Category Archives: Running

April 6, 2017 · 9:43 am

Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Half Marathon Recap

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Running down Morgan Street
(Photo courtesy of my awesome wife!)

This past Sunday I ran the Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Half Marathon. It was a beautiful day for the race and I really enjoyed the event. The race follows a challenging course that winds around downtown Raleigh with portions running through Chavis Park, Oakwood, Cameron Village, Hillsborough Street, and Dix Park. The finish line is right by the convention center and making for a great downhill finish where a nice cheering crowd was waiting.

When I first signed up for the race last year I was hoping to earn PR (personal record) with an overall goal of finishing under 1:45 (my current PR is 1:49:21 at the Richmond Half). Going into the race on Sunday I knew that 1:45 was unlikely, but I was still shooting for finishing under 2 hours. In the end I crossed the finish line right at 1:55:55 and was very happy with that time!

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The Runologie Cheer Station

Along the way it was great to see my wife and friends cheering along the course. It is amazing how energizing it is to see a familiar face when you feel like you are starting to run out of steam. There was also an excellent cheering station put on by the local running store Runologie around mile 12.5 on Morgan Street. This really helped provide a nice boost of positive energy to the runners on the final stretch leading into the finish!

Now that my spring half is in the books I am turning my attention to Tar-Heel 10 Miler in Chapel Hill on April 22nd. I don’t have any specific goals for this race other than to have a fun time running. I’ve run it once before and I am looking forward to soaking in the scenery along the course. If you are planning to sign up use the code TH10JOHN to save $5 off registration.

If you are looking for suggestions for other local races in the coming months I recommend checking out the Running of the Bulls 8K in Durham on June 3rd and the Raleigh Rundown Downhill Mile on June 16th. Whatever your race plans are this spring I hope you achieve all your running goals and enjoy the journey!

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December 29, 2016 · 12:18 pm

Tar Heel 10 Miler Discount Code

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The Tar Heel 10 miler is a great local race with a course that showcases downtown Chapel Hill, the UNC Campus and some nice surrounding historic neighborhoods. This year the race will take place on Saturday, April 22nd. The registration fee is currently $50 and will increase to $55 on January 1st. You can also use the discount code THJOHN and save an additional $5 on your race registration.

I ran the Tar Heel 10 Miler back in 2013 and I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2017. A ten mile race is a great distance to train for especially if you are looking for something a bit longer than a 5k. A 10-miler is long enough that it is challenging yet not so far that you need months and months to prepare like you might with a full or half marathon. There is also a 4 mile option if you are looking for a shorter distance race. The course is really nice and you will have lots of support along the way. Keep an eye out for the guy playing the Alpenhorn!

Of course there are some hills, but that comes with the territory when running in a place named Chapel Hill. Last year there were approximately 6,400 runners making it a nice size race with good energy. This is one of the premiere races in the Triangle and a must do if you area a local runner. Hope to see you out there on the course this April!

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Race Details:
Date: Saturday April 22, 2017
Tar Heel 10 Miler Discount Code: THJOHN (Saves you $5)
Race Website: http://tarheel10miler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarHeel10Miler/

 

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December 22, 2016 · 7:49 pm

My Running Goals for 2017

Now that 2016 is coming to a close I find myself reflecting on the races I completed over the past year. It had it’s ups and its downs, but overall it was a great year of running that even included a new half marathon PR. Now I am starting to look ahead to 2017 and achieving some new personal running goals. I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow running friends as they work towards their own personal bests.

In 2016 I ran three half marathons and a leg in the Sir Walter Miler Relay. The Sir Walter Miler was a team effort and a lot of fun. I’d like to do it again next year if the opportunity arises. My three half marathons in 2016 were the All American Half, Richmond Half, and Race 13.1 Durham. All three were great races and special in their own way, but Richmond was my favorite this year. It was my first true destination race where I traveled and stayed with friends. It was also perfect running weather on race day and it set me up for a new half marathon personal best with a 1:49:21 finish.

As I look ahead to 2017 I am gearing up for another PR attempt at the Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Half Marathon on April 2nd. Actually that race is just 100 days away so I am already planning my training for when I return from the holidays. As I write this it occurs to me that I have a lot of work to do before that race to achieve my goal time (1:45), but I am looking forward to the challenge.

I’m also planning to run the Tar Heel 10 miler in Chapel Hill on April 22nd. So April is already shaping up to be a busy month for running! By the way, if you are planning to sign up for the 10 miler you can use the code JOHNTH10 and save $5 on your race registration. It’s a great race. I’ve done it once before and I’m looking forward to having another go at it.

So as I log my last few runs of this year here is a quick snapshot of my running goals for 2017:

  • Run 1,000 miles by the end of the year
  • Complete a 6 minute mile
  • Run a 5K in under 24 minutes
  • Run a 10K in under 50 minutes
  • Set a new half marathon PR with a finish time under 1:45

If you are looking for some fun half marathons (or even a full) around the Triangle I recommend checking out the following six races (listed in no particular order):

Here’s to a great year of healthy running and reaching your own personal best in 2017!

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August 3, 2016 · 4:18 pm

Sir Walter Miler Returns Friday – August 5th

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2015 Sir Walter Miler
(Photo Courtesy Cheryl Treworgy)

Breaking the 4 minute mile barrier is amazing accomplishment in the running world and this Friday you can watch some of the best local and national elite runners attempt this incredible feat.  The public is welcome to watch the runners take on this challenge at the 2016 Sir Walter Miler Friday, Agust 5th at the Meredith College track. Adding to the celebritory atmosphere there will also be a pre and post race party happening at Raleigh Brewing Company where everal other NC  beers on tap to raise money for Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail, Craig Thompson of Old Habits will be playing some tunes, and food trucks BO’s Kitchen and Rollin Dogs will be on hand to feed the hungry crowd

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2105 Sir Walter Miler 
(Photo Courtesy Cheryl Treworgy)

The event is FREE but it would great to RSVP on Facebook and share with your friends to help spread the word so the visiting athletes can see just how much the Triangle community supports them. The races don’t start until 8:30pm so it is a great event to catch after hitting up First Friday in downtown Raleigh.

Things kickoff with the Raleigh vs Durham Mile Championship Race followed by a Run Club Relay with 14 different area run clubs represented. Then things get SUPER FAST with the Women’s Elite Mile and the Men’s Elite Mile. If you would like to learn more about the Elite runners there Bios are located here. If you aren’t going to be in Raleigh you can watch the event live on FloTrack Pro.

Sir Walter Miler 2016 Schedule (Friday August 5th)

  • 6pm – Pre-Race Party at Raleigh Brewing Company
  • 7:15pm – Craig Thompson of Old Habits plays hour set
  • 8:30pm – Raleigh vs. Durham Mile Championship
  • 8:40pm – Run Club 4×400 Relay
  • 8:45pm – Fans can enter the track area
  • 9:00pm – National Anthem
  • 9:05pm – Women’s Elite Mile
  • 9:15pm – Men’s Elite Mile

Following the last race there will be an awards ceremony at 9:30pm at Meredith College Track followed by post-party at Raleigh Brewing Company with beer, music and food trucks.

For parking details visit the official Sir Walter Miler website.

 

 

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July 30, 2015 · 11:22 am

Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo

Bull City Logo

There is still a lot of summer left before us, but for those of you gearing up for fall race season you may already be looking ahead to your races scheduled for October and November. I’m registered to run in the Bull City Race Fest in Durham and have already begun my 12 week half marathon training program. I was recently selected along with several other local runners to be a race ambassador for event. In the coming weeks I will be periodically updating you about the race day activities and sharing about fun local run clubs and interesting places to train around the triangle.

Price Increase

Bull City Race Fest Discount Code
As you know, the registration price for a race typically increases the closer you get to race day. You can beat the next price increase by registering for the Bull City Race Fest by this Friday, July 31st. You can also save $5 by using the discount code “BCRFJOHN“.

About Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo
This is the 3rd year for the Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo. The event offers several race options with great courses through downtown Durham. After running you can enjoy a post-race Food Truck Rodeo and Beer Garden. Race day activities include:

  • Gorgeous Half Marathon
  • Fantastic 5 Mile Run
  • Family Friendly 1 Miler!
  • Food Truck Rodeo
  • Beautiful Octoberfest Beer Garden
  • Kids Experience Zone to keep everyone entertained

For more information about the Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo visit http://bullcityracefest.com.

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