BUFF DryFlx+ Product Review

Disclaimer: I received an BUFF DryFlx+ Hat and Neckwarmer 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!

What can I say? I love love love BUFF products and am a believer in how effective they are for all my outdoor activities. The new DryFlx+ collection is no different. Its tech specifications are really impressive for wearable technology and the colors mesh really well.

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So let’s begin with the great technology the hat contains. It’s extremely light, just over an ounce in weight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your head during a run. Also, it uses 4-way ULTRA STRETCH material which adds to the comfort; it never feels tight or constrictive. There is a seamless woven design so nothing is scratching at your scalp when in movement. The hat has thermal insulation to keep your head warm but also moisture management so you’re not sweating buckets down your face. (I’ll get more into that down in the review) And one of the most important features is it contains reflective elements so if you’re running at dusk or dawn, you be sure you’ll be spotted by any motorists or bicyclists.

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Now let’s talk neckwarmer features! As you can see in the previous two photos, it can be worn up to cover the nose or just below it and it doesn’t wiggle or shake down your face; it stays pretty snug. Similar to the hat, this also has the 4-way ULTRA STRETCH and seamless woven design for comfort and flexibility so constrictions are not a problem. It only weight two ounces so, once again, it isn’t weighing down on your body. Along with the reflective elements, the BUFF DryFlx+ neckwarmer provides thermal insulation and moisture management. Now to explain how both items manage to perform this great feature.

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The above photos show exactly how they provide breathability. The hat and neckwarmer both have engineered holes, marked on my gear with the lime green lines, to allow air to flow through and out, allowing you to not sweat but still keep warm for the hat and allowing you to breathe through your mouth and nose with the neckwarmer all the way up on your face. It really is the best feature of this product! It just makes wearing them outside in nasty cold temperatures a whole lot better. I’ve already worn them in 25 degree weather with a wind chill factor that brought it down to 16 degrees. And, since I live in Wisconsin, you can bet that I will be wearing this when I head out in those below 10 degree days!

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Another good reason to love this product, and BUFF in general, is that as an engaged partner of UNICEF, the company has committed to donating 2% of their global yearly profits to projects helping combat COVID-19.

I invite you to take a look at some other reviews from my BibRavePro companions to see what they thought of the BUFF DryFlx+ collection! As always, any comments or questions can be left below if you like and Happy Running!

OTHER REVIEWS

http://www.fitxbrit.com/on-the-run/2020/12/31/cover-your-head-running-in-the-cold

https://www.runningonpixiedust.com/2020/12/buffdryflx.html

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

https://funsizeathlete.com/2020/12/30/bibrave-product-review-running-winter-warmer-with-buff-dryflx-collection/

BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection Product Review

The Winter Gear Worth Going Out For

Product Review- BUFF® DryFlx+ Collection

How Does One Train for the Unknown?

Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Garmin Kansas City Marathon 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!

What do you do when you’re training for a race that in all likelihood will not take place on the date you are preparing for? This is the question I am asking myself (and attempting to prepare for) in regards to the Kansas City Marathon. It has yet to be canceled for this year and is scheduled to take place on October 17. Of course, I am still pessimistically hopeful that the race will be run and have been staying active throughout the spring and summer. And what do I mean by staying active? Maybe you think I just mean running and building up my base miles. Well, yes, I have been doing that although I have remained at a plateau for a few weeks now and hope to break that soon.

But I’ve decided to change the norm for myself with my training and preparation. I wanted to give my body and overall fitness and athletic overall, if you will. So, in May, I bought myself a bicycle and started riding for the first time in 30+ years. It’s one of the main reasons my weekly running totals have plateaued; I’ve substituted runs for rides and I’m having a blast doing it! It’s a totally different way for me to get in some cardio AND is letting me give my legs and feet a subtle break from the concrete pounding they take on the roads. There have been a couple of weeks where I have matched running miles with biking miles and have added a brick workout per week to my training schedule.

But that isn’t all that I added to my list of different ways to get my heart pumping and other muscles engaging. At my gym, I’ve used the rowing machine a few times and, when camping, I took my kayak out for a few lengthy paddles. Let me tell you something, you have no idea how exhausting paddling a kayak can be until you’ve done eight miles on a windy day out on Green Bay, lol. But, damn, is it ever a great way to build more cardio endurance.

And speaking of the gym, I still go there frequently, now that quarantine is over and places have reopened. But I’ve been having a dilemma about my workouts lately. How much is too much? Or, to be more specific, should I be using less weight and more reps to tone my body rather than higher weight with normal rep amounts which may cause unnecessary bulk up? I have been adjusting my lifting sessions to reflect these thoughts and have dropped weight down. I mean, too much muscle isn’t the best when attempting long and grueling runs. So, with my training for this marathon, I have been altering a lot at the gym, also employing my resistance bands more often as well.

But where does all this leave me? I’m still wanting and hoping to run the Garmin Kansas City Marathon in October so I keep plugging along with runs. And now bike rides. And weight training. And the occasional paddle. Will it all help out for a better end result? Who knows. I just hope I have the chance to see, as far-fetched as that may be right now. Such uncertainty really messes with one’s mind and the ability to focus on the prize. But what a lovely prize it will be if I have the chance to perform.

Would you like to join me in the waiting game? It isn’t too late. Register for any distance at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon and use code BIBRAVE2020KCM and earn 15% off. And here’s a safety clause for you: should the race be canceled, you will have three options. One, you can defer your entry to 2021. Two, you can participate and run it virtually. Or, three, you can have your entry fee convert your registration fee to a donation to the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation and receive a charitable contribution receipt as well as 25% savings towards registration for the 2021 Garmin Kansas City Marathon. Not bad, eh? Maybe we can run this race together this year or next year. I’d love to see you there!

Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. I’d love to know how any of you out there train for the unexpected or if you have made alterations to your lifestyle during these crazy times.

 

As always, happy running!

Product Review: TURTLe GLOVES – Turtle-Flip Mittens

Disclaimer: I received a pair of TURTLe GLOVES Turtle-Flip Mittens 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 have to be honest to start here: I didn’t really need a pair of mittens for outdoor activities, or so I thought. I have a pair of gloves that I use on runs already but I figured I would test out the mittens just for a change. Wow, these mittens are amazing. I would have never thought that at first sight, but they not only work great but have more than one basic use!

As you can see in the photo above, you can wear them as mittens, or you can fold them back into fingerless gloves, hence the “Flip” in their name! I know this idea may seem simple and obvious but it’s the quality here that really prevails for Turtle-Flip Mittens! Made with Polartec Power Stretch Pro material, they are form-fitting and offer moisture management, comfort and durability. They wick away the sweat allowing your hands to breathe but also are fast-drying! And it doesn’t matter which hand you put them on, left or right!

Now, I preferred running with the fingerless glove option even with the temperatures in the low 20s. And my hands never felt cold. They even felt a little warm at times. And the great benefit, of course, was still being able to have access to my phone and refueling options without having to take the mittens off. The mittens also are long enough to stretch down from your hands to the sleeve of your shirt, so no skin is exposed. Another great choice I’ve attempted once (but forgot to take a picture) is that you can slide the open mittens up your arms if wanting warmth there.

Right now, if you want to try a pair of these (and I highly suggest it) go to the Turtle Gloves website, make a selection with your size (I chose M/L since the sizing runs big, XL would be if you have really large hands) and be sure to use code “TurtleBibRave” to save 15% off your order. These are a great accessory for any outdoor activity in weather that is in cold temperatures. And the fact that they have multiple options for you, they are a steal with all the comfort they provide on your run.

If you’d like some other opinions on the mittens, check out these blogs here:

She Runs by the Seashore

Jenna Runs

Run, Eat, Ralph

La Chica Runs

Trailgators Anonymous

livinglovingrunner

Happy running!!

Milwaukee Marathon Training: Weeks 5-8

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Milwaukee Marathon race 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!

Here is another update to the training I have been completing throughout the weeks leading up to what will be my fourth marathon. It’s been up and down with my miles and the unexpected trip that I had to take, which was completed at the start of this week. So, here goes with the details of my training! Oh, and remember to use code “RUN15” to save 15% on your race entry, any distance!!

WEEK 5 – January 14 – January 20

MONDAY: Flew home from CT

TUESDAY: 42 minutes of yoga, 46 minute shoulder workout, 35 minutes on the treadmill for 4.4 miles

WEDNESDAY: 35  min abs workout, 20 min treadmill for 2.66 miles

THURSDAY: 43 min back workout, 23 min elliptical

FRIDAY: 111 min outdoor run for 12.46 miles

SATURDAY: Shoveled Snow

SUNDAY: Samson Stomp 5K for 3.26 miles

TOTAL MILES: 22.78 miles

WEEK 6 – January 21 – January 27

MONDAY: 40 min chest workout, bike for 20 minutes

TUESDAY: 43 min yoga, 31 min treadmill for 3.79 miles

WEDNESDAY: Shoveled snow

THURSDAY: 40 min arm workout, 12 min treadmill for 1.47 miles

FRIDAY:  126 min very cold outdoor run for 12.83 miles

SATURDAY: 5 min elliptical, 35 min shoulder workout, 20 min treadmill for 2.49 miles

SUNDAY: Rest Day

TOTAL MILES: 20.58 miles

WEEK 7 – January 28 – February 3

MONDAY: Shoveled snow for 80 minutes

TUESDAY: 45 min of yoga, 51 min back workout, 26 min bike, 32 min treadmill for 4.02 miles

WEDNESDAY: -30 degree temps had me stay home

THURSDAY: 50 min chest workout, 20 min bike, 34 min treadmill for 4.29 miles

FRIDAY: 30 min arm workout, 18 min elliptical, 10 min abs workout

SATURDAY: 142 min outdoor run for 14 miles

SUNDAY: Rest Day

TOTAL MILES: 22.31 miles

WEEK 8 – February 4 – February 10

MONDAY: 50 min leg workout, 15 min treadmill for 1.75 miles

TUESDAY: 47 min of yoga, 33 min treadmill for 3.94 miles

WEDNESDAY: 55 min back workout, 32 min bike, 20 min elliptical, shoveled snow

THURSDAY: 30 min shoulder workout, 30 min treadmill for 3.80 miles

FRIDAY: 22 min bike, 24 min treadmill for 2.81 miles

SATURDAY: 151 minute outdoor run for 15.05 miles

SUNDAY: Rest Day

TOTAL MILES: 27.35 miles

And there you have it. I’m not where I would like to be and the last two weeks’ long runs were not very good. Poor would be the best word to describe them. I had a tired leg feeling on both of them and that is not a good thing. Training is smack in the middle and here I am wanting a break. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be injury related so that is the one positive. But April 6 is still coming no matter what and I need to be ready for the Milwaukee Marathon.

Any questions about my training, feel free to ask!! Happy running!

Product Review: Let’s Go Zwifting!

Disclaimer: I received a Zwift RunPod 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!

So, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about when I say, “let’s go zwifting!” Well, I don’t blame you. The word sounds bizarre but, then again, so is the concept until you use it and then everything changes! How much does a run on a treadmill suck? Let’s be honest, running by yourself or even in a gym on a treadmill is boring. There’s nothing to really drive you other than maybe a goal you have if you’re really training for something. How often do you find yourself competing with a fellow runner at the gym? Ah, I got you on that one, didn’t I? The Zwift RunPod and its corresponding apps provide an amazing experience that totally changes the “boring” treadmill run.

First, the basics: what you will need. You will need a RunPod (attached to my shoe above) and you will need to attach it to your running shoe in approximately the same place as mine. You will need access to a treadmill. And you will need a device to use Zwift, the program, such as a iPhone, tablet, PC, etc. Once you have all that established and the Zwift app and Zwift companion app downloaded,  you will be able to join other runners around the world running together. Yes, around the world.

Put the battery in your Zwift RunPod, attach it to your shoe and start running on a treadmill. This will enable you to pair your pod with whatever device you have downloaded the app on and will also calibrate the pod to match your strides. Then you are all set to join a group run or just run on your own. Some of the group runs take place in London (which is really cool) and others take place in a fictional land called Watopia. Ok, that may sound odd but where else can you run past and through an active volcano?

This was one of several screenshots that I took during the course of my run on this particular day. Now, I’ve done a few solo runs and enjoyed them but I was curious as to what a group run might like. So, using the Zwift companion app where there are listings for the group runs (various distances, locations) I found one and entered its queue. Then, you wait. Or, as in my case, I jumped into a solo run just to pass the time until the start. They even provide you with a countdown so everyone can join in. Like I said, runners from around the world compete with you on the same course.

After the group run is finished and you’ve completed the distance, you are able to see how well you performed among all the other runners who joined the group. This is actually one of the best things I like about Zwift. It really did turn my treadmill run (or as we all call it, the “dreadmill”) into something more engaging and exciting. I was into my run and that’s not always the case on the treadmill.

Now, with the pics I’ve posted here you probably noticed that my avatar is wearing the same thing in all of them. That’s because I wasn’t able to really venture into too many different styles because I hadn’t run enough with the pod yet. The more you run, the more you unlock for your personal avatar. More clothes, colors, haircuts, styles and more. Just another really cool way Zwift keeps you involved and entertained is what it normally a stagnant treadmill run.

Also, there are so many other great features of the Zwift RunPod. You can create a running meetup with a Zwift companion (just like any social media app, you find friends.) You can import custom running workouts should you be training for a specific distance. You can create a custom workout for yourself and then you can add it into a custom training program. All within the app and with the pod. You can chat with runners if you like and, who knows, maybe you’ll make some new running friends who join you every morning or evening on a virtual run together. That’s the power and awesomeness of the Zwift Runpod and app.

Definitely check out the Zwift website and if you like what you see, then use code “BibRave15″ good for 15% off the cost of the Zwift RunPod at Zwift.com. It is good for 1000 Pods only though.

If  you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out or if you just have some comments. I’d love to hear from you!

As always, happy running!

Illinois Marathon Training

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon race 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!

So, my marathon training has been up and down for the year 2018. It has had the low of needing to take three plus weeks off at the end of January into February which led right into my 15K race in Nashville. Not a good start, but when you have an injury you have to do what you can to heal yourself. Finally after the 15K race, I was able to start really digging in to my marathon training. I am a little nervous since technically I am behind quite a bit from where I would like to be but I am doing what I can to make up for it, all while not pushing myself because I am still nursing my hamstring. Small steps though, right?

There have been some successful runs so far and I’m definitely happy about the progress I have been able to make in such a short time even though I still have a long way to go. I’ve managed a 13 mile run, an 11 mile run and a 15 mile run so far.

Slow building but it’s something to work of off. And there is still time. I keep telling myself that. There is still time to gain endurance and prepare for my second marathon.

Any thoughts or comments, I would love to hear from you!

Happy running!