Monday, June 28, 2021

Medal Monday, Charlotte RaceFest Edition



 Y’all. I ran a race. In person. And it was a 10k. 


I am excited about this for so many reasons. First of all, a live race with no mask requirements is huge, even for NC. Also, the last time I ran 6.2 miles was in the fall, and I couldn’t walk for days afterwards. I’m in a much better place with my knees now and 6.2 is difficult but no longer impossible!



I also got to run with these amazing ladies! It was a difficult race, and having friends with you definitely makes it better. The race started at the Armored Cow Brewery. We ran uphill out of the parking lot and made our way to the Greenway.


We ran down a really steep hill and quickly realized that we would have to run up that hill during the last half mile. Yikes. Randi was way ahead of us right away, Cary and Sushilla were in the middle and Sarah and I pulled up the rear. It wasn’t too hot but it was 96% humidity and Sarah’s asthma was making it really difficult for her!

The scenery was amazing though.














It was really tough! The water stops were well placed, but on that last awful hill, someone who hadn’t brought their own water almost passed out. I gave her some of mine and Sarah and I, who were already walking so Sarah could breathe, walked her in to the finish. There was a generous time limit since there was also a half marathon going on at the same time. Whew!

We had so much fun and it was a great training run for future races. After everyone finished, we went to Blaze for pizza, and then home for some much needed rest. I felt as if I had run a half! Starting over is really hard, y’all. I was so grateful to have my friends with me, and today my legs are tired but functioning! 



I also got to see some friends I only see at races! 







Have you run any live races this year?





Friday, May 28, 2021

Run To Escape, a Puzzling Virtual Experience



I received entry into Run To Escape as part of being a BibRave Pro (Ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews. 




Y'all know that I love running, but it's been so difficult this last year and a half. After losing a bunch of weight and taking some serious pressure off of my knees, I have been able to run further and further with no residual pain! Woohoo! 
The Run To Escape series came at a perfect time for me. Each "race" is between 5k and 10k, and you will get clues throughout. Don't stress if you miss one, though, because your email from Hermes will have the clues there for you to play back. 

I haven't done all 6 of them yet, but here are some sneak peeks into the ones I have completed! 
It all started with Dionysus....


Dionysus is a 5k run, a perfect start to the series! Once you complete it, you can head back to your email to listen to the clues again, if you need to, and solve the puzzle. 



Sometimes the clues you receive during the run are more important than others, but you just never know when that is, so always listen to those clues! Once you solve the puzzle, your answer (in all caps) will open the next race.




You will put in the answer as if it were a coupon code, basically, and if you are correct, it will open the next race. 


Peace out, Dionysus, I am moving on to Aphrodite!


Aphrodite is a 4 miler. I waited until long run day for this one, since we are at the beginning of half marathon training. 


After my 4 mile run, I came home and listened to the clues again and tackled the puzzle. They are each so different from each other, which keeps it interesting!



Each puzzle also has hints, plus you can check your answer if you want to, although I prefer the excitement of seeing if my answer unlocks the next race. 



After Aphrodite was Apollo, a 5 mile race. I was on vacay for this one, so I dragged my poor hubby along. Luckily, he didn't die, although he whined so much that I wanted to kill him! We were on Jekyll Island, which was gorgeous, so the scenery couldn't be beat.



OOOPs it was an 8k. Which is pretty much the same thing, except you stop just shy of 5 miles, which is so weird to me. 



After Apollo was Hades, and this is where I had some trouble. First, I forgot to toggle the little button that starts the puzzle part of the race. If you forget that step, it's just a run, with no clues, and you have to do it again. Such a rookie mistake for a 4th race. Then, I ran on the Greenway, which has insane tree cover. This is great for running in the shade, but the app hated it. I ran 5 miles and it didn't get to 3.1 until I was almost done. Yikes! I won't make that mistake again. I did see an owl and some deer, which was super cool.





There's the button you need to toggle. Don't forget!


 

Still to run are Athena, which is a 5 mile run, and I will be completing that tomorrow.



Zeus is our grand finale, and he's a 10k. I will be completing the Zeus run on June 6. There is no time limit on these challenges, which is perfection for me. I have skipped a run more than once, on days when my knees just weren't having it. 



I saved the best for last! The reason for all of our missions! Atalanta wants to become the 13th major deity and these 6 gods stand in her way. If we solve these puzzles, she will earn her spot on Mt Olympus.


Want to join the fun? Register now and use BIBRAVE10 for 10% off. Let me know what you think!












 

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Supporting My Immunity with Science in Sport

 I received Immune Tablets from Science in Sport as part of being a BibRave Pro (Ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write at reviews! 


I’ve been traveling a lot these last couple months (so weird to say that, right?!?) and whenever I travel I end up with a cold from a weak immune system! Without fail, I ended up tired and cranky and sniffly. This year, I started carrying Immune Tablets with me and having one every morning after my workout has really helped with that!

I’ve also been on my peloton like a crazy person, and too many workouts can really make a mess of your immune system! I just pop a tablet into my water after my ride  and I’m set! It has a really nice orange flavor to it, and it’s just a little bubbly at first, and then it stills, which I love. 


I even brought them to a 10k last month. I knew I would be out walking for over an hour, so I had one right after the event. I was rehydrated and helping my immune system at the same time. 


They are so easy to use, just be sure to drink it within 24 hours of preparation. 


The handy tube is easy to travel with. I stuck mine in the outside pocket of my tote, and I don’t have to worry about them getting crushed or lost in the bottom of a bag. The lid stays on tight!


They are vegan, vegetarian, lactose and gluten free, dairy free, wheat free, nut free, and soy free.  Take that, allergies!!


What better way to get your vitamin C and iron, plus electrolytes all at the same time? My nutritionist likes me to have electrolytes every day, and this makes it so easy. Want to try these out for yourself? Use SiS-BibRave21 for 15% off at checkout!