2Toms SportShield Review

Disclaimer: I received 2Toms SportShield 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!

Like many runners, I have the opposite of a thigh gap...I call it the thigh overlap ;)
Just kidding....sorta...but between strong legs and the fact that I live in the sunshine state, I usually end up choosing between being way too hot running in capris, or I end up with chafing.

I have tried a ton of products and methods to combat the chafing issue.  Most either don't work at all, or work for a few miles/hours then wear off.  Applying most of these products it also a hassle.  Some don't come out of the applicator well enough, some get all over your hands and won't come off.

I am so beyond happy to say that 2Toms SportShield is my solution! To start off with, it is in a roll on applicator which is awesome.  No more trying to get a stick of stuff to stick to your legs.  It goes on and you can easily apply enough product to feel safe while running.  It also comes in wipes which are AWESOME to carry with you on super long runs where you may need to reapply.  

On that note - I have yet to run a distance where I needed to reapply.  In fact, I also use this when I go out in skirts (the thunder thigh struggle is real here folks) and it has the power to go all day! 

In addition to using 2Toms on my legs when running, I have used it for the sides or my toes when wearing my work clogs (and running shoes)

On all points of contact when wearing new high heels

and on the fronts an back of my ankles when wearing my riding boots (for reference: I have worn these boots for nearly 5 years and I always end up with raw ankles. 2Toms prevented even that.)

Overall I am beyond thrilled with my experience with 2Toms and I will be ordering more for sure as summer is closing in and temperatures are already soaring.

If you also want to try out 2Toms SportShield, use code 2TOMS20 for 20% off!

Have questions about my experience with 2Toms? Let me know!!

Also: be sure to check back tomorrow for an important blog announcement :)

Happy Easter!!!

Product Review: 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves

Disclaimer: I received 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves 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!

Do you ever find a brand you love then feel the need to own everything they make because you know it is going to be AMAZING every single time?  That's how I have felt about 2XU from the very first pair of their compression tights I tried out!  So naturally I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try out the 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeve...and they did not disappoint!

The Socks
The VECTR socks are thin and lightweight with an awesome amount of compression and support around the arch of the foot as well as at the back of the ankle (right above the heel) that not only made my feet feel great, but also kept the sock from slipping while I ran.  I think we can all agree that there is pretty much nothing worse than socks that fall down when you run, or walk, or whatever. Socks that fall down period haha.
Another thing I really appreciated about the VECTR socks was the fit in the toe.  Too many socks are either so tight they cause blisters, or so loose they cause blisters.  Either way ends in pain...so I appreciate the fact that the fit in the toe of these socks is perfect.  Fun fact: I wore running shoes under my wedding dress, and these are the socks I wore with them!

The Calf Sleeve
I. Love. Calf Sleeves.
Ok now that we got that out of the way, I can share that these are perfect.  They are not the tightest compression of all the 2XU products I have tried, but they are a very comfortable level of compression that you can really feel the benefits of.  I like that I can wear them under my pants for work all day and get all the recovery benefits.  When I wear them I can tell a difference in my legs at the end of the day!  With the wedding and having company in town I have not been running as much lately, so I have really appreciated having these sleeves to help me prevent calf strain and shin splints!!

Better Together
Ok so since they are both great separately, they are even better together right? Right!
One of the biggest perks of using socks and calf sleeves rather than tall compression socks is that they are so much easier to put on! I am sure it sounds silly, but the struggle to get tall compression socks on can be really really real.  Plus if you are running in gross conditions, it is easier to swap out short socks and leave the sleeves on than it is to swap out the whole thing.  As I mentioned before I also love wearing the sleeves all day at work, then I can just slip on the socks after work and be ready to run! It is really nice to be able to use each part separately then see double the benefit when using them together.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend the VECTR Socks with Performance Run Calf Sleeves if you are looking for versatile, quality compression for both training and recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to let me know!
If you want to pick up your own 2XU products, use code TRAIN15 for 15% off your order!

Merino Wool Buff Review...and my first post as a married person!

Disclaimer: I received a Merino Wool 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!

Ok before we get started with this post, I just have to throw it out there that this is the first post I am writing after getting married yesterday!!!! I am so unbelievably excited and just had to throw it out there ;)

But now on to the real purpose of this post!

If you have been following along on this blog or any of my social media, you probably already know that I LOVE Buff products and I really don't like to be cold.  After my experience with the Buff Thermal Hoodie, trying out the merino wool Buff was a no brainer for me!

To start off, I love the color options and I am obsessed with the vivid blue color of the Buff I was sent.  

These wool Buffs are a bit longer than the traditional Buff so they take a little extra folding and arranging, but the layers keep your ears so toasty it is unbelievable! Over the years I have come to really appreciate wool (especially merino wool) for its ability to provide great temperature regulation without adding a lot of weight or bulk.

Like all the rest of the Buff products I have tried, I loved the fact that I could wear the merino wool Buff without it feeling too tight but also without it ever slipping! I hate things feeling too tight around my head, but I also hate things slipping off. The fact that Buff is always able to deliver both qualities and keep my poor little ears warm never fails to amaze me. Well there's no wiggle but my pictures are wobbly lol. 

Because the merino wool Buff is so comfortable I also spent a lot of time wearing it around the house.  It got a little chilly (at least by Florida standards) and I didn't want to turn on the heat, so it was a nice way to keep my head warm and my hair out of my face!

All in all, I would never hesitate to recommend a Buff product and the merino wool Buff is no exception.  I love this Buff and think it is the perfect accessory for runners (and ever non-runners) looking for a non-slip and light weight way to keep your head ears and neck warm!

If you have questions about the Merino Wool Buff feel free to let me know!!

Bulu Box Review: My first subscription box service

Disclaimer: I received a three month subscription to Bulu Box 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!

Are you a subscription box lover? I have always been a bit skeptical because I am not a huge fan of surprises.  I like to know what I am buying before it comes home with me.  However, I have always been interested in trying small samples of stuff before I commit to buying a full size package.  Bulu Box was the perfect way to test the subscription box waters!

When you sign up for Bulu Box they give you the option to choose between a more weight loss focused box or general box with their usual mix of healthy snacks and supplements.  I went with the regular box since running is usually all I need to stay at a good weight.

One of the first things I noticed about Bulu Box was that they had very good communication.  When you sign up for a box you get an email that lets you know when it will be mailed.  Once it is mailed they send another email with the tracking information.  

When I go the email that my first box was on the way I was so excited! Unfortunately due to weather further north it didn't make it on the originally projected date (obviously through no fault of Bulu Box) and I had to wait a couple more days for it to get here.  Having the tracking number was amazing though, because I could be sure that it hadn't just been delivered to the wrong address instead.

When the box got to me I was so excited to see the variety of samples and goodies it held!  What made it even better was that it had many products that I would not otherwise have tried because I would not want to commit to a full size purchase.  

The one concern I had about the first box was that perhaps my idea of healthy and the Bulu Box idea of healthy were not quite on the same page.  While the fruit sticks looked promising, I am not usually a fan of weight loss enhancing pills or energy patches.  That said, I was more than willing to hold out final judgement for the second and third boxes.  I will say that I was not impressed at all with the protein brownie (all protein taste, no brownie taste) but fell in LOVE with the fruit snacks.  Maybe I am just a kid at heart, but they made the perfect mid-run pick me up when I hit the trails and needed just a bit of sugar to keep me going.  They were also great in airports and the friends I shared them with also shared my enthusiasm!

The second box was much more up my ally. 

 It arrived on time this time around (thank you weather for cooperating!) and it had many more samples that I was very interested in from the start.  It included protein powder, some fizzy energy drink mix, hand lotion and a honey cough remedy.  Of course this is the one winter that I didn't get my crazy cough so I haven't had occasion to try the honey.  Not that I am complaining about not having a cough...but I am keeping the samples on hand for when it eventually comes!  Of the things I have tried from the box, the chocolate peanut butter protein powder is my favorite! I tried it in my oatmeal for a little boost of flavor and nutrition and loved it.

I am still anxiously awaiting my third box in the mail and can't wait to share the goodies with you!

Overall I am much more interested in Bulu Box in particular and subscription boxes in general after this experience.  I think it helped me when the first box didn't fit my interests all that well but the second one was much better.  The price for Bulu Box is only $10 a month ($5 is you use the code BIBRAVE5 ) and it is really fun to know that there are fun new things waiting in your mailbox at the end of a long workday.

Have you tried Bulu Box? Do you enjoy subscription boxes?

2XU Thermal Hyoptik Tights Review

Disclaimer: I received 2XU Thermal Hyoptik tights 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 have been reading my blog for a while or follow me on social media, you already know I am a HUGE fan of any and all things 2Xu.  (P.S. if you don't follow me on social media you should probably go ahead and check out my Twitter and Instagram!)
I am so happy to tell you that the 2XU Thermal Hyoptik tights delivered to just as high a standard as all their other products I have tried.

To start with, there is the compression.  While I think it is a little less than in the 2XU Elite MCS Tights, it still provided a great amount of support for running and recovery!  I was also a big fan of the mid rise and the wider waist band which prevented the compression from squeezing everything "up and over." I think we can all agree that it is not a good look ;)

The next awesome thing about these pants is the reflectivity.  Hyoptik (pronounced High-Optic) products are made to keep you visible and the highly reflective marks on the pants do the trick.  Since winter means not only cold weather but also shorter daylight hours, this is a great safety feature for all the after dark runs.  Also: have you ever tried to take a picture of your own leg being reflective? Not. Easy. But I think you get the idea ;)

Finally, we get to the actual point of the pants: warmth.  Now I know living in central Florida I am the last person you would think about taking winter wear advice from....but believe me when I tell you I am a total wimp when it comes to cold.  If it is under 60 I am convinced the world is ending!  Today I went for a run and I think it was maybe 40 degrees out (dear FL, please get your act together asap!) and I didn't get cold! It was amazing!  Whatever these pants are made from is what I want my entire wardrobe to be made of.  Perhaps the best part is that they did not get hot either.  You know when it's cold outside and you workout so you sweat then get warm/hot then you stop and you are sweaty so you get cold?  That is what happened on the upper half of my body today in my long sleeve athletic shirt from another brand that will remain nameless.  By the powers of magic and science I never once flet like my lower half was getting cold or hot.  The 2XU Thermal Hyoptik pants are just phenomenal at regulating your body temperature!  Ok and they look fun and sassy in gym mirror selfies!

Overall I cannot recommend the 2XU Thermal Hyoptik tights enough! They are comfortable, warm, and make running in the cold bearable!
If you have questions about my experience with these pants please feel free to let me know!
Or give me a shout if you are a 2XU lover too!

XX2I USA1 Review

Disclaimer: I received XX2I USA1 sunglasses 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!

You would think that, living in Florida, I would have the sunny weather eyewear thing down to a science but I really truly don't.  Athletic sunglasses were new to me and there are so many options that I had no idea where to start.  Of course using nothing wasn't really working either because squinting into the sun just doesn't feel like a safe option...especially when you are running near a busy road.  When I got the opportunity to test out the XX2I sunglasses as a BibRave Pro I was so excited to finally take on the challenge of figuring out what worked for me in a pair of running sunglasses. I had no idea I would get lucky enough that my trial and error really didn't involve any error.

For me, the biggest adjustment in wearing these glasses was a result of the size.  I am used to oversize fashion type sunglasses so the fact that these were smaller (which obviously makes them far and away more suited to athletic type activities) meant that I could see the frames when I was wearing them.  This is obviously not a flaw of the glasses, but something that I had to get used to nonetheless.  A perk of the size difference was that they were (obviously) much lighter than what I am used to and sat much better on my face.

The nose-piece wings are adjustable on these glasses which made it easy for them to fit snugly on my nose without pinching.  I can be very picky about how things feel, so it is nice that I am able to make all the adjustments I need to get these to sit just right.  The arms fit snugly against my head but not are not so tight that I feel pressure or get a headache which is another frequent problem I experience with glasses.

So how do they perform while running?  I will say that my first test run did not go as planned because I was in the shade for the vast majority of it and had no need for sunglasses.  That said, I wore them on top of my head and they didn't budge which, to me, is actually a very important feature.  I constantly have my sunglasses on top of my head and I don't like when I have to worry that they are going to be bouncing around or flying off.  

When the sun finally came back and I was able to take the USA1s for a proper test run I had the same no-bounce experience.  I loved that they were so lightweight and moved so little that it was easy to forget I even had them on!

In addition to the fit and feel, I also LOVE the blue lenses.  I had never tried them before and just assumed they worked the same and it was a looks thing.  Now that I have worn them I love how the blue lenses work.  I find that colors are not distorted they way they are with typical black or brown lenses. They do a great job of blocking out the extra light without changing how you see what you are seeing.  

I have started using my XX2I glasses for just about everything because I like how they let me see so much more clearly.  This sometimes includes driving...or sitting in traffic which is more often the case!

So what is the takeaway? I am in LOVE.  I can't believe I went so long without proper running sunglasses.  They obviously block out the sun, but they are also great for running in the cold/wind because they keep your eyes from watering so badly! They fit well and stay comfortable while you run...unlike the growing pressure you sometimes get from glasses that don't fit as well.  If you are in the market for new running sunglasses I would highly recommend giving these a try!

Have questions about my review? Let me know!!

Try It Tuesday: OrangeMud Hydraquiver VP1

Disclaimer: I received an Orange Mud Hydraquiver VP1 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 fell in love with the idea of the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Packs long before I had one.  I watched other runners with them and, thought they look just a little odd at first, the more I heard the more I knew I needed one.  Just like the founder of Orange Mud, I went through a lot of different water carrying options and none seemed to work for me.  My shoulders are already bad, so handhelds for more than a couple miles were out of the question.  The belts I tried bounced and rode up and I spent more time walking and fidgeting trying to get them right than I spent actually running....which to me pretty much defeats the purpose.  I got an off brand backpack bladder style system that I liked, but I didn't like not being able to see how much water I had left.  Having run out of water on a run a couple times before I get very nervous about it, especially when the Florida heat index seems to climb unbelievably high.  The nail in that coffin was the fact that I am not always a responsible adult and sometimes forgot to empty out the water bladder in a timely fashion which can be pretty much impossible to clean.

So, while I had fallen in love with the idea of the HydraQuiver, I was nervous that using it wouldn't be as magical as I hoped and that I would be back to square one.  I have never ever been more happy to be wrong!

Styles
I tested out the VestPack1.  There is also a VestPack2, a Hydraquiver, and a Hydraquiver Double Barrel.
The VestPack options have an additional strap in the front and two additional pockets on the front. I loved the added pockets for all my goodies and the strap fit me well.  They do recommend that women with larger busts might be more comfortable in the Hydraquiver series as they strap may not fit as well.  I certainly didn't notice an issues!

Size
I love when shopping is made easy and it's a one size actually does fit pretty much all kind of deal.  The Hydradquiver VP1 fit me, fit Charlie, and fit Hank (sorta).

What It Holds

Obviously the amount of water you carry depends on whether you choose the single or double barrel model.  I am already saving up to get the double barrel version for the next time I take on ultra training, but for most purposes the single bottle is more than sufficient.  I just used it for a 7 mile trail run with a friend.  It was 80 degrees, humid and we were both drinking from the one bottle and it lasted us until the end of the run.  Being able to see how much water you are drinking and how much you have left does also help you to plan ahead and ration your water!  

The pockets are also phenomenal.  For that 7 mile run I was carrying two phones, two sets of car keys, two granola bars, almonds, tissues, and four pack of fruit snacks with plenty of room to spare.

As I make the transition to eating more "real" food while running (rather than GUs and such), the pockets have been indispensable.

Feel

OK now for the kicker.  Everything can seem just right with a system until you actually put it all on and try to run with it.  Things can fall apart pretty quickly from that point.  Is it hot? Does it bounce? Can I reach my water? Is it heavy and awkward? Does it chafe? The list goes on and on.  After the first mile in this pack I was ecstatic and just got more pleased from there. It doesn't bounce, chafe, heat up your whole back, weigh you down or leak all over.  And I was able to reach the bottle and put it back on the first try.  I intentionally did my first test of the taking the bottle out and replacing it maneuver when nobody was around but I was shocked that I never fumbled around for it and was able to grab it and put it back on the first try! And if you have met me you know coordination is not high on my list of skills.  

The fact that the pack sits up high between your shoulder blades also means that it doesn't throw of your balance or make you feel like you are carrying a lot of weight.  I love taking it out on trails because I know it isn't going to get in my way.

During my 50k it also kept my hands free for other things....like eating at aid stations ;)

As far as fit is concerned, if you want something that you can adjust once and pretty much forget you are carrying, this is the pack for you!

Quality

To start with, the Orange Mud packs are made in California, USA.  Any business that keeps their production local is a winner in my book!  The creator of the pack is also a runner so they are made to hold up to the things runners do.  All of the parts of my pack have performed beautifully so far and I have not had any issues with the construction of the pack.  It is, however, reassuring that Orange Mud stands behind their products and will work with you to replace or repair anything that goes wrong!  Be sure to check out their "About Us" page to see more about how the packs are made and their guarantee!

Overall

I absolutely 100% recommend the Hydraquiver VP1!  I am madly in love with mine and can't believe how much simpler it makes carrying water and fuel on my runs!

Have questions I didn't answer? Let me know!

Want to try one for yourself? Use the code 'BIBRAVE' to save 15%!

MinoTOR Review

Disclaimer: I received  MinoTOE samples 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 will be the first to admit that I am not an expert at science...but that usually doesn't matter so much with "sports drinks" because the science doesn't usually seem to be there.  When I go the opportunity to try out minoTOR I was intrigued because, from what I could understand, there was actual science backing the way the drink works rather than just a lot of fancy advertising.  That said, the package looks really cool too!

When it comes to things foods/beverages that are supposed to supplement your performance, there are a few factors to consider.  At the top of my list are taste, performance, and science. So how did minoTOR stand up in these categories?

TASTE:
At first I will admit that I was not convinced.  minoTOR is very sweet and tastes similar to coconut water.  I am used to the drinks that are loaded with salt and the taste was very different from what I was anticipating.  That said, after that first sip and the resulting realization that it didnt taste like I expected, I actually started to really like it.  If you like coconut water you will like this drink.  While it was never a bad taste, it does get better and more enjoyable when you know what flavor you are expecting.  A big perk was that there was no weird aftertaste or really much of an aftertaste at all.  

PERFORMANCE
I felt like drinking the minoTOR did help me with my energy and also my recovery.  It also settled really well in my stomach. According to the directions it is best to drink minoTOR about half an hour before working out.  I occasionally have a very sensitive stomach when running so I tested this out for the first time before a very short run.  I never once had a problem.  I quickly started using it before longer and longer runs.  Yesterday I drank it before running my 50k (a large portion of which was in 85+ degree heat which can really mess with my tummy) and didn't have even the slightest problem! The caffeine is a big bonus because I pretty much live on the stuff, but too much coffee (aka the amount it takes to get me up and going) can be a really bad idea before a long run.  While I cannot attribute all of my muscle recovery to minoTOR since I also wear a lot of compression gear and use an Addaday roller religiously, I think it did a lot to keep my muscles feeling better from the inside and conttributed significantly to my overall speedy recovery!  Despite the very difficult course yesterday, I can walk today and never experienced the stiffness in my legs to the extent that I have before.  So that leads us to the science part...

SCIENCE

In very basic terminology (the kind I understand haha) MinoTOR works by providing amino acids and other nutrients that improve oxygen utilization which in turn better flushes out waste products like lactic acid.  If you are interested at all in exercise science, lactic acid is a very familiar thing. When your body works more effiecienlty you perform better, feel better, and recover better.  I like to think that my general lack of major soreness today can, in large part, be attributed to my body working more efficiently thanks to the scientific benefits of MinoTOR.  If you are interested in learning more about the science behind MinoTOR, be sure to check out their website which has a ton of information!  While many go-to sports and recovery drinks have a long history but not a lot of science to back the product, I am so impressed with the massive amounts of information available to explain how and why MinoTOR works.

OVERALL:
I would highly recommend MinoTOR to anyone who wants a drink that will allow them to train and recover smarter.  There are many things you can do to and for the outside of your body to help, but it is important to help yourself from the inside.  While the taste is pretty sweet, I appreciate the lack of after taste and the fact that it settled quickly and easily in my stomach.
Bonus points for the fact that the bottle fit in my OrangeMud vest and saved my tail yesterday when I forgot the bottle in my refrigerator yesterday!

Have questions about minoTOR or my experience with it? Let me know! I am always happy to help :)

2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights Review and Discount!

Disclaimer: I received 2XU Elite MCS Compression tights 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 recently had the opportunity to test out the 2XU Elite MCS Compressions Tights!

I will be the first to admit that I was a little skeptical about the real benefits of compression tights.  They look cool and the science sounded pretty convincing, but I was honestly not perpared for how amazing these pants were for my legs.
 

From a technical standpoint, these tights are fascinating.  Different fabrics and Muscle Containment Stamping (MCS) are used to target specific areas of the leg to pretect against muscle trauma during exercise and to increase the recovery benefits to those muscle groups.

From a non-technical standpoint, I was told they made me look like a superhero.  So you won't hear any complaints from me!

I wore my 2XU tights for a few short runs and lounging around the house to ward of minor pains and thought they were probably working, but it wasn't until after a particularly painful long run that I became a true believer in the pure magic of these pants.  I beat up my legs pretty badly on a tough longer run and was hobbling around pretty badly.  I decided to wing it and wear my tights under my khakis for work.




While it might not be a fashion choice that will be heading for big runways, I was able to run another three miles that night after work and my legs felt brand new.

It wasn't a fluke either.  I had to get ready for the Urban Bourbon Half pretty quickly since I had not been training as well as I should have, so a lot of my long runs were brutal and my legs hated me by the time I was done.  Wearing the 2XU Elite MCS Compression pants is probably the only way I was able to get ready for the race in time.

To take it one step further, they may be the reason I was able to make it though the hilly course in Kentucky without lasting pain.  Don't get me wrong. These tights will not suddenly make you invincible. You will not be able to go qualify for Boston tomorrow without training.  But they will do wonders when it comes to giving your body the resources it needs to recover properly.  I have never been good at giving myself time to recover.  I want immediate results and I think these are about as close as you can get.  When I end a run knowing I ought to be sore for days after, I am so glad I can put these pants on and be ready to roll again in significantly less time.

Another perk of these tights is that, in spite of the fact that they are long pants, they are not terribly thick and do not get unbearably hot when running. I wore them running on hot days and was no worse off than I would have been in shorts!
 
Overall, I am in love with my 2XU Elite MCS tights and can't stop telling all my friends about them!
If you want to try your own pair, use the code: BIBRAVE20 to save 20% off your purchase (this actually works site wide and not just on the pants!)
If you have questions about my experience with these pants please let me know...I will be happy to talk your ear off about them as well!

Wigwam Socks Review

Disclaimer: I received Wigwam 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!

Let's talk socks!  They see so simple right? You put them between your feet and your shoes and off you go...except it never seems to be quite that easy.  It doesn't help that there are about a million styles of socks on the market so trying them all can be exhausting and a financial strain.

While I have never had a real problem with the socks I wear for running (at least not on the level of people that end up with massive blisters, missing toenails, etc.) I had also never found a pair that I really really loved.  So, when I got the chance to try something new  as a BIbRave Pro I was excited for the opportunity.

Wigwam gave me the opportunity to try out the Lightning Pro low-cut socks ultralight.  It's like they read my mind on sock preference because I love thin socks with just a little more thickness in the bottom which is exactly how these are!

Now I am a new sock lover.  If I was rich I would wear a new pair of socks every day.  There is just something so nice about putting on a new, clean pair of socks.  Am I weird or do other people feel this way too?


Obviously I put these on to run in a few minutes after I got them in the mail and I like to think I put them through their paces right from that first run.  It's Central Florida and I was running after noon so of course it was hot, humid, and raining.  If bad things are going to happen to your feet that is prime weather for it.  I was beyond thrilled with these socks.  My shoes were soaked through but the Wigwam socks were thin enough that they did not give you that "soggy sock sensation." If you run in the rain you know what I mean.  If you don't run in the rain, lucky you I guess haha.

Just to make sure it wasn't the new sock obsession coloring my opinion, I continued to wear my Wigwam socks for runs throughout the week and just loved them more and more even as they began to look less and less new.

 I like that they are thin and do not add bulk inside my shoes since my feet are wide and my shoes tend to be snug.  The mesh on the top also helps to keep my feet cool in the not so fall like weather.  And after many many wet runs there is still no chafing or blistering!  What more can you ask for in a running sock?

Overall I highly recommend these socks (psst did you notice the love them for 2 years guarantee?) especially if you like a thinner sock that lets your foot get some fresh air.

Have questions about the Wigwam socks? Let me know!  You can check out their website to pick up your own!

Full Buff Product Review

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!

Hey all! If you saw my review of the UV Half Buff you could probably guess that I was super excited to try out the Full Buff as well!!  It is the same product as the Half Buff, but (you guessed it) double the length!

Hank wasn't entirely convinced that he needed to be the one to model the length, but I bribed him with cookies.

Just like the Half Buff, there is no slipping when you are on the on the go.  I have run in my Buff dozens of times for many any miles and have never needed to adjust it.  If you have ever run in a headband of any type you can probably appreciate how rare that is.  I am in love with the fact that it keeps my hair from falling in my face and doesn't move so I can spend more time running and less time trying to see where I am going.  And taking selfies.

I can't wait to try this out when I run the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in Louisville because it is supposed to be good for keeping your neck/face/head warm.  Living in Central Florida I certainly haven't been able to test out that aspect yet, but I can say that it is not too hot or bulky to run in even when the weather is toasty.

It does a great job of absorbing sweat and keeping it out of your face.  I also clued in during the last BibChat with Buff that you can put them in the fridge for a little bit before you wear them.  Let me just tell you that the experience is nearly magical! Keeping your head cool for a while can make a huge difference in the overall enjoyablility of your run for sure!

I love that this Buff is great for visibility as well.  I usually run in the morning or evening to beat the heat, so have a little something extra to help others see me is a huge perk. 


Overall: another AMAZING product! Two thumbs wayyyyy up!  If you are debating between a full or half Buff, I would recommend the full if you are a super heavy sweater or live somewhere that gets cold in the winter.  If you are a lighter swearer and live somewhere with mild weather, the half might be right for you. That said, once you have one you will just want more...so you should use the code BIBRAVE10 to get 10% off (until 9/30) then you can justify getting both!!  You can shop all their great products here.

Have questions about the Buff?! Let me know!