5 Reasons YOU should 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 in Minneapolis, MN. 

Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador),

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

As soon as Halloween is over, it seems as though we are bombarded with Christmas!  Stores have their pre-decorated Christmas trees ready and waiting for 12:01 am on November 1st to start the Holiday Season.  I don't know about you, but it seems as though there is a major holiday that gets easily forgotten?  

Thanksgiving is one of my favorites and every year, that poor turkey seems to get forgotten.  This year, let's make sure that we don't forget!  As a runner, I'll be focused on calories IN and calories OUT!   But, first - I'll focus on how to burn some extra calories before I induldge in all the scrumptious food! 

Here are 5 reasons why I think you should the Century Link Turkey Day 5K:

• It's a GREAT way to burn some calories before you induldge.  Did you know that the average American eats 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving feast? 

• First EVER finishers medal.  Its pretty neat and who doesn't want more bling in their collection? 

• Great long sleeve cotton/tech finisher shirt!  Isn't it cute? 

• Low cost registration!  At $40 this registration can't be beat!  PLUS!  If you want to register early, use code "TURKEYDAY2017" for 10% off your registration! 

• My personal favorite is FREE race photos!  I love when races include photos - it's not very often you get a photo of yourself mid-run and FREE!  That's reason to register in itself!

If you're looking for a FUN race that's close to home, go check it out!  Grab your friends, pull on your running gear and get to that starting line on Thanksgiving day! Don't forget, if you want to register early, use code "TURKEYDAY2017" for 10% off your registration! 

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! 

It's FUN on the RUN in a BOX!

Disclaimer:  I received the FUN RUN 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.

Fall in Minnesota is a time when we embrace fall colors, colder temperatures, nearly perfect running weather and beer.  You can imagine my excitement when I got to test out the month of September's FUN RUN BOX with an Oktoberfest theme!  September's box theme was 5 mile Dachs and it had beer themed goodies! How cool is that?  

What is a FUN RUN BOX?  Just like the slogan - ' running motivation - delivered ' that's what this box has!  If you're someone who likes to compete virtually with others and get extra motivation for weekly challenges than you'll love this box!  

What makes the FUN RUN BOX different than other subscription boxes is the support and motivation that you receive when the box is delivered.  Be sure to join the private Facebook group too for others around the country that will be doing the challenge with you!   

For this box, I was on Team Doxie.  If you look at the picture below, you'll see the information on how to participate to win extra prizes and gain extra motivation.  Each week, there are new running tips, so this box appeals to not only beginner runners but also experienced runners!  Also, if you post a creative picture with one of the products you receive AND use the given hashtags, you are eligable to win a team prize too! 

In this Oktoberfest box I received: 

•  Headsweats "5 Mile Dachs" Soft Trucker Hat
• Themed Black Short Sleeve Running Shirt
• Travel Roller
• Regrained Honey Cinnamon IPA Granola Bar
• Beer Flavored Jelly Belly Beans
• Race Bib
• Dachs dog shaped magnet
• Challenge instructions

It was full of great goodies.  Plus!! I was very intrigued with the beer flavored jelly beans and they were delicious!  What a great novelty gift! I'm almost sad I ate them!  

When this is the only beer in the house... we improvise! Just one of the fun things in my @FunRunBox this month! 😂 #bibchat #FRBTeamDoxie pic.twitter.com/9QImpd6pya

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) September 18, 2017

I would have to say that my favorite things in this box were definitely the jelly beans and the technical shirt!  The shirt is a women's cut, true to size and it fit great!  And, of course it performed very well when I completed my 5 mile virtual challenge run!

5 Mile Dachs Challenge at 5am!  Go TeamDoxie!

If you want to try a box for yourself, use code "BIBRAVE" for 15% off any box!  Plus,  make sure to join us as we talk all things FUN RUN BOX at our twitter chat on Tuesday, October 17th, 8PM CST.  Search BIBRAVE and the hastag #bibchat for details!

Compression done RIGHT! SKINSA400 Compression Pants Review

Disclaimer:  I received SKINS Compression A400 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 EQUIPMENT, NOT CLOTHING"

That is a great slogan for the SKINS Compression A400.  When I found out that I would be testing and reviewing these compression pants I couldn't have been happier.  Many of my running friends rave about how amazing SKINS clothing is and I must say their reviews are accurate!  From the moment I put them on,  they felt completely and totally comfortable.  

What I noticed right away was that the pants, while providing optimal compression, were easy to get on.  If you can imagine the commercial of the girl trying to get into her skinny jeans and button the top button.... that's a lot like what I feel like when I try to put on other compression pants.  Many of them are SO tight it takes an acrobatic act to get them all the way up!   Plus, when you finally DO get them in place, don't even try breathing!

I commented right away  to my husband that  'these pants feel just like silk.'  They are lightweight, breathable, and have advanced temperature and moisture management.   I recently wore them during a race and when I was finished the pants were wet on the outside but I felt completely dry on the inside!  How cool is that?  I had absolutely no chaffing and remained very comfortable throughout my run.   I especially like the high-waist design;  it holds me in perfectly in all the right places. 

Typically, I run in the very early mornings when it's dark.  In Minnesota in the Fall, the temperatures vary from about 35-50 degrees.  While testing these pants in the early morning, I never felt too hot or too cold.  However, due to our very dark mornings, the only feature I wished this particular pair of pants had was reflection.  Reflection is a very important component for me and it is something that I look for on all of my running gear.  I do know that other models of SKINS compression do come with reflective properties.

All in all, these compression pants will certainly become a staple of my running wardrobe!  Make sure to get yours now! 

Through the month of October,  SKINS is honoring a discount code.  Used code BIBRAVE20 for 20% off your order!  Plus check out our bibchat on Twitter.  8 PM CST.  You could WIN a pair for yourself! 

Let's BE SEEN and BE SAFE! Review and GIVEAWAY of Brilliant Reflective Strips!

Disclaimer:  I received Brilliant Reflective Safety Strips 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.

**Make sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this

blog post to win strips of your own!**

Unfortunately, we are in a world where distracted driving injures or even kills pedestrians often.  It's not unusual to see people driving in their cars, heads down without a care in the world - glued to their phones like a monkey to a banana.  It's sad, really.  

I don't know about you, but that is pretty scary.  It's even more scary as a runner.  Because most of my running happens in the wee hours of the morning, oftentimes I run in total darkness.  I absolutely need to take extra precautions so that I am safe and I am seen! 

I have been using these strips for almost one year now and they have been amazing.  Brilliant Reflective strips are extremely easy to use and are a MUST for added reflection.    They can be used on multiple items, from bike helmets to dog leashes.  They also come in four different colors and two varieties: iron-on and stick-on.  

Each package has different sizes that are easily affixed and all can be cut according to your specific size needs.  I had a little fun on my last run with the strips!  I wonder if cars thought I was funny?? 

Brilliant Reflective designed these strips to activate the bio-motion of a person.   Place these strips to accentuate your human form for even more visibility!   They are the highest reflection possible in a strip and actually bounce light back to the source.  Can you image what a driver will see when the light of their headlights bounces back to them?  

I am truly in love with these strips.  I use the iron-on strips on gear that I don't wash often, such as my winter running jacket.  I use the stick on strips on other clothing and gear.   The iron-on strips are permanent once fixed. But, I have washed this particular tank top three times since this picture and the stick-on strips are still there! 

Plus, if you don't think that Brilliant Reflective is already cool, they are donating 500K in strips to running clubs and non-profits.  They feel that every person needs to have the extra protection to be safe.  If you want more info check out the link here.  

Also, you can now score 20% off the Multi-packs of strips with code "BRPmulti."  

These strips are affordable and help me to be safe and seen.  I am so happy to be wearing these on my morning runs! 

Make sure to enter the giveaway below to WIN your very own set!  Open to U.S. residents only.  You must provide a valid email address to be contacted if you win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Snazzy! Pizzazy! Pack Run Hat

Disclaimer:  I received the UV BUFF® Pack Run Hat from Buff_USA ® 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.

The new @BUFF_USA cap is pretty nifty! Lightweight, adjustable, wicking and washable! #bibchat @BibRave #runner #bibravepro pic.twitter.com/9zUdpwFpxE

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) August 5, 2017

I do love all things BUFF ®.  It wasn't a surprise that when I received the newest product, I would love it instantly!  The pack run hat is ultra light-weight, wicking and very compressible.  It  comes in 4 different snazzy colors and if you're anything like me, you'll want the brightest color!  It also has reflective properties!  The majority of my runs are in the wee morning hours when it's dark, so the extra reflection is a huge plus for me!

I have worn this hat in very hot weather, during rain storms and during cooler morning runs and it has performed very well.  My head never felt hot and it's so wicking that after my runs the hat is actually drenched!  It washes well, although I've always hand washed it - I'm slightly OCD that way.

I do love that this hat has a bit of pizazz to it as well!  I'm not the most hip person at 37 years old.  I'm not sure that this mom of two could actually pull off the look that I went with here, but it was sure fun trying.  Can you see the BUFF ® trademark logo on the underside of the brim?

Here are a few specs:

• Lightweight, weighs only ONE ounce
• Packable with a crushable brim that regains its shape for reliable sun protection
• 4-way stretch fabric for comfort
• UPF 50 protection
• Fastwick fabric side panels wicks away moisture and improves breathability
• Low profile sweatband keeps perspiration out of eyes
• Adjustable elastic cord at back for comfort fit
• Reflective tabs

My ONLY reservation with this hat is that I just don't really like the way it looks on me.  It's absolutely fabulous with it's other properties!  Nonetheless, I do see myself continuing to wear it.  The brim of the hat is designed to block the sun from your eyes and it really does  great job.  However,  it sits very low on my head.  I know that it sounds vain, but I love my fashion when running.  Isn't that part of the fun? 

This hat is reasonably priced at $32 and would definitely be extra awesome in very hot and sunny climates due to it remarkable ability to wick and keep the runner cool! 

If you would like to win one for yourself!  Make sure to check out our #bibchat on Tuesday, August 22nd, at 8 PM CST.  We'd love to have you! 

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.