Warm Hands at the Flip of a Turtle

 Disclaimer: I received a pair of Turtle Gloves Weather Protect Heavyweight Warm 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!

Look, I'm just going to come right out and say it - This time of the year really sucks for the outdoor runner part of me. I am a girl who loves her weather warm, sunny and well above the temperature most runners prefer. I just hate, hate HATE being cold!!! (No really, I've said it before: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-winter-running-blahs.html)

But Lissa, don't you live in SC? Isn't it like 40-50 degrees most mornings in the winter? Usually, but not this year for some reason. We are riding into week like 3 or it being below freaking freezing in the morning!! Seriously, it was 24 degrees this morning!! And this is a girl whose preferred running temperature is above 80 degrees. Saying I am have not been thrilled is an understatement!

So what's a cold-natured girl to do? Why layer up of course.

But... I will even be the first to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, I tend to get carried away in the layering. Because of this, I love me some items that can transition as needed, like my Turtle Gloves Flip Mittens 🐢.

I've had both pairs of Lightweight and Midweight Turtle Gloves for awhile now and they are amazing. Just recently, Turtle Gloves developed a new, Weather Protect Heavyweight Flip Mitten made with Polartec® WindBloc® Fabric that is 100% windproof, water repellent, moisture wicking, breathable and fast drying. They are perfect for outdoor sports in cold and below freezing conditions. 

So how do they work? I'll let Turtle Gloves tell you themselves:

WEATHER PROTECT HEAVYWEIGHT Mittens are perfect for very cold hands, extreme cold Winter running, outdoor sports and activities such as dog walking, X-C skiing, ice-fishing or just shoveling snow. Easy access to fingers when needed. For HEAVY FABRICS, slide mitten slightly off fingers and lightly curl fingers inside mitten before flipping elastic trim edge over all fingers and thumb, push and pull mitten as needed to expose fingers. Similar method to flip back into the mitten. - from: https://turtlegloves.com/product/convertible-mittens-warm/

Basically, they go from being full mittens, to fingerless gloves with a quick flip. So when I start out my run and am cold AF, I can have them in full mitten mode. Then a few miles in when (if) I warm up, I can flip them easily into fingerless mode without even breaking stride. And, when I start to get chilly, I can can flip them back just as easily. And I do, near constantly. Flip/Filp/Flip - easy peasy. Perfect for a girl like me who's temperature sensitive.

My favorite things about them are that they are easily convertible, and they come in smaller sizes, including XS, for people like me with small hands than most "sport" gloves I've worn in the past. It also doesn't hurt that they are cute! Mine are Heavy Gray/Silver. I just love the cute silver stitching on them. Functional and sparkly! What is not to love?

Interested in trying them out for yourself? You can order online at the Turtle Gloves website: https://turtlegloves.com/ They also have lightweight, midweight and fleece convertible mittens as well. 

Do You Like Pina Colada and Running Long in the Rain? - New UCAN Pineapple Edge Review

I received a pair of a variety of UCAN products including the new UCAN Edge Pineapple as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

I started using UCAN products when I was training for my first marathon back in 2018. They have no sugar which can cause spikes and crashes in energy and instead use a corn based starchy base that delivers a consistent source of energy. When I was doing super long runs, I would mix up some of the Energy Powder (Cran-Raz was my favorite) with 10 oz of water, drink before my run and be good to go for like 10-12 miles. 

When I first heard about the Edge Fuel to Go gels, I decided to try those as well since I had such good results with the Energy Powder. Not only did they also have no sugar and use the same LIVSTEADY base (though back then it was called SuperStarch) but these were gels that you didn't need to chase with a bunch of water after. They are best when consumed 30 minutes before your run (or any exercise really) and then again after about 60 minutes if your workout is longer than 90 minutes. 

When I first started using UCAN Edge gels, there were 2 flavors, Orange and Strawberry Banana with Orange being my favorite.

Well, I am sorry Orange, you are gonna have to move over because Pineapple has just been introduced and it is SO GOOD! They taste like summer. Like sipping from a Pina Colada on the beach. Seriously, they are crazy yummy. I was given an awesome opportunity to share some with my friends at the Fleet Feet Running Club Open House to kick off their Fall Training season and everyone who tried them loved them. I opened one up and gave small samples on spoons for people to try the taste and every single person who tried it took a full pack to use on their next run. A couple even opened them right up to use for that evening's workout! 

Would you like to try a sample?...

"Heck Yeah" said Hannah!

My girl Terri here busted straight into hers and then ran 3 miles

The whole team had a fun time trying out the Pineapple flavor! I know it is going to be my go to flavor going forward for sure! 

UCAN also has Energy Bars which I am a bit sad to have not known about until very recently. See in the past I have eaten random energy bars prior to a race or run so when I learned about UCAN Energy Bars it seemed like a no-brainer to have one of them instead of whatever I randomly grabbed at the store since I clearly do well with their other products. Well I am happy to report that I am just as pleased with their Energy Bars as I am their other products. Cherry Berry Almond is my favorite flavor and they also have Salted Peanut Butter and  Chocolate Almond Butter. I recently gave them the ultimate test eating one before my last 10K and yay, all was well both energy and gastrointestinal wise. They are also really good as mid-day snacks to help curb hunger cravings. They have no added sugar and are also made with the LIVSTEADY base. 

So, do you want in on this yumminess? You can order your own UCAN products on their website at https://ucan.co/ and use discount code: BIBRAVE25 - to get 25% off your order (no bundles or subscriptions) good thru 10/9/2022.

The ULTIMAte Summer Refresher - Now in Mocktail Flavors

 Disclaimer: I received an Ultima Replenisher sample pack 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 hot, so humid... basically SC Summer

So you may have heard me mention a time or two that I live in the hot and humid South. Now don't take that fact as a complaint, I am the first to admit that I am not built for cold weather running. No sir, give me 90 degrees over 30 degrees any day of the week. If that means a heaping helping of humidity, so be it.

Being a hot weather runner, I've come up with a number of strategies to make things easier on myself (see my top tips here) and perhaps the biggest thing to keep in mind is to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!!! And in the heat of the summer sun, drinking just water is not enough, you need a balance of electrolytes in order to replenish the sweat loss during a run (or any strenuous activity really). 

And while most people just think of Sodium when it comes to electrolytes, did you know that there are actually 6 main minerals that make up electrolytes? Well if not, I didn't either until I learned about Ultima Replinisher a few years ago - a clean electrolyte supplement. Ultima contains all 6 essential electrolyte minerals - Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Chloride, Sodium and Magnesium. For more information on what each of these minerals do for your body, check out the Ultma website here: https://www.ultimareplenisher.com/electrolytes/

Ultima Replinisher also boasts a few other benefits, in addition to including all 6 essential minerals, worth mentioning. 

• Has Zero Sugar, Carbs or  Calories
• Sweetened by Organic Stevia
• Gluten-Free
• Vegan
• Non-GMP
• Keto Friendly
• Paleo Friendly
• All Natural
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or synthetic colors
• Super fast to dissolve - fastest dissolving electrolyte supplement I've ever tried in fact
• Comes in either convenient sticks or waste-reducing tubs (including scoop)

But yeah, it's awesome for you, but how does it taste? Honestly, it is my go-to hydration choice for a couple of reasons, and the taste is one of the biggest (another is that the stick pack dissolve so very quickly).  I can honestly say Ultima tastes like something I would actually drink even if it weren't scientifically beneficial to me. That is to say, it actually tastes really good! 

But with that said, Ultima has totally outdone itself recently with introducing 3 new AMAZING Mocktail flavors. And holy heck are they good!! So refreshing and so tasty, especially on ice after a nice hot run. The new flavors are:

1. 
   
   1. Peach Bellini - My post long run choice for refueling. I think this is my favorite flavor and reminds me of one of my favorite places to race, Savannah, GA and southern hospitality.  
   
   
2. 2. Coconut Pina Colada- "Do you like Pina Coladas?" I sure do! And this one is perfect for hydrating on your rest days to prepare your body for your next day's workout. I've even sipped one in the rain... 
   
   
3. 3. Appletini - Green really means GO with this fun flavor. There's nothing quite as refreshing as putting your speed workout to the max and then refresh with a tart Appletini. 

Interested in trying out Ultima Replenisher for yourself? Sign up for the newsletter at ultimareplinisher.com and receive 20% off your first purchase

You can also purchase Ultima Replenisher locally at stores all over. To find your closest Ultima retailers, check out their store locator here - https://www.ultimareplenisher.com/store-locator/

And be sure to follow Ultima on Socials for news and product updates:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Run to Escape: Pantheon Party Edition

 I received entry into the Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

I told you I would report back when I completed the entire Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus running experience, so true to my word here I am. Missed the first part of this adventure, catch up here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-new-kind-of-running-experience-run-to.html

But to catch you up to speed for now, here's a quick overview of just what Run to Escape is all about. First off, let me get the biggest misconception out of the way... This is NOT a virtual race. This is something entirely new!

Virtual Races are SO 2020

So then what is it? Run to Escape is the first of its kind, fun and challenging running experience that pairs fitness with escape room style puzzles to unlock 6 challenges progressing through an interesting and engaging storyline to help the goddess Atalanta join the Olympian Pantheon. So it's not something you just sign up for, do one run and are just done with, but instead it is 6 challenges, each different as far as distances and what kind of puzzle solving skills you need to progress through the story. 

Each challenge is presented to you live while you are running through audio messages which really help to make the miles fly by. But also, you don't have to worry about missing anything important while you run as you will have an email from Hermes for each challenge with the puzzle to solve and also links where you can replay the audio at your leisure. Get stumped? Now worries there either, Hermes also gives you some links to hints if you need them. Each hint gives a bit more info and the final one has the answer just in case you are really really stuck. 

Atalanta, the goddess you're helping

So here's basically how it goes (spoliler free version). You register and an email will arrive from Hermes inviting you on your first challenge. He'll give you the details of what you are trying to accomplish, you are tasked with helping the Greek goddess Atalanta, the goddess of running to become the 13th Olympian and take a seat on Mt. Olympus. The current 12 Olympians are making her complete challenges to prove her worth, and she has chosen a mortal (you) to help her complete 6 challenges from Olympians who would deny her bid. Each of these 6 Olympians, challenge you to run a certain distance (I am being vague because your first challenge is to discover your first run distance, but each run is between 5K and 10K). 

Aftershokz, yo

These runs are powered by the RunKeeper App and there is a link in your email to add the race to the app. To run your distance, simply open the app, choose the Explore option and choose the challenge. On the next screen that comes up, make sure you toggle the Race Mode Audio button so you download the audio for the run. To make sure you can clearly hear the audio during your run, I recommend using headphones. I further recommend Aftershokz Bone Conducting headphone so you can be safe by hearing both your audio cues and your surrounds. Then tap Track Race Now and head out. Within the first minute, you will hear the voice of the god or goddess that challenged you speaking to you. They will keep you entertained on your run, give you clues and explain their puzzle. Each run has 4 audio sections spread out over the run. 

When you finish your run, it's back to your email to solve the puzzle. Think basic logic puzzles, or the kind of things that you would encounter in an Escape Room. Gain, don't stress too hard as if you need some help there is help available. Also, you will be invited to a Slack discussion board where you can discuss the challenge with others who are participating as well. Each challenge has an In Progress board and a Completed board so you can avoid spoilers.

So yeah, that is basically the process. You can kind of go at your own pace, and do your runs whenever is most convenient for you. You will know the distance of your next run before you set out so you can plan your runs (super key for me). Want to finish all in one week, you can. Want to do one run per week, no problem. I finished the whole quest in just under 2 weeks cause I'm impatient. 

I mean, look at these prizes!! 

In addition to the fun, immersive storyline and experience, the mortals who embark on this quest will have lots of opportunities to win really cool prizes from Run to Escape partners like Aftershokz, Knockaround, BibRave, RunKeeper and others. Every week someone who is registered will win a pair of Afershokz, a pair f Knockaround sunglasses and a truly epic pair of gold and white Adidas sneakers. 

And once you complete all of the challenges you get invited by Zeus to attend an epic Pantheon Party where each of the 6 gods and goddesses who challenged you awards you with goodies such as music playlists, godly recipes and partner brand discounts. Plus, finishers are also eligible to win the same prizes as above! It's more like a Prize Party than a Pantheon Party! 

To embark on this awesome new running experience, register here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/ I have a discount code to sweeten the deal. Use code BIBRAVE10 to save 10% off your entry. 

Still a bit unsure? I get it, new things can be scary. Well, since I've completed the challenges, feel free to AMA: ASK ME ANYTHING!! (Except spoilers, though I may be open to sending you ar few hints). Also, RtE has a very flexible refund policy if you try it and decide it’s not for you. So why not try something new for once?

A New Kind of Running Experience: Run to Escape Launches This Week!

I received entry into the Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

So we've all been doing this "New Normal" thing awhile now, yeah? We've all changed the way we work, socialize, exercise, basically everything over the past year plus. And while I know races have been doing the best that they can as far as offering Virtual options to keep us motivated to still get out there and pound out the miles, really, all the innovation has been up to the individual runners to make things fun for themselves. You know I've been the champ at that with creative routes, coming up with my own special challenges, hosting live events for friends and so on, but even I have gotten to the point where I am tired of more of the same.

But finally, I've found something truly new: a brand new, immersive running experience where you embark on an epic adventure to test your wits and your fitness. Think running paired with escape room style logic puzzles and that will give you a good idea of what the new Run To Escape experience is. 

Run to Escape is launching their first (of hopefully many) missions: Mission Mt. Olympus. The storyline in a nutshell (without spoilers) is that the Greek goddess Atalanta, the goddess of running is trying to become the 13th Olympian and take a seat on Mt. Olympus. The current 12 Olympians are making her complete challenges to prove her worth, and she has chosen a mortal (you) to help her complete 6 challenges from Olympians who would deny her bid. 

Atalanta, goddess of running and who you'll help claim a place on Mt. Olympus

HOW IT WORKS
(from the Run to Escape webpage here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/)

"Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus, presented by Runkeeper™, is a first-of-its-kind, virtual experience that mixes running with the clues, codes, and explosive popularity of escape rooms. For those seeking a more immersive, fulfilling virtual experience, Run to Escape is an addictive blend of motivation, dopamine, entertainment, and endorphins."

Basically, once you register for the mission, you will get an email from Hermes with all the details that you need to get started. You'll need to download RunKeeper if you don't have it already, and through the email link, you will send your mission to your RunKeeper account where it will be waiting for you when you are ready in the Races tab. You then download the race audio and press Track Race Now. As you run (or walk) you will hear audio cues when you reach certain distance markers that will guide your challenge. Because of this, the experience is only available to those physically moving for the challenge, so no treadmills. It is highly recommended that you use some sort of headphones so you hear the clues clearly while you run. I use Aftershoks (see pic to the left) so I can hear not only the clues, but also have the benefit of hearing all of the surrounding noises around me like traffic and so on. Safety first, yo!

Each of the 6 challenges is presented by a different Greek god and Hermes acts as the official messenger (as expected) and sends emails with important information before and after each challenge. I've only done 1 challenge so far, but it was really fun listening to the audio and over the course of 5K, I want to say I got 4 messages in addition to the introduction message that played about a minute after I first hit go. 

I don't want to give away any spoilers but I completed my first mission on Sunday and well, let's see if you can guess which of the Greek gods was the one to sponsor my challenge by my post run celebratory picture. It was good luck that I chose to start and finish my 5K at a brewery is all I am going to say. But doing the challenge was really neat. There was a nice gentle harp sound that played right before the audio did both to keep from startling you and to give you a moment to pay attention to the information that was given. And no worries if you missed hearing something, when you finish your miles, Hermes sends you an email with the challenge information including the audio recordings in case you need to hear them again. If if you are really stumped, there are also hints. When you solve the clue, you enter the answer into the registration page on your Race Roster page (there will be a link emailed to you also) and if you are correct, you will get the next mission emailed to you. 

I am pleased to say I solved the first challenge and have received the info for my 2nd, which I plan to complete tomorrow morning. I plan to do another update on the series as a whole once I complete all 6 missions, which should be by the end of the month. So stay tuned! And if you have any questions, feel free to comment below or DM me on any of my socials. I am @runnerdgirl on Insta, Twitter and FB if you don't follow me already. 

If you think this sounds fun and you want to try out this brand new running experience, you can learn more about it here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/ The registration hasn't quite gone live yet (as of this blog post going live that is), it opens up on Wednesday, April 21, but you can enter your email address in to get notified as soon as it goes live. And, when it does, I have a discount code to sweeten the deal. Used code BIBRAVE10 when you do register to save 10% off entry. 

In addition to the fun, immersive storyline and experience, the mortals who embark on this quest will have lots of opportunities to win really cool prizes from Run to Escape partners like Aftershokz, Knockaround, BibRave, RunKeeper and others. Serious, I know I keep saying I do not want to spoil anything, but I saw one of the upcoming prizes and let's just say I really really hope I am eligible to win. Cause WOW! 

And lastly, let me leave you will a little challenge to whet your whistle. See if you can solve the riddle below. If you can, you're totally ready to embark on Mission Mt. Olympus! 

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! 

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! 

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/