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I have run 4 marathons to date.  I am going to compare the 4, along with recommendations.  Will rate as follows (5 is best score, 1 is lowest): Cost Race size After Party Elevation Course Race Logistics (bathrooms) Crowd After Party Coastal Delaware Running Festival - Just ran this marathon so my impressions are fresh.  I recommend this race as a good one to attempt to BQ on and is tied as my favorite race so far. Cost - 4.  This was  generally an inexpensive race.  $108 for the race, and then hotel for $125 a night.  Cost can only get cheaper if I didn't have to travel.   Race Size - 4.  So this score is subjective.  This race was < 700 for the marathon.  All the fast runners were at Boston.  I liked the size, but would have like someone closer to my pace to run with since the pacing groups were 5 minutes in front or behind my target pace. Elevation - 4.  Only 400 ft of elevation.  Though they felt more noticeable than the 800 ft at MCM.  Course - 4.  Ge

So, one day after the marathon and here are my thoughts. Night before: Like the Marine Corps Marathon, we stayed overnight in a hotel, the Atlantic Sands.  This worked out well as I was right on the boardwalk and I had reserved a suite (to make it easier in the morning with the family on the trip too).  Dinner was Italian, with me having pasta and chicken.  The one gotcha was me catching my foot on my PJs just as I was about to go to sleep.  I wrenched my right hip, to the point I was having issues moving and standing.  How ironic for all my work to go up in flames hours before the race.  I kept moving and stretching, hoping things would get better in the morning.  I was in bed just a bit after 11:00pm with a target wake up time of 4:30am. Morning of: So, still pain in the hip when I got up.  I started eating and prepping for the race.  After downing my bagel, I slowly went through the dynamic stretches.  The hip loosed up.  I then went out to the start line to check on things

What not to do prior to a marathon..... try to cut a tag off your running belt.  So, this tag is annoying me as I try to put my flask in while running.  I decide to cut off the tag.  In doing so, trying to get close to the edge of the belt, the scissor cuts into the mesh belt (naked running belt).  The primary belt I have been training with has just been compromised.  I now have to go to my older belt, which happens to be too big now since I have lost over 5 lbs since my last marathon.  The other choice is my running vest.  Trying it back on, it definitely feels different than the belt, and doesn't carry as much fuel. Luckily, my wife took a look at it and said "I can sew this."  15 minutes later, my belt is working again.  The hole is gone and I am back on track for the race.  Disaster avoided!!!! The rest of the evening has been prepping clothes and essentials for the race.  Fortunately, rain has been removed from the forecast so I can focus just the temperature ran

When I first starting running, I was concerned about how I would contact people and/or they could contact me on a multi-hour, or even 1 hour run.  I wasn't a big fan of carrying a smart phone since I didn't listen to music initially (i.e., for the entire first year of heavy running).  My solution was a Samsung Gear S2 watch with cell phone connectivity (got it on sale).  It also started supported Spotify at some point.  Ultimately,  the S2 didn't work for me: Pros Lightweight compared to a smart phone Can synch with my SmartPhone number through DIGITs Spotify application Can give location through Glympse integration Cons Battery power is very short (3 hours max with everything turned off except offline Spotify) With mobile turned on, further drains the battery Using Spotify and Glympse can be difficult and inconsistent Health and activity tracking/running apps are inconsistent and inaccurate (GPS) so can't get rid of normal watch (Garmin) In the end,

In the final week of taper prior to the Marathon.  Will finish the last long run with an easy run today of 8-10 miles.  Was going back and forth on whether to use my first Vaporfly (Orange with 56 miles on it) or use my 2nd Vaporfly (Blue).  I decided yesterday to break-in the Blue VF.  The 1st mile was bad.  Arches ached a bit, and had a funny sliding sensation in the right foot (like I could feel the carbon plate during the toe-off).  By mile 2, this went away and the shoe felt like the Orange VF.  I did notice the sliding sensation when I was walking after the run.  I am still leaning towards the Orange VF, especially since the marathon has some gravel sections.  The Blue VF will be backup. I am a bit concerned about the long taper and if the "recovery" will support the hard pace.  I ran a 800m calibration attempt at the track at just under race pace (7:45 miles) and average was close to 156.  Will run another calibration today for 2 miles as the initial attempt put me a

My first Skechers, and it didn't disappoint. Sizing: True to size Insole: Removable Arch: Used currex insole Weight: 9.4 oz Recommended use: Long, multi-use Pros: Nice bounce Great fitting upper Will work for long and faster runs Don't need insole (i.e., built-in insole) Inexpensive Cons: Not the most attractive shoe Outsole doesn't last as long as other shoes The fit on this shoe has been good.  I have always run with with the currex insole.  I have never run on the 2nd insole.  I have used it on some faster runs, but retired the shoe before I started running sub-8 minute training runs. There is significant cushion in the forefoot and sole.  This shoe is my 2nd choice for long runs.   I recommend this shoe.  Especially since it can be purchased for $60-70. Comparisons: Adidas Supernova (Glide 9)  - Ride 7 is the winner.  This shoe is heavy and feels over done in the upper.   Adidas Glide 8  - Ride 7 is the winner. 

Given a generally successful 2018, and the fast Marine Corps Marathon, my goals for 2019 are: Exceed 2000 training miles (on track) Qualify for the Boston Marathon (3:35:00 or less time) with a buffer of 5 minutes (3:30:00) (partially done, qualified, but buffer was only 1 minute) Target 3:25:00 Marathon for Chicago (i.e., train over summer, even if don't hit 3:30:00 in spring) (just starting) Coach for a Striders session (done) Run outside in the fall

Having run 3 marathon's now, I normally use the following: Huma+ gel (caffine and non-caffine) with electrolytes Some type of block/chew I have noticed that if I only use gels, by around mile 18-20, my stomach gets a bit upset.  I usually take a gel between 3-4 miles.  The last marathon had me take 5-6 gels, and one gatorade block/jelly beans (100 calories).  Pre-race, breakfast is usually 300 calories of bagel/peanut butter or jelly one+ hours prior to race start. In regards to gels, I have used several versions of GU but they are too sweet.  Before the first marathon (Huma+) and in recently training cycle, I have experimented with various other gels.  Specifically, Spring Energy and Maurten.  Also tried honey stinger gel (bulk).  What is unique about Maurten is that it doesn't require water, has a consistency of jello, and is only slightly sweet.  Three issues are (1) it is expensive (2) noticed some discomfort at times (3) no electrolytes - might need to take salt

Training choice for the VaporFly. Sizing: True to size (stretch to fit) Insole: Removable Arch: Don't need to use currex insole Weight: 8.4 oz Recommended use: Tempo, interval, faster paces Pros: Noticeable bounce from carbon plate Snug fitting upper that takes time to stretch Don't notice the weight (though some reviewers believe it is bottom heavy) Use primary for less than 13.1 miles, but have used for over 17 miles Cons: Shoe lace doesn't stayed tied, need double knot There isn't much heel outsole, so I am constantly applying shoo goo  Heel can feel unstable The fit on this shoe required break-in.  Likely 1 run should dial it in.  I go for this shoe whenever I am trying to run faster paces (i.e., < 8:30 min/mile for me).  I like the cushion and the pop from the react/carbon plate.  I have used this shoe in this size with the OEM and the currex insole.  The carbon plate gives this shoe more pop than the Epic React and more p

Current Race List: 2017 Clydes 10K ( PR ) 2017 Baltimore 10 Mile ( PR ) 2017 Baltimore Running Festival (Marathon) ( PR ) 2017 Over the Bridge 10K ( PR ) 2017 13.1 Baltimore ( PR ) 2018 George Washington Birthday (Marathon) ( PR ) 2018 Marine Corps 17.75K 2018 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile ( PR ) 2018 Clydes 10K ( PR ) 2018 Fredrick Running Festival (5K and Half Marathon) ( PR ) 2018 Baltimore 10 Mile 2018 Baltimore Running Festival (5K and Half Marathon) 2018 Marine Corps Marathon ( PR ) 2018 Zaching 10K ( PR ) 2018 Annapolis 13.1 (not really) 2019 Penguin Dash 5K ( PR ) 2019 Striders 10 Mile Challenge ( PR ) 2019 Coastal Delaware Marathon ( PR ) 2019 Spring Hops 5K (TBD) 2019 Chicago Marathon (TBD)

The following are my favorite sites/people for reviewing running gear: www.roadtrailrun.com  - trusted resource for in depth reviews www.dcrainmaker.com/  - trusted resource for electronic running gear www.solereview.com/  - not as trusted anymore, but still like to visit www.doctorsofrunning.com  - not many reviews, but another resource www.believeintherun.com/  - high-level overviews, not always agree with conclusions www.runningshoesguru.com - reviews are not always accurate, but another reference www.runrepeat.com - multiple reviews fellrnr.com/wiki/Main_Page  - reviews on shoes and gear the5krunner.com/  - reviews on shoes and gear tinamuir.com/winter-running-what-to-wear-at-every-temperature/  - Great link for what to wear in colder temperatures The following are youtube.com posters: kofuzi - Chicago runner that has very good shoe reviews  thegingerrunner - fun reviewer DC Rainmaker - many reviews on equipment Believe in the Run - many reviews, though at a h