Welcome to Race Training Week, and Race Week if you're headed to New York City (5K or Marathon) this weekend! With the All City 10/20 Miler this upcoming Saturday – It's FREE, click HERE to register – we've reached the beginning of the 4th Quarter (3rd Period for all of my fellow hockey fans) in our Philadelphia Marathon Weekend training. Whether your tackling the almost 5–Miler (8K), 13.1–Miler (Half Marathon), 26.2–Miler (Full Marathon), or one of the race challenges, we’re a little under 1 month away from Race Day.
This is the perfect time to assess and evaluate the things that are going into your race toolbox outside of the actual running or walking. If something is working, keep it and double down. If a product isn't working, you have ample time to edit! We've been itemizing our traditional checklist – we talked nutrition and headphones last week – and shall continue to do so. But let's take a quick look at the full list so we roll in to and out of Philly's biggest training run with as close to a comprehensive, full proof race plan as possible.
Note: I recommend trying any apparel, accessory, supplement, and shoe option BEFORE race day. Whether 4.97 or 26.2 miles (maybe more if you're tackling a challenge), that's too long of a time for an unwanted surprise.
1. We just added new, AMAZING items to our limited–edition Philadelphia Runner 20th Anniversary Collection, as well as new products to our private–label Philadelphia Runner Capsule. PR gear performs well every day in Philly (and beyond). We have a great assortment of pre–race, race, and post–race styles to choose from, making it easy for you to have your entire day's "Run Fit" covered. I'm saving the new hoodie for Philly Marathon Weekend, and I'm thinking about the joggers as well!
2. Stock up on all things hydration and nutrition. See last week's conversation: Nutrition is as essential as hydration. BOTH are important. Don't be fooled by cooler temperatures. Stay hydrated and fuel up for those remaining training runs, last easy runs, your Saturday shakeout, and of course…..Race Day!
3. Don’t forget important accessories such as socks, hats, and sunglasses. Each of these categories gets a frequent inventory refresh. I just picked up a few sock options from CEP (pre–race, race) and Stance (post–race). Was torn between the Biggie and Wu–Tang socks, do I purchased both! We have some new ciele beanies. Although you can run in both, I personally like The Dos for running and The CR3 for pre/post running. And if you've noticed, it's becoming a bit chillier in the morning.
4. Body Glide. Appreciated protection from chaffing, rubbing, pinching, and other skin irritants.
5. Check out and bookmark our new New Releases Page. Also, highlighted on #MYPHILLYRUN BLOG, look for articles beginning with 'Launch Day', 'Launch Season', or '(Pre) Launch Season. This is where you can find the latest and greatest.
6. Bookmark this link – Head Start! This is where you can find the latest and greatest, early releases, and products that are exclusive to Philadelphia Runner.
7. See last week's conversation about headphones. You want to absorb the energy of the city, other racers, and the folks cheering for you – but you can't run without that one song from Taylor Swift or Meek Mill? Our bone conduction headphones allow you to do both!
8. Don't forget recovery. Let's take care of our bodies this week. And ALWAYS! That means you too, Brodie.
9. Have a great time! Walking, jogging, running, and/or racing should be fun! This message is for you too, Brodie.
Good luck this Saturday, and at the upcoming races you're using the training run for. Did I mention that you can still register AND it's FREE. Click HERE.
As alway, continue your online experience with us for any of your racing needs. If you're concerned about shipping.....purchase online, select in-store pickup, and come visit!
PR Center City: 1711 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR University City: 3621 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Manayunk: 4358 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Glen Mills: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA