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 11 Things I Race In: My Around the Crown 10K Kit

Last weekend I ran one of my favorite local races, the Around the Crown 10K. This race is an iconic Charlotte Experience, the I-277 Loop that circles the city of Charlotte is shut down for the morning for the race. It's just a really cool thing to be able to run literally around the city like that and get views that would otherwise be impossible as a runner since pedestrians are strictly forbidden on the interstates. There's no other race quite like it here in Charlotte. 

One way that I prepare for a race is to lay out all of my gear into a Flat Runner the night before in order to make sure that I have everything I need. This keeps me from rushing around in the morning and potentially forgetting a vital piece of gear. And of course, if I am going to go to the trouble of laying it all out, I'm gonna take a picture and post it. That's just fun.

Today I thought I would go through my Flat Runner layout from Around the Crown to show you my race day gear. 

First off, I would like to mention that on occasion I receive items as BibRave Pro, Fleet Fleet employee and/or brand ambassador for no charge. Please note that items that I received at no charge previously have been marked with a *. No items in this posting were provided specifically to review for this posting and are all items that I purposefully chose to race in. With that out of the way, here's my racing kit.

Starting from the top to the bottom, here's what I personally race in. Again, these are my personal preferences and I am not specifically promoting any of these items beyond saying these are the items that work best for me. Every runner is different and what works for me may not work for you, but if you have any questions about any of these items, just ask in the comments below and I am happy to give more details. I have provided links for each item's official website as well. 

1. So my first item, I totally forgot to put into flat lay but I always race in a visor, and my brand of choice is Headsweats. This is because simply, my head sweats, a lot when I run. Wearing a Headsweats visor keeps the sweat from running down into my eyes while the lip of the visor gives my eyes a bit more shading for either the sun or rain depending on conditions. I prefer a visor to a hat because, not sure if you have noticed but I have A LOT of hair. My head gets pretty hot with all of that hair.
   
   
2. Aftershokz Bone Conduction Headphones*. Music totally helps motivate my run, but it is never a good idea to not be able to hear your surroundings for a number of reasons, so that is why I am a HUGE fan of Aftershokz! The bone conduction technology allows you to hear your pump up jams while still being about to hear things like traffic, race instructions, your fellow runners, everything basically. Mine are the Aeroplex (now called Open Run) and they are super lightweight, comfortable and waterproof.
   
   
3. Knockaround Sunglasses* Lightweight, affordable and cute as all get out, Knockarounds are my sunglasses of choice. I especially like their Sport model for running as they have rubberized nose pads to prevent slipping and bounce. I ended not wearing them during the race because it was extremally cloudy and overcast which made me a bit sad. Typically, I never run without a pair of Knockarounds (full disclosure, I have about 20 pair). I am a Knockaround Ambassador and you can read more about that here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2022/01/from-sunglasses-hoarder-to-knocksquad.html
   
   
4. Muzino Racerback Tank Top. I am not even sure of the exact style nor if they even sell this exact item any longer as I bought this tank top from Fleet Feet Sports Fort Mill probably 5 years ago. It's super lightweight and comfy. I actually have 2 (the other is a different color). The reason I chose this tank top for this race for a rather silly one. This was my 3rd Around the Crown race (4th if you count the Virtual one in 2020) and well, I noticed in my Facebook Memories posts this past week that I apparently wore this same tank top to the last 2 live races, so why break tradition? 
   
   
5. Brooks Racer Bra and Shorts. Like the previous item, both of these Brooks items are no longer available for sale which is a shame as I love them. I have 2 pair of these shorts, they are the perfect length (5-inch tights) and have a back zipper pocket that fits my phone. I really wish they still made them. That said, I still buy Brooks apparel, they are some of my favortie things to run in. My advice for you would be to if you find something you like, buy multiple because they change out their apparel offerings frequently. Same with the Racer bra. Both items were bought at Fleet Feet Sports Fort Mill. 
   
   
6. Nathan Sports Speed Draw. Typically I do not carry water during races instead relying on the aid stations, however, Around the Crown is a race that focuses a lot on sustainability and does their water stations just a bit different from typical races (and from year to year). Not knowing exactly what to expect and with it being a pretty hot and super humid race, I carried my handheld to make sure I would have water when I wanted it. It was a good call too. The aid station was at mile 4 and I for sure needed water before then. The Speed Draw holds 18 oz and is comfortable to carry. I train with it regularly for runs over 4 miles. 
   
   
7. Another item not in the picture but clearly necessary for race day, my Garmin Forerunner. Prior to my Garmin, I used an Apple Watch and let me tell you, Garmin is by far the way to go for me. Apple Watches do lots of cool things and happen to track fitness as well. Garmin is designed to track fitness/running. There is no comparison when it comes to the GPS accuracy, stats you get and Garmin Connect Community. There is a reason that Garmin is the most popular running watch.
   
   
8. Pro-Tec Patellar Tendon Strap. If you've read this blog before, you may have seen me mention several times about my crap knees and how I've had a few surgeries to fix them up. The left knee seems to have gotten on board with being a functional limb while the right is still taking it's sweet time. Recently I started using this patellar strap to give a bit of extra support to my right knee and honestly it's helped loads. I wish I had been running with it sooner tbh. 
   
   
9. Feetures Socks*. Not only did runners get some cute Recover shirts, but we also all got a pair of Feetures socks. I love Feetures. And while these were brand new socks I got at the expo the day before and the rule is never run in something new, I have run in these exact socks for years so I wore them with no hesitation. Feetures have targeted compression, have seamless toes, are moisture wicking and are super soft.
   
   
10. Saucony Endorphin Speed 2*. These are my current go-to racing shoe. Light weight, responsive, comfortable and fast. I mean just look at the checkboard! A friend of mine referred to these as Ricky Bobby shoes and now that is just their name. They are bouncy and fast and best yet, hug my narrow feet in a way that makes them fit like a glove. These were my first pair of Saucony shoes and they will not be my last. They are used exclusively (almost) on race days. 
    
    
11. UCAN Energy Bar*. My pre-race snack to give myself a bit of an energy boost right before the race. 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 with 10 oz of water, drink before my run and be good to go for like 10-12 miles. I've used their Edge gels also mid-run and loved the results. In the past I have eaten random energy bars prior to a race or run so I figured why not try the UCAN Energy Bars since I clearly do well with their other products. Of course I tried a few before race day on longer runs, but was happy to find that these worked just as well for me as all other UCAN products. Cherry Berry Almond is my favorite flavor, but I ran out of these already (cause yum) so this one was the Salted Peanut Butter (they also have Chocolate Almond Butter). 

So there you have it. My race day kit. And here is everything in action! Taken at mile 5.5 of the 10K. 

And here you'll see one last piece of race day gear that I picked up after I finished... 

The Medal! 

Have any questions about the items I race in/with? Just ask. Do you have a go-to race day necessity that I didn't mention or might not know about? Tell me about it in the comments as well. 

Comfort Meet Style: Nabee Compression Sock Review

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Nabee Socks 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! 

There's a question that I see a lot online - Should I run with Compression Socks? It's a question that can spark lots of debate with runners. Scientific studies have shown to be inconclusive, but in general, purely on anecdotal evidence, many runners believe that compression during a run helps them with muscle fatigue and for recovering much more quickly. Most agree that post-run, they are for sure super effective.

For me personally, I primarily wear compression socks for main 3 reasons: 

First, and probably foremost, I use compression socks for long runs (those over 10 miles). I suffered from reoccurring shin splints when I first started running and compression seemed to really help me. For the past several years now, I have worn compression socks for pretty much all of my longer races, Half Marathons (and my single Marathon) and occasionally for shorter distances too. Maybe it is just the mental aspect of them, feeling the snug comfort brings a bit more confidence more so than actual science based reason, but for whatever reason, they do well for me in preventing muscle fatigue. 

Second, I use them for recovery. When I have had rough run or race, nothing feels as good as wrapping my sore legs in an nice warm hug of compression socks. They work to increase blood circulation in your legs helping to aid in quicker recovery. The times I remember to slip on a pair of compression socks after a particularly long or rough run, I have always felt better faster than the times that I haven't. They are awesome.

Third, I wear compression socks when I go trail running, especially when wearing shorts. This is for two reasons 1) for the same reason as mentioned above in my first point, my trail runs tend to be longer and they help with muscle fatigue and 2) to help keep bugs, thorns, sticks, and poison ivy away from my legs. I cannot tell you how many times I have avoided scrapes, bites or plant irritations thanks to tall compression socks. 

I've tried several brands of compression socks, so I was very interested when given the opportunity to try out Nabee Socks recently. So what did I think? I can honestly say that Nabee are the most comfortable compression socks that I have ever worn. Seriously, they are super soft and feel amazing on.

One of the reasons that Nabee Socks are so comfortable is that the company founder of was a nurse and originally created this product for nurses who would wear them for super long shifts. Nabee uses its own non binding, non slip design to keep the socks from sliding down but also doesn't constrict by loosening the cuff so it doesn't bind. I literally wore these after a crazy rough trail run all the rest of the day (under a pair of PJ pants) and totally forgot I had them on they were so comfy.

Another huge plus for me is that they come in super cute designs. Seriously, it was so hard for me to pick one when placing my order and I finally defaulted to classic black stripes since most of my running shorts are black, but I so plan to order some more of the brighter, more fun colors now that I know how amazing they work for me. Nabee Socks are one of the only FDA-registered, medical-quality, designer compression socks on the market. Fun, fashionable and super effective, what's not to love!

What about you? Do you wear compression socks? 

If you are interested in checking out Nabee Socks for yourself, I can pass you a discount code - BIBRAVE20 for 20% off good for any sock purchase, but it is only good for one use per customer. I am thinking about getting the Louie style for my next purchase. 

And for a limited time, when you buy one pair of Nabee Socks, they will donate two pairs to frontline healthcare workers who are fighting the COVID-19 virus! Help yourself and others at the same time! How awesome is that?

A Running Horror Story- The Tale of Ultra Chafing 😱

Disclaimer: I received Handful’s The Closer Bra 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!

Gather round close kids, for I am about to tell you a horror story. But don't worry, this one has a happy ending. It's about one of the most scariest things that can happen to a female runner... CHAFING FROM YOUR SPORTS BRA!!!! /cue dramatic scream 😱😱

Let's go back to the beginning shall we. Once upon a time (like 3 months ago actually), I had a super crazy idea that I was going to run an Ultra. I wrote a blog post about it here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-ultra-that-wasnt.html. It's a long, sad story, but I will summarize - I trained a lot, in the cold of winter, for lots and lots of hard trail miles, and ultimately, the Ultra was cancelled due to a massive storm. /cue sad noises 😢😢

Here I am about 6 miles in, all layered up with
the race's namesake Millstone

So before the cancelling happened, however, came the story that I came to tell you today. I'll set the scene for you. I'm planning to spend long hours in the woods, in the cold, running hard technical trails. I need water for my run. I need warmth for my run. Meeting this will require many, many layers (did I mention, I'm a Southern girl who HATES being cold?). So I'm all geared up - on top I've got a sports bra, base layer, jacket, vest and hydration pack on. And I do my 21 mile run. And it is long and sweaty (I do end up tying the jacket around my waist at one point). 

And as I'm running, I start to feel, something. Something on my shoulders isn't quite right. It feels pinchy. And itchy. And just wrong. You ladies know what I am talking about I bet. I adjust as I run, but I suspect that I am in for a world of hurt later. 

Smiling cause I'm done with 21 miles
Gritting my teeth a bit, cause OW!

So I finish my LOOOOOOONG run. And I'm feeling accomplished. But by now, I know that I am chafed. And not just a little. But I'm completely sweaty and starting to cool down in the cold and need to get into a hot shower before I start to loose feeling in my fingers. There is no delaying the SHOWER OF PAIN!!

I remove my clothes. Yup, there are large red welts on my shoulders, one much worst than the other. I turn on the hot water. I take a deep breath knowing what is about to happen, and step into the shower...

So yeah, on January 29th around 1 pm, if you heard a strange high pitched noise that you couldn't identify, but made every dog in the neighborhood stop for a moment, that was probably my scream of the shower water hitting my sweaty, chafed shoulders. The pain was the worst chafing I had ever had in my time as a runner. It was insane. I cursed the entire shower. There was some sobbing. My shoulders were not just red, they were welted and bloodied. Afterwards, I took that sports bra from out of the laundry and threw it into the trash. I am not even kidding.

This was taken 2 days later. 😭

Luckily... I had just ordered a brand new Handful Closer Bra which boasts having - "Smooth, non-chafing, quick-dry fabric"- from the Handful website. And even luckier it arrived the next day, because I'll be honest, I was a bit terrified to run again with my shoulders, and since I'm doing a daily running challenge, I couldn't wait it out to heal up. So on went my Handful bra and off I went on the road.

Same gear, same trails, different result!
No chafing AT ALL

And like I said, HAPPY ENDING, it worked like a charm! It was supportive, comfortable and not only no chafing, but no pain on my already pained shoulders. I've worn it for every long run I've had since (plus a few other activities like Boot Camp classes and a 2 hour Self Defense Class).

So if you do not want to end up like poor me and take the world's most painful shower, you should try out a Handful Closer Bra for yourself. Or any of their other bras, all of which have the chafe-free bands. Some of my other BibRave Pro Sisters have tried out the Y-Backs and have all reported good things. I've even have a 20% off discount code to share for a bit of added incentive, if not fearing the shower isn't quite enough. Use code BIBRAVE20 on the handful.com website.

Soft, Comfortable, and Supportive: Handful Closer Bra Review

Disclaimer: I received Handful’s The Closer Bra 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!

Fun Fact: The average female runner's breasts travel approximately 3 miles in bounce when running a marathon* 

That's crazy! And one of the reasons that I am always on the look out for an amazing sports bra, one that will keep the girls locked in and closer to my legs' mileage instead of running off ahead of me. Seriously, and I have no shame. I will totally hit up my fellow lady friends about their bras in random conversations. Last Fall, my girl - BarkingMadRun receive a Handful Bra at The Running Event. The second I saw her post about it, I IMed her - Hey, tell me more about that bra. She had nothing but amazing things to say, so I knew I had to try it. Luckily, I too got the opportunity to try a Handful bra - The Closer.

Yo, she was right. This is a pretty great bra. Here's the official details from the Handful website:

• Removable Lights Out™ Pads
• Front zip for easy on/off
• Smooth, stretchy, and supportive performance fabric
• Soft, moisture-wicking lining
• Quick-dry polyester/spandex shell
• Breathe easy with power mesh
• Adjustable straps – lengthen or shorten for custom fit

And here's my un-official purely my opinion details after wearing it for the following activities - running, strength training, yoga, recovery and dorking it up on my brother's trampoline:

• This bra is super soft! It's really comfortable to wear. In fact, I packed it as a part of my post-marathon outfit
  

• No chafing issues, which I often have. My first run with it was in an unexpected rainstorm and I had nary a mark on me. 
  

• I like that it is pretty high cut in the front. I've had bras that show a bit too much cleavage for a sports bra and it always makes me a bit self conscious, esp at the gym. 
  

• Super easy zipper front - Yo, I wore my Closer for Arm Day this week at Burn and man, I'm not sure I could have wrestled my way out of a traditional sports bra after. Bonus points for not being able to feel the zipper at all. I had another zipper front sports bra that I could never quite adjust it to the point where the zipper wasn't an issue. No problems with this one. There's also a cute little hook to hold the bra closed while you line up the zipper
  

• It's cute!  Not a deal breaker/maker, but having cute things is nice. Esp since it does peek out a bit in the front on most of my running tops, but I don't mind a bit because it is really cute. I picked the Spoon Me silvery color for this reason. The back is also nice, but the way it is designed I've never seen it sticking out from my racer-back tanks, but again, I wouldn't mind if it did. 

  

  Did I fail to mention the yoga I wore it to was Cat Yoga! 

• Let me talk real quick about the Lights Out Pads. Okay, I'm not a padded bra kind of girl. I'm one to pretty much remove the pads, never to be seen again, really for 2 reasons - first, I don't need them, and second, once they come out, good luck getting them back in right without looking lumpy. Well, with my Closer, I decided to get the full experience and wear the pads for my post-marathon comfort outfit, so back in the pads went. And to my delight, the pads have idiot(me)-proof instructions on the back! Seriously, they not only identify right/left and up/down, but also have little hands to show you the correct direction. FREAKING BRILLIANT! 

  

  Even I can put these back in proper!

Overall, I am super happy with my Handful Closer Bra and will be taking advantage of their BibRave partner discount - using discount code "BIBRAVE" for 10% off on their website: https://handful.com/ to get at least another one if not more (you can totally use this discount code too!) 

*Figure based on information from Michelle Norris, senior research associate in the department of sport and exercise science at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. who estimated that breasts move on avg 15 cm per stride with an avg stride of 4.4 ft.

To Compress, or Not To Compress

Disclaimer: I received a pair of CEP 3.0 Tall Socks 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! 

There's a question that I see at least once per week on Twitter or Facebook - Should I run with Compression Socks? It's a question that can spark lots of debate with runners. Scientific studies have shown to be inconclusive, but in general, purely on anecdotal evidence, many runners believe that compression during a run helps them with muscle fatigue and for recovering much more quickly. Most agree that post-run, they are for sure super effective.

Me (and my BBB crew) post RnR Savannah - Wore compression socks,
bought from the Expo, got new Half Marathon PR. Coincidence?

For me, I use compression socks for long runs (those over 10 miles) and for recovery both. I suffered from reoccurring shin splints when I first started running and compression seemed to really help me. For the past 2 or 3 years now, I have worn compression socks for pretty much all of my races, all Half Marathons (and my single Marathon) and occasionally for shorter distances too. Maybe it is just the mental aspect of them, feeling the snug comfort brings a bit more confidence more so than actual science based reason, but for whatever reason, they do well for me. 

Color cooridination FTW!

Based on recommendations, I've tried a few different brands of compression socks, but my favorite by far are CEP. My local Fleet Feet Sports recommended CEP for me initially and they are the brand that I've been the most comfortable in. They fall into the category of a bit on the pricey side, but worth every penny - I try very hard to purchase quality items that cost more but last much longer lives and thus, cheaper in the long run. CEP are an ideal mix of tight, but comfortable. And they come in really cute colors - I currently own 5 pairs, each a different shade (teal/pink, black/grey, orange/pink - 2.0 tall, yellow/black - Trail Merino and my newest pair, pink/grey - 3.0 tall. 


Yup, just recently, CEP introduced the next generation of their Tall Socks, the 3.0. They are amazing. They provide even more precise compression exactly where your legs need it the most. They have also improved the moisture wicking and breathabilty of the socks ensuring that you will not overheat and stay comfortable. Perhaps the neatest (and most noticeable) improvement is to the is that the toe box is now designed asymmetrical, kind of how like toes actually line up. 

Photo credit: Holabird Sports

Post-marathon ride home

I wore two pairs of CEP socks just this past weekend and could not have been happier with the results. I ran my first ever Marathon (I may have mentioned it a few times) and wore a pair of my tried and true 2.0s for the race and wore my 3.0s for recovery for after the race. And you know what? The next day, when everyone kept asking me how I felt and if I was sore, I was reminded again and again just how good my legs felt. Like seriously, I kept thinking I should feel way worse, but pain (other than a minor issue that I had before the marathon) was pretty much non-existent. Sure, I was a bit stiff, but overall, I have to say, recovery has been awesome. 


You can check out more information about the new CEP 3.0 Tall Socks on the CEP webpage here: https://www.cepcompression.com/ Also check out your local running store, I just go an email from my local Fleet Feet today that they are now in stock there.