Tag Archives: Run Clubs

Running in the Triangle ~ A Look Back & The Road Ahead in 2015

The Upper Neuse Greenway

The Upper Neuse Greenway

This past weekend I ventured out for a brisk Saturday morning run on the Neuse Greenway and used that time alone to reflect on the past year of running. Looking back, 2014 was a fun year of running. I completed my second half marathon in April running in the first inaugural Rock n’ Roll Raleigh Half Marathon and achieved my goal of a sub-4 hour marathon finish in my second attempt at the City of Oaks Marathon in November. I even participated in the Sir Walter Miler event in August logging in my fastest single mile ever at 6 minutes 30 seconds. That may not be fast for some, but for me it was a huge accomplishment!

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Big Boss Run Club

Along the way I made some great new running friends at my two favorite local run clubs, the Big Boss Run Club & the River Run Club and managed to explore many new parts of Raleigh as I trained on miles and miles of the city greenway system. My favorite stretches right now are the Upper Neuse Greenway from Falls Dam to the WRAL Soccer Park (6.5 Miles) and the trails leading from Shelly Lake all the way down to Meredith College (also about 6.5 miles).

 Running in Raleigh On a Cold January Day

Running in Raleigh On a Cold January Day

As I look ahead to 2015 I have my sights set on more modest running goals in the coming year, but I’m still looking forward to getting out there and logging some miles. I’ll be taking break from full marathons for a while instead focusing on shorter distances like the All American Half Marathon in Fayetteville in March and the Bull City Racefest in Durham in October. I also hope to finally break past the 1,000 mile mark in 2015 (a milestone that eluded me last year) and maybe take in a 10K or two. Whatever your running goals in the coming year, I hope you enjoy the journey and try a new running trail or two as you train for your next race. Maybe I’ll see you out there on the Greenway one weekend. Until then – run strong!

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Big Boss Run Club 3rd Anniversary Party ~ Tuesday May 13, 2014

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The Big Boss Run Club held its first group run back on May 10th, 2011. Organized by a group of friends with a shared passion for running and craft beer,  Jon Odgers, Win Bassett, Greg Mulholland, and Ben Gaddy created what has become one of the most popular brewery supported run clubs in the Triangle. This Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30pm the club will celebrate it’s  3rd Anniversary with a special celebration including raffle prizes, food trucks, great beer, and of course plenty of running with friends.

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As usual Jon Odgers, also know as @beerandracing, will be there Tuesday night to kickoff the group run at 7pm. The run offers a choice of 3,4,5 or 6 mile routes that can be easily adjusted to the distance of your choice.  To mark the special occasion the evening will also include  free raffle drawings for cool swag from Big Boss and a gift certificate for the Great Outdoor Provision Company. The race director for the Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon will be on hand with a special one night special registration offer and The nOg Run Club will also be selling raffle tickets and taking donations for The Runners Remembered Fund. This special fund was set up to benefit the families of the runners who passed away racing the recent Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon.

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In addition to the normal $3 Tuesday special and the full Big Boss lineup, the 3rd anniversary celebration will feature a special draft selection pulled from the Big Boss cellar for runners to enjoy! Three great local food trucks will be at the Brewery Tuesday night offering food for sale to hungry runners. Trucks scheduled are Deli-icious Truck with their menu featuring sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and other healthy options. They will be  joined by Dump Pho King Truck serving pho and dumplings plus Iced Cupcakes with dessert. 

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I have been going to the Big Boss Rub Club for three years now and I credit the fun atmosphere of this group with helping me discover the friendly running culture of the Triangle. This is a great group of people that is welcoming to runners of all levels. Whether you are new to running or an experienced runner looking for a group of fun people to run with, I highly recommend you stop by Big Boss for a Tuesday evening run soon. See you on the Greenway!

Big Boss Run Club – 3rd Anniversary Party
Tuesday May 13, 2014 6:30pm
Group Run at 7pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigbossrunclub

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Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & Half ~ April 13, 2014!

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If you have been following my blog for a while you know that I have developed in interest in running over the past two years. This new hobby is a result of two revelations. First, I realized all this foodie blogging was adding a few “extra pounds” to my waistline. Second, I realized just how much fun it is to run and that there is a great run culture here in the Triangle.

I’ve done several 5K’s the past two years, ran my first half marathon in February, and am currently training for my first marathon this fall. When I heard that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon and Half-Marathon was coming to the Triangle in April 2014 I knew I wanted to be a part of it and I am now registered to run in the half marathon during its inaugural event in Raleigh!

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Photo I took Running Down Hillsborough Street ~ February 2013

About the Race
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is a little different from your typical marathon. This race combines a musically themed marathon and half-marathon with live entertainment. It has been described by some as “a 26.2-mile block party.”

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh marathon takes place April 13, 2014 and will feature bands positioned on stages along every mile of the scenic course throughout Raleigh, interspersed with cheerleaders & themed water stations. The running experience is topped off with a finish-line concert downtown featuring a major headline act.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has raised more than $283 million for charity in the last 16 years.

Discount Code for Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & Half Marathon
The cool people at Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh have given me a unique discount code to share with my Triangle Explorer readers. Save $10 by using the discount code “TRIEXPLORERAL10” when you Register online at the Rock’n’Roll Marathon website. This code will work as long as you register before April 6, 2014 and is good for both the full and half marathon.

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Photo I took Running Down Hillsborough Street ~ February 2013

Future Updates on My Training & Race Details
In the coming months I will share periodic updates on how my training is progressing and provide the latest news about the race as it approaches like the final course map, award medal design, and band & entertainment info. For now my training consists of weekly runs along the Upper Neuse Greenway. I also plan to rejoin the weekly Big Boss Brewery Run Club for their Tuesday evening runs. I’m hoping to set a new PR (personal record) with this race so I’m taking training very seriously! I’ll be sure to check in with you all in the coming months to let you know how it’s going!

More Information about Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh
Date of Race: Sunday April 13, 2014
Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh website: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/raleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RnRRaleighNC
Twitter: @RunRocknRoll

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