Behind the Scenes at Runner’s World

This past weekend was a runner’s dream. Every time I tried to tell someone about my weekend (before I left) they didn’t really get it. Shalane who? Bart who?

Luckily, I was meeting up with 25 or so other awesome Fitfluential bloggers that were able to experience the awesomeness as well. I am going to do my best to summarize the trip in two days, and hopefully give you some product highlights in the future.

Thursday Night

Thanks to me landing very close to dinner time and an accident on the interstate (what are the chances that Atl traffic follows me to PA?), I delayed all of the bloggers from getting to dinner on time. Luckily, our awesome limo-type van waited for us to get to the hotel so we could have dinner with the Runner’s World editors.  I loved meeting all of them and learning about their roles, running goals, and accomplishments.

We were all fitted for our Altra Zero Drop shoes and then taken on a tour of the RW HQ.

We got to see where the magazine is laid out each month before going to production.  Sadly, December was just sent off the day before to press so we missed the actual magazine. But here are many covers you have probably seen in your mailbox.

We also learned about how the rave run pictures are chosen (usually try to pick by season and have photogs send in great shots).

We also got to see where the man who gave us the Yasso 800s hangs out each day.

I skipped out on the smores (stuck to my one sweet this weekend!) and we headed back in for the night.

Friday

The morning started with a group run with Bart (3 miles, no ankle brace, pain free).

We then learned all about our new Altra Zero Drop shoes and proper running form- I plan on giving yall a further review once I get used to my new kicks.  Altra Zero is under bigger brand, Icon Health and Fitness, and we learned about several other products-Nordic Track, Pro-Form, Free Motion, and IFit. We heard a little bit about each of them, got to try out their products and then we were on our way to our next event.

We had 30 minutes of Q & A with Shalane Flanagan. Totally geeked out. She and Kara really are friends, when she cross trains she swims for about 30 minutes to loosen up and does a ton of core work. Shalane also said that a light week of training is 90 miles a week and 120 is a hard week. Would you believe she has dessert too? I was shocked to hear she doesn’t really limit her diet-only watches it about month before a big event.

After autographs and pictures, we learned a little more about the Runner’s World twitter account and the Runner’s World Challenge program.

A quick trip back to the hotel for lunch, a little break, and then back to the expo for some shopping. I was treated to a new RunningSkirts skirt, a new Stick, and a BRD Sport brace for my ankle.

I also posed for my future cover model shot.

We all went to dinner at the Bethlehem Brew Works and I treated myself to a beer sampler and carb loading. It was awesome-especially the pumpkin flavor.

Saturday

I slept in while my roomie went and ran the 5K and 10K. Instead, I had breakfast with Amanda and Robin and we went and drove the race course. I am actually glad I did, I knew what to be prepared for the next day. We picked up Jess and had lunch at a local spot in downtown Bethlehem and then spent our afternoon back at the expo area.

We went to the #RUNCHAT tweetup and the Women’s Running panel. I loved learning about how running is different for the ladies (focus was on form, pregnancy, post pregnancy, and menopausal issues).

Yall know I don’t love chains, but Ruby Tuesday’s was convienent for dinner. We only had a little bit of time before hearing Matt Long speak.

I did a review on his book forever ago, and was so excited to hear him in person. I have always used the mantra “believe” but will now use “I will”.  Hearing what he has been through and what he is continuing to do is really, really unbelievable. 2 questions answered: he is now married with a new baby and is no longer running. He cycles instead. He said running hurts too much with his hip.  If you ever get the chance to hear him-GO.

Talk about a whirlwind couple of days. I learned so much, met some awesome people, and got the VIP treatment. We aren’t even to race day-you can imagine how tired I was! Next up, the actual half marathon.

Who is your favorite famous runner? Who would you like to meet/hear speak the most?

Tagged as: Altra Zero Drop, Bart Yasso, bloggers, fitfluential, Matt Long, Pennsylvania, racing the states, Runners World, running, RWHalf