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I try to mix up the makes and models of my running shoes, but somehow I never ran in Under Armour shoes until now. I just got to test drive the UA HOVR™ Sonics. I'm so glad I did. I think this shoe will become a regular resident in my closet. Keep reading to learn more about the shoe, and why I like it so much. Fresh Out of the BoxFirst, let's all take a minute to look at these beauties. I love the graphite color and the open mesh upper. The shoe has tons of cushion, but it's still sleek. It just looks fast, doesn't it?  Disclaimer: I received UnderArmour HOVR Sonic shoes 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
There are two editions of the UA HOVR™ Sonic: Connected and Non-connected. My shoes were non-connected, which means they don't have a sensor to sync data to an app on my phone. I may try the connected version on my next pair. There are color options, too. Below are a few of the choices available. Color Options for the UA HOVR Sonic ShoeThe Fine DetailsThese shoes are light. They weigh 8 ounces/225 mg. The upper is made of very breathable mesh. There's ventilation on the top and sides. That's a huge selling point when you run in Florida in the Summer. 🙋♀️
50 Miles of Road and Trail TestingI've worn the UA HOVR™ Sonics for running trails and roads. I also spent a full Saturday walking around town in them. Happy feet all the way. I'm sold. 50 miles in and these shoes look and feel great on my feet. I did hill repeats in them this morning. I'm very happy with the way they respond.
The UA HOVR™ Connected version links to the Map My Run app and gives you data on your runs. Cost is $110 for Connected; $100 for Non-connected. I hope this review helps you decide if you'd like to run in UA HOVR™ Sonics. See you at the starting line! #UARunningBR #UARunningShoes #UnderArmour #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunningShoes #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #SummerRunning #ShoeReview
I love protein bars, so I was happy to receive a variety of NuGo Egg White protein bars to taste and review. All my favorite flavors were in there: peanut butter, chocolate, maple pecan, and blueberry. #Winning! You Can Get NuGo Egg White Bars in 4 FlavorsNuGo Egg White protein bars are chewy. I like that so much better than crunchy bars. These egg white bars don't melt in the Florida heat. That's important to me for Summer training! Each bar is 50 grams. I found it to be the right size for me. I felt satiated after eating it. I also like that I could see the ingredients. The bars have real peanuts, dark chocolate, pecans, almonds, dates, cashews, blueberries, and sea salt in them. Disclaimer: I received NuGo Nutrition Egg White Protein Bars 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! Tasty, Portable Protein BarsAs part of my testing process, I used NuGo Egg White bars in lots of different situations. I ate the bars for a boost before, during, and after my workouts. I carried several in my bag so I had them ready when I was away from home and hungry. Below are a few more examples.
*Except Peanut Butter because it contains Peanuts **Dark Chocolate Sea Salt contain 1g added sugar from the Dark Chocolate Chips Toughest Decision: It's Hard to Choose When All NuGo Bars Look, Sound, and Taste So Good When every flavor looks, sounds and tastes good, it's hard to decide! Problem Solved: Egg White Protein Sample PackI don't know about you, but I like choices. Especially when I try something new.  NuGo Nutrition understands that you need choices. That's why you can order the sample pack. It has one each of all four #NuGoBars flavors shown above. You even get FREE SHIPPING* on the sample pack — one offer per person. The sample pack includes: 1 Dark Chocolate Sea Salt 1 Peanut Butter 1 Maple Pecan 1 Blueberry It's a good way to taste all the flavors before you commit to a whole box. * Free shipping offer applies only to the sample pack. Limit 1 per customer. Plus, a 15% OFF Discount Code for You!If you’d like to try NuGo Egg White Protein Bars use my code: “BIBRAVE" for 15% OFF at www.NuGonutrition.com. You can choose a single flavor, or try the variety pack. This discount is good until August 3rd. Want More Reviews of NuGo Egg White Bars?If you want a few more opinions, you can read more reviews by these BibRave Pros: #NuGoBR #NuGoNutrition #NuGoEggWhite #EggWhiteProteinBars #ProteinBarsThatTasteGood #BibRavePro #BibChat #DiscountCode #CouponCode #PromoCode #EggWhite #ProteinBars
Probably not. These beautiful new kicks arrived just in time for my next training cycle! They're Under Armour HOVR Sonics in Graphite.
Disclaimer: I’m reviewing UA HOVR Sonics 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!
UA HOVR Sonics First Impressions During a Walkabout
I wore my new HOVR Sonics around the house for a day as a first look. They're very light weight. The heel of the shoe has extra support, but the part that touches my ankle is flexible and soft.
I love that the tongue is attached to the footbed with super stretchy wings. I noticed right away that the tongue didn't move to the left or right. I like that a lot.
Look at all that breathable mesh!
The shoe has tons of ventilation. The mesh upper looks like it will perform well in the Florida heat.
Check Back for a Full Review
I'm so excited to run in these. I'll let you know how they look, feel, and perform after I put some Summer miles on them! Check back at the end of July for my full review.
#UARunningBR #UARunning #UnderArmour #BibRavePro #BibChat #SummerRunning #UARunningShoes #ThisOldRunner #BrandReview #ProductReview
I’m testing a BRAND NEW egg white protein bar by NuGo Nutrition. Maple Pecan just took first place in my smell and taste test! And yes, I just ate a protein bar for dessert. I wanted something sweet, yet healthy. Mission accomplished!  Disclaimer: I received NuGo Nutrition Egg White Protein Bars 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! So far I’ve tested NuGo® Egg White Bars on the trail, for breakfast, coffee break, afternoon snack, post run, and now as dessert. I’m a protein bar connoisseur. Yeah, it’s a thing! A lot of protein bars are brittle or taste like cardboard. These bars travel well and stay fresh. I like the texture. They taste like peanut butter, maple pecan, blueberry, and dark chocolate — just like the package says.  Get a Discount on 4 Tasty Flavors!Yes, Maple Pecan is leading my taste test right now. But that could change. I have to say, I'm already a fan of all four flavors. Stay tuned for my full review in a few weeks! If you’d like to try NuGo Egg White Protein Bars use my code: “BIBRAVE" for 15% OFF at www.NuGonutrition.com. You can choose a single flavor, or try the variety pack. My discount code is good until August 3rd. Enjoy! #NuGoBR #NuGoBars #BibRavePro #BibRave
 Disclaimer: I received Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder and Energy Gels as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about become a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race review I'll just put this here so you can admire it. It's Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder in the newest flavor! This hydration powerhouse has
The watermelon Endurance Formula is available at Gatorade.com right now. It will be in stores soon. Check here for my product review. #FormulatedForFarther #GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #SummerRunning #Hydration #SummerRunningTips #WatermelonGatorade #MangoGatorade
Have you ever gotten a blister during a race? I have. When you get a blister in the middle of a race you don't want to stop. Most runners I know choose to run through the pain — all the way to the finish line. A better plan is to prevent the blister from happening in the first place. Let's look at why blisters happen to runners, and how to stop the madness! Then, we'll talk about how to treat blisters if you still get them. Disclaimer: I received KT Tape® Blister Prevention Tape and Blister Treatment Patches as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about become a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
If your socks move back and forth, your shoes rub, or your underarm passes back and forth over a rough seam, you'll get blisters. Blisters on feet usually show up on the toes, heel, and ball of the foot. Some blisters don't hurt. Others are very painful. Sometimes the blister bursts during your run. When you check your feet later, you have a painful raw spot. Most blisters caused by friction will heal in a few days. Some are more serious. If you have a fever, nausea or chills with an especially painful blister call the doctor. You may have an infection. How to Prevent Blisters on Your FeetIf you want to stop blisters from happening, you have to be proactive. First, get shoes that fit properly. Make sure there's plenty of room for your toes or you'll get black toenails. Black toenails happen when your toe thumps against the front of your shoe with each step. A blood blister forms under the nail which makes it look black. The second most important thing is to keep your feet dry. The best way to do that is by wearing moisture-wicking socks made for athletes. Specialty running socks reduce moisture and protect your feet. Don't skimp. Moisture-wicking socks are worth the price. Stay away from cotton. Cotton soaks up the moisture and promotes blisters. Another option is to wear two pairs of socks. Doubling up reduces friction and adds cushion.
Powders and CreamsAnother option is to douse your feet with a silicone-based foot powder. You pour it into your socks. The powder creates a smooth surface on your foot to prevent friction. You can also find creams and deodorant-style lubricant sticks. You can coat your foot to lower or eliminate friction. Tape, patches, creams, and powders stop chafing in prone areas like feet, inner thighs, sports bras, and underarms. How to Treat a BlisterIf your blister isn't too painful, leave it alone. Let it heal on its own. Cover small blisters with a patch, (like the KT Tape® Blister Treatment Patch). If you think popping the blister is best, follow these steps:
The fact is, blisters happen to runners. If you get one, treat it fast. Otherwise, follow your preventative plan to minimize your chances. Save 30% Plus a Full Product ReviewSo far, I like KT Tape® Blister Prevention Tape and KT Tape® Blister Treatment Patches. I used the patch after burning my finger on the stove on Taco Tuesday. I'll post my full product review after a few more hot, humid runs! In the meantime, you can get 30% OFF KT TAPE® Blister Treatment Patches and Blister Prevention Tape when you use my code: BIBRAVE30. #KTTapeBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BlisterPreventionTape #KTTAPE #ProductReview #BlackToeNails
Largest Database of Results for Athletes
Disclaimer: I'm writing this review of Athlinks as part of being a BibRavePro. Use Athlinks to Track Your ProgressAthlink uses information from race directors and athlete communities to fill the database. When results are posted online, the Race Director sends files and/or links to the Athlinks team. Athlinks uploads the information to the website and database. I had 30+ races done when I opened my free account. It was fun to create my profile, then link to all my races. It didn't take long to assemble all my stats on Athlinks. Now, I see my progress all in one place. While I'm not the fastest runner, progress keeps me motivated. Athlinks gives you a few ways to view your race results:
  Feeling competitive? Click the Rivals tab (shown below) to see how you compare to other runners. If you run the same race as someone you follow, Athlinks keeps tabs on who beats who.    Plan Your Race Schedule with AthlinksWhether you're already registered, or looking for your next race, Athlinks is an impressive planning tool. Use it to view upcoming races so you can plan for training and recovery. To find a new race, enter an event name, date range, location, and/or type of event. Hit search and Athlinks will show your results. Below are results from searching for races near Tampa, Florida between May and December, 2018.  As you can see, there are clickable links for previous years. Use those to see stats on the race. You can search results, see the number of participants, winning times, weather, etc. You'll find a lot of useful info. BTW, there were more results than I'm showing here. Free Training Plans and AdviceYep, there's more than statistics. Athlinks has resources for endurance athetes. You'll find advice on training, gear, and nutrition. Visit the Athlinks Blog for details.  Featured Events and Destination RacesHave your eye on a special race? You'll find plenty of featured events and destination races on Athlinks.com. There are descriptions of racecations for foodies, special attractions, charities, and landmarks. FYI, I want to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon next May.  You'll also find articles on gear, coaching, the best races for first-timers, races for people who like to party, and more. There's An Athlinks Mobile AppTake Athlinks with you using the mobile app. You can stay up-to-date with race details using the official event feed. Share your race with family and friends. The mobile app has animated maps that predict your location during an event. Your peeps can track you on course. It's perfect for meeting up during and after the race.  Join the Athlinks Community!Go ahead and follow me on Athlinks. You probably run faster than I do, and that's okay. I'm just here to make you look good! You're welcome. #AthlinksBR #Athlinks #RaceIgnited #PoweredbyAthlinks #BibRave #BibRavePro #TrackYourResults #RaceResults #RaceSchedule #Statistics #PR #ThisOldRunner
Whether you've been a runner for ten minutes, or all of your life, you should try the new CTM Band. I've used mine for a month now. I'm really happy with the results. Keep reading to find out why. Disclaimer: I received a CTM Band 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!
 The CTM Band is available in blue, green, yellow and red. It's easy to keep clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. CTM Band Combines Compression, Tension, and Movement for True Myofascial ReleaseMyofascial what? Myofascial (my-o-FASH-e-ul) release is a manual therapy technique used in massage. Self-myofascial release means you do it yourself. Basically, you apply gentle sustained pressure into your muscles and connective tissue to stop pain and restore motion. The pressure relaxes the muscle and improves blood and lymphatic circulation. This relieves tightness and knots. It also stimulates the stretch reflex in the muscle. Genuine Myofascial massage must include movement (stretching) and pressure (compression band + trigger points) to release the trouble from your muscles. The CTM Band let's you put a trigger point on the tight spot, then apply compression and stretch. The result? Pain relief and faster muscle recovery. CTM Band Versus Other Recovery ToolsCTM Band Therapy is more than a compression band or a pressure point. Why? Because it combines compression plus tension plus movement for true Myofascial massage. Foam rollers, balls, and massage sticks give you pressure and movement, but no compression. Floss bands give you compression and movement, but no pressure. If you want to remove accumulated adhesions from your fascia (and you do!), you need compression and movement while you apply pressure. The CTM Band is the only recovery tool that uses all three essential elements. That means you don't have to use multiple recovery tools to relieve your muscle soreness. You can speed up recovery with one tool that's easy to take to races, the gym or on a racecation. My Experience with the CTM BandI was using several types of recovery tools: a foam roller, trigger point balls, and a floss band. Each tool helped, but I needed all three to take care of everything. My foam roller does a great job of working out tight spots on my back, thighs and shins. But, there are some muscles it will never reach. The roller is stiff and doesn't adapt.
I had a spot on my right calf that bothered me for months. I could loosen it with my foam roller, but it kept coming back. Now, I wrap it with the 4 trigger points and stretch before every run. Problem solved. I can wrap my knee or ankle and stretch with the CTM Band. I can get that tight spot on my shoulder or bicep, or the bottom of my foot. I even wrapped the CTM Band around my waist with the trigger points on my lower back one day. It worked on my achey muscles. I was satisfied with my compression band until I used the CTM Band with the trigger points. The trigger point balls let me pinpoint the tight spots. I got results faster with the CTM Band than a standard compression band. Next, I tried the CTM Band on my feet. I used two of the four trigger points on the bottom of my foot, wrapped it with the band, and stretched back and forth. It felt really good. The compression and the trigger points hit the spot. It was much better than rolling my feet on a spiked massage ball. The CTM Band puts what I need into one recovery tool that's easy to carry. I can take it to the gym, a race, or outside to stretch in the sunshine. I even use it while I'm a passenger in a car. That's a win for me. CTM Band Relieves Runner Aches and PainsThe CTM Band works on lots of runner problems. I suggest you visit the CTM website to watch the videos on the correct way to use the band. If you suffer from any of the following issues, the CTM Band can help you recover. You also can watch explainer videos on the CTM Band YouTube Channel.
Pre Workout Stretches and Warm UpHave you ever had a tight spot BEFORE a run? I have. I used to stretch a bit and hope it would work itself out by mile 2 or 3. Now, I'm using the CTM Band before my workouts with good results. I wear it while I go through my stretches. It makes my muscles feel relaxed and ready to run. The CTM Band is a wonderful recovery tool, but it also works when you use it during your dynamic warmup. Save 20% with Discount Code "CTMBIBRAVE"The CTM Band costs $40. I feel it's worth it — I use mine every day. Plus, it has a lifetime guarantee. If you hurry, you can save 20% with my discount code: CTMBIBRAVE. FYI: The CTM band is 4 inches wide by 7 feet long — plenty of band to wrap those muscles. It has a maximum stretch of 150%. You can order your band here. I hope you will! #CTMBand #DiscountCode #PromoCode #CTMBIBRAVE #CTMBandBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #MyofascialRelease #CompressionBand #Flossing #SelfMyofascialRelease #DOMS #DelayedOnsetMuscleSoreness #RunnerProbs #ITBandSyndrome #ITBand #ShinSplints #RunnerPain
Have you heard about Plogging? There's been a lot of it going around here lately in celebration of Earth Day. Yet, it's a great idea any time of year. The word "Plogging" is a combination of "jogging" and "plocka upp," a Swedish term for picking up. It refers to stopping to pick up trash while you run. It's a nice way to reduce litter and show appreciation for the places where we run and walk outside.  I realized while running trails that if I'm wearing FlipBelt Crops I can stash trash in the 360º pockets. I grabbed this wrapper and an empty water bottle on my trail run. Plogging Started in SwedenPeople have been plogging in European countries for a while. Now, the idea is getting popular with U.S. runners. The first Facebook group, Plogga, showed up in January 2017. You can find dedicated Ploggers on Instagram, too. My favorite is Plastic_SolutionPollution. All you need to plog is a place to put the trash you find. Take a grocery bag or a garbage bag. You may want to bring a pair of gloves. If you want to plog in a group, look for local activities organized by Keep America Beautiful.
Plogging on Trails vs City StreetsI spotted trash out on the trails the other day. Not cool, hikers. Not cool. Since I was wearing my FlipBelt Crops (of course!) I realized they were perfect for plogging. It was easy to grab food wrappers and bottle caps and put them in my pockets. I decided next time I'd stash a bag and gloves in my FlipBelt Crops for a serious plogging session. I think plogging works best on trails, or less busy suburban routes. You're able to run and pick up trash. If you're on city streets with heavy pedestrian traffic, it's more challenging. In most cities, it's lots of picking up and little running. I've read about running groups that run first, then take 20-30 minutes afterwards to pick up trash. That's certainly an easier way to plog in the city. Plogging Can Be a WorkoutSome runners like to run a route once with an eye out for trash, then repeat the course to pick it up. I use this method when I run around a nearby lake. However you plog, it's good for the environment, and adds stretching and squatting to your workout. In fact, the Swedish fitness app Lifesum, lists plogging as a fitness activity. If you're wondering, it burns 288 calories in 30 minutes. Disclaimer: I received a pair of FlipBelt Crops 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! SAVE 25% on Your Own Pair of FlipBelt Crops Use the code: "BIBRAVE" when you order online and SAVE a whopping 25% on your own pair of crops. Visit FlipBelt.com right now to get yours. You can read my reviews of FlipBelt Crops here and here. #Plogging #Ploga #Plog #PickUpTrash #FlipBeltBR #FlipBelt #FlipBeltCrops #EarthDay #Conservation #Environment #BibRavePro #BibChat #KeepAmericaBeautiful #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay #KAB #ArborDay
I'm kinda in love with these! Here's why:  SAVE 25% on Your Own Pair of CropsUse the code: "BIBRAVE" when you order online and SAVE a whopping 25% on your own pair of crops. Visit FlipBelt.com right now to get yours. Disclaimer: I received a pair of FlipBelt Crops 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! #FlipBeltBR #FlipBeltCrops #FlipBelt #BibChat #BibRavePro #DiscountCode #PromoCode #SaveOnFlipBeltCrops
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Hey there,This is where you'll find me writing instead of running. (But, you know I'll be writing about running, right?) 
Yep, smiling's my favorite.
Another happy finish line!
Click the BRP logo to save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
SAVE $5 on ANY race in
ANY city when you register w/ code: THISOLDRUNNER. Jacksonville (1.12.19); Safety Harbor (2.2.19); Orlando (3.2.19); New Orleans (3/24/19); Savanah (2/16/19). #BDR #BestDamnRace
BONUS SWAG when you register for Tampa 15K/5K on Dec. 16, 2018 with my code: TAMPAKAREN18
Upcoming Races:Nov. 17-18, 2018
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