Review: OOfos

Disclaimer: I received an OOfos 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 returned home from the Bellin Women's Half Marathon to find the Women's Ooriginal Sport Sandal - Cloud White waiting for me in my mail.

These sandals are not like any other sandal.  They are unbelievably comfortable and the footbed provides serious impact absorption and great arch support.  

When my new sandals first arrived, I wore them around the house to get used to them.  I could not believe how sturdy they felt.  I started wearing them at work, when I did not have to be in my high heels.  Then out and about and some friends at my local Pure Barre class also tried them and commented about how sturdy they were.  They too were surprised on the level of support these sandals offered.  

I wore the sandals during my behind the scenes tour of the Detroit International Half Marathon, in the rain, which probably wasn't the best idea, since I did develop a little blister on the top of my right foot.  

I wore the sandals nearly all day, yesterday, after the Madison Half Marathon and again, today, and they have offered nice support and shock absorption, while letting my toes be free, during recovery.  

I seriously need to purchase toe socks, so that I may continue wearing these amazing sandals in the winter.

Bellin Women's Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Bellin Women's 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.

A few months back, I convinced a girlfriend to run the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon as her first half marathon.  She agreed and accompanied me to Green Bay, Wisconsin from Detroit, Michigan this past Friday afternoon.  The flight was quick and we were able to check-in to our hotel immediately upon arrival.

Packet Pick Up was a breeze and trading for a larger hoodie was simple.  There were opportunities to sample products, buy last minute running necessities (including shoes, socks and headbands) and an area to make encouraging signs.  The packet pick-up bag was a one-of-a-kind design that also served as the gear check bag for those that needed dry and warmer clothes at the finish. 

The pasta dinner was crazy empowering as the keynote speaker was Molly Barker, Founder of Girls on the Run.  Other speakers included Chris Woleske, President and CEO of Bellin Health, and Linda Maxwell Race Director, who were so encouraging.

The race started in front of the Hyatt Regency Green Bay, less than a block from the KI Convention Center and immediately took runners up a bridge (not too bad of an incline) and across the Fox River.  Runners then ran down Broadway, which seemed to be pretty industrial, but the reward came around mile seven, when we crossed the Fox River again and started running on the Fox River Trail.  The race was well supported by groups such as Girls on the Run and there were a few different radio stations that provided much needed spirit at certain mile markers.  I was pleasantly surprised by the number of spectators and supporters (most of which seemed to be husbands, boyfriends, sons, brothers and children). 

Before crossing the finish line, I had the opportunity to run by the Race Director Linda Maxwell and thank her for putting on a great event and that was before I even experienced the finish party!  Talk about a way to celebrate an accomplishment:  Non-alcoholic champagne, chocolate milk, water, salad pitas, cookies, strawberry shortcake and chocolate all included for finishers!  Wow!  There was even a great set up for pictures, which was much nicer than the regular simple backdrop banner. 

For use after the race, an injury hotline Bellin Women’s Half Marathon Injury Hotline.

Overall, I am so thankful that this was my friend’s first half marathon race as I believe she experienced everything that a half marathon should be and she rocked it.

The theme of this year’s Bellin Women’s Half was determined and I am determined to have other runners join me in this healthy adventure towards making new friends and burning more calories.

I encourage you to mark your calendar for a trip to Green Bay, WI for October 5, 2019!

Bring On the Fall Running

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Bellin Women's 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."

In a little over a week, I will be running the Bellin Women's Half Marathon in Green Bay, Wisconsin and I am so looking forward to a nice, fall run. 

I participated in the Detroit Women's Half a couple of weekends ago, but I am ready for a real fall half!  Please do not misunderstand, the half was a wonderful event, but it was hot and I am ready for a crisp fall morning half, which is what I am hoping for in Green Bay in a week(ish).

I convinced a friend to fly to Wisconsin with me and run the Bellin Women's Half.  I am so excited for her as it will be her first half marathon and she has been training (completely without me) like a champ.  Her name is Becky and you should know that she, like me, was not a runner, growing up.  She started running in 2007, after her mom passed away and she realized that she needed to get healthy for her three kids.  She started walking on her treadmill and, as a result of thinking it would take forever to get stronger just by walking, started running.  In 2008, she ran her first 5K.  She credits running with saving her as she raised three kids and survived a nasty divorce.  She has since participated in many 5K runs, the 10 Mile CRIM, and, just last week, a team half marathon.

Becky recently got a new job, which now puts an hour and a half of drive time each weekday into her schedule.  I know that she has been struggling to get the miles in, but I also know that she will be fine on race day!

Becky and I met a little over a year ago, while we both served on the board of Girls on the Run of Mid Michigan.  Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that is creatively integrated into training to run a 5K.  I still serve on the board, but Becky is now the Program Coordinator.  What is going to make our weekend even more fun is that the night before we run our half, at the pasta dinner, we will hear Molly Barker, the founder of Girls on the Run International speak! 

This year’s finisher medallion:  A custom two-part piece highlights the Bellin logo, as well as this year’s theme, “Determined.” An awesome way to celebrate our accomplishment — long after we cross that finish line.



Interested in joining us for the Bellin Women's Half Marathon?  Just visit this site and use "Bibrave5" to save $5.