Grandma's Challenge

"Disclaimer: I received an entry to this race 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 signed up for the Grandma's Challenge, which includes a 5K and Half Marathon in a weekend back in October.  This race has been on my bucket list for several years.  One day I will run it in person but with the craziness of 2020 and with my work virtual option was the best for me. Initially I was going to run by myself but ended up telling a few friends then more and more people wanted to run.  Before I knew it there were about 10 people that wanted to run.  I was super excited and we made it a whole event. We started at my house, went around the lake and then back.  It was a perfect half marathon route. 

                                    

I really wanted to plan my race at the exact time as the in person but due to when the virtual races opened I had to rethink my plan.  I decided to run my half on Saturday and the 5K the next day.  Race day came and was super excited.  Since it’s been a few months since I last raced I was a little worried I may have forgot items needed for my virtual run but I didn’t.  I looked at the weather before we started, it was about 69 degrees and the humidity was around 80.  At that point I knew it was going to be a hard race.   I made a decision to take it slower at the beginning and then reevaluate it half way through.  The temps got more warm each hour.  Luckily I have the best friends and we had several water stops, which was really needed.  I under estimated how much water we would need.  The first six miles went buy really fast. We had fun talking and just getting some early miles.  Once I hit ten miles I hit a wall, the sun was out, humidity was rising along with the temperatures.  I was feeling it and wanted to walk.  I made the decision to take it interval by interval.  Focusing on how my body felt and kept drinking water.  The last mile was the hardest, I was tired and hungry by this time and wanted to be done.  It reminded me that every race is different and this sport is relentless.  I’m amazed at what my body is out through and it continues to still let’s me run.  I was so happy. 

                                        

I woke up early on Sunday excited to finish this challenge.  I really wanted to put everything out on the road but with a 5K race and another 3 miles coaching after I didn’t know what my body would do.  I decided to run with friends and we were running about 12 min miles the first mile.  We hit our turn around at about 1.58 miles.  I decided to turn on the fire, I increased my speed and clocked 11 mins the second mile.  Then I was like let’s do this.  I was aiming for sub 10, ended up clocking 10 mins and .06 seconds.  I finally finished and was happy with what I accomplished.  I had no music and was basically on my own.  I reflected on the last two days and was happy that I participated in this virtual and thankful to the race for letting me do this in OKC.  It made my experience great to be with friends and be able to enjoy a race before my coaching starts.  I can’t wait for the swag and the medals to come.  I already cleared space for it and it will look great with my current collection.  If you have a chance definitely register for this race.  I’m hoping to be there in person next year.  

Ready.Set.MOVE.

"Disclaimer: I received this subscription box 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 excited to have received my first Ready.Set.MOVE. For those that don't know Ready.Set.MOVE is a quarterly subscription box created for those passionate about moving toward their fitness goals.  Each box is filled with industry-leading products, always valued at $100+, that can be used during workouts and training. Every box costs $49.99 but people can save $20 by signing up for the whole year ($179.99 total).   Boxes are shipped every January, April, July, and October.

Before receiving this box I was anxious. I have never had a subscription box and didn't know if there would be any great items in the box.  I had a friend who subscribed to a different fitness box and he ended up not using a lot of the items.  I got a sneak peak when several friends got their box and was super excited.  I tried not to pay attention to their post because I wanted to be surprised.  

Above is a picture of my box, there were so many items it is hard to see so I included one below.  I was happy to see my favorite brands such as Brooks, Nathan, KT, Honey Stinger, and Nuun.  I have spent so much money these brands it is not funny.  Now if only they could include some Brooks shoes, haha.  I also saw brands that I haven't been able to use yet but have seen in running stores and brands I knew nothing about.    With having these items in the box, it makes you have to try them so I'm glad they are there.

You can see all the products laid out. There are so many items (16 total and have listed it below), it is hard to keep track. It is hard to point out what item is my favorite because I like all of the items and they all serve a different purpose from an awesome hat with lights built in to a foot massager/roller.  

1. SPIbeams LED Hat
2. KT Tape Sample Pack
3. Honey Stinger Honey Organic Gel
4. A pack of Stickers
5. Trigger Point Nano LTE Foot Roller
6. Brooks Croakie
7. The Original SPIBelt
8. Floyd's of Leadville Mini Full Spectrum Lavender Blend CBD Balm
9. Brooks Greenlight Headband
10. KT Tape Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel Roller
11. Nuun Sport Fruit Punch Tube
12. Floyd's of Leadville Single Pack Protein, Vanilla
13. Floyd's of Leadville Single Pack Protein, Chocolate
14. LaColombe Triple Draft Latte
15. Nathan Sports HyperBrite Stobe
16. Bracoo Calf Compression Sleeves

There is even a box for your cat.  I am excited to see what is in my next box and all the goodies.  It's like your Birthday/Christmas every three months, I love receiving surprise presents.   If you are ready to sign up use code BibRave10 for $10 off the first box for all first-time subscribers! #ReadySetMoveBR #readysetmove #BibChat

2021

 As we enter 2021 many are excited about what this year can bring, especially after a crazy year of 2020.  2021 brings for me racing opportunity since I was side line for months in 2020.  As I prepare for 2021 I just learned my first race of 2021 just went virtual, which was Best Damn Race NOLA.  I have been registered for this race for several years and deferring for various reasons.  I am very sadden as I wanted to have a strong comeback into racing.  It makes sense that the race was cancelled due to Covid.  Instead of deferring to 2022 my friend and I decided to do it virtual and maybe return to NOLA one day for another race in the future.

I'm still on the look out for an early spring race and will be keeping options open.  A few that I have been eyeing are Mississippi Blues Half Marathon, Mississippi River Run, RNR Nashville (even though I don't want to run another RNR race but I do love Nashville), Dallas BMW Half Marathon, Colorado Marathon and Lincoln Half Marathon.  I know that late entries will be pricy but it is worth it. I enjoy virtual races but ready for an in person race.  I almost registered for a race this past weekend in Houston but decided to wait to give myself a little more time to recover and build up strength to have a great first in person race.  My current race schedule is very much open which is kind of nice because I can work my other part time gig more and save up for more races.  Currently I am registered for two virtual races which are Best Damn Race NOLA and Grandma's Challenge.  For in person races I am registered for Hot Chocolate OKC 15K and will be registered for Route 66 Double for the fall very soon.

Are you training for any races? Do you have a back up race? Any race I should keep an eye out for?

2020 in review and looking towards 2021.

(In February before Covid hit)

At the end of 2019 I was very excited for 2020 and the potential it had.  I was easing up on racing and focusing more on running and finding the joy again along with taking it easy on my hip.  I only had a handful of races that I was signed up, which I was excited.  January started and ended up back at Physical Therapy as I prepared for my race in Atlanta in February.  Closer to the race a report about Covid came out and Tokyo Marathon cancelled for general entries.  I was a little afraid of Atlanta cancelling but the closer we got the more assurance I had that it would go on. Atlanta was an amazing experience I was attempting a sub 2:30 goal which I hadn't run in about 5 years and reached 2:29:29.  As we headed back to the hotel we stopped by the Olympic rings and found out the winner of the Olympic Marathon Trials (Aliphine Tuliamuk) was taking pictures so I got to meet her and get a picture.  That was amazing.

(Picture with the Olympic Marathon Trials winner)

Once I got back from Atlanta and races were getting cancelled I decided to see if I can get the surgery to fix my hip.  Due to Covid I had to wait about 2 months but the day eventually came.  This was my first surgery ever and it was weird being in a hospital by myself.  The surgery lasted maybe an hour and a half and then headed home.  It was a long journey to recovery and something nobody really talks about.  It was nice being at home as I could focus on my recovery and thankful to great friends that helped me get better.  It was the best year for surgery. And kind of happy more races got cancelled as recovery took longer than expected and didn't have to rush the process, which I still did haha.

(First PT session after surgery)

July came around and adulting became even more real...I was buying a house.  That was super stressful, I learned so much in a small time period but thankful to have my brother and friends to help me through it.  I closed in August, which was a weird experience because I never thought I would buy a house any time soon but had the opportunity so might as well.  I looked a one house and bought it, I'm not super picky.  The moving process and getting everything situated took a long time and still taking time but not running a lot gave me time to be able to fix the house up a bit.  I painted all the walls and most of the doors.  Once we are able to gather I will have a party.

(I got the keys)

September rolled around and it became the most emotional month.  I lost my mom to cancer and because of Covid and not being in LA it was harder to be able to be with her.  I was able to see her before her passing.  I'm thankful to the hospital staff that took care of her and see her for the last time.  I know she is with me and will continue to run for her and keep her in my heart.

(Throwback family picture)

As I am writing this, we are few days away from 2021.  There is so much hope that things may go back to normal and that we can gather soon.  I know we have more months of social distancing and staying 6 feet apart but we are getting closer.  Right about now I would be planning goals for 2021 but I'm leaving 2021 open for anything. I would like to run more half marathons and potential marathon but mainly I want to stay healthy and continue to run.   I'm tired of hearing the word Covid and I know many others are too, let our Doctors, Nurses and Health officials do their job and we will be back to normal.  I pray that 2021 bring more happiness for everyone and that people that have lost their job can find other ones.  It's been a stressful year for everyone different ways and hoping that we are all able to live together in peace and thrive.  Happy New Year.   

The Elf Virtual Run

"Disclaimer: I received an entry to this race 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!"

As the Christmas season approaches I'm excited to have some themed runs.  Growing up I looked forwarded to Christmas day and opening presents.  As I grow older I'm less into gifts and more into races.  I'm excited that Ram Racing/EnMotive are putting on several Christmas/Holiday races.  I would love to have an in person holiday race on Christmas day like Thanksgiving but with the current pandemic that is not an option.  I'm sign up for the Elf Virtual Run which I'm super excited because I love the movie.  I'll run this race hopefully on Christmas day, maybe with some snow.  

I've been very impressed with Ram Racing and their swag gear.  This will be my third race with this group and love getting the jacket, heavy duty medal and other swag we are given.   In this race you will receive a fully zip jacket with pockets, a snow globe-inspired finisher medal, winter beanie and a personalized running bib.  So why not put some motivation back into your pocket and complete this race for all of this.

I know motivation can be tough during this time, grab a family member in your household and sign up for this virtual run.  The link to sign up is below and let me know if you have any question.  Make sure to follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Happy Running and don't forget to tag the race and hashtag #RunWithBuddy

https://www.elfvirtualrun.com/virtual/
FB - @ElfVirtualRun
Twitter - @RAMRacing

Instagram - @ElfVirtualRun

Check out what other BibRave Pros are saying about this race

Karen - Race Recap: Elf Virtual Run

Buff DryFlx+ Gear Product Review

"Disclaimer: I received Buff DryFlx+ geat 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!"

The past few weeks I was able to try out the new Buff DryFlx+ hat and neckwarmer. This is a new collection from Buff for cold winters.  As someone who lives in Oklahoma the temperatures can get really cold and without a treadmill the only way to get my miles is outside.  

Before I received the product I was a little worried that the hat and neckwarmer would be too small for my big head/face and it could potentially be too tight.  After putting it on the first time I really didn't have anything to worry about it.  The hat and neckwarmer have a 4-Way Ultra Stretch and able to be put on easily without cutting circulation for me.  It felt super comfortable and really like how there are two pieces that come together.  I can wear both, or either piece on it's own.  

I tried the hat and neckwarmer for my virtual race and a 20 miles bike ride which were around 35ish degrees and high wind.  I will say I was very impressed.  I felt very warm during my run and ride where I had to take it off for a brief second to cool down.  The thermal insulation was definitely working.  The fabric was very high quality and does not look cheap.  I haven't seen the reflective elements yet as my activities were done in the day light. Another awesome part of the neckwarmer is that you can tuck it into your shirt which is a nice feature.  When it gets really cold out any skin that is showing might get a blast of cold air and it is not fun.  In the top picture I was able to fit my aftershockz and my glasses with the DryFlx+ gear comfortably and in the picture below I had my glasses and airpods in along with my helmet.  I really appreciate how fabric stretches as I need to have my music and glasses during my physical activities.  

I definitely approve of this produce and excited to take it out for a cold race and my other virtual races in December.  You should check these products along with several other items in the DryFlx+ collection. https://buffusa.com/shop-buff/dryflx-plus.html        

For a discount visit https://buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for BUFF® newsletter & get 15% OFF. #BUFFRunBR  #BibChat #BibRavePro @bibrave 

Check out what other BibRave Pros are saying about the DryFlx+

Chris - Product Review: Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Jaimelee - Winter Gear Wirth Going Out For

Janell - Product Review- BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection

Jeremy - Stay Warm & Cozy all Winter with Buff DryFlx+ Hat & Neckwear

Jessica - BibRave Product Review: Running Winter Warmer with Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

J-Mac - BUFF DryFlx+ Product Review

Karen - Product Review:  Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Kristi - BUFF DryFlx+ Collection Review

Krista - Cover Your Head - Running in the Cold — FitXBrit

Ken - Product Review: BUFF DryFlx+ Collection – Combat the Cold!

Lissa - Hating the Cold a Little Less with the Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

Michelle - BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection Product Review

Scotty - Buff® DryFlx+ Collection

What's next?

This year has been interesting as at this time of year I would have my racing scheduled for 2021.  As many runners have been through a challenge time this year many are skeptical about racing returning next year and sacred of potentially losing money if COVID is not under control and or a vaccine is not available for everyone.  It's a hard balance as I love to sign up for races but also as a new home owner I have other items that I should priorities. 

2020 isn't over and after completing two virtual races this last week I currently have a lot more virtual races left...why did I do this to myself haha.  Currently below are the remaining virtual race I have.  Most of them I can incorporate into my training, but the half marathons will be a challenge.  I'm exciting to run my first half marathon post surgery with the Route 66 Half Marathon, I know this will be very challenging but I'm okay with walking it if needed.  I've made tremendous progress and want to make sure I don't mess that up.  I'm excited to be getting my race packet soon in the mail along with other virtual races I receive. 

- Route 66 5K and Half Marathon

- Turkey Tracks 5K

- Boston Finish Strong Challenge: 5K, 10K and Half Marathon

Looking ahead to 2021 I am currently signed up for two races, both were postponed to COVID 19.  One I did technically defer but then COVID hit and the race was cancelled.  In March I am scheduled to run the Best Damn Race NOLA half marathon and then in October I am signed up for the Hot Chocolate OKC 15K.  Will I sign up for more races? Probably but will wait til the last minute to make sure it is in person.  I would definitely like to run another marathon but I know recovering will be a challenge.  I guess time will tell.  What is on your race schedule? Drop a comment on my IG post.