This Old Runner Writes About Running

A Runner's Review of BibBoards

2/7/2018

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:

Hat, Buff or Headband?
Shorts or Capris?
Tank or Shirt?
Water Bottle or Aid Stations?

But I never thought about pinning on my bib. Not until I fumbled with the pins in the starting corral. I got it on, but it wasn't secure. Or straight.

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.

Race After Race I Pinned on my Bibs

I kept using safety pins because everyone else did. My pinning skills improved over the years, but not by much.

An experienced runner told me to crinkle the bib before pinning to reduce noise. But, I wanted to save my bibs. Maybe get a cool race bib bag, or coasters or make my own letters like they do on etsy.

(Photo credit: Gone On A Run)

(Photo Credit: Bibs2Bags.com)

(Photo credit: BibBinders on etsy)

Maybe I'll make bib pennants to hang in my home office.

BibBoards Beat Pins and Saved My Shirts

After using #BibBoards, I'm done with safety pins on race bibs. Here's why:

BibBoards don't damage my race shirts (or bibs). No pin holes, rust stains, tears or thread pulls.
It's easy to reposition the bib. Now my bibs are straight and secure. I like to think it makes me look like I have a clue about racing.
BibBoards work on thin and thick materials. I've used them on lightweight tanks and heavier sweatshirts.
I like the smiley face emojis on my BibBoards, but there are lots of choices. You can order from the stock selection, or upload your own artwork.
Discount Code! Go to BibBoards.com and use my code: #BibChat for a 20% discount on your order. Everything's better with a discount code.

Think of BibBoards like a snap. The front snaps into the back without puncturing your shirt. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Your race bib stays flat on your shirt. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Detail of reverse side of shirt with bib boards.

The plastic BibBoards won't damage either side of your shirt. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Bib Boards on Best Damn Race Safety Harbor bib.

I wore BibBoards for a two race challenge, and they worked very well. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Choose from an assortment of designs, or upload your own artwork. (Photo credit: BibBoards.com)

I think these are a great gift for anyone who runs. I'm giving some to my daughter. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Smiley face sunglasses emoji bib board attached to a watch.

Sometimes I wear one on my watch during long runs! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I keep them on my hat so I have them at the ready on race day. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

That's Why I'll Keep Using BibBoards

There 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

Ever Fall in Love with Running Gear?

1/18/2018

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 Tank

Everyone 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!

Bright Orange running tank for BibRave.com

This is my new #RunInRabbit tank. I got it for being a 2018 #BibRavePro for BibRave.com. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Look at these colors! Available at Runinrabbit.com (Photo credit: RuninRabbit.com)

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.

Brilliant Reflective decal for Bib Rave.

Boco Gear hat and Nuun hydration tablets.

Boco Gear performance hat in orange and white.

(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

The Right Way to Dry Your Running Shoes After Running in the Rain

8/12/2016

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Since I've encouraged people to get out there and run in the rain, I feel I should tell you how to dry your shoes afterwards.

Please don't put your shoes in the dryer.

Things have changed since Old Runners were kids and the fastest way to get your wet canvas sneakers back on your feet was to throw them in the dryer. If you do that with your expensive running shoes you will break down the materials, and they won't last as long as they could.

Drying your grown up running shoes takes patience, but it is well worth it for the additional miles you'll run in them.

Learn the best way to dry your shoes after running in the rain.

Unlace your shoes and open them wide to begin drying.

Shake off the any moisture, unlace and open up those shoes.

If you can, remove the insert from your wet shoes.

Not all running shoes have a removable insert. If your shoes do, remove it for easy cleaning, and to speed up the drying process.

The shoe insert should be cleaned and hung up to dry.

Don't put the inserts back in your shoes until after they are completely dry.

Newspaper is the secret to drying your wet running shoes.

Gather up some newspaper. Regular newspaper works best — it absorbs moisture better than glossy paper (skip the shiny advertisement supplements). If you don't get a newspaper delivered, grab a bunch of weekly circulars from the grocery store. Keep a stash ready for use.

Newspaper stuffed into wet running shoes will absorb the moisture.

After you stuff newspaper in your wet shoes, check them every few hours. If necessary, remove wet newspaper and restuff the shoes with dry newspaper. If your shoes are damp, you may only need to do this once. If the shoes were soaked, repeat until the newspaper and shoes are dry. You can speed the process by placing your shoes in front of a fan, or in the sun if possible.

Repeat stuffing your wet shoes with newspapers until all the moisture is absorbed and the shoes and the newspaper feel dry.

Once your shoes are dry, replace your inserts.

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What Equipment Do You REALLY Need to Start Running?

7/8/2016

While it's true you don't have to buy a bike, boat, clubs or a racquet to become a runner, you will need some equipment. My recommendation is to get the right shoes, socks and clothes to improve your chances of success.

If you fall in love with running, you'll get plenty of use out of your new gear. If you decide you don't like the sport, you can look fast while running errands.

Must Haves for New Old Runners

1. Real running shoes.
Not walking shoes, not yard shoes, not plastic molded shoes. Real running shoes.
• Go to a specialty running store and get fitted.
• Don't be shy, everyone there wants to help you. They love new runners.
• Learn about your stride and what shoes work best for your feet.
• See what size you need for running. You'll need a larger size than everyday shoes.
• Expect sticker shock. You don't have to buy the shoes today. Think about it.
• Right now, you just need information specific to your feet.
• Once you know your size and type of running shoes, research deals online and at other stores. Watch for discounts, closeouts and tent sales. I've purchased $110 shoes for $30 at end-of-season tent sales.

2. Socks that wick away sweat.
These used to be hard to find in mainstream stores, but I see them everywhere now.
• Materials that are a combo of polyester, nylon and elastane.
• Look for cushioned heel and toes.
• A heel tab prevents the sock from sliding down into your shoe.
• Names like Drifit, Hidden Dri, Friction Free.
• Synthetic socks will wick away sweat and prevent blisters.
Bonus Tip: I always wear two pairs of socks and have been blister-free for years.

3. Clothes made from performance material.
Lose the cotton. Seriously. I don't care if the shirt has a hilarious saying about running on it. Cotton is not your friend when you are running and sweating.
• Performance materials are synthetic and lightweight. They help pull away sweat.
• Why is that important? Because wet cotton next to your skin will lead to chafing and blisters and overheating.
• You can find affordable performance active wear in outlet stores, discount stores, and online.
• Enter a race and they usually give you a performance wear t-shirt. Boom! Now you have another workout shirt.

Okay, so what is this going to cost you?
These are generalizations on pricing. I've found terrific deals at specialty store tent sales, and outlet stores. Look for good prices at the end of season sales.
Shoes: $30-$150
Socks, 2 Pairs: $6-$20
Shirt: $5-$50
Capris: $20-$100
Shorts: $10-$50