Back as a Bibrave Pro

Excited to announce that in 2021 I am continuing being a BibRave Pro. Going into my 4th year and hoping to get to some in person races for them this year.

I love testing new products and I love my fellow pros, I even have a few that live near by, and once it is safe, hopefully we can hang out at the local brewery again. Being a Pro does let me have access to a lot of discount codes, for products and for races, and if you want to use any, just click the link above to look them up.

Also, don’t forget to read up on my goals for 2021, hopefully with travel involved.

https://runningformylife2015.wordpress.com/2020/12/20/peace-the-eff-out-2020/

Times are a changing

“Disclaimer: I received entry to Urban Bourbon Half 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!”

So have all of your races been cancelled like mine?  Well I’ve still got one on the calendar, Urban Bourbon Half Marathon.  For them to still have the race they have had to make a lot of changes so that way everyone can be safe.  I really respect the fact they are trying so hard to keep this going but also make sure everyone will be ok doing it.

First off, it is in a new location, so it will be more of the Suburban Bourbon half, and that is ok.  The new location is in the Parklands, so no running through the city, but I don’t mind running through parks, I bet the views will be lovely.

Also, there is a rolling start, no more all hanging out in a corral together, you can pick a time, or if you had already signed up, they assigned you a time.  You show up then and take off.  While I will miss hanging out with my fellow runners, I understand, standing around with them is not in any ones best interest right now. Also, as part of your swag, you will get a gaiter, so you know, you can cover your face when you are within 6 feet of someone.

There will be no post race bash, again understandable.  There will be some virtual bourbon experiences for those that run the race, so I am excited for that, always cool to learn more about bourbon.

The big thing, is, if we want this race to happen, we need people to sign up.  Louisville has authorized them to run this race, but if they do not reach 1900 paid registrations by September 26th, then they will have to cancel (you will get a refund or you can defer to 2021 if they do cancel) but sign up so this race can go off.  You can use code BOURBONRAVE2020 to save 10%

Also, check out the sweet medal you will get, so sign up

Run Madtown

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Run Madtown presented by SSM Health race 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!

So state 22 is done, Run Madtown didn’t go perfectly but overall, I am pleased with this race.  First let me tell you about the race itself

The expo is small, but nice, still some shopping to do, and I did buy myself a new pair of sneakers.  I got my bib quickly and easily.  Also, Madison has plenty of parking, street and garage, so for both the expo and race, you should have no issue finding a place to park.

The race itself starts right in downtown Madison, right in front on the capitol building which is so cool.  Plenty of portopotties and bag check was quick and easy.  The race itself is hilly, but a really scenic one, through out the entire race.  The roads are not all closed, but plenty of volunteers and police officers are out to keep you safe and keep traffic moving.  Plenty of water stations, with plenty of volunteers to hand out cups.  You get to the run through the aboratorium which was lovely and peaceful until you leave it, and have to go up a HUGE hill.  After that hill though, it is fairly flat and you finish at the State House, overall, really well done race and I would recommend it to anyone.

Also, you get free race photos, yes I said FREE and hey I got a good one

So for me, I was hoping for a PR, but alas, that did not happen, I did run 2:17 which I am pleased with, as I haven’t run a half that fast in 2 years.  Spring races are always tougher as my body is used to cold weather, and race morning the temps were in the high 50s, and it only got warmer.  I enjoyed Madison, it was a great walkable city with lots of restaurants and coffee shops and small shops.  And all the water, the views are just amazing and it is a very walker, runner, biker friendly city, so if that is your thing, go visit.

And now, another state checked off the list, slowly getting my way through the midwest

Training for Madtown

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Run Madtown presented by SSM Health race 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!”

Figured  I should give you all an update about my Madtown training.  As you know I am looking to run a sub 2 hour half and my coach has me putting the speed work in.  My current pace threshold is 9:30, and I have been able to mostly hit it.  I’m feeling really good and overall, this training block is going quite well.

I am currently doing strides (20 second sprints with a 1 minute recovery walk) twice a week. Every Tuesday is track Tuesday and this past Tuesday I did mile repeats, other then some stomach issues I felt good.  My issue with Tuesdays is I need to eat before, but I am getting up at 4am to do them, so I need something quick, I tried a smoothie this week and NOPE bad idea.  So if you have any ideas for me on this, please message me, or hit me up on twitter (RuninRedsox) or instagram (same name).  My long runs have been a mixture of slow and speed, usually ending with a fast pace, and mostly I have done it.

I am feeling pretty good right now, and hope to keep up the hard but good work, and I am hoping for a nice shiny PR in May.

 

Don’t forget, if you want to Run Madtown as well, sign up and use code RAVENSAVE to save 10%

Review: Knockaround Fast Lanes

Disclaimer: I received Knockaround Fast Lane Sunglasses 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!

As you know, I already love Knockaround sunglasses, in fact, if you see a pic of me in sunglasses, they are Knockarounds.  They are well priced, comfy and cute, I may have about 5 pairs…maybe, who knows.  So it is established that I already love this brand, when I was offered the opportunity to test their new Fast Lanes, I jumped at it.

And guess what, I love these too.  In fast, these will now be my new running sunglasses.  The thinner arms, which work much better with my aftershokz head phones, and these do not bounce at all, I usually have that issue with my small nose I had no issues with these.  I have also warn them to drive and just hang outside and they are great.  These are meant for bigger faces and they really do fit my face the best.  Here is a snippet about them from knockaround.com

What makes Fast Lanes different from other Knockaround frame styles? These bad boys are designed to look great on medium and larger face shapes. And like all Knockaround sunglasses, each pair benefits from FDA-approved and impact-resistant lenses with full UV400 protection. With a pair of Fast Lanes there’s no pumping the brakes; these highway heroes are impossibly durable and strong enough to stand up to your fast-paced lifestyle without breaking the bank. Fast Lanes are finished with embedded “K” logos on the arms and come with a protective pouch, so they’re ready for you whenever you need to kick it into high gear.

Would you like a pair?? Of course you do, well I have a coupon code for you, use code BIBRAVEKNOCKS1 and save 20% off your entire order.  (this is good from 3/25 – 4/18 so get to buying) (also, one use per customer)

want to know what my fellow pros think…

http://themarathonlady.com/index.php/2019/04/14/brp-review-knockaround-fast-lane-sunglasses/

https://tmilesandrunning.wordpress.com/2019/04/12/join-me-in-the-fast-lane-knockaround-fast-lanes-product-review/

Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses Review!

https://runbigfootrun.blogspot.com/2019/04/life-on-fast-lanes.html

REVIEW: Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses

Review: Knockaround Fast Lanes

Disclaimer: I received Knockaround Fast Lane Sunglasses 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!

As you know, I already love Knockaround sunglasses, in fact, if you see a pic of me in sunglasses, they are Knockarounds.  They are well priced, comfy and cute, I may have about 5 pairs…maybe, who knows.  So it is established that I already love this brand, when I was offered the opportunity to test their new Fast Lanes, I jumped at it.

And guess what, I love these too.  In fast, these will now be my new running sunglasses.  The thinner arms, which work much better with my aftershokz head phones, and these do not bounce at all, I usually have that issue with my small nose I had no issues with these.  I have also warn them to drive and just hang outside and they are great.  These are meant for bigger faces and they really do fit my face the best.  Here is a snippet about them from knockaround.com

What makes Fast Lanes different from other Knockaround frame styles? These bad boys are designed to look great on medium and larger face shapes. And like all Knockaround sunglasses, each pair benefits from FDA-approved and impact-resistant lenses with full UV400 protection. With a pair of Fast Lanes there’s no pumping the brakes; these highway heroes are impossibly durable and strong enough to stand up to your fast-paced lifestyle without breaking the bank. Fast Lanes are finished with embedded “K” logos on the arms and come with a protective pouch, so they’re ready for you whenever you need to kick it into high gear.

Would you like a pair?? Of course you do, well I have a coupon code for you, use code BIBRAVEKNOCKS1 and save 20% off your entire order.  (this is good from 3/25 – 4/18 so get to buying) (also, one use per customer)

want to know what my fellow pros think…

BRP Review: Knockaround Fast Lane Sunglasses

https://tmilesandrunning.wordpress.com/2019/04/12/join-me-in-the-fast-lane-knockaround-fast-lanes-product-review/

Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses Review!

https://runbigfootrun.blogspot.com/2019/04/life-on-fast-lanes.html

REVIEW: Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses

Tracking my runs

“Disclaimer: I received an annual Strava Summit subscription and Strava merchandise 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!”

So I have been using Strava for a while now as a means to track my running.  It’s really a great tool for this and it has some added fun things to add to your running.

First off, groups and friends, there are so many groups on Strava you can join and you can create your own with friends.  Great way to have some friendly running competition.  There are groups for major races, so you can see everyone training for a race you are doing, it really is nice, and hey always cool to get likes on your runs

There are monthly challenges, which are some of my favorite things.  A nice little boost to the usual running stuff, they don’t always have prices, but sometimes they do and that is cool.  They almost always start the year off with a challenge with Lulu Lemon and you can get a decent discount on Lulu Lemon if you complete the challenge.  It isn’t only for running either, they have biking challenges and climbing challenges so whatever your thing is you can track it.

Of course, if you are a runner, you have to instagram your run, I mean, of course.  In strava you can add your photo and post your stats with it. so hey, now everyone knows.

Also, hooking it to your garmin is easy peesy and it auto uploads so there is nothing much you have to do other then start your watch, run, stop your watch, can’t beat that.

I am always learning something new about it as well, and I can’t wait to see what other cool things I can do with this app.

Heard it Through the Grape Vine

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon 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 have picked my fall marathon….and it is….

DETROIT FREE PRESS CHEMICAL BANK MARATHON

Super excited to head to Michigan and even run in another country (yes I do get to run in Canada) fingers crossed for other things, that this will be state number 26 for me (over half way YES)

If you would like to join me, you can register here https://www.freepmarathon.com/ and make sure to use code 2019DETROCKS to get 10% off

Hope to go visit so many things while I am there, but I really can’t wait to see where Motown started, that will be great.

 

Time is Running Out

Disclaimer: I’m promoting The Key West Half Marathon and 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!

The Key West Half Marathon and 5k is this weekend, have you signed up yet?  Well you better get on that, you don’t want to miss out on this race and the amazing weather they will be getting this weekend

You can go here to register https://www.keywesthalfmarathon.com/register-now/

and make sure you use code BIBRAVE20 to save 20%.  Also, here are the latest details about the race you can go here https://www.keywesthalfmarathon.com/event-details/

So hurry up, get over to that site and register for this fun race and get yourself away from this cold winter, cause who wants to run in the cold I don’t.

Review: Buff Dry Flx

“Disclaimer: I received a Buff DryFlx Head Band and Neckwarmer 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!”

 

Well it is winter in New England, and we all know that means very low temps.  I always try to run outside so finding things to keep me warm are a must, but I also need them to work with what I already wear, and the Buff Dry Flx does all this.

I tried out the neck gaiter and headband (I am not huge fan of hats, that’s me though) the gaiter is great, nice a soft, lose but warm, I didn’t think something so thin could be so warm, is also has reflective stuff on it, so keeps you warm and safe. 

The head band is nice and stretchy, it keeps my ears warm but also I can still wear sunglasses, they fit right under and it doesn’t push so hard on my ears that I end up in pain, which is great.

I am super excited to wear both things for the rest of winter (more excited for Spring to come back but I take the little victories) these are a great addition to my winter running gear, I would highly recommend them for anyone who has to run in cold weather.