A Runner's Dream - Your Own Personal Shopper

Disclaimer:  I received a FREE box from  Mercury Mile box to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave 

to review, find and write race reviews.

To say that I was a little bit excited about this opportunity to test out a Mercury Mile box would be an understatement.  If you're a mom, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Shopping? That word does NOT exist for a mom. We are lucky to set foot in a mall two seconds after we birth our babies.  Then, those children grow up and we are running in all different directions, it's amazing we wear clothes at all.  

I'm kidding of course, but online shopping is truly the ONLY way I can shop at my current stage of life.  To find an available couple of hours to leisurely peruse a mall in hopes to find cute clothes; dream on.   Plus, if you look in my closet at any given time, you will see that I "mom" and I run.  My closet is 80% running clothes and 20% casual.   So, when the Mercury Mile opportunity came along I was doing the jig in my living room!  

So, what IS Mercury Mile? 

Mercury Mile is an online athletic/athleisure clothing service where your own personal stylist does your shopping and ships your items directly to your door with your own specifications in mind!  How cool is that?  I simply go online and fill out my online profile, that includes my measurements, and other fun get-to-know-you questions.  There is a $20 styling fee that is applied toward any items you keep!  That styling fee is well worth it in my opinion because the gas alone to the mall is half that!  

Once you have told your stylist what you're looking for, in a few days your box appears at your doorstep with 4-6 hand-picked items!  You have 7 days to try on and choose what you'd like.  If you need to return any items, just pop them back in the postage paid bag and you're done.  Any items you keep are charged accordingly.  Easy Peasy!!

But, I bet you're curious as to what came in my box?  I couldn't WAIT to open it!  Check out my un-boxing video here!  

For my first box, I requested hot weather running gear.  I wanted lightweight tanks and shorts to compliment the hot and humid Minnesota summers.  When I opened my box, I received a personal note from my stylist and fantastic options!  She sent exactly what I wanted and a few surprises too!

KEEP

This tank!  Well, it's a stunner and it's my absolute favorite piece of workout clothing I currently own.  It's incredibly comfy and flows well.  My stylist knocked it out of the park on this one.  I'd wear it everyday if I could.  This was a definite KEEP.  It was $48.

These were my next items.  This amazing orange tank and ASICS shorts.  To be honest I love it ALL, but realized that I didn't have to have the shorts, they didn't get me super excited, so I decided to return them.  They were priced great though.

Would you look at how cute the back is on this tank?  Um, yes please.  And, it was unlike anything I have so it was a KEEPER!  Again, she listened to my specifications and this tank was also incredibly lightweight and comfortable!

I also received these adorable pair of white sunglasses.  These were a surprise and affordable, so I had to keep them.   Again, very lightweight and perfect for SUMMER.  They've been attached to me since I got them!

My stylist did throw in a pair of running socks too and if I didn't already have 1,900,000 pair, I would have kept them!  What is a girl to do?  I like socks!  I figured even though they weren't expensive, I didn't really need them. 

The only bust for me was the tank pictured below.  I liked that it fit my specifications of lightweight and cool, but the cut and fit was just a bit off.  I also didn't like the high neckline - I felt a bit closed off and it was difficult to get over my head. 

I am in LOVE with this service.  Mercury Mile goes above and beyond expectations!  It's incredibly convenient and I'd be lying if I wasn't excited to see my surprises in the box.  Do you have budget concerns?  You can set your specific spending limit so no worries about getting items shipped to you out of your budget!  Plus, you can shop in the comfort of your own home.  Now that's a WIN!!

 If you'd like to try a box for yourself, use code " BibRave10" for $10 off your styling fee!  I'll definitely be ordering again! 

Put Some Spring in Your Step - My review of the Brooks Levitate Running Shoes

Disclaimer:  I received the Brooks Levitates to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave 

to review, find and write race reviews.

Christmas shopping.  Long lines. Black Friday Chaos.   It's much like the experience of a runner getting FREE running shoes!  Everyone is up before the birds and are standing in lines waiting to snag that "too-good-to-be-true" deal.   Except,  I was gifted a FREE pair of Brooks Levitates to review and I didn't have to stand in line!  I call that a WIN! 

But, let's get to the important review. I love running shoes.  I have tested many over the last 8 years of running!  Many have been retired after hundreds of miles; some to the running-shoe graveyard.  May they rest in peace.  

I was so excited to test out these shoes because I have been a loyal Brooks runner for about 4 years.  I appreciate the heal cushion and roomy toe-box of the Glycerins.  I honestly had never tried any other model of the shoes, so when the opportunity came to test the Levitates, I jumped at the chance.   I was one of the lucky nine who tested! 

I was like a kid at Christmas when the box came to my door, would they be white; or blue; or black?  It was all just so exciting!  I was pleasantly surprised to have the black color.  I appreciated the fact that I could wear them with anything; even out and about with athleisure.  

So how do they perform?  From the first moment I put them on, I could tell they had ample cushion.  Cushion is a very important feature that I look for in a shoe.  They were a little snug on the top of my foot, but I found that after my first run, they loosened up just fine.  The toe box was roomy which is a huge plus!  Even though I don't have a wide width, I have long toes and wear thick socks.  Those of you looking for a wider toe box will love these shoes. 

I also immediately felt the springy sole when walking.  Plus, it was as if I was bouncing on air during my runs.  My farthest run in these shoes was 10 miles, but I could easily run a marathon in them.  They are a neutral shoe and weigh 9.7 ounces; although I'd be lying if I knew the difference between how light shoes are when compared to others. 

Nice reflection on the soles

These shoes have been through rain and snow and are perfect for running on the road.  I also use these shoes daily for my strength and HIIT training workouts.  I'm finding that I am jumping and bouncing a bunch during these workouts and my feet are supported very comfortably.  

The overall look of these shoes is somewhat simple.  Usually, I go with a very flashy variety.  When picketing out my shoes, I first choose comfort and then I choose as bright of a color as reasonably acceptable.   What can I say?  If I'm spending my hard earned money on a running shoe I want them to be cute.  My only complaint of these shoes is that they didn't seem as breathable as I'm used to.  Although, I do wear very thick socks, so this may not be a fair judgement.  

Overall, these have been a reliable running shoe for me and I would definitely buy them again! They retail for $150 but right now on the website they are on sale for $119.95.  That's a great deal for quality running shoes!

 

The BEST the City Has to Offer! The Seattle City Guide is HERE!

DISCLAIMER:  I am promoting the Infinite Energy Seattle City Guide 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 it comes to racing, there are many things to consider in order for you to have a great race!  Of course, the most important variable for any runner is toeing the starting line with the right pair of shoes; I love my Brooks Levitate.  But, a great race isn't all about the shoes.  Although, it SURE is nice to feel comfort on your feet and to complete your race blister free!

Planning your best "race-cation" usually comes with weeks to months of careful planning.  Where will you stay on race weekend?  What will you eat for Pre and Post race fuel?  Does the city you're visiting have lots of places to eat and visit?

I am delighted to tell you about the newest City Guide!  The Seattle City Guide is a place where runners can go to experience all that the city has to offer!  It's presented by Brooks and Bibrave and will be SURE to keep you entertained and well fed after your big Seattle Rock n' Roll weekend,  June 8-10th!

You can check out this pinterest guide for all of your city needs during your stay in Seattle!

Here's a sneak peak of what the guide has to offer!

Maybe a morning jog down to the waterfront is just what your legs need to get ready for race day? You will definitely not want to miss it even if you're not planning on a jog!  There is lots to see and enjoy at the waterfront and it's close to Pike's Place Market!

Or maybe you just need to have some last minute running questions answered, or grab some new gear before your run!  Find out where in this guide!

And, let's NOT forget donuts! There is something about a donut after a run that has my mouth watering!  Don't these look delicious!

Seattle is such a fun city to visit!  Here's to your best race yet!  Enjoy every minute and don't forget to take the guide along as your own personal tour guide while you're there!