This Old Runner Writes About Running

10 Steps to Moving Day with My BUFF EcoStretch Multifunctional Headwear

11/29/2021

Why I Always Have My Buff® EcoStretch

I always keep BUFF® headwear nearby because it works so well in every situation. I never go for a run without one. Besides running, I most often wear Buff EcoStretch as:

Headband and/or Ponytail Holder
Watch Protector
Instant Face Mask
Sweatband for Forehead, Wrist or Neck
Sun Protection for Face and Neck

Over Thanksgiving weekend we helped my daughter move. And of course I wore a BUFF® for the job. Here's how I used it throughout the day:

I like to wear my Buff around my neck. BUFF makes so many fun patterns and colors you can find one to match any outfit. This is my current favorite HOLO MULTI. I'm a big fan of pinks and any color of blue. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF® Original EcoStretch 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!

10 Steps to Moving Day

Buff wrapped around a very hot cup of coffee to prevent burning my fingers.

But first, coffee. This cup was missing the hand protector thingy, so I improvised with my BUFF. No need to hurt my fingers before lifting the first box. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Making progress! (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

I laid my BUFF in the sun after loading the car with heavy boxes. It's made of quick drying recycled material. After a few minutes it was back to work. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

It's Florida, so there's sweat. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

In my mind, the only thing harder than filling a truck is driving it on unfamiliar highways. Luckily, I drove the follow up car. It was easy to follow the big truck. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Made it with everything intact. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

I made a conscious effort to get in lots of steps, but I didn't expect to hit 10 miles. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Bring on the furniture. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Another good use for BUFF? Fill it with ice and put it on sore muscles! (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

All smiles after mission accomplished! Moving sucks, but it's easier with family! (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

It Wouldn't Be a Blog Post Without a BUFF Discount!

You know I'm all about the discounts on good stuff. Sign up for the BUFF® newsletter to score a 15% discount on your first order of BUFF® EcoStretch, the True Original Multifunctional Headgear.

Need more ideas on how to use it? Go read my How to Make a Buff Ice Necklace post — or check out the graphic below.

12 Ways to Wear a BUFF®

Image: Buff®

Want to get your own Buff®? Want to SAVE 15%? All you have to do is sign up to receive emails, and Buff® will give you 15% off your entire first order.

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Week 6: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

11/11/2021

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here.

Wow, the week ran away from me! Here is my sketchbook from Week 6 of training for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K on December 19th.

I'll keep it short and sweet this week since I'll be posting Week 7 in a few more days.

Full Week of Workouts

I worked and played hard during Week 6. I also tried watercoloring Fall foliage. It was super soothing, but I need more practice. (I think a similar card I made for my brother's birthday looks much better, but I can't show you that one.)

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Fall is Pie Season, Right?

Fun Fact: A long time ago, my friends and I ran a Bake Sale every Fall for 10 years as a fundraiser for our kids' grade school. Since then, when Fall weather arrives my brain is triggered to pull out baking recipes.

This year, I found this interesting take on Apple Pie that I want to try. So, I made a watercolor recipe page.

Pro tip on apple pie baking — use Granny Smith apples. Yep, I know the apple I painted below is red, but use green Granny Smith in your pie. They taste delicious and don't get too mushy.

My New Favorite Buff® Headwear

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you've already seen my new Buff® Ecostretch. Hands down this one is my favorite color scheme.

I love that it's so versatile — it wicks away sweat one day, and keeps me warm another. It's perfect for any activity this time of year!

Now for my watercolor review: the background (pseudo tabletop) watercolor wash stinks. But, somehow, the Buff® saves the page.

Psst! Sign up to receive the BUFF® newsletter to get 15% off your first order. (www.buffusa.com/bibrave)

Are Fall Colors Ironic in Florida?

I'll readily admit I miss the kind of Fall scenery you find "up north" but I absolutely LOVE Fall in Florida.

Although we don't have colorful corn in St. Pete, I enjoyed painting it in watercolor. Corn husks can be so graceful, sometimes.

Weekly Mileage Reached 25.78

Do you round up your workout miles? I know some runners will loop the block to end their workout on an even number — like 7, instead of 6.95. I don't feel the need, but that's just me.

I was very happy with my workouts during Week 6. I really enjoyed my Sunday long run.

It's Starting to Snow, Man

I jumped ahead to winter one day to paint these cute snowmen when I saw an artist on Instagram painting them.

It was so much fun to dress these guys in different hats and scarves.

A couple of them are floating 'cause I was thinking of it as practice more than a sketchbook page.

That's the beauty of a sketchbook though — you can do whatever you want.

I hope everyone has a good week of workouts! Hooray Running!

#SceneOnARun #SeenOnARun #HCTampaBR #HC15K #HC5K #BibChat #Watercolor #WatercolorJournal #Sketchbook #UrbanSketchers #CreativeJournal #ArtJournal #Inspiration #InstaRunner #BuffBR #TrueOriginalsBR #BuffHeadwear #WeRunSocial #RunTampa #RunStPete #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #HoorayRunning

My Review of BUFF® True Original EcoStretch Multifunctional Neckwear

10/26/2021

Buff® is Celebrating 30 Years of Adventures

BUFF® Original EcoStretch is celebrating 30 years in business, which seems like a good time to talk about what a great product it is. It can be almost anything you want it to be in support of adventures in running, walking, biking, hiking, skiing and everyday life.

BUFF® is known for its simplicity and adaptability. The seamless moisture-wicking material helps you manage sweat, wind, and pretty much any weather. In fact, a BUFF® can keep you cool and protected from UV rays in the Summer, or warm and cozy during cold weather.

My newest Buff® is the Original ECOStretch in the Holo Multi pattern.

I love these colors! The clouds in the pattern and the colors make me think of soothing sunsets.

The Latest BUFF® Colors and Patterns Include Survivor and Baniff Film Festival

BUFF® gives you so many color and pattern choices! They're constantly coming up with new ideas. Right now they have SURVIVOR Season 41 (41!?!) Buffs!

BUFF® celebrates everything from National Parks to The Grateful Dead to individual States. And the colors and patterns are AWESOME.

New Buff patterns featuring Survivor TV show and Baniff Film Festival

Picture of a BUFF next to a running hat and sunglasses.

All the fun colors and patterns mean your BUFF will match any running gear you already have!

I wear a Buff around my neck if I think I'll need fast access to a face mask.

Over 12 Ways to Wear a BUFF

This BUFF® How To Video shows you the most popular ways to wear your BUFF®

Another way you can wear a BUFF is wrapped around your wrist to protect your watch.

I wear my Buff EcoStretch wrapped around my wrist to protect my watch & to wipe sweat off my face.

I consider it my personal challenge to come up with even more ways to wear my BUFF® Original EcoStretch.

Here’s one I use alot: wrapped around my wrist on either side of my watch. Why do I like it so much?

Protects your watch from sweat and the elements (esp. on trails)
Prevents peeking at pace when you cover your watch face
Easy access to wipe your face and eyes
Looks cute (This is the Holo Multi Design)

Why I Use Buff® Headgear

BUFF® Original EcoStretch has 4-way stretch which means it’s flexible for most situations. I’ve used it as a pony tail holder, headband, neck sunscreen, etc. It's lightweight and easy to throw in my bag or backpack for a race, travel or the beach.

One of the best features is that all BUFF®s are SEAMLESS. That means you can wear it around your arm, leg, neck, head or whatever and it won’t chafe. In fact, you could use it as a barrier to prevent chafing — if a collar or sleeve is irritating your skin.

FTW — every Original EcoStretch is 95% recycled fabric. It’s equal to 2 recycled plastic bottles. You could be wearing a couple of bottles you recycled at your last race!

I love when a product does more than one thing — and does them well. Buff® can be a headband, ear muffs, a mask, a hat, a scarf, and much more. And that's why I'll keep adding them to my wardrobe.

Sign Up for Emails and SAVE 15% on Your 1st Order

Want to get your own Buff®? Want to SAVE 15%? All you have to do is sign up to receive emails, and Buff® will give you 15% off your entire first order.

How to Keep a Cool Head on a Hot Run

6/8/2021

Runner wearing a Buff Pack Visor to protect face from the sun.

This is me after a long, sweaty run. My visor is soaking wet, but I'm feeling good!

What I like about this Buff Run Pack Visor is it's a wide, comfortable headband and a visor all at once. The brim protects my face from the sun. The headband keeps the sweat and sun out of my eyes. It works well with thick hair.

The visor is super light weight, but it stays put. I don't have to adjust it while I'm running. It folds into a small ball without losing it's shape. That makes it perfect for hot Summer runs (and travel!).

Keep reading for my 5 tricks for keeping a cool head on a hot run. It's time to add these to your routine as the temps and humidity keep climbing. Stay cool, runners. Stay cool!

Disclaimer: I received BUFF products to test 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

Putting headgear in the freezer to keep it cool during Summer runs.

Make room in the freezer or fridge for your caps and visors.

Rinse 'em in water before you put them on ice and you'll get a few extra minutes of brain freeze when you run out the door.

I was surprised what a difference a visor made. I could feel the heat leaving the top of my head.

Have you tried wearing a visor instead of a cap? This is the first visor I've liked enough to wear for a long run.

Rinse your cap or visor in water during your run.

Hooray! Drinking fountains, splash pads, and water fountains are on in public parks again. That means you can add a cooling step to your water stops. Rinse your hat or visor in cool water then return it to your head. Don't ring it out entirely to keep you cool longer.

Use a BUFF neck tube to make an ice necklace.

I love BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear all the time, but I'm a super fan during the Summer.

Every year I tell anyone who will listen that a BUFF ice necklace is the way to stay cool while running, hiking, or mowing the lawn. Here are the step-by-step ice necklace directions.

Drink water and electrolytes to stay hydrated.

Hydration doesn't only happen just before or during your run. To truly treat your body right, you should always be hydrating.

Take in extra fruits and juices add to your hydration. If you sweat a lot or run long, make sure you add electrolytes to the menu.

You Might Also Like: How to Run in the Heat of Summer

Run the Chase the Sun | BUFF Challenge on STRAVA to Earn 30% OFF Buff Products

Join the Chase the Sun Buff Challenge for free on Strava. It's a Summer Solstice Challenge for runners, walkers and hikers. All you do is move for 206 minutes between now and June 21st. Log your miles on Strava to earn a 30% OFF Buff reward!

This year's summer solstice is 20th June. So, the time challenge is inspired by the date: the 20th day of the 6th month. When you complete 206 minutes between June 1-21 to celebrate the official start of summer you qualify for a 30% discount on selected BUFF® products.

Are you ready to chase the sun? Click the button below to sign up now!

Chase the Sun Buff Challenge is FREE on Strava.

Earn a 30% OFF Discount Code When You Complete the Chase the Sun | BUFF Challenge by June 21, 2021!

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Hot Weather Running Hack: How to Make an Ice Necklace with Classic Buff Headwear

7/14/2020

I say this EVERY Summer because it's true. Make yourself an ice necklace to stay cooler when you're working or playing outside in the heat!

My ice necklace is better than ever because my new BUFF is super-stretchy wicking material. It’s easy to slip on when it’s packed with ice. Check my easy DIY Running Hack below.

Make an Ice Necklace
to Beat the Summer Heat

1. Grab a Classic BUFF®

If you use the classic BUFF® headwear you'll have an easier time making your ice necklace. The classic is longer than a headband and holds more cubes! More ice equals more cooling.

FYI: BUFF® CoolNet UV+® Multifunctional Headwear is 95% recycled. It's made with performance microfiber, cooling technology, and odor control. Perfect, right? Well there's more. The 4-way, seamless, ultra stretch material gives you UPF 50+ sun protection. That means you're cooling your neck AND protecting it from too much sun.

2. Gather Some Ice

Image of a BibRave classic Buff headwear with 6 ice cubes laying on it. There's a hat and sunglasses on the left side of the photo.

Nope, Get More Ice

It's hot out there. The ice is gonna melt as soon as you start to move. The beauty of the BUFF® is there's plenty of room to stuff it FULL of ice. The super-stretchy material means you can put in lots 'o' ice!

Close up of a lot of ice on top of the classic Buff headwear.

3. Stuff The Ice Into Your Buff

Fold the BUFF® in half to form a pocket for your ice. Fill 'er up with the cubes.

Super close photo of ice inside a classic Buff headwear.

4. Fold the BUFF® Over to Create a Necklace

Fold the Buff over onto itself to make an ice necklace like you see below.

Ice-filled headwear is folded over to enclose the ice inside and create a necklace.

5. Put on Your Ice Necklace

The super stretch CoolNet UV fabric makes it easy to put the icy BUFF® on over your head.

Photo of woman smiling while wearing an ice necklace, sunglasses, and hat.

6. Stay Cool While You Run, Walk or Mow the Lawn

Check out my lawn-mowing, ice necklace-wearing pic below. I kept my body temp down with the ice water dripping down my front and back from the BUFF®.

After the ice melted, my shirt and BUFF® stayed cool. I looked soaking wet, but guess what?! I didn't overheat on a very hot Florida day. Please note, I also drank my electrolytes before, during, and after working in the yard.

Lawn mower sitting next to freshly cut lawn.

Woman wearing an ice necklace after mowing the yard. The ice inside the Buff necklace has melted.

So, there you have it. Grab some cool and UV protection with an ice necklace before you go on a run or workout in the Summer heat.

#BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #RunEveryStreet #EverySingleStreet #BDRChallenge #BDRFloridaChallenge #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun #EverySinglePerson #BuffRunBR #SummerKnocksBR #KeepYourDistance #Plogging #TeamEarth #ThisOldRunner #RunningHack #HotWeatherRunning

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