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 BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews.

Hello.  I'm Barb and I am in injured runner.  I pretended to be fine for months, but then my spouse saw me running and made me promise to take time off.  He said that I ran like I was injured.  I took a month off and when I tried to run again, I felt something.  I went to the free injury clinic at my local run shop and left not with stretches, like usual, but with a phone number to call to schedule an appointment and get x-rays.  

That was July.  I had a stress fracture in my femur from "repeat trauma."  I was on crutches for what seemed like forever but was only two months.  Then, I was permitted to walk, but "not for exercise."  A few weeks later, I started physical therapy and was so happy to discover the AlterG, which allowed me to run without all of my bodyweight, which was a good thing since that had increased over the months without lacing up.

Then I was cleared to run outside but "no more than three times per week."  That last qualifier has been a little difficult, especially during this past holiday weekend, but all-in-all, I have followed all medical instructions.  I am now up to approximately nine miles a week (compared to 25 miles per week).  My pace is slow but I am outside and I could not be any happier.   

During my training to get back at it, I had the opportunity to test the Buff USA Original EcoStretch.  

My favorite way to wear the Buff is as a neck warmer because after a run, I typically move it up as a headband to keep my hair and sweat out of my face.  I have also worn the Buff Original EcoStretch as a hat, by typing one end together.  

I even used it as a mask, when I wanted to run into the coffee shop for a cup of joe and a muffin.  

I have had a lot of luck with Buff products.  They are easy to use, are machine washable and come in many fun patterns.  In fact, I have written about my love for Buff products before.  

Discount Code: Sign up for newsletter to save 15% buffusa.com/bibrave

Don't take my word for it, see what others had to say about the Buff USA Original EcoStretch:

Lissa

More coming....

Spring Break Race Idea and Race Discounts

Looking for a last minute Spring Break race?  Check out the Savannah Publix Women’s Half.

If you are driving back North, after spending time in the warmer, Southern States, this is practically on your way home and the timing couldn't be much better (the race is in less than a week)!


On Saturday, April 6th, women will have the opportunity to run down tree-lined streets, around 12 of the city's scenic squares in the historic district before a picture-perfect finish at Forsyth Park Fountain.  

Be sure to pose for that picture by the finish line before heading to the post-race party, which offers mimosas, music and so much fun.



Because of family schedules, I am unable to run this race as planned, this year, but if you would like to join in on the fun, use discount code BIBSAV20 to save 20% on your registration.

Below, please find numerous BibRave discount codes:

April 20194/6/2019 - Hot Chocolate Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA

Use code “BRHCPhilly” for a free phone armband!

4/6/2019 - Milwaukee Marathon - Milwaukee, WI

Use code “RUN15” for 15% off any of the three distances!

4/6/2019 - Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Run & Mud Run: Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ

Use code “RUN10” for 10% off!

4/6/2019 - Publix Savannah Women's Half & 5K - Savannah, GA

Use code “BIBSAV20” for 20% off!

4/7/2019 - Statesman Cap10K - Austin, TX

Use code “BibRave2019Cap10K” for $5 off!

4/7/2019 - United Airlines Rock 'n' Roll San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

4/13/2019 - Tar Heel 10 Miler & Fleet Feet Sports 4 Miler

Use code “TARHEELBR10” for 15% off!

4/13/2019 - Blue Ridge Marathon - Roanoke, VA

Use code “BLUERIDGEBIBRAVE” for 20% off!

4/13/2019 - Hot Chocolate Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN

Use code “BRMINN19” for a free phone armband!

4/14/2019 - Hapalua - Hawaii's Half Marathon - Waikiki Beach, HI

Use code “BR-HAPALUA” for 10% off!

4/14/2019 - Rutgers Unite Half Marathon & 8K

Use code “UNITEBR10” for 15% off.

4/20/2019 - Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Run & Mud Run: Florida - Dade City, FL

Use code “RUN10” for 10% off!

4/20/2019 - Hot Chocolate Detroit - Detroit, MI

Use code “BRHCDETROIT19” for a free phone armband!

4/25-27/2019 -  IL Marathon- Champaign-Urbana, IL

Use code “bibraveillinois2019” for $5 off!

4/25-27/2019 - EDP Rock 'n' Roll Madrid - Madrid, Spain

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

4/27-28/2019 - St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville - Nashville, TN

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

4/27/2019 - Hot Chocolate Brooklyn - Brooklyn, NY

Use code “BRBKLYN” for a free phone armband!

4/28/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Dallas, TX

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

4/28/2019 - Ravenswood 5K - Chicago, IL

Use code “RAVENSBR” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

4/28/2019 - New Jersey Marathon - Oceanport, NJ

Use code “NJMBIBRAVE19” for $5 off any distance 

(5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Marathon Relay).

4/28/2019 - Silicon Valley Half Marathon - San Jose, CA

Use code “BIBRAVE” for 10% off!

4/28/2019 - Delaware Marathon - Wilmington, DE

Use code “DelawareRave19” for 10% off!

May 2019

5/4/2019 - OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon - Indianapolis, IN

Use code “JoinMe2019” for $5 off (good thru 4/5/19).

5/4-5/2019 - Eau Claire Marathon - Eau Claire, WI

Use code “Bibrave10” for $10 off the Marathon, Half Marathon or 4 Person Marathon Relay

Use code “Bibrave5” for $5 off the 5K & Kids’ Run

5/4-5/2019 - Cinco De Miler - Chicago, IL

Use code “BIBCINCO19” for $5 off!

5/4-5/2019 - Orange County Marathon - Orange County, CA

Use code “BIBRAVE10” to save 10%, any distance including the combo run!

5/10-11/2019 - Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon (Destination Races) - Solvang, CA

Use code “SBBR10” for 15% off!

5/11/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Little Rock, AR

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

5/18/2019 - Harper’s Ferry Half Marathon - Harper’s Ferry, WV

Use code “BIBRAVE5WV” for $5 off!

5/18/2019 - Ogden Marathon - Ogden, UT

Use code “OGDEN19” for $10 off FULL or HALF.

5/19/2019 - Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRCHISPRING19” for $10 off half/$5 off 10K!

5/25/2019 - Run Madtown presented by SSM Health - Madison, WI

Use code “RAVENSAVE” for 10% off (excludes kid's race).

5/25/2019 - Soldier Field 10-miler

Use code “BRSOLDIER19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

5/26/2019 - Vermont City Marathon - Burlington, VT

Use code “BibRave10” for $10 off!

June 2019

6/1-2/2019 - North Olympic Discovery Marathon - Port Angeles, WA

Use code “BibRave629” for 5% off!

6/1/2019 - Hospital Hill Run - Kansas City, MO

Use code “BIBRAVE19” for 10% off!

6/1-2/2019 - Rock 'n' Roll San Diego - San Diego, CA

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

6/2/2019 - Run for the Zoo - Chicago, IL

Use code “BIBRAVE” for 10% off!

6/2/2019 - North Shore Half Classic - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRNS19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

6/8/2019 - The Governor's Cup - Helena, MT

Use code “GovCupRave19” for 10% off!

6/8-9/2019 - St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Seattle - Seattle, WA

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

6/9/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Chicago - Gurnee, IL

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

6/22/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Kansas City, MO

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

6/22/2019 - Grandma’s Marathon - Duluth, MN

Use code “BIBRAVE10” for $10 off!

6/22/2019 - Big Foot Tri - Lake Geneva, WI

Use code “BRBFT19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

6/28-30/2019 - Missoula Marathon - Missoula, MT

Use code “BibRave19” for $5 off!

6/29/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Fargo

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

July 2019

7/4/2019 - Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon & 5K - Minneapolis, MN

Use code “18RWBBIBRAVE” - this code is valid for 5% off the entry fee for the first 50 people to sign up with this code. This code expires on July 3 at 6:00 p.m. or after 50 uses has been reached.

7/14/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Denver

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

7/20-21/2019 - New Jersey State Triathlon - West Windsor, NJ

Use code “NJSTBR10” for 15% off.

7/20-21/2019 - Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago - Chicago, IL

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

7/24/2019 - Downtown Westfield 5K & Pizza Extravaganza - Westfield, NJ

Use code “WESTFIELDBR19” for exclusive BibRave pricing of $32!

7/24/2019 - Life Time Torchlight 5K - Minneapolis, MN

Use code “RUNWITHFIRE19” for 10% off registration!

August 2019

8/10-11/2019 - Rock 'n' Roll Dublin

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

8/11/2019 - Oaktown Half Marathon - Oakland, CA

Use code “BROAKVIP” for 10% off.

8/17/2019 - Madison Mini-Marathon Half Marathon & 5K - Madison, WI

Use code “BIBRAVE5” for $5 off.

8/24/-25/2019 - Santa Rosa Marathon - Santa Rosa, CA

Use code “SAVE10" for 10% off!

8/25/2019 - Fort2Base - Fort Sheridan, IL

Use code “BRP19” for 10% off (effective 2/1)

8/31- 9/1/2019 - Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

September 2019

9/6-8/2019 - San Francisco Giant Race presented by Alaska Airlines - San Francisco, CA

Use code “WERUNSF19” for $10 off!

9/7/2019 -  DC Wonder Woman Run Series - Salt Lake City

Use code “WWBIBRAVE” - good for 10% off across all events!

9/7/2019 - Run Mag Mile - Chicago, IL

Use code “BIBRM19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

9/14/2019- Zooma Women’s Race Series  - Great Lakes - Lake Geneva, WI

Use code “ZOOMABR15” for 15% off race events!

9/14-15/2019 - Nautica Malibu Triathlon -  Malibu, CA

Use code “MALIBUBR10” for 10% off.

9/15/2019 - Humana Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

9/21-22/2019 - Surf City 10 - Huntington Beach, CA

Use code “SC10BR10” for 15% off.

9/21-22/2019 - Oasis Rock 'n' Roll Montréal

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

9/29/2019 - Chicago Half Marathon & 5K - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRCHIHALF19” for $10 off the Half, $5 off the 5K.

9/29/2019- Zooma Women’s Race Series  - Cape Cod - Falmouth, MA

Use code “ZOOMABR15” for 15% off race events!

October 2019

10/5-6/2019 - Michelob Ultra Rock 'n' Roll San Jose

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

10/6/2019 - Bucktown 5k - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRBT19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

10/6/2019 - Freedom's Run - Shepherdstown, WV

Use code “BIBRAVE5WV” for $5 off!

10/11-13/2019 -  jetBlue Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon - Long Beach, CA

Use code “LBMBR10” for 15% off.

10/18-19/2019 - Runner's World Half & Festival - Bethlehem, PA

Use code “RWHALFBIBRAVE19” for 15% off any race distance.

10/19/2019 - Pumpkins in the Park - Chicago, IL

Use code “BRP19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

10/19-20/2019 - Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam - Louisville, KY

Use code “BourbonRave2019” for 10% off (starting Feb. 1)!

10/19-20/2019- Zooma Women’s Race Series  - Amelia Island - Amelia Island, FL

Use code “ZOOMABR15” for 15% off race events!

10/19-20/2019 - Humana Rock 'n' Roll Denver

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

10/19-20/2019 - Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon - Detroit, MI

Use code “2019DETROCKS” for 10% off!

10/19/2019 - Kansas City Marathon - Kansas City, MO

Use code “BIBRAVE2019KCM” for 15% off!

10/20/2019 - Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo - Durham, NC

Use code “BCRFBR10” for 10% off.

10/20/2019 - First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon - Sarasota, FL

Use code “BRSARASOTA19” for $10 off half and relay and $5 off 10K!

10/20/2019 - IMT Des Moines Marathon - Des Moines, IA

Use code “dmmbibrave2019” for $10 discount on the following races: IMT Des Moines Marathon, IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, 5-Mile Run + Marathon, 5-Mile Run + Half Marathon.

10/26/2019 - Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon (Destination Races) - Geyserville, CA

Use code “HEALDSBR10” for 10% off!

November 2019

11/2/2019 - Mushroom Cap Half Marathon - Kennett Square, PA

Use code “brmushroom19” for $10 off!

11/1-2/2019- Zooma Women’s Race Series  - Texas Wine Country - Fredericksburg, TX

Use code “ZOOMABR15” for 15% off race events!

11/2-3/2019 - Rock 'n' Roll Savannah

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

11/10/2019 - Madison Marathon - Madison, WI

Use code “BRMSN19” for 10% off the half or full marathon!

11/10/2019 - Honor Run - Florence, KY

Use code “BibRave15” for $15 off any event!

11/16-17/2019 - Humana Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

11/28/2019 - North Shore Turkey Trot - Highland Park, IL

Use code “BRNSTT19” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle!

11/28/2019 - Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago- Chicago, IL

Use code “TURKEY2019” for 10% off!

11/28/2019 - Turkey Day 5K Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN

Use code “TURKEY2019” for 10% off!

December 2019

12/7-8/2019 - Humana Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio

Use code “19RNRBRP16” for $16 off half/marathon.

Use code “19RNRBRP6” for $6 off shorter distances.

12/8/19 - Honolulu Marathon - Honolulu, HI

Use code “BIBHNL19” for 10% off!

January 2020

1/19/20 - Key West Half Marathon & 5K - Key West, FL

Use code “BIBRAVE20” for 20% off half marathon.

BibRave is a running community that connects runners with the best races. It's the place to research races you’re considering signing up for, and a place to leave feedback on races you’ve completed. BibRave is also a way for races and running brands to connect with socially savvy runners - through our popular weekly Twitter chat, #BibChat, and our large ambassador network - BibRave Pros. The list below captures all of the current active BibRave partner race discount codes. Use the codes below to receive discounts on registration for our partner races. Visit https://www.bibrave.com/ for more information and contact info@bibrave.com with any questions!

Turkey Trot

Disclaimer: I am promoting the North Shore Turkey Trot 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.

My favorite race of the year is the Lansing Turkey Trot.  Something about the cold air and runners in holiday costumes that just really kicks off the holiday season for me.  Of course, the burned calories before I consume mass amounts of food helps. 

This year, I am unable to participate because of family obligations but I do want to encourage participation in a local turkey trots as they are crazy fun. 

If you are in the Lansing, Michigan area, you need to check out the Lansing Turkey Trot.

If you are in the Detroit, Michigan area, you should check out the Detroit Turkey Trot.  I have never done this race, but it looks very fun.

If you are in the Highland Park, Illinois area, you should check out the North Shore Turkey Trot.  This race has an option of a 5k or 10k to burn those calories.  Use the code BRTurkeyTrot for a free pair of sunglasses, at registration.

What is your favorite Turkey Trot race?  Will you be out burning calories, this Thanksgiving?

Review: Madison Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I’m promoting the Madison Half Marathon 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.

Back in April when I had the opportunity to register for the Madison Half Marathon, I was excited for the race prompting a birthday weekend away.  I was able to secure a reasonably priced flight from Detroit (DTW) to Madison (MSN) and brought my spouse along for the fun.

While out exploring on Saturday morning, I came upon a farmer's market along the Capitol Square that had a host of vendors offering vegetables, meat, cheese, muffins, cookies and more.  It was a really nice market, especially considering the temperature.  I learned that after this weekend, the farmer's market will move indoors to the convention center.  Old Fashioned offered an amazing lunch for me and brunch for the spouse. 

The race expo was small but had everything that a runner could need.  Fleet Feet Madison had a large set up for runners to purchase anything that they might have forgotten.  I forgot to grab my sunglasses so I snagged a pair of Goodr Flamingos on a Booze Cruise (aka pink) shades.  I have never tried Goodr sunglasses, but had read BibRave reviews and thought for $25 I might as well try them.  I located my name on the Welcome banner, took a picture and headed out for a pasta dinner.



Race morning came early and it was cold!  Honestly, I will probably think 25* is warm in a month, but I did not get much of a temperature transition, this year, so it seemed really cold.

I met up with fellow BibRavePros and we headed off to experience the Madison hills.  You would think that I would have read some race reviews to prepare for this new race, but I did not and learned about the hills the night before.  The race started at the State Capitol and took runners through the city, passed businesses, along Lake Mendota and through a beautiful neighborhood before returning to the city and back to the Capitol for the finish line.  Experiencing the hills was something else!  In fact, my Garmin showed that the total elevation was 274 feet!

The aid stations were well staffed, but not flagged, so runners could not tell they were coming up, until they were there.  PS the best way to drink Lemon-Lime Gatorade is with a thin layer of ice on top.

After the race, I took a quick shower and ventured to Dotty Dumpling's Dowry for the most amazing fried cheese curds and chicken sandwich, washed down by a very refreshing Pear Cider.

The day after the race, participants received an email with a link to free pictures that were taken along the course and at the finish.

For those that qualify for Boston, by running the Madison Marathon:  You are my hero!  To run a marathon is a huge accomplishment, but to run it with the last 13 miles being the half marathon that I ran:  Amazing!

What is my next race?  I honestly do not know.  I am planning on the Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon in April, since I had such a great time, last year, but I must do more races before then! 

Stay tuned. 

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.

Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I’m promoting the Detroit International Half Marathon 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!

Detroit International Half Marathon:  Wake up early, run to Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and then back to the United States through the tunnel all in 13.1 miles.  

On Sunday, October 21st, I had the opportunity to run the Detroit International Half Marathon.  I had such a wonderful time, last year, that I knew that I had to run this race again this year.  So when registration was available, I registered immediately.  Little did I know, then, that I would become a BibRave Pro and have a discount code to offer others to save on the registration.  Regardless, the registration was worth every penny.

Because of my parking concerns, I spent the Saturday night before the race at the Motor City Casino.  The hotel is nice and approximate 1.5 miles away from the start.  The hotel has plenty of food options and easy self-parking.  A shuttle is offered to the start line and back to the hotel, after the race.   

As a BibRave Pro, I was given a behind the scenes tour with Barbara Bennage, Executive Race Director.  It was a crazy busy time for Barbara, but she was able to share information about the thousands of dollars that are spent on port-a-potties, security and to vendors to put the race on.  Also, the thousand of hours of work that is put into covering parking meters, setting up banners, packing finisher bags with snacks and planning the race.

The race was everything I expected it to be.

At approximately mile marker two, runners approach the Ambassador Bridge to cross into Canada.  After five miles, runners enter the tunnel to return to the United States.  After a run through Mexican Town and Corktown, runners cross the beautiful finish at Fort Street and Cass Avenue.

After completion, runners are given their medal a bottle of water and, my favorite, chocolate milk.  After moving further away from the finish, participants receive a bag full of fuel (including a banana, cookies and a cup of fruit).

Getting back to my hotel was a little more difficult, this year, as I was unable to locate the shuttle, which was supposed to pick up every fifteen minutes.  I ended up walking a little over a mile back to the Motor City Casino.  Took a quick shower, checked out and was on my way home, while relaxing my Oofos.

My next half marathon will be the Madison Half on November 11, 2018.  If you are interested in joining, use MMRAVE18 to save on registration.  I am looking forward to cool air and sunny skies in beautiful Wisconsin. 

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!