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. 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?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. The Insulated Sleeve is a Game-ChangerThe most beautiful thing about Amphipod Hydraform Chiller is the sleeve. Why?
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
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. Do you have trouble reading your watch while you're running? I do. It's a problem because I like to check my pace and mileage in real-time. I invested in a couple of pairs of bifocal sunglasses. They can be expensive, so it hurts when I lose them. And yes, I lose them. Readers are cheaper but don't work well for running. I know this because I ran several half marathons with a pair of readers. Ugh.
Turns out, upgrading my sunglasses is easier than I thought. The best part? It's a DIY project you can do at home. Keep reading if you want to learn how to turn your favorite shades into bifocals. Stick-On Bifocal LensesStep 1: Choose Your SunglassesStick-on bifocals let you upgrade any pair of regular sunglasses without permanently altering them. Turn a favorite pair into reading glasses so you can read the small print, like your running stats on a watch. I bought these Knockaround Navy/Mint Premium Sports for running. The frames are rubberized and super lightweight. There's a nonslip rubber nose guard. The polarized lenses are impact-resistant and offer UV400 protection. Step 2: Pick Your Stick-On Bifocal LensesDetermine what magnification you need. Figure it out with a diopter test to choose the best magnification for your eyes. Another option is to try on Readers in IRL at a physical store. There are several brands of stick-on lenses available on Amazon. I bought Blue Merlin lenses. You can see them in the photo below. The Optx brand has good reviews, too. Both brands come in +1.00 to +3.00 magnifications. Step 3: Prep the Lenses and GlassesThe stick-on bifocals are easy to apply. They're also easy to remove. If you change your mind later, you can move your bifocal lenses to a different pair of sunglasses. Make sure there isn't any dust or dirt on your glasses. Clean them with spray lens cleaner if you have it. Wipe both sides with a lint-free cloth to remove all residue. FYI: Knockaround protective pouches are lintless lens cleaner cloths. Clean both sides of your bifocal lenses with clean water and NO soap. Step 4: Stick On The Bifocal LensesThe lenses are a half-moon shape. Pay attention when you remove them from the protective case. You'll see which lens fits naturally on each side of your sunglasses. After soaking in warm water the lenses are pliable and soft. No adhesives are needed. Find a workspace that won't scratch your sunglasses. Place your glasses with the lens down. Take the first bifocal lens and put it onto your glasses with the curved part at the bottom of the frame. Position the lenses about 2.5 inches apart. Use a ruler to figure out the correct positioning. Repeat with the other bifocal lens. Look through the lenses during the application. If you stick them on backward or flipped, you'll know when you look through them. The lenses work, so if your vision is distorted they're in the wrong position. Take your time and reposition them until they work best for your eyes. It took me a couple of tries until mine were right. When you're happy with the location, press out any air bubbles with care. Use a lint-free cloth to dab away excess water. Let the glasses sit for 12-24 hours to dry before wearing them. Step 5: Go For a Run in Your Bifocal SunglassesI waited a full day before running in my new bifocal sunnies. I ran 5 miles on a hot, sunny day. Man! These were perfect for me. The sunglasses have dark polarized lenses which I already love for running in Florida. Add in the bifocals, and I was one happy runner. I ran hill repeats to celebrate. It also gave me another reason to check my watch often during my workout. I could see everything on my watch with ease. How to Remove or Reposition Stick-On Bifocal LensesStick-on bifocals are easy to remove. Run them under hot water for a few minutes. Use your fingernail at the edge so water gets underneath the lens, then peel them off. If you leave your sunglasses in a hot spot — like the car in July — and the lenses move, it's an easy fix. Run under hot water to loosen the lens, then slide back into position. After repositioning, push out any bubbles and dry everything off. Wait 12 hours before wearing them. Another good thing about stick-on lenses is you can reuse them. They work on safety glasses, a diving mask, or glasses you use for work. Get Some Stick-On Bifocals for Your SunglassesAfter my unofficial testing, I'm happy with my stick-on bifocal results. It took very little time to apply the lenses, and they've worked well in hot, humid, sunny conditions. Right now, I think I have about 16 miles on them. I'm excited about upgrading my other sunglasses. I also don't have to hesitate when I see fun new Knockarounds or get a great pair at a race. Give it a try if you have the same problem! #ThisOldRunner #BifocalSunglasses #Knockaround #KnockFan #RunnerSunglasses #BibChat #RunChat #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #SunnyRunner #RunInTheSun #RunningSunglasses #BifocalLenses #StickOnBifocalLenses #OptOutside #MovePittsburgh #FLRunner
Disclaimer: I received BibBoards 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 first time I ran a race I worried a lot about what to wear:
I'd Operated Safety Pins Before. I Didn't Think Pinning My Bib was Going to be a Thing.My poorly pinned race bib irritated me for 13.1 miles! It was the first half marathon where I RAN the entire race. That bib was a big distraction. It flapped. It wrinkled. It moved around. It caught the wind like a parachute on a downhill slope. It made noise on every single step. What's the Big Deal if a Race Bib Makes Noise?A noisy bib is like a dripping faucet — a constant irritant. During a race, you don't want to think about anything except putting one foot in front of the other. Little things are annoying. (Especially in mile 10 to 13!) By the end of the race, my bib was a mess. The safety pins pulled the bib until each corner was permanently wedged in the circle end of the pin. When I took the bib off, there were pin pricks on my shirt. The corners tore. The bib was crinkled.
BibBoards Beat Pins and Saved My ShirtsAfter using #BibBoards, I'm done with safety pins on race bibs. Here's why:
That's Why I'll Keep Using BibBoardsThere you have it. That's my honest (overly detailed?) review of BibBoards. Bottom line? I really like them! Give them a try! Don't Forget! Code #BibChat for 20% Off!See you at the starting line. I'll be one of the runners wearing BibBoards! 😎 #BibBoards #SaveTheShirt #BibChat #BibRave #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunMIA #Run305 #BDR #BestDamnRace #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #RaceDiscounts #PromoCodes #RunnerCodes
This year I'm a #BibRavePro. That means along with tons of race discount codes, I get to share info on running gear with you. I'll be test-driving everything from drinks to tanks to techie tools. Then, I'll report back here. The first thing I want to tell you about is the explosion of orange that arrived in my mailbox this week. Take a peek at the photos below and you'll see what I mean! I'm Falling in Love with my #RunInRabbit TankEveryone has a favorite brand or two for running stuff. Ask any runner, and I guarantee they'll tell you all about it! Certain gear makes us happy. Maybe it's the color and cut. Or, it's the material — or, how we feel using it. Shoes, clothes, nutrition and gear has to be comfortable, practical and perform well. If it does all of that, it's a candidate for runner love. Well, my Rabbit racer tank is lovable. It's a lightweight wicking material with embossed rabbits all over it! Beyond cute, it stretches but keeps it's shape. Plus, my tank in this #BibRavePro orange means traffic will see me coming. I plan on wearing it a lot. Since I live in Florida, tanks are important here! Take a Look at the Under Armour® Running Hoodie, Custom Brilliant Reflective Decal, BocoGear Cap, and Orange Nuun Hydration.I'll be back with more info on the cool stuff shown below as I put them to use in training and races. If you have any questions, let me know. You can find me on Instagram and Twitter, or shoot me an email from here. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) Disclaimer: I received this gear 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! #RunInRabbit #BeBrilliant #BrilliantReflective #UARunning #BocoGear #TechnicalTrucker #NuunLife #MakeYourHydrationCount #BibRavePro #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #RaceDiscounts #PromoCodes #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida
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Hello!Upcoming Races:Feb. 24-25, 2024
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