Bibrave, A Whole Bunch of Orange and a Weekend in Chicago

I’m currently somewhere in a string of however many days at work, but this past weekend, I spent the weekend in Chicago. For National Running Day in 2018, I signed up for RnR Chicago, thinking I may or may not make it out depending on my work schedule. Earlier this year, my Bibrave Peeps sent out a weekend Bibrave Pro get together in Chicago over the same weekend, so even more reason to sign up! I flew out the Thursday before and got held up with flight delays, but such is life. After getting in late on Thursday, I met up with some friends of mine from college for dinner.

Friday, July 19, 2019

I was up early and thought it was a good idea to run 4 miles in heat and humidity at 8 AM. I may have taken the 147 a mile back to my hotel. I got some breakfast, did some shopping and met up with a friend of mine from residency working in the Evanston area. Afterwards, I went to the RnR expo and met up with my fellow Bibrave Pros and got my bibs for the 5K and Half Marathon.

Back in the old stomping ground to visit some friends, run and meet up with some @BibRave Pros! #bibchat #brpsummitchi19 #runchat #travel #chicago #hotaf pic.twitter.com/yVPeOUldZJ

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 19, 2019

We hung out for about an hour, vendor surfing and getting to know each other, plus some shopping to boot. We took some time to go our own ways before meeting up for the Bibrave Orange Carpet. I met up with fellow pro Sam and ubered to dinner with her and her boyfriend. About halfway through dinner, we got news that the 5K on Saturday was canceled due to heat potential, which was a bummer, but not much you could do at that point

Saturday, July 19, 2019

Since the 5K was canceled, Samantha and I ran to the Lake Shore Path from our hotel and met up again with our fellow Bibrave Pros. We had a short shake out run before pictures, bagels and some fun. Afterwards, we broke for a bit and then went to the Cubs vs Padres Baseball Game at Wrigley Field. Thankfully, we were in the shade, but it was hot! Some of us made it through the 5-6th inning and nearly 3 hours before calling it good. At some point in the 7th inning, people were cheering when a wind gust came through (it was that hot!). After the game, we had a pre race dinner, had a live taping of a podcast with Cindy Kuzman.

Hot as all get out, but it’s not summer without a baseball ⚾️ game somewhere! Also could have sold or bartered by @Knockaround sunglasses to someone at the Concession Stand for food or water. Or something cold #bibchat #BRPSummitCHI19 #runchat #chicago #wrigley #gocubsgo pic.twitter.com/tzENWIPxIC

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 20, 2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Race day! The clouds were sketchy early on and I’m pretty sure we had some pre race lightning. Rock n Roll Chicago started at 630 AM with corrals being let out every few minutes. We were overflowing with runners, so things were crowded, especially while we were waiting. Runners who had signed up for just the 5K had the option to run the 10K on Sunday (some of us were remix runners, meaning we were doing the 5K Saturday and the 10K or Half on Sunday), so we were out of luck. The RnR course itself was a little north, a bit west and a lot of south in terms of directions. Water stations were spaced out, and I was kind of wishing they were more like a mile apart given the heat and humidity (I thought the same thing in 2010 and 2012 when I ran this race). The course is relatively flat, though gets somewhat boring the last 4-5 miles. I’d also like if the part going under McCormick Place could be taken out. It’s dark, wet and poor surface to run on. We chugged on and made it through the finish, despite heat and humidity. If only the chocolate milk was still around when I got in (just over 2 hours!). In the finish area, I hung out with Bibrave some more before heading back to the hotel for a shower and then ended up getting some lunch before heading to the airport.

Sights from @RunRocknRoll #chicago this morning. Hot, humid and the chocolate milk ran out at the finish before I could get to it 😢. Met up with team @BibRave at the start and saw the #Bibrave cheer station at mile 6.5! #bibchat #runchat #brpsummitchi19 #RNRCHICAGO #rnrchi pic.twitter.com/IlTe8gi1TD

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 21, 2019

Overall, a fun weekend, awesome people and good times for all!

 

Red, White, Boom and a BBQ!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Red White and Boom Half Marathon 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!

July 4th has come and gone, BBQs and fireworks have happened, and I finally knocked off Minnesota off my 50 state half list. Last week, I headed off to Minneapolis for the Red, White and Boom Half Marathon. It was my first half marathon on a holiday and my first weekday half marathon race (it only took 90+ half marathons!). I spent Tuesday getting caught up on adulting (microwave delivered, fuse blown that required an electrician and a worn out Moe the cat).

I flew out to Minneapolis Wednesday morning and got in just before noon. I arrived to some pretty humid MSP weather and Ubered my way over to packet pick up at Summit Brewery in St. Paul (10 minutes from the airport). Had a fun conversation with my driver and who else gets to say packet pick up is at a Brewery?! Pick up was small, which I was ok with. I’m a fan of no frills pick ups where you’re in and out, not pressured to buy anything. They did have some gear for purchase and bib look up. Beer fan? Beer tastings were available too!

All the red, white and blue! Picked up my bib for @tcmarathon #redwhiteandboom tomorrow. Goal: outrun the rain 🤣🤣. Gearing up for my 1st weekday half marathon and first half in MN! #bibchat #RWBBR #runtheboom #runchat #bibravepro pic.twitter.com/mfDDRE4e2d

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

I headed over to my hotel in downtown Minneapolis, just a short walk from the start. After checking in, I found some lunch and explored downtown some. I went for a quick shake out run in the hotel because of 90* and humid weather. After some dinner, I hung out in the hotel room for a little bit and went to Whole Foods (because let’s face it, I wish I had one in eastern Washington) to find some pre race breakfast for the 4th. Because of the heat and humidity, the race was good about communicating with us about race updates, which is always appreciated.

Race morning started bright and early. The half marathon started at 630 AM and the 5K started at 6:50. For quite a while, I was worried we were going to get rained on, though we got lucky, in that the rain held off until after noon. Because of the humidity and weather, we actually started out as a yellow flag on the EAS system and runners were given the option to downgrade from the half/relay to the 5K at no cost. While in the starting corrals, I actual ran into Mary Jo (a fellow Bibrave Pro) and we chatted prior to the start. The start was at the Mills Ruin Park and it’s actually in a residential area. The organizers are mindful of the community, so there wasn’t loud music or an MC on the microphone due to it being so early. After the national anthem, we were off and running. We went through West River Park and Theodore Wirth Parkway until you got to Victory Park before making your way back through the streets of Minneapolis. Be ready for some hills the first part of the race (all before mile 6), some fun facts along the way and some fun people and volunteers along the course. By 9 miles in, we were red flagged to run with extreme caution, but overall, us 2000 runners were able to finish. Aid stations every 1.5-2 miles, though with the humidity, every mile would have been nice to have. Something I did miss were something like oranges or bananas, or even sponges. The last 2 miles were back along the Mississippi River where we started with the finish being across the Stone Arch Bridge (lined with flags)

Happy #IndependeceDay! Survived @tcmarathon in one piece, beat the rain that started a bit ago and knocked MN off the 1/2 marathon list. Ran into @RunandSmile1 at the start! The popsicle made up for the heat and humidity today 🤣 #runchat #bibchat #RWBBR #runtheboom pic.twitter.com/KVQfsx8idZ

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 4, 2019

The race finish was hopping and the place to be. It was a big old BBQ and a party waiting for runners to finish. You were met with medals, water, chocolate milk and popsicles at the finish (red, white and blue of course). The post race party was filled with games (corn hole and hanging donut contests), post race recovery, BBQ and a whole bunch of family fun. There was plenty to do for runners, family and friends a like!

#MedalMonday ran the @tcmarathon Red, White and Boom Half on July 4th! Race this weekend? Review on @BibRave to let people know what you think 🙌🏻 #bibchat #runchat #RWBBR #runtheboom pic.twitter.com/pQBSiXS3Vk

— Christine G. (@CGinPNW) July 8, 2019

Overall, a fun race and a race to look at for Minnesota. Looking for a holiday race with a great post race party?? Come looking at this one! Great communication, good course. I bu wish there were a few more aid stations on course. Be prepared for some humid weather, but be prepared for it in the midwest. Great people, great atmosphere and a fun time

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

Red White and Boom! Coming for you Minneapolis

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Red White and Boom Half Marathon 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!”

Minneapolis. I’m so familiar with their airport, I know where all their restaurants are and their terminals are like the back of my hand (because hey, traveling to the East Coast on certain airlines puts you through MSP multiple times a year). The last time I actually got to enjoy MSP was when I ran a 15K at least 5 years ago. I’ve been looking for a half marathon to get Minnesota off my half marathon list so why not a mid week half marathon over the 4th of July to get it done?

I’m beyond excited to run the Red White and Boom half marathon. All of my half marathons have been weekend races, so a mid week race will be interesting to say the least (get my long run done early??). Twin Cities Racing puts on a decent amount of races in The Minneapolis/St.Paul area and I cant wait to go out for a few days.

Red, White and Boom is a two day event and the half marathon takes you along the West River Parkway, Victory Park and Stone Park Bridge. Post race? Enjoy a cook out at the post race party and fireworks to celebrate July 4! A local? Be sure to visit Summit Brewing Company leading up to the race.

Want to start off the 4th right? Register for the half or 5 k here! Use 18RWBBIBRAVE to save 5% off the half marathon or 5K (to the first 50 registrants from each distance!)

 

Bibrave Race Review: Napa Valley Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Napa Valley Half Marathon race 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

Race weekend has come and gone and this was probably one of my favorite California races to do! If you’re looking for something with great scenery and downhill, definitely look into the Napa Valley Half Marathon and Marathon. This year was the 41st running of the full marathon, but the debut of the half marathon, which made the trip worth it.

I flew out Thursday afternoon and ended up delayed an hour and change out of Seattle due to maintenance issues. I made it to Sacramento in one piece, picked up my rental care and drove just over an hour to Napa. If you have a choice between SMF and SFO, flow into/out of Sacramento over San Francisco. Less of a head ache, same amount of time to get where you’re going. I got to the hotel somewhere after 9 pm and got checked in before finding some food. After getting some sleep, I spent Friday getting a much needed run outside, as I’ve been cooped up on the treadmill much of February due to snow and ice in Spokane. I’ll take a cloudy, nearly raining run any day! Got to run on the Vine trail, which started just outside of my hotel and have some fun with it.

After getting a shower in and some shopping, I went into downtown Napa for some lunch and spent most of the day hanging before heading down to happy hour at the hotel and then on to dinner.

Saturday morning, the marathon had a shake out run that started at 830 AM. It started with a raffle, in which I won a hat! You could also win wine and KT Tape, which was fun. We had the option of 3-4 miles on the Vine Trail and after finishing up, could head to the expo. I met up with fellow Bibrave Pro Brenda, who flew in from Massachusetts for the full (it’s always fun meeting up with other pros!). I picked up my bib, shirt and bag, walked around the expo a little bit before heading back to the hotel for a shower. I found some lunch and then went off the Hendry Winery for a tour and wine tasting (do it if you can, ended up getting to taste quite a few different wines!). After getting to church, I went to the Pasta dinner where we had some pretty fun speakers. At that point, I called it a night and changed into my sweats at the hotel.

Race morning started early. I was up around 430 to change and make the shuttles to the start. The half started at 7 am and the shuttles left at 5:10/5:15 in the morning. The start was at the Coon Creek Winery and having VIP access was helpful. Had some breakfast to munch on and indoor bathrooms to boot. Weather was overcast, but in the 50s, which I’ll take any day. If you checked bags, there were busses to take them to the finish. We started right at 7 am and were at the half way point of the marathon (they started further up and at 730 AM). The course was pretty much all downhill. One kind of hill close to the start, but really nothing after. Nice change for me after the amount of California races I’ve run with hills all over the place. The first 10 miles or so were on the Silverado trail before we turned off a few times to some other roads and finishing at Vintage HS. One thing that needs looked at is the amount of water stops. I think there were only 15 total between the half and full and the first one on the half didn’t come until 3-4 miles in. They were pretty spread out and I don’t know if it was planned like that or something happened with volunteers. I feel like they could have had some more, especially towards the middle/end.

The race finished at Vintage HS. You were greeted with medals and water, led to some food and then could go find some soup (which was much appreciated!). At the finish, you could search results, listen to some live music and hang out. There were shuttles back to the hotels and another area HS if you parked there or were staying at the Marriott/Hilton/Embassy Suites. The one thing that needs looked at is the post race shuttles. There was at least a 30-40 min span with no hotel shuttle. I ended up getting an Uber back to my hotel because I was getting cold, and it showed up as one of the shuttles was showing up. I think there was a communication issue or something, but people going back to the hotels were getting frustrated for sure.

Overall, a great race. I’m glad there’s now a half marathon option to go with the full. Fun race and definitely a must do. The few things to work on is making the half/full marathon shuttle buses pre race more spaced out to account for anyone who might miss the first string buses. Also, more aid stations and fixing the post race shuttle bus situation back to the hotels. If you’re looking for an excuse to get to Napa, here you go!

Napa Valley Race Week!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Napa Valley Half Marathon race 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!

I’m heading back to California! Over the winter the past few years, I’ve noticed increased California trips to get out of the winter weather, and the snow that is taking over my yard in Spokane (I’m running out of places to put it! I just finished a 10 day stretch at work and the Napa Valley Half couldn’t come at a better time!

This year, the half marathon is in it’s first year for Napa Valley and I’m so looking forward to it. The course (between the half and the full) has something like 6 wineries on it. Is it wrong to hope they have wine at some of the aid stations?

Big things to look out for this weekend:

1. Follow Napa Marathon on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and http://www.napavalleymarathon.com) because we’re looking at rain this weekend (seems to be recurring theme for my CA races this year!). Hopefully no course changes though

2. Bib look up: be ready for the expo!

3. Shake out run: good way to get the legs loose: meet up is on Saturday Morning at the Marriott. RSVP here!

4. Don’t forget your bib. Expo happens from 9 am to 8 pm with a whole bunch of fun stuff. Check out what’s happening!

5. Pasta Dinner: get some good carb loading and hear from some awesome runners on Saturday night!

Things to do in Napa:

1. I’m probably spending most of Friday finding some wine in the area, not going to lie

2. Hot air balloon rides

3. Wine train, this sounds kind of fun!

4. For more, head here http://napavalleymarathon.org/race-information/

Hope I catch up with anyone running while there and look for the Bibrave orange!

Surf City Race Week!

Disclaimer: I’m Promoting The Surf City Half Marathon 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!

Race week!! Granted, I spent some time in The Bahamas with a friend of mine from residency a few weeks ago, the Washington cold is kind of sad and depressing. On the flip side, I’m also not in the Polar Vortex that is the Midwest (stay safe guys!). This is my 4th year doing Surf City and third in a row, so I’m excited to hit Legacy Status. Legacy status gets you extra swag (long sleeved shirts) and some extra race day perks.

Things to keep in mind for this weekend:

Runner Tracking: take a look here

Expo: At the Huntington Beach Parking Lot (21291 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648

• Friday Feb 1 from 1-7
• Saturday, Feb 2 from 10-4
• Can’t make the expo? someone can pick up for you, HOWEVER, people picking up for others can only pick up for 2 additional people and must have copies of Driver’s Licenses

Cowabunga Mile: Saturday, February 2 at 11 AM by the expo (and enough time to get your bib before hand!). **no gear check and does NOT count towards Legacy Status

Race Day Sunday, February 3:  Marathon Start 6:30 AM, 5K start at 7:00 AM and Half Marathon start at 7:45 AM

Things to Do in Huntington Beach

• Plenty of shopping and restaurants downtown
• Short car ride/Uber/Lyft to Newport Beach for more beach time and restaurants
• Enjoying the beach (if the sun cooperates with us, fingers crossed)
• Old World Village

Keep an eye out for all the Bibrave Orange and enjoy race weekend!

 

 

 

Surf City Half Marathon: I’m Coming For Ya!

Disclaimer: I’m Promoting The Surf City Half Marathon 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!

 

The holidays have come and gone and 2019 is a week in the books. How did that happen?! I’m still trying to figure that part out. In Washington, it’s getting dark ridiculously early, and I’m luck if I can get a run outside with my work schedule (hence the love for noon to midnight shifts for a bit…). With the new year comes my itch travel where it’s warm and for the past few years, it’s meant heading to Huntington Beach, CA to run the Surf City Half Marathon. I’ve ran the half 3 times total (2013, 2017 and 2018) and am gearing up for year number 4. I’m super excited for this year because it means I get Legacy Longboard Status. What’s Legacy Status? It means you’ve run the half/full marathon 3 years in a row (consecutive is key) and get some extra perks! The extra shirts were revealed and I’m excited to get mine!

📸: @runsurfcity (Twitter)

New this year is the Cowabunga Challenge. Surf City is introducing a 1 mile run on Saturday, February 2 and if you run the 1 miler in conjunction with the half or full on Sunday, February 3, you get more bling!

Other awesome things to look forward to is racing along side (not on!) the beach, an awesome Expo that takes place Friday and Saturday before race day along the beach, sun (let’s face it, winter’s depressing when you live in places that involve cold, snow and running in 5 layers) and a whole lot of positive vibes. The swag is also fun, as you get a tote bag (I use mine for groceries/shopping if that says anything), long sleeved tech shirts and a bunch of other goodies. It doesn’t help that they also entice you with other races that are in warm weather! Did I mention the surf board bling?

Aren’t convinced? Check out my race reviews from 2017 and 2013 on why it’s a must do race! Don’t forget, you can save 15% off registration with SCMBR10!

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!