Drop an FBOMB – FBOMB Nut Butter Review

September 10, 2019 / racingthestates / 1 Comment

Disclaimer: I received a 16 pack of FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butters 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!

I am always on a search for snacks, especially portable snacks since I work three different jobs and I am always on the go. Being constantly on the move, running from job to job, place to place, I need snacks that are healthy and easy to eat. And now that I have a baby, I feel like time moves a lot differently. One second, I’ll be feeding my little one and the next thing I know, I need to rush out the door wondering how it got to be that time! Having easy to grab, healthym portable snacks is a must in my life right now.

By being a BibRave Pro, I got the chance to test the FBOMB Macadamia Nut butters in the packet form. I was excited to try these nut butters and see how they’d fit into my daily life. I’m a huge fan of peanut butter (I mean, peanut butter is life!), but a giant jar isn’t exactly convenient to travel with. I also have never tried macadamia nut butter and was curious about the taste.

What I liked about FBOMB’s Nut Butters:
-Taste! My favorite from variety pack is the Salted Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter.
-Convenient! I loved how handy the packets were to throw in my lunch box, the diaper bag, the front seat of the car…..
-Healthy! They are high in GOOD fat which is necessary for proper body function and the absorption of vitamins.
-Pure Ingredients! All that’s in the Macadamia with Sea Salt packet is “dry roasted macadamia nuts, sea salt.” That’s it.

What I didn’t like:
-These are a little bit runnier than other nut butters that I’m used to – even with ample kneading of the packet. While eating straight from the packet, it’s fine, but if you like to eat it with an apple, for example, it can get a little messy, especially if you’re just trying to have a quick snack on the go!

The FBOMB nutter butters are perfect for everyday life. I kept them in my lunch bag, the diaper bag and in my car, just in case I needed a snack on the go. They are great for the middle of the night, while breastfeeding, snack as well!

Try them out:
The FBOMB Nut Butter Variety Pack sells for $34.99 online and has 16 pouches in 4 different flavors:
-4 (1-ounce) packets of FBOMB Macadamia with Coconut Nut Butter Blend
-4 (1-ounce) packets of FBOMB Macadamia with Sea Salt Nut Butter
-4 (1-ounce) packets of FBOMB Salted Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter (my fave!)
-4 (1-ounce) packets of FBOMB Macadamia Pecan with Sea Salt Nut Butter

Use code BRP10 to save 10% off the 16-count FBOMB Nut Butter Variety Pack on their website.

#60HikesDenverChallenge – Mt. Sanitas

September 7, 2019 / racingthestates / Leave a comment

(In 2017, I had a goal of getting through all 60 trails in the book “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver.” I didn’t make it through all 60 that year (I only got about 18) or even in 2018…and now were into 2019. I still want to get through all the hikes in the book – eventually. All the specific trail details can be found in the book or online, but I’ll highlight some things about each trail in addition to including my experience and opinion on the trail here. The numbers below are associated with how they are labeled in the book if you have it.)

I did this hike back in April when I was about six months pregnant (I just never got around to finishing this post).

Trail #3 – Mount Sanitas
Completed: 4/24/19 | Number Completed: 24/60
Mode: Hike with Ben, while pregnant
Location: Boulder
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Type of trail: Round trip; hard-packed dirt for half and very rocky on the other half.
Exposure: Half shady
Facilities: Pit toilets (pretty gross ones) and picnic tables. No water.

My Experience:
I actually really loved this trail, except for the crowds. This trail is known to have a ton of people and there is barely any parking. Despite that, this trail is actually quite nice! It has just the right amount of difficulty without being a gut buster. Ben and I did this hike when I was about six months pregnant and it took us a really long time. I had to stop and rest often, but we made it the whole way. We did the loop counter-clockwise and after seeing the side we went down on, I’m glad we did it this way. When you go clockwise, the uphill part is slightly shorter but way steeper!

Pros:
-Close to town; this trail is just outside of Boulder.
-Doesn’t feel close to town. Once you get away from the road, you don’t realize you’re that close to town until you get to lookout points and can see the city.
-There are a ton of other trails nearby as well.

Cons:
-Very busy! Even during a weekday, midday.
-No facilities. There is no water and the pit toilets are some of the worst I’ve seen.
-Not much parking; the little bit that is there fills up fast!

Tips:
-Bring Water!
-Hiking poles come in use for the steep downhill.
-Bring some cash! If you do manage to get a parking spot, it does cost ($5 I believe)!

Overall:
I would love to go back to this trail now that I’m not pregnant! It was pretty hard while being six months pregnant, but manageable. It’s a short enough hike that you could add this into your week for a training run or hike like the locals do. I do recommend this as a good trail for out-of-towners as well as a great example of a Colorado trail. Plus, the views from the top are worth it. To the east, you overlook Boulder and to the west, you can see mountainous landscapes!

Park Info

Get the book!

It’s Go Time With Shady Rays – A Gear Review

July 3, 2018July 2, 2018 / racingthestates / Leave a comment

Disclaimer: I received Shady Rays 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.

I LOVE sunglasses. But not just any type of sunglasses. I love that classic style; you know what I’m talking about (cough ray-ban cough cough)! In fact, I have a huge collection of all different colors; one for every single outfit I could ever possibly imagine. The best part is, I haven’t spent any money on this collection. For real, I collect the cheapo ones, the giveaways you get from booths at festivals! Seriously, I just love them! But they have to be that classic style.

I was super bummed when I started needing glasses because at first, I didn’t have contacts and could only wear my prescription sunglasses. Now, I wear contacts and my sunglasses possibilities are endless!

When I was selected to try the Shady Rays sunglasses I was ecstatic! They were quality sunglasses that met my collection standards AND they had a color I didn’t yet own! Ahhh yeah, check it out…the Emerald Ice Polarized Sunglasses. Ah.. aren’t those just B.E.A.U-tiful!?

These beauties are from the Shady Rays Signature collection and are designed for the active person. These glasses are super durable, 100% UV Protection, shatter proof, and fit comfortably. They’ve been great for running and don’t bounce on my face or slide down. Shady Ray’s message is, “It’s go time! Live worry-free out there in the sun. We’ve got your back.”

The great part about Shady Rays is they come with a “Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty & Free Replacements if Lost or Broken.” If you need a replacement pair, you just pay shipping and handling.

Another unique thing about this company that I find very cool is that whenever you purchase a pair of Shady Rays, you provide 11 meals through the Feeding America program! I thought that was pretty neat!

My pair of Shady Rays have entered into my regular rotation and I wear them as a fashion piece and for running! I’m seriously thinking about getting another pair and I have my EYES on these ones:

And yes, the pun WAS intended.

Get yourself a pair (or two):

Use coupon code BIBRAVE for 50% off 2+ pairs: https://bit.ly/2rk7Hor

See what the other BibRave Pros are saying:

Oh! The Places The FlipBelt Crops Will Go! A Product Review

April 28, 2018April 27, 2018 / racingthestates / 6 Comments

Disclaimer: I received the FlipBelt Crops 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!

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

I remember first seeing the FlipBelt at the Colfax Marathon Expo a few years ago. I thought it was the coolest thing and idea. I didn’t end up buying one because at the time I couldn’t afford it (in full disclosure, I was running the marathon relay on a free team paid for by one of my jobs).

I finally got my hands on one in the last year and love it. I actually use it quite often. When I got the word that I was selected to try and review the new FlipBelt Crops, I was super excited. The idea of having one less item to wear, on my body, was very appealing!

These capri pants are probably the comfiest, softest and most functional piece of running clothing I own, but what I like the most is how versatile they are and how convenient they are for so many activities! The Dr. Seuss book “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” always pops into my head whenever I wear them. In the few short weeks they’ve been in my closet, I’ve worn them to so many different types of runs, events, and activities!

Oh, the Flip Belt Crops can take you….

…On The Road!
Above all, these crops were initially made for runners in general. It’s perfect to have a pair of pants with a built-in FlipBelt to carry your keys safely, your phone so you can listen to music and take pictures, and a zippered pocket for your ID, credit card or money if you need it. Plus there’s still room if you need to take gels or a water bottle with you!

…To The Trails!
Trail running is a breeze with these pants! And they are moisture-wicking so your legs don’t feel sticky or sweaty.

…With Me To Work!
In fact, I wore them to coach track so many times, my co-workers started calling them my “marsupial pants.” In addition to track practice, I wear them when I’m race directing!

...To The Stadium!
I coach Long Jump and Triple jump for a local high school. You don’t know HOW perfect these are for coaching! I can run up and down the side of the track with my phone, pens, note paper, and tape for my jumpers all on me!

…To The Crag!
PERFECT for climbing and I could easily keep my phone on me for pictures from the top or pictures of my clients (I also own a rock climbing guiding business).

…In The Gym!
It’s easy to keep my phone on me so I can listen to my pump up jams while I’m pumping up the iron!

…On The Yoga Mat!
Super comfy for all the yoga poses!

…To The Store!
My shopping list, phone, money, and keys are safe and sound while I navigate the isles of the grocery store.

…On A Hike!
Even if I’m hitting the trails for just a hike, I can easily carry my phone with me so I can take pictures of the beautiful views.

Features (These are straight from the website, but I’ve added my notes to describe the pros.)

76% Polyester 24% Spandex (i.e. SUPER soft fabric)
Moisture-wicking (i.e. don’t stick to you even when you’re super sweaty)
Antimicrobial fabric (i.e. don’t get smelly)
Rear zipper pocket (i.e. safe and secure place for your ID and money)
Internal key ring (i.e. secure your keys without the worry of losing them)
Multiple front pocket openings (i.e. easy to get your belongings in and out of the pockets)
Large phone pockets (i.e. plenty of space to carry what you need)
3M reflective logo (i.e. safety, always)
Machine wash and dry (i.e. convenient ’cause who has time for hand washin’ and hang dryin’!?)

Some more pros I’ve noticed:

They don’t bounce, twist or otherwise move around when I run EVEN with the pockets loaded up.
The key hook is perfect for piece-of-mind while carrying my keys with me.
Seriously, I’m going to say it again: These leggings are the comfiest and “softest” tights I’ve ever worn, including the seams; I didn’t even notice them!
It is super easy to take your phone in and out of the pockets. No struggling or fumbling while running to get items back in the pockets like I’ve experienced with other running belts.
They do fit the FlipBelt water bottles!
Having the built-in belt really eliminates the feeling of wearing a ton of items/accessories. I feel way less bogged down by THINGS.
Plus, they look GOOD! They are very attractive and stylish!

Cons:

They are a little warm. I can’t wear them when it’s about 70 degrees and up outside for a run; I just overheat. I hope they make a shorts version soon or maybe other, lighter colors!
Not waterproof. If I sweat a ton (for example on longer and hotter runs), I notice that my phone gets a little wet, but not much.