I Eliminated Alcohol and Ran a 5K Every Day For a Month; Here’s What Happened

As an avid runner I pride myself on how many miles I run per month. So when my Nike Running app read “0 Miles” at the end of December 2016, needless to say I decided I needed a kick in the ass. As a result I told myself that in January of 2017 I would run a 5K every day for the month. Having run 2 full marathons, a triathlon and many half marathons the 5K distance did not scare me. However to keep that up for 31 straight days? That would be a test of will power. But I was up for the challenge.

Although I still felt that wouldn’t be enough. So I took the plunge and decided I would go alcohol free during that time as well. I pride myself on not having a dependency on alcohol so I did not see this as a challenge. However I do have a passion for craft beer so I knew this would test me as well.

I’m Running The Worlds Most Beautiful Half Marathon in Vermont!

In July of this year (exactly 3 days before my 32nd birthday to be specific) I will be running what’s dubbed as the “Worlds Most Beautiful Marathon”. Or in my case, the half. It is the Mad Marathon in Waitsfield, VT and I will be running on behalf of BibRave.

After seeing a picture like this it is no wonder why have earned that nickname.

My 50 Half’s In 50 States Journey

As with most of my running goals, I had a spark of an idea and after very little research decided to turn that idea into a goal.

Having said that, the running goal that will now consume my immediate future is to run a half marathon in each state of the country. 50 States, 50 Half Marathons.

Moving Onto 2017…..

It seems more than ever this year, I am seeing people on social media excited to put 2016 behind them. Maybe it is because it is the end of the year and that is normal, but I do not recall a time in my life where so many people were excited to move onto a new year. I myself have never been that type…..until now. I wrote recently how 2016 was my worst running year ever, so you can put me in the group that looks forward to saying goodbye to 2016.

Now that brings me onto 2017.

My 2016 Running Year in Review

I am not afraid to admit that 2016 was not my best year of running. In fact it was probably the worst. However it was also only my 3rd full year of running, so it wasn’t too hard to be my worst when I only had 2 other years to compare it to.

While 2016 didn’t go exactly the way I thought it would that doesn’t mean it was a complete waste. So let’s look at the good, bad and ugly.

The Good….

In 2016 I completed my 2nd FULL Marathon at the Buffalo Marathon. Not only was this a great race it was also my first time in Buffalo. And allowed me to see Niagara Falls. It was a trip to remember for the rest of my life, so I cannot write about 2016 without discussing this. I recapped the race here and my weekend here.

Product Review: UCAN Protein Powder

Disclaimer: I received a package of UCAN Protein Powder to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review and review races!

Protein powders may be the one item that you should read the reviews for before you buy. Some can be chalky, some bad tasting and some just outright awful. And unfortunately you don’t find out until you finally open the tub and stir in your drink. So when it comes to protein powder you want to make sure you are drinking one that you can trust and that will taste good.

Race Review: 2016 Lemon Run 5K

The lemon run is an annual run in Philadelphia to support Alex’s Lemonade stand. It is a run that brings out survivors and the families of those impacted by childhood cancer. As a result it is an easy run to put on your schedule for all of the good they do.

The run itself is an enjoyable one. It is run outside of center city Philadelphia out towards Fairmount Park. Because of this the scenery on the run is much more rural and less urban. In fact you really do not run past any urban buildings at all. The run starts outside of the Please Touch Museum and that is really the only major building you will see while running. Instead runners are subject to a much more rural, park like path that you can relax and enjoy.

New Jersey is Added to the 2017 Race List

A few weeks ago I was meant to check off New Jersey on my quest to 50 State Half Marathons. However due to some knee trouble that never happened. However as with everything, life goes on. And now I am thankful at a 2nd chance at the Garden State.

Thanks to BibRave I am now signed up to run the 2017 New Jersey Half Marathon. As a BibRave Pro I have been selected to run this race.

Product Review: Legend Compression Socks

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Legend Compression Performance Socks to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review and review races!

When it comes to compression I feel like I am quite the stickler. When I began running I never wore compression. I just assumed the aches and pains associated with running were normal. While pains are typical from running, that doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them. When I first began running and recovering using compression I was instantly hooked and never looked back. At the same time I’ve worn compression long enough to know what works for me and what doesn’t. To this day there is one major compression company I refuse to wear because of the fit (they will remain nameless). So when it comes to compression I’d like to believe I know what I am talking about.

My Running Adventures Are Taking Me To Portland!

In 2016 I ran the Love Run Half Marathon. You can check out my race review here, and if you ran it yourself review it on BibRave. Not only did I run this race I was also an ambassador for them. That meant I was given a personal discount code to share with others to run this race. The code gave runners $5 off the race if they used it and in return it tracked how many people used this code. I received free prizes depending on the amount of people who used my code. Throughout my ambassadorship I received wireless headphones, running clothes, a FitBit Blaze and even running shoes!

Well, my following must have been pretty good because I even had enough code entries to qualify for their grand prize: an all expenses paid trip to one of the race organizers sister races. And because of that I am happy to announce I will be running the Shamrock Run Half Marathon in Portland, OR on March 19th 2017!