Virtually Running with NYRR - Halfway There 13.1M

Disclaimer: I am participating in the NYRR Virtual Halfway There 13.1M 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 if you are a regular reader of this blog you have heard (seen) me extol the virtues of Virtual Racing before both here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-benefits-of-racing-virtually.html and here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/06/join-me-for-world-refugee-5k.html 

I'll summarize: Virtual racing is awesome. You can do your race anytime, anywhere and still get to be involved with other amazing runners completing the same challenges as you. I'm very pro. 

Well, I am at it again! Just signed up for another Virtual Race and this one I am a bit stupid excited  about, the NYRR Virtual Halfway There 13.1M! See, running the TCS New York City Marathon and Half Marathon is one of those dream races. But with my budget and schedule, sadly it is one of those races that I will probably never get the chance to do. (Never say never, right?)

And that is the beauty of Virtual Racing. I can run right along with those who are training for the TCS New York City Marathon and Half Marathon without having to travel. 

And you know the best part of this Virtual Race? It's absolutely FREE! You just need to register for a free account with the NYRR and with Strava and you are good to go. Just do your Half Marathon wherever, whenever you want before October 13th and log it with Strava as a Race and you will join Virtual runners all over the world.

Since the Virtual Race is powered by Strava, there are a few minor disclaimers:

• The Challenge starts and ends based on each runner's local time zone.

• All activities logged during the Challenge period must be uploaded to Strava no later than three days after the Challenge ends.

• Manual entries, virtual runs, or treadmill runs are not eligible. Activity privacy settings must be marked "Everyone" to count towards the Challenge goal.

• Each activity must be tagged as a "Race" in order to count towards the challenge and influence an athlete's leaderboard position.

There's also a little extra cool thing for those who are doing the actual NYC race. Show your badge of completion at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance from October 31 to November 2 for a surprise gift (limited supplies, first-come, first served).

Decisions, decisions... 

Now for the hard part - I have to decide when to run it! I am currently training for the Rock n Roll Savannah Half Marathon the first weekend in November. Between now and the October 13th race deadline I have four 13 mile or higher long runs on my training schedule. I could go with one of two different strategies - 1) go ahead and use the first one to knock it out and get the accomplishment or 2) pick my fastest long run time to count for the race. Or, I could just pick one of the weeks and say beforehand - this is the one. I've got a bit to decide. Which would you do?

Let me know in the comments if you plan to join me and the already over 4,500 other runners registered. Follow this link to sign up: https://www.nyrr.org/races/nyrrvirtualhalfwaythere131m 
You can visit the Strava event page here for more details as well: https://www.strava.com/challenges/nyrr-virtual-half-marathon-2019
There is even a Facebook Group that you can join to further connect with your other Virtual Running Buddies. 

But don't delay, the Virtual has already started and runners are completing their race every day! Don't miss out. 

Relax, Recover and Rest with Nuun

Disclaimer: I received a 2 tubes of Nuun Rest 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!

Afternoon Speed Work in the SC Summer, of course!

As a runner, I have a lot of strong qualities. I can write a training plan like nobody's business. If I say I will meet you to run, you better the heck believe I will be there. I am the first person to say "Yes" to running a stupid number of miles if you need long run company. Cross training? I'm at Burn Boot Camp at 5:30 am pretty much every weekday morning. Pushing 100 degrees out? Lace up and let's go. Speed work? Hills? The more the better. I am willing to put in the work.

But where my true weakness lies is in an area that is just as important as putting in the work, REST. 

I suck at resting. I took a rest day this past Sunday because I honesty could not remember the last time that I had not either run or gone to Burn and when I woke up I felt like I had been beaten in the night. So I begrudgingly took the day off on Sunday, and totally felt guilty the whole day. And when it came time to go to bed, I just couldn't relax. I was so restless I ended up getting a crap night's sleep which lead to a crap day on Monday. Moral of the story - I should have had some Nuun Rest as a part of my bedtime routine! 

Nuun Rest, What's That?

I'm glad you asked. You may have heard of Nuun before. It is the go to hydration supplement for many a runner. It's awesome stuff that I've used for years. Basically flavorful drink tablets packed with electrolytes and other great things (depending on the type - vitamins. minerals, caffeine and other great things to keep you hydrated and performing your best). 

Recently Nuun introduced a new product to their line up, Nuun Rest, which is designed to help aid in recovery, rest and relaxation - all the things I suck at. So yeah, when given the chance to try it out, I was 100% in. Here are some basic facts about it:

• Nuun Rest is meant for recovery. It is NOT an electrolyte replacement like other Nuun varieties.
• The key components in Nuun Rest are Magnesium and Tart Cherry juice which help aid in recovery.
• Since this is a rest/recovery product it really helps with sleep...that means it also can 
  make you sleepy.
• Due to Nuun Rest’s high levels of magnesium (300mg) only 1 serving per day is recommended.
• 1 tablet = 10 calories & 1g of sugar. Contains no artificial sweeteners and Non-GMO verified ingredients.
• Nuun Rest should be mixed with a smaller amount of water than other Nuun products. It is recommended to mix with 4-6 oz of water instead of 16 oz like the electrolyte Nuun products. (I mix mine with warm water, it not only helps it dissolve faster, but also adds to the calming effect I think.
• Comes in two calming flavors: Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomile.

For more information from the Nuun website - check out their blog post here: https://nuunlife.com/blogs/news/introducing-nuun-rest

So Does it Work?

I've used Nuun Rest several times now as a part of my bedtime routine. I mix with warm water in a mug and drink it about 30 minutes or so before I hit the bed. I love the taste of both the Blackberry Vanilla and the Lemon Chamomile, but think I like the Lemon Chamomile a bit more - it is very tart and refreshing. I've used it the night before a race to help calm pre-race jitters and have used it on nights when I've had a stressful day to help me relax. I do really feel that it helps me to get sleepy and unwind better. I will continue to use it, especially on the days that I find I need a little extra help slipping into relaxation mode.

Want to try it for yourself? You can order Nuun Rest from the Nuun website here: https://nuunlife.com/ and use discount code "HYDRATEBIBPRO" for 20% off your purchase. (Excluding subscription options and bundles. Good through 10/31)

Cheers to a good night's rest!

Dropping FBOMBs - Fat Is Smart Fuel Nut Butter Review

Disclaimer: I received a 16 pack of FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butters 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, if you have read my blog at all, or followed me on socials (if not, here's my Twitter and Instagram) you know that I run. And I work out at Burn Boot Camp. A lot. I expend a lot of energy in the day, so I find myself snacking a lot to keep my energy up. And I am always on the lookout for clean, healthy snacks that provide good nutrition and clean energy, otherwise all of that running and strength training would be wasted. So when I was given the chance to try FBOMB Nut Butters, I jumped at the chance. 

Someone dropped an FBOMB on my porch, lol

First, let me hit you with a few FBOMB facts.

• They each come in around 200 calories. 
• They are Keto friendly
• They are Paleo friendly
• They are Vegetarian friendly
• They are Vegan friendly
• They have no sugar added
• They are Gluten Free
• They have no GMOs
• They are Dairy free
• They are Peanut free
• They have a unique texture that is creamy with small nut chunks
• They are DELICIOUS (this one may be opinion) 

FBOMB Nut Butters come in 4 different flavors:

• Macadamia with Coconut Nut Butter Blend
• Macadamia with Sea Salt Nut Butter
• Salted Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter
• Macadamia Pecan with Sea Salt Nut Butter

And spoiler alert: they are all fantastic, but my absolute favorite is the Macadamia with Coconut. This stuff is seriously good! I may have even cut open the packet and licked the inside. It's THAT good!

I've used FBOMBs both as a post-workout pick me up and as a coffee break snack at work. And while they are super easy to eat right out of the pouch (just Knead, Tear and Eat), you can also use them to add a bit of extra energizing yum to other foods. I drizzled the Macadamia Pecan on a cut up apple and it was AMAZING! Another one of my fellow BibRave Pros who also got to sample them posted an amazing looking FBOMB Banana Bowl recipe here: http://www.scootadoot.org/2019/09/04/road-tested-fbomb-macadamia-nut-butters-2/

If you’re interested in trying these out, use code BRP10 to save 10% off the 16-count FBOMB Nut Butter Variety Pack on their website - https://www.dropanfbomb.com/collections/nut-butters/products/fbomb-nut-butter-variety-pack-16-count

Making Adjustments

So a few weeks ago I wrote a post about my upcoming goals here: Setting the Bar High and how I was chasing some pretty loft goals, mainly a sub-2 hour Half Marathon plus some pretty aggressive training to get there. Well, thought I'd post a quick update on how things went. 

I'm smiling, but I don't mean it

Let me get this out of the way first. I spectacularly failed my 9:00 min pace 10K on Aug. 17th. Like, It was pretty terrible. It was hot, humid  and hilly, like I expected and like an idiot I went out way too fast hoping to bank some time. And you know what happened instead? I got to mile 4 and felt like I would die from a side stitch. It was so terrible I had to come to a complete stop. I ended up losing a ton of time and basically hobbling the last 2 miles, clutching my side feeling like I was tearing apart. So yeah, not spectacular. 

My finish time was 57:06. That's a 9:12 pace finish, and I think my worst 10K finish in the last 2 years or so. I was gutted. Savannah Rock n Roll Half sub-2 seemed like a pipe dream. 

So what did I do? I grabbed a beer (or 2). Commiserated with my friends and got brunch.

And then I hit cranked up the Speed Work. I also started really working harder at the gym during my cross training at Burn Boot Camp. This failure just showed me that I had been resting on my laurels a bit and need to kick it into gear. I also looked to the future. 

I had another 10K coming up two weeks later. The Around the Crown 10K. This was a brand new race, and a seemingly awesome one at that. They were closing down the I-277 loop around Charlotte, NC and letting runners race on it. I was 100% in the moment I heard about the race. I have been totally looking forward to it. And now I was looking at it for redemption as well. 

First thing, despite only being 2 weeks later, the weather was much more agreeable. It was a bit cooler, and a bit less humid. I had been training in the extreme heat all summer, so already it felt like I would be faster. Second, the course was less extreme. Sure there were hills, it is Charlotte after all. One in particular was an almost 100 ft climb, but overall, the course was much flatter, another good sign. Also, I had been focusing on how fun this race would be for months now. Attitude can make a huge difference. And lastly, this race had pacers, so I had a solid strategy to keep myself from going out too fast - become BFF with the 55 min pacer stick with them. 

So how did it go? I KILLED IT!

Now THIS smile is a real one!!

Plus, it was SUPER COOL to run on the Interstate!

I literally had the best race of my life! It was fun, I felt great and I finished with an amazing time. Full disclosure, the course was .2 mile short, so my official time (50:37) reflects a 6 mile race, but when I crossed the finish line, I knew I had killed it and wanted a full 10K finish time so I kept running until my watch said 6.2, which was at 52:28 or a 8:28 pace!! HOLY BUTTS! I was ecstatic (still am)!! I got their by introducing my self to Eric, the amazing 55 min pacer and basically hanging out with him for 4 miles. He was awesome. He had studied the course and gave great advice and kept just a bit under pace and completely steady. Once we got past the big hill just before mile 4, I knew I was feeling pretty amazing still. I decided to push it and bid Eric goodbye and took off reducing my pace to just under 8:15 per mile for the last 2 miles. Heck, I felt so good, I could have kept going at that pace a few more miles no problem I think even. 

So what is the point of all of this? Well. I've got my Savannah strategy is one thing. RnR races have pacers so I plan to stalk the 2 hour pacer for at least the first 10 miles, much like I did at AtC. If at mile 10 I am feeling great, then off I shall take. And again, attitude is key and I am totally looking forward to Savannah. Like really really looking forward to it. Plus, I am going to keep pushing the Speed Work. It is starting to cool down a bit (just a bit) here in the South so I am thinking that will automatically help my pace. 

So what do you think? Any other advice you'd give me? You ever fall flat on a goal only to readjust and kill it shortly after/ How did you do it? Tell  me all about it in the comments.

And if you want to be a part of my epic Savannah Rock n Roll weekend of racing, you can register with discount codes “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon or “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances. I will also be running the 5K on Sunday as well. Here's the link to register - https://www.runrocknroll.com/savannah/

Let me know if you'll be there! 

Sun Protection for Your Runs: Stay-Put® SPF 30 Sunscreen

Disclaimer: I received some Sawyer Stay Put Sunscreen 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 are two main things that you need to know about me when I am making a recommendation on sunscreen - 

1) I am VERY pale. Like I am pretty sure this comic was written about me specifically - 

I also live in SC, which is very close to the sun

2) I run exclusively outside. Currently I am at 906 miles run for 2019 and every single one of them has been outside. A good chunk of them in the afternoon in fact. 

What I am basically saying is that I know a thing or two about sun protection (and sun burns for that matter). And what I mainly know is that you've got to keep those nasty UV rays off yourself as much as possible, unless you want big scars from getting suspicious spot removed from you skin (which I also have). 

In the past, protection meant searching for the highest SPF sunscreen possible, slathering it on and then wincing as it inevitably sweated into my eyes. And then repeat the process every hour so I don't turn tomato colored. So when I was given the opportunity to try out Sawyer Products Stay Put Sunscreen, which boasts all day sun protection with just 1 application, I was all over that. 

Here's how it works according to their website:

A Solid Bond, A Breathable Matrix

 While most sunscreens hold their lotions in the top two layers of skin, our Stay-Put SPF 30 sunscreen uses a special technology to bond the sunray absorbing agents deeper into the skin, uniquely penetrating where other sunblocks simply can’t reach. Sweat and water pass over the deeply absorbed compounds without flushing the protective sunscreen away.

 The Stay-Put formula was engineered to spread the same volume of lotion over a larger cubic area of skin, requiring less lotion per area of skin and producing a more comfortable, breathable feel — all while providing great all-day protection. You’ll hardly even know you have sunscreen on.

Basically, it doesn't go ON your skin, but UNDER it. 

So Does It Work?

I've tried out Sawyer Stay Put Sunscreen in a few different extreme circumstances so far, and each time it has performed amazingly! First I wore it for a few afternoon runs with no burns. First big test, I wore it on a Girl Scout Trip to Great Wolf Lodge where I, as the more adventurous (read: stupid) leader was drafted to supervise the only outdoor activity, the Ropes Course, for all 3 rotations. That meant almost 4 straight hours outdoor on the Ropes Course, with the inability to come down and get unharnessed to reapply sunscreen. Well guess what, NO SUNBURN! 

 

Next big test was I ran a super sunny, super hot race with a Craft Beer Festival after. I applied my Sunscreen around 6:30 am, before the sun even came up. I didn't get home until almost 1 pm with no reapplications. NO SUNBURN! 

And not only that, but these were very active and sweaty situations and not once did I feel greasy nor did I sweat sunscreen into my eyes. I am 100% sold on Sawyer Stay Put Sunscreen. When I run out of the original 8 oz bottle I have (which will actually probably be awhile since you only use a small amount compared to regular sunscreen) I will for sure be purchasing more from the Sawyer Amazon Storefront here: https://amzn.to/315wuwX 

Long story short, I love this stuff and highly recommend it for runners, or anyone for that matter. Want to learn more about Sawyer Products? Follow them on socials here:

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

And be sure to follow me as well if you don't already:
RunNerdGirl Twitter
RunNerdGirl Instagram

My New Safety Sidekick - RoadID Sidekick

Disclaimer: I received an RoadID Sidkick ID 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!

2nd Disclaimer - I've been a loyal RoadID fan/customer for almost 5 years now. As someone who does a lot of their runs alone and sometimes at dusk/dark, I am a big fan of anything that can help make me safer. When I first heard about RoadID I thought it was a great idea. Heaven forbid, anything did happen to me while I was out and about, it gave a way to contact my family. I bought myself a Slim ID the same week that I first heard of them. And then I bought several others for other friends and family members for holidays as well. Cause I'm that girl - the one who yells "CAR UP" and makes people run on the correct side of the road, and who makes sure you have your contact information handy. 

My Classic Wrist ID

Over the years I purchased a few other RoadID styles. The second ID I purchased was the more classic Wrist ID. This was because (and I am not proud of this) because I actually lost my Slim ID. See, I didn't wear it all the time, just when running so I had a bad habit of forgetting where I left it. I then purchased the Shoe ID thinking it would be better to just leave it attached to my shoe - which worked great, except that I rotate shoes and never seemed to rotate the Shoe ID. Back my tag went onto the Wrist ID, which I kept better track of, but still didn't always remember to grab.

Enter, the Sidekick ID. Y'all I feel like this was made just for me. The Sidekick just slides right onto your Garmin band and boom, it's always with you. At first, I was a bit worried that it would be bulky and I wouldn't always want to have it on, but I've worn it for a month now and never once take it off my watch band. And I wear my watch constantly (except when charging) even to bed - I use my Garmin as my alarm - and never once did I notice the ID on it. It ALWAYS has me covered!

There are a couple of other little things I wanted to mention about my RoadID that I love. One of which is that I just love the customer service that they offer. I know they are a big company, and in the grand scheme of things, I am just a single customer (though admittedly a loyal and repeat one), but they do not make you feel that way. When I placed my order, I received personalized update emails throughout the process of making and shipping out my RoadID. They were super cute and I really appreciate being kept in the loop like that. The ID came with a card telling me about the guy who actually made my ID, further personalizing the process and then a few weeks after, I got a follow up email asking how I liked my purchase. I also received a $10 off coupon to share, which I did with another local runner.

One of the adorable emails I received during the order process

I also love how you can customize your RoadID in a few different ways. I added 2 lines of inspiration on to my ID. The bottom two lines read - Keep Moving and Just Breathe. These phrases are ones that I try to keep focused on when things are tough, be it for a run or just life in general. I love having them always right there to remind me.

Another way I customized mine is by adding 2 cute little badges. RoadID has a ton to choose from, and I have a heart (to remind me I really do love this) and one that says "run" (because, well duh!).

My whole order - Sidekick, extra strap, and 2 badges.

So yeah, RoadID helps to keep you safe by providing vital information in case of an emergency, is super cute and now so convenient, what is not to love? But seriously, I recommend any runner to have one. And even non-runners, anyone can benefit from having a RoadID. Heck, they even make ones for you pets!! 

You can get one for your self and save 20% off your RoadiD purchase by going to the following link: https://road.id/BibRave

Setting the Bar High

Last year I had no goals, look how relaxed I was, lol

This week officially marks 12 weeks before Rock n Roll Savannah and my attempt at breaking a 2 hour Half Marathon time. I keep joking with people that I am planning to break 2, or die trying. Here, as my 12 week training plan looms in front of me, I am leaning more towards the will die trying version of the story. 

In order to prepare for my sub-2, and ultimately shave 4 minutes off of my time from last November, I've scoured the internet on the best ways to accomplish this. I settled on 2 training plans, 1 that was 16 weeks from Garmin and another that is 12 weeks from Runners World. I can only see a week at a time of the Garmin plan, but so far, it's been fairly doable with the exception of one track workout that I only hit 3/6 of the sprint times (2 of which I just missed). 

Missed a few pace goals, still almost died... 

Now the Runners World plan on the other hand - the one that I set as my primary training plan, well that is starting to look darn near impossible. It is just Week 1 and I am already pretty sure I am going to fail my target Fartlek tonight. Seriously, I cannot run 20 min at an 8 pace, which I personally think is a bit aggressive for Week 1. And I know this, and I know that missing it will not mean that I am going to fail overall, but still there's a part of me that feels that I am doomed from the start. Here's the plan for reference: The half-marathon training plan for runners looking to finish in sub-2-hours

This weekend the plan calls for a "Time Trial". A 10K race done at an overal 9:00 pace. This is another one that is going to be a bit of a stretch for me to hit. I can do it, I have done it, but not in the conditions that this weekend is offering. Basically, it is August in the South and going to be hot, humid, plus a really hilly course. I've recruited a crew to race with me and there is a Craft Beef Festival at the finish, so trying to focus on those things and not the 55:48 clock time I have to beat. But it's hard.

The bottom line is, I am starting to kick my freak out into high gear that this goal is going to be a big ol' failure for me. And in the best case scenarios, I feel a certain looming sense of imminent failure. 

Pretty fearless looking, eh? NOT

A coworker of mine said to me just today that she could never imagine me being stressed out about anything. To that, I laughed. Then I laughed harder (probably to the point that it was a bit uncomfortable, but hey, it was the funniest thing I've heard in a long time). I then explained to her that maybe she thinks that because she just sees me how I am right now, a CONSTANT ball of anxiety, ready to explode at any moment. Seriously, I am never not stressed out. Her logic is that I do so much stuff, races, riding motorcycles, ropes courses, Boot Camp, roller coasters and pretty much any adventure or challenge that I can get my hands on.

Sure, I do all that. But I am literally terrified about 99% of the time. Terrified of failure or terrified of consequences or just a general sense of random terror. I just don't let it stop me. There's a quote from Carrie Fisher that I love - "Stay afraid, but do it anyway." Every race I do, no matter the distance, I am terrified at the Start. Every new adventure I try, same. I've just learned to push past it and to make the most out of life anyway. I think more people do this than they admit. 

Cross training like a badass

Long story short, I may be heading back to the drawing table on this whole training plan thing. I keep telling myself that I've got a few other things going for me that the plan doesn't address. For example, there is no cross training in my training plans and I cross train like a beast with Burn Boot Camp at least 4 days per week in addition to my 5 running days (yes, I am very tired). I've also searched a few other plans and they seem more doable. I may need to switch. 

But no matter what I choose, you can for sure, I will be totally freaking out about it, right up to the finish line. 

What strategy do you recommend for hitting a specific race goal? Do you go with make your own plan like me? Do you go with a coach? Train with a group? I'd love to hear about what you do in the comments. 

And stay tuned for updates on my Rock n Roll Savannah. Heck, are you interested in joining me in Savannah? You can register with discount codes “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon or “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances. I will also be running the 5K on Sunday as well.