We’re Registered! For The Scooby Doo Virtual Run Challenge with Tristan!

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018 / racingthestates / 1 Comment

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series 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 used to do virtual races back in the day and then, for me personally, the trend kind of wore off. However, when I came across this opportunity, I couldn’t resist!

The Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series is hosted by the one and only Scooby Doo himself! Seriously, it’s promoted on the official Scooby Doo facebook and Instagram pages and using the real Scooby Doo images. This virtual race series is intended to be done with your doggie, although you don’t have to have a dog to do it!

I really wanted to do this race with my dog, Tristan, because he is getting older and I don’t foresee him being able to run with me much longer. So, we are signed up for the Scooby Doo Race Series Challenge which consists of TWO virtual races, the Doo Good 5k to be run in September and the Scoobtober 5k/10k in October.

With each race we’ll get swag, both for me and Tristan! The gear is super adorable with a shirt for me and a bandana for your him. Plus, we’ll EACH get a finisher’s medal! The best part is that part of the proceeds benefit the Best Friends Animal Society.

First up, the Doo Good 5k!
I plan on running the 5k during the last weekend of September. We’ll pick a course and tackle the 3.1 miles walking and running. I have seriously been training with Tristan and building up his mileage so we can run the Doo Good 5k.

Teaching him how to Instagram with the watch. 😉

Join Me!

OR The Doo Good 5k by September 20th HERE

OR The Scoobtober 5k/10k by October 20th HERE

Other BibRave Pros Running The Scooby Doo Virtual Race Series:

LivingLovingRunner |

Be Smart and Be Brave – Be Brilliant

June 18, 2018June 18, 2018 / racingthestates / 2 Comments

Disclaimer: I received Brilliant Reflect Stick-on and Iron-on Strips 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!

BibRave is in the process of looking for more pros! They have opened up mid-year applications! If you want to apply, click HERE!

Safety is super important to me. I’m probably a safety nazi (is that politically correct to say!?). Seriously though; I am pretty good about following “the rules” when it comes to safety…

-Bright colors on night runs….

-Run facing traffic….

-Always tell someone when/where I’m going….

-Blah, Blah, Blah, Etc, Etc, Etc…

I don’t mean to downplay safety; in fact, I want to do a whole post on safety. It’s just that I know YOU know what you need to do to be safe. Everyone knows, but nobody does. Just the other day, I saw two women running two abreast going WITH traffic on the skinny road where I live that has no sidewalk. Seriously!?

The fact of the matter is a lot of people just don’t take the time to be a little bit more safe on their runs. On the flip side, I also think that a lot of people restrict themselves because they don’t feel brave enough to run at night, not having the right gear.

That’s where Brilliant Reflective comes in; they make being safe SO MUCH EASIER.

Before getting the opportunity to test their product by being a BibRave pro, I had just recently heard of them and was so glad I was selected. This product is ingenious and way more people need to utilize it. Already, I feel a lot more confident and safe, even for me and my already safety-conscious ways. I like that I can feel a little bit better about running at dusk or dawn or after the sun has gone down. This helps a lot during the summer when it’s just too hot to run during the day.

Brilliant Reflective is a company that sells iron-on and stick-on reflective strips that you can add to just about anything! Their mission is to reduce automobile-based injuries to children, runners, walkers, and cyclists. Mostly geared to runners and bikers, you can put the strips on clothing, helmets, and items you take with you for a run or bike ride. However, there are so many more places they could be used!

Brilliant Reflective uses 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material which is retroreflective. “This means when the light shines at the reflective strip, the light will reflect off and go directly back to the source” (source). This is the highest brightness of reflective that you can find. You can be seen up to 300+ meters!

The best part about it is that they take this technology and put it on individual stips. That means you can keep using your normal gear and add reflection to it! You can use the pre-cut strips, or do what I do and get crafty! You can cut them into shapes or designs and make everything unique.

Oh yeah! That’s a reflective frog I made for my Amphipod hydration vest!

They are super easy to use, even the iron-ons. You just position and stick! The iron-ons require 60 seconds of heat and that’s it! I may have had a teenie, tiny…ok, ok, a huge pile of stuff I put brilliant reflective on. I went a little crazy!

It’s not just great for running and biking things. Start pulling out your hiking packs, climbing gear, helmets, water bottles, dog leashes, trekking poles, camping gear…you get the point.

My Brilliant Reflective sticking party

Seriously. The possibilities are endless! The next thing I’m about to put Brilliant Reflective on is my tent! Just think about it…. You get out in the middle of the night for a bathroom break and it’s so hard to find your campsite in the pitch black. One strip of brilliant reflective and your nightly troubles are gone!

One pack of Brilliant Reflective is $14.95. Get them online HERE!

The Safety Item You NEED For Running (Spoiler: It’s Also Entertainment)

May 14, 2018May 16, 2018 / racingthestates / 2 Comments

Disclaimer: I received the AfterShokz Trekz Air 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!

When it comes to safety, I’m a little bit paranoid. I’m a pretty safe person with all the activities I do: running, climbing, hiking. When it comes to running, I abide by all the rules…running toward traffic on the side of the road, carrying my ID (Road ID), wearing reflection and lights when running after dark, etc, etc, etc. The only thing I am bad about is when I listen to music.

I have gone through phases with music on the run, but lately, I’ve needed it to get through even a short run. In addition to listening to music, I’ve been “playing” Zombies, Run! while running which requires having headphones on. I’m not a techy person, nor do I have a ton of money, so I use the earbuds that came with my phone. They’re normal earbuds and they are comfortable, however, they sit in my ears and block out all other sounds.

Enter the AfterShokz.

Execute: MIND BLOWN. (explosion noises)

Seriously. Now that I have these, I feel super techy and modern, but more important is how SAFE I feel and still be able to enjoy Zombies, Run! and my music.

About The Product
The Trekz Airs are the second wireless product from the AfterShokz family. First was the Trekz Titaniums, the first of its kind in bone conduction technology. The Trekz Airs are similar but lighter, built to fit more securely, and produce better sound. All the AfterShokz products use Bone Conduction Technology to transmit sound. This means they sit just outside of the ears, leaving your ears open to hear the environment around you. This provides safety while still listening to your entertainment on the run! It’s pretty awesome.

Photo from AfterShokz Website

Pros
-Lightweight (they really don’t add much bulk to your head)
-Leave ears open (so you can hear cars and people while you listen to music or other entertainment)
-Bluetooth connection (no cords hanging around for you to yank out accidentally on an arm swing.)
-Long battery life (they’ve lasted on half a dozen runs – depending on length of run)
-Repels dust, moisture, and sweat (sweaty person? No problem! I’ve even worn them when it starts raining).
-They come with a cute carrying case (and earplugs for when you DON’T want to hear anything else and a charging cable).
-They now come in colors (just for fun-sies. I have the midnight blue ones).

Cons
-They do hook around your ears which isn’t a problem until you’re wearing a hat and sunglasses. It just creates a lot of things all in one spot. To combat this, I put my hat and glasses on first then add the lightweight Trekz over all that. That seems to work!

Surprises
-They stay put! When I first got them I thought, “no way are those saying on when I run,” but I haven’t had a problem at all. They even stay on while I bend around while stretching.
-The sound is normal! I thought music would sound funny or “off” through the Trekz but all my favorite bands sound just the same!
-I really COULD hear everything around me! In fact, the first time I wore them, I was so used to the other headphones that I was jumping like I was in a horror movie at random sounds around me like lawnmowers and screaming children. They really are incredible.
-The Multifunction button: On the left ear, there’s a multifunction button that can pause/play your music, skip to the next song, answer calls and activate your phone’s voice control. At first, didn’t know this was a feature and was still fumbling with my phone when I needed to pause or play my music. When I figured out how to use this button, my mind was blown. Again.
-The biggest surprise is how safe I really do feel and how scary it is that I have been running with regular earbuds all this time. I run around my neighborhood a lot which includes a lot of streets without sidewalks. It’s really important to me to be able to hear traffic around me. This truly is a SAFETY product rather than an ENTERTAINMENT product and I think more runners should start incorporating these into their running accessories. A lot of people don’t know these exist.

Adaptations
-Races: It’s always been a faux pas to run races with headphones. Race directors, like myself, want you to hear the safety info, volunteers directing you on course, and of course cars if it’s a road race. I love that these will make racers more alert while attending events!
-Home: If you want to clean, listen to music and not disturb your housemate, or just need to hear when the phone rings, these are perfect. I work from home a lot at the same time as my boyfriend and I like to listen to music while working. So to not disturb my partner, I can wear these and still hear when the phone rings for my business or when Ben is asking me a business question (or just bugging me and teasing me about something…maybe I should go back to real headphones at home…)
-Kiddos: I don’t have children, but I can really see these being useful when home with small children. You can still enjoy music while they nap but be aware when they need something or wake up.
-Bikers: I am not a biker, but I know a lot of bikers like to enjoy music on the ride. It’s even more important for them to be aware of their surroundings.

Overall
The AfterShokz Trekz Air are definitely worth their price. They are a perfect way to enjoy music and still be safe and situationally aware. This goes for road runners and trail runners alike. Roadrunners need to hear cars, bikers and people and trail runners need to be able to animals, mountain bikers, and other people. I don’t typically take music with me on a trail run because being in nature is pure to me, but having the Trekz Air would be a way to enjoy some music while still being able to hear the birds and wind through trees as well as not disturbing others enjoying a peaceful walking in the woods.

Get your own: Visit bibrave.aftershokz.com and use the coupon code on the site to save $30. Plus, I think when you order this way you get a BibRave Truckers hat with your order!

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.