Where’s your ID?? Get your 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 outBibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

RoadID. I’ve actually used them on and off for quite some time, going back to my days in Philadelphia. I started off with a shoe ID, though since I switch shoes around so much, it wasn’t working so great. When I got my Apple Watch, I got one for my watch since it was something I was always wearing. When the Sidekick came out, I was excited, because I have an option for my Garmin.

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Because you can never have too many @roadid! I wear one on my Apple Watch, now some for my Garmin 🙌🏻 follow the link to get 20% off yours (https://road.id/Bibrave) #roadIDBR #bibchat #runchat #roadid #bibravepro

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jul 17, 2019 at 1:43pm PDT

I’m a fan of RoadID because my runs tend to be solo. I’m also the one who always runs with pants/shorts that have pockets for ID/credit card back up and to keep some extra cash on me. Not going to lie, it’s always in the back of my head if something happens to me, people might not know unless I don’t show up for work, to the gym, for a meeting, etc. My mom is also one who appreciates it I’m sure.

The Road ID sidekick is easy to use and slides over any wrist ban pretty easily. It doesn’t slide around and really adds no weight to your watch/wrist band (so extra weight is really no excuse to not get one for yourself). The bonus of RoadID is you can customize the ID portion with names, address, contacts, etc. I also encourage people to get the online emergency response profile to go with it. Why? if you can’t speak for yourself, it gives EMS/Healthcare professionals a way to figure you out. As a side note to this, In my daily professional life as a physician, I actually look for RoadID or any sort of medical information badge on patients when I’m at work. I actually get excited when people ask about my RoadID because it gives me a chance to make sure people know to look for it because it can provide good info for us especially in healthcare. I’ve already convinced a pharmacist at work to get one for him and his entire family!

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True story. I have a @roadid for every watch I own because I have either my Apple Watch or my @garmin on all the time, where my pair of running shoes isn’t the same from day to day. Get a @roadid that works for you! As someone in #healthcare, I always look for one on people if I stop to help them or if they’re coming through the Hospital. I encourage any #firstresponders, people in the #er and anyone else to look for @roadid on unidentified patients as well, they may have something on them (watch, shoes, bracelets, etc!). #roadID #roadIDBR #bibchat #runchat

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jul 31, 2019 at 8:45am PDT

Getting your RoadID is quick and easy. Very easy to order online, but make sure to triple check your information/name plate correct (I’ve ordered ones where my mom is my emergency contact though it’s my cell phone listed…insert eye roll here). You know where your road ID is every step of the way and you even get a personal note from your packers at RoadID headquarters!

Convinced? Search the RoadID website, then go get your own Sidekick for 20% off over here!

You Strava, I Strava, We all Strava!

Disclaimer: I received an upgraded membership and swag to Strava in order to review Strava 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!

Strava. You know, that thing people use to keep track of all the activities and all the things. No? Not quite?? I’ve been on strava for the past few years, though have actually been doing more actual outdoor running in the past year to actually be able to utilize it. Not convinced? Take a look at what you can keep track of. Emails once a month after a month wraps up to see how well you did the past 28-31 days or see how you’re doing for the year. Not just a runner? Biking and swimming are options too!

Looking for a way to stay motivated? We all know winter is cold and miserable and summers can be rough (in Eastern Washington, we have fire season, cue the smoke), so challenges are always a plus. Strava has challenges to help keep you going! Distance challenges, climbing challenges, challenges for fun that get you discounts to favorite activity or retail places (Lululemon, good running places, entry into drawings for race entries). Did I mention I got a 25% off discount to a favorite running place for completing a challenge?!?

Another reason to love strava? different ways to support different causes. This month, add a rainbow emoji to your work out title for your runs and your route becomes a rainbow. Get a special badge for completing the #bravelikegabe run on her birthday.

What else to love? Connect with a whole bunch of cool people, get and give encouragement and join meet ups and challenges, see who’s going to certain events and join groups for local/national groups!

Overall, love my strava, will connect it to every Garmin I own to keep an update on my activities (or use the app on my watch). Looking to download the app? Head over here for iTunes/Apple!

 

 

 

What’s in a Streak?

Disclaimer: I received an annual Strava Summit subscription and Strava merchandise to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out to review find and write race reviews

Data. Every runner’s dream! I picked up running in medical school as way to destress and forget about life for a bit. I tried keeping written logs, no logs, other website logs and couldn’t find a good balance. Once I started the life of marathons, I ended up getting a Garmin, and over time found Strava, where I linked my Garmin to keep track of all my cardio!

Strava is an online/app based site that allows people to connect, keep track of workouts and take parts in challenges, earn digital trophies and so much more.

Run, bike or swim….what are you tracking??

Challenges and trophies happen monthly, weekly and within groups themselves. NYRR has virtual races that can even get you guaranteed entry in their races that are tracked through Strava. Complete certain challenges to earn discounts on products as well! Complete a challenge and get trophies for your trophy case.

Looking to keep track of your yearly miles? Do that too! Indoor miles, outdoor miles, spinning miles, whatever floats your boat

The Streak, Bibrave Style

The month of May, Bibrave is having a running streak! Wondering where to ‘meet’ a bunch of online friends who like running and want to do some streaking running style. It’s not your typical Bulls NBA Championship of the 1990s, the UCLA Bruins NCAA Basketball streak under John Wooden or the current OSU Buckeyes Streak of beating Michigan. It’s a way to streak and have a fun time doing it.

Follow Bibrave on Strava and come join the streak: strava.com/clubs/bibrave

Bibrave Product Review: Mission Groove Super Bites

Disclaimer: I received samples of Food Groove Mission Bites 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!

Snacks. Let’s face it, we all need some, whether it be pre race/post race, during the day, after work, you are it. Bring in Food Groove Mission Super Food Bites. I was excited to give these little guys a try.

Got some fun mail last night from @food_groove! Even brought some to work today as a snack! Now if the ER would quit bothering me so I can try them 😜 #foodgroveBR #bibchat #bibravepro #superfood pic.twitter.com/SdeVQzPnsa

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) January 27, 2019

Mission Food is based out of Dallas, Texas. The goal is to have pure, raw superfoods in the form a small bite size snack to keep you going. Each bite size snack has a punch essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with the goal to increase energy, improve brain function and decrease chronic disease amongst other things. Each packet has 10 bite size morsels and come in a resealable pouch so you can save some for later (If they make it that long).

Flash back to earlier this week when I actually remembered my @food_groove super food bites after a work out at the gym 🤦🏼‍♀️get your own and save 15% with BIBRAVE15! #bibchat #foodgrooveBR #superfood pic.twitter.com/9MrKMmDYzk

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) February 15, 2019

We were given 10 samples to try, but 3 separate flavors that included Truffle Punch, The Nutty Adventurer and Mother Earth. The Nutty Adventurer is a combination of  peanut butter, date, goji berries, almond protein, and Chia, amongst other things. You get the peanut butter taste with some kick of the berries. I had some paired with some chocolate chip pancakes after a 10k last weekend and I thought it was a great combo (who knew!) There’s also the Truffle Pouch, that’s more of a chocolate/fruity combination. It has some of the same berries as the Nutty Adventurer, but includes Dark Chocolate, dates and Cacao Nibs to help with the chocolate taste. These were my top two favorites, but I’m a peanut butter lover at heart so the Nutty Adventurer won me over.

Some @food_groove as dessert while waiting for my flight home! Chocolate truffle meets fruitiness 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 #bibchat #runchat #foodgrooveBR #superfood pic.twitter.com/iBRqkoxwa3

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) February 3, 2019

Concerned about diet? No fear! Soy free, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Grain Free, Paleo and no added sugars! my one wish is I wish there could be a way to get more protein into these things. I personally struggle getting enough protein in my diet regularly, so if there was a bit more protein in these delicious bites, that would be awesome. Regardless, these are worth a try. They’re easy to pack (I’ve got some in my purse for work), tasty and quite frankly a great way to hold you over pre work out/post work out and give you some pretty awesome health benefits.

Convinced yet? Save 15% with BIBRAVE15 for 1 order at Mission Food!

Bibrave Product Review: Buff DryFlx

Disclaimer: I received a Buff DryFlx and headband to review as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about being a Bibrave Pro and check out http://www.bibrave.com to review, find and write race reviews.

Buff. ALLLL the Buff. I’ve tried and still use Buff throughout the years and have Bibrave to thank for introducing me to the Buff. It’s one of the few running things that can be used all year in a whole host of ways, and they’ve come out with a new line that I’m excited about.

The Buff DryFlx is lightweight and has a design for cooler outdoor use (read, winter weather in Washington State). Additionally, this design is bright. It’s meant for you to be seen! Warm, lightweight, reflective, what more can you ask for?

Well, there’s the fact it has this 4 way stretch thing going on. And it’s seamless. And UPF 50 Sun Protection….

Because of travel, I’ve actually had the chance to use my Buff in both Washington State (where I’m running in 20-30* weather when I can get outside), and Arizona (currently here for a conference). Ever been to Washington? It gets cold over the winter, so having something that’s lightweight but keeps. You warm is important. I’ve used the buff and the headband, which I love, however, my head is a little small for the headband. It makes a really good wrist version of the Buff though, if you’re looking for ways to help with sweat control!

In Phoenix, it’s been in the 50s-60s, so a world of difference compared to what I’ve been dealing with the last 6 weeks. The lightness of the Buff makes it so you don’t feel it and you don’t feel like you’re overheating either. Additionally, the whole reflectiveness idea makes it so you’re seen (can’t help the people who don’t pay attention).

Overall, love my buff. If there could be some sort of way to get a smaller headband for us small headed people, that’d be awesome, but a great product overall!

Bibrave Product Review: Under Armour HOVR Sonics

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Under Armour HOVR Sonics 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!

Running shoes. Something where I have what I like and tend to be loyal to them unless the next generation changes and my feet hate me because of it (yes it’s happened!). I had the opportunity to test out a pair of UA HOVR Sonics after Bibrave paired up with Under Armour. I’d been curious about Under Armour in terms of their running shoes for awhile. In all honesty, I have two other different pairs of UA Running shoes, but I use them more for day to day life rather than running. The HOVRs seemed to peak my interest a little bit more.

 

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Can’t wait to give @underarmour (@uarunning) HOVRs a test run here soon! #bibchat #runchat #UARunningBR

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jul 5, 2018 at 7:26pm PDT

The Sonics have two flavors, as I like to call it: the connected version (that connects wireless to an app and provides a bunch of good info) and an unconnected version. Mine were a black fabric with white sole version of the unconnected Sonics.

The shoe itself is very light with mesh fabric for the shoe and foam soles to help provide some molding to your foot. If you’re looking for a neutral shoe, this is something to look into. It’s also very breathable because of the mesh, which makes running in ridiculous temps a little more bearable and your feet don’t feel like your dying.

I’ve taken my new friends out for some running and have kept it on the shorter end of things, no more than 3-4 miles. Since they’re 8 oz, I tend to forget I’m wearing them. My only concern is I’m thinking I need a little more in terms of arch support while running, so I may need switch out the soles to help me out a little bit. They’re also good for leg day at the gym and lifting (and may have made my trainer a little jealous).

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Cross training and leg day at the gym with my @uarunning HOVR Sonics. My trainer was jealous of them! Almost forgot I had shoes on too! #bibchat #runchat #UARunningBR #bibravepro #HOVR

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jul 20, 2018 at 12:46pm PDT

Price wise, the non connected version of the HOVR Sonics run $100 (connected version is $110). They also come in a wide color range (mine are primarily black with some white). Trust me, I plan on having fun with socks with these guys since the mesh is a bit see through on them.

Overall a good pair of shoes, especially if you’re a neutral foot runner. I may need to tweak the soles a little bit, but they’ll be a good pair of shoes for short runs, cross training and to use while out and about!

Bibrave Product Review: Oofos

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Oofos 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!

Pre race and recovery. Something every athlete thinks about on a regular basis, especially if you’re racing every other weekend. When I travel for races, I always tend to be on my feet way too much and walk around wherever I’m at and my feet end up tired and beat up. In come Oofos. I got my first pair of Oofos last year (take a look here) and loved them, so I was more than excited when we were on the board to test them again.

Trying to determine which way to wear my @oofos. My plan is to live in them this weekend pre and post @IRONMANtri Coeur d’Alene 70.3! #bibchat #runchat #recovery #oofos #oofosbr pic.twitter.com/oUJpWIlUnH

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) June 21, 2018

This time around, I had the chance to test the OOlala Orange version (last year, we were in on Oofos’ project pink line). Oofos started up 7 years ago as with recovery in mind. Technology wise, it takes the pressure off your feet, knees, and back, especially when they’re sore on top of absorbing 37% more impact than other foams. Because of this, there’s some faster recovery time.

My trainers will tell you the amount of torture I put myself through with weight training and endurance training (because gaining muscle and endurance totally go together…or not). I’ve gotten to the point where I throw my Oofos in the back of my car to switch into after work outs, especially if I’m going somewhere after a work out. This past weekend, I was walking a whole bunch around Coeur d’Alene and had my Oofos on all weekend and my feet weren’t screaming at me

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When your new @oofos show up in the mist of triathlon training, your feet thank you! Wear pre work out or post workout for recovery (your feet will thank you!). Even better is 3% of all sales go to breast cancer research! #bibchat #runchat #oofosBR #orangeisthenewfast

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jun 5, 2018 at 3:52pm PDT

Another perk about the Oofos is their arch support. They give extra cushion to your feet so you’re feet aren’t yelling at you and if you’re short like me, an extra inch. Even if you don’t need Oofos for some height, they allow for a more natural gait while you walk.

Up until the beginning of this year, I was primarily a runner. I’ve been putting my hat in to some triathlons as well and have been waring my oofos pre race to keep my feet in line. They’re durable and can be hosed off easily (or thrown in the washer). They’re very durable and made to last which is also appreciated.

If that’s not enough, 3% of all sales go to Project Pink for Breast Cancer Research, in support of their Direct of Marketing, who’s been fighting stage IV breast cancer.

Head on over and get your pair. I’m going to be looking at some of their clogs to try and get me through work, where I’m on my feet 12 hours a day 7 days straight every other week. Don’t forget to join us for #bibchat on Tuesday 9PM EST/6 PM PST!

Bibrave Product Review: KT Tape Blister Prevention and Treatment

Disclaimer: I received KT Tape Blister Tape & Treatment 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!

Blisters. The one thing, that along with disgusting toe nails, runners deal with on a regular basis. I’ve had more than a few blisters between toes, on my heels, the sides of my feet, you name it. Back in March, I tested some KT Tape and had seen KT Tape’s Blister Prevention Tape back then. I was more than excited when we partnered again with KT Tape to actually give the Blister Protection and Blister treatment products a try.

Finally getting to open the bagillion (or 5) packages that have been sitting around due to work. Got some @KTTape to help with (or prevent) all the blisters! Save 30% with BIBRAVE30 #bibchat #runchat #KTTapeBR pic.twitter.com/kvTQ9xteO8

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) June 1, 2018

The fact they come in their own little containers is fun enough, but it keeps everything together so you can throw it in your gym bag, car, purse, luggage, you name it. I got it just in time for my first triathlon of the year (or let’s face it, ever). It was easy enough to have the prevention tape out and ready from when I got out of the swim and was transitioning to the bike (can you find them?!?!).

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All set I think for Olympic tri number 1. Even going to put my @kttape blister protection to good use today! #runchat #bibchat #endurance #triathlon #KTTapeBR

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jun 2, 2018 at 8:03am PDT

 

Most of the time, I used the blister prevention tape for the feet. It actually works well on the toes (even the little toes) and the side of the feet to prevent rubbing against the side of your shoes. My clogs for work are a touch loose, and the prevention tape is a good barrier if I feel like my feet are starting to rub.

I haven’t had any blisters yet, but they happen. KT Tape also has a blister treatment patch. The fun thing about this is it lasts up to a week before needing to change and speeds up healing.

courtesy of http://www.kttape.com

 

Some fellow Pros have given the blister treatment patch a try (head over and read Katy’s Blog) and it blends in with your skin so it’s hard to see! Another perk of the the treatment patch? Water proof and latex free!

Some helpful tips for both of them

• Apply to dry skin. Pretty sure one of my Prevention tapes fell off during my triathlon because it went on a somewhat wet foot
• Don’t over stretch it
• Keep it on skin. If you put the blister prevention tape on skin, it’ll stay on if the ends overlap on each other!

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Round two for the @kttape prevention strips at a tri. Note to self, dry your feet off really well! I also appreciate the container since the weather may not cooperate 🤷🏼‍♀️ #bibchat #runchat #nomoreblisters #kttapebr

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on Jun 9, 2018 at 7:37am PDT

Interested? Get your own for 30% off with BIBRAVE30. Also, join us for #bibchat on June 19, 2018 at 6 pm PST/9 PM EST and get questions answered from KT Tape!

 

Bibrave Product Review: Rudy Sunglasses

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Rudy Rydon Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro and the film Godspeed. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Now that Washington State has decided to skip most of spring and start heading into summer, it mean’s I’m in all out Triathlon Training and spending a bunch of time outside. Earlier this year, I had the chance to preview Godspeed, that was produced in conjunction with the Rudy Project. I also was sent a pair of Rydon Sunglasses, which have been awesome while on the bike training the past few weeks.

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Getting my bike on and using my @rudyprojectna glasses in the Spokane sun! Don’t forget, 8 Days (May 22) until #godspeed is in theaters! You have what it takes to bike across the US? #bibchat #endurance #godspeedBR

A post shared by Christine (@cgrunstheworld) on May 14, 2018 at 1:41pm PDT

 

So far, I’ve used them in quite a few half marathons and on the trails while biking (and attempting to not fall off my own bike). The sunglasses have photochromic clear lenses that adjust to light depending on how bright it is outside. I’ve worn them when it’s partially sunny out vs days where there’s not a cloud in the sky and they adjust. Be prepared, though, that they won’t get super dark though like some other sunglasses

Celebrating @Godspeedcycling release with a 14 mile bike ride with my @RudyProjectNA sunglasses! Only 2.5 hrs until it releases on the west coast! #bibchat #runchat #endurance #godspeedbr #godspeed #Endurance pic.twitter.com/1trFmAeJrh

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) May 22, 2018

How fast do these guys change colors? Try about 10 seconds. Mine went from clear to grey, though there are others that go to red or brown; just get your tail and sunglasses into natural or UV light!. They’re super light weight, which makes it so you tend to forget about them (until you go inside and you’re looking through something clear and not grey). There’s also a bumper on the lower part of the sunglasses that’s removable. Me personally, I tried both with and without the bumper and am enjoying sans bumper).

Not a runner? Take a look at they Rydon page and figure out which lenses work best for which sports. Who knew different colored lenses worked better for different sports?! Overall, I’m a fan. They’re adaptable and a good investment to have.

Be sure to catch some Godspeed Cycling movie and let me know what you think of the movie and the sunglasses! Want your own pair? 30% off with GODSPEED!

Bibrave Movie Review: GODSPEED

Disclaimer: I received an opportunity to see and review GODSPEED prior to it being released in theaters 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!

In the PNW, it’s finally deciding to warm up. It decided to go from 40s/50s to the 70s in 30 seconds (or a few days), but I’m not complaining! I’m in the mist of Ironman Training and most of biking has been my Peloton since the weather hasn’t been cooperating as of late. Normally I come on and talk about races I’ve run or products I’ve tested, but we were presented with a unique chance to catch a sneak peak of GODSPEED, The Race Across America. If you think running a marathon or doing an Ironman is difficult, try biking across America (I’m pretty sure this beats out an ultra marathon). I watched the movie a few weeks ago, but feel like I needed some time to really think about the movie

The Background

GODSPEED follows two cyclists (Jerry Schemmel and Brad Cooper) as they ride as a 2 man team across the US as part of probably the longest Endurance event I’ve ever heard of, The Race Across America (think 3000 miles). The catch? Competing against other 2 and 4 man teams to complete this sucker in 7 days. Mind Blown. Think about it, 3000 miles, 12 states, 170,000 feet of climb all in 9 days maximum. NINE  DAYS. Solo racers? You get a whole 12 days. Mind. Blown. On top of that, you’re dealing with the elements, an open course and trying to figure out where you’re at in relation to your competitors.

Who Does This

It sounds crazy, and likely something I wouldn’t do. But, there are crazy endurance junkies out there, so Kudos to them! Schemmel and Cooper ride as a team supporting Enduring Hope, an organization with goals to build orphanages in Haiti.

Take Aways

If you’re looking to see what some grit, team work/camaraderie, strength and a little bit of faith can do, go see this movie. There are some spots where the faith/Christianity theme is obvious, but it’s not overwhelming (think a prayer or two trying to get the two cyclists through the race).

My Thoughts

Overall, a well done movie. I don’t want to give away who wins, who finishes, who doesn’t, etc, but for any endurance buff, this is a good movie to go and see. To see what goes into something that’s a pretty decent sized endurance event is insane. You’re on the edge of your seat trying to figure out which 2 person team will win, will any 2 person team beat 4 person teams, who will finish, who doesn’t. Expect some twists and turns, some correct turns, coupled with some missteps and circumstances (like weather and mechanical issues) out of the riders control. Faith weaves its way into the film, but it’s not intense or overpowering.

Interested? Not Convinced? Take a look at the teaser

GODSPEED comes to theaters on May 22, 2018. Tickets are on sale through Fathom Events. To find a location and purchase tickets, head over here and get on board!