Race Recap: A Christmas Story Virtual 5K/10K

 Disclaimer: I received an entry to A Christmas Story Virtual Run 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've said this several times, why isn't there a race on Christmas Day like there is on Thanksgiving? We always cook just as much if not more food on Christmas, so why isn't there a big race? I'm sure it has something to do with being able to spend more time with your loved ones but oh well. I was super excited run this virtual race on Christmas Day which help fill my need a race.

Let's talk about this race! RAM Racing is the race organizer and they put on a good race. The race can be completed anywhere and there is a 5K and 10K option. Since it is completed anywhere you can choose the course for yourself. If you want flat you can run flat, if you want some hills then you can run some hills.

The swag for the race is also pretty great! You get a race bib, finisher medal, beanie, and full zip sweatshirt. The whole reason you run a virtual race is for the swag and I think this is so festive. I really doesn't make me think of the movie at all, I think they could have done more in that regard. But just the name causes some nostalgia.

I signed up my mom to run with me because we hadn't run a race together since July of 2019. I think this was the best part for me! Due to our busy schedules we don't get to spend much time together and the time that we do is usually busy with things.

We chose an easy flat course by our house. We left mid-morning and it was overcast but not snowy. We did a combination of walking and running because the cold was so rough on our lungs. When we got back to our house, my brother, father, and boyfriend were there to cheer us in and give us our medals.

Overall it was a wonderful experience and I think it was a new family tradition too!

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Phil Shannon Lissa Lisha

Product Review: Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Buff® DryFlx+ Collection 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!

Picture this, its the year 2020 and you're in upstate New York. It's winter and cold as hell outside. You're a runner, and most of the time the weather doesn't get the best of you. Now you've been introduced to the Buff® DryFlx+ Collection and you can best any winter weather thrown at you!

Winter can suck sometimes but only when you don't find yourself prepared for the elements. The Buff DryFlx+ collections is the best way to prepare for any run or activity in the winter.

The Product

What is this DryFlx+ Collection you say? It's the latest from Buff® to help you outsmart winter. This collection has four different products to choose from and I was testing two of them. I tested the Neckwarmer and the Hat and together they made a killer combo!

Both of them are knitted with a purpose to maximize breathability in certain areas and insulate in other areas. On the Hat there is more insulation on the ears, and more breathability on the top of the head. The back of the Hat is designed to fit around your head, and has grips to stay in place, and the from of the hat is made to be more absorbent.

The Neckwarmer, is designed to be more breathable in the nose and lip areas to help you breath while the neck and has more absorption zones to regulate temperature. The back of the Neckwarmer also has grips on them which help it to hold on to the Hat and no slide down.

The Run Test

Taking these beauties out on a run was super fun! They really make a great pair for cold weather running. When used together the only part of your body exposed is your eyes. Everything else is insulated and covered. I used them on snowy days, rainy days, and cold sunny days and each time it was perfect.

I loved the grips on the backs the most! There's nothing worse when you're running than having to keep pulling up your neck warmer. It's just annoying, and distracting from your run. The grips really keep everything secure where they are and it's comfortable too. 

I like to run with Aftershokz, and I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to wear them with the DryFlx+ Collection. However I found a way too. If you put the Aftershokz on first, then pull them tight to the back of your head, put on the Hat first and they will stay secured where they are. Then you put on the Neckwarmer on top and it won't slip down. It was everything I needed for a run: protection from the elements and music!

Conclusion

If you live somewhere that gets cold, and you like to run, then you should invest in the Buff® DryFlx+ Collection! There's nothing like it on the market and it makes a huge difference on your winter weather protection. Also the Neckwarmer doubles as a mask which is crucial in 2020. Did I mention that the Neckwarmer doesn't slide down? That means you have a mask that doesn't slide down. Sounds pretty ideal if you ask me!

You can save 15% if you sign up for the Buff® Newsletter!

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Randy Janell Michelle Jamielee Jessica Kristi Krista Jonathan

Product Review: Turtle Gloves

Disclaimer: I received an Turtle Gloves 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!

This is a product that I have been so excited to try since 2018 when I was first introduced to Turtle Gloves! They made convertible gloves for runners that can open or close to either to lock in or expel heat.

The Product

The Mittens are made of a Polyester and Spandex blend which is perfect for running. It provides the moisture wick that we need and prevents hand hand chafing. The Winter Soft brand that we tested is good for temperatures as low as 20 degrees, and I can definitely attest to colder temperatures. There are no buttons, hooks, or loops which makes them very comfortable on the hands so nothing pokes you.

The Run Test

I used these gloves for about 75% of my runs this winter so far! They are incredibly soft on the hands and really insulate. I first want to talk about the orange color. While I'm very biased to the color orange I really think its the best color for gloves. They are so much easier to see and with it being hunting season in upstate New York, the orange really helps keep you safe.

I love the ability to slide the top of the glove off to open the gloves up! It makes a big difference when you're trying to regulate your hand temperature, and when you need to use your phone quickly. I have had many sets of gloves with the special fingers to use phones, that never seem to work. Then you need to take off the glove in order to use your phone. With turtle gloves it's so easy to just flip the mitten open then close them back after you're done on the phone.

I used my gloves on runs as warm as 40 degrees to as low at 15 degrees. The real feel low was about 1 degree what that time. My hands stayed warm the entire time. While the gloves are very breathable if the wind is strong enough, it doesn't let them get cold. It lets the appropriate amount of air through to keep your hands comfortable, and warm.

While the finger area is big enough to hold a hand warmer, I have never needed the extra heat. My body produces so much heat when I run, and the insulation on the gloves is so good that I have never needed them.

Conclusion

If you live anywhere that the temperature gets under 45 degrees then you need to get yourself a pair of Turtle Gloves. They are a winter running essential! Between the functionality of them and the insulation of them, it's one of the best gear items I've got this year!

Use code "TURTLEBIBRAVE" to save 15% at checkout!

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Chris Kimberly Stephanie Teddy Juan Ryan Jamielee

Product Review: Knockaround Sports Collection

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockaround Sports Collection Sunglasses 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!

What a summer we are having this year. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that feels like this isn't the summer that expected to have. However one important lesson I took from everything that's happening is to find your passions and live them! Part of testing out the Sports Collection from Knockaround was to create a summer bucket list.

I took an afternoon to do some brainstorming on what I wanted on my bucket list, and yes I had a cocktail too. If you must know, since I'm not basic, I use Whiteclaws as the mixer for a margarita. It adds some extra magic to your cocktail! What I came up with are things that add movement to my day, have an adventure aspect, being with friends or family, and being outside in the sun since I'm usually working all day long.

I spent my one day off each week making the most of the time I had. From archery, hiking, walks with the baby, trails runs, track runs, and road trips I can easily say I crossed off almost everything on my list.

The sunglasses themselves are very light and come in a variety of colors. I'm super happy with the color I chose because it's fun and brings more color to my outfits. The frames and lightweight but still made of quality materials. I am guilty of dropping these sunglasses and there hasn't been any damage yet. The nasal ridge has non slip pads on it so even in the sweatiest situations they still stayed on my head.

Let's be honest, there are a lot of sunglasses companies out there. It makes it really hard to find what is right for you. What keeps me coming back to Knockaround is that their sunglasses are high quality but still affordable. I remember back when it was important to have a designer label pair which cost me hundreds of dollars. I would only wear them on special occasions and when they dropped, they were destroyed. Knockaround fits my lifestyle and I feel confident wearing their sunglasses in every situation from fitness to dinners out.

If there is one big take away from the my time test these sunglasses it is definitely finding my inner happiness. Whatever that is for you, for me was outdoor adventures, their Sports Collection was the perfect pairing.






To snag yourself a pair use code BibRaveKnocks5 - 20% OFF entire order. (one use per customer) Valid May 1 - Aug. 31

Vermont City Marathon Postponed

Disclaimer: I received an entry to Vermont City 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!

With a sad heart the Vermont City Marathon has been postponed until October 25th. The race was originally scheduled for May 24, which was my birthday weekend. I was going to be running the relay with my health coach, business colleague, and friend Dr. Chris Puglisi, and this was going to be her first race in a few years.

While the postponing of this race is rather sad there are some positive things that it has brought me.

The first is my relationship with Dr. Chris. But her and myself are part of a BNI chapter in Binghamton. BNI is a professional networking meeting that is held weekly where members pay to fill a spot for a certain occupation (caterer for me, and health coach for her). Each week we pass referrals and testimonials for each of the members as we are required to participate.

I met Dr. Chris over a year ago in BNI when I started the position I work now as a catering director. Dr. Chris has hosted several events at my venue and in return I have referred her several clients. Over this past year we got pretty close and realized that we had so much in common like running and health. So when the opportunity to run this race as a relay was presented to me, she was one of the first that I thought about.

Since we registered for the race that has made our relationship so much stronger. We joined a 6 week spin challenge at a local spin gym in January to kick start our training and hold each other accountable. And we were excited to plan different parts of our race weekend.

That in turn has helped me to have so much more confidence in her as a person which relates to how much respect I have for her as a health coach. So when I refer clients to her, I know they are going to be in good hands.

While we will not be going to Vermont in May for the race, that doesn't mean that we won't be running together in the future. There is a trail that we like to run behind the university in our city that we run together, and try to avoid as many snakes as possible.

So in the ends I'm happy that Dr. Chris and I are still sharing our love for running, even if it isn't for this race. But it is definitely because of this race!

Underwear Paris Marathon Sweepstakes

Disclaimer: I received Runderwear 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!

Okay let's cut to the chase, you love to run or else you probably wouldn't be reading this. Well you could win the trip of a lifetime to run the Paris Marathon with your bestie! No joke, all you have to do is register for the sweepstakes. CLICK HERE TO ENTER

If you win you will also get a ton of other prizes!

So if you have any interest at all then you need to sign up. It's a pretty sweet deal which includes airfare and hotels. There is no obligation either.

You can follow Underwear on Social at:

T: runderwear

IG: Teamrunderwear

Product Review: Zwift Run

Disclaimer: I received a Zwift Run Pod 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 don't know about you but I HATE running outside once the weather gets cold. It's just not fun, the air just cuts through you clothes and make it's so uncomfortable. I could go on for a while about the negatives to running in the cold, but I want to share with you something amazing that could prevent you from running outside in the cold.

Zwift is a digital platform that has created several different virtual world for athletes to exercise in from the comfort of their home or gym. While there are both biking and running options for Zwift, I'm going to tell you about the running aspect of it.

It starts with their run pod, it clips on to your shoe and connects to your device via bluetooth. You can connect it to many devices, I connect my to an iPad. The pod send the Zwift App data about your cadence and speed, from running on the treadmill, which the app then uses an avatar of yourself to depict yourself running in their virtual world, based off the speed you're running on the treadmill.

It's a super smart system that allows you to run specific workouts, group runs, and freestyle runs. For the purpose of this campaign we were participating in their group runs every Tuesday. It was named, Turn it Up Tuesday.

You have to download the Zwift Companion App which is how you access your profile when you're not running. This lets you join the Zwift Community to see what group runs are available, and then you can follow your friends. We had to join the Turn it Up Tuesday runs on the Zwift Companion App each week. Then when we were on the treadmill using the Zwift App we were able to click a button to join the group run.

The groups runs are great because in the Zwift Companion App you get to choose what pace group you would like to run with. I love this feature because you can choose when to push yourself or when you just want to take it a bit easy.

I was a pace leader for the B Groups which runs around a 8:00/mile. The workouts were a variety throughout the weeks of our training from tempo runs to intervals. I was using these workouts to get ready for a turkey trot. These workouts were great because the app told me exactly what paces to set the treadmill for. It took all the guess work out of the workout and let me really focus on the run rather than my pace.

 I didn't end up making it to my turkey trot because I didn't feel fully recovered from my marathon, and it was a frigid morning too. However I love the option of taking the treadmill to new limits with this app so I can keep running in the winter and stay in shape without having to brave the cold!