My Profile

@gna35runningman

Slatington, PA Raving since 2017 50 States hopeful/finisher, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher Running for My Life Active 4 years, 2 months ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    LVRR

  • Rave race:

    Phunt 50k

  • Race that's calling my name:

    Laurel Highlands Ultra 70.5 mile

  • I run because:

    I run because I enjoy getting out and being active. I enjoy the time to myself, and to relieve stress. I enjoy the challenge of pushing harder and working to keep improving.

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (11)

Race Distance Location Date Result
50K Elkton, MD Jan 18, 2020 6:50:41
Marathon Allentown, PA Sep 8, 2019 4:02:43
30K Birdsboro, PA Dec 26, 2020 3:33:00
Half Marathon Slatington, PA Nov 3, 2019 1:41:17
10 Miler Wind Gap, PA May 19, 2019 1:44:13
15K Schnecksville, PA 2018 1:40:22
11K Reading, PA Jan 26, 2020 1:12:42
10K Scranton, PA Jan 11, 2020 45:08
5 Miler Leesport, PA Dec 29, 2019 37:40
3.8 Miler Bethlehem, PA Oct 18, 2019 33:15
5K Bethlehem, PA Oct 19, 2019 21:33

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (37)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
30K Birdsboro, PA Dec 26, 2020 3:33:00
40 Miler Leesport, PA Feb 29, 2020
7 Miler Reading, PA Feb 23, 2020
Half Marathon Lewisberry, PA Feb 16, 2020
Half Marathon McElhattan, PA Feb 15, 2020
10K Reading, PA Feb 9, 2020
10K Scranton, PA Feb 8, 2020
10K Allentown, PA Feb 2, 2020
Half Marathon Morristown, NJ Feb 1, 2020
11K Reading, PA Jan 26, 2020 1:12:42
50K Elkton, MD Jan 18, 2020 6:50:41
10K Reading, PA Jan 12, 2020 46:22
10K Scranton, PA Jan 11, 2020 45:08
5 Miler Leesport, PA Dec 29, 2019 37:40
50K Leesport, PA Dec 14, 2019 7:15:38
10K Reading, PA Dec 8, 2019 45:08
Half Marathon Slatington, PA Nov 3, 2019 1:41:17
10K Reading, PA Nov 2, 2019 1:07:48
Half Marathon Bethlehem, PA Oct 20, 2019 1:43:34
5K Bethlehem, PA Oct 19, 2019 21:33
10K Bethlehem, PA Oct 19, 2019 47:30
3.8 Miler Bethlehem, PA Oct 18, 2019 33:15
Marathon Allentown, PA Sep 8, 2019 4:02:43
Half Marathon Reading, PA Aug 11, 2019 2:34:38
Half Marathon Palmerton, PA Jul 14, 2019 4:23:26
10 Miler Wind Gap, PA May 19, 2019 1:44:13
Half Marathon Jim Thorpe, PA May 12, 2019 1:53:31
15K Schnecksville, PA 2019 2:11:28
10K Center Valley, PA 2019 50:47
Half Marathon Allentown, PA Apr 22, 2018 1:43:30
15K Schnecksville, PA 2018 1:40:22
Marathon Harrisburg, PA Nov 12, 2017 4:09:31
Half Marathon Bethlehem, PA Oct 22, 2017 1:47:46
Half Marathon Allentown, PA Apr 23, 2017 1:49:54
10K Allentown, PA 2017 53:49
15K Schnecksville, PA 2017 2:00:26
10K Center Valley, PA 2017 49:24

My Raves

This is another fantastic, and fun event put on by Pretzel City Sports! The 11k distance is different, as are many aspects about a Pretzel City Sports race. The pre … MORE

This is another fantastic, and fun event put on by Pretzel City Sports!

The 11k distance is different, as are many aspects about a Pretzel City Sports race. The pre and post race activities take place at the Reading Liederkranz, which is a German club/pub. There is a good amount of parking onsite but it’s best to get there early since these races are rather popular. Registration/check-in was inside and there were indoor bathrooms as well as porta-potties outside.
The start area was about a 1/4 mile from the club, across the street from Egelman Park. The course consisted of some paved and dirt road sections, but was mostly single track trail. It was a moderately challenging course with plenty of steep climbs and descents, including a section of bike trail with some gravel jumps. There were funny signs posted in a few sections that matched the humor of the pre-race announcements given by the RD.

There were 2 water stops on the course, the 2nd of which also had some “alternative” beverages as well. Once we got to the top of the mountain we passed right by the old stone William Penn Fire Tower, and had a great view of the city of Reading below. The finish line was back at the Liederkranz where there were plenty of post race refreshments outside; and the race fee also included a breakfast inside. There was scrambled eggs, pancakes, and toast! Pre-registrants had the option of a long sleeve tech shirt and/or a hoodie. (I opted for both). There were also many AG awards given out.

Overall this was a great race and I am looking forward to coming back next month for the Ugly Mudder 13k!

Strava stats: https://www.strava.com/activities/3045794299/overview

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This is an ultra-phun race!! I highly recommend it!! This is one of the best races I have been to so far! Very well organized, plenty of pre-race communications via … MORE

This is an ultra-phun race!! I highly recommend it!!
This is one of the best races I have been to so far!
Very well organized, plenty of pre-race communications via email & Facebook.
Awesome location, plenty of parking, awesome volunteers!
Great course with lots of nice scenery. Mostly single track trails with typical rocks, roots, downed trees, small stream crossings, and some hills. Very runnable course.
Amazing aid station amenities-highlights included bacon, pierogies, baked potatoes.
A cool finisher medal that also doubles as a belt buckle.
One of the best races around! No wonder it sells out a year in advance. It’s definitely worth it to get on the waiting list though. I’m looking forward to going back in 2021!

Strava stats:
https://www.strava.com/activities/3023033821/overview

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This run is part of an annual winter monthly run series that is held from December through March. Despite the name of the race it is not actually run alongside … MORE

This run is part of an annual winter monthly run series that is held from December through March. Despite the name of the race it is not actually run alongside the river. The only time you see the river is when you go to the clubhouse pre-race during check-in and then again post-race for refreshments.
The course itself is a 5k loop on paved roads. It begins with a long, short climb out of the park where the race starts/finishes, and then winds through a newer suburban housing development. There are a few other small hills along the way as well.
There is an instant results board on-site. There are no awards for the individual races, but there are series awards for those that have completed at least 3 of the 4 races.
Post race refreshments include candy, cookies, bagels, bananas and chicken noodle soup. The soup is awesome!
The location is easy to get to and there is plenty of parking.
This is a good series for those looking to get out each month and to see how you progress.

Strava stats:
https://www.strava.com/activities/3005321122/overview

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
2
SWAG
3
My Media

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This race is put on by the Scranton Running Company which is a running store in Scranton, PA. They also provide race timing services and host some other local races … MORE

This race is put on by the Scranton Running Company which is a running store in Scranton, PA. They also provide race timing services and host some other local races including the Scranton Half Marathon in March. This race is part of an annual 2 race winter series; occurring in January and February each year.

The address provided on the registration is actually for the store itself, which is conveniently located right next to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail that the race is run on. The store is in a strip shopping plaza, so there is ample parking there plus there is also a gravel overfill lot right next to the paved lot. The actual race start/finish is right across the street at the pavilion next to the trail.
Bib pickup was quick and easy, there were also 2 porta-potties right next to the pavilion- 1 designated for females and 1 for males. The timing clock was also setup with a countdown timer to race start time.

The trail itself was a paved rail trail. It ran next to the Lackawanna River and was semi-flat with one small hill. The course was an out and back. At the 5k turnaround (at 1.55 miles) there was a sign and 2 race staff volunteers, 1 was directing 5k runners to turn around and the other was giving split times as the runners passed. This was also the case when we got to the 10k turnaround, and passed the 5k turnaround on the way back. I thought that was a cool thing to hear them give the times as you went past. I also liked that this was an out and back course because I was able to know what place I was in as I neared the 10k turnaround.

The post race refreshments included ice cream and toppings, bagels and spreads, nuts, oranges, bananas, etc.

The awards were unique- containers of rock salt.

Overall I really enjoyed this race and am planning to go back for the one next month. I enjoyed the scenery of being near the river, seeing the artwork on the bridge supports, passing by an old train station, and hearing some train horns nearby.

**Note- there were no aid stations on course, and I did not register in time for the shirt deadline, they seemed to be long sleeve cotton shirts though.**

Strava stats:
https://www.strava.com/activities/3001868495/overview

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
2
My Media

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Great, scenic location! Course runs by 2 lakes. A 15k loop. Course is mostly single track through the woods. Plenty of rocks, roots, downed trees, and hills. Tons of AG … MORE

Great, scenic location! Course runs by 2 lakes.
A 15k loop. Course is mostly single track through the woods. Plenty of rocks, roots, downed trees, and hills.
Tons of AG awards, and great post-race spread!
Overall, another awesome Pretzel City Sports event!

Strava stats:
https://www.strava.com/activities/2985486085/overview

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
My Media

Was this review helpful?