What's Your Karma (Ring)?

Disclaimer: I received a pair of the Karma Duo Silicone Ring set 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!

Over the past year I so, I have noticed a huge increase in the number of people who wear silicone rings during athletic endeavors. Personally, I've never worn rings while running, mainly because 1) metal rings are uncomfortable while running and 2) TBH my engagement ring and wedding ring are actually a bit too large for me and I'm afraid they'd slide off once I got sweaty. 

I was given the opportunity to try out a Karma Duo Silicone Ring recently and I was excited to see how I liked them for myself. I picked out the Karma Duo in Pearl White which came with a white base and 3 pretty pastel colored cores - Blush Pink, Champagne Mauve, and Lavender. They are hypo-allergenic, non-porous and non-conductive. Plus they are super strong and super cute!

When I first received them, I had lots of fun trying out the different color combinations and trying to figure out my favorite. Ultimately, I could not decide so I took to social media, asking both Twitter and Instagram to vote on their favorites. When all the votes were tallied, Twitter preferred option 3, the Lavender, while Instagram gave the win to option 2, the Champagne Mauve. 

And while most people wear silicone rings as such, Karma Rings are way more than just alternative wedding rings. How to wear your Karma Ring Duo is totally up to you personally what it means to you. In fact, Karma encourages their rings to be used for more goal setting than and personal symbolism. I thought it was pretty neat what Karma had to say on their website about the different symbolism for different ways of wearing your ring. Here's what they had to say:

Left and Right Hand Symbolism

• Left Hand - The right hemisphere of the brain is associated with creativity and controls the left hand. Therefore, rings worn on the left hand symbolize a focus on mindset, creativity, and personal philosophy.

• Right Hand - The left hemisphere of the brain is associated with logic and controls the right hand. Therefore, rings worn on the right hand typically symbolize logical awareness and a desire to control one’s behavior and rationale.

 Individual Finger Symbolism

• Thumb (Will Power) – The thumb is independent, while working in tandem with our other fingers to accomplish various tasks. The thumb represents logic and will power, a symbol of controlling ones thoughts and actions. 

• Index Finger (Authority and Ambition) – Also known as the “Power Finger”, the index finger represents Authority, Power, Leadership, and Ambition. Historically, Kings, Priests, and healers wore rings on the index finger because it was believed to be especially powerful. 

• Middle Finger (Identity and Materialism) – The middle finger, being the tallest, is associated with ones purpose in life. As the center of the hand, it symbolizes personal identity and things most important to us. 

• Ring Finger (Emotion, Creativity, and Heart) – The ring finger connects to the artery that runs directly to our heart. It symbolizes feelings of affection and love. It is also characteristic of one’s creativity and artistic self.

• Little Finger (Relationships) – The little finger or “pinky” is associated with confidence in both personal and business relationships. It is related to our attitudes towards other people, intimacy, and personal attitudes toward oneself. The little finger faces the world, and watches our back as our friends do.

Visit their site here for more information: https://karmarings.com/pages/style-guide

So according to this, me wearing my Karma Duo on my Right Hand, Ring Finger symbolizes a logical awareness of trying to control my emotion and heart. Totally makes sense to me from an athletic standpoint in that pushing through tough workouts is a mind over body kind of struggle, the knowledge that I know I can keep going and keep pushing, to not give in to the voices that say it's hard and to just give up. 

And since I am looking at things through the lens of symbolism, I decided to research the symbolism of the different colors I had in my Duo - Ivory, Lavender and Pink. Here's what I found: 

Pretty neat, eh?  I am definitely going to explore this more when planning out my Duo choices and goals I focus on during my runs and workouts. 

Overall, I've been very pleased with a product that I've never thought was for me before and tend to find myself wearing it when I am not doing athletic activities even. In fact, the other my day while I was getting ready for work, my daughter brought my ring over (with the pink core, her favorite) and said to me, "Here, Mommy. To help you focus today." It was super sweet, and it did help me focus that day, specifically on how lucky I am to have such a sweet, thoughtful girl.

Want to get a set for yourself? Order online here: https://karmarings.com/ and use discount code BIBRAVE33 to receive 33% off your order. 

Follow them on Socials here:
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Speedy Summer Shoes: UA HOVR Sonic Review

Disclaimer: I received a pair of the Under Armour HOVR Sonic Shoes 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! 


If you are a regular reader of my blog, or frequenter on my Twitter page, you've already heard me sing the praises of Under Armor's HOVR Sonic shoes. (For new readers, check out my review from February here: Shoe Review - Under Armor's New HOVR

This time, I received super stylish black

Loving them for Summer running!

You may recall that when I first wore these shoes, it was in the winter, and on my very first run in them, I thought to myself, These are going to be the PERFECT Summer running shoe. Oh man, was that first impression correct! The thin mesh is a godsend for the heat and humidity here in SC! They also have a ventilated midfoot panel increases breathability. They are super comfortable and my feet do not overhead when I run in them.

So how do they perform? Again, I love these shoes!! I've consistently worn them for races, long runs and speed work and continue to be impressed by them. These are a neutral shoe that provide a wide range of balance, flexibility and cushioning. They provides a ‘zero gravity feel’ that maintains energy return and helps eliminate impact step after step making my long runs seem not quite so long on my feet. 

On July 4th, I wore my HOVR Sonics for a race, the Common Heart Firecracker Run 10K, that I had run also in 2017 and I fully believe that these shoes helped me run much better, faster race. Same day of the year (full on SC heat and humidity), same course, heck, even the exact same outfit with the exception of the shoes and this year, I shaved 5 full minutes off of my finishing time and went from 6th place division to 1st! I've run every single race that I've had since receiving my first pair in Jan in these shoes (with the exception of 2 trail races) and have had similar experiences for each race.

This time, I received the Non-Connected version of the shoe and I can honestly say, there is no performance difference between the two. If you are interested in all of the cool data that the Connect version has to offer, they are for sure worth the extra $10, but if you are not a data-nerd like me, than you will be perfectly happy with the Non-Connected shoes.

Under Armor HOVR Sonic shoes are priced at $100 for non-connected or $110 for connected versions and are currently available online and at retailers all over. Also, be sure to follow Under Armor Running on social media to keep up on the latest news -
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UARunning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uarunning

On the Go with NuGo

“Disclaimer: I received  a variety box of NuGo Egg White Protein Bars 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!”

One thing that I've always struggled with is what to eat before and after a run or a workout. There is a lot to consider in the equation. Will it sit well on my stomach? Will it provide enough energy for me to not bonk out during my workout? Is it easy to grab and eat cause I am hella lazy and will not be meal prepping most likely? 

I was recently afforded the opportunity to try out a new solution to all of the above, NugGo Egg White Protein Bars. 

According to their website, they are made with the highest quality fruits and nuts and non-GMO egg white protein. They are also whole food paleo and certified gluten free. Depending on which bar, they have 12-14 grams of protein per bar. All the ingredients are simple and clean, which I appreciate because I've had issues with chemically protein bars upsetting my stomach. 

So they are really great for you, but how do they taste? Pretty darn good, especially the Blueberry and the Maple Pecan (though the Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter are super yummy too). And they for sure met all of my above mentioned criteria. Tasty, easy on my stomach, convenient and kept me full of energy. 

I tried out my NuGo Egg White bars during a variety of situations. The first one I just had for a snack, just in case it didn't sit well, but it was just fine. Next I had one before a run. No problems! I had several straight after Burn Boot Camp classes as our trainers are all the time telling us to get in at least 20 g of protein within 45 min of our workout and these were a great, convenient way to make a dent in that immediately after since I could just have it in my car waiting for me after class. Several were used as mid-morning coffee breaks while at work to keep me energized through slow mornings. 

Shhh.. don't tell the campers...

I even smuggled one in to Girl Scout Day Camp as a refresher during a long day of boating, crafts, hiking and archery. And yes, I hid from the girls while I ate it so I wouldn't have to share. 

And finally, I saved my last bar to fuel up pre-race the morning of the Common Heart Firecracker Run 10K. Let's just say that, while I cannot 100% give credit solely to NuGo, I did place 1st in my division for the race, so there's that. 

Overall, I really liked the NuGo Egg White Protein bars and plan to stock up on some more. On their website, there is a convienent search for local places that carry NuGo products here - https://www.nugonutrition.com/where-to-buy/ and I was excited to see several places in my area. 

Or, you can also order directly online and have them shipped directly to you. And, until Aug. 3rd, you can save 15% off your online order with discount code BIBRAVE 

Learn more by following NuGo Nutrition on social media : Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram

In Between Times

Summer Running = UGH

So I am at that weird part of the year where I just don't have an upcoming race to train for. My next race that I have registered for is Rock N Roll Savannah on November 3rd, which I am super excited for, but until then, nada. I mean there are a few races here an there that I plan on signing up for but have yet to, but they would be all for shorter  distances, the longest of which I am considering is a 15K the last weekend of Sept. 

Since it is a bit too early to officially kick off my training for Rock N Roll Savannah, I'm now in this weird "in-between time" where of course running is going to happen, but with no real tangible goal in mind. Well, at least not a race goal that is. I still have my 1009 miles for the year goal (which I am currently sitting at 605 miles or 60% complete) so that is keeping me moving. As far as runs though, I have just been running whatever I feel like as long as I meet my weekly minimum (19.4 miles). 

With all that said, it's not a terrible thing to no be racing right now. After all it is summer which means it is crazy stupid hot out. And this year, it's been a lot tougher on me because unlike previous years where I did a lot of morning runs in the summer, I've been doing most of my runs at or near the hottest part of the day. Since I joined Burn Boot Camp in November, I pretty much go there in the mornings instead of running and the only other available time to go out is during my daughter's taekwondo classes which are at 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Just think how fast I'll be in the Fall though... 

The good news is I don't have much longer to wait. I officially kick off Rock N Roll Savannah Half Marathon Training the first week of August. But until then, I'll keep plodding along in this nebulous time putting in my miles haphazardly. 

What about you? What's your next race that you are registered for? Want to join me in Savannah? Register here: http://www.runrocknroll.com/savannah/register/ and use code “RNRBRP2018” to save $15 on the Marathon or Half Marathon. 

Or maybe you have a race to suggest for me to sign up for. What are your recommendations for an Aug/Sept/Oct race? 

2018 Half Year Check In

So, keeping in step with my check-ins being a few days late (again, I know who I am), here we are with a quick recap and review of the first half of 2018. 

First of all here are my 2018 goals along with the current status (Goals are listed in orange). 

• Run 1009 miles - me and a friend are splitting 2018 miles

  

  Shoe pic w me, my partner, another friend & pacer

• I'm a bit ahead on this goal as I've banked a few miles here an there each month just in case something comes up. Luckily this year I have yet to run into any extended breaks (please don't have just jinxed this!!) so as of the last day of June, I was at 555 miles of the 504 I needed to be on track for 1009 for the year. My partner is training for an Ultra, so she's well ahead of schedule.

• Run 18 races
• I'm well and good on the 18 race goal. As of June 30th, I had run 10 races with an 11th run on July 4th. Currently, I am not signed up for another race officially until Nov. 3rd - Rock N Roll Savannah Half Marathon, but I know for sure a few I am doing, just not registered for yet. (You can join me at Savannah and save $15 on the Half or Full with discount code- RNRBRP2018.

• Place in 4 races
• This goal is already met and then some! I've had FIVE placings as of current! 3rd at New Years Gnome Run 5K, 2nd at Kings Mountain Half Marathon, 1st at Come See Me 5K, 2nd at Moonlight Bootlegger and 1st at Common Heart Firecracker 10K!!!

• 1200 Twitter followers
• I should hit this fairly soon actually. Current follower count is 1,173

• 1000 Instagram followers
• Going a bit slower than the Twitter, but still attainable. Currently at 725. I need to post more the IG for sure 

• Run 4 Half Marathons (Tobacco Rd., Kings Mtn, Run & Ride, Rock n Roll Savannah) with a new PR in at least 1
• 2 down, with 2 more registered for with a new PR at Tobacco Road. A slight change on this goal as the Run and Ride race is not being held this year, so my 4th Half will be the Huntersville Half on Dec. 9th, a new race for me. The Rock N Roll Savannah is also a new race for me and I am really excited for it! 

• Do an Obstacle Race (Warrior Dash) 
• Done and done! This was a total blast. So much fun! I can't wait to run it again Although one of my friends is trying to convince us to upgrade to the Spartan. We'll see...

• Renew as BibRave Pro
• This doesn't happen until late Fall, so no update on this goal, but I *think* I am doing a decent job as a Pro. I've met all my requirement and try to post quality content. And I have been LOVING some of the awesome things I've gotten to test! For example, I am currently breaking in my 2nd pair of Under Armor HOVR Sonic shoes and let me tell you, I love them! Super light, super fast, they are my go to racing shoe. Disclaimer: I received a pair of the Under Armour HOVR Sonic Shoes 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! 

• Blog more - 4 per month at least 
• Some month's have been better than others (I'm looking at you, May) but I can say that I have overall done a much better job of blogging than in 2017.

• Keep a consistent training plan/journal (Using the Believe Training Journal) 
• Ummmm... pass. Yeah, I suck. Said amazing training journal has sat in my desk drawer, cold and unloved. I just picked up a pocket calendar to see if I have more luck with that. If you have a system that you love, let me know, cause I guess I'm still searching for that one thing that I will stick to. 

So there we are. Not a perfect 2018 by any means, but I am super pleased with it so far. And I ready to take on the next half just as hard! 

How about you? Tell me how your 2018 is going so far. Feel free to follow me on Twitter or Instagram if you haven't already to help me meet those 2018 number too. 

Sunglasses Review: Keeping it Shady

“Disclaimer: I received Shady Rays Signature Series Sunglasses 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!”

Me, squinting while running, as usual... 

Traditionally, I have not been a sunglasses wearer when I run. I know I should to protect my eyes, but I typically rely on a hat or a visor rim to do the shading for me, but over the past year or so, I've made it priority to start rocking shades instead as I feel this helps way more to block out harmful UV rays.

Queue the montage of me trying out several different brands, shapes and styles of sunglasses only to be fairly disappointed with the fit. My main issue has been slippage. Running is a fairly bouncy activity. Add to that a sweaty face and that is a recipe for pushing up your sunglasses every few minutes, an activity that drives me completely bonkers! I've had glasses that I took off and pocketed after a half mile due to having to constantly push up. I'd rather squint that constantly adjust and readjust glasses like that.

Enter the amazing opportunity to try out via BibRave a new-to-me-brand, Shady Rays. First off, Shady Rays, according to their website, are polarized, offer 100% UV protection are shatter-resistant and salt water proof. Sound good so far. Plus they come in lots and lots of amazing color combination options - seriously, I had my daughter pick out mine since I just could not decide (she picked Black Emerald Polarized and I must say, they are super cute). Plus they came in a handy micofiber cleaning pouch. But how do they perform in action...

Deciding to either go big or go home, I took them out for an ultimate test. I ran a 5 mile progression run at 5:30 pm when the temperature was 91 degrees and humidity well into 60%. It was an absolute scorcher. Sweat was POURING off me after. But did my Shady Rays slip? NOPE! I even attempted the unthinkable with other glasses I'd tried... I tried shaking them off, still covered and sweat and THEY DIDN'T BUDGE! (Click here for the demo). 

So yay! The ultimate search for the ultimate sunglasses has come to an end finally. I've worn them for more than a dozen runs now and am as happy with them as I was the first. I've also worn them to the beach, the pool and the water park and they are just awesome. The only problem that I have had with my Shady Rays is that my husband has decided that he like them too and frequently steals them from me! On our beach vacation last weekend, he wore them as often, if not more, than I did! 

A few fun facts about Shady Rays: 

• You can also have custom Rx glasses made
• They offer a Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty and Free Replacements if they are lost or broken.
• They provide 11 meals to fight hunger through the Feeding America organization with each order placed.
• The have a VIP program where you can earn points for rewards like gift cards.

And... if all this sounds awesome to you, I have a great deal to share with you. When you place an order on the Shady Rays website, checkout using code "BIBRAVE" and you will receive 50% off orders of 2 or more pairs! 

So give Shady Rays a look for yourself. You can follow them on their socials here:

Facebook

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