Disclaimer: I received a pair of Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones to test and review. Opinions are my own. New! Padmate S30 Bone Conduction HeadphonesPadmate just released their newest product, the Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones. They sent me a pair before launch to test and review. I tested my Padmate S30s while running (of course), working and painting for over two weeks. If you're curious about bone conduction headphones, keep reading for a full review. Grab my 20% OFF discount code at the end of this article! What's in the Box?My Padmate S30 headphones arrived in a box inside a padded envelope. Inside the box were the wireless bluetooth headphones, earplugs and a USB Type C charging cord. The box has a custom cutout foam layer that cradles the headphones and accessories box. Everything arrived intact. There was a quick guide card with user instructions and tips. Padmate S30 Color OptionsThe headphones sent to me were black, but they're available in orange and green, too. I like the black ones for both work and play. I'm thinking orange for my next pair — who wouldn't feel energized running in bright colors?! 5 Reasons I Wear Bone Conduction HeadphonesBone conduction headphones are perfect for people who like to listen to music or podcasts while exercising outside. Below are my top 5 reasons for wearing Padmate S30s. 1. Situational AwarenessI love listening to music or podcasts while running. But, when you're wearing earbuds or over ear headphones all you hear is your music. That's not good if you run in the city like I do. After a couple of scary situations, I reassessed my earbuds. First, I went to wearing just one. Next, I discovered bone conduction headphones, and that changed everything. Open ear bone conduction headphones let me stay aware of my environment. I can hear traffic. I know when another runner, biker or hiker is approaching from behind. I can say hello to a friend or neighbor without shouting over my music. I always feel safe and aware of my surroundings in Padmate S30 headphones. 2. Lightweight and FlexibleFor me, there's nothing worse than carrying a lot of stuff on a run. I don't want a tangle of cords or extra things to hold. Often, I forget I'm wearing Padmate S30 headphones because they're lightweight (26 grams). They slip over my ear lobes and rest on the bone in front of my ear. The flexible headband and pods make it easy to open them wide and wrap around my ears. If I want to take them off, but keep them close, I rest them around my neck. They retain their shape, so they stay put. The smooth, light plastic is secure and pleasant in both positions. 3. Easy to Wear with Glasses and HatsI live in Florida. That means a hat and sunnies is non-negotiable when running. One of the best things about these headphones is I can comfortably wear them WITH both a hat and sunglasses. 4. Hands Free CallsThe built-in microphone lets me take and make phone calls on the Padmate S30. I can answer or end a call with a single click while hiking, biking, running, gardening or walking. I love this feature when I'm expecting a call but don't want to delay my workout. Even better, I can use my headphones to coordinate post-race meet ups — while I'm still running the race. 5. Sweat Proof and Water-ResistantAgain, I live in Florida so sweating and rain are always part of my running experience. The Padmate S30 is water-resistant. That means it resists and repels water to some degree, but not entirely. You can't submerge the headphones in a pool. You can wear them during a super sweaty strenuous workout or a run in wet weather. There's a flap over the charging port to keep it safe from moisture. I love running in the rain, so water-resistance is important to me. There are other benefits, like hearing protection and NO APP required, but these are my top 5 non-negotiables for my running headphones. Specifications
Function ButtonPadmate S30 operates using one multi-function button. On the outer right side of the headphones is the microphone and function button. How the Function Button Works:
I really like that the button clicks 'cause it gives you audible confirmation. But, the number of clicks needed can be clunky if you're doing it on the run. There's no volume button on the headphones. If you sync to a phone or computer and want to change the volume you must do it on your device. Lack of volume control is disappointing, but not a deal breaker for me. If I encounter a friend while I'm running, I click 1x to pause my music while we chat. Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones are water-resistant and water-repellant. Water and sweat won't penetrate the plastic case, but you cannot immerse them in water because of the charging port. Simply wipe your headphones with a towel after workouts to keep them clean and dry. (Image Credit: Padmate) My Conclusion After Two Weeks of TestingPadmate lets me choose my playlist or podcast, hit play and go. I love that. I had a good experience with these headphones. They held their charge for at least 8 hours. (Maybe longer!) I like the way they fit on my head. They stayed put during long runs and sweaty hill repeats. When using them with my computer and phone they stayed connected. I could travel at least 10 yards away before losing my connection. That's useful when working from home. Padmate provides ear plugs in case you want to plug your ears and just listen. This should only be done when you're in a safe place, like traveling on a plane or sitting in your living room. But remember, bone conduction headphones aren't designed to provide over-the-ear headphone sound quality. The Padmate S30 is the perfect companion for hands-free music and calls while working out. Is there anything I'd change about these affordable, comfy headphones? I'd add volume controls to the headset if the price stayed the same. Otherwise, I'm good. If you're looking for an affordable pair of headphones for walking, biking, running, HIIT workouts, gardening, etc., grab the discount code below and get a pair. SAVE 20% on Padmate S30 with My Discount CodeThe Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones retail for just $59. Use my 20% off code "RUNNER20" and the price drops to $47.20. They are definitely worth the price if you're looking for safe, functional headphones that let you maintain situational awareness. SAVE 20% on Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones When You Use Discount Code "RUNNER20" at Checkout #PadmateS30 #BoneConductionHeadphones #Padmate #SportsHeadphones #Discount #RunnerGear #PromoCode #ThisOldRunner #GearDiscounts #Headphones
The Louisville Triple Crown of Running returns in 2021 as a VIRTUAL event. The three-race series has promoted a healthy lifestyle since 1984. This year because of COVID, the tradition continues with virtual races open to everyone across the continguous USA. Anyone can run or walk each of the 3 events when and where they want. The events challenge participants by increasing the distance with each race. We start with a 5K. That's followed by a 10K. The series finale is the Hot Chocolate 15K! • Chick-fil-A® 5k Fitness Classic (3.1 miles) run/walk. Original date is March 6. • Chick-fil-A® City Run 10k (6.2 miles) run/walk. Original date is March 20. • Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k (9.3 miles) run/walk. Original date is April 3. Note: These are the original race dates. Now that the races are virtual, you can run them when it works best for you. Disclaimer: I received a Triple Crown of Running registration 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! Run the Races. Get the Gear.Race management will send you the ultimate Chick-fil-A® Louisville Triple Crown of Running Series goodie bag right to your door! Your goodies include:
Download your Finisher’s Certificate upon completion of each race. If you sign up before February 28th, your goodies will ship the first week of March. After that, race packets will ship 10-14 days after registration. The virtual race is open to US addresses within the contiguous United States only. The race can't ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or anywhere internationally.
Run Anytime and AnywhereI'm going to run the races on their original dates (March 6, 20 and April 3), but the beauty of a virtual event is you can run when it suits your schedule. Complete your races whenever and wherever — city streets, trails or treadmills — to make them your own. Share your efforts and results by tagging #LouisvilleTripleCrown on Facebook and Instagram @TripleCrownRun to share your race photos! Here are links to all my Louisville Triple Crown race recaps: Chick-fil-A 5K Fitness Classic Chick-fil-A City Run 10K Hot Chocolate 15K #VirtualRaces #BibChat #BibRavePro #HCLouisBR #HCVirtualBR #LouisvilleTripleCrown #BonusSWAG #DiscountCode #GearCode #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning
I Tested Extreme Fit Compression Socks for 30 DaysWhile I didn't wear my Extreme Fit compression socks EVERY DAY for a month, I did wear them often. I wore them for runs, and I wore them a lot for recovery after my workouts. Keep reading to get my take on these socks for runners and others. Disclaimer: I received ExtremeFit compression socks 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! Extreme Fit USA Has a Variety of Styles and ColorsThe first pair of compression socks I bought were black. (Yawn!) They did the job, but they looked so serious. If I know one thing about runners it's that they love bright colors and fun outfits. Boring isn't a problem with Extreme Fit compression socks. There are so many options, it's easy to find your perfect pair of socks. They offer Glow-in-the-Dark, Reflective, and Bright Colorful Patterns. These fun designs come in a variety of styles, too. Compression socks and sleeves come in:
If you want to celebrate a holiday or themed event, you'll find what you need. Running the Space Coast — grab some rockets. Racing on Valentine's Day, no problem! Reflective and Glow in the Dark SocksHow Did They Fit?My socks were all S-M size. That's size 5 to 9.5 for men, size 6-9.5 for women. I found the sizing to be true to size. I wear size 8 in regular shoes, 9.5 in running shoes. These socks all felt good to me. I had plenty of room in the sock for my toes. The compression wasn't too tight, but it did its job. The graduated compression socks were snug. They hugged my legs, but weren't hard to put on or take off. Believe me, that's what you want. I've had compression socks in the past that were so tight I considered cutting them off! A big positive for these socks is the location of the seam in the sock. It's above your toes, not under them. If the seam is under your foot it can be annoying and uncomfortable. You're foot will hit the seam on every footfall. When the seam is at the extreme tip of the sock, it can irritate your toes as they slide forward inside your shoe. That's why positioning the seam above your toes is a great move. If you're shoes are sized correctly (with plenty of room in the toe box) you won't feel the seam while you're running. I never had any problems when running in these socks. I credit a proper fit and ideal seam placement for my comfort. Wearing Compression During and After a RunI put on compression socks for my long runs. If I'm going out for more than 5+ miles, I appreciate the increased blood flow to my legs. Plus, my legs aren't as tired after a long run when I wear the socks. I've worn compression socks during half-marathons and multi-race one day challenges. The fun part of the Extreme Fit USA socks was the variety of styles. People smile when you run by them while wearing pink zebra socks! Recovery is the important part of compression socks for me. If I run, then spend a long day doing gardening/yard work, I put on a pair for a couple of hours of recovery. Compression makes a HUGE difference in how I feel the next day. It increases blood flow and speeds recovery. Since I've been wearing the socks more often I have less aches and pains. SAVE 20% On Any Purchase of $50 or MoreUse my discount code: "BRP20" to SAVE 20% on your entire order of $50 or more. That's a great deal! Make your money go farther with the code + current sale pricing. For example, the Beverly Hills Compression Socks six-pack is on sale for $44.99 right now! Time to stock up. Find Out What Other BibRave Pros Discovered While Testing Extreme Fit Compression SocksSo, that's my take on Extreme Fit compression socks. They were true-to-size, comfortable, and aided in my recovery. They also reduced fatigue on long runs. But maybe you want another opinion? No problem! Click on any of the links below to see what my fellow BibRave Pros thought after testing Extreme Fit socks. September heat and humidity are always a challenge here. Sunday was a cloudless, sunny day with 85% humidity. We had a slight breeze at the start, and a better breeze during the last mile. The Fort DeSoto Park paved trail is nice, but has very little shade. That was okay, since my goal was to test my hydration and fueling plan in tough conditions. I'm a real fan of the Gatorade Endurance products I'm using this year. I've had no stomach troubles, and they're easy to take while running. I used energy gels and thirst quencher during this race. I started too fast, but calmed down and ran slow and steady after mile 2. I ran one mile with a pacing group which was fun. Most of the time I ran my own race with one eye on my BPM. It was super hot and I wanted to stay safe. 'Cause I'm not This Young Runner.
How Many Miles in Your 15K?Somehow, I always run too far at Ft. DeSoto. I'm not sure if it's my GPS or if I swerve a lot. I tried to run tangents, but whatever. My race totaled 9.41 miles instead of 9.3.
Disclaimer: I'm promoting Orange Mud as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews What's Next on the Racing Schedule?
Whew, I posted all of my new race codes and brand discounts. Take a look before you register for your next race! There are more brand discounts coming soon! Some Best Damn Race Discounts Expire SoonYou can still save on the Best Damn Race series if you hurry. The next event is in Safety Harbor on February 2. You can register, but there aren't any codes left for it. My discount code "THISOLDRUNNER" is still good for these Best Damn Races: • Savannah on Feb. 16. Code expires Feb. 14. • Orlando on March 2. Code expires Feb. 16. • New Orleans on March 24. Code expires March 10. Keep an eye on those expiration dates if you want to save money on registration. #DiscountCodes #CouponCode #RaceCode #RaceDiscount #FoodGrooveBR #RuggedBR #RuggedManiac #OCR #DaytonaHalf #RunSarasota #BestDamnRace #BDRNOLA #BDRSavannah #BDROrlando #DetroitFREEP #GrandmasMarathon #GMarathon #HCTampa #HotChocolateTampa #HotChocolate15K #HC5K #HC15K #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida #BibRavePro #BibChat #ad #ambassador |
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Hello!Upcoming Races:Feb. 24-25, 2024
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