Showing posts with label 2xu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2xu. Show all posts

Mar 21, 2016

Dynamic Duo for Multiple Miles: 2XU VECTR Socks and Calf Sleeves | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the 2XU VECTR socks and performance run calf sleeves 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!

It's no secret that I love compression, in various forms. One of my favorites is in calf sleeves and socks. I do enjoy a nice pair of tall compression socks, but I've always felt sleeves are more versatile. That versatility comes with the age old problem of finding the right socks. 2XU offers a 1-2 combo to to give you just that: compression calf sleeves teamed with a great pair of socks.

What's the gear?

This review is really the tale of two pieces of gear that compliment each other. First are the performance run calf sleeves. They offer the standard of compression calf sleeves: graduated compression for increased circulation for recovery and muscle performance. They're more than just simple sleeves though, they offer targeted support on the calfs and shins. They use PWX compression fabric to enhance power as well as high filament yarns to wick away sweat. The sleeves are even antibacterial and provide UPF50+ sun protection.


The second piece are the racing VECTR socks. They're an engineered little sock. They have 2XU’s X:LOCK support system for a "secure, ergonomic fit to the foot and stabilization of the ankle and arch". They deliver "maximum abrasion protection" and anti-blister technology. Like any good sock, they provide moisture management through dry mesh panels for ventilation.

What does it all mean?

I gave you the low down on the tech in the products, but what does it all mean? How do they all really perform? The calf sleeve performed great. They offer snug compression, but are also quite comfortable. The graduated compression is not too tight for running comfortably in. They left my legs feeling good even after a longer run with hills. They are right on par with other standard compression sleeves I have as far as tightness with a slightly better fit. I have some that offer a tighter fit, but there are also higher level sleeves from 2XU as well, when that is the need.

The socks are really nice. They have a really great fit on the foot, of a snug, form fitting style. They have just enough fabric up the ankle for my liking. Enough to keep from any of the shoe from rubbing, including a little extra up the back to protect the heel. That is always the biggest pain point for me. They breathe well, never feeling damp or any hot spots from rubbing. Hypothetically, I may have even worn them two runs in a row because I may have forgotten to change them out of my gym bag. And in this hypothetical situation, they performed comfortably even then. Hypothetically.


The two work really well together. The problem with calf sleeves can sometimes be to find socks that fit well with them. The calf sleeves and socks come together perfect for me, providing me a great combo to run in or recover in. Sleeves are great because you can take the off and on as you need. Plus, unlike tall compression socks, they're easier to reuse that socks you sweat into.

The Takeaway

I love compression and I'm always looking for great socks, and both delivered. I put them to the test: warm and cool days, long and short runs, Mizuno and On Running shoes, and all came back feeling good. The sleeves are comfortable enough to run in but still provide great compression for recovery. The socks and sleeve compliment each other providing a full solution for your running legs. I'm personally interested in looking for some more colors to build my stock up with.

Do you wear compression sleeves? To run in or recover in?


#bibchat

As you may have guessed, this week's bibchat will again feature 2XU. Stop by on Tuesday, March 22nd at 9pm EST to join in the good times that is bibchat. Interact with the 2XU team, with other BibRavePros, and all the other like minded runners that participate each week. You can plan on a giveaway, as always, so there's always that added bonus.




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.



Dec 31, 2015

Doing That Thing You Do: Twenty Fifteen Review

I decided it was time to take a look back at this past year. This is actually a post I was looking forward to writing, because when I thought about it, it was a pretty damn good year, now that I take a moment to stop and look at it. I've accomplished a lot, even if I didn't always hit my mark. Let's take a look at the year.

Running

I had a pretty good year running, even if it felt a little less busy when it came to races. Thanks in partial to my first challenge, some virtual races, and some fun runs with my daughter, I managed 11 races this year. I started the year with a 5K PR on the BRATS Frozen 5K, gritted my way through Rock n Roll DC with my sister when we were both undertrained, completed my first triathlon Memorial Day weekend where I also brought home my first age group award, and finally, completed my first multi-race challenge (and race for BibRave) where I PR'd my half marathon on the final day of the Runner's World Hat Trick. Finishing off the year racing with my daughter on New Years Eve for a 1K was the perfect finish to the racing year.


BibRave

My involvement with the BibRavePro program deserves it's own section in my year end wrap up. My first year as a BibRavePro has been HUGE!. I already mentioned my first race as a pro, the Runner's World Hat Trick Challenge. It was an all around awesome weekend, that I hope to repeat in the future. Where being a pro has really impacted me is right here on this blog. I've gotten the opportunity to try out a lot of great products, which has been a lot of fun but also has helped me with my blog. I've reviewed 11 products this year alone, with another 3 products currently being tested and reviews coming soon.

While I've really enjoyed what I've tested (and I've use most of it still on a regular basis) I feel like I have to pick some of my favorites. If you haven't read these, go check them out. First has to be my review of the Mizuno Wave Rider 18, including a fun little teaser video I made.


Next is one of my new favorite brands, Buff USA. Between the two reviews, I'm going to pick the UV Half Buff, because it has gotten so much use in my running and it has ponies pictures. How can you go wrong there? Of course, I also love the full Buff, and if you're looking for a belated Christmas present or a birthday gift for a certain blogger, might I suggest this one?


Rounding out the top 3 of my reviews would have to be my other new favorite brand, 2XU, with the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights. These were amazing and a huge part of my success to my Runner's World Hat Trick, in my opinion. I also reviewed these as my first video review, which was a cool step forward for me.


I'm so excited for being a BibRavePro in 2016 and can't wait to see what else I can share with you.

Team Nuun

It's been a really fun year being a member of Team Nuun. In addition to representing by simply doing what I enjoy and rehydrating plenty with Nuun, I've gotten to take part in some cool things as well. I ran in their first virtual race: Run Ride Hydrate. While that race was Team Nuun only, this year, they're putting on the Nuun Year Dash, which is open to everyone. I also got to be a part of their launch of a completely new product, Plus for Nuun. I used this to help my refueling during my Runner's World Hat Trick, and really liked how it worked for me. Plus, I've represented with some awesome Nuun gear, such as my tri kit or my running shirt.

Blog

All in all, this all has contributed to me having a really great year on my blog. I've written about some really great races I've experienced (and some not so great ones), lot's of amazing products, and some fun posts about my favorite place, Disney, in the Magical Mickey linkup. I feel like I'm almost getting the hang of this whole blog thing 2 years later. I've still got room to grow, but if I didn't, what fun would that be?

How was your running year? What was your favorite highlight of 2015?


Dec 11, 2015

My Holiday Brand Wish List | #FridayFive

It's that time of year, that time when you'll see lots of posts of gift guides, wish lists, and 12 days of stuff. I'm not complaining, it's just a fact. Actually, I like it because I love discovering new things. This week's Friday Five linkup topic fits right in there. This week's topic is holiday wish list. When I started thinking, lots came to mind. But actually, when I looked at it, there were many things that were new items from particular brands that I love. Many of them are even brands I'm new to this past year. So instead of sharing just five gifts on this Friday Five, I'm going to share five brands.

1. Buff

Buff is one of the brands that is new to me this year but became a quick favorite. I first was introduced to them through the BibRavePro program, when I got an opportunity to review the UV Half Buff and then the Full Buff. I love both of my buffs. The half is perfect in the warm weather to cover enough without being too hot and my full is really paying for itself in the cooler weather. It's versatile in how it can be worn to cover the head, neck, face, or even all of the above. Now, while they can do a lot, Buff offer's a lot of more specialized options, like polar buffs, bandanas, hoodies, and gloves just to name a few. They even have your dog covered.

Now, if anyone's interested, my wish list includes a blue full buff for rocking with my Team Nuun gear and a polar buff for the winter. [images from buffusa.com]

2. Orange Mud

Orange Mud is a brand I found through some of my running friends, specifically Jeremy and Smitha, who I was seeing running with their HydraQuivers constantly. For my first half marathon, I had bought a hydration belt, that worked all right. It gave me what I needed, some extra hydration as well as a little room for some fueling, but it only stayed in place some of the time, the bottles never seemed to dry well and it was limited space, so I'd still need an armband for my phone. I kept seeing the HydraQuiver and it looked like the perfect solution for me, so I invested in the HydraQuiver Double Barrel over the summer. I could not be happier with my purchase. It stays in place fantastically, had a lot of room, and most importantly is comfortable. I actually plan to do a review on it in the near future because I really enjoy it that much. Since then, I've also had a chance to test their Transition & Seat Wrap as a BibRavePro and just recently received the HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1 to test (which I took out for a run this morning). Throughout all this, Orange Mud has become another of my favorites brands.

Currently, on my Orange Mud Wish List would be the gear quiver, for short runs to carry my phone, keys and whatever else I need, as well as two of their bags, the Modular Gym Bag and Messenger Bag. Of course, just like Buff, you really could just shop anywhere on their site and make me happy. [images from orangemud.com]

3. 2XU

Brand number 3 is another brand I've tested, 2XU. I had seen some of their products before I got to test the Elite MCS Compression Tights for BibRave, but I hadn't own any. I loved compression, so I was aware of their brand, but hadn't really used any outside of compression calf sleeves and socks. As my video review will attest to, man, that full leg compression makes for amazing recovery. This has led me look through their extensive collection, which includes all sorts of gear, from compression to arm sleeves to shirts, singlets, coats, and bags.

At the top of my 2XU wish list, you'll find the Hyoptik Jacket (which is from their high vis line), a tech singlet for the warmer months, and a pair of compression calf sleeves (BibRave orange, of course). [images from 2xu.com]

4. Nuun

Number 4 on my list is a brand that is my hydration of choice: Nuun. I love that it gives me a light solution to hydration. It adds flavor and electrolytes and the other necessities without sugar, helping keep my hydrated all year round as I work out (remember, even hydrate in winter). Their newest product, Plus for Nuun, is a great way to also get some fuel in with your hydration. You can read more on my blog from when it was first released this year. I'm also a huge fan of Nuun All Day, which is natural flavor and vitamins to add to water, which helped me cut out soda at work. I just don't like plain water all day, so it was a great help there. I love Nuun so much I applied to their ambassador program last year and was selected to join Team Nuun. In 2016, I'll be continuing on with Team Nuun, which I'm very excited about. They even have their own virtual race everyone can participate in coming up, the Nuun Year Dash.

Sticking with the patterns of three, on my Nuun wish list would be Nuun All Day, some Nuun Energy because i can always use some caffeine, and a new bottle to put all that Nuun in, like the miir bottle that also helps others in need get water. [images from nuun.com]

5. BibRave

Last on my list is the company behind what you heard often in the post, BibRavePro, which is the ambassador program for BibRave. Now, this isn't specifically about BibRave gear, though they do offer some OrangeIsTheNewFast BibRave gear, if you love the site and want to sport some orange. For the brand, I'm considering that my wish list would be to write more reviews on BibRave.com, which of course means you need to run said races. That's right, number five on my list is race entries, because who doesn't like them?

My BibRave wish list would be for the Potomac River Running 2016 Race Pass, which gives you entry into 4 different PRR races, the gift of runDisney, which yes IS a thing for 2016, and a new BibRave trucker, because mine has taken a beating already. [images from links above]

What's on your wish list? Do you have any brands that you love so much you could list 'anything from here'?

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:


Nov 1, 2015

Full Compression, Full Recovery: 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights Video Review | BibRavePro

Disclaimer: I received the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights 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'm a fan of compression. My calf sleeves and socks leave them feeling great, but the rest of my legs sore. I got a chance to test out a product that is designed to fix just that problem and address the recovery of the full leg. They came just in time for the end of my training and my races for the Runner's World Hat Trick. I thought I'd share with you my personal experience with you, but in a new way for my blog.


That's right, instead of writing a wordy blog about what my experiences, I instead broke out the video camera and recorded a video review. It's my first of such reviews, so it's may be a little rambling, but worth the watch.

Do you use compression? Have you ever tried full leg compression tights?


Discount

Do you want this full leg awesome compression? Or do you maybe just want some other great 2XU gear? There really is no better time then now, because I have a code for you. Use the code BIBRAVE20 to save 20% off your purchase at www.2xu.com. No better time to buy than when you can save some money on it.

#bibchat

Like what you've read? They happen to be the sponsor on this week's #bibchat. Come by on Tuesday November 3rd at 9pm EST to join in the chat to interact with the team, the pros, and your fellow runners. 2XU will be with us and giving away a pair of these fantastic tights as well, so participate for a chance to win. 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.