Run the 8.4 mile loop around the river as part of this Bryn Mawr Running race. Admission is cheap…read morewhile support is light. Entry gets you a bib with time tracking and new in 2018 a finisher medal. When I say support on the course is light, I mean two small water stops. While you get chip timed, some of the prizes are based on gun time. If like me, you've never run a race with such an odd distance, you get an automatic PR in your first year! It was fun in 2018, even with the rain. Had I paid more I might have hoped for more, like mileage signs. However, I was happy with what was provided and the free drink at bishops collar after was a nice touch. I'll probably be repeating next year...

I can't recommend Fix Your Run highly enough. John TRANSFORMED my relationship with running. With…read morehis help I went from needing physical therapy after 3 mile runs with expensive custom-made orthotics, to running 10+ miles without orthotics. Never an athlete or a frequent runner, I ran 1000 injury-free miles in my first year of working with John. Aside from results, John is a great and supportive coach. He is deeply invested in his clients, strives to know them well and, ultimately, solve their unique issues. John not only helped me run pain free, he helped me stay motivated to hit my running goals. While John's work is centered on running, it is holistic in scope. With his help I became stronger and more agile. Much of our work together was focused on movement and strength exercises that made me feel more confident in my body's capabilities not only when running but in all athletic endeavors. John is amazing and it is not an overstatement to say that if you're struggling with pain or just looking to hit ambitious running goals, Fix Your Run will change your life. It did for me.

I started running almost 5 years ago, after I quit smoking and weighed 320 lbs. I was always a fan…read moreof the Hal Higdon training programs but I needed something more to prepare me for my first marathon so I decided to give John a call. I had been following John's blog for some time and found his advice useful. ( fixyourrun.com ) We even had a few email exchanges where he offered great advice for free. One of the things I liked about him right away was how he handled making a future running schedule based upon what days you might have missed in your schedule. Within the first 5 minutes talking with John I knew he was the coach I wanted. His goals for me were realistic and so was his approach to my training. He asked me several questions and had me do a few running tests. We were both on the same page as far as how my training would go and what I would need to do to prepare for a 26.2 mile journey. It is not even 2 months into my training and I am already seeing a major difference with my running. I am injury free, pain free and, most importantly, I am finishing all of my runs feeling like a million bucks! I used to be red in the face and tired of running after a long run but now I feel like I could easily run another 5 miles when I finish. John's plan also incorporates an essential mix of stretching for both pre and post runs. He has given me tips and advice that no other training plan has ever offered and I know he caters to the individual needs of each runner. It is well worth the investment to hire John. He is always available to talk or answer question over email. I will be working with John for all of my upcoming races.

Goals Fit is the best! The classes are always challenging and fun. I've been a member for 10…read moreyears and have loved every workout.

I started training with Kasey. She is honestly the nicest person I've met in years. She really…read morecares about each and every client and she pushes you to do your best. She took a non-runner and turned me into one.

I am in town for my bff's 40th birthday party and having been on a health journey myself and…read morehearing her rave reviews and SEEING the results from her trainer Jonas I said let's both do a workout with him! Well I came I tried to conquer and still had a solid hour of sweat, lifting and HIIT exercises. Making health a priority and putting money towards my goals is a non negotiable. And honestly his rates are affordable and the results are worth it if you can stick to it. Thanks for the sweat session!

Fluid cycling is my new most fave workout. This is a small studio that was super clean, had a…read morebathroom with shower, very modern and most of all - tech heavy and super high quality - unique bikes. The bikes are able to angle and there is a screen that plays scenery - so it simulates riding outside (confession I actually buy pov videos like this for when i throw my road bike on the trainer in the winter- so I might be partial to that set up) The amount of core work that I did in this 60 min class - from balancing on the bike to digging into big turns - was tremendous. This was a super interesting, great workout. The music was not too loud which I appreciate, the instructor was clear and motivational, the music ranged from fall out boy to classical to indie to pop - there was something for everyone and it all worked seamlessly. I went as a "first spin free" but I will be buying the living social deal as soon as I get home. It's worth the drive to Wayne!!!! (Plus you can hit up rawcanroll that's pretty much just across the street - bc you've obviously earned it after an hour here)

Great workout! I took just one class here and enjoyed it. I'll be back for more cycling classes…read more The Real Ryder bikes that they use take a while to get used to though. They simulate a real bike ride so the bike rotates from side to side. The instructor I had, Shane, was so nice and very helpful setting up my bike since it was the first time using that kind of bike. I recommend trying this new studio out.

I had a chance to run this 15K race a bunch of years back when they had it in Brooklyn. The course…read morewas about 2.5 loops of Prospect Park and it was a lot of fun. Well organized, the race HQ was at the LeFrak Center, we received terrific race swag such as jackets and hats, the finisher medal was awesome, and the post-race eats and hot chocolate was just perfect to refuel. The Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K is held around the country but for some reason they have not come back to NYC since. When I ran it there were around 2000=2500 runners so it was well attended. Its sponsored by Sketchers now where in the past it was Allstate.

I've ran the LOVE run, Philly Half, Rock & Roll Half, and the Broad Street run many times, but this…read morewas my first time running the Hot Chocolate 15K. I've known of this race for years, but never did it till this past weekend. You must know I never review races. This is the first time I am writing a review for a race, and it's because this race is super underrated. I was first drawn to the race for the free running jacket! Never have those aforementioned races I have ever done gave out free jackets! It's always a free t-shirt, and if you're lucky a drinking glass, though that's very rare these days. The Good: - The free running jacket of course. It's good for temperatures above 50 degrees, unless you plan to run in it, then it might keep you warm in 30-40 degree weather. - Registration Costs are not expensive (under $60 if you register early). - The course was easy, beginner friendly - some hills every now and then (nothing like the Rocky Run - which I am not going to recommend). - There were just enough water stations, and they actually have electrolyte drinks! Many race organizations try to cut costs and only give out water or watered down Gatorade, but NOT the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K. They even give out gummy bears, marshmallows and m&ms at one water station! - There were plenty of portapotties. Because there aren't as many runners, the wait times for the portapotties aren't very long. - Finisher's medal is well designed and not UGLY. - Hot chocolate, chocolate fondue dip, banana and a bunch of Nabisco treats at the finish line. This may not sound like much but wait till you see the other "goodies" from other races. I'm telling you these are good stuff! - Photos of you taken from the race usually cost money, but Ventures Endurance won't charge you for the Lo Res version, and to be honest they look pretty good. The Bad (if you can really call them the Bad): - The week leading up to the race, I was expecting an email from the race organizers like you normally get. Just so you know, the organizers for this race will never email you, except when you first register for the race and marketing emails. All the necessary information can be found through their website. - There wasn't a big showing of spectators compared to the other races. - The Expo was one of the smallest expo's I've ever been to, but people only go there to pick up their bibs anyway. This is a fun one, guys! If you are considering doing a 5k or 15k in Philly, this is the one.

Dwayne at Vertex Fitness was amazing from the start, so welcoming and encouraging. I was nervous…read moreand intimated in the days leading up to my first session but all of those fears went away as soon as we started talking. You can't beat the personalized attention and the hard workout! Get ready to work hard and have fun. The sessions were tough, but quick!

This place is the best of the best. Professionals working with clients in a professional…read moreenvironment. This is not the world of "spandex" but the world of customized training to help you get the most of your workout. Quality all the way.

I am no longer in support of this run. They are run by irresponsible people. As an avid runner, I…read moredo look into how runs are managed because it is a reflection of what the race director(s) stand for. However, I am very disappointed in how these people are handling the COVID situation. They are refusing refunds and offering only two options: deferral or run virtually. 1. Why would I pay full price to essentially go on a "training" run? Stop and go traffic, no awesome people cheering and being fun and supportive, etc. 2. You cannot possibly expect people to know their schedule this far in advance? 3. You cannot expect people to still feel secure and safe in March 2021 I sent an email requesting refund since I have no idea what's going on March 2021 or 2022. They sent me some generic response (screen shot posted) with a link to runner's world for me to look at for reasons why most races have no refund policy. This is hilarious (and lazy of them) because that policy only makes sense when I am the one cancelling for the date I actually signed up for. I know this because I bailed on two races due to unexpected hospitalizations and never asked for refund... So I respond to them outlining how Pittsburgh Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon offered refunds so it is indeed a viable option and to please reconsider. No response. There is nothing uneeasonable with giving people option of refund under such circumstances; when coast is clear for 2021, people will just re-register. It's not like this is a lottery run. "We are doing our best to provide you with as many options as possible.." That is comical because they only provide two.... technically three: defer; virtual, or let LR/CGI keep your money. Other races have offers: defer, virtual, refund, donation. That's four whopping choices without being dishonest! Double the options! Try harder, CGI because you clearly aren't trying hard enough. As for the other races that are managed more honestly/responsibly, I am absolutely re-registering. This gets better. On their facebook webpage they are deleting comments that mention their refund refusal. Any comments that are remotely close to constructive criticism they remove. Examples: "Is there an option for refund?" "Why is there not a refund option?" "Can you offer more swag for virtual run vs just medal/shirt?" ^All deleted, instead of addressing them professionally like a "business." And of course they deleted rants like mine. And they were all rated G rants... including mine. This was nail on the coffin for me. I get this is "business," but even business need to address questions/concerns/complaints. I have never gone to a restaurant and asked staff, "Does this have cilantro?" and they just give me a blank stare and walked away. This is run by some shady people. So I have a wild guess: Race Directors irresponsibly managed race funds and squandered away all their money they made from registration. Now they have nothing. It has nothing to do with "other major races have no refund policy." It's because CGI/Love Run literally cannot afford to.. and instead of addressing this, they delete any comment that doesn't praise them. Legitimate races have reserves for emergencies. I also have never encountered a business where I say something like, "I ordered this in black, not grey" and they go, "Sorry! We already spent what you gave us!" But then again, in LR's case, they would just hide and not respond. Regardless of how much one paid for the run, or if they can "afford" to bite the cost or not, it all about principle. They claim to care about well-being and safety, but they fact they are forcing one to run during these times negates their claim. They could have just made up something like, "We are a smaller organization and dont have funds / resources that larger runs have" and I would have kept my mouth shut. I'm definitely not supporting this run ever again, and neither is my fiance or my other running buddies.

Ever since running my first 5K back in 2014(the now defunct chickie's and pete's boardwalk run)…read more I've always wanted to reach that half-marathon status. I wanted to see what it took to push through that many miles and come out victorious. Am I up to it ? Am I a strong enough runner ? Don't you have to be elite to do that sort of thing ?? Self doubt and questioning of my ability as a runner crept in & pretty much kept me focused mainly on 5k's, 10k's and an ocassional 10miler(looking @ you broad street) The day my 2nd child was born I noticed an email come through. "love run half marathon register now !" I'm sitting up 3am in the hospital room with my wife ... my newborn son was sleeping in her arms. hmmmm Love Run ... I have a new Love in my life ... I always wanted to do a 1/2. The gears starting turning. I'll Run the love Run for a new love in my life. I need a new Goal. (does it sound lame ?) well, it made sense to me at the time so I went ahead and registered. Looking back, it sounds damn near insane as well as a bit ocd ... I mean god knows how little sleep I was about to have or the time I'll have to train with a newborn at home. wtf was I thinking ?? Well, in the end it all seemed to work out. I even went as far as starting a vlog on youtube to record the process and to keep me motivated. The audible app also became my go-to for daily motivation ...with such reads as "My year of running dangerously" & "Finding Ultra" haven't read them ? check them out. This review is getting long winded so I'll cut to the chase. Race expo was a breeze, I got in and out within 10-15 minutes (The reading market was calling me) Race day arrived and with that history was made. The positive atmosphere, sights and sounds ... The entire experience was unforgettable. Approaching and then crossing the finish line while hearing my name called out over the PA will stay with me forever.... For those few seconds, I was in the moment. It's difficult to put words to it honestly. It just felt so right. I'm not sure if I'll ever get the chance to run a half again but if I do, I'd sign back up for the love run in a heartbeat. I truly loved the entire process. btw the coffee mug is badass. . . the medal too.