Madison Mini Marathon Training Update

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Madison Mini Marathon race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Well, this is going to be the most boring update you could ever possibly read. Ever since the wondrous month of April where I set personal bests in my marathon finish time and in my 5K finish time, I have done almost nothing in the last six weeks. I ran twice in the  month of May, accumulating just over 13 miles for the month and so far zero miles for the month of June. Why? Because of what is likely a sports hernia.

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No, I am not making a self-diagnosis here. I waited those first couple of weeks in May doing nothing and then attempted to run. After having pain and discomfort return almost immediately, I shelved myself again and made a doctor’s appointment. The doc did some tests and said it wasn’t a hernia as far as he could tell but that it was likely a sports hernia. I was also given the card of a hernia specialist if I wanted to be absolutely positive of the diagnosis. So, what have I been doing instead? Well, a lot more lifting with upper body (carefully) and some lower body (even more carefully), some bike riding at the gym and, finally, walking. Lots of walking.

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Lots and lots of walking….

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As you can see, I’ve tried to keep my humor up with these walks but it hasn’t been easy. It has been extremely frustrating and I am close to losing my mind. This is not how I envisioned my Madison Mini Marathon training taking place. I am not in the danger zone yet, but it is getting close to where I will not be prepared by mid-August for this half marathon (where I was greedily hoping to set another personal best.) It is Wednesday, June 12, today and I plan to run or attempt to run before the end of this week. This is mainly to see if I have healed enough. If I have not, then I plan to call the specialist to see what is going on and if I will be healed and ready to race by August. Worst case scenario then would be I could run it but it would be for fun and nothing else. Fingers will be crossed. I’m just really sick of walking at this point. And don’t let the smile fool you, haha.

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If you’ve been running and training out there, maybe you’d like to race the Madison Mini Marathon this August! It isn’t too late to sign up! And if you use code BIBRAVE5 at checkout you will save $5 on your entry! Hopefully we will run this together!

If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to ask or comment!!

Happy Running (or walking)!!

Run Madtown: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Run Madtown in Madison, Wisconsin as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!

So, here we are. Only several hours away from you competing in either the 5K or 10K and maybe the half marathon the next morning. So, this post is all about the things you need to know about your Memorial Day weekend in Madison. Obviously, first things first, you need to pick up your packet. The following is a screenshot of the website. After that will be links for the three highlighted “here” mentions.

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http://www.mononaterraceparking.com/index.php/map-directions/

http://www.mononaterraceparking.com/

http://www.cityofmadison.com/parking-utility/garages-lots

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Now when getting your packet, make sure to check out the awesome expo and the exhibitors that will be presenting there for your pleasure. The following is just a listing and not the links to each exhibitor.

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So, after all that excitement, you will be ready and prepped for your races. But you will want to know where and when to be for the start. For the twilight 5K and 10K, that will be here:

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Run fast and finish strong so that you’ll feel pumped and gigged for that half marathon the next morning! And after you wake up, have that coffee/energy boosting drink and get geared up for the half marathon, you’ll want to head here:

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I hope you have a successful and fun run, no matter what race you are participating in. Make sure to enjoy Madison; it truly is a great city that offers a lot of good times. And be sure to hydrate!!! This weekend is looking like a scorcher out there!

Happy running!!

Run Madtown: The Nuts and Bolts

Disclaimer: I’m promoting the Run Madtown race in Madison, Wisconsin as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!

The Run Madtown race event is a Memorial Day weekend occasion spanning May 26-27. There is a twilight 5K/10K that takes place on Saturday night along with a kids race beforehand. Highlights of the 5K/10K are that you receive a great finisher’s medal, a gender-specific short sleeve tech shirt, free digital race pics, free runner tracking through the event app and a free beer at the finish. You will also be given a required-to-wear glow necklace. Also, the first three finishers (both male and female) in the 10K will win cash prizes. The start and finish take place on Madison’s Capitol Square.

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On Sunday morning, the half marathon jumps into the spotlight. The highlights for this race include an awesome finisher medal, free digital race pics, free runner tracking through the event app, a gender-specific short sleeve tech shirt, a free beer at the finish, pace groups for all speeds and a kick butt post race party with live music! Also, the first three finishers (male and female) will win cash prizes.

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Time is running out for you to sign up and run one of these (or both) beautiful courses in Madison, Wisconsin. When you do sign up, make sure to use code RMRAVE18 and save 10% on your entry (kids race not included unfortunately). Here are some final details for both days and their races.

TWILIGHT 5K/10K

Date: Saturday, May 26, 2018
Time: 8:00PM (5K) and 8:10PM (10K)
Start Line/Finish Line: Capitol Square
Course Close: 9:45PM

HALF MARATHON

Date: Sunday, May 27, 2018
Start Time: 7:00am
Start Line/Finish Line: Capitol Square
Course Time Limit: 3.5 hours after last runner crosses the Start Line

Don’t wait! The code works until online registration closes on May 23! Come run Madison and enjoy its beauty!