Author: bsweet321

San Francisco Giant Race (Half, 10K, 5K, & Kids)

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Disclaimer: I received free entry to the SF Giant Race 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 San Francisco Giant Race will be held on September 9, 2018.

Promo code:

RACESF2018 gets you $10 off half, 10K or 5K.

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I’ll be running the 5K if you want to give me a shout out when you see me. I’ll be wearing my bright orange BibRave shirt.

  • This is a super family friendly race with lots of distances, including a Kids/Family Relay.
  • Virtual races available. Run/ walk on your own schedule.
  • Benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
  • Swag includes shirt, finishers medal, & a Bruce Bochy bobblehead!
  • Scenic route along the water.
  • The flattest course in San Francisco.

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Come and join the fun!

Looking for other race discounts? Check out my discounts page.

Product Review: Karma Rings

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Disclaimer: I received Karma 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.

If you do running or other sports, you’ve probably seen someone wearing a plastic ring and wondered what that was about. I take off my wedding ring to run. For one thing, my hands swell when I run and then I can’t get my wedding ring off my finger.

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After trying Karma rings for myself, I have some feedback for you.

  1. It’s an interchangeable ring. In my set the base color was white and then I had 3 different color bands that I could swap on the base ring.
  2. I liked that I didn’t have to worry about where to put my valuable wedding ring. I could put my hands in anything and wasn’t concerned with it slipping off my finger or getting dirty since I could easily rinse it off.
  3. These rings are versatile. You could use each color band to represent an achievement in either your personal or your sport of choice. Let’s say you are training to do a full marathon. You probably worked out a training plan to get you there. You probably started running 5K’s, then 10K’s, etc. until you were able to run a full marathon. Each color band could in this example represent one of those levels of achievement.
  4. Karma rings are not heavy and it didn’t bother me. If a ring or bracelet bothers me, that’s all I’ll focus on and it will drive me crazy. Not with Karma rings. I would put on my Karma ring and forget I had it on.
  5. I liked the nice tin case the rings come in. It makes them look fancy, which makes a good gift container.

 

Want to give it a try? Use promo code: BibRave33 for a 33% discount.

Interested in getting discount to races like Hot Chocolate, Rock N Roll, and many others? Check out my race and products discount page by clicking here.

Product Review: Ultima

Disclaimer: I received Ultima 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!

 

My first experience with Ultima was actually during a half marathon trail race on Lake Chabot on New Year’s Day. I stopped at a hydration station to get water and snacks. I was told there were some electrolytes and I was asked if I wanted a cup. Up to that moment, I didn’t like electrolytes. The taste of the ones I had tried was artificial, they were full of calories, and other additives. I explained to the volunteer why I didn’t want to try the electrolyte solution. He was quick to explain that it was Ultima. I said, “what’s Ultima?” He pulled out the bottle from around the table and showed it to me. It said it had natural flavors and no calories. I was impressed. I then decided to give it a try. It was the extra kick I needed to keep going on the race.

Later, as a BibRavePro, I was asked to sample Ultima and to give my honest review. After my positive previous experience, I agreed. Jim often goes on extreme diets which include riding his bike for 9-12 miles daily in addition to running with me. I told him that we had just gotten some Ultima in the mail and he should try some. Little did I know that meant he would take it all and I would not see it again until he ordered a refill and the second box arrived in the mail. He loved the taste, the variety of flavors, and of course, you can’t beat zero calories.

You can order some Ultima to try for yourself at Amazon.com/shops/ultimareplenisher. Use promo code ULTIMABR for a 15% discount. 

Blacklight Run San Jose 2018

Disclaimer: I received a Buff 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!

A blacklight race is when you run through color stations, similar to a color run, and get powder thrown on you. This race is at night and has blacklight lamps along the race so you can see the colors light-up.

The entrance fee included: a t-shirt, a sticker, and a race number. The race wasn’t chipped or timed, so the race number was just an accessory.

This was my first blacklight run. When we arrived there was a DJ playing music and pumping up the crowd. He was throwing color packs and other small prizes to the crowd.

Once we were told to the line-up, I waited for the race to start for at least 30 minutes. I took that time to look around at how much paint other people already had on, and their outfits. The race trail took us on uneven dirt paths. Once it got dark, there was no light to guide the way. Experience racers had headlamps and glow in the dark lights on. I didn’t have any of that on. I struggled to see where I was stepping and at times where I needed to turn to continue on the path.

The powder stations had a lot of powder and were happy to throw some extra powder your way if you told them. I went through two of the color stations twice in order to get more powder on me, and that wasn’t a problem. Do close your mouth as you run through. Many people made the mistake of talking or laughing and consequently ended up with a mouthful of colored powder. Yikes!

  

The blacklight lamps were neat. They were often crowded as everyone wants to get there picture taken there.

There was no medal at the end. Our bib had a tear-off coupon for an extra colored powder pack that I didn’t claim. I figured I had already gotten my fair share of powder for the day.

I used a Buff to first hold my hair back and later to keep the powder out of my mouth.

Review: Gatorade Endurance Formula Sports Drink & Energy Gel

Disclaimer: I received some Gatorade Endurance products 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!

Gatorade Endurance Formula Sports Drink

Nutritional Information: 22g Carbohydrates, Electrolytes: 300mg Sodium & 140mg Potassium, and 90 Calories.

I received a bottle of the Gatorade Endurance Formula Thirst Quencer Powder in Watermelon flavor. It was a large 2 LB container. While traveling to Puerto Rico, I took the container with me in my carry-on suitcase. I know my body and during extreme weather conditions, it’s easy for me to get dehydrated. I was preparing for 94 degrees F and 85% humidity. In extreme heat, it’s hard to walk, and especially run or do any sport. I got into the habit of filling my water bottle with a scoop and a half of Gatorade Endurance Formula Thirst Quencher Powder and putting it in the fridge. Before I left to do anything outside, errands, shopping, and especially working out, I brought my prepared water bottle. I love the taste! I’m not a fan of extremely sweet or strong tastes in any kind of sports formula. The watermelon flavor was light and easy to drink. It gave the water an extra flavor without being too strong.

Gatorade Endurance Formula Energy Gel

Nutritional Information: 20g Carbohydrates, Electrolytes:100mg Sodium, and 80 Calories.

Gatorade Endurance Formula Gel is designed to give athletes the fluids and nutrients needed during training or racing. I tried the Mango flavored gel and the flavor was very similar to natural mangoes. The thickness of the gel was the standard for this type of product. Gatorade Endurance Formula Gel comes in small pouches, the ideal size for my running pants side pockets or my waist pouch. It gave me an extra pick me up during long practice runs.

Available at Gatorade Endurance website.

Not Just For Running

Disclaimer: I received some Buff products 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!

I’m always seeking my next adventure. This time, it was a family cruise to Mexico. We decided to do something new. We would rent ATV’s and go on a tour of the town. It was very hot and humid. I last minute changed my mind and decided to ride a double with Jim, instead of driving my own. I have driven an ATV before. I thought it would be easier for us to chat along the way.

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We got instructions on how to drive the ATV’s. Even though we were in a large group of people, there was a guide for every two smaller groups or so. We were handed helmets goggles and handkerchiefs. I had already planned ahead and had a Buff for each of us. I knew that the lightweight material would be better for this sort of excursion than a normal bandana. Buff’s are made to be breathable, multi-functional, moisture wicking, and fast drying.

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Austin drove his own ATV. He was in the front of the line and had no problem keeping up. _MG_4500

Our tour took us through town and out onto dirt roads up and down hills. We first used our Buffs to keep the sun off our necks and then to cover our mouth from the dirt and exhaust from the ATV’s in front of us.

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After about 40 minutes, we arrived at the top of a mountain where there were restrooms and a restaurant where we ordered lunch. It was a much-needed break. I didn’t bring my swimsuit with me and there was a nice little pool at the restaurant location. I could have had a swim while waiting for my meal. I at least got to put my feet in the cool water, which felt amazing. After lunch, we were given a tequila tasting. I guess Mexicans don’t follow the concept of drinking and driving. At least we didn’t get large amounts of alcohol, just enough to taste the various flavors of tequila that they had for sale. Then we hopped back on our ATV’s and went back down the dirt paths back to where we started.

After the tour was over, we returned our helmets and goggles. I then switched my Buff from my neck to hold back my unruly hair.

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A Buff at Sea

Disclaimer: I received a Buff 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!

Many of you are probably already familiar with Buff’s for doing sports like running or cycling, but did you know that there are many other types and uses for a Buff? I recently received a Merino Wool Infinity Scarf. I love how it is lightweight and yet, provides that extra layer of warmth. I went on a family cruise. While leaving the port of Long Beach, California, I got chilled. I remembered I had packed my Merino Wool Infitiy Scarf, so I looked for it and put it on. It was exactly the amount of warmth that I needed.

I also like the colors on it. I love tye-dye. It has a little bit of a tye-dye on it. I can loop it around my neck once or twice and I can wear it to work or play. Lots of possibilities with this scarf.