start line.  You need to have your wits about you.  You need to say I've trained for this.  You need to know you can do it.  It the difference between a good race and a bad race regardless of what the clock says.

For the last month I've been really struggling with this.  Yes, I've gone through the motions of training.  No, I'm not really on any schedule right now.  Maybe I'm just in a running rut?  I guess I've always considered a rut when you stopped running because you were tired of it.  I don't think I'm tired of it.  Whatever it is, I need to get out of it.  Next week is the start of marathon training for #5.  It's the first time that I'm not sure I'm ready for the training again.  It's the first time I've said, "Yeah, been there, done that."  Of course, it's also the first time I've really struggled with the longer miles.  The last several weekends, my long run has been 10 miles.  I know many would be happy with that but I've struggled at this distance which has brought down my confidence in training.  If I struggle at 10, what about 15?

It's not that I can't do it but somethings telling me not to do it this time around.  Perhaps it's my knee that I'm starting to feel after mile eight?  Perhaps it's my hips, that while don't bother me all the time, occasionally are sore.  But I know soreness from training and it feels different.  Not that it's pain since I would not run if it hurt so much I could not do it.  It's just that feeling that it might not be my time for #5.  I do feel somewhat obligated, though, to run this marathon.  I've pulled my running buddy all over the place for the first four marathons.  He's run when he's not wanted to run....in races he's not wanted to run.  So, yes, I feel obligated to run this one because it's one that he wants to run.

Of course, as we talk about it, he's also concerned with starting marathon training if a spring or fall marathon is skipped.  I'm not as worried about this as he is though.  If I can do it four times, I can do it again and I don't mind starting from the beginning again.  Will I lose time? - perhaps.  Frankly, unless I qualify for Boston(which will not happen), I'm not sure it matters to me that much.

I've also not committed to the race yet.  We're signed up for the half right now.  Maybe I just need to commit and sign up for the full now so there is no choice.  I have to run it then.  For the record, I've always been signed up before I've even started the training schedule.

What the f--k

As said in the movie Risky Business, "Every now and then say, "What the f--k." "What the f--k" gives you freedom.  Freedom brings opportunity.  Opportunity makes your future."

What the f--k.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

The race that started it all....

Cross training on the schedule today.  Lifted weights on the Bowflex this morning.  Jeez, how I hate lifting weights.

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So I might not be able to remember all the details(since I wasn't doing race reviews then) of this but Corktown 5k 2010 was the very first race that I ran.  It's what got me hooked into racing.  I loved racing and still do till this day.

Start line - taken by my wife

The race is located in the Corktown area of Detroit.  I love racing in Detroit, hence, my blog, Detroit Runner.  This race took place on March 14th, 2010.  Here's how I ended up doing for my first race:

Overall Rank:  687 out of 4,204
Time:  24:30(7:54/m)
AG M 40-44: 71 out of 271

Not my fastest time for sure considering I've run a half marathon about 20 second/mile faster but it was the atmosphere that got me hooked.  I'm glad that I decided to run a large race for my first race ever.  The excitement of the crowd was awesome!

Also, my kids and wife came down for it as well and it was rainy and cold but the rain stopped just before the race started.  Of course, they don't come to every race now because it can be extremely boring to sit there and wait for your runner but it was great having them there at my first.  This race also starts in the afternoon so it's a great race to take the kids too since there's a St. Patrick's Day parade right after and everyone does not have to get there so early.

After the race

One of the fun things we saw at the race

You'll always remember your first race?  How was your first?

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!