Jan 22, 2016

Five Reasons to Own 2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights | #FridayFive

It's been a while since I've been on the Friday Five linkup. Personal and work have been crazy busy, so the blog in general has been light. But this week, I've taken a little time to join in my first Friday Five of the new year. With the new format, this week is a free Friday. I thought I'd take some time to give you some reason why you need a pair of 2XU HYPOTIK thermal tights, which I conveniently wrote a review on the blog.


1. Thermal

These tights are so warm. They have a brushed interior thermal layer, that is soft and warm. I found it kept me warm when it was -1ºF with wind chill but not too hot when it was above freezing either.

2. Compression

2XU does compression right, and these tights are no exceptions. They provide all around compression, giving all your muscles extra support and protection throughout your legs. They also offer graduated compression, which improves circulation.

3. Reflective

The HYOPTIK family of products is 2XU's line that offers reflective logos. This helps keep you visible in low light. In the winter, when the days are shorter, you're mathematically more likely to be running in these conditions. Always be safe, be seen.

4. Comfy

Compression tights have grown on me ever since testing the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights. With these tights, the thermal layer portion makes these tights extra comfy. I may have delayed changing out of them after a run on more than one occasion, because of how comfy they are.

5. Great base layer for snow

With the impending blizzard nor'easter here in the northeast, it's almost time to play in the snow (or if you're elsewhere, you may already have reached that point). What better base layer for playing in the snow than some thermal compression tights? They'll keep you warm and the compression will help your muscles through that extra workout, a la Rocky IV style.

I invite you to ready my full review, but I'll leave you with my takeaway...


How do you keep your legs warm? Do you run in tights?


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:


Jan 21, 2016

Winter Running Must Have: 2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the 2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Winter is here in full force. It's important to keep warm. Two things I started with in my last review, the Buff Thermal Hoodie. As it turns out, that was not the only cold weather gear I've been testing. Another entry from my holiday brand wish list has made it's appearance again, this time 2XU with the HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights.

What makes these tights different?

These tights have a lot of great features. First and foremost in this chilly winter is that they are thermal. The tights have a brushed interior thermal layer, which adds some fantastic warmth without a lot of bulk or weight. Not only that, it actually gives them a comfy inner layer. Second, the tights offer 2XU's great compression. The compression gives support to your muscles as well as offering improved blood flow. Third, the tights are a part of the HYOPTIK line from 2XU, which offer reflective logos to keep you safe by making sure you're seen in low light conditions. Those are three huge pluses for a pair of tights. But wait, there's more! They're also antibacterial, offer moisture wicking and give you UPF50+ sun protection.

How warm are they, really?

I mentioned their brushed interior thermal layer. While it is a thin addition to the tights, whatever they make it out of, it simply works. I've tested it in a myriad of conditions. The coldest I've run in was 14ºF, but with the wind it came in a -1ºF. And let me tell you, the little bit of my face that was exposed can vouch for how cold that was. Even given those temperatures, my legs were not cold from the time I stepped outside until the time I arrived back home. I also ran with them in higher cold temperatures, like more around freezing, and they were always warm without being hot. I will be putting them to use this weekend beyond running, as a base layer for playing in the oncoming snow.

Anything else about them I should know?

I actually have a great experience to share. It happened on day 2 of my run streak, so I'll share it here again for you.


The Takeaway

I can wrap my thoughts up into one solid statement: If you run where there is actual winter, you need a pair of these tights. They are now a part of my regular winter gear. Out for a run, a ride, or just out for some winter time fun, these will fit with comfort and warmth.

How do you keep warm? Do you run in tights?


#bibchat

This week's upcoming bibchat will feature 2XU. Stop by on Tuesday, January 26th at 9pm EST to join in the fun of Bibchat Interact with the 2XU team, with other BibRavePros, and all the other like minded runners that participate each week. I do recommend bringing a snack, as discussions of food and donuts often somehow enter the conversation, and I usually end up hungry.



Jan 16, 2016

Warm Up! Buff Thermal Hoodie Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the Buff Thermal Hoodie 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!

Winter is here in full force. It's important to keep warm. You need a nice warm coat, some gloves, and of course you need to keep your head warm. I received the Buff Thermal Hoodie to run through it's paces, just in time for a cold spell here.


What Buff is this?

As I stated before Christmas in my holiday brand wish list, Buff USA is one of my personal favorite brands. I've tested both an original full buff as well as the half buff, both of which are on my goto gear list. This latest product I've tested is a great product for the winter, and is useful far beyond running and sporting activities. It combines a wool buff bottom around your neck with a toasty warm Polartec® Thermal Pro® hood. This makes for a fantastic product to keep you warm in cold temperatures and protect you from the wind.

How warm is it?

The simple answer is very warm. I've worn it on many occasions in the short time I've had it. I have a fantastically warm wool winter coat, that has no hood. In fact, if you're like me, many of your coats don't have hoods. That means to keep warm you need a hat, and then if it's windy or extra cold, a scarf. The Buff Thermal Hoodie is the perfect solution if you find yourself in this situation. The buff portion keeps your neck warm and protected from the wind. The hoodie is a very cozy warm. It's built with lots of room and some good draw strings to pull tight as needed. Face still a little chilled from the wind? There's an extra portion from the neck to pull up over your face. Lastly, at least in my case, it looks great with my coat, so hard to tell it's not just a hood on my coat. All of it looks great and works even better than great. What's better than great? Super great? It's super great.


What about running in it?

Most of my wearing was more in a casual setting. I did want to see how it would work on a run, so took it out on a cold evening. It worked really quite well. It was definitely warm enough, though previous testing told me that anyway. I was able to pull it tight with the draw strings, which made it fit well running, but I felt like it cut off some of my field of vision. It was nice to not have something tight over my headphones and was super warm while still having moisture management properties. At the end of the day though, I just didn't really like it for a run. It just wasn't for me in this capacity. I prefer a hat and a buff (original or thermal) to cover my face. That's worked great for me, even in single digit temperatures so far.

It does seem like it'd be great for more winter activities, like skiing or snowboarding. In fact, it's designed with a large enough hood to fit over a helmet with that in mind. I could see it working very well in these situations, though I haven't had the opportunity to test it personally like this.


The Takeaway

This is a fantastic winter product. While it wasn't my cup of warm tea when it came to running, it performed well. It is a fantastic anytime product to me and has a lot of potential for winter sports I didn't get an opportunity to try out with it. I may even get my first real snowfall here soon, and put it to the test then as well. I can definitely recommend this to those of use that live in the portions of the country with winter. If you have winter coats without hoods, I highly recommend purchasing one of these for yourself.

How do you keep your head warm? Do your coats have hoods?


#bibchat

As you may have guessed, this week's bibchat will again feature Buff USA. Stop by on Tuesday, January 19th at 9pm EST to join in the fun and be a Buff Ninja!. Interact with the Buff team, with other BibRavePros, and all the other like minded runners that participate each week. I do recommend bringing a snack, as discussions of food and donuts often somehow enter the conversation, and I usually end up hungry.



Jan 11, 2016

Mr. Gold's Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer | #MagicalMickey

Any of my readers out there watch Once Upon a Time? I enjoy the show, though I've fallen behind in the past season. We used to watch it every week on Hulu right as it came out, but now only my wife tries to do that. I've fallen into the binge watching mode on OUAT. I do like the twists they put on characters and back stories. I've actually gotten to meet a couple of the actors on the show, but that's not what this week's #MagicalMickey post is about.


If you know the show, you know the name Mr. Gold. He's actually been one of my favorite characters from early on. Frankly, it takes a great actor and great writing to make a villain you hate. The more you hate him, the better the job they did. But he's also a complex character, that even when he was bad, I still liked him, but I digress. If you know the show, you'll recognize this sign.


That is the sign for Mr. Gold's shop, but it's not from the movie set (though my guess is the Christmas lights gave it away). That is the storefront set up in Disney's Hollywood Studios, back in the Streets of America near Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Imagineers has transformed one of the windows from a New York City storefront into one out of Storybrook. In the window, you'll find a plethora of items from the show, from the book, to the dagger, to a pair of glass slippers. It's very cool if you're a fan of the show to see what you can find. I'll leave some pictures for you to see what you can see, though these only scratch the surface and hit some of the big items.

Storefront

window

Once Upon a Time book

Heroes and Villains Book

the Dagger

Glass Slippers

Chip

The Magic Lamp

Sword

Sorcerer's Hat and Malificent's Staff

This is one of the things I love about Disney-MGM Studios growing up, all the things you'd see from TV and movies. You can still see some, such as in the Great Movie Ride, but not as much as you used to.

Now, our pictures were taken as the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was being set up, sadly for the last time. Of course, now that it has finished, attractions in this are may start to close in the near future to make way for Star Wars Land. If are a huge fan and want to see this, I'd make it sooner rather than later.

Do you watch Once Upon a Time? Would you like Hollywood Studios to have more things like this?


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


Jan 9, 2016

Like the Look, Like the See: XX2i USA1 Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Optics USA1 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!

I love a good pair of sunglasses. Before the BibRavePro program, I tended to buy "cheapo" sunglasses. They were never the best, but they were expendable. Since then, I've gotten the opportunity to try out 3 different pairs of sunglasses, all of which are much higher quality than I've had before, and I now see what I've been missing. Frankly, I'm not going back. You can check out my thoughts on the XX2i France1 sunglasses or on the Rudy Rydon Carbonium sunglasses that I've already written about or stick around here to see my thoughts on the latest to get my test (and seal of approval) the XX2i USA1 Pro Racing Sunglasses.


What what's the deal with these glasses?

Let's start with what I've got to share with you. I'm testing out the USA1, which is the a full framed sport sunglasses, unlike both of my past pairs, which were the half rimed design, where the bottom of the glasses has no frame on the lens. This particular style of sunglasses is more of my everyday style. When I've bought sunglasses through my previous 31 (almost 32) years of life, while I've bought a myriad of glasses, this style is my more classic style that I would get most often. I like the half rim for their coverage and field of vision, such as when I'd play baseball, but those would usually be just for the field. This is the style I'd wear the rest of the time, driving, beach, marching band (yes, I'm a band geek), basically any time out in the sun.


Now that I've thoroughly digressed down my history of sunglasses frames, let's get back to these. In addition to the full frame, which I received in white, they featured their polarized "blue flash" lenses. Having the polarized option on these was a real treat, especially given the style being one I would wear all the time. The glasses came with their tank protector case, which is a sort of semi-hard foam case, that fits the glasses and actually has cutouts for taking some extra lenses along with you. That leads to step 2, where it came with additional temple tips and nose pads (blue and red). These frames have the same standard features as the France1, as you'd expect. In addition to being able to replace the temple tips and nose pads, they're both easily adjustable to get the right fit. While I did not get a chance to try out a second set of lenses, this frame also uses interchangeable lenses, giving you a fully customizable package.

How'd they feel?

These glasses got a lot of wear time. That's saying something, because in order to wear them, I have to make an effort and put in contacts instead of my glasses (though they offer prescriptions as well). That may not seem like a lot, but there are some days that feels like a lot of effort with my two adorable kiddos. I wore them for many activities: family walks, afternoon runs, race day, driving, errands. Basically, if I was going to be in the sun, I would wear them. They excelled at all of them.


The glasses were comfortable on my face with little adjustment. I did move the nose pad just a little tighter to get the perfect fit with zero difficulty. I never once had a problem with them fogging up on me, and they had me covered on some really bright days in December. They're comfortable, pretty lightweight, but not cheap. Believe, I have experience in cheap and easily breakable glasses, and these are not those. I love the case they come with as well. Sure it's not super small, but it's enough that I feel nothing will happen to them and they're protected while still being portable to easily fit in a pocket of a bag or in the center console of the car.


When it comes to these glasses, I like the look. The other pairs I've tested were great, especially for running and outdoor activities, but they always felt like sport glasses. These, while fantastic for running and sports, I can still feel myself wearing them during non-active times. And frankly, I have. I may have tested the others in these settings, but this pair will continue to find that realm as their home.

The Takeaway

Overall, like the others I've tested, they worked perfectly. They're well designed, look good, wear comfortable, and work great. These are my "everyday" style of glasses, and about the only thing I'd change would be choosing a black frame for my everyday use (though I love the blue lenses). They simply feel like quality glasses and I wasn't worried about if they'd break on my tomorrow. I knew they wouldn't let me down, and would look good in the process.


And you know what? If anything should happen, I don't have to worry, because XX2i offers a lifetime warranty. "No questions asked, you break or scratch them, send them back to be replaced for a nominal shipping and handling fee!" That's just icing on the cake.

Discount

Want a pair of your own? Loved the other XX2i pair I reviewed but never picked them up? Or perhaps you're me and just want a pair in black. Well you're in luck. Use the code XX2iRocks to save a huge 50% off at www.xx2i.com. Yes, that number is in fact half off your order, so don't delay.

Do you wear sunglasses when you run? What type do you prefer?


Jan 6, 2016

Shoes that Fly: First Look at runDisney Dumbo New Balance

Monday, I shared with you the official New Balance unveiling of the 2016 runDisney shoes. Today, I have something special to share with you, a real hands on first look at the Dumbo edition shoe.


The Dumbo edition is a version of the New Balance Vazee Pace, a neutral cushioned shoe. This shoe is lightweight, features a 6mm drop and a foam midsole cushioning. Of course, that's all the Vazee Pace stuff. What you really care about is, what makes it Dumbo?

Let's start with a video hands on to answer that, as I take my first look at it out of the box.



Now, let's get some glamour shots. We can't start without first taking it out of the box.



First note the colors, your elephant gray body, yellow heel for his hat, red on the sole for his neck ruffle, and touch of black for the feather that helps him believe he can fly (spoilers, sorry). Inside, we get the tan of the inside of his ears to match.


You get all the Disney touches, his signature on the tongue, his portrait on the back, and of course a hidden Mickey.


But where would Dumbo be without Timothy the mouse?


I tried the shoes on and they were quite comfortable. I may have worn the around the house immediately after shooting the video, including as I edited the video and wrote this blog.


To get theses shoes (or one of the other models), you'll need to go to the expo, but they offer a great virtual queue system so you don't have to wait in line and they can let you know when it's your turn. It's a really good system, in my opinion. Get the full details at nbvirtualqueue.com

I just wanted to give a special thanks to Sarah for sending me this pair ahead of time. While I was given the shoes as a gift, all opinions are my own (like I would ever give you anything else).

Magical Mickey Linkup

Jan 4, 2016

New Year, New runDisney New Balance | #MagicalMickey

It's the new year, and the new year means it's almost time for my favorite race weekend of the year: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This is the biggest runDisney event of the year, the only one offering a full marathon and offers the most races you can run at one runDisney event. It also holds a special place for me, as it was the location of my first half marathon in 2014.

There are many awesome things about marathon weekend. One of the coolest non-race thing to me is the partnership between Disney and New Balance. Each year, at marathon weekend, New Balance release new, exclusive runDisney designed models of their shoes. They usually offer two models of shoes, in a men and women variety, each with their own character theming. Last year, they released some extra models during the year at other events, but every January is "the big one". I already own the Goofy model (my favorite character) from 2014. Today, New Balance unveiled this year's models.


This years models being offer are the Vazee Pace and the 860v6s. For the neutral cushioning Vazee Pace, you'll find Dumbo for the men's and Ariel for the women's. Both offer the details that have become standard in Disney shoes: elements of the characters throughout, hidden Mickeys, and special touches.



The stability and motion control 860v6s will offer this year's Mickey and Minnie design. This year, they're taking to the red carpet with their formal wear. While I've been given images of the others, I don't have any good images of the Mickey shoe, though it looks pretty good to me in their video. I'm actually a fan of the Minnie, though it looks more like a Belle design to me than a Minnie Mouse design.


To get theses shoes, you'll need to go to the expo, but they offer a great virtual queue system so you don't have to wait in line and they can let you know when it's your turn. It's a really good system, in my opinion. Get the full details at www.nbvirtualqueue.com

While this is the official unveiling, come back tomorrow, and I may just have some more to share with you about these shoes. That's all I'll tease for now.

Do you own any runDisney New Balance shoes? Do any of these models interest you?


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


Jan 3, 2016

Intersection of Hydration and Sherpa: Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1 Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1 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!

We all agree it's important to #stayhydrated while running, right? Even when it's cool, yes? Now that we're on the same page, how do you hydrate on your runs? If you're going on a long run, it's important to have a good solution. I've tried different ways across my training, and when I discovered Orange Mud, I discovered the solution for me. I got a chance to review the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1, found at the intersection of hydration and sherpa.


Sherpa?

The HydraQuiver Vest Pack 2 is more than just the awesome hydration solution that keeps the bottle high, snug, and bounce free. It's a pack that gives you quick access to multiple pockets, perfect for holding your nutrition, phone, lights, camera, maybe even a small pet (ok, maybe avoid the pet). It does this all while being lightweight, durable, and highly breathable. While I've been testing the pack here in the winter of Virginia, I have another of their hydration packs I've worn all summer training and can attest to the heat and moisture transfer of the pack.

Let's talk tech (and a little history)

One of the things Orange Mud does fantastically is make hydration packs. It's where it all started. Like any great start up, they solved a personal pain point, hydration frustration. I've been there. They belts provide quick access, but on my body type, never stay put. Carrying a bottle is annoying, trying, and only brings so much along. This solution just makes sense to me. The idea is one they've worked to refine and improve on, and that they've succeeded in. If you want to see that they're striving to improve and advance they're products, look no further than the OM Lab page, where you can read about some of their upcoming products.

The tech they use is fantastic. It's such a sturdy pack, but very lightweight. The mesh they use is breathable but also practical. It uses small self contained pieces, that should would get ripped (such as if you're on the trails), the pack will remain usable. It's really a well engineered product. You get two pockets for very quick nutrition access, one of which has a small key hook. Next up on the shoulders you have the two standard accessory pockets that stretch to fit up to 6 gels each, a cell phone, or even a GoPro in case (if you're wondering). If that's not enough for you, the back side also has a pocket that spans around with the bottle, though I find it works best for small flat items.


How's it wear?

This is a tricky area. I've had a little trouble getting the "like a glove" fit. I have a feeling that it is just my body type. I've actually talked with some people at Orange Mud, and they've been helpful in getting things just right. For one, the bottle itself can adjust. I originally felt it was too high and too close to my head. For that very reason (and for being able to use larger and smaller bottles) they've made the quiver highly adjustable. With that, I can put the bottle in much lower and more comfortable. After that, I found I could get it mostly snug, but then it would gap on the top of my shoulders a bit. It took a bit to get it tight enough under the arms to keep the full pack "snug". That makes the full pack fit without too much gap and it no longer moves. At this point, it works, but feels ok at best. Now, the product page does warn that the Vest Pack may no work for some, though I'm within the measurements.


So how well does it work?

As a hydration pack, it is fantastic. All the pockets are easy to access and take things in and out. Grabbing your gels, a phone, or other nutrition is incredibly easy. The bottle is easy and fun to use. The best part about these packs are being a water samurai, and the bottle flip. You unsheathe the bottle from it's quiver, then give it a little flip in your hand so it's the right direction, take a swig, flip it back (looking so cool) then sheathe it back, all while running. Yes, this hydration pack will make you look cool simply by using it.

The Takeaway

What is my overall thought on the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1? It's a well engineered pack, perfect for the runner who needs hydration and plenty of room for the extras. Given my testing, I prefer my HydraQuiver Double Barrel, but that is my personal preference. If you are a bigger guy like me (or gal), don't be afraid to try it if you think it might be for you. Orange Mud has a really great policy on returns and exchanges. While this one isn't quite my favorite, the brand and their hydration packs are.

Discount

Want to make this pack your own? Have you been eyeing up anything else from Orange Mud? Then let's talk discounts. Use the code BIBRAVE to save 15% off everything at www.orangemud.com. So grab yourself a wrap, a cap, a Buff, or even my personal favorite, the HydraQuiver Double Barrel Hydration pack, something I won't run without now, but more on that for a future review. Save on anything and enjoy. Maybe treat yourself to some new year new gear.

#bibchat

Like what you've read? They happen to be the sponsor on this week's #bibchat. Come by on Tuesday January 5th 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.