TRE - RUNNING EXPERIENCE!

I was given the opportunity to attend the TRE INFLUENCER DAY at the running event in Austin, Texas as part of being a BibRave Pro.  I was also given a travel stipend and other running related items for my participation. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), 

and check out BibRave to review, find and write race reviews.

Part of the BibRave Pro team at the State Capitol.  Photo Credit: Larry Castillo Photography

This past weekend was an absolute BLAST!  Not only did this Minnesota girl escape the cold "BOLD NORTH" to a warmer climate, she got to experience a runners paradise!  But, don't worry!  A snow storm awaited me as I stepped off the plane when I returned home!   The TRE event was a nice break from the frigid temperatures and it was even more fun to meet fellow bibrave peeps whom most I've not met in person and only in our little corner of the internet. 

So, what is TRE?  It is a premier conference and trade show for running specialty stores.  It is not open to the public and is just for vendors to browse up and coming trends and products in running.  But this year,  I was able to attend as special guest influencer.  I was beyond excited!! 

This event took place at the Austin Convention Center and was full of running related gear.  Was it heaven?  Close to it for sure!   This was the inaugural event and is a 3-day expo featuring many amazing brands showcasing gear!  Picture a race expo, only far less people and full attention from the brands! *I will be reviewing each item I have received so look for those reviews coming soon! 

ZWIFT RUNNING EVENT

After arriving in Austin, Thursday around lunch time, I quickly met up with some of the other bibrave pros attending the conference.  We had lunch and explored the city!  I am a sucker for murals and fun photos, so we walked about the city to explore some of what it had to offer!  As you can see, we had some fun shenanigans with photos!  

Thursday evening kicked off our first meet and greet with ZWIFT.  This was so much fun because it was the first time all of the bibrave pros were brought together to meet one another.  It was there, that we were presented with our epic SWAG bag full of amazing goodies for us to enjoy!  See below for a pic of the amazing goods.    

The purpose of this event was, first and foremost, to come together to cheer on some fellow pros as they ran a virtual 5K with the ZWIFT run pod.  Are you a treadmill runner?  You will LOVE the zwift running pod.  Are you an outdoor runner, but the winter has you blue?  You will LOVE the zwift pod.  Do you just want to run a virtual run with friends and compete online?  You will LOVE the zwift pod.    It attaches to your shoe so you can run virtually with anyone on the internet that also has the pod!  How cool is that? 

We were treated like royalty from the start form the representatives at Zwift.  They are an amazing company and I will say I have loved running with the pod so far.   A thorough review of this product will be following in the weeks to come on my blog as well.  

BROOKS VIP EXPERIENCE

Thursday evening was a night I won't soon forget!  We were so blessed to be invited to the biggest running party of the year at the BROOKS VIP EXPERIENCE.  This was a private VIP party to celebrate the running event.  We had an incredible band to listen to and all of the libations you can imagine.  We danced our feet right off and made lasting friendships laughing and dancing the night away! 

Plus - every serious runner's dream - meeting THE Des Linden.  I had to snap a picture of her and she graciously accepted!    

As influencers, we received a pair of Brooks Ghost 11's and an amazing reflective jacket as well.  This is just what I need for my early am runs in the dark so I am stoked to be able to represent Brooks just like the real running pros!   This jacket is so COOL! 

TRE INFLUENCER DAY  - MORNING RUN

The next morning, bright and early and fueling on about 4 hours of sleep, we met in the streets of Austin to do our first ever Bibrave group run!  This was such a fun run!  How cool for me, especially being from MN, to run the streets of Austin in late November, in a tank top and shorts.  I was sweating in no time and loved running with my fellow pros.  We ran through the streets of Austin like we owned it and had so much fun!  Most of us even were sporting some of our new gear given to us the night before!  

Here is a great pic on the street with a few of my friends!

TRE INFLUENCER DAY AT THE CONVENTION CENTER

After our run, we quickly got ready to attend the expo where we had private presentations from the vendors.  It was so much fun talking with them and making new friends along the way.  I, unfortunately, did not get any pictures at the expo itself.  I was too busy documenting my journey at the expo on my instagram stories!  Whoops!  Make sure to tune into my instagram page runningaroundtheboyz for more FUN there! 

We walked around the convention center until about 1:00pm and then had the rest of the afternoon to ourselves.  I really wanted to explore more of the city, and since I was leaving very early Saturday morning, I jumped on a scooter and toured the city on my own!  I did some shopping, saw some of the famous Austin murals and had an all around great time!  it's amazing what you can discover when there is no timeline!  I had a blast!  Here's me on my scooter.  If you haven't used on - you MUST! 

A trip to Austin would NOT be complete without the famous Austin postcard!  It was a beautiful day and I was so happy to have ventured off the beaten path to see this!  

This trip was an incredible adventure and I had so much fun!  I will cherish the memories forever and it has strengthened my bond with so many people!  I only hope that TRE will bring us back as influencers next year!  

Super Connected, Zero Gravity! My review of the Under Armour HOVR Sonic

Disclaimer:  I received the Under Armour HOVR Sonic running shoes 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.

Runners are a specific breed.  We like our running gear to be perfect;  especially our shoes.  After-all, it's our shoes that can make or break our performance in a run.   When we find a running shoe that works for our very particular feet it's certainly hard to get us to sway our opinion or even glance an eye at another shoe brand.   

Over the last seven years, I have been very loyal to one brand.  However, I must say, after wearing the Under Armour HOVR Sonic exclusively for 6 weeks,  I think I've found a new favorite!  

A few characteristics that makes a running shoes appealing for my tastes and specifications are: 

• Comfort
• Light-weight
• Breathability
• Cushion
• Durability
• Style

 
These shoes check off those boxes.   PLUS!  Later in the post, I will talk about the technology INSIDE these smart shoes that make them appealing! 

Upon receiving these shoes I was, in my 'girly-girl' fashion, very pleased with the color.  They are a vibrant coral color and look very sharp!  Don't worry if this color isn't your favorite, of course they have different colors to choose from.  I noticed that they were incredibly lightweight and the zero gravity technology helped me feel light on my feet.   They are constructed of mesh material and fit snug but not too tight.  I ordered true to size and I always size up 1/2 size.  These shoes fit perfect. 

I immediately took them for my first run on the treadmill and was happily surprised at just how comfortable they felt.  

What gives these particular shoes an edge up on the competition is the RECORD SENSOR technology inside the shoe!  Did you know that these shoes have the ability to give you detailed metrics of your runnning?  They sure do!  The idea behind this shoe is so that every runner can be connected with an individulized training plan that uses your own specific stats.  The shoe works hard for you so you can get your best results!  

With the UA MapMyRun application these shoes sync effortlessly and you are on your way to finding out ways to improve your running.  How cool is that? 

To get started, you are asked to perform a jump test.  The directions are simple and once your jump test is completed, you are given a detailed summary of your training options and your fatigue reports.  I found that when I was consistent with doing my jumping tests before my run,  the results for how hard I should push were spot on!    As you can see from the data below, I had a range of fatigue reports where some days I was told to run easy, and other days I was told to run hard!  

When my runs were completed, I was also provided with data that included my pace, cadence, stride length and distance.  This is the area that I would say does need to fine-tuning.  Although I'd like to tell people I can maintain some of these paces, I found that the data had me running about 15-30 seconds faster than I actually was.  I  didn't find this to be burdensome because I'm always relying on my watch for particular pace goals anyway. 








I DID however find the fatigue reports and training schedules a VERY helpful tool.  One feature I really enjoyed was your goal race time.  You can plug into MapMyRun your goal race and time and the shoes will help you train by giving you your own personalized training plan and adjust as necessary depending on your individual fatigue reports.  Now THAT'S smart technology. 

Now let's talk performance! 

Due to the insanity that is the Minnesota Winter, it's been bitterly cold with temperatures far below zero for most of the month of January and into February.  This left me with most of my miles on the treadmill this month.  However, I did get to test the shoes outdoors on several occasions.  A couple of occasions even after fresh snow!  I was pleasantly surprised at the traction control these shoes had and the road felt amazing under my feet.  No blisters, no hot spots, no rubbing.  A+ for comfort. 

My only negative is that once I took these shoes to the road, and with our sloppy conditions with snow and slush, the front toe box of these shoes became dirty quickly.  I'm someone who tries to keep my shoes as clean as possible for as long as possible, so this bothered me a bit.  In one particular run, the wetness did seep onto my toes.  A suggestion I would have is to increase the covered area of the toe box to help with splash-up during the run.  You can see this by my photo below.   

All in all, these shoes get an A.  I appreciate all of the extras but most of all the breathable comfort.  As you can see below, I was able to log a significant amount of miles and I will most definitely continue to run in these shoes often.  

In addition, the price point on these shoes in my opinion is accurate.  At $100 and FREE website shipping and returns, you can't go wrong with this zero gravity, super connected shoe!

Bibrave and Athlinks are Partners!

Exciting News!  Bibrave and Athlinks are now working together to deliver the best in race experience!

Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave 

to review, find and write race reviews.

If you're anything like me, you have hundreds of race bibs that you've carefully preserved in a special spot in your house.  Each bib with it's own unique story.  It's own unique journey.  Until recently, when I staring using Athlinks,  my race bibs also were the spot I recorded all of my individual race stats; pace, time, ranking. 

Here's where the new partnership with Bibrave and Athlinks comes in.  You now have the capability to get your race stats for hundreds of races all in one place.  Plus - if your race is not there on the app, that's OK.  You can add any race you choose! 

So what is Athlinks?  It's a destination to view, save and share every finish time for every finish line you’ve crossed. You can connect with other runners across the world, discover new challenges and races and store your stats for the best in data comparison.

The first time I downloaded the application on my Iphone, I was connected with past race results in minutes! I had 31 races that were listed, some I had even forgotten about! Here are some fun race photos of races that were already loaded and ready to GO!

This is a pretty cool app! I really enjoy that I can compare all of my race results in one place. At the top, it also lists your individual race PR's and it averages your race results for a race you have run multiple times! It is easy to use, and will definitely be a fun platform for data geeks like me! Hop over to their page and give it a try!

Also, Athlinks is running a giveaway!! Just follow this link and complete a NEW athlinks registration to be eligible! You could win a FREE race entry!

Garmin Forerunner 935: Review

Disclaimer:  I received the Garmin Forerunner 935 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.

It's hard to contain my excitement with my latest product review!  I have been an avid runner since 2011.  In the last seven years, I have been extremely loyal to Garmin.  It's the only brand I've ever owned. 

I still remember my very first GPS watch.  I was so excited to have a running watch that tracked GPS and told me simple statistics like time, pace and mileage. I felt like the coolest cat on the block.  I had arrived, officially, as a serious runner.  

Fast forward another year.  I upgraded.  Then, I upgraded again to the forerunner 235.   The forerunner 235 was the GPS watch that I felt was the absolute "Taj Mahal" of running watches.  It had so many specs and notifications, I was in heaven!  It is truly a watch that does everything.   How could any watch do more? 

But then.... enter the Forerunner 935!   When developing this watch, Garmin thought of everything; from the sleek design, to the multi-sport functions and even the silky feel of the band on your skin.  Yes, as a female, the silky feel is definitely something I noticed. 

I could honestly discuss every aspect of this watch, but in an effort to keep my blog post from becoming a novel, I will concentrate on just a few.  If you are interested in learning more about this watch, please visit the website here.  

TREADMILL RUNNING & CALIBRATION 

Being a Minnesotan, I'm used to running in all weather conditions, but sometimes it's just impossible to run outside; especially at -20 degrees.  I do own a treadmill and I use it frequently.  Until receiving the forerunner 935, my data for indoor runs was sub-par.  Sure, after several runs it seemed that my previous watch would calibrate relatively close to the actual pace and mileage.    

However, I was very excited to see just how awesome this watch does with indoor treadmill runs.  After my first run, I was immediately prompted with a message to calibrate and put in my actual treadmill statistics.  I was very impressed with this function and I'm happy to report that my second run indoors the watch data was EXACT.  Now that's a cool function!  Way to go Garmin!   It's certainly nice to be able to record your stats while using the treadmill.   

VO2 Max 

What is VO2 max?  It's the maximum rate of oxygen consumption after incremental exercise.  Essentially, the higher the number, the better the runners cardiovascular fitness is.  It also reflects the endurance capacity of a runner during exercise.  Elite runners are in the very high 60s and low 70s usually.  Over the course of that last month, I have seen my VO2 max increase which makes me happy! 

SLEEP FUNCTION

The Forerunner 935 syncs effortlessly with the Garmin Connect App and my Iphone 6.  It is in this app, that I gain so many other valuable statistics.  I am definitely a data nerd so I enjoy browsing the app to find my daily stats.  One in particular that I really love is the sleep functionality.  I wear this watch 24/7.  The only time I take it off is to shower (even though it's waterproof) and to charge.  Sidenote:  I rarely charge this watch.  It's battery life is amazing!

This watch is sleek and comfortable to sleep in and I absolutely love the alarm!  It gives me a gentle vibrate to wake me up.  Because I wear it to sleep, I have completely eliminated my noisy clock alarm and my husband doesn't even know I leave the room for my early morning wake-up calls.   For an added bonus, there is a snooze function.  I must admit that I've used the snooze function a few times. 

Along with the alarm, the Forerunner 935 will record your sleep statistics based on your movement during sleep.  With two little boys and early morning visits to their bedroom, it's funny to see where I spike and when I'm sleeping deeply.  

GPS 

One of the most exciting things for me to see after I complete a run is my GPS map.  The Garmin Connect App does a fabulous job pinpointing your exact locations.  Someday, I'd like to try to make a cool pattern out of my GPS map.  How cool is this data? 

 

 

STATISTICS 

I truly believe there is not much else this Garmin can do.  But, here are a few of the added statistics that this watch has:

• Heart Rate - I really enjoy knowing my heart rate at my fingertips while training
• Steps  - I have a 10,000 step goal daily
• Intensity Minutes
• Floors climbed
• Stress - according to my stats, my stress level is low.  YIPPEE!
• Calories in/out
• Sleep - I could get more sleep, but couldn't everyone?

NOTIFICATIONS 

 

As I stated before, I am a data nerd and notifications are one of my favorite aspects of this watch.  This watch will receive text, call, movement, and social media notifications. Don't worry, if you don't want to get all of them, you can use your phone settings to turn them off!    It has also completely replaced my Garmin Vivosmart for all of my activity notifications. 

 

 

 

 

I honestly could gush about this watch for days and days.  I am a Garmin lover for life and this watch has made me a true believer.  In my opinion, it does have an above average price of $499.  But, what I will say is - this watch delivers!  If you are debating at all whether this watch is for you don't be nervous.  It will absolutely fill your needs and then some! 

 

Happy Running! Now, go buy that Garmin!

Got Turkey? Then you need to Run the Century Link Turkey Day 5K

Disclaimer:  I write this blog post because I am a Bibrave Pro and want to fill you in on a GREAT race the Century Link Turkey Day 5K
Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador),
and check out BibRave to review, find and write race reviews.

I couldn't resist this cartoon because honestly, it really made me laugh!  For years and years, Thanksgiving has been a time when family comes together to celebrate each other.  Most of us eat a FEAST meant for kings that fill our bellies for days!  I love Thanksgiving!  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  I barely lift a finger at Thanksgiving.  Is that fair?  Maybe not.  Is it glorious?  Absolutely.  

No pressure for gifts, no pressure to prepare food.  I can sit back and relax and enjoy the family around me.  Now THAT'S what I call Thanksgiving.  

Unfortunately though, and here's where the stats come in.  The AVERAGE American eats 4,500 calories at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with ALL the trimmings!  Say what?  How can this be?  

Do you want a way to off-set a bit of those calories?  If you're local to the Minneapolis, MN area, you may just want to get yourself registered for the Century Link Turky Day 5K.  The race starts early enough for you to have a great run, have a lot of FUN and earn the races FIRST EVER finishers medal!  

I bet if you look hard enough, you can even snag a picture with your favorite Turkey! 

How cute are these pilgrims?  Are YOU brave enough to run in costume?

I say that's a WIN!  Grab your friends, pull on your running gear and get to that starting line on Thanksgiving day!  If you want to register early, use code "TURKEYDAY2017" for 10% off your registration! 

Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport Review

Disclaimer:  I received Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport to enjoy 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.

DON'T SWEAT IT!  PACK-IT!

Running stinks!  It really really stinks! 

Don't fret!  

I actually really love running.  I even sometimes dream about running.  Running clears my head.  It makes me stronger.  It makes me a better mother; a better wife; a better friend.  

However, among all of the wonderful things running gives me... it also gives me some pretty funky smells too!  I have been told to go "take a shower" once or twice!   I hate to admit it, but it's true that sometimes I smell like death after a run. 

I found this meme a while ago and I knew that I kept it for a reason.   It's funny, but true!  Sometimes,  my smell could rival a ripe skunk!  Are your nose hairs searing yet?  Can you put yourself right into that air stream of fresh skunk in the morning?  We've all been there.  

Now imagine yourself after a long race.  Reaping in the victory of that finish line.  The medal still freshly hung around your neck;  your banana in hand.   The sweet/salty mix of crusty salt on your face from your sweat.   Don't forget your wet, sweaty clothes.  They can be just gross!  P-U!  

At my race a few weekends ago, my clothes went directly into the Pack-It bag! 

After I run a longer distance,  I am wet with sweat from my head to my toes.  Sounds adorable guys, right?!  WRONG!  

Before I found my Eagle Creek Pack-It,  I'd toss my clothes in an airtight bag and hope to not gag when I got home to throw them in the wash.  Don't even get me started for a destination race.  What DO you do with your clothes that you can't wash in your suitcase?  

In the past,  I have taken the hotel bags that hang in the closet for dirty clothes.  You can't miss them, they are usually labeled LAUNDRY.   I've even brought ziplock bags with me on vacation for my stinky clothes.  However, the problem with these bags is that they are not breathable and my clothes stay wet.  How gross!  But, I no longer have that problem.    

Eagle Creek Pack-It to the rescue! 

Eagle Creek has "Gear That Gets Rocked and Keeps On Rolling."  I am loving this bag.  It even comes with a separate bag for my shoes!  The shoe bag zips closed and fits up to a Mens Size 13!  It's perfect for packing my shoes away from all of my other clothes!   My dirty, smelly shoes can be packed right next to my clean clothes and there is no smelly transfer! 

Here are some specifics on this great bag! 

• Antimicrobial
• Odor controlling
• Water Repellant
• Machine-Washable
• Ultra-light
• Packable
• Compact
• Breathable
• Separator to put clean clothes on one side and dirty on the other

The bag comes in 4 great colors and is a reasonable $40.  But, if you use code 'SPORT15' you get 15% off any order!  Make sure you check out the entire Eagle Creek website because they know gear!  They have everything from luggage and duffel bags to backpacks and travel accessories!  I'm sure you'll find something you love.

Don't forget to tune into our #bibchat on Twitter this Tuesday, April 25th, 8PM CST.  You could win your very own Eagle Creek Pack-It sport!   

Walking On Clouds - Review of OOFOS Original Sport Sandal

Disclaimer:  I received OOFOS Ooriginal Sandals to enjoy 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.

Think back to your last finish line.  Your hot, sweaty, tired.  Your body is exhausted.  You want to sit down, stretch and relax - maybe with a beer in hand at your finish line.  

More often then not, the first thing we do as runners is remove our socks and our shoes after a long hard run.  Until now, my drop bag at races has always been stuffed with any old pair of sandals or flip flops with no regard to if they are actually good for my feet.  

At home, after a long run,  I immediately would pull off my shoes and walk barefoot.  However, I know now, that is not the best way to care for my very tired and sometimes over-worked feet. Our feet are what takes us the distance.  Everyday, we put one foot in front of the other to get us to our finish line. 

 It's about time we give our feet the love they deserve.  

They deserve to feel the Oo! 

 

I'm a sporty girl and these sandals have become a staple in my everyday life.  I wear them whenever I can - even to kick-boxing.  Just slip on comfort and GO!

Currently, in MN it's cold and clearly not sandal weather just yet.  But, that hasn't stopped me from wearing them around my house every chance I get, especially after long runs.   Rather than walking barefoot my feet now feel as though they are walking on clouds!  

Let's talk a little bit about the science of OOFOS! 

OOFOS Recovery Sandals are better than their competitors because:

• Absorb MORE shock than traditional foams
• Patented footbed cradles arches
• Relives pressure on ankles, knees and lower back
• Durable foam holds it's form indefinitely
• So light that they float
• Machine Washable

What I love most about my OOFOS sandals is the way they make my feet feel AFTER I take them off. My feet truly feel as though they have been walking on clouds.  They feel relaxed - even pampered!   I have a spring in my step.  I can conquer the world!

OOFOS are very comfortable and come in a variety of styles and colors.  If thongs aren't for you - don't fret!  They have slides and clogs as well! 

These sandals are true to size to my normal footwear.  I wear a 9 shoe and a 9.5 running shoe.  I ordered size 9 and they fit fantastic!  

I've currently completed 6 weeks of training for my next marathon so these sandals have really come in handy.  Oftentimes, when the kids are snug in their beds, I'll start an epsom salt soak.  I will sit back and relax and afterwards I'll slip on my OOFOS.   I'm learning how to better care for the feet that so desperately need the comfort and relaxation!  

You've probably noticed that these particular sandals have the breast cancer symbol on the side.  I chose these sandals because these are a part of the Project Pink line from OOFOS.  For every pair of shoes from this line sold,  $10 is donated to cancer research.  I really think that this is fantastic - and besides,  pink is FUN! 

OOFOS mission is to make yOO feel better, one step at a time.  When one of their own, Duncan Finigan, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, the OOFOS team knew that they had to help the cause!  The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was the cause they were to support!  If you'd like to see more you can follow the link here.

I have really enjoyed these sandals and they have quickly become part of my daily shoe wardrobe. But let's be honest, my shoe collection is really just running shoes and flats.   These fit in very nicely! 

My only con was that after wearing them a while, but feet seemed to be a bit sweaty, and on our hard wood floors, I started to squeak a bit while walking.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but the noise got to be aggravating.  I will say that once the weather gets nicer,  I will be wearing them outside and alas - no wood floors. 

I would absolutely give these recovery shoes a try!  They will for sure be joining me at many finish lines to come!