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

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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.

Review: SPI Belt Beam Hat

Disclaimer: I received an SPI belt Beam Hat 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!

UPDATE:  DISCOUNT CODE FOR YOU use BIBRAVE to get 20% off any SPIBelt Item

So I won’t lie, I am not much of a hat person, I have a large dome and I usually find hats uncomfortable.  They pinch my head or fall off, so I generally avoid them and just use a head band.  But a hat with lights, I had to give this a try, and I am really glad I did.

I do run early in the morning, usually around 5 am, and this time of year, that means it is dark out and dark for my entire run.  I do wear knucklelights and they are great, but they move with my hands, so having a light that would just say forward and steady would be nice.  This hat does that and doesn’t bother my dome.

The directions to get it working were a bit hard to follow, but I figured it out and got it all set up.  I did notice the battery for the front lights, was inside that hat and I was worried that it would dig into my head, it didn’t.  Overall the hat is super comfy, nice wicking material and also has reflective stuff on the top of it.  The lights on the front are nice and bright, and send a nice beam of light out ahead.  It also has lights on the back that flash, which is great too.

The hat didn’t move during any runs, stayed in place but didn’t squeeze my head, it is adjustable so should be able to fit just about everyone.

If you are a person who runs in the dark like me, you should really look into getting this hat, it would be great for you see and be seen, I do highly recommend it.

State 22 is…..

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!”

 

WISCONSIN!!!

I am coming for all the cheese, and a half marathon too.  I will be running the Run Madtown presented by SSM health half marathon next May.  This will also be my first Bibrave race of 2019.  I know, already booking races for next year, but hey, these states don’t run themselves

And maybe, you would like to join me, of course you would.  You can use code RAVENSAVE which is good for 10% off any of the races (excluding the kid races)  There is a twilight 5k and 10k you could do, if you are not up for a half yet.  You can even combine races if you wish.

I am thinking this may be a goal race next year, as not having 2 goal races this year was kind of a let down.  I enjoy the training, I enjoy the hard work.  I will of course discuss this with my coach, but I think maybe sub 2 hour half??? shall see

Make sure you register soon, prices take their first jump on 11/1 so get in while the prices are low.  Hope you see some of you there