My GAP Relay Experience: #GapTrailBR Race Recap (part 2)

 I received team entry to the GAP Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

We Conquered the GAP Relay!! #GapTrailBR Race Recap

I received team entry to the GAP Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

The GAP Relay is IMMINENT!!!

 I received team entry to the GAP Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

Better Together: Why Running in Groups Rules

A common misconception that I hear a lot about running is that it is a solo activity. I mean, to a certain extent it is, but running with others is really amazing. I challenge you to find another group of people that cheer on each other as much as runners do. We understand the physical and mental challenges that running brings and if you spend enough miles together, no topic of conversation is taboo. There are so many benefits that there is no way I could mention them all, but here are my top 5 reasons that running with others is AMAZING:

1. 
   Motivation to Get Out There - I am WAY more willing to bail on a solo run than one where I am meeting others. Illness or injury aside, if I say I will meet you, I WILL meet you. 
2. Learning from Others - Actually training aside, you can learn about new gear, nutrition and hydration from others. Maybe your friend has an amazing new gel you've never heard of. Maybe they'll let you try a sip of their new electrolyte drink that you haven't wanted to spend the money on a full pack of if you don't know you'll like it. Oooh, that new top is adorable, but how does it perform? The knowledge runners can share amongst each other is invaluable. 
3. Improved Performance - Studies have shown that athletes consistently push themselves more when they run with others. There is definitely a psychological aspect to not wanting others to see you "slack". Peer pressure can cause you to run a bit harder when you might not otherwise (like walking that hill)
4. Social Benefits - Humans are social creatures. Being with others, sharing experiences, talking, these things all make what can be boring miles go by faster. Some of the best conversations I've ever had have been during runs. 
5. Safety in Numbers - Especially for female runners, but running with others can definitely offer safety benefits that solo running cannot. 

I have been lucky enough to run with some amazing groups of people over the years. My first run group was Run the Rock, a group that met at 5 am during the week (yes, AM) and on Saturday mornings at 7:00. Before running with them, pretty much every run I did was solo and let me tell you, running with others made the miles go by much more easily, especially that dang early. 

Run the Rock - 5 am Group Run

My 1st Fleet Feet Session as a Coach

After my initial taste of group running, I decided to sign up for a training group with Fleet Feet Fort Mill. I had trained for my first Half Marathon pretty much by myself. Let me tell you, it was HARD putting in those long miles on my own. Not only did I meet some awesome people, not only did I have accountability to show up at a specific time and place, but it was my first time working with an actual coach. The tips, advice and training plans I received from them made the world of difference in my running. I learned so much from them. And... it started a several year series of events that would eventually lead me to being a coach with Fleet Feet myself.

I also run with several other groups here and there for fun, mostly groups that start and finish at local breweries. These groups tend to be more socially focused with runs typically being around 3-5 miles and always finishing with a beer and a lot of laughs. 

And speaking of Run Clubs that end with a beer and fun, I, along with my training partner, Brian, are starting a brand new group in Rock Hill. The working title right now is Sunday Funday: Walk Bike or Run Day. We are in the preliminary stages right now (last week was our first official un-official meeting (as in we told some friends to meet us for a beer at Common Market after we ran). And I am pretty excited about it, with almost no notice, we had 11 people meet us - 3 ran, 5 biked and 3 more just showed up to hang out. And most importantly, fun was had by all. 

The first meeting of Sunday Funday at Common Market

So if you live in the Rock Hill, SC or surrounding area, I would love for you to drop in our new Run/Bike/Walk/Whatever Club. We will meet at the Common Market in Rock Hill (161 W Main St.) at 3 pm on Sunday afternoons. There will be a few different run/walk routes of various distances (1, 3 and 5 miles) and a bike route of 10 miles (more distances will follow in later weeks). Or, just want to hang out with the group? We will plan to all be back from our various activities by 4 pm. I hope to see you there! 

Have questions, comment below or shoot me a message. 

How About 40 Wild Miles Instead? - GAP Relay 40 Mile Relay

I received team entry to the GAP Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

Exploring the Greater Allegany Passage: 150 Miles of Pure Adventure

 I received team entry to the GAP Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

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.