This Old Runner Writes About Running

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

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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.

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I'm Back as a Bib Rave Pro in 2020

12/21/2019

I'm very happy that I'm back as a BibRave Pro in 2020. As a pro, I get to test and review running gear and races. The best part is sharing results and discount codes with you!

Check my race discounts page before you register for your next race. There are lots of discount codes that can save you money. Look for gear discounts on my brand discounts page. You'll find new releases and old favorites there.

As a BibRave Pro, I get to test new running gear. It starts right away with my new 2020 Pro swag. Take a look below to see the brand new BibRave logo and gear you may want to try for yourself.

Women's 1/4-Zip Long Sleeve

Thumbholes for the win on this long sleeve! It's 100% polyester. It's wicks away moisture. I love it for layering or wearing alone. The color is a deep orange that really makes the new BibRave logo pop.

The quarter-zip long sleeve looks and feels durable. It's lightweight, but provides the right amount of warmth here in Florida. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Photo of hand in the orange long sleeve pullover, using the thumbholes in the sleeves.

Not sure why, but I always get happy when I see thumbholes on long sleeve shirts and jackets. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Back view of the orange Bib Rave Pro pullover long sleeve.

Here's the lion logo on the back of the jacket. I really like the design and use of the logo on this pullover. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Buff Ultra-Light Pack Run Cap

I'm fascinated by my new Buff Pack Run Cap. At first glance, I wondered if it could hold all my hair in place while I ran. It can.

This ultra light cap is comfy and convenient. It only weighs one ounce. And the cap can roll up and fit in your pocket. It's a good solution for traveling. It's going look good after traveling. The brim is a nice size that kept the sun out of my eyes.

There's a sweatband, and the polyester material wicks away moisture. It's super stretchy material, so I'm guessing it will work on most heads. Bonus points for UPF 50 protection!

I tested it on a humid day last week. It stayed in place and kept the sweat out of my eyes. There's an adjustable elastic cord in the back. Use it to tighten or loosen the fit.

Front view of the super stretchy Buff Pack Run Hat. Love the logo and graphic design on this cap. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Elastic pull cord at the back makes the cap adjustable without adding bulk. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

There are breathable side panels and a sweatband inside the cap. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

It's a Fast Pack Run Hat!

Look how easy it is to collapse the hat and put it in a pocket! This won't take up any extra room on the road or in your suitcase. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Great graphics all the way around the Pack Run Hat.

2020 Racing Tank

This BibRave tank by Augusta Sportswear is 100% polyester. I think it's going to be comfy for training runs and races. I like the two-tone design. This tank looks fast!

The new BibRave performance tank is orange and white. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The performance tank has the logo on the front and logotype on the back. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

BOCO Trucker Hat

2020 Bib Rave custom BOCO GEAR runner trucker in orange.

The new boco trucker is the best of both worlds: sturdy protection up front, and lots of air flow in the back. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

lI was eyeing the new custom BOCO GEAR runner trucker at the St. Pete Run Fest. So, I was thrilled when my new BibRave Pro trucker had the same design! It's a lower profile and more fitted than the traditional trucker.

The front logo is embroidered, and the back of the hat looks awesome with the repeating logo on the mesh material. Hand wash to keep it looking sharp.

The front of the trucker is sturdy to hold it's shape. It has the wider brim we all love on sunny days. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I'm in love with the side and back mesh material. This is 100% better than plastic. The repeating logo looks awesome. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Another Buff Favorite: Multifunctional Headwear

I doubt I'll ever have enough Buffs. I use them as headbands, wristbands, and neckbands. They soak up the sweat and protect me from the sun. They're great as a face mask when I'm mowing the lawn or blowing off the sidewalk. There's no seam, so it's comfortable any way you wear it.

This new Buff is the best one yet. It stretches every way and then snaps back into shape. It's 95% recycled and engineered with REPREVE performance microfiber. It wicks away moisture and controls odor. AND IT HAS UPF 50+ sun protection! Win-win-win-win!

The Buff arrives wrapped like a tube. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Unwrap the Buff and it's ready to go. The multi-functional headware can be worn a dozen different ways.

Also very packable! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Visit the Buff website to see all the ways you can wear a BUFF.

Orange is the New Fast!

Thanks to everyone at BibRave for the awesome gear for this new year! I can't wait to train and race in it. Here's to hoping orange really is the new fast for me in 2020.

A Surprise Benefit of My Buff® Headband

6/17/2019

The UPF 50+ Buff® Coolnet headband is made with one recycled plastic bottle. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Disclaimer: I received a Buff® Coolnet UV multifunctional headband 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!"

Headband on the left, headwear on the right. The multifunctional headband is half as long as a traditional BUFF®. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

In between ordering my beautiful new BUFF® COOLNET UV multifunctional headband and receiving it, I strained my left shoulder.

I have no idea how did it. The problem is it really, REALLY hurts when I do everyday things . . . like fastening my bra and putting in a ponytail.

Modifying behaviors and icing my shoulder helps. But, I expect reduced mobility for a couple more weeks.

Which brings me to the surprise benefit of my new Buff® headband.

Soothing My Shoulder with a BUFF® Headband

I wear ponytails and buns a lot. They have to be high on my head 'cause I have thick hair cut in layers.

Guess who can't put in a ponytail or bun right now? Me (and my husband, although he tried!)

Instead of straining my shoulder to put in subpar ponytails, I'm using my Buff headband.

It's easy to put on. No shoulder strain. It's strong and stretchy enough to keep my hair under control.

I've run in the headband alone, and while wearing it with a low ponytail.

Ways to Wear a Buff® CoolNet UV Multifunction Headband

We all know I stink at taking selfies, but I tried my best so you can see some options. BTW, I wear my headband for both running and casual wear.

Buff multifunctional headwear worn as a thin headband.

Buff worn as a wide headband to control hair.

Buff worn open over the front of the head.

I like to wear my Buff® around my neck (as an ice necklace when it's hot). It keeps the sun off my neck and easily converts to a headband if needed. (Video: ThisOldRunner)

Buff® headbands and headwear don't have any seams. That means it's super comfy, and it looks good from every direction. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Buff Puts the Fun Back in Multi-Functional

Buff® headbands and headwear come in plenty of colors and patterns. You can find options to match all your running gear. Choose the headband like I did, or get the longer CoolNet UV Multifunctional Headwear. Look below for more ways to wear a Buff®.

SAVE 15% When You Sign Up for the Newsletter

Sign up for BUFF® newsletter at: www.buffusa.com/bibrave to get 15% OFF your order!

I'll be back with another post on the technical aspects of the new Buff® CoolNet Multifunctional Headband. It's 4-way stretch and heat-reflective qualities make it perfect for Summer.

Want More Info? Read These Reviews by BibRave Pros:

Read Laura's REview at JoyfulMiles.com

Road Tested by Ashley at ScootAdoot.com

Read Shannon's review at GirlsGotSole.com

Read Christine's review at fitnewtonblog.com

Yoga Tested by Kim at Barking Mad about running

Read Thanh's Review at WAndering WanThanH.com

Read The Oatmeal Runner Review of Buff coolnet UV headband

#buffBR #BibRave #BibRavePro #UV50 #SunProtection #MultifunctionalHeadwear #BuffUSA #CoolNet

How to Make an Ice Necklace for Cooler Summer Running

7/21/2018

If you're looking for a way to ease the heat during your Summer training, give this ice necklace a try. My new #BibRave BUFF® reminded me of one of my favorite hot weather hacks for runners.

A BUFF® is a knitted tube of technical fabric. There are lots of ways to wear a BUFF® to make it your own. Today, I'm using the kerchief style to create an ice necklace.