RACE REVIEW: BLUE RIDGE MARATHON- VIRTUAL ANTHEM STAR 10K

 Disclaimer: I received a race entry to the Blue Ridge Marathon to review 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!

             

I know Blue Ridge Mountains only for one reason Fall colors and I love it, but when I heard about Blue Ridge Race, I was excited to know more details about it. As its logo says its one of the toughest road race in United States. I was thinking how can participate in this race, due to current COVID situation I was hesitant to run in-person race! They had a virtual race option I immediately registered for 10 km considering my other race schedule, 10k race was fitting perfectly.  They have all option in this race Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Virtual run window was pretty wide 1st Apr till 30th Apr whole month. But I decided to run this race on actual race day at Morrisville, North Carolina. Definitely you will ask me will you able to gain that much elevation no not at all. but I decide to run race with my fullest energy and get my personal best time. 

Communication from race organisation was very apt. I was well informed about the event rules and complete information about running virtual race. I had one doubt about elevation so I wrote email to race director and I was so amaze to get reply within 1 hours time. I can image how busy that person could be just one day before race, but I got my reply within no time.

Fortunately that day one of our Morrisville Runners group friend who recently relocated to Boston was visiting us and he asked is anyone running this weekend? and  all of my buddies jumped on this opportunity to run together. (which is seldom these days due to Covid and Winter). I had to change my route for my runner friends. We all decided the route starting from Davis drive towards crab-tree lake and coming back, morning 6:45 start time. 

It was good to see MRC team meeting after long time. We had group picture and started the run. Race for me as other members were running regular 8 miles run. From beginning I was determined to get my 10K PR today, i just waved my crew and kicked off 1st Miles was 7:20 min/m, what a good start and kept going, 7:17, 7:22,7:13 at 4 miles I had to turn back. 

After 5th mile crossed my crew, Ajai gave me running hifi. That mile was one the fastest mile 7:09. 

Somehow at 6 mile I was bit slow may be the GPS reception in woods was sketchy got 7:16. As soon as I got 6 mile beep, i started pushing really hard endorphins was kicking me off. Last 0.22 miles was with runners high pace was very close to 6 m/m and finally got my 6.23 miles saw the timing it was 45:02. amazing. 

I broke my one week old PR by 1 min 28 sec. 

After finishing my race ran back toward MRC runners, they were returning towards starting point ran with them for another 3.8 miles. and finally Jumping signature picture. 

I can’t wait to get my swag in the mail! I’ll be sure to post an update so I can share what my swag looks like. And hopefully in the future I can attempt one of the Blue Ridge Races in person!

Race Review: Allstate Hot Chocolate Minneapolis 15K (Virtual Race)

 Disclaimer: I received an entry into the 2021 Allstate Hot Chocolate Charlotte race to review 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!

I choose this race because it was on 10th of Apr. perfect opportunity to celebrate birthday with nice shiny medal. 

Since 2015 I run 10 km X 10 day before my birthday and this year was very special, my older daughter (on bike)  and my wife ( by foot) also decided to join me for 10 day. it was family activity.  

This was my second 15k race in last 9 years of running journey, on 21st Feb ran   Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte (Virtual Race) with my running buddies. but this time I was alone, when I started run mind was completely empty, as it was more than one hour run I got my water and one gel, BIBRave orange T-Shirt and beanie I love it. 

  Started slow with 7:41 min/mil pace, 2nd mile was also around same time, body was pretty well warmed up. Started pushing little bit next 6 miles were around 7:34 min/mile. i was knowing that i was able to get my 10 km PR 46:30 min, there only decided I must push for 15K PR. 9th mile pushed bit harder 7:18 min. after completing 9 miles it was just 0.33  miles left and clock was ticking it was time I must be push much harder. I was talking to myself and one point of time I shouted on my own "go Nilesh go". Finally reached the Target 1h 10m 18s. 

Once at home enjoyed Hot- Chocolate came as part of goodie bag, and my kids enjoyed the chocolates. 

I would recommend this race to everyone.