Thursday, April 26, 2018

Ravenswood 5K Coming Soon


Disclaimer: I  am promoting The Ravenswood 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

It finally feels like spring, which means that it is officially race time in the Midwest!

My favorite local community 5K is coming up next week, but this weekend, if you are in the Chicago area (or need a reason to visit Chicago), you could run the Ravenswood 5K and help the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry provided groceries, meals and more to neighbors throughout Ravenswood and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Consider joining RAM Racing in giving back to the community by bringing a food item with you when you pick-up your packet at Fleet Feet Sports or on race day. If you choose to make a monetary donation you can do so during online registration or at packet pick-up.

Learn more about everything Ravenswood Community Services does in the neighborhood by checking out
their website.

To learn more about the race, to sign up or for volunteer opportunities click here.  Use the code BRRavenswood to free sunglasses in your swag bag.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Review of Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest


Disclaimer: I received an Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest 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.


The urban dictionary defines a “pack mule” as someone who may be “…forced to carry heavy objects for no pay or gratitude.”  I often consider myself as the family pack mule.  Although I am not “forced” to carry everything, is sure does make my life easier if I just have the things that are needed.  Which, I guess, is payment enough. 

A few nights ago, ½ mile out on my 3 mile run with my offspring (they were on scooters), I started being the recipient of complaining children.  They were SO thirsty.  Never mind the fact that they had drinks less than five minutes before, when we left the house.  I handed over the Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest bottles filled with Zero for them to drink up.  Thankfully, I was testing the vest as a BibRavePro and had filled them to get a feel for how the vest would handle the liquid and if there would be any difference with weight distribution, chafing, etc.

Surprisingly enough, I do not recall hearing the liquid slosh around.  I did not experience any discomfort.  No hot spots from rubbing, no chafing, nothing.  I was pleasantly surprised that the vest was easy to put on with three clasps in the front and secure.  The weight distribution of the liquid, my cellphone, which I stored in the top left compartment, beans, etc all fit fine in the compartments. 

Keep in mind, that only a couple of weeks ago (also at the ½ mile mark of what was supposed to be a 3 mile run) one child experienced a flat tire on his bike.  I have no doubt a mini tire repair kit will fit in the back storage of the Amphipod PureRun Minimalist Vest, too! 

A vest for hydration with front storage for my phone and beans?  And back storage for an extra pair of socks, pepper spray, gels and more?  And is light and doesn’t chafe?  Sign me up!

I think the ½ mile mark is going to be the test on my weekly maintenance runs to determine whether or not these small humans are going to hack it.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Review of FlipBelt Crops


Disclaimer: I received a pair of the FllipBelt Crops 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.

I had the opportunity to try out the FlipBelt crops (women’s capris pants) for BibRave.  I received them on Friday but am always terrified of trying something new, especially clothing on long runs.  So, I did not wear them on my Saturday eleven-mile run.  Rather, I stayed with my tired, old fanny pack looking belt, which, as typical, I fought with as it moved from my hips to my chest and back.  I had to pull it up, push it down, tuck it under my running top to stop it from bouncing, tuck it over my running jacket in attempt to keep it from traveling…  Every few feet, I was adjusting my belt or clothing as a result of the belt.

Checking out the FlipBelt crops, but still a little intimidated to actually wear them, I stuffed the compartments with a set of keys, sport beans, cash, lip balm, identification and gum.  Even though it all fit fine, I questioned if my phone would actually fit. 

All in all, I was able to stash more stuff in the FlipBelt compartments than I can in even cram in my vest!  And the bouncing around, which I always experience with my phone in my vest pocket, I did not experience as the phone was secure in the front compartment of the crops.  It may also be important to note that have a popsocket thing on my phone, which usually gets caught in my vest, when I am taking it in and out, but was not an issue with the FlipBelt compartment. 

This morning, before church (but after hunting for Easter eggs) I ran with the crops.  My iPhone fit in the front slot just fine!  So off I went, and you know what was amazing?  I did not have to adjust anything.  No belt riding up to my chest.  No belt rubbing on my hips.  It was amazing!  I did not have to fight with a belt!  I ran a quick 5K and found that every time I needed something, it was easy to get and did not move, during my run. It was 24* when I ran, this morning, and the crops kept my legs warm.

When wearing the crops there is a compartment on the right, which has a key clasp to help keys stay put and a cell phone can easily be pushed to be in the very front.  There is another compartment on the left, in the front, which can hold two packs of sport beans and lip balm.  The compartment in the small of the back area has a zipper and is perfect for identification, cash and emergency sugar. 

Now, my only request is that FlipBelt hurry up and make shorts, please.

To check out FlipBelt crops and other products, please visit here.  Get 25% off with promo code BIBRAVE.

REVIEW: Buff USA EcoStretch

Disclaimer: I received a Buff USA Original EcoStretch to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRav...