how i buff: uv half buff review + discount

Disclaimer: I received the UV Half Buff 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!

Wearing the Buff and visor for lots of sweat absorption
and sun protection.

Once again, it's clear that being a BibRave Pro is awesome. We were all told that we'd have a chance to test out the UV Half Buff - whoo! I had seen such products before, but never had a chance to test one out. I know a lot of people use the full Buff (Original) for winter (which I'll be doing come winter, so I'll let you know how that goes), so I figured it would be interesting to use the Half during the summer. The half is, you guessed it, half the size of the Original Buff.

I chose Stadi Fuchsia  one of my favorite colors, and I figured I could pretty much use it/wear it whenever, because it would pretty much match anything I wore. Although now that I have it, I wish I would have chosen a more fun pattern haha. Guess I'll need to add a few more to my collection ;)

I first used my Buff on a 10 mile train run. It was hot and sunny, so I put the Buff on like a headband (though it sat farther on my forehead than most of the headbands I wear) and then put my visor over it. It absorbed the sweat a bit more than my visor normally does, so less sweat dripping down into my eyes. Win #1.

Before and After.

Buff went on its first race for Burgers and Beer 5k, which was a very hot and humid Monday evening race. This time, I wore it more like a sweatband and I called the look 'Warrior'. Ha - seriously though, it worked well as a sweatband absorbing the sweat, and honestly, stayed on better than it does for me as a headband. I have a strange shaped head, and most headbands I wear ride up in the back (I think I'm missing the roundedness back there that most people have). With the visor, I don't notice any issues because the visor keeps it in place. I digress.

I call this 'The Warrior'.

I went on another trail run (remember, I'm training for The North Face Endurance Series 10k in Wisconsin) and this time put Buff wrapped on my wrist. I don't know if it's just me, but I sweat right below my eyes, and after a while, it really stings (my eyes). Buff was a great way to dab at the delicate skin below my eyes to absorb the sweat without making my eyes burn. Plus, it's quick drying, so I don't have to worry about it running out of room to absorb all the sweat ;) I'm also pretty thankful for the odor control aspect. 

Soaked in water and cooling off post-run on the bottom left.

On another really hot run, I decided to dump some of my water on it and wipe my face with the wet Buff. THIS IS MY FAVORITE USE so far. It feels SO amazing to have something for my neck and face to help cool me down. Even though the water had gotten pretty warm, the Buff felt cold on my skin. It even stayed that way the whole run. So refreshing and just gave me a relaxing feeling during the long, hot, sweaty, tiring runs. You could also soak it in water and then put it on as a headband to cool you down.

My pal Julia and I before Burgers and Beer 5k. 

I used it during Rock n Roll 5k and Half Marathon Chicago as well. It was in the high 80s and sunny, so you know I was a hot sweaty mess for this race. I dumped water on it, then put it on my neck, face, legs, arms, and squeezed out excess water on my head. Ahhhhh relief. After another long run, I put it on around my neck for cool down while I sat in the car with the air blasting. It felt great.

There are still a bunch of other ways to wear Buff that I plan on trying, but I haven't gotten to them yet. It's also a great way to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays – I generally try to run where I'll have lots of shade, but it's nice to know if I'm out in the sun, Buff helps keep me protected. I'm also going to mention that I use sunscreen too – I'm so pale, that sun protection is extra important for me (and really, for everyone). 

Materials & washing instructions.

Oh, and another thing - it has a reflective logo on there to add an aspect of safety. That's always a good thing for us runners (or anyone that is active outside).

I also really enjoy whoever is in control of their social media accounts (especially twitter). Whether it was one person, or a bunch, they were aways on point. I would ask a question or mention Buff, and they would like/favorite/respond in less than 60 seconds most times. Talk about fast response time. Not to mention that I find it to be in good form to be active on social media if you have an account for a product or race, and to engage with your consumers. Five stars for Buff on social media!

Some specs from Buff's website:

• Blocks approximately 95% of UV rays 

• Multifunctional

• Exceptional Moisture-wicking with its 4-channel fibers

• Soft, breathable Coolmax Extreme fabric

• Cool in the summer, extra layer of warmth in the winter

• Polygiene Active Odor Control

• Quick drying

• Machine wash (no fabric softeners and air dry - no dryers!)

They have a lot of products that I'm looking into buying, plus, most of their items come in so many color and pattern options. Like, too many – I can't choose! 

Just a few of the options...

And here's something special for you - a 10% discount code! Use BIBRAVE10 for 10% off all orders :) Get yourself a Buff or two (or three, or four... you get the point).

If you go with an Original Buff, here's a video on how you can wear it:

Connect with BUFF:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube | pinterest

Read what other PROS thought:

Rachel | Caroline | Jess | Amy | Emily | Laura | Erin | Jenny | Jeremy | Sarah | Laura | Bonnie | Haley | Katie | Danielle | Erica | Christine | Kim | Brenda | Runner and the Bride | Angie | Brie

chicago marathon training: week 2

Monday, July 13: Burgers and Beer 5k

Tuesday, July 14: 2 miles at CP

Wednesday, July 15: Rest/Stretch Day

Thursday, July 16: 2 miles at CP

Friday, July 16: Rest/Stretch Day

Saturday, July 17: Rock 'N Roll 5k (3.1 miles at CP)

Sunday, July 18: Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

My schedule got a little bit off this week. I was a dope and forgot to mention my Monday race to my Sweat Tracker coach, and so really my week was supposed to be: 2 miles CP Tuesday–Thursday + 11 miles on Saturday. She ended up having a bit of an emergency, so when she got back to me about skipping Thursday, I had already skipped Wednesday because I wasn't feeling great and figured I would do my 2 miles Thursday. Plus, I was running 5 days this week, rather than the 4 I usually do.

Anyway, I had a great time at the Burgers and Beer 5k, of which I'll have a recap up this week. The weather was extremely warm and humid, but at least I had my Buff to help keep the sweat out of my eyes. Universal Sole organizes a really great race and post-race party. I ran with my mom, who has a minor injury, so we did 30 minute run / 1 minute walk intervals.

My 2 miles on Tuesday and Thursday were fine. I ran 1 minute walk 1 minute run intervals. That seems to be going well for me on my shorter runs. My pace has been getting better, so I'm happy about that. Now I just need to carry that over to my longer runs. Let me just say, I am not a fan of the heat or humidity – it generally leaves me feeling nauseous and fainty, so I have to dial it down bit. 

The race on Saturday was a lot of fun. Pre-race, I got to hang out with my pal Jordan (who also came back to the race course to say hi to my mom and I before leaving – he's so nice!). The race itself was quite warm, but thankfully there was a bit of a breeze. Afterwards, I got to meet Meb, which was SO cool. I'll have more in my recap next week.

Sunday was a whole other story. The weather was MISERABLE! Originally there was rain in the forecast, which I welcomed (not lightning, mind you, since that would cancel the race, but rain would feel great with the heat). Unfortunately, no rain, and not enough clouds. It was hot hot hot. Again, I stayed with my mom (not that I would have been able to get ahead of her, if we're being honest). I was pretty much beat down at mile 3… the heat really ruined me. However, I still had fun with it, and still managed to finish, which is always my number 1 goal :)

Week 3 of training will bring another 3-day 2 mile run at CP Tuesday–Thursday, and then I'll be doing my long run on Sunday, which will be 12 miles. Hopefully the heat won't be so bad, but if it is, it'll give me some more practice of dealing with the heat while running. We haven't had a ton of HOT days yet this summer, so I haven't acclimated to it. I do want to continue running in the heat, so that if Chicago Marathon day comes and it's 80 degrees, I'll be used to coping with that kind of weather. I'm really hoping for last year's weather, though… but we never know what mid-October in Chicago will bring.

How was your week in training? Any races this weekend? Congrats, if yes! Now head over to BibRave.com to write a review and help your fellow running friends out :) 

Have a great week everyone!

chicago marathon training: week 1

Monday, July 6: rest day (stretch and foam roll); Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 1 Workout 1

Tuesday, July 7: running = 2 miles; Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 1 Workout 2

Wednesday, July 8: running = 2 miles

Thursday, July 9: running = 2 miles

Friday, July 10: rest day (stretch and foam roll)

Saturday, July 11: 10 miles

Sunday, July 12: rest day (stretch and foam roll)

I know most people started their training 3 or 4 weeks ago, and though I was running, I wasn't on a training plan yet. The one on Chicago Marathon's website was a bit too much for me, and lucky for me, I was able to get a coach from Sweat Tracker* to set up a training plan specifically for my goals and abilities, super personalized, to get me to the finish line. So, that's why that was week 1. I'll have another post soon with more details about Sweat Tracker and how it's going.

During the holiday weekend, I decided I wanted to get back into Jillian Michaels videos to help lose weight, build a better core (and really, muscles everywhere), and just generally improve my overall athletic abilities. I have her 90-Day Body Revolution, so decided to start the program back up (I never finished it the first time around), however, running would be my main focus and priority. I managed to get Monday's workout in post-work, and then I woke up early Tuesday morning to fit in Phase 1 Workout 2 in the morning before heading to work. Unfortunately, I didn't manage the workouts on Thursday or Friday, as planned. 

On Wednesday I started to feel the beginnings of a cold coming on, so decided to focus on running and getting the rest needed to stay healthy before it became a full on illness (generally with me, it becomes a sinus infection, or something respiratory – neither of which I'd like to deal with). Through my many sicknesses throughout the year, I know that for me getting a bit of extra sleep is very helpful for me, so that's what happened.

I felt pretty good after them – sore, but in that really good way. The way that you know your body is working on getting stronger. Hurts so good.

As far as the ruling went, the 2 miles on Tuesday–Thursday felt really good. I was feeling tired on Thursday, but apparently my legs weren't, because I couldn't slow them down to my a pace I felt I should be at, and I finished my two miles with a 30 second faster average pace than usual. Who knows what was going on.

On Saturday I hit up the trails for my 10 miler. I realized on my way there that I only had the bug repellent in my car that had been sitting there for a few years... and wasn't sure how good it was anymore. Last weekend I got eaten alive by mosquitos, and I wanted to make sure to bring repellent this time. I put on the old stuff anyway, hoping it was better than nothing, and it worked pretty well, thankfully. Only 1 bite this time, not 15 (and that's not a joke).

I also realized I forgot to pack my Clif Shot Bloks and my Energybits  - argh. I only had one in my backpack that was leftover from a previous run. While for most this might not be a big deal, who really needs chews for a 10 miler... well, I do. I also don't eat breakfast before running, so the chews and Energybits are the only things I'm taking to keep my hunger at bay and keep my energy levels up once I get to mile 5. I did have my bottle of Nuun and a bottle of water, both of which were gone by the end of my run.

I felt good for the first 5 miles or so, and then fatigue started to kick in. My legs felt good, but I just wanted to be done. My pace slowed and I had to do a bit more walking than planned. I partially blame the elevation gain, but really I just think the week caught up with me. I went out later than I planned, and even though I was in bed at 10, I ended up sleeping until 8 the next morning. I was so tired, that I didn't feel guilty about it.

I did a weigh in today for myself, to see how my week had been, and I was down a pound, so that was awesome to see (especially on a Sunday, when my weight is likely to be the worst after a weekend... maybe I should do weigh-in Fridays? What day do you think is best for weigh-ins?).

Also, if you are interested, I wrote a recap for Terrapin 5k and a review of Everlast Nutrition Vegan Protein Powder (vanilla). AND if you are looking for a race, I've got some discounts for you. Head on over to the discounts page!

I'm excited to see what my coach comes up with for this week's plan! Whoooo!

How was your week? Did you race? Have a long run? Tell me about it!

*Disclaimer: I received a free Sweat Tracker Performance Package 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!

everlast nutrition vegan protein powder review

Disclaimer: I received four sample packets of Vanilla Everlast Nutrition Vegan Protein Powder 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!

Hey guys! I'm back with another product review, thanks to the good folks at BibRave and Everlast Nutrition.

I have never tried protein powder before, so I was new to this whole thing, but was definitely interested in giving it a try! I was excited to have the opportunity to learn more about it all. I had to google recipes to find something I liked. Also, I should mention, I am not a vegan or vegetarian, so I used ingredients that were in my normal diet. However, there seem to be a lot of options for vegans out there (a few of my vegan friends were suggesting almond milk and coconut milk to replace regular milk… unfortunately for me, I don’t like either of those haha). I wasn’t sure if using non-vegan ingredients was a no-no, but Everlast tweeted me back saying that the beauty of Everlast VP is that it’s for everyone! So for me, that means you should make it how you like it, with whatever ingredients that might include. Hooray! If you're interested in learning more about Everlast Nutrition, go here.

The first time I tried it, my husband made it for me before I headed to work. He mixed milk, Everlast VP, ice, and some honey. I didn’t love it – the texture was a bit too thick, and the taste wasn’t anything to write home about. I figured maybe I needed another ingredient or two, so, I did some ‘research’ on that thing called Google, searching for protein powder shake/smoothie recipes. I found one with ingredients I had in the house already (or could modify for ones I had), and for someone like me who isn’t too kitchen savvy, looked easy enough. The result? Deliciousness! 

Vanilla Banana Protein Smoothie
Put the following ingredients into a blender or Magic Bullet:
• 1 serving Everlast VP Vanilla (I used my sample package)
• 1/2 cup milk (I used 1%, which was in the fridge)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 banana
• dash of cinnamon
• ice

• mix until smooth

I didn’t have any lumps or chunks, so the texture was smooth and not too thick for this food-texture phobia gal. I think I would call it a shake over a smoothie, but I’m not sure what the difference is. The second time around with this recipe I used the whole banana instead of half. If worked just as well, and figured why not use the whole banana? I also added a small squeeze of caramel sauce. Yum.

Putting Everlast VP into the blender.

The actual recipe calls for almond milk instead of regular milk. I'm sure my 1% is adding more calories, but I prefer the taste and it seems to mix with my fraps and smoothies better than than Skim Milk we usually have. Depending how you make it, this simple, low-calorie smoothie with protein powder and almond milk helps fuel your workout (or fuels you post-workout), and adding half a banana (or like me, the whole thing) to the mix helps keep your electrolytes balanced. 

The finished product! Sorry for my feet..

My husband used one of my sample packets to make his own smoothie (apparently he was unaware that they weren't for him haha). He has used protein powders before, and said that he thought the Everlast VP was pretty good compared to the others he has tried. He's the kind of cook that just dumps things in without measuring, so all I can say is he used milk, ice, Everlast VP, and a banana. Anyway, he says it was enjoyable, which is the point I'm trying to make haha.

And why do we need protein? Here's an article from Runner's World about it, but the gist is that 'adequate protein intake accelerates muscle growth and speeds recovery by helping rebuild muscle fibers stressed during a run. Since protein helps muscles heal faster, runners who consume the right amount are less likely to get injured.' And guess what? Those that don't consume the sufficient amounts are at a higher risk for injury. Proper protein intake has also been shown to help maintain a strong immune system. Pass the protein, please!

How much is the right amount? The recommended daily amount is .36 grams per pound of body weight, 'but that's not enough for athletes, according to ISSN, which says endurance athletes like runners need .45 to .72 grams per pound. That translates into 75 to 120 grams of protein daily for a 165-pound runner.' Seriously, though, that article has a lot of good info for you, I found it very helpful, as I tend to have no idea what I should be eating, or how much of certain items (like protein) I need on a daily basis.

Everlast VP has 22g of protein in one serving, along with 1.5 g fat, 0 cholesterol, 540mg of sodium, 2g carbohydrates, and 2% calcium. One serving is 110 calories  15 of which are from fat. They suggest mixing 1 scoop in 8–12 oz of water or your favorite cold beverage or smoothie. I personally prefer the smoothie option :) 

Ingredients include: plant protein (pea protein, rice protein, hemp protein) carrageenan, sea salt, natural flavor, and stevia glycoside. This product is made or packaged in the same facility as products that contain milk, eggs, wheat, and soy.

I find it to be a great way to get my breakfast in in the morning (I usually can't eat anything for at least an hour after waking up), but I'm ok to drink things. I'm also not one to wake up early enough to be awake long enough to eat breakfast before going to work, so, I make a smoothie and drink it on my commute. As a smoothie, you are generally adding quite a few more calories, so it can work well as a meal replacement. I find that the smoothie fills me up until my next meal, without needing a bunch of snacks in between.

I also wasn't sure if it was best to get the protein pre- or post-workout scientifically (though I felt pre-workout drinking a smoothie wouldn't sit so well), so EverlastVegan answered me on Twitter: After a workout, muscle growth and repair are heightened for 24+ hours. Consume protein during this period to amplify muscle building. So there you have it. Drink your protein post-workout to help that muscle recovery!

If you're interested in giving Everest VP a try (or already have a love it), use code 'HEATHERRUNS13_1' for 5% off! Also, they currently have a promotion that if you buy a package of Everlast VP, you get a free Everlast 20oz Shake Cup (limited quantity available until supplies last). They are ALSO providing free shipping on all US orders over $20, which is also a limited time offer. I wouldn't wait to get these special deals, just sayin'. Grab yours today!

A package is 31 servings, or 2 pounds, and costs $39.99. From what I hear, that's a reasonable price. I've never purchased protein powder before, so couldn't do any comparison, but my sources say that's cheap for a protein powder, especially when it's a vegan product.

EverlastVegan will be sponsoring #BibChat this upcoming Tuesday at 8pm CT – join the conversation and have a chance to win some awesome prizes! It's always a fun time, and everyone is welcome!

You should follow them on social media – motivational images and quotes on Facebook, and they are very active on Twitter (they were always responding to my questions, or just interacting with me in general – better than a lot of companies).

Connect with Everest VP:

website | twitter | instagram | facebook

Read some other PROS thoughts and recipes:
Angie (granola bar recipe) | Angie (go-to smoothie recipe) | Jess | Allison | Laurel | Katie | Kim | Laura

ram racing terrapin 5k recap

Disclaimer: I received a free entry into RAM Racing Terrapin 5k 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!

The Terrapin 5k, with this year being the last, was held on Thursday, July 2 at 6:30pm. I'm always a little nervous doing races in July, especially with how hot and humid Chicago can be. The running gods must have been smiling down on me, as it was a GORGEOUS night for a run. It was party cloudy with temps in the high 60s (maybe lower 70s) with a slight breeze. I was glad that I chose to put on shorts and tie-died Zensah compression sleeves rather than wearing capris. I was definitely sweaty when running, but the good kind, not the dripping sweat because it's 100 degrees + 100% humidity. (If you want the short and sweet review version, go here).

 

While there were different options for packet pickup, including 12–3 in Deerfield and Elmhurst on Sunday, and 10–3 at Fleet Feet Old Town, I was very very happy to take advantage of the race day packet pickup option. I didn't have time to drive to any of these locations prior to the race, as they are all a bit of a hike for me.

Post-race party with Lou Malnati's, brownies,
and Magic Hat? Sign me up!
Plus, look at the fun shirt and hat!

I left work early in order to ensure that I had enough time to get into the city and get to my packet before it stopped at 6pm. I got there with lots of time to spare – 5:00, to be exact. I had pre-purchased my parking on Wednesday using SpotHero, for $10, so it made that bit less stressful (and cheaper than choosing a parking facility the day of and paying $20+ for a few hours).

After the long drive (about 1.5 hours), I had to utilize the bathroom, and I stopped at the open facility right before heading into the park – I'm a fan of running water and soap! I knew there would be ports-potties in the race area, but figured there was no line here, so might as well just go. 

Anyway, the race set up was within a fenced area in the park (so was on the grassy part – luckily, even though we had been getting a lot of rain, it wasn't muddy), so I headed in and to the left was the packet pickup area. A lady waved me over before I even knew that's where I should go. I handed her my printed out confirmation email, and bam, I had a clear plastic bag in my hands with my bib, safety pins, tie-dyed tech shirt, and hat. I have to say that the shirt was cooler than I was expecting–it looked much better in person than it did in the photos online. Yippee! (Speaking of, I saw someone in my neighborhood wearing the shirt the other day – she was walking her dog. I wished I had been out running instead of driving, because I would have struck up a conversation with her).

The scene pre-race.

Right after getting my packet, I spotted Julia and her boyfriend, so I hung out with them for a bit to chit chat. They had to do a few warm up miles, so we set our plans to meet up post-race, and I kept an eye out for my pal Jordan. During this time, I decided to get my drinking wristband, since I had some free time, and figured it would be nice to have it done when I finished so I wouldn't have to worry about it. I got in a short line, showed the guy my ID, and he put on my wristband. 

About 10 minutes before the race I spotted Jordan, and it turned out we were in the same corral, so we went together to line up (the line up area was outside the fenced area over on the sidewalk).

Me and Jordan at the start line of the race.

The corrals were A–D and had maybe 2.25 minutes between each wave release. The race started on time, and at about 6:37 we were off. I stayed with Jordan for the first 11 minutes or so – just before the first mile marker. You guys, I RAN that whole time. I know, amazing, right? If you know me at all, you know I do the run/walk intervals, and usually my runs are no longer than 1 minute before I take my walk breaks. Being with Jordan made me push myself harder. It was great. 

But… after 11 minutes I needed a walk break to catch my breath. After that, I did 1 minute walk/1 minute run intervals. I was really happy with how I was feeling – a little tired, but it felt good to push myself to go faster than usual. The thought of my friends having to wait a long time for me to finish (eh hem - Julia was the first female to finish — speedy McGee!) kept me moving quickly, as I didn't want to make them wait TOO long. So, thanks for putting that pressure on me, you guys! Ha - I jest, since I put the pressure on myself. I gave them lots of warning to go eat and get some beers and I would meet them in the post-race area, so that they didn't have to wait for me at the finish. To my surprise, they were at the finish line still when I crossed! Then they yelled at me for saying how slow I was, since they weren't waiting long at all. They're so sweet. Anyway, the point of the story is that I'm thankful to have awesome running friends that help motivate me to be a better runner.

The course was enjoyable – a little different than most other races that are at Arvey Field… even if the only difference was the direction was switched. It's a little hard to explain how the course went, so here's an image of it. The only bit of course I didn't enjoy was towards the end when you had to run down a small grass hill, which was lined with small square bricks (mind you, the bricks weren't connected, there was a space between each) – for a clumsy gal like me, that could have been dangerous. Luckily, I managed to get down it without incident. 

The course.

At about mile 1.5 or 2 there was an aid stop. I only remember seeing water, which I grabbed from a volunteer, but online it said there would be Gatorade. Can anyone confirm if it was just water, or if I missed the Gatorade in my race haze? For a 5k, I think it's fine if it was only water, but I do my best to provide all the information to my readers :)

At the finish line, they had cups of Gatorade. This isn't a deal breaker, but I would have liked a bottle of water, especially before heading over to drink some beers. I did chug my cup of Gatorade, and then Tom (fellow BibRave Pro), Julia, J's BF, Jordan and I headed to the post-race party. They got their items from gear check, we grabbed some Lou Malnati's pizza and brownies, chatted, and then headed over to the beer tent. 

BibRave For Life!

Another thing, if you know me, is that I was very pleased that it was a craft beer! Not only that, but they had two options – Magic Hat #9 and Electric Peel. I personally preferred the Electric Peel, an IPA (which is surprising, because I'm not usually an IPA person). Tom had to leave a bit earlier than the rest of us, but we ended up having some drinks and talking for about 2 hours after the race. There was a Grateful Dead cover band (Old Shoe) playing until about 10, and it was just such a lovely night to be outside enjoying the company.

Lovely evening for a race.

A funny thing that happened was that a few different runners came up to our group to give us their extra drink tickets before leaving. I don't know if it's because we looked like we were there for the long haul, or because we were a larger group than most, but we appreciated it. Once the runners started clearing out, security started allowing some Dead Heads to wander in to enjoy the band and some beers. Tickets were available for beer for $5 (cash only), or you could have purchased extras at the packet pickup. Each runner had a ticket for a beer and a slice of pizza and brownies attached to their bib.

Nom nom nom.

I had SUCH a fun time at this race, and am bummed that it won't be back next year. This was my first time experiencing it, and it was awesome. I think RAM Racing did a great job communicating all of the night's events, along with the packet pickup info, in advance, so runners could plan. I knew well in advance when and where packet pickups were, and that the best option for me was to do it on race day. I've never had any problems for packet pickup or on race day with a RAM event (I've done Hot Chocolate, Rock the Night, and I'm sure some others in the past that I can't think of now). So for me, I have no problem registering for more events that they host, especially since they all have amazing SWAG and post-race treats.

Julia and I hydrating post-race.

With our new friend Caption Jim.
Can you tell who the runners are? They have the reflective gear haha.

Did you race the Terrapin 5k this year, or in the past? How did it go for you?

Make sure to go to BibRave.com and write reviews for any/all of your races! It helps runners choose their races in the future, and helps race directors see what they can improve on. Also, head on over to Twitter on Tuesday nights at 8pm CT for #BibChat where we discuss running, motivation, food, beer, etc. It's always a blast, and the hour files by. Check it out!

run where i live: chicago

Hello friends, and welcome new readers! I was asked to participate in a Run Where I Live Series by fellow BibRave Pro Danielle (Live, Run, Grow) link-up. It's a series from a few bloggers across the US (and even one from Australia!) that give helpful tips on where to run if you ever visit our cities. You can check out all of the other cities we're running in here.

A little bit about myself, in case you are a new reader: I live in Chicagoland with my husband and two dogs. I graphic design by day, and run and enjoy drinking craft beer and wine by night. I've been running for about 5 years now. I love doing races, though I'm not very fast. I prefer to use the run-walk method that Jeff Galloway suggests – I find it helps with my asthma, and has generally been keeping injuries at bay. I've done quite a bit of half marathons (I think it's my favorite distance at the moment), and haven't really kept track, but I'd say it's at least 20. I completed my first marathon in January as part of the Dopey Challenge. It was a wonderful experience, and it changed my mind about the marathon distance (which I said I've never do). 

I am currently training for my second marathon in October (Chicago Marathon) and am very excited about running in my hometown. Last year I joined the BibRave Pro ambassador program, and through that have become friends with some awesome runners. It's helped to bring me out of my shell, plus gives me some great opportunities to run awesome races and try/test fun products. Anyway — I think that's a long enough introduction, and I hope I haven't lost you! If you're interested in reading more, you can go here or here.

Danielle's idea for the blog hop came from a BibChat (every Tuesday at 8pm CT) a few weeks ago where we were discussing safety while running and traveling. A lot of people voiced concern about being nervous when in a new city and not knowing where a safe trail or running route may be. So, we have some great routes to run from people that live in Cape Cod, Conneticut, New York, Philly, Coconut Creek (FL), Orlando, Chicago, Milwaukee, OKC, Northern California, and Australia!

The road trip began on the East Coast of the US and is making it's way west to Australia. I'm coming at you on the road trip after Cyanne, who also wrote about Chicago running routes. Hopefully we don't overlap too much on locations to run! There certainly are a lot of places to go, so we should have plenty of options for you guys. So the road trip continues in Chicago...

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There are some pretty obvious places to run if you are visiting Chicago and are staying in the city. The main one that you should run is the Lake Front Path. It's miles and miles (18.5, to be exact) of pavement for runners and cyclists to run with Lake Michigan to the east. You have the opportunity to run past museums (Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum), McCormick Place, Navy Pier, countless beaches and harbors, AND have a beautiful skyline to appreciate. It can get pretty congested on a nice day, so be aware of your surroundings when weaving – you are sharing the path with cyclists who not always signal their presence. Generally, you'll see lots of friendly faces out there who will smile, wave, or give the head nod of acknowledgment.

Another fun place to run if you are in/near the city is to head to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's free admission, and if you go at a decent hour (when it's open, but not too crowded), you can run through the zoo and have a peek at animals while you're at it. I think it makes the run a little more exciting :)

I'd also suggest running through Grant Park and Millenium Park — they both have some fun sculptures, fountains, artwork, etc that can keep your mind occupied. If you're like me, you like to look around and check out all of your surroundings during your run — takes my mind off of actually running and possible being hot, tired, and sore haha.

Another awesome thing to check out is November Project Chicago, if you are in town on a Wednesday at 6:28am at the Kwanusila Totem Pole in Lakeview or Fridays at 6am at Cloud Gate (aka the Bean). I hear nothing but great things about this workout group, though I unfortunately haven't had the opportunity to check out for myself yet. You can learn more on their Facebook page or the website.

Now, if you want to take a little bit of a drive away from the city into the suburbs and onto a trail system, I would suggest either Waterfall Glen, the Palos Trail System, or Swallow Cliff. They are about a 45 or so minute drive from the city (as everything in Chicago, it can depend on how traffic is).

First, let's talk about the Palos Trail System/Sag Valley Trail System. It's a very extensive trail system with lots of different color routes. I personally enjoy taking the brown to orange to yellow part of the trail out to a brewery in Willow Springs – this includes a bit of running on some neighborhood streets to complete my trip from trail to brewery, but it's ok. You really want to pay attention where you are and where you are going, however, so that you don't get lost. You can wind up spending a LOT more time out there than you intended if you don't pay attention. I always make sure I have extra water and fuel, just in case ;)

The Palos and Sag Valley Trail Systems are adjacent forest preserve parks that offer more than 30 miles of dirt trails through thick forests, deep ravines, past wetland lakes and marshes, and across wide-open meadows. Some favorite routes are the hilly 12-mile Maple Lake loop and the 6-mile Swallow Cliff Woods loops. 

Another favorite workout includes going to Swallow Cliff Woods North, where there is 125 limestone steps that lead to the top of a former toboggan run. The run is no longer open, but people love to go to the stairs for a great workout (the stairs is the nickname for local folk). I generally don't do the stairs more than going up to get to the trail and then down to get back to my car, but that's just my hatred for stairs haha.

Another great place to run trails is at Waterfall Glen. It's about a 9.5 mile loop with some tough hills (Big Bertha!), but some great scenery. The preserve features glacier-carved rock ridges, ravins and wetland potholes, which aren't found anywhere else in the country. The trail is limestone, which accommodates runners, cyclists, hikers, and equestrians and are well groomed in the winter for skiing. I really like this trail, because it's impossible to get lost on! You pretty much just follow the trail around and it leads you back where you started. However, they did just add another section to the trail, so I suppose it is possible to get lost now. I haven't had any issues, since I'm used to running it and no where to go. As always, I suggest brining your map with you and knowing which direction you want to go before heading out there. You never know when your cell phone service might decide to go out, or your phone battery inconveniently dies.. Just a helpful tip from me to you. It also has bathrooms at the parking lots (though no running water, just a heads up!) and some port-potties near the fields where people fly airplanes. 

If you are in Chicago, I would definitely check out if there are any races during the week/end you are in town. We have a lot of great races to choose from and they all have some cool aspects. Some give you the chance to run around the streets of downtown Chicago, such as the Magnificent Mile Half Marathon and Shamrock Shuffle 8k, while others take you on the south end of the city near the Museum of Science and Industry – most of it while running ON Lake Shore Drive, which can be a cool experience. Some race series include Hot Chocolate and Rock N Roll, which are both quite fun as well. A few weekday themed races include Terrapin 5k (though this year is the final year), Rock the Night 5k, Bastille Day 5k, and loads more. Basically, you can find a race pretty much anytime you are here! It's fantastic! BibRave.com can be a great source to find races that are rated high in the everyday runners eyes. Is it worth the money? Find out. I'd also ask other runners if they have any favorite races to do in that particular city – I'm sure they'd all be happy to share (we are!). 

I hope you found this post helpful and entertaining! I love running in the Chicago region – it never gets dull since there are so many options. Plus, every place looks different depending on the season! I love Fall and Winter the best, though I know a lot of people disagree. I find it to be the most beautiful in the forest preserves those two seasons.

You can join in on the fun and write your own post for where you live! Either add the link in the comments section, or send it to Danielle and she can add it here.

Now, continue on the road trip over to Tom, another Chicagoan, who I can tell you has a very thorough posting! You are sure to enjoy it!

mobot review

Disclaimer: I received a Mobot 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!

When asked if I was interested in trying out a product that was both a foam roller AND a water bottle in one, I of course said yes. Objects that have multipurpose have always intrigued me. What is this foam roller and water bottle in one, you ask? It’s the Mobot! It is the first foam roller water bottle. It is currently on INDIEGOGO at the moment – it’s currently 33% funded with 13 days left. There are different levels of perks to choose from. You can go here to get more in depth information. Thanks to both BibRave and Mobot for the opportunity to try this bad boy out!

We all know recovery is an extremely important part of running. It's what can keep our bodies healthy and free from injury. I love rolling out my muscles after a long run, and honestly, every night before bed whether I ran or not. It's important to drink plenty of water prior to rolling, it keeps your tissues hydrated and pliable during rolling for increased benefits and recovery.

When I first received my Mobot, I was excited at the color - it was Juicybot, so it's came pattern with pink, yellow, orange, and green. I don't think I could ever lose it, since it stands out so much.

There are plenty of things to love about Mobot:
• It’s a water bottle! I love pretty much all water bottles. I’m not great at hydrating, so it’s quite the reminder sitting on my desk to DRINK MORE WATER.
• There’s a wide lip to drink from. If you prefer, you can drink from the sipper that is attached to a straw.
• You can toss a carabiner onto it and then clip the Mobot to your bag.
• Less plastic – it helps save the planet from more water bottles being used.
• BPA Free, made with recycled 18/8 FDA approved stainless steel. 
• Very lightweight (it looks like it would be heavy, but it’s not).
• Fun color options:  Adams Ale (black), Blue Steel, Juicybot, Purple Reign, Special Ops, and The Boss
• Different sizes/capacities: 40 oz, 27 oz, and 18 oz (or Big Bertha, Grace, and Firecracker)
• Comes with 2 tops.
• Rounded edges for easy cleaning.
• Each Mobot is individually crafted in a process that takes several days.
• It’s a foam roller, and quite portable at that, so you can stay hydrated on the go, as well as keeping those muscles relaxed and knots rubbed out wherever you go.
• If the lid is on tight and the sipper is put down, it's no spill (obviously if it's open it spills, but that's like saying don't use your blowdryer in the shower.).

Things I’m not a fan of:
• The area to be used for foam rolling is a bit small, if you’re doing the kind of leg exercises where you need to balance on it. I’ve never been good at that sort of balancing act. 
• It can’t be put in a dishwasher. I’m a big fan of using dishwashers for items that get a lot of use. Maybe not every time, but at least once a week to really get a deep clean. I get why it’s not dishwasher safe, but I always wonder if I’m getting it clean enough.
• It does come with washing instructions, however, they are a bit more extensive than I’m used to. It includes a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water + a couple tablespoons of baking soda and a bottle brush. I’m a busy person, and I have to be honest, I’m not the kind of person that wants to put that much effort into washing a bottle everyday. 
• It isn’t fully insulated, which means the water in there isn’t going to stay cold for as long as one might like (I really like the insulated growlers, or bottles, whatever you might call it, as the water can stay ice cold for hours).

I think it’s a cool concept, but unfortunately, if I'm being completely honest, I don’t think I’m the right consumer. I’ve never been good at figuring out the right way to roll with the foam rollers, as hard as I’ve tried to follow videos, I'm personally more a fan of another kind of roller (not foam), that just seems to work better for me... or maybe I should say it's easier for me to use? I think the idea of staying hydrated while rolling, and how that affects the body and mood is a great way to go about creating a product. From what I’ve read in other reviews, people that are foam rollers love the quality of the foam and find it extremely convenient for travel (runcation anyone? Though probably better for car travel over air travel... how would you pack it without losing a lot of luggage space? Great for the car – stay hydrated, and then roll out sore muscles during breaks!) and for rolling out at the gym immediately post-workout.

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Read what other BibRave Pros had to say:
Laura | Haley