Knockaround Sport Sunglasses Review

September 8, 2020 by 19 Comments

Disclaimer: I received Knockaround Sport Sunglasses 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! All opinions, as always, are my own.

Knockaround Sport Sunglasses Review

I have been looking forward to trying out a pair of Knockarounds since I read Janelle’s review earlier this summer. I love sunglasses, but I don’t always love how much you have to pay for a quality pair so I was very curious to see what Knockaround had to offer.

Well after wearing them on runs, walks, and just out and about running errands, let me just say that there is just so much to love about these shades!

Great protection – Knockarounds feature polarized mirror lenses with UV 400 protection which filters the light coming through the lens so you get a crisp and clear image all while protecting your eyes. And, as an added bonus, the lenses are also impact-resistant.

No slipping – We all know how ridiculously humid it’s been this summer, and yet my Knockarounds never slipped. The Sport Collection has these subtle, but highly effective rubber grips on the nose – perfect for those sweat-fest runs!

Lightweight – Knockarounds are made with a super lightweight polycarbonate material which means you can just put them on and forget about them.

So many colorways and styles – Knockaround offers fifteen different frame styles in a wide range of colors, plus special Limited Editions. While I love the “Fast Lanes” I received in Clear Grey frames and Green Moonshine lenses, I’m already eyeing the many other color combos and styles available. You can even custom design a pair to make them uniquely your own.

Affordable – Prices for Knockarounds with polarized lens start as low as $20, and just $15 for the regular lens.

Sharing my review of @knockaround sport sunglasses #knockaroundbr #bibchat #bibravepro #tuesdaytopics #runnersroundup Share on X

Functional, stylish, and affordable – it’s really not hard to see why Knockarounds are so popular!

If you haven’t tried them yet for yourself, then let me sweeten the deal by offering code BibRaveKnocks5 for a 20% savings on your entire order (one use per customer).

Do you wear sunglasses when you run?

 

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up.

I’m also linking with  Debbie,  Deborah,  Lisa, Jenn, and Laura for the Runners’ Roundup.

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Filed Under: #BibRavePro, product reviews, Runners Roundup, Tuesday Topics

BUFF Pack Run Cap Review

July 21, 2020 by 18 Comments

Disclaimer: I received a free Buff Pack Run Cap to review as a BibRavePro. As always, all opinions are my own. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

OK so let me cut right to the chase – the BUFF Pack Run Cap is a winner and perfect for the swampy weather that is this summer! Let me share some of the highlights…

Light as a feather
The first thing I noticed when my Pack Run Cap arrived was how unbelievably lightweight it is. Seriously, it weighs just 1 ounce. You put it on and forget about it.

Great fit and feel
Thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric and adjustable elastic cord at the back, this Cap is a comfortable fit. It’s designed with  Fastwick fabric side panels and a low profile sweatband, which helps to wick away sweat and improves breathability. I love the silky feel of this Cap.

Easy to pack
As the name implies, the Pack Run Cap easily folds down to about palm-size making it ideal for travel, whenever we return to planning race-cations.

This Cap has carried me through some swampfest runs and held up well to the challenge!

Find out what I love about @buff_usa Pack Run Cap! #buffrunbr #bibchat #bibravepro #tuesdaytopics #runnersroundup Share on X

If you’re interested in trying the Buff Pack Run Cap for yourself, sign up for the BUFF newsletter here to save 15% off your purchase!

Have you tried Buff products before?

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up.

I’m also linking with Debbie, Rachel, Deborah,  Lisa, Sandra, and Jenn for the Runners’ Roundup.

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Filed Under: #BibRavePro, product reviews, Runners Roundup, Tuesday Topics

Mid-year Check-in and July Goals

July 7, 2020 by 12 Comments

6 months down…6 months to go.

While I would have much preferred to have trained for and participated in the races I had on the calendar for the first half of this year, I have found a bit of a silver lining that I’m holding on to.

In the absence of racing, I have had the space to step back and let my right hip heal. I’m especially grateful that I was able to safely visit my physical therapist – I have no doubt that being able to work with him made a big difference. Without a training plan, I ran when I wanted to, and when it felt good to do so, and I really embraced my walks. I made weekly time on my yoga mat a thing and enjoyed a range of at-home strength workouts. I logged just 260.3 running miles for the first half of the year and I’m a-ok with that.

I can now go into the 2nd half of the year, feeling healthy – and that’s always a good thing.

So now what? My goals for July are pretty simple:

— Finish the Great Run Across Massachusetts with my family (we have less than 100 miles to go at this point)

— Complete the Crush Your Core program on Peloton

— Stick with my monthly goal of at least 50 run miles

— Foam roll and stretch daily

Have you found some silver linings so far this year?

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up.

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Filed Under: goals, Tuesday Topics

Body Helix Thigh Compression Sleeve Review

February 25, 2020 by 19 Comments

I wanted to put the Body Helix Thigh Compression Sleeve through its paces before sharing my review, but if you’ve been following me on Instagram or Twitter then you already know this sleeve has been a win for me!

Body Helix Thigh Compression Sleeve Review

I received a Thigh Compression Sleeve from Body Helix as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. As always, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

A few weeks back I started experiencing a lot of discomfort in my upper quad. It seemed that I had strained it – not enough to stop working out, but it was definitely slowing me down. In typical runner fashion, I pulled out all the resources possible to keep my legs moving.  So when I was offered an opportunity to test out the Body Helix Thigh Compression Sleeve, I was all in.

According to the Body Helix website, the thigh sleeve is made of “medical-grade compression in the range of 20- 30 millimeters of mercury (or mmHg in the scientific community). The higher the number, the more pressure we feel. Research shows a drastic decrease in pain sensation when compression is applied to injuries.”

During my runs and workouts, I can say that my quad felt more supported and, as a result, I felt that my range of motion was better – I wasn’t altering my gait. Definitely a win! I also tried the sleeve as part of my recovery following runs and Orangetheory workouts and was happy to feel significant pain relief.

The sleeve fits like a glove, snug but not tight. And, once on, it stayed in place without any slipping. My one challenge was fitting it under my thermal running tights which are …well tight. While I could get my tights over the sleeve I felt a little bit like a sausage. However, I had no problem wearing it under my running skirts, shorts, and capris.

And, one more bonus – the sleeve can be machine washed and dried so it was always ready to go for the next workout.

So while my quad continues to heal this compression sleeve will most certainly be a key part of my arsenal.

Sharing my review of @body_helix thigh compression sleeve! #BodyHelixBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #movethroughit Share on X

Want to try it for yourself? Body Helix makes a wide range of compression gear to support everything from wrist and elbows to knees, calves, and ankles. Use code BH15BR for 15% off all products on their website now through 4/1.

And be sure to check out the reviews of my fellow BibRave Pros on the Body Helix products they tested:

Corey

Logan

Kim

Lissa

Emily

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I’m also linking with Debbie, Rachel, Deborah, Lisa, Smitha and Jenn for the Runners’ Roundup.

 

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Filed Under: #BibRavePro, #BodyHelixBR, product reviews, Runners Roundup, Tuesday Topics

My 2020 Fitness Goals

January 14, 2020 by 34 Comments

If you’ve been around here for a while then you know I’m a big goal setter. During my holiday downtime, I took some time to reflect on the past year and to mull over new goals for all areas of life. Today, I’m sharing my 2020 fitness goals.

2020 Fitness Goals

Improve my pacing — With marathon training last year, my focus was all about building miles. This year, I’d like to work on my pacing and find a little “speed”.

Run 50 miles/month — I’m borrowing this one from Kim. This mileage feels doable and will help me to keep a nice base.

Build a yoga practice — I’ve been very on-again, off-again with yoga, but the truth is I feel better when I find some time for my mat. So the goal is to practice yoga at least once a week.

Sharing 5 key fitness goals for 2020! #TuesdayTopics #goals #bibchat Share on X

Focus on recovery and cross-training –– Lesson learned from marathon training, I need to create a simple but consistent recovery routine. On the cross-training front, I feel like I’m on a good path with Orangetheory, so the goal is to get to the studio 2x’s/week. Of course, the big goal, always, is to stay injury-free and I think keeping a balanced focus on both recovery and cross-training will go a long way in making that happen.

Prioritize sleep — This was a 2019 goal, and while I whined…er…mentioned my sleep struggles throughout the year, the truth is I didn’t do much to help set myself up for success (i.e., stayed up too late, no evening routine, some late-night snacking, etc). I’ve written about the importance of sleep for runners before, now it’s time for me to really heed the message and focus on creating some good sleep habits.

As always, I’ll be using smaller monthly goals to help to keep me on track and accountable.

Have you set any fitness goals for 2020?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: goals, Tuesday Topics

2019 Year in Bling

December 10, 2019 by 16 Comments

For today’s Tuesday Topics, Kim and Zenaida are inviting everyone to share their bling for 2019. How fun!

While there were not a lot of races on my calendar this year – the ones I did run offered some great bling with great memories behind each one.

Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon

This race is one of my favorites – I love that it honors fallen first responders.

B.A.A 10K

This is another race I have run on multiple occasions – it’s a great run through Boston

Narragansett 10K

Such a fun race, despite the sweltering summer heat! Thankfully there was post-race beer!

No bling but a cute shirt!

Surftown Half Marathon

Half marathon #15 was a training run for the Chicago Marathon

International Chicago 5K & Chicago Marathon

Just an awesome weekend…and my first marathon!

Chocolate Marshmallow 5K

How can you not want to run a race with this name!

And that’s my year in bling! I can’t wait to add to the collection in 2020!

 

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Filed Under: races, Tuesday Topics, Uncategorized

Thankful for Running

November 26, 2019 by 20 Comments

Running brings challenges.. successes both big and small…. it brings joy…and sometimes frustration.

It provides a quiet space to sort through a cluttered mind or a mix of emotions.

It opens a connection to others…who cheer, commiserate, and support – it brings friendships.

It presents an opportunity to answer the “what if’s”

Sometimes the steps come easy…often the steps come with great effort. I’m grateful for both…as long as the steps come.

I am thankful for running and all that it brings to my life.

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: gratitude, Tuesday Topics

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

August 13, 2019 by 12 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that a runner’s search for the perfect running shoes can sometimes feel like a neverending quest. Too often, just as you find your ideal shoe, the manufacturer decides to tweak the design for the following year’s model and then it no longer has the same feel, leaving you to start your search again. Sound familiar?

I’ve been down this path a couple of times. Thankfully, my latest quest seems to be on track.

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

Back in January, after coming off a year of injuries, it felt like the right time to return to my favorite local running store for a fitting. It had been ages since I’d gone through the process, but it was well worth the time. The end result was a brand new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19.

These shoes provide solid support and are nicely cushioned, though, at 9.6 oz, I do find them to be a tad heavy. I always like to have a couple of pairs of shoes in rotation, so when I came across a crazy sale on the GTS 18s in February, I picked up a pair.

Now yes, the support mechanism of the 18s varies from the 19s, but I find both pairs to be comfortable, and have had no issues rotating between the two.

Sharing my favorite running shoes on this week's Tuesday Topics! #runchat #ASICS #BrooksRunning Share on X

Then along came ASICS

As I started training for the Run to Remember half in the Spring, I wanted to find a lighter, more responsive shoe for speedwork. Enter the ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24. And, oh my gosh, it was love at first run! I ran 5 miles in them right out of the box and, of late, I have to say I find myself reaching for this pair more and more.

There are so many elements I love about this shoe:

  • a roomy toe box with a narrow enough heel so you don’t feel like you’re sliding around
  • lightweight, knit upper which fits like a glove
  • designed for overpronators, they feel supportive without “over guiding” or too much weight
  • fun, fresh design (seriously the photos do not do the colors justice!)

I never expected to love these shoes as much as I do – especially on my long runs! I’m now debating whether this will be my marathon shoe or whether to go with the Adrenalines.

Do you run in more than one model of shoe? What’s your current favorite?

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: ASICS DS-Gel Trainer, Brooks Adrenaline, Running Shoes, Tuesday Topics

Week 3 & a Mid-Year Check-in

June 30, 2019 by 20 Comments

Is anyone else amazed by the fact that we are halfway through the year? Yep, 6 months down and 6 months to go. It feels like the perfect time to reflect on how I’m progressing with my fitness goals – and to adjust as necessary.

But first, a quick review of the week that was.

Chicago Marathon Training – Week 3

Monday – The training plan said 5 miles but coming off my 10K the day before, my legs voted that idea down in a hurry! So rest day it was.

Tuesday – The combination of humidity & tired legs made this 5-miler a fight from start to finish.

Wednesday – Yoga

Thursday – 5 miles of intervals with Coach Marc. Challenging but this run felt great and it was nice to see paces I haven’t seen in quite a while!

Friday – Rest

Saturday – Strength workout in the form of gardening. A few hours of weeding and transplanting in ridiculous humidity provided a good total body workout.

Sunday – 8-mile run. My husband J and I decided to meet up with my brother for a run. We decided to check out the course for our upcoming 10K and I added on a couple of extra miles on the end.

Total miles for the week – 18

Overall it was a good week and I’m especially happy with the way my first speedwork played out. I finished June with 74 miles.

Mid-Year Check-in

At the beginning of the year, I highlighted 4 goals:

  • Run a marathon
  • Stay off injured-reserve
  • Make sleep a priority
  • Mind what I’m eating

So far I feel like I’m on track. I’ve managed to avoid injury and I think I’m doing a pretty good job of being mindful of what I’m consuming. And…of course, marathon training is underway!

Sleep has been the biggest challenge for most of the year, but I’m starting to feel like I’m slowly turning a corner. I’ve made more of a commitment to skip late-night TV (sorry Daily Show!) and we recently retired our old mattress set for a glorious new one. Baby steps…but every little bit helps.

As I dive into the second half of the year and push for the marathon, the focus on staying injury-free via strength training, making good nutrition choices, and chasing those all-important ZZZs will continue to be important goals for me.

How did the first half of 2019 treat you? Are you on track with your goals?

I linking up Deborah and Kim for Weekly Run Down link-up.

And, with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, goals, marathon training, Tuesday Topics, Weekly Run Down

Summer Running Plans

June 18, 2019 by 28 Comments

Though it is clear Ma Nature has clearly not gotten the memo, summer officially kicks on Friday. While I’m usually first to whine, er…um…express my lack of enthusiasm for summer running, I’m going to do my best to embrace the season. In fact, I’ve even got a couple of races on the calendar…I know, right?! Who am I?!

2019 Summer Running Plans

Marathon Training — Well no big surprise here! First and foremost I’ll be logging summer miles with one key goal in mind: making it to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. When dealing with challenging situations, it always helps to remember your “why”  – so when the heat and humidity become unbearable, there will be no bigger “why” for me than this one!

 BAA 10K — On Sunday I’ll be lining up with my brother once again to take on the BAA 10K. This race features a nice out and back course through the heart of Boston. We ran this race together last year, but I was seriously hobbled so it was a grin-and-bear-it affair. I’m looking forward to enjoying the run this time around.

Narragansett Running Festival – Somehow I let my brother talk me into another race – this time the Narragansett Running Festival in mid-July. There are 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, plus a “Beat the Heat Challenge” which involves running a combo of either the 5K or 10K and the half marathon on back-to-back days. While I haven’t officially registered yet, I’ll more than likely join my brother for the 10K. I’m hoping we can turn it into a family affair as my oldest son and husband are also thinking of running. There will be music and beer, and it’s a 20-minute drive from my house…so really, what’s not to love?

An August race, too? — I’m toying with the idea of going for the trifecta and running a race in August as well. While there is, of course, no shortage of 5Ks, I am intrigued by a race called Triple Threat. The Triple Threat features a 1-mile, 5K, and half marathon, with the choice of running one race or all three, back-to-back-to-back for 17.2 glorious miles along the beautiful coast of Cape Ann. I’ll have to check in with Coach Marc and see where I am with my training plan, but it could be a more interesting way to get a long run in. Plus, race day happens to fall on my birthday – a fun (or insane) way to kick off another trip around the sun!

Any races on your summer calendar? Do you use races to break up marathon training?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: marathon training, race calendar, Summer running, Tuesday Topics