Oct 30, 2015

Why to Apply to be a BibRave Pro | #FridayFive

Welcome to the weekend! This week's Friday Five linkup is a Free Friday, which is always fun. I decided to share with you this week about an ambassadorship that I love. It also so happens the application is now open for 2016 ambassadors. So this week, for my free Friday I'll share with you some reason why you should consider applying.


Why to Apply to be a BibRave Pro

1. Opportunity to run some great races

BibRave is a great site to find and write race reviews. So at the heart of that, is running races. BibRave partners with races to give Pros the opportunities to run races for free in exchange for their reviews and experiences. I recently ran my first race for BibRave, which was the Runner's World Hat Trick. You can see my experiences running the 5K, 10K and half marathon.

2. Test new products

One of the great perks to being a Pro is the opportunity to test and blog about a variety of products, from compression and shoes to hydration and foam rollers. I've received some amazing opportunities to try some great products. I even found a love for neutral shoes when received a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 18s. Some of my favorites included (after the shoes) my Plantronics BackBeat FIT headphones, my half Buff, and my first ever product tested, the Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves. I even have a couple of products I'm currently testing (be sure to look for my upcoming video review of the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights).

3. Meet great people (awesome Pros)

While being a BibRave Pro, I've gotten to meet a lot of great other people. All the other Pros are awesome people. Runners always willing to share their experiences, encouragement, and knowledge. I've even gotten a chance to meet some in person at races, which is always fun. It's great to have a close community to talk running and blogging with.

A photo posted by Amy (@dedica217) on

I must mention, you don't need to be a Pro though to share some of that. They are all very friendly, and you can find them in number 4.

4. BibChats

I've written previously about reasons to love BibRave. One of those reasons is the community surrounding BibRave, which you can find each week on Tuesday at 9 pm EDT. Each week, BibChat takes on a different topic. Some of the recent include "Running Style", "Running Tech", "Beyond Running", and "Running Tweaks". The chats are a lot of fun and you might even learn something. I know I have. Oh, and did I mention each week has a giveaway? Well they do. Much of the gear I've reviewed has then also been given away on the chats. Though, I recommend bringing a snack.

5. Discounts

I admit getting to try new gear is great. But we cant always all try everything or run every race for free. One of the great additional benefits Pros get are discounts on the races and on the gear. Now, sometimes we get some special discounts, I'll admit, but you want to know the truth? You can get many of the discounts as well. Just check out my discounts page (though it is due for an update). The latest gear I reviewed, XX2i Optics, offered 50% off your total order with the code XX2iRocks.


Are you an ambassador for any product?

#BibRavePro

Do you love #bibchat? Do you review races on BibRave.com? Want great perks like this? Then check out the application for becoming a BibRavePro. They're open now for joining the team in 2016. And when you're filling it out, tell them I sent you.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!

Our hosts:



Oct 26, 2015

Looking Good, Seeing Good: XX2i Optics Sunglasses Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador, tell them I sent you), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Who doesn't love running in the sunshine? I know I do. But when you do, you need sun protection. And not just for your fair ginger skin (or all you people with non-ginger skin tones). No, you need to protect your eyes as well. But there's not need to just "see good" but you can "look good" too. I got to review just the product for both, the XX2i France1 Sunglasses.

Looking Good, Seeing Good (sorry about the grammar): XX2i Optics Sunglasses Review

Now, I'd like to start with a confession. Before these glasses, I've never owned a pair that cost me more than $30. I just couldn't see the reason for investing that kind of money on something that I'd inevitably break and then be out spending that kind of cash again. Now, with these glasses, I see what I've been missing. (Confession #2, I've even bought sunglasses at a dollar store.)

So, what did you test?

I actually got to test out a kit that included two frames and a total of five interchangeable lenses. It's a pretty beefy kit. It included a white frame as well as a demi tortoise brown frame. The five included lenses were the flash blue (my favorite), brown, yellow, orange, and clear. Now I feel like I'm about to be a tv infomercial, but wait, there's more! It also included an extra set of blue and red nose pads and temple tips. They even throw in two microfiber soft carrying cases, though for the cost of the glasses, I prefer their "tank" protector case everything comes in.

How do you use all those pieces?

Herein lies my one hangup with this kit. There are zero instructions. Not even a single "go to this site" text anywhere that I saw. If you look at everything, it seems straight forward enough, but with expensive glasses, I won't make those assumptions. Instead, you can find the directions under the FAQs on the site, so I won't fault them too much. I personally would add one line of text to packaging point them to the website though.

How did they work for running?

I chose to run with the white frame and blue flash lenses, as they were the most my style for anytime. The glasses came while I was on vacation, that put them here just in time for the Runner's World Hat Trick. You may have seen the reviews about my races on the blog. They were great on the course for the sunny days in Bethlehem. I attached the sun glass retainer (with much difficulties to squeeze it on) so I could simply wear the around my neck in the morning and pull them up in the sun. They had great clear vision, never fogged or wavered from their place on my face. And if I can be frank, I think they looked good, don't you?

What about all those lenses?

I had the same question. Sure, clear would be great for things like cycling or dark and dusty, but what is yellow best for, or orange? So I asked my friend, Google. I found a couple of good looking results. I like this post from CoachLevi.com. He talks of his own personal experiences. He tells us that he finds both yellow and orange good for less bight, hazy days and that yellow can help with clarity even in fog. All the choices of lenses make these very versatile. The only thing the dual kit doesn't include are polarized lenses, but they are available on the store separately. The coolest part to me is that you can actually get prescription lenses. They don't offer inserts but you can contact them to discuss your options based on your prescription, the frames and the lens color you want. This is something I may look into further when I get a new eye checkup, so I can wear these whether I have in my contacts or not.

The Takeaway

What is my final thought on these? They are superb sunglasses that are comfortable, look good, and offer a ton of options. I may have never owned expensive glasses before, but now I know why you would invest money in a good pair. Now, if I could only worry a little less about them breaking, and just remind myself they come with a lifetime warranty that even says if you "break them or scratch them".

Discount

Do I have you considering investing in a good pair of glasses? There really is no better time then now, because I have a heck of a code for you. Use the code XX2iRocks to save 50% off your purchase at www.xx2i.com. Heck, with that code you can get a single pair of the sunglasses I have for that $30 mark I discussed or go all out like my dual frame kit and save a bundle.


#bibchat

Like what you've read? They happen to be the sponsor on this week's #bibchat. Come by on Tuesday October 27th at 9pm EST to join in the chat to interact with the team, the pros, and your fellow runners. Plus, you can interact with me, talk running, food, or whatever tangent we go off on.

#BibRavePro

Do you love #bibchat? Do you review races on BibRave.com? Want great perks like this? Then check out the application for becoming a BibRavePro. They're open now for joining the team in 2016. And when you're filling it out, tell them I sent you.

Oct 23, 2015

Runner's World Half Recap and Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received entry into the Runner's World Hat Trick to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador, tell them I sent you), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I received the opportunity to run any race at the Runner's World Half & Festival. Of course, if you're going to give me that option, I'm going to pick the challenge. I recently finished racing the Runner's World Hat Trick, which was a fantastic experience all around. I'll be writing about all three races. You can find my experience for Saturday with my 5K and 10K recaps. The time has come to give you the completion of the Hat Trick.


Runner's World Half Recap and Review

Sunday started out the same as Saturday, parking and venturing. Only this time, the parking I used last time was supposed to work well for walking to the half marathon start line. Sunday morning decided to start out even chillier than Saturday did. I got out of my car with it saying 33°F, which is not quite ideal. Now, the sun was just starting to color the horizon, so it was early yet. Luckily, my outfit for Sunday was #orangeisthenewfast and black, so I had my full Buff (read the review) with me, so I covered my face and pulled it up over the back of my head and I was good. Combined with my hands pulled up into my arm sleeves and my compression socks, the only really cold place was the gap between my shirt and my arm sleeves, so not bad all things considered.

The full "chilly" gear, from early in the race.

The walk to the start was as they mentioned in the race paperwork not too far. It was however, not the best. Initially, from the parking to the main road was sidewalked. But, from there over towards the casino had no sidewalk, just a semi worn path from other walking this direction with out any real path. Once you got past the initial part and towards the casino, there was a birm of the road to at least be on and then some coned areas, but the walk was definitely sub-par in safety to start. The start area was not directly next to the ArtsQuest building like the other races, so there was a separate area with some port-o-pots and bag check, but nowhere to step out of the chill. As the sun came out, it warmed up a tiny bit, but not too much until into the race. Once more bodies showed up and everyone funneled into the chutes, it wasn't so bad. I even jumped to the front of the line before too many where there to snag a start line selfie, because I'm not exactly front of the pack start line material.


The half marathon course was a really fun course traveling throughout Bethlehem. I had taken it easy during the 5K and 10K, saving my energy for the half, so was back to pushing myself more in this race. I still tried to not go too hard up front, so that I could finish strong. No part of the course was that boring. Portions of the course ran through many of the historic areas, including the Historic Moravian settlement, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and portions of the original 1741 settlement. The course had some early longer hills, but the back portion was largely downhill overall which made for a great race. Even the residential portions had a lot of spectators cheering you one. One of my favorites was a little old lady, who had one of those walkers with a chair in a large coat ringing a cowbell in 40 degree weather. THAT is some support.

I couldn't not stop for my school's Nittany Lion.

The course included plenty of water stops, med tents, a Clif shot stop, as well as a food stop that included pretzels and gummy bears. I find I need something real during that long of a run, and the pretzels were a good fit (though it needs to be paired with a water stop just a little ways down the road). There were a couple of on course entertainment, including pep bands, bagpipes and DJs. The only on-course issue was at the very end, which mimic the 5K and 10K courses, there were so many people leaving via the course route, making it hard to know where to go. I knew from the past two races before, but I had to help direct a lady in front of me which way to go in the last half mile so she didn't miss pretty much the last turn. The course had the same great finish by the steel stacks with the large shoots and Runner’s World staff on the mics with plenty of cheering. At the finish there was a band, Sunshine Symphony playing some great covers as well as a beer garden from Saucony Creek Craft Brewery. I had their lager in the garden, but tried some others at the expo that were great. The post race food included bagels, bananas, Subway cookies, raisins, pretzels and mini muffins. That was a huge selection that was great to have.


Coming into this race, I wanted to finish with a time under 3:15. Not a huge improvement goal, but one that I really wanted to make. I had a stretch goal of 3 hours, but with the other two races, didn't think that was realistic. If only I had realized earlier, what time I was on pace for.

I finished with an official time of 3:02:53. A new PR!

Also, did I mention the free pictures yet? Well all of the races included on course photographers with free pictures. Just check out this action. Looks like I know what I'm doing or something, doesn't it?


Race Review

Fantastic race with just the right amount of challenge. Course that sets you up for a strong finish.

Race grade: A

Check out my review on BibRave

Final Take Away

Was the race course fun?
Yes. Great views and great spectators

Was the challenge fun?
Really rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Would I do it again?
I need to and drop those last 3 minutes.

Have you ever raced a challenge? What about setting a PR during it?


#BibRavePro



Do you love #bibchat? Do you review races on BibRave.com? Want great perks like this? Then check out the application for becoming a BibRavePro. Applications for 2016 have now opened, so apply now! And when you're filling it out, tell them I sent you.

Oct 22, 2015

Runner's World 10K Recap and Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received entry into the Runner's World Hat Trick to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador, tell them I sent you), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I received the opportunity to run any race at the Runner's World Half & Festival. Of course, if you're going to give me that option, I'm going to pick the challenge. I recently finished racing the Runner's World Hat Trick, which was a fantastic experience all around. I'll be writing about all three races. You can find my review of the 5K already on the blog. Next, I'd like to talk to you about the second leg of that journey, the 10K.


Runner's World 10K Recap and Review

The 10K took place also on Saturday, following the completion of the 5K. So if you'd like to read about the morning before the races, to read about my packet pickup or parking experiences, go read the 5K recap first. I'll be waiting right here for you.

As mentioned in the last post, the post race fuel included bagels, bananas, raisins, and fresh baked Subway cookies. I was hungry, from running and from not actually eating enough before the race, so I chowed down and felt much better following. As the race time neared, I mulled around near the back of the starting area, knowing my blazing speed was best suited for the back again. I found myself near Team RWB, which is always nice to me. Their purpose to help veterans is one that is near and dear to my heart, so I really must join the local chapter sometime.

The 10K course takes you on a tour of some historic areas of Bethlehem. At the start, I was aligned with the announcer side, and received a high five from Deena Kastor. I thought that a pretty cool way to start a race. In order to force myself to take it easier, I dropped my intervals from 45 / 30 to a 30 / 30. This helped me keep a more relaxed pace for myself. The course started the same as the 5K, crossing the Fahy Memorial Bridge, which included a DJ posted at the end. The bridge offers a good view of the steel stacks. The course then takes you past the Historic Moravian settlement, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and through the historic residential district. That’s a lot of “historic”.

Running right past Historic Hotel Bethlehem

The course offered some elevation change, but nothing too drastic. The finish wrapped passed the Sands Casino and back through some chutes for a great finish line experience, complete with Runner’s World editors calling you across the finish. The course included 4 water stops (3 with one that you passed twice) which was a good number for a 10K, but welcomed.


I finished with an official time of 1:33:54.

Race Review

Great race with interesting historic views. Same great big finish.

Race grade: A-

Check out my review on BibRave

Final Take Away

Was the race course interesting?
Yes. Love the old buildings to run past.

Was it a great event beyond the race?
And then some.

Would I do it again?
Yes, as part of the challenge or even by itself.

Have you ever raced a challenge?


#BibRavePro

Do you love #bibchat? Do you review races on BibRave.com? Want great perks like this? Then check out the application for becoming a BibRavePro. Applications for 2016 have now opened, so apply now! And when you're filling it out, tell them I sent you.

Oct 21, 2015

Runner's World 5K Recap and Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received entry into the Runner's World Hat Trick to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador, tell them I sent you), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I received the opportunity to run any race at the Runner's World Half & Festival. Of course, if you're going to give me that option, I'm going to pick the challenge. I recently finished racing the Runner's World Hat Trick, which was a fantastic experience all around. I'll be writing about all three races, so stay tuned to the blog for all the recaps. I'd like to talk to you first about the first leg of that journey, the 5K.


Runner's World 5K Recap and Review

My morning started with needing to pick up my bib. Much of the communication made it sound like the parking nearby would be limited. It had the additional caveat that it was closed until all the races were finished, but that wasn't an issue for me. Since I thought it would be limited, I decided to play it safe and park in one of the outer lots and take the free shuttle in. Knowing I needed to pick up my bib, I built in plenty of time, but didn't want to waste it trying to park somewhere that may not work out. Finding the lot and grabbing the shuttle was easy. However, the security guard watching the lot was not informed of the race. When he told me it was for employees only, I explained the race and offered to pull up the guide on my phone about the parking. His response was simple "why would you lie about that?"

Getting my bib was simple. They had the waivers right there for you to sign, then I got my bag containing my bib and a couple of papers. My swag needed to be picked up at the expo, so it would have to wait until later. Pre-race included some of the Runner's World staff on the mics outside by the finish, and Bart Yasso liked my kilt, so I consider that a win. I proceeded to bag check to drop off my clear bag, but not before snagging a pic with fellow BibRavePros Brenda and Amy. It was great to meet some other Pros for the first time at a race.


The 5K was a great course. It was an out and back looping sort of course. There was a single water stop that came up twice. After the course went across the Fahy Memorial Bridge, there was a DJ with music that you would loop past when going by City Hall. The course had great views of the steel stacks. My goal was to take the Saturday races easy, however at the end of mile 1, I found the race bumping up as fast as normal so I had to pull back a bit. I wanted to make sure I had everything for the half marathon the next day. In the end, I ended with about the pace I wanted. The course would then go pack to the finish with looping by the Sands Casino. The finish area had some great chutes with cheering spectators and members of the Runner's World staff on the mic to greet you as you crossed. It made for a great finish line experience for a 5K, where you don't often get one. Here you got a big finish to your race.

After the finish, I received my first of three medals. It's a real quality medal as well. Smaller than many of my half medals, but on par quality or better than some. Post race included bagels, bananas, raisins, and fresh baked Subway cookies. It was great to fuel up between the races with a bagel and a banana. I was hungry, so it was welcomed.


I finished with an official time of 43:59.

Race Review


Loved the race. Nice little course with a big finish.

Race grade: A-

Check out my review on BibRave

Final Take Away

Was the race fun?
Yes.

Was it a great event beyond the race?
And then some.

Would I do it again?
Yes, as part of the challenge or even by itself.

Have you ever raced a challenge?


#BibRavePro

Do you love #bibchat? Do you review races on BibRave.com? Want great perks like this? Then check out the application for becoming a BibRavePro. Applications for 2016 have now opened, so apply now! And when you're filling it out, tell them I sent you.

Oct 19, 2015

Visual Disney Recap Preview | #MagicalMickey

Welcome to another #MagicalMickey linkup. Today is a quick post. Much like my last post was pre-Disney trip, this is my first post-Disney #MagicalMickey post. I'm still working on organizing all the great pictures and videos to make into so many posts, so for now, I'll leave you with a visual post, with some of the pictures from my recent vacation. Plus, I just got back from the Runner's World Half Marathon Festival from running the hat trick, so all those miles make for a tired John.

Visual Disney Recap Preview

A photo posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on
A photo posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on
A photo posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on

A photo posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on
A video posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on
A photo posted by John Wickee (@rgrdisney) on

Do you take a lot of pictures on vaction?

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.


You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code


Oct 16, 2015

Foods of the Fall | #FridayFive

Fall certainly is here. Nothing like really feeling it here after returning from Florida. My blog has been quite as of late due to my vacation, so what better way to jump back in than with a Friday Five and a couple of races this weekend! I love cooking and there are always things that just feel better at certain times of year. In this week's Friday Five linkup we take a look at some of those foods. It's a topic we've covered before, which really included all of my favorites for the fall weather. This week, we'll see some more


Foods of the Fall

1. Tea

We'll start off not with a food, but a drink. My last list included two drinks, hot apple cider and specialty coffee drinks. Frankly, all summer I enjoy drinking more iced drinks. When fall comes, I make the switch back to more hot beverages. It just fits in. Since I talked about specialty drinks last time, I thought I'd share that I also love tea, not just coffee. I enjoy a variety, and keep myself a small stock at work. My personal favorites are English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast, as well as some afternoon varieties.

2. Pot Roast

Last time I mentioned my love of slow cookers. One of my favorites to cook is a pot roast. My favorite is to cook with a packet of au jus mix, a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch mix and a little bit of water. If you want to add some potatoes and carrots, I add some extra ranch mix. It gives it some amazing fall apart flavor.

3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This is a great cool day meal. It is also one of my daughter's favorites. Though, don't tell her it's tomato soup. She doesn't like tomato soup. She does however like 'red soup'. We just don't question the 4 year old's thoughts.

4. Food & Wine

This one is not just food and wine, but more specifically the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. I just experienced this for the first time on my vacation and it was amazing. There were so many booths, and we hit them all (as shown on the shirt). Yes, every last booth, but that's more for a future post. So many tasty foods and drinks, every one we tried was delicious. There were so many more I would love to try (and those that I want again), so I will of course go back in the future.

5. Hot Apple Cider

This made my last list of top fall foods, but it really is the quintessential fall drink to me. I just love it so much. It's also always a part of our (usually) yearly winter trip to Colonial Williamsburg (which we unfortunately will not be making this year. It may have made my last list, but it will always be on my fall food list.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: CourtneyCynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC