Category: BibRave Pro

Tuesday Topics: My year in bling

Happy Tuesday!  Hopefully you’re staying warm wherever you are.  We had a few “nice” days but now it is going to be C-O-L-D. 

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Show us your year in bling!  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

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This year I ran a total of 5 races compared to 6 in 2018 and 10 in 2017.  However, I did run in 3 different states so I am happy with my 5 races.  Even though I ran 5 races, I “only” got 4 medals.  🙂

Here are my races and medals:

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle – This is one of my favorite races and I LOVE it!  It was my first race of the year and it is always so much fun.  I saw quite a few friends, including Marcia and Wendy.

Delaware Marathon Running Festival – This race was hilly!  Part of the course was pretty too while running in Brandywine Park.  The best part was seeing Kim!!

Missoula Half Marathon – I’ve heard so many great things about this race.  It is well organized but expensive to get there.  Hotels are expensive too.  The course is nice and mostly downhill.  

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Elmhurst 4 on the 4th – This is another one of my favorite races.  It is cheap, easy to get it, and plenty of parking.  Plus, it is the only 4 mile race I run.  Sadly there is no medal but that is OK.  Maybe one year?

Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon – This was my last race of the year.  I was undertrained but I definitely enjoyed the race.  I ran the International Half Marathon and about half of the course is in Canada.  This is one race that you have to to.  Everything about this race is simply perfect.

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Which one of these races would you want to do?

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Tuesday Topics: Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon Race Recap

Disclaimer:  I received a free entry to the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!  

This week’s Tuesday Topic is a FREE topic.  Feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

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On October 20th, I ran the Detroit Free Press/TCF Half Marathon.  It was my 73rd half marathon.  It was also state #42 in my goal to run a half marathon in each state.

I left Saturday morning and arrived in Detroit at 1:00.  Once there I took an Uber to the hotel to check in and left for the expo.  I stayed at the Rivertown Inn and Suites on Jefferson and Rivard.  It was an OK place to stay.  What I liked about it is that the expo and start line were less than a mile away.

The expo was fun with lots of vendors.  I signed up for the International race so I had to show my passport in order to get my bib.  

I tried on some shoes but didn’t buy any.  🙂  Although these felt more comfortable than another pair of Ghost 12 that I had but sent back.

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I bought 3 pairs of Balega socks (it was buy 3 pairs and get one free) and an R3 foot roller. 

Race morning I woke up tired.  My neighbors next door were loud and it took me a while to go to sleep.  I got ready and made some UCAN gel for before the race and during the race.  Then I went to the lobby because the clerk told me when I checked in on Saturday that there would be breakfast for the runners.  I ate a waffle as big as my face with coffee.  I walked with another girl to the start line while eating my UCAN.  It took us about 15 minutes to get there.

One bathroom break and it was time to run.  I was happy and excited.  I almost skipped the race because my left foot had been bothering me so much that it hurt to walk.  I blamed it on my inserts.  I have two different pairs – one in my shoes for running and another in the ones for running.  I switched them and hoped that I made the right decision.

The race began at 7am.  It was dark.  I didn’t worry about it too much and concentrated on my run.  I was feeling good.  The beginning of the race was in downtown Detroit.  I couldn’t really see my watch but knew that I was going faster than I was supposed to.  Still I kept running.  I was determined to enjoy and finish the race no matter what.  

Then came the incline to the Ambassador Bridge.  It was long.  I was beginning to feel tired.  I stopped to take a few pictures because the view was gorgeous.

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Running in Canada was so much fun!  Lots of spectators cheering for us.  I was running in Windsor, Canada while on the left was the Detroit River and left to it was Detroit.  How awesome is that?!?!

My foot began to bother me.  My longest training run was 6 miles so I was beginning to feel more tired.  I didn’t want to remember this race as one in which I was in pain.  Instead, I wanted to remember it as the race where I ran in two different countries.  I soaked it all in.  The weather was perfect and I loved seeing the Canadians cheering for us.  So I kept going. 

My time in Canada was coming to an end as I entered the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel which is under the Detroit River.  Someone warned me that it would be hot in there.  It wasn’t too hot but I did warm up a little bit.  Love the middle picture with both flags!

Towards the end of the tunnel is another slight incline.  

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You know what I am going to say now, right?  I was hurting.  I felt even more tired.  I wanted the race to be over.  I still had about 4 miles to go.  I kept going.  I began to wonder if I had made a mistake in running the race.  Well, at that point there wasn’t anything to do but to keep going.  I am smiling in my pictures but pictures can be deceiving, right?  🙂

I ran and walked the last 4 miles.  We were back downtown and I remember thinking that I was going be done soon.  I could see more people lined up on the sidewalk.  I could hear the announcer and knew I was close to the finish line.  I kept running till I finally finished.

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I enjoyed this race and would love to do it again.  And this time hopefully not be dealing with an injury.  It took me a few days to recover from the race but I don’t regret running it.  My quads hurt a lot.  I felt like I had run a marathon.  The weather was perfect, there were a lot of water stations (there were signs letting you know how far the next water station was), and the volunteers were wonderful.  Every runner also gets free race photos (low resolution but still free).  Oh and the best part was running in CANADA!!!!

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The swag bag had a long sleeve shirt, a pair of gloves, and a race wrap.

I am pleased with how I did.  I enjoyed the race and finished it.  That is all I wanted.  Oh, and I got mostly positive splits.  Isn’t that the way to do it?  🙂  And yes I did run with my passport and no a border patrol agent didn’t stop me to check it.

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If you are planning to do this race, I hope I convinced you to do it.  Save the date as next year it will be on October 18.  There is also a marathon if you want to run more than 13.1 miles.  

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Weekly Run Down: Race week and almost 400 miles

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Brooks Shoes-17Did you see these new shoes?  They’re a beauty!  I definitely do not need them.  🙂  Right?  I have a similar pair, Ghost 11, that I bought last year.  I love those!  I use Garmin Connect to track the mileage on my shoes.  Right now I have 5 shoes that I am tracking.  A few weeks ago I decided to just run in the Ghost 11 till I get to 400 miles.  Then the next shoes I will run in are the Launch 5 and the Levitate 1.  I know it is a crazy system.  I also have 3 new pairs in boxes.  Yikes!  Update: My Ghost 11 now have 289.40 miles after today’s race.  🙂

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I am so excited to run the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon.  But I will say that I am not ready for it.  I think this is the first time I haven’t felt ready for a race.  Well, I think many of us have those feelings, but in my case I really am not ready.  If you’ve been reading my blog, the training hasn’t been there.  I had (have) plantar fasciitis and at one point took 3 weeks off to recover.  But my goal is to have fun and finish it!  Oh and maybe finish in less than 3:18:01 which is my worst finish time from when I ran the Walt Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon.

I ran only 2 days (one was race day).  The rest of the days I slept in.  I don’t know what is going on but I have been feeling very tired.  I wake up just in time to get ready and leave for work. 

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The photo below is from Monday, the day after the Chicago Marathon.  It was cold and windy the day of the marathon.  On Monday I ran 4 miles and enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful fall colors.

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I received my two Koala Clips on Thursday.  Love using these on my runs!

Saturday morning I finished getting my stuff ready.  Then I had breakfast and left for the airport.  My flight left at 11:15 and I arrived in Detroit at 1:00.  Once there I took an Uber to the hotel to check in and left for the expo.  The expo was fun!  There were so many vendors and I was actually impressed with it.  Normally I don’t buy anything anymore but this time I bought 3 pairs of Balega socks (it was buy 3 pairs and get one free) and an R3 foot roller.

In the evening I had dinner and watched TV.  One of the workers from the hotel offered to take me downtown so I could see the start line.  It turns out it it close to TCF Center where the expo was held.

When I got back I got my stuff ready for the race and went to sleep.

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The race was fun!  But my foot did bother me and I ended up walking a lot.  I enjoyed this race and would definitely do it again.  Oh, and I finished in 2:45:41.  

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Have you run a race where you did not train well for it or were not prepared?  How did it go?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

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Tuesday Topics: My Oofos Ooahh Sport Project Pink Recovery Sandals

Disclaimer:  I received a pair of Oofos Ooahh Sport Project Pink Recovery Sandals 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. 

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Who are some of your favorite running/fitness athletes and why?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I’m deviating from this week’s topic to write a review about Oofos Ooahh Sport Project Pink Recovery Sandals.

So many people rave about these sandals.  Last month BibRave had an opportunity for BibRave Pros to test them and I quickly signed up.  I was so happy when I received the email letting me know I was selected.  Then the countdown began for the sandals to arrive.

So what do I think about them?  They’re strong and durable.  They’re very comfortable.  Let me repeat that again….THEY’RE VERY COMFORTABLE.  I’ve been wearing them every single day.  Even my mom likes them.  I swear that these sandals along with a sleeve, inserts, stretching, and foam rolling have helped with my plantar fasciitis.  

Even Mateo likes them and wants a pair in his size!

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Here are a few facts about Oofos:
:ribbon:  OOfoam recovery technology absorbs 37% more impact than other footwear foams.
:ribbon:  OOfoam impact absorbing recovery technology has been scientifically proven to reduce stress on your body while walking, allowing you to recover faster after a workout and feel better all day.
:ribbon:  The footbed is designed to cradle your arches and move with your feet, which allows for a more natural feel.
:ribbon:  They are easy to keep clean as they are machine washable.
:ribbon:  They offer free ground shipping and free returns on every order.
:ribbon:  They also have an awesome rewards program.  Head over to the Oofoos Rewards Page to check it out for yourself and start earning points right away!

If that didn’t convince you to get a pair, how about this?  :ribbon: Did you know that OOFOS donates 3% to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from EVERY PAIR OF OOFOS on oofos.com YEAR ROUND??  This is not just a promotion they do for a month or so and it’s not specific to only the Project Pink lineThey make a 3% donation from EVERY PURCHASE on oofos.com.  They do this so they can make more substantial contributions to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on a regular basis.  That’s a pretty cool commitment, isn’t it?!? 

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Cancer sucks.  We’ve all been affected by breast cancer in some way.  My sister was diagnosed with it in her late 20s almost 30 years ago after her youngest was born.  She has gone through radiation, chemo, and a double mastectomy.  Luckily, she is alive and grateful to see her kids grow up.  She has two grandchildren and is also happy to spend time with them. 

So what are you waiting for?  Go on and order a pair or two.  Be sure to check out the Limited Edition styles just in time for the NYC Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and Marine Corps Marathon. 

Remember, that with each purchase OOFOS donates 3% to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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Tuesday Topics: My BibRave Pro Summit Weekend

Hey there!  How is everyone doing?  I think I got bit by the running bug and am now looking forward to running.  I am excited knowing that I will run in another state in a few weeks.  Oh, and I cannot wait till next week for my Peloton.  🙂

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  How do you incorporate fitness with your family?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

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The weekend of July 19-21 was the BibRave Pro Summit in Chicago.  The events included dinner on Friday and Saturday, a Cubs game on Saturday, a community service project, running RnR Chicago, ending with lunch on Sunday after the race.  I did not participate in all of the events and after looking at all of the pictures, I regret it.  But I still had a lot of fun and it was great to meet so many of them that came from various states.

The first event was a community service project on Friday morning but due to the weather, it was cancelled.  A few Pros still met up for a run and then went to get donuts and coffee at Stan’s Donuts.  I met up with them at the RnR expo.  I had already been there about an hour so I didn’t stay too long.  I was excited to see Kathrine Switzer again!

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That evening we had dinner at City Winery West Loop which was sponsored by Knockaround.  I’ve never been there and I had a great time.  I met more Pros while enjoying some delicious wine and food.  Check out all of that orange!

The next day was a shakeout run along the lakefront and a Cubs game.  That evening was another dinner at Current Kitchen that was sponsored by AftershokzDuring dinner there was a BibRave Podcast recording with Tim and Jessica as well as guest Cindy Kuzma, author of the upcoming book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries.  I missed all of the events that day and regret it because they all had so much fun!

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After a few emails with my coach, I decided not to run RnR Chicago.  She told me to take a few days off from running because of my plantar fasciitis.  I still went downtown to spectate and of course I had fun!  I saw Amanda, Erica, Becca, and a few other friends.

It was warm but luckily not as hot as the past couple of days.  It was humid though.  Once we saw all of the Pros pass mile 6, we walked over to the finish line where we saw most of them again.  Then we met up by the music tent and waited until every Pro had finished.  Then it was time to head out because we were meeting for lunch at noon.  I walked with Amy to Buckingham Fountain because she wanted to take pictures.  She was sharing a hotel room with 4 other women so she wasn’t in a rush to get back to the hotel.  While waiting for everyone to shower, get ready, and pack, it started to rain.

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Our post race lunch was supposed to be at City Winery Riverwalk but due to the rain we went to Public House.  I had a beer and a buffalo chicken sandwich which was so good.  I didn’t stay too long but did enjoy my time there drinking, eating, and catching up with the rest of the crew.

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I love being a part of this amazing community.  I’ve had the opportunity to try some new and cool products as well as run some run races.  BibRave is now accepting applications to become a BibRave Pro!  Head on over to bit.ly/2FxiKT7 and apply now!

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