A Runner's Guide to Gear - PART TWO

Disclaimer:  I received these products mentioned below to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro. They were given to me at the TRE Running Experience in Austin, Texas. 
 Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), 

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

Look at all the amazing SWAG!

Last week, I introduced you to some amazing products that were given to me as part of being an influencer for Bibrave at the TRE running event in Austin.  As I said before, this was such a fun event and a great experience.  If you'd like to hear about the products I reviewed in PART ONE, feel free to click here.  Otherwise, hold on to your hats as this blog will focus on the rest of the wonderful products I was gifted.

You will see a general theme with this post, as I tried to group these products together.  Most of them do have a direct correlation with running and recovery!   And.. with my suspected plantar fasciitis, I was in desperate need of these recovery products! 

ALTRA ESCALANTES 15

At first, when I was gifted these shoes, I was worried.  As a runner who has preferred ultra cushion since I started running in 2011, the zero-drop platform in these shoes was a concern.  But, as with anything new, it's also best to break them in slowly.  

After many miles, mostly on the treadmill, I can now say that these are the shoes that I grab when I'm ready to run!   

I really love the tread/patterned foot bed on these shoes. I can feel the traction immediately from heal strike to toe.  My feet turn over easily, and this may just be me, but I feel that the extra traction and position of the tread on these shoes actually propels me forward as my heel comes off the road and/or treadmill. 

I have also really enjoyed using these shoes to cross-train!  I use them frequently for my HIIT workouts and they are light and not cumbersome!  All in all - great shoe.  I have not run any long distances in these shoes just yet as I want to be comfortable first. But, I will continue to build mileage to see how that will go for me in the future.   

ARCANUM SPORTS PERFORMANCE

These products were completely new to me, so I was very interested in what they had to offer.  So what makes them so special?   Arcanum products contain activated hemp which has been shown to enhance recovery and performance in athletes!  I was definately intrigued.

In my package from Arcanum, I was gifted the Sarco Breeze Massage oil, The Sarco Freeze topical cooling lotion and the Quill Pen.   I have used and enjoyed all three products over the last month.  If I had to pick a favorite, the massage oil wins!  It has a light scent and because my foot has been so sore, I've been using it at night before bed.  When I am done applying it, I put socks on. Not only does it help me with my sore muscles, my feet are incredibly smooth as well!  

The quill pen aids in healing and has an advanced dosage controlled delivery system that you dispense on your inner wrist.  I have been using it before bed and have noticed I drift off to sleep quickly and stay asleep so that has been great as well.  I can't say that there is a direct correlation just yet with my sleep patterns, but it sure doesn't hurt! 

I have used the Sarco Freeze a TON!  Here is a video that I did one evening before bed. But, I may not be using it as directed because I LOVE it as a healing hand cream.  ** Note to self, don't touch your eye after applying to your hands! The menthol in the cream will make your eyes burn.    My hands feels like butter and I am so excited because I really struggle with dry hands in the winter months! 

I am L❤️ving my @arcanumedge1 sarco freeze. It’s main purpose is to deliver cooling action to sore muscles... but I’ve found it to be amazing for my dry skin! Love the menthol feeling and healing that it has! #arcanumBr @BibRave #arcanumedge #bibchat pic.twitter.com/xQ3BrR2HgQ

— RUN gina RUN (@ginahanzelfit) December 17, 2018

ADDADAY MASSAGE ROLLER

I must admit, I have never been a "roller."  It's true!  Should I be?  Absolutely!  I've just never been one to take the time to roll.  However, that ALL changed when I've been plagued by nagging and irritating foot and heel pain.  Because all runners self-dianose themselves; come on... you KNOW it's true!  Because we all self-diagnose ourselves, I have plantar fasciitis.  It is manageable at this time, largely due to this magical invention!

This has been my normal morning routine! My foot pain has been kept at bay because I’ve been diligent with rolling! This @addadaymassage roller is PERFECT! 👌 #bibchat #addadayBr #TreBr #runnersmustrun pic.twitter.com/nOKAGHJmcN

— RUN gina RUN (@ginahanzelfit) December 21, 2018

I AM A BELIEVER!  Give me all the rollers!  This magical massage roller has helped my foot to feel so much better and if I roll after a run, I have found that I am able to run the next day!  It's a runners dream and is very convenient and easy to adapt and use!   I have been multi-tasking in the morning while I get ready!

CEP COMPRESSION SOCKS & TRAIL MERINO SOCKS

While we are chatting about recovery and pain, this is a nice transition into CEP compression socks!  Again, I have never been one to wear compression.  I have tried other compression socks before, and maybe I just didn't have the right size, but I always felt like my circulation was hindered.   This feeling of tightness and tingling made it very difficult for me to even want to try another pair.

Look at the beautiful colors! 

However, that is NOT a problem with these socks!  CEP compression socks are silky and comfortable.  They have an adequate amount of compression without feeling too tight and they stay put while running!  I like that the top of the socks are tight enough to stay put at your knee, but loose enough to not leave a mark when you take them off!  I have run twice in the sleeves and both times I didn't even know they were on.  My toes were comfortable.   They were not too scrunched and I felt that I was able to wick sweat away easily!

Let's talk about washing - I absolutely did NOT dry these.  I was just afraid to, so I hung them to dry, but they did amazing in the washing machine!  No shrinkage or color fading either!   Because my foot has been sore, I have also worn the recovery socks while at home!  Here they are as I lounged in front of our Christmas tree!

These compression socks are all priced around $60 and have a 150-200 wear guarantee before the compression starts to lesson!  I think that's great!  Because honestly, all socks after that many times wearing would need to be thrown out anyway!

INCREDIWEAR

WOW!! Incrediwear outdid themselves when it comes to what was in our swag bags!  Incrediwear is scientifically proven to increase circulation which in turn leads to less pain, swelling, fatigue and stiffness.  I was gifted THREE pair of socks, all of different lengths and some amazing capris!  I definitely enjoyed the capris the MOST! They fit me like a glove and are true to size.  They are comfortable yet breathable.

When I am on the treadmill,  I usually run in as little clothes as possible, but for the sake of this review I wore them to run!  I was pleasantly surprised that they didn't so much as shift an inch during my run and they wicked away my sweat effortlessly!  I was never too warm!  I am very happy with these capris, and actually  - they are best worn for recovery, so I have worn these multiple times for just every day activity.  I love them!  Thank you Incrediwear!

How amazing are these capris??

As far as the socks - they are light and comfy.  I have worn them for activity and for work days as well.  My feet were comfy and cozy and I cannot report any problems! 

I feel so blessed and so spoiled to have been given the opportunity to test and review so many amazing products!  Thank you to Bibrave, all of the amazing sponsors and to the running event for making this all possible!

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!

 

Feel the OO-la-la!

Disclaimer:  I received the OOFOS Oolala 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.

I can’t get enough of my @oofos ! Can I get a pair in every color?? It’s like having clouds for feet! #bibchat @BibRave pic.twitter.com/0Mc9hQwi4p

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) August 8, 2017

It's NO secret that I am absolutely in LOVE with these sandals.  Full - on love affair.  If you want to here more about my love for these shoes, you can read my first review here.

However, for this review, I am going to concentrate on the technology behind the OOFOS shoes. These shoes were designed for the workout enthusiast and were built to reduce stress and aide recovery to the body part that takes the most abuse during long hard training sessions.  They are perfect for any runner and of course any other person looking to have their feet feel pampered!

Oofos are 37% more shock absorbing than traditional foam.  They have a raised arch that perfectly fits your foot and I personally can feel the ultimate comfort the moment I put them on!  The technology behind OOFOS shoes absorb impact, giving your tired and achy feet some much needed relaxation!

I will speak from experience when I say that these shoes really do help with recovery; just like they say they do!  I wore them after my marathon and I definitely felt a bounce in my step.  Dare I say I had less delayed onset muscle soreness?!?!  The OOFOS shoes for SURE helped aide in my recovery.

I've gone as far to say in recent tweets that I wish I had a pair in every color.  I like simplicity and I like comfort and these two features are accommodated with this shoe!  They come in a variety of different styles and a variety of different colors. You are SURE to find a shoe that fits your fancy!

The OOFOS Oolala sandals are my go-to shoes!  Especially, since in MN, right now it's summer and the weather screams sandals!  This meme made me laugh.  I think you're a Minnesotan if you wear sandals until your toes start to freeze!   Is this just a Minnesota thing?  I guess our winters are just so cold, we hold on to every bit of summer that we can!  OOFOS to the rescue!

You will not be disappointed if you purchase a OOFOS shoe.  I have already gifted my own mother and my mother-in-law with these shoes and they have gotten glowing reviews!

If you want to learn more and win a pair for yourself, make sure to check out #bibchat on Tuesday, August 15th!  8PM CST. 

Adidas Ultraboost X - Review

Disclaimer:  I received the Adidas UltraboostX from Adidas as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out www.bibrave.com to review, find and write race reviews.

Running shoes are as important to a runner as a banana is to a monkey; as white is to rice or a moth to a flame.   In fact, it's not uncommon for an avid runner to have multiple pair of running shoes in their monthly mileage rotation. 

I know that I currently have three pair in my rotation.  I am always seeking out the perfect pair to add to my collection.  When Bibrave gave me the opportunity to test these light and sleek UltrasboostX, I was super pumped! 

What makes these unique is the new adaptive arch that is designed to hug your foot.  It also allows the runner to feel supported on the run.  As you can see from the photo above, these shoes are sock-like.  They fit my foot perfectly and the first time I put them on I could feel the comfort!  I regularly wear these out-and-about without socks. 

I will admit, at first try on, they felt a bit snug.  They did require a tug and adjust to feel just right.   I ordered true to size at 9.5.  My regular shoe size is 9, but I always size up 1/2 size when I purchase running shoes.  Reading other reviews online, some comments were that these shoes run small.  I can see how they 'feel' a bit snug at first, but the toe box was perfect length for me and they were tremendously comfortable.  My big toe had ample room toe move up and down. 

The sock-like feel of the shoe is like no other shoe in my arsenal.  I do have to wear thin socks however, because if I have too much cushion, it got distracting and I felt like the shoe was too tight on the top of my foot.  

They are really a beautiful shoe.  Being the girly-girl that I am, I am very happy that I went with the orange color.   They do come in black as well as gray.

The shoe had their maiden voyage on the treadmill when I completed a one mile sprint.  These shoes had an incredible bounce to them and I really enjoyed my first run wearing them.  They are ultra light-weight and have the right amount of support for the treadmill for sure!

Throughout this last month, these shoes have been to several spin classes, some cross-fit and to the grocery store.  Because they are so comfortable, I reach for them to even run errands.   Today, I even got complimented at spin class.  I know theses shoes aren't designed for spin, but the traction control in the pedals is great!   Plus they are breathable, which I like.  I also don't have super sweaty socks when I'm done wearing them and that is always a bonus!

My sister and I at spin class

I feel as though these shoes handle well on the road and have great traction.  My only disappointment was that they seemed to bother my arch with longer runs stretching over 7-8 miles.  If I concentrated on tempo runs with shorter mileage,  they were comfortable and light.  Would that deter me from purchasing these shoes?  No.  But, I do feel that I need more cushion and rise for my mileage.  I don't necessary think that this is a shoe 'flaw.' 

These shoes are a neutral shoe; as are all of the shoes in my current running rotation.  Could the sore arch have been a fluke?  Maybe.  But, with marathon training in full swing,  I didn't want to take a chance, so I stuck to shorter mileage with these shoes. 

Here are some specs:

• Neutral Running Shoe
• Responsive cushioning
• Primeknit flawless fit
• Breathable
• Second-skin experience
• Adapts to foot strike
• Great traction
• 
  

For a girly-girl like me, these shoes are super stylish and comfortable.  I love the versatility that I have in this shoe because it easily goes from treadmill, to road, to spin bike and to the store.  

I do feel that these shoes are a bit pricey at $180.  Yes, running shoes ARE expensive and you do get what you pay for.  However, in a market with many shoe brands to chose from, I feel that the price tag may be the biggest deterrent of these shoes - ultimately making many consumers not even give them a fair shot when they really do have so much to offer.

If you are looking for a great, light and adaptive shoe,  certainly give these a try!  I will continue to wear these for the coming months ahead.   When they have worn out and ran their last mile, they will be placed alongside my other fallen comrades in the shoe graveyard in my closet.  :) 

TOP 10 Reasons Why you NEED to Run Twin Cities Hot Dash 10 Mile or 5K

Disclaimer:  I received a race entry into the Hot Dash 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.

In case you didn't already know it, Minnesota is awesome. 

Yes, we are bone-chilling cold in the winter and do get our fair share of snow. BUT,  we sure know how to host great road races!  You won't want to miss the hottest Spring race in town.

Register here for Twin Cities Hot Dash 5K or 10 mile!  Hurry - it's 85% full!

In case you're STILL not convinced this is the race for you.  See my TOP 10 Reasons why it should be!  Twin Cities in Motion is graciously giving away THREE pair of their Hot Dash socks.  The giveaway is at the end of this blog post - so don't forget to register!

1. We are truly Minnesota Nice!   We greet you with a smile and go out of our way to make you happy!
    
   

   
 
2. GREAT race swag!   All participants receive a navy blue, 1/4 zip, long sleeve technical shirt.

   
   

   
 
3. The Medal!  HellllloooOOO!!  If you're anything like me, you love a good medal.  Twin Cities in Motion always leaves their medals "top-secret" so you'll have to finish the race to see.  All 5K and 10 mile participants get a medal.  It is a new race feature of 2016! I'm looking forward to adding it to my collection for sure!
   
   
   
 
4.  You may just hear some Minnesota-slang.  Yup!  You Betcha!!  Ya - der - Hey!  You can't miss our lingo... it's the best! 
   
   
   
 
5. Did someone say HOT DISH?  Yup, you guessed it! Post-race food is Hot Dish.  This year... word on the street is that it has corn flakes on top.  How Minnesotan is that?  I think you'll enjoy it.
    
   
6. This race is lumberjack, beard and Minnesotan themed.  There is a competition for the best dressed costume for each category.  I, myself, am not very adventurous when it comes to running in costume.  However, my friend Angie, and fellow BibRave Pro has a lot of experience running in costume AND she has run this race before!  Head on over to her blog and see her previous costumes!
 
7. FUN!  This race is just plain FUN!  Check out the video below for your sneak peak!
   
   
 
8. Beautiful Scenery!  Skyline views from every angle.  Beautiful architecture, beautiful bridges and views of the Mighty Mississippi!
   
   
   
   
   
9. Post-race Finnegan's Beer.  This race was voted Top 10 by active.com for their post-race beer gardens.  If you're over 21,  you won't want to miss it!
   
10.  Lastly, and certainly not least... Don't forget the awesome Fit-Sok themed for the Hot Dash! Enter to win these great socks here!  THREE winners will be chosen.  Drawing ends Friday, March 4th!
    
    
    

a Rafflecopter giveaway