Running with Ralphie Recap - Our Epic Virtual Race Day Event

 I received entry into the A Christmas Story Virtual Run as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

I know what some of you are thinking. You are so over Virtual Races. I get it, I 100% feel the pain of missing live races too, but I've learned to love Virtual Racing, and you can too. The trick is to treat them like an event in their own right, instead of just another run you were planning to do anyways. Take, for example, the epic Virtual Race Day event that my running bestie Kim (aka Barking Mad About Running) put on this weekend. 

When we first heard about the Elf Virtual Run and the A Christmas Story Virtual Run, we knew we wanted in. I mean A Christmas Story is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever (besides of course Die Hard) and Kim loves Elf, so we knew our teams instantly. I registered for #TeamRalphie and she #TeamBuddy. And when I admitted that I had in fact never seen Elf, it was soon decided that not only would we be running our 5Ks, but we'd watch the movies as well. We brainstormed a few other fun activities to make it a fun filled day and started recruiting for our teams! 

While our rosters were quickly filling Virtually of others for #TeamRalphie and #TeamBuddy and we were also able to recruit a couple local friends (one for each team) to run it with us. 

I arrived at Kim's house a 9 am on race day, this past Sunday 12/20. 

Unfortunately, it was raining. Fortunately, it was a Virtual Race, so that meant that we could wait for the rain to pass a bit before starting. Score another point for Virtual Races! Weather not cooperating, no problem, just wait a bit. After about 45 minutes, the rain had stopped and we decided it was go time. 

#TeamRalphie (me and Kendal) were running it and #TeamBuddy (Kim and Toni) were walking it. Kim provided Kendal and I routes and after a quick Start Line group photo, she counted us down and we were off. 

I wasn't expecting too much out of my 5K since I still haven't recovered my speed from my knee surgery, but I felt pretty good so I decided to push it a bit. It helped having Kendal with me for the first mile to provide that bit of competitive push. We hit a decent hill and I heard her tell me to keep going so I did, realizing that if I could keep my pace right about where I was, I had a good chance at breaking a 30 minute 5K for the first time since my surgery, despite the hilly route. The course was very straightforward and Kim's directions were perfect. I finished 5K just short of Kim's house and was thrilled with my 29:02 time. 

I circled back to find Kendal and run her in to finish her race, which was also faster than she had originally thought she would run. We then jogged the course back to find #TeamBuddy and walked in with them. When all was said and done, my 5K ended up being 5 miles! Which was perfect for me as I still need about 30 more miles before the end of the year to hit my Yearly Mileage goal of 1255 (2020 kilometers). 

After we finished our miles, we went back to Kim's house to put on our finisher swag sweatshirts and show off our medals. Her awesome hubby made us some mimosas and took a few pics before making us some breakfast. He's so good to us. 

After we got all fed up, we decided to watch our first movie, Elf. I had never seen it, but I kinda knew the gist. I mean it is hard to exist in the world, especially around Christmastime and not see and hear  memes and quotes from the movie constantly. And it wasn't that I didn't think that I would like it, it just somehow never made it into my limited movie viewing. So it was really fun to see all the familiar quotes and scenes where they belonged. Kim and I live tweeted it on Twitter if you want to check it out here: https://twitter.com/BarkingMadRun/status/1340710454054842371 It was a cute movie, and I am sure I will watch it again.

After Elf we decided to do our most dangerous planned activity - a Red Ryder BB Gun shooting competition. This was another first for me, I'd never shot a gun before, unless you count water guns that is. It was just a fun coincidence that Kim's husband had the same BB gun from A Christmas Story, so of course we HAD to use it. Kim drew tree targets and after a quick lesson, I went first. I hit 9/10 shots on the paper, which I thought was pretty good consider my lack of any shooting experience. The others did much better than me, but it was lots of fun. And bonus, I didn't shoot my eye out!! 

Next up, Kim had gotten us some super yummy hot cocoa bombs. If you have never had one of these, OMG, they are so good! Basically, they are round shells made from chocolate that are packed with goodies, so that when you pour hot milk over them, they bust open in yummy goodness. I took a video of mine exploding you can see here: https://twitter.com/RunNerdGirl/status/1340749830897999875 

Last up, we cuddled up on the couch again to watch A Christmas Story. I love this movie. I spend most of it giggling and quoting it. We also live tweeting this one and you can see that silliness here: https://twitter.com/RunNerdGirl/status/1340754712791048194 

By the time the movie was over, it had been a long, fun Race Day. And if you are interested in hosting your own Elf and/or A Christmas Story Epic Virtual Race Day, good news, there are still a few days left to register. But don't wait too long, or you will end up saying FUUUUUUUUUGE and calling yourself a Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins. Here are the registration links:

• Elf Virtual Run: https://www.elfvirtualrun.com/virtual/

• A Christmas Story Virtual Run: https://www.achristmasstoryvirtualrun.com/virtual/ 

I cannot wait for our next big Virtual Race event, which looks like it is going to be the Hot Chocolate Charlotte 15K/5K. We haven't settled on our planning quite yet, but knowing the two of us, it is going to be another epic day! You can register here: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/charlotte/ to join us as well. Register with code HCBR20 and you will receive a Hot Chocolate 15K tech hat. 

So that's my take. You can check out Kim's account of our race day on her blog here: http://barkingmadaboutrunning.blogspot.com/2020/12/son-of-nutcracker-it-was-elf-virtual.html 

Running with #TeamRalphie and #TeamBuddy

I received entry into the A Christmas Story Virtual Run as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

I have an amazing running friend who always says to me when it comes to running, "If it's not fun, don't do it". I often hear her wise words when struggling through a tough race or race and ask myself, am I really having fun, an ultimately the answer is yes (even if I don't realize it at first). Ultimately, I love running and every run, even crap runs, make you just a bit better.

But I'll be honest, this year it has been a struggle to keep things fun. 2020 has been a lot. I've struggled through having knee surgery this year and basically everything that makes running fun has been cancelled or deferred. Finding the fun has been hard. So when I heard about the A Christmas Story and Elf Virtual Races, I totally thought to myself, this looks like an opportunity to make some fun! 

Always a party with this Festive Chick!

The moment I learned about the races, I messaged my trusting running bestie, Kim (aka BarkingMadAboutRunning) and told her we HAVE to plan one of our Epic Race Day Adventures (see here for our last one: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/06/run-for-zoo-virtual-recap.html. She was immediately in, because OF COUSE SHE WAS!! 

First off, I knew which races we would be doing. We've had this ongoing thing for years that Kim is super into Christmas to the extreme (basically Buddy) and I am way more of a Ralphie (I'd totally shoot my eye out) so she would be running the Elf Virtual Run and I would tackle the A Christmas Story Virtual Run. 

Race day will be Dec 20 and we are going to have an amazing race day event at Kim's house. We'll do our 5Ks in her neighborhood. After, we are planning themed events - Christmas treats and cheerful run for Elf and a Red Ryder BB shooting contest for ACS (her hubby actually has a REAL one!!) There will be décor and themed stuff for both movies. Then, we plan to watch both movies, and especially since I have never seen Elf (can you believe it) we are going to "live tweet" as we watch. So feel free to join in with us on Twitter the day of the event. We are still working out the time for maximum-festivity, but I will post. 

And speaking of joining us, why not go ahead and register as well! 

You can join #TeamRalphie here: https://www.achristmasstoryvirtualrun.com/virtual/ 

And #TeamBuddy here: https://www.elfvirtualrun.com/virtual/ 

The SWAG looks amazing and I cannot wait to receive it! 

If you have any other ideas of things we should plan for our race next week, please drop some suggestions in the comments below. I cannot wait, and will be sure to post all about it with tons of pictures after. You'll want to read the recap and find out if I shot my eye out! 

A Bat-tastic Virtual, Dynamic Duo Style

 I received entry into the DC Batman Virtual Run as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

When I first heard about the DC Batman Virtual Race, I wanted in cause who doesn't love Batman?! Especially when I knew the race was put on by RAM Racing, their SWAG is always top notch and this race was no exception. The 3/4 Zip is cool and comfy and the tech hat is awesome. Love the medal and we even received a GU Waffle (which, full disclosure, I ate before I technically earned it for my race). 

You were able to chose from 2 different distances, 5K or 10K, so the race is good for those of any level. And the beauty of a Virtual race is you can kind of create your own experience. Want to run it alone, do that. Want to race with friends, get them involved. You had a generous time frame to complete the race (between Sept 1 and Dec 1) and I typically run Virtuals near the end to maximize my training so I decided to run my race on Nov 28.

My original plan was to  race it alone for speed (see here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/11/running-with-caped-crusader.html), but a friend asked to join me and lone crusader race became a dynamic duo and I enjoyed it so much more.  We met at the Winthrop Coliseum at 6:30 am which was just a bit before the sun came up (stupid shorter daylight hours) to set off. The weather had been a bit spotty with rain threatening, but I decided to risk it and not run in a rain jacket and luckily my gamble paid off. There was a bit of drizzle off and on, but to be honest we didn't get much wetter than just normal sweating. 

We did run/walk intervals at first by feel, but settled into running for .9 mile and walking .1 over the 6.2 miles. It was really enjoyable to run with a friend without any real pressure in the early morning hours, so I was super glad she decided to join me. Our only real stop was a quick picture break at the halfway point, because the Fountain Park in Downtown Rock Hill is just too pretty, especially all lit up right before sunrise, that we just had to. 

We looped back to the Coliseum for triumphant "finish line" pics and I had finally earned my epic gear.

We even synced it up to run at the same time as 2 friends that live outside the area. We texted "Go" at the start and then video chatted after, showing off our medals and swag. 

 

Seriously this stuff is NICE! The 3/4 zip is super soft and a bit lined so it will be a perfect layer for winter runs. The tech hat is really comfy as well. And the medal is super cool! I mean, it is Batman, how could it not be. I love how the ribbon is double sided with the cool Batman log

Overall, it was a great event. I highly recommend any of the DC race series events.

So here's my question for you, so far, there have been  Wonder Woman and Batman Virtual, which is the next superhero you'd love to see a run feature? Let me know in the comments below! 

Virtual Overload!

  I received entry into the DC Batman Virtual Run and A Christmas Story Virtual Run as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

I love running races. Like a lot. The nervousness at the start line. The spectators cheering. The need to push myself to just pass one more person. The excitement of turning the corner and seeing the finish line. The atmosphere after. I have missed that all so much this year.

Without live races, I have been doing my best to stay motived and make do with Virtual Races. I've been doing a few here and there, but this week is a doozie of a race week for me, 3 Virtual Races!!

I will have earned all 3 of these by the end of the week! 

First up, I completed the Charlotte Marathon Virtual Half Marathon this past Saturday. I have been doing the Fleet Feet Fort Mill Half Marathon Training Group and this week we were scheduled for a 12 mile run and the date lined up with the last weekend of the Charlotte Marathon 17 day Virtual Racing window, so I figured, why not, what is 1.1 more miles! I love the Charlotte Marathon, it's my local larger race living just over the boarder from Charlotte and I've run it live several years, so I wanted to continue to support the race Virtually. Plus the SWAG was amazing. Seriously, in addition to the standard race shirt and medal, this year I also received a pair of Feetures socks, a hat of our choice and an extra shirt of our choice and a Novant Health Buff. I am so in love with my new #RunCharlotte light hoodie. I am totally a sucker for light hoodies. I talked another FFFM group member into running the 13.1 mile distance with me (seriously, after 12, what is 1.1 more!) so I had a bit of company. And, I finished the race a good 10 minutes faster than the virtual Half I ran 2 weeks earlier. So yay!

SWAG for DAAAAAAYS

Next up I am running the America's Turkey Trot tomorrow on Thankgsiving morning. This is one that I just had to register for due to the SWAG. Enmotive has some of the best race SWAG out there (those of you who run Hot Chocolate races know what I am talking about) and the Turkey Trot jackets looked AMAZING. So much so, I talked several friends into doing it with me. 2 of us are doing 10K while the others do 5K. The 10Kers are starting a half hour earlier and swinging back to pick up the 5Kers and we'll finish together. And then of course we will all don our amazing jackets and medals for a finish line fashion shoot!

Last up on Saturday I will be running the DC Batman Run 10K. You can see my full post about it here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/11/running-with-caped-crusader.html but long story short, Batman is cool and the SWAG is top notch! I am also excited about running this one full out (unlike the other Virtuals I am doing this week) to see where my 10K time is. I know it won't be as fast as a live race where I can compete with others, but my knee is feeling a lot better these days and I am consistently running under 11 pace these days so I am going to try to push as close to an hour as I can. My last "official" 10K was back in October where my knee was really struggling still and I ran a 1:14 time and I know I can beat that no problem. Also I am "meeting" a friend who lives in another area to run it with virtually. We're planning to start at the same time and checking in via video chat after. I'll be sure to post how I did after! 

Until then, I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Running with the Caped Crusader

 I received entry into the DC Batman Virtual Run as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

So 2020 is still doing it's thing so you know what that means, Virtual Races are still the primary type of races being offered. That's ok, this girl loves her a good virtual race! I've done several now (you can read about them all over this blog), covering the gambit of the my Top 5 Benefits of Racing Virtually - which you can check out here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-benefits-of-racing-virtually.html 

Now this next Virtual race I have coming up, this one I wanted to do purely for reason #2 - Earn Fun Bling. Seriously, you cannot get much cooler than Caped Crusader, and that is who this race is all about, Batman.

Just check out some of this awesomeness!

     🦇 Stylish Fitted
           Quarter Zip 

     🦇 Finisher’s Medal

     🦇 Tech Running Hat 

     🦇 Personalized Bib

Races have until December 1st to register and run their race, which is only a few weeks away, so don't delay if you want to join in. SWAG mails quickly, in fact, I have already received mine all waiting for me to run my 10K (there is also a 5K option). Since I am still making some slow, but steady progress from my knee surgery, I am waiting until the last minute to run my race, hoping to put in the fastest time possible. I was hoping to be able to break an hour, but that is looking a bit like a bridge too far yet, but I will certainly push my hardest. 

To register, visit: https://dcbatmanrun.com/virtual/. The shirts are long sleeve tech and are gender specific cut (you can choose which shirt option no matter the gender you register). There are also some fun add ons, a stainless steel water bottle or Batman neck gaiter, that you can purchase.

And lastly, a portion of each race registration will go to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 

America Runs Virtual 5K SWAG Breakdown

I received entry into the America Runs Virtual 5K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

On September 3rd, I ran the America Runs Virtual 5K. (You can read all about it here if you haven't yet: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-post-surgery-comeback-5k-america.html) The race dates were between July 27th and September 30th, and usually, when it comes to Virtual Races, I usually wait a bit closer to the end so I do not have to wait for the SWAG after I have already run (instant gratification, yo) but since I was specifically celebrating a milestone (12 weeks post surgery) I had a short wait to receive my goodies. 

Well, this weekend, everything came, and all I can say was it was worth the wait. Check out these awesome goodies! 

*Note, I shot an amazing video where I opened my package and showed off each piece, but of course, with my luck there was no audio on the video. So, since I am not sure how well you all are at reading lips, I decided to break down the goodies with images instead. 

Here is what I got:

Personalized Bib. It's a small thing, but thought it was really nice to have a Bib with my name on it and a specific number instead of a generic bib like many Virtual races do. Seemed more special.  

Super soft gender-specific shirt. Seriously, I wish you could feel this shirt. It is fitted and really nice. Not your run of the mill basic cotton-race tee.

Distressed Trucker Hat. Who doesn't love a cute hat? Especially this time of year when I am transitioning from visor to hats when running. 

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle. I've had this for 3 days and I have used it all 3 days now. I love it! I am a sucker for a good water bottle. I especially love the tight seal in that I can throw it in my gym bag and not worry about any leakage since my gym in BYOB now (water fountains off limits). 

Product Samples. So one thing I miss with Virtual Races vs Live Races is the fun of going to the Expo and trying out sponsor samples. So it was awesome to get this Sacred CBD lotion and GU Stroopwafel. (Full disclosure, I have already consumed my Stroopwafel. In my defense it was Coconut).

And of course, the main event. THE BLING! The medal is simply beautiful. Solid, colorful and has a custom 2020 finisher ribbon. 

And an added extra fun thing you can log into your registration account and log your time to download a custom finisher's certificate. And while this was literally my SLOOOOOOWEST recorded 5K, I am proud of this race accomplishment and what it symbolized in terms of my recovery. 

Want to earn your own amazing SWAG? You you have until the end of September to do register. Register here - https://americaruns.com/

My Post Surgery Comeback 5K - America Runs Virtual 5K

 I received entry into the America Runs Virtual 5K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

On June 11th, I had a lot of knee surgery. If you're a frequent reader of my blog, then you've heard me go on about it for the last 3 months since. If you are new, or somehow missed seeing me post about what exactly they did, you can catch up here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/07/current-status-broken-but-not-beaten.html

Long story short: I've been a pretty unhappy camper about the whole thing. I went 11 full weeks without running pretty much a single step. The first 4 weeks I couldn't even walk. 

But all the while during the waiting, I held tight to the original number that the surgeon had given me. 12 weeks. I would have to go 12 weeks without running. I knew when I was finally able to get back on the road, I wanted to celebrate with a race. But yeah, ummm... 2020 yo. No races.

Enter the America Runs Virtual 5K. The race dates were between August 1st and September 30th, the perfect time frame as my 12th week surgery anniversary was September 3rd. The SWAG was crazy sweet, consisting of a Finisher Medal, Ultra-soft T-Shirt, Distressed Trucker Hat, and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. And also, the America Runs Virtual 5K partnered up with the Gannett Foundation to donate to local COVID-19 recovery funds with a goal raising $1 Million in donations. The Gannett Foundation will disperse 100% of all money raised and donated to COVID-19 recovery state funds. It sounded perfect across the board, so I decided to make it my official Comeback Race!

I had spoken to my PT and the surgeon both on when to expect to get to run again. Nearish the end of August, both were pretty much saying the same thing, at my PT session the first week of Sept, I would give running a go. It was cutting it close, but I figured as long as I was officially cleared to run, I could struggle through a 5K. 

Lo and behold, on August 25th, I was surprised when my PT told me to get on the treadmill to see how a running attempt felt. Turns out, not great. But after adjusting a bit and going outside where I am much less awkward, I was given the green light to go ahead and start easing back into running. This gave me another week to work my way up to a 5K by the official 12-week post-surgery date. And boy did I need it. (Check out my previous blog post about staring running again here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/09/itll-come-back.html).

Feeling super meh about my first attempts to run

So after a few test runs where frankly, I sucked and couldn't keep a solid pace nor distance, all I really wanted to do was to run the 5K without stopping. Whatever the pace I hit, would be what it was, but I was determined to not stop. 

September 3rd came and I was ready as I was going to be. I laid out all of my gear the night before like a proper race and psyched myself up mentally. 

These are a few of my favorite things... 

I set out for my 5K, determined. Yes, I was slow, but I was steady. I had a familiar route around my immediate neighborhood that was mostly flat. And you know what, I did it. I ran my complete 5K with no stopping. And a bit more importantly, I ran it with no pain. I mean at least in my knee. Which I kept reminding myself was a pretty big accomplishment for being 12 weeks out of pretty major knee surgery. I'm glad that I was able to celebrate this milestone with an awesome race. When my packet with my bling and SWAG arrive, I will forever have a memento of the time I ran a 5K 12 weeks post-surgery. And the race experience itself was great for a Virtual, they sent lots of messages and kept runners excited about the event throughout. 

And while I have already done my race, if you are interested in running the America Runs Virtual 5K also to take advantage of the awesome SWAG, to donate to local Covid 19 charities and/or to celebrate your own running milestone, you have until the end of September to do so. Register here - https://americaruns.com/

And stay tuned. I cannot wait to show you my SWAG. I got a notification yesterday that it is on it's way to me! 

"It'll Come Back"

So I've been doing that thing where I haven't posted much on the blog lately because, well, I don't like talking about things that I frankly don't like. And I don't like recovery much at all. But I figured that it could be therapeutic to give an update so here goes...

I was cleared to start running again by my PT officially on August 25th. This was earlier than I expected and was pleasantly surprised. When I arrived to my session that afternoon, I started with my regular warm up (8 minutes on the stationary bike and calf stretches) and was told I was going to do a few strength exercises and if they went well, we'd try running. My first thought was OMG OMG OMG! (my second was I should have worn a better bra 🤣). After a few successful rounds of Straight Leg Lifts and Squats, I was told to get on the treadmill. While no treadmill fan, I was all in.

My PT started it up and had his finger on the Speed Up arrow and told me to say stop if I needed it. I think we all know I did not say stop. I was going to do this if it killed me. It felt bad, but not in a pain bad kind a way, in a I have forgotten how to run kind of way. I was awkward, I was stomping, I was basically a disaster. So much so, another PT came over for the following conversation:

Other PT: You don't run on a treadmill do you?

Me: (huff puff): No, I hate treadmills

My PT: You're bad at it

Other PT: Really bad at it. 

Me: Gee thanks, guys. Way to encourage me (huff puff)

Other PT: Seriously, you're super awkward at this. You're stomping. And you're too close. And you need to lengthen your stride. And bend your left knee more. But straighten your right leg more. And do you know, just do everything different. 

My PT: Yeah, maybe just stop. We can go outside instead. Do you wanna try outside?

Me: Yes! YES!!!! Just stop describing me, okay?

*Disclaimer, I really like the PTs. Super nice guys, but yeah, they're pretty causal and honest about everything. They also talk about ice cream EVERY.SINGLE.SESSION without fail.

I'd like to say that outside went better, which, I guess it did, but still, trying to run for the first time felt off. I left like I had totally forgotten how to run. It felt wrong. I was super discouraged. After running around in circles and making adjustments (bend more, bend less...) I had completed about a half a mile and was pretty disheartened. But I was running again. And my PT said to me - It'll come back. 

I was told to not run again that day, but go out and keep trying as I felt comfortable. No limits, just stop if it bothers you and keep trying. And it'll come back.

So the next day, after work, I went out for a run. It was AWFUL. It still felt wrong. I was SLOOOOOOOOW. I ran out of steam almost immediately. I had no endurance. I was not acclimatized to the 90+degrees out. I was frustrated at my inability to do something that used to come so easy to me. I felt defeated. 

Right after my first run. I'm smiling, but I don't mean it

When asked by my friends and family how it went, I told them and their reply was pretty much the same across the board - It'll come back. 

I took a day off. I went out again on Friday. It sucked again. It'll come back I was told again. 

On Saturday, I went to the track to test out running a mile. I only had to concentrate on forward, no terrain, no hills, no traffic, just forward. It still felt so awkward, but a little bit better. I managed to log a 11:13 pace mile. And it almost killed me to do it. To put that into perspective, the previous mile at that track was 7:32 pace. And that was about a month before my surgery when my knee was in pretty rough shape. I think my best mile on that track was just a bit under 7. It'll come back. 

I kept going out. Not being stupid or anything, not pushing too hard, but doing what I could to increase my miles and my endurance. I had high hopes that all the walking I had done would have made a difference, and maybe it did, but it didn't feel like it. 

I ran a Virtual 5K on Thursday, Sept. 3rd. My goal was to run it without stopping, which, thankfully I did. But my pace, my pace was crazy slow. My average pace was 12:40 per mile. The week before my surgery,  had run a Virtual 5K at an average 8:26 per mile pace. Yikes. 

And all along, everyone I know has asked me over and over again - How is the running going. Frustrating, I usually say. It'll come back is almost always the reply. I've grown to hate that reply. 

But you know what I've figured out in the last 3 weeks of struggling and pushing and being frustrated. No, no it won't come back. Not in the simple sense at least. I'll bring it back, kicking and screaming. I will start over pretty much from scratch and drag myself back. See the problem isn't that I am just learning how to run with a new, reformed knee. With the 4 weeks of immobility and 6 weeks of brace/crutches, I virtually lost every bit of muscle in my left quad. My leg feels hollow. The muscle cannot support my weight at times. That's not something that just comes back. It's something I have to build back. And it's frustrating. And it hurts. And I hate it. But I'll do it. Because this is important to me. And I want it very badly. 

So right now, I'm super frustrated. I'm angry at not being able to do the things I used to and feel like I should be able to. I'm mad at my body for now doing what I want it to. And I no longer love running like I used to. But, it'll come back. 

Because this is tough, but I'm tougher. 

Masking Up with Body Helix

 Disclaimer: I received a Body Helix Ultra-Light Face Mask 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 hey, this year has been a bit crazy right? There are so many things that have changed over the last few months due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. There are so many new terms added into our vocabulary these days: Zooming, Social Distancing, Blursday, Self-Isolating and of course, one of my least favorite, "New Normal".

Your New Normal can include any number of things that have become a part of your daily life since the pandemic has swept through that you never did before but now are considered "Normal". Maybe it is working from home, or virtual schooling. Maybe instead of your weekly dinner out, your New Normal is curb-side pick up. Another big one, is the wearing of a face covering while in public spaces.

Whether it is the desire to help protect other around you through voluntarily wearing a face covering, or maybe you live in an area where face coverings are mandatory in public, either way, face coverings seem like they are here to stay. I've tried a few, disposable, cloth, vented and so on. Of these, so far, my favorite in terms of comfort, protection and style is the Body Helix Ultra-Light Reusable and Washable Face Mask. It's also easy to care for and can be put right into the washing machine along with your regular laundry.

Quick Facts About the Body Helix Ultra-Light Face Mask*:

• Optional nasal bridge wire strip controls air leakage and glasses fog
• Flexible, closed-cell fabric prevents transmission of water, viruses, and germs
• Disposable filters reduce risk of transmission while maintaining breathability 
• Large over-the-ear strap design reduces ear discomfort during long-term wear
• Ultra-light, 0.5 mm ultra-thin fabric ideal for hot temperatures
• Unique non-slip fabric fits snugly to help reduce need for adjustments and minimizes contact between hands and face
  *from the BodyHelix website

For a Face Mask, this one is pretty darn comfortable. I've worn it all kinds of different places, both active and non-active, and never had any issues with breathing comfortably. Being able to choose a sizing based on measurements ensures that the mask fits snugly and the nose bridge helped keep the mask from fogging up my glasses and sunglasses. I also never had any issues with discomfort on my ears due to the wide straps and the material.

And when I say I wore it all kinds of places, I'm not kidding. 

These are the Top 10 Places that I have worn my Body Helix Ultra-Light Face Mask

10. On a Run

 9. To pick up Brunch after a Workout

8. To the Grocery Store

 

7. My local Coffee Shop

 

6. To Work

 

5. My local Brewery 

 

4. To Physical Therapy

 

3. To Burn Boot Camp (Gym)

 

2. To Run Club

 

1. On my Favorite Trail (Riverwalk) 

And right now you can order a Body Helix Ultra-Light Face Mask with a 15% off with discount code BR15 on orders if $40 on the Body Helix website: https://bodyhelix.com/product/ultra-light-face-mask/

Don't take just my word for it. Check out a few other of my fellow BibRave Pros' reviews:

Jessica - https://funsizeathlete.com/2020/08/31/bibrave-product-review-2020-must-have-body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask/

Steph  - https://bluegrassbamr.wordpress.com/2020/09/01/masking-up-to-runreview-of-the-body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask/

Erica - http://anotherhalfplease.com/2020/09/03/body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask-review/

Shannon - http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/product-review-body-helix-face-mask/

Brenda- https://brendaruns.tumblr.com/post/628369000239448064/review-body-helix-ultra-light-mask-disclaimer

Janelle - https://www.runwithnoregrets.com/2020/09/body-helix-face-mask-review/

Teddy - https://tmilesandrunning.wordpress.com/2020/08/26/lets-face-it-its-the-new-norm-body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask-review/

Charline - https://charbar1989.wordpress.com/2020/09/01/product-review-body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask/

Meredith - http://www.scootadoot.org/2020/09/01/road-tested-body-helix-ultra-light-face-mask/

Danielle - https://runningformylife2015.wordpress.com/2020/09/01/mask-up/