Review of Aftershokz Trekz Air

Disclaimer: I received the Aftershokz Trekz Air Headphones 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!

 

Before I get into reviewing the Air, let me repost my review of the Trekz Titanium which I loved

https://runningformylife2015.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/aftershokz-trekz-titanium/

I love the technology of these headphones, being able to hear things while still getting my music is amazing, but I went over that in my previous blog, so I will just tell you more about the air and what makes them different and to me better.

First off, they are lighter, which is so much more comfortable on the ears, in fact they are 20% lighter.  Also, the sound is better, now I have been biking more because of my knee issues, so I have mostly been indoors, but the sound just seems so much better and crisper than the titanium.  I have gotten to run with them as well, and they do bounce way less and again, don’t hurt the ears 

They do now come in colors, though I believe they are currently sold out, so just get the regular airs and you will love them.  The comfort of these and the safety they provide just really can’t be beat.  I also have a link for you to save $30 off a pair for yourself go to

bibrave.aftershokz.com

Better get to it, cause they probably will sell out.

Also if you wish to read up on aftershokz and either they air or titanium go here

https://aftershokz.com/

You really can’t go wrong with either one, and I will say, when I first tried them, I was skeptical, but I am a believer and I will never use another type of head phone again, these are perfect

 

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Review of CTM Band

Disclaimer: I received a CTM Band 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!

Let’s just get right to it, I LOVE THIS THING!!!

It really works your muscles, and as someone who has super tight calves, this gets right into them and really works them out.  It is easy to use, and it is adjustable to the size of your legs or feet or arms.  As you can see in the pic it is a band with what looks like golf balls on it, those balls are what dig into your muscles.  it comes with 4 on there but you can easily remove them and put them back on, They just twist on and off.  With my calves, I used 2 balls, with my foot I only used one.

When you wrapped it onto whatever body part you are using, you then have to move, so I would flex my foot, and when on my calves I would do heel dips, either on my work out bench or on my stairs.  You only have to use it for 2 minutes at a time, so it is quick recovery and this thing is so easy to travel with, so much easier then trying to pack a foam roller, it also gets so much deeper into the muscle then any foam roller I have ever tried.

No matter what workout you do, I would highly recommend getting one of these for your recovery.  You can go to https://ctm.band/ and use code CTMBIBRAVE to save yourself 20% on one.  Great deal for a great product.

Also, it comes with directions on how to use it, but you can go on the site for video for those who do better with video directions.

Traveling for Races

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Rock and Roll Seattle 1/2 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 think everyone knows my goal to run a race in every state.  Doing this requires planning to save money and make sure I am not stressing here are some of my tips.

Book Early: This goes for races, flights and hotels, most races offer cheaper rates the earlier you book, I start planning races almost a year out, so I can sign up for them as soon as registration opens to get the cheapest amount (or become a Bibrave Pro and get to do races for free) .  After the race is booked, I then start looking at flights, I mostly fly Southwest (I get points) but for Rock and Roll I am flying Alaska Air as it was the cheapest flight and it is direct.  I found it through the Hopper App, this is a great app to use to help with flight prices I highly recommend it.  Then, book your hotel, and with certain races, mainly ones that are raffles, if I put my name in, I book the hotel before I get picked, to make sure I get the best deal.  I always book one that has a free cancellation policy, cause you never know.  Also try to do flights with free cancellation as well, cause you never know what might happen.

Pack for all weather conditions:  Living in New England has taught me one thing about weather, they can’t really predict it.  They try, but sometimes, they are just way off.  So pack at least 2 outfits for race day, you don’t want to be too cold, or too hot so plan for both types of weather.  I also bring 1 old sweatshirt with me and wear it race morning and discard it.

Do a restaurant search: Whatever app you prefer, look and see what is near your hotel, and find one that you think would be good for a prerace meal (I prefer Italian) And if you need to, make a reservation, so that way you are all set for the night before meal.  Also with food, find a local grocery store and get the food you prefer for race day morning.  I usually pick up some PB and a pack of english muffins (as they taste fine hot or cold) and always grab some water for your room.

and one tip I always remember but rarely practice, don’t walk too much before the race, I try to not walk too much but then I get excited about seeing a new place and walk damn near everywhere, oh well.  I always end up with cool pics

Bring a portable phone charger, cause you will run through your battery taking all those pics and selfies.  And always pack with enough time to think about it.  Don’t wait till the day of flight to get your shit together, take the day before to go through, pack neatly and think through so you don’t forget things.

Then enjoy your time, racecations are fun, explore and enjoy your race

 

If you would like to sign up for the Rock & Roll Seattle races, use code RNRBRP2018 to save yourself $15

Where is Spring??

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Rhode Races Newport 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!

Less then a month until Rhode Races Newport, and we are about to get hit with another snow storm.  Spring is going to show up right? RIGHT???!!!  Well let’s all hope that April 14th in Newport is a beautiful Spring day and that all the snow is loooooonnnngggg gone.  Make sure you sign up soon, you don’t want to miss out

http://runri.us/newport-race-info/

Did you know you will get free, yes FREE race pictures, I mean what runner doesn’t love that, even they are bad, you know you really love them.  There is free athlete tracking through Race Joy (I have used this app before, it is great and works quite well).  Mobile Locker Co will be one site to make sure your gear is safe. There will also be pacers, to help you reach whatever race goal you have.  And then, most important, after race beers provided by local RI breweries

Be sure when you do sign up, because you know you want to do this race, that you use code BIBRAVE to save 10%

I hope the weather is lovely that day, and Newport is the spring is one of the best places to be.

Why you should run Rhode Races Newport

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Rhode Race Newport 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!

1. Newport, it’s amazing place to visit.  Beautiful ocean views, great restaurants and you can check out the Tennis Hall of Fame.  If you do sign up for the race, make sure to make a weekend of it so you check out this great place
2. Daffadillion kicks off after the race, I mean, who doesn’t want to check out beautiful flowers and welcome spring to New England, cause man, we have missed it
3. RI Brewers Guild will be sponsoring the beer tent, and will have local craft beers for you to try.  Something for everyone, which is way better then just one beer
4. Newport Storm is hosting the bib pick up. MORE BEER
5. Pieszoni’s is bringing the delicious pizza, and I love me some pizza after a run

Prices are going up on 3/1 so get over to http://runri.us/newport-race-info/ and sign up and use code BIBRAVE to save 10%.  Also, if you maybe plan on running some more of the Rhode Races, you can get a really really sweet medal 

For Those About to Rock

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Rock and Roll Seattle 1/2 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!”

GUYS, I am so excited, I am running my very first Rock and Roll race and even better, I am running in State I haven’t run in yet, Washington.  So in June I will be flying from Boston to Seattle to run a race in a new to me city.  I have always wanted to run a Rock and Roll race, they just look like so much fun, I mean, who doesn’t like having live music while you run.  And the Seattle race runs near the Football Stadium so that will be super cool (hoping I can Tour the baseball stadium after)

I can’t wait for all of you to ready about the journey to get across the country to run a race.  I am so super excited.

And hey, if you want to join me, you can use code RNRBRP2018 to save $15 off the full or half marathon.

 

More Love for Brilliant Reflective

Disclaimer: I received a Brilliant Reflective Strips 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, as you know, I have tested these before

https://runningformylife2015.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/brilliant-reflective-review/

And I quite liked them, but I mainly used the stick on ones.  This time, I decided to try out the iron on ones.  I should state, all the clothes I put the stick on ones on, are still there, even after many washes. The iron on ones, are just as great, it just requires a little more work to get them on.

First off, make sure your clothes are clean and can be ironed.  Set your iron to a lower setting, one for synthetic fabrics.  Lay whatever you are using flat, and place the strips where you would like them to be.  Put a piece of paper towel over the strips, then place the iron on top.  Hold the iron down and move it around a bit, I would say I left it on for about 5 minutes, once done and look stuck on, DO NOT TOUCH THEM.  Let them cool, then you remove the top layer so they are reflective, and then you are good to go.

Easy right

I love these as much as the stick ons, just as bright and they wash fine too (I do wash all my workout clothes on the delicate cycle) I would really recommend anyone who runs in the dark to get these, and right now, I have a deal for you go to bit.ly/BRP25 and you can get 25% off a multipack, how great is that.

now you see me

please check out my fellow Bibrave pros and what they thought about Brilliant Reflective Strips

http://www.andreaheser.com/blog/2018/2/3/its-my-time-to-shine

http://bipolarfatherathletemarathoner.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-review-of-brilliant-reflective.html

Be Brilliant, Be Seen!

https://runbigfootrun.blogspot.com/2018/01/be-seen-be-safe.html

Review: Health Warrior Chia Bars

Disclaimer: I received Health Warrior Chia Bars and coloring book 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! 

Right now, I know what you’re thinking…chia bars?  Really??  Seriously, they’re good.  I got to try 2 flavors, Apple Cinnamon and Dark Chocolate.  I enjoyed both, but I really liked Apple Cinnamon better.  I found the dark chocolate to not be super deep chocolaty flavor, it was still good though.  The apple cinnamon tasted like little apple pies, and well, I love apple pies.

I did already enjoy chia, and use it often in foods but I had never had a chia bar and wondered if I would like the texture.  Other then then the chia getting stuck in your teeth, the texture is great and like eating a regular granola bar, but so much better for you. The are certified gluten free, 100% Vegan, only 4 g of fiber and 3 g of protein and only 3 g of sugar.  And they do help you feel full, they are a great in between meal snack.  While recovering from my hip injury, I have been going to PT, and I go after work, so I end up eating dinner late, I always brought a chia bar with me and it helped me get through PT without getting hangry, and my PT appreciates that.

where I ate most of them, in my car

They have many more flavors, you don’t just have to get the 2 I tried. They have Acai Berry, Banana Nut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coconut, Dark Chocolate Cherry, and Mango and you can also get mix packs, but let me tell you about something even cooler, if you order your bars with this link

http://healthwarrior.link/colorbookbr

You can get a super cool marathon training coloring book with your order, and I mean, who doesn’t love coloring, I know I do and this book is full of funny pics to color in and many you will know all about if you are a runner

why yes that is poop

I highly recommend these bars, in fact, when I am done with what I have, I will order more, they are super tasty, good for you, and keeps me full until I can have a meal.  I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do

also check out a fellow pros review

https://funsizeathleteblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/14/bibrave-product-review-superfoods-to-the-rescue-with-healthwarrior/

South Shore Half and 5k

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the South Shore Half and 5k 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!”

First race since recovering from my hip issues (still recovering just feeling so much better) and it went so well.  Let me tell you about the race, then I can tell you about how it went.

First off, parking, so great.  They have you park at a local mall, which is pretty much right off the highway.  They bus you to the start line, super quick, super easy.  The bib pick up and baggage check was efficient and they even had bags for you if you didn’t bring your own.  The start line is also right near a HUGE field, so you have plenty of room to sit, stretch, or do your warm ups which is always nice. Also, plenty of portapotties

The race itself (I only did the 5k I cannot comment on the whole half) was really nice, some rolling hills, nothing crazy and the last 1/2 mile is ALL DOWN HILL!!! You read that right, all down hill, is there anything better, NOPE.  The race scenery is so nice, a beautiful neighborhood to run through.  The streets were closed and had plenty of volunteer and cops to keep you safe. Not a lot of people out cheering, but I enjoyed the quiet and the pretty houses and trees, it was nice.

The finish line is great and you walk through to get plenty of water and food, and if you wanted a beer, they had plenty (I’m not into beer) I then hopped on a bus and was driven back to my car.  Great race, well run, would highly recommend it and would do it again. and oh yeah FREE RACE PHOTOS!!!!

Now for me, I averaged a 10:06 pace SO HAPPY, and no pain.  A little stiffness at the beginning but it went away quickly.  I felt like I could run forever and man, did I miss that feeling.

Review: RunGo App

Disclaimer: I received access to the RunGo App 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

An app that gives you turn by turn directions??!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE???  Well true, I didn’t run as a kid and cell phones weren’t for everyone, but you get what I mean.  This app does give you turn by turn directions, right in your ears, so great when you want to try a new route, or you are running in a new town.

You can download the app easy peasy from the Google Play Store, or whatever you Apple users use (I don’t do apple) Register, and then you are good to go.  There are some preset routes for your area, or you can create your own.  Now with this feature, I find it easier to do on the computer then in the app itself.  I created a 14 mile route through Lexington and it got me through, does it sometimes not tell you soon enough for a turn, yes, but overall it got me through an area I had never run in before and I didn’t get lost.

You can download the routes to your phone, which is great for me, because I live in the ultimate Verizon dead zone, so if I can’t download it, it won’t work.  I did find the voice to be a bit quiet, but nothing I couldn’t handle, or hear.

So, I did get injured during my testing period for this, so I haven’t been able to run in a while, but when I did use this, I quite liked it, I did not get to test as to it’s accuracy, but because of the area I live in, most apps are never accurate.  I have heard from others it is a little off, but the turn by turn directions are why I wanted it and will keep using it.  Overall, I would suggest to all runners to get this app, especially if you have to travel a lot.