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Disclaimer: I received entry to Palm Beaches Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
Register today with discount code "BIBRAVE15" to SAVE 15% on any event! #PBMarathonBR
Could This Summer BE Any Hotter?
My 2023 Goal Race is Palm Beaches Half Marathon
In just 3 months and 18 days, I'll be running the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Half Marathon in West Palm Beach, Florida! I'm looking forward to the flat, fast course, the ocean views, and cooler temperatures!
As part of my training, I've included several races along the way to my goal half. Next week, I'm running a hilly 5K "up north" although I'm not ready. Hills are their own separate focus when you live in flat Florida. But, I'm super excited to race in a gorgeous setting with family and friends in lower temps and less humidity. A month after the 5K, I'll race a 15K in Florida. That will be another fitness check, but in Florida weather. I've spaced out my races so I have lots of training time between events. As my practice races get closer, I'm more excited about reaching my bigger goal in December. That's motivation, baby! If you're looking for a Winter race, start training and join me in West Palm Beach this December. There are lots of events over the weekend: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Marathon Relay, and Challenges. And yes, I have a discount code below for you! Save Money When You Register Before the September 14 Price Increase with My Discount Code
Save the most on your race when you register before the price increase on September 14th. All you have to do is use discount code: "BIBRAVE15" to SAVE 15% on any race or challenge event.
There are Virtual Options if you can't run in person, although believe me, you want to come to Florida in December! Additional info at GardenofLifeMarathon.com. 
Register today with discount code "BIBRAVE15" to SAVE 15% on any event! #PBMarathonBR
So many races! 5K, 10K, Half, Full, Relay and Challenges! #PBMarathonBR
FYI: Average December Temps in West Palm Beach
The temperatures in West Palm Beach in December rarely fall below 66°F or rise above 82°F. And, on the coldest day of the year (mid-January), temps range from 59°F to 74°F.
Make a plan to run in beautiful West Palm Beach with warm temps and water views. Check out the Palm Beaches website to plan your trip.
Register Now! Save 15% + Beat the Sept 14 Increase
#GardenofLifeWestPalmBeachesMarathon #PalmBeachesMarathon #PalmBeachesHalfMarathon #PBMarathonBR #BibRave #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #BibRavePro #HoorayRunning #GoLPalmBeachesMarathon #BibRavePro #ThisOldRunner #RaceGoals #FloridaRaces #HalfMarathon #WestPalmBeach
New Amphipod Chiller is Made for Summer Runs
I've been testing Amphipod's newest handheld water bottle for a month. It's Summer and it's Florida — so it's been a thorough test. I've used it on long and short runs, lots of walks, and even while working in the yard. The Hydraform Chiller™ has an insulated ice wall to keep drinks cool. The bottle's ergonomic design includes an adjustable hand strap that keeps the bottle close without having to maintain a tight grip. The locking leak-proof cap keeps liquids safe between sips. Keep reading to learn more and see how it performed for me.  Amphipod Hydraform Chiller Handheld Water Bottle is Available in 12 and 20 oz. (Image credit: Amphipod Running) Disclaimer: I received an Amphipod Hydraform Chiller™ to review as part of being a BibRave Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews! Minimalist Bottle for Active IndividualsYou want to hydrate. You need to hydrate. But, you don't want to lug around a heavy water bottle. It's time to check out the Amphipod Hydraform Chiller™. This handheld is made for people who want to keep their water or electrolytes at hand during workouts. The ergonomic design is lightweight and curved to fit the palm of your hand. There's an adjustable hand strap that loops around your thumb and makes the bottle comfy to carry. No one I know wants to drink tepid or warm water during a run. That's why Amphipod added an insulated ice wall inside the sleeve that fits around the bottle. The freezable sections and triple insulated sleeve keep your beverage cooler for longer. Yes, this bottle is made for running, but I used it for everything. I'm happy to report it worked well in a variety of situations.
(Images credit: ThisOldRunner) What If You Live in a Tropical Climate? It's really hot and humid here. This Amphipod was put to the test! (Image credit: ThisOldRunner)  I'm super pleased with the results! (Image credit: ThisOldRunner) My Experience with Amphipod Hydraform Chiller™The bottle directions from Amphipod advise:
Before using, I fill my bottle 3/4 full of electrolytes and put the bottle and sleeve in the freezer overnight. Why? Because it's hotter in Florida than a lot of other places, and I always freeze my running bottles that way. As you can see from the photo below, it's part of my normal running routine. Before I head out the door, I add enough liquid to fill my Amphipod and carefully screw on the lid.  My 12 oz Amphipod Hydraform Chiller joined the lineup in my freezer. (Image credit: ThisOldRunner) The Insulated Sleeve is a Game-ChangerThe most beautiful thing about Amphipod Hydraform Chiller is the sleeve. Why?
 You can see the sweat on the back of my hand. You can't see that there's still some ice and lots of cold beverage inside my bottle after 45 minutes on the go. (Image credit: ThisOldRunner)  After nearly an hour, the ice is close to gone, but the drink itself is still cold. That's amazing in this climate. (Image credit: ThisOldRunner)  The combo of freezing liquids inside the bottle plus the insulated sleeve worked very well on this long run. The sleeve is saturated with coolness and my drink isn't warm. (Image credit: ThisOldRunner)
Extra TipsLike any new gear, I learned a few extra things during my field tests. Here are some tips for you.
How to Clean Your Amphipod Hydraform Chiller™I like to rinse everything off when I finish a run. This reduces dirt and stickyness inside and outside the bottle and insulation sleeve. The plastic bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe. It's best to put the cap (spout fully extended) in the silverware bin so you don't lose it. DO NOT put the sleeve in your dishwasher. Rinse or wipe off the exterior of the sleeve with a non-abrasive wet cloth. Use a drop of dish liquid if needed. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly so there isn't any soap residue. Air dry the sleeve before putting it back on your bottle. Make sure it's completely dry before re-freezing. Final ThoughtsI enjoyed using the Amphipod Hydraform Chiller™ handheld. Cool drinks beat warm ones on a run every time. I tested the 12-ounce bottle and found it the perfect size and weight. If you often run longer distances, you may want to consider the 20-ounce bottle. I think a 20-ounce bottle would be perfect for hiking. The 12-ounce bottle is $30 and the 20-ounce bottle is $35. After a month of testing, I think they are worth the price. All in all, I recommend this bottle if you freeze it 3/4 full. The sleeve is an awesome addition that makes this bottle better than others I've used. Great product, Amphipod Running! #AmphipodRunning #AmphipodBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BibRave #ProductTesting #Handheld #RunningBottles #RunningGear #GearReview #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #LoveTheRun #SummerRunGear #WaterBottle
SAVE 15% on Palm Beaches Marathon RacesLooking for a beautiful, warm, Winter racecation? Here you go! Choose a 5K, 10K, Half, Full Marathon, Marathon Relay or a Challenge at the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon. Race weekend is December 9-10 in sunny West Palm Beach. When you register with discount code "BIBRAVE15" you'll SAVE 15% OFF your registration.  Code "BIBRAVE15" = 15% OFF any race registration. #PBMarathonBR Disclaimer: I received entry to Palm Beaches Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews! Here's My Strategy for Palm Beaches Half MarathonI know, I know. The race is 6 months away. But that's the best time to figure out your strategy. If you make a plan now, you can factor in vacation and work obligations so they fit into your training, instead of derailing it. Here's my training mantra: Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Get to Work. Stick to It. Reach Goal. This is pretty much my get-through-life mantra, too.  Make a Plan That Includes Shorter RacesOne of my favorite things is finding races that fit into my training plan. Since Palm Beaches Marathon is in December, that means lots of Summer and Fall races are available. I'll race a 5K in August, a 10K in September, and a Half in November in on the way to my goal race at Palm Beaches. The beauty of this long-range plan is I can make changes. I've already switched my 10K between local races. I also can factor in less running during trips.  Get to Work. Stick to the PlanI'm starting this training cycle with a 12-week plan to prep for a 5K. My last half was in February, so I want an easy plan. This one lets me acclimate to hot Summer weather and ease into consistent running again. A month before my 5K, I'll transition into my 20-week half marathon plan.  Reach for Your GoalAfter 6 months of reasonable training and a practice half done, I'll be ready to race for a PR at the Palm Beaches Half Marathon in early December. Check out the course map below. Is there anything better than races with views of the ocean? Not unless it's in Florida in December! The Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon is a flat, fast course. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier.  Ready Race in December? Save More Money When You Register Before the July 14 Price IncreaseMake a plan to run in beautiful West Palm Beach with warm temps and water views. Save the most on your race when you register before the price increases on July 14th. All you have to do is use discount code: "BIBRAVE15" to SAVE 15% on any race or challenge event. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you. There are Virtual Options if you can't make it to Florida. Additional info at GardenofLifeMarathon.com #GardenofLifeWestPalmBeachesMarathon #PalmBeachesMarathon #PalmBeachesHalfMarathon #PBMarathonBR #BibRave #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #BibRavePro #HoorayRunning #GoLPalmBeachesMarathon #BibRavePro #ThisOldRunner #RaceGoals #FloridaRaces #HalfMarathon #WestPalmBeach
If you’re training for a Summer or Fall Race, welcome to what I call Laundry Season. Sure, some people call this time of year Spring, but here in Florida it’s the start of the sweatiest time of the year. And sweaty season means more laundry.
I'm all in for the Palm Beaches Marathon Weekend, which means I'll be running a lot during Laundry Season. That’s why it seems like a good time to share these tips. If you’re like me, you want your active wear to smell fresh and last a long time. Keep reading for performance wear laundry tips that work for me.  Training this Summer? Follow these tips to prevent problems with your expensive activewear. (Image: ThisOldRunner) 1. Don't Let Your Running Gear Grow Bacteria & MoldDid you know that smelly bacteria and mold grow faster in a pile of sweaty clothes? It's true! Bacteria loves living in damp synthetic material. It's hard to wash workout clothes immediately, but it's easy to reduce the chance of mold, bacteria and funky smells. If you can't wash right away, hang your sweaty clothes on your shower curtain rod, a hook or outside after you workout. Let your clothes fully air dry cuts down on the growth of bacteria. And remember, bacteria = smell.  A pile of damp, sweaty workout clothes is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. (Image: ThisOldRunner)  If you can't wash workout clothes right away, hang them over the shower rod or outside to dry. This will help eliminate smells and bacteria until you can launder them. (Image: ThisOldRunner) 2. Ditch the Fabric Softener and Dryer SheetsIt might seem like a good idea to add fabric softener to the wash, but it's never a good idea to use it on your expensive performance wear. Fabric softener is absorbed into synthetic fabrics. The residue builds up making it harder and harder to get your gear clean. Instead of helping, it makes odors and sweat cling to your clothes. This advice goes for both liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. Just don't do it.  Ditch the softener and dryer sheets to give your clothes a better chance at getting and staying clean and fresh. (Image: ThisOldRunner) 3. Air Dry Your Performance GearJust like hot water can ruin the longevity of your gym clothes, so can hot air. It breaks down the elastic and makes colors fade. Heat also can bake the stink into fabric. Don't EVER dry your workout gear on high heat in the dryer. Instead, consider air drying your clothes outside on a line, inside on hangers or a clothes rack. If that isn't an option, use air dry or the lowest heat setting on your machine. Air drying is the best way to preserve the elasticity and colors in your sportswear.  Air drying (inside or outside) is the best way to make your expensive workout clothes last. (Image: ThisOldRunner) More Tips for Taking Care of Your Running ClothesThose are my top 3, easy-to-do tips. If you want more, try the suggestions below. I've used them all and my workout gear definitely smells good and lasts a lot longer. Good luck, and Happy Laundry Season!  Want more ideas? We've got you covered with more tips below. (Image: ThisOldRunner) Wash Your Clothes Inside Out Washing clothes inside-out helps protect the color, and gives your activewear a deeper clean. Think about it — the inside of your clothes is where the real dirt happens. Armpit stains, body bacteria, etc. Turning things inside out before washing puts the bacteria in direct contact with water and detergent. Pre-soak to Eliminate Odors You can use a commercial oxidizing additive or white vinegar to help get out hearty smells. Presoaking your clothes for an hour or more in half a cup of white vinegar mixed with cold water helps remove stinky odors as well as break down sweat stains. You can use the presoak cycle on your machine, or do it in a sink or bathtub. Another option is to add an oxidizing agent like Oxiclean in your washing machine load. I've been doing this forever. It's easy and definitely gets the stink out. Use a Sports-Specific Detergent Detergents made especially for activewear are specially formulated for moisture-wicking fabrics. They're made to fight odor and deep clean synthetic materials. They're definitely worth trying on your expensive performance outfits. Just remember, with detergent more doesn't equal better. Adding extra detergent makes it harder for your washing machine to rinse out your clothes. Soap buildup acts like a sweat and odor magnet. Too much soap is a bad idea. Race Announcement!Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon WeekendI’m thrilled to be running the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Half for the first time in December. Use Discount Code "BIBRAVE15" to SAVE 15% on registration! I'm so excited that I'm determined to train all Summer. I'll be using all these laundry tips to help me get through the sweaty season. Check out the race events and course below. Click any image to register and join me in West Palm Beach in December!   The Garden of Life West Palm Beaches Marathon Weekend: Choose 5K or 10K on Saturday, a Marathon, Half Marathon or Marathon Relay on Sunday. There are Challenges and Virtual Options, too. #GardenofLifeWestPalmBeachesMarathon #GardenofLifeSunRun #PalmBeachesMarathon #PalmBeachesHalfMarathon #PBMarathonBR #BibRave #BibChat #FloridaRaces #FloridaHalfMarathon #GardenofLife #ThisOldRunner #BibRavePro #HoorayRunning #WorkoutLaundry #HowToWashWorkoutClothes #RunnerLaundry @palmbeachesmarathon
Race medals are festive, fun and fantastic. And don't forget meaningful. Ask anyone who trained hard and finished a race — their finisher medal is more than a participation award. It's a symbol of making a plan, sticking to it, and accomplishing a goal! That's why I think you may be interested in a new way to display your precious medals. Check out how Joe at Handcrafted Coasters turned my inaugural St. Pete Run Fest medal into a useful piece of art! Disclaimer: I received a custom Handcrafted Coaster to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about being a BibRave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews Before and AfterI chose to have my St. Pete Run Fest Half Marathon medal made into a coaster because it's from the inaugural running of a favorite local race. The medal is colorful and fun. I think it will be perfect in a set of coasters with other local races. (I'm looking at you Best Damn Race, St Pete Beach Classic and Gasparilla!) Let's look at what happens when you order from Handcrafted Coasters.
Sending Your Medal to Handcrafted Coasters
2. After you complete your online order, Handcrafted Coasters sends you a pre-addressed padded envelope. It includes tissue paper to wrap your medal for extra protection during shipping. Remove the lanyard from your medal before shipping. If you forget, Handcrafted Coasters will remove it and return it with your completed coaster. You pay the postage to send in your medal because the cost depends on the weight, size and carrier. It cost me about $5 via USPS to send my medal to Joe. (They send it back for free.) What Happens Next?What happens when your medal arrives at Joe's workshop? Joe gets to work. He prepares your wood choice by cutting and planing rough wood. Then he sands it, cuts it to coaster size, and sands it again. These coasters truly are HAND CRAFTED!  Here Joe is cutting wood to size for coasters. You can choose from six different wood types, which are naturally finished to enhance the grains and color of the material.  Here Joe's sanding the cut to size coasters before routing. Routing the WoodJoe carefully measures every aspect of your medal. He inputs the measurements into software that works with his woodworking equipment. Next, Joe carves your medal into the wood you selected.  The router is working it's magic. Here's the start of the shape of a medal being carved into the wood.  Wow! Can you see my future coaster?! In this photo the initial router work is done. Fine-tuning the FitJoe places the medal into the cut out wood and double and triple checks the fit. When he's happy with it, he moves on to the next step.  How cool is this? Side note: my original medal had moving feet on the pelican. Joe tried a couple of options to keep them, but it wasn't possible. I have to say I love it like this! I mention this as something to keep in mind when choosing which medal you want to use. Epoxy PourOnce the medal is inlaid in the wood it's time to seal it in with a protective coating of epoxy. The epoxy permanently seals your medal in the wood, making it water and heat resistant. Heat resistance level isn't suitable for very high temperatures. For example, you can use it for coffee, tea and soup; but don't use it as hot dish trivet. The back of each coaster is sprayed with lacquer for durability and strength. Cork pads are added to protect any surface you place your coaster on. The photo below shows an assortment of medals after the epoxy pour. Check out mine, second from the right on the bottom row.  The front of the medal is coated with epoxy. The back of the coaster is lacquered. Removing Air Bubbles from the EpoxyJoe uses a torch to coax the air bubbles out of the epoxy to create a clear, smooth finish. All process photos credit: Hand Crafted Coasters. All other photos credit: This Old Runner Cheers to Your Finished CoasterAfter your coaster is cured, it's returned to you. I received my coaster 3-4 weeks after sending in my medal. Handcrafted Coasters returns your coaster in a secure envelope or box at no charge. Domestic shipping is free. Pull it out of the package and enjoy your new drink pedestal! I'll be back to show you how I use my new treasure!  I'm just over here admiring my new Handcrafted Coaster! Isn't it a beauty? Ready to Upgrade Your Medals?Click on over to Handcrafted Coasters to turn your medal into a coaster, or set of coasters. Hurry up to take advantage of the online sale on coaster SETS. Gift Cards AvailableIf you have a special athlete in your life, this makes an absolutely wonderful gift! Now's the time to plan for a unique Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday or Anniversary gift. Gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. Gift cards have no additional processing fees. If you have another idea to mark your achievement, email joe@handcraftedcoasters.com to discuss your ideas. Check out the website to see his variety of work. Check Out More Handcrafted CoastersWant to see more examples of a Handcrafted Coaster? Check out Blue Grass BAMR's write up on her gorgeous Urban Bourban Half Marathon medal turned coaster. It's a beauty! See She Runs By The Seashore's review of her beautiful Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon medal. Turning it into a coaster is the perfect way to preserve it. Admire what happened when She Runs By Faith had her CIM (California International Marathon) medal transformed into a coaster. It's a beautiful keepsake now. #HandcraftedCoastersBR #UniqueRunnerGifts #HoorayRunning #RunStPete #StPeteRunFest #UniqueGifts #BibChat #BibRavePro #Handcrafted #MedalDisplay #RunnerGift #Craftsman #RunningGifts #ThisOldRunner #HalfMarathon #MedalMonday #MondayMood
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