5 Fun Things to do in PARIS in your Runderwear

"Disclaimer: I received Runderwear 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!"


What is up everybody? Ben here with a weird blog today. Some of us at Bib Rave are helping Runderwear promote the Paris Marathon Sweepstakes they are running so I thought I would jot down my top five things to do in Paris while wearing Runderwear. Sign up for the sweepstakes HERE!

So number 1 place to go is a bistro for lunch or maybe dinner. Scouring the many blogs that are out there and it looks like the best places are The Hood Paris, on Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud. Or maybe you would rather visit the Bouillon Chartier on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre. Another option is Le Cornichon on Rue Gassendi. Just reading the descriptions is making my mouth water, but there something for everyone in Paris.

The Second thing to do in Paris would be to do a trail run. Use it as a shakeout run before the marathon. Looking at he list from Run Society I would go with the Seine Trail Run. It's a 10k trail but offers several brides across the river so you could easily shorten it. You're already packing some Runderwear so get some extra miles in them!

Third on my list is Moulin Rogue. Remember the musical? Then go see where it all started. It's the birthplace of Can-Can.

Fourth would be the Musee du Louvre. Granted the Louvre is so large you will not see it all so get a map and pick what you want to see. I just typed in 'Famous paintings in the Louvre' and it's going to be a long list.

And finally The thing I would love to do is go to Disneyland Paris. I know that's a weird thing to say, it's Paris, so so much cool stuff to see and do, but I love Disney World, so a chance to see Disneyland Paris would be fantastic.


So thanks for reading. If you win or or just go run the Paris Marathon, let me know on Twitter or Insta. Or sub to my YouTube channel HERE.

Once again the link to enter the Runderwear sweepstakes click HERE

And as always, thanks for reading!

Running with the Marines!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to XYZ 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!"

What's up everybody? Ben and I'm back with a Marine Corp Marathon wrap up and a little of what else is happening. I did make my Team in Training goal, but I don't think I will ever do that again. I loved working with the team and the training plan, that I didn't follow the whole time, was great but I'm not a fundraiser. I hate asking people for anything so I'm really not the fundraising type. I will give to causes I believe in don't get me wrong, I just will not do something like this again. 

bib pick up

I rode up from Richmond to DC with some friends the Saturday before Marine Corp and we stayed at the Gaylord where the expo was held. I have to say, this was one of the biggest expos I've ever been to in my life. There were clothes, shoe, and every other type of vendor you can imagine. The line to get your bib and shirt were very smooth and I had no trouble getting through. After that you went into the Brooks area where they had race swag and other items for sale. The rest of the expo floor was the usual vendors and race companies. I talked with the Altra reps, I love their trail shoes and the Hoka reps, I just switched over to their road shoes. After walking around for a bit I went outside to where an old Air Force One was located that you could walk around and take photos, pretty cool. I also got to meet up with Diz Runs, the famous podcaster. I was on an early episode of his podcast talking about being a race pacer and it was awesome to finally meet him and other 'Diz Runners' in person. We hung out for a bit and chatted and took some photos.

Met @dizruns

  Sunday morning came early and with drizzle, and warm temps. We got dressed and the couple I was with gave me an extra poncho they brought and we headed down to the bus to get to the start. There's so many runners, the start takes up four lanes of road to get everyone out on the course. And right on time the Howitzer sounded off and the race was underway. We started just North of the Pentagon and went around Arlington Cemetery before winding uphill the across the bridge. And then the rain started. I've run in the rain before, but his was a good steady downpour that went on and off for awhile. The street crossing were like creeks there was so much water, but we kept pushing on along the river and down the Blue Mile. This part of the course is lined with photos of fallen Marines and friends and family are there after ward thanking you and pushing you onward. We went through the National Mall turned in front of the Capitol then down to the 14th St bridge and across to Crystal City. THis wasthe final turnaround and you go back past the Pentagon and finish near the Marine Corp Monument. 

wet start

As far as races go, The course is great, uphill in the first few miles then flat for the most part. The scenery is amazing, and the crowd support is awesome, I've never ran a race with that many people out cheering you on. Team in Training had several cheer spots and I could hear them shouting encouragement as I went by. The weather went went from warm and rainy to hot and humid in a matter of hours, but that's Virginia for you and we suck it up and run in it anyway. It's what we love to do. The finisher area was crowded at the end of the walk out chute, that needs to be improved. If your waiting for someone, give them and the other runners a chance to get out in the open area. Marathon Beer was there with the 26.2 beer and it was welcome for sure. I even got to meet and take a photo with some former Presidents!

Add caption

All in all I would recommend running the Marine Corp Marathon. The Corp know how to hold a well organized event, and if I had a chance I would run it again, even though I retired from marathons after this one.

If you want to give me a follow on Insta @_benzany, on Twitter it's @bwacter70, and Youtube is Benzany. Dont forget to follow Bib Rave and join us on Tuesday nights for #BibChat

I get Knockaround, but I get up again...

"Disclaimer: I received A pair of Knockaround Premium Sport 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!"

What's up Everybody? It's Ben and I'm back talking about the new Knockaround Premium Sport shades I've been trying out for the last month or so. I've reviewed Knockaround before and I really like the stuff they are putting out. Great quality, great designs, and a great prices. Notice I didn't say good, yeah theses are better than good.

The big difference between the Premium and the Sport are the rubber pieces on the nose to help hold them in place. The regular Premiums worked well, but the Sports really stayed in place.

rubber on the nose


The frames are super light and fit my head well, so if your head is shaped like mine they will fit really nice. Side vision is good and the lenses are rated UV400 and polarized. I've worn the premium and the Fast Lanes, and the premium are definitely my favorite frame style, it's a very classic frame.


I'm not sure what else I can say that I haven't already, so if  you would like to read one of my older posts go for it.

My Fast Lanes  review or my Premium  review.

If your wondering what happened to my old Knockaround's ask my family, they "borrowed" them. You can use BIBRAVEKNOCKS3 for 20% off your order for a little while longer (like the beginning of October) to get a pair for yourself.


As always, thanks for reading and give me a follow on social Insta, Twitter, Youtube, or IGTV

Hey Hey Rock n Roll

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Rock n Roll VA Beach 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!"

What's up everybody, Ben here and over Labor Day weekend I was in Virginia Beach running the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This was the 19th year of the race and it was a fun race. The course starts on Pacific Ave and finishes on the boardwalk right along the beach. It also goes through Camp Pendleton and passes the Virginia Aquarium.

Of course with it being the last "un" official day of Summer the beach is crowded so lets get some tips out of the way for next year. Book your room EARLY! Places at the beach sell out fast and it's hard to find somewhere to stay.

Allow yourself plenty of time getting to the Beach. If you're coming from the North you have to go through the tunnel in Hampton and sometimes traffic can get backed up.

That being said I arrived on Saturday and went straight to the expo as it is on the main road coming into VA Beach. Parking was easy and the expo was well laid out. When you first enter you get your bib and shirt. From there you head off to the Brooks merch area.

They have my size!

They have almost anything you could need from shoes and socks, to shorts and shirts. One cool thing about the Rock n Roll Series is they make a shirt that lists everyone's names that signed up for the race.

There's my name

The rest of the expo was your usual vendors, clothes, other races in the area to sign up for. After the expo I checked into the campsite and set up my tent. After driving for 4+ hours I went kayaking in the Back Bay. Afterward I headed back to the Boardwalk for a bit of shopping and dinner. One great thing, there's no shortage of places to eat. 

Race day was clear sunny and hot. When I woke up at 5:00 it was already in the 70's and it was only getting hotter. The directors decided earlier in the Summer to move up the start time to try to beat the heat, but the Virginia Summer thought otherwise. 

The race start was well organized with corrals and pacers and of course Rock n Roll. The good thing about a race at the beach is it will be flat. When I first signed up I was planning on a PR, but once race day came up and I saw the temps, I decided finishing at least under 2 hours was a better plan. Did I blow my chance at a PR? Probably not, I think the heat would've gotten to me eventually even though I train and run 2 hours away in Richmond, VA. IT's been a hot Summer and there's always the Fall. On course they had Gatorade Endurance and water and one gel stop. 

There are some twisty and turny sections when you get on the base, but overall the course is long straights along the main roads. The police and organizers did a great job keeping the roads clear for everyone and they also had Medical staff on course on bikes for quick assistance. 

The Bling!

The finish area along the boardwalk was fun. After you cross the finish and get your medal everything is spaced out for bottled water, Gatorade Endurance and food. If you run multiple Rock n Roll event you can also get your multi race medal. After leaving the finisher corral there was a sectioned off area on the beach for racers only which was perfect. The cold Atlantic water felt great on my tired legs.

all in all I had a great time running the Rock n Roll Half. If your looking for a End of Summer race at a beach I highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to give me a follow on Social Media. Or check out the Rock n Roll website HERE

Twitter

Insta

YouTube

So Much TRAINING Going On!

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to Rock n Roll VA Beach race as part of being a BibRave Pro. I also am training with Gatorade Endurance. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

What is up everybody? It's that time of year when our Fall half and full training plans start up, or in my case, pick up in intensity. I am running the Rock n Roll Half Marathon on September first, and using this as a benchmark race. The course is mostly flat but there is some elevation halfway through. I'm will be trying for a PR, but the humidity and heat in Virginia will make that tough during the Summer. One thing I will be doing is fueling with Gatorade Endurance during my training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. During your training it's good to run a race around half the distance of your goal race. This gives you an idea of where you are training wise and what you can work on. Also you can use my tips below to help your training.

Fueling is important in training, both when your actually running and not. Most people say eating a pasta dinner the night before helps aka 'Carb Loading', but I find two nights before helps me more. That gives your body time to digest and process the food. The night before I go for something high in protein, and of course eat the same thing I always before before my long run.

When training it's okay to miss a run or workout. I've missed loads of runs, especially during the week. Just pick up the next day with what's on your schedule. The same goes if you cut a run short. Don't try to make it up, just keep going with your plan.

Per Gatorade Endurance recommendations during a race or training you should consume at least 30g of carbs per hour. So if you plan on running a half marathon in 2 hours, then you should consume 60g of carbs during the race. Of course, these are recommended, you may find you need more or less. As a rule I usually take fuel at the 6.5 mark, but this year I am trying to take more so I don't crash or run out of energy toward the end.

Stick around for more training post and if you want to run a Rock n Roll Series race check them out HERE.

For more information on Gatorade Endurance go HERE.

You can follow my training on Insta or Twitter @bwachter70
Also check out my YouTube and IGTV channel Run Bigfoot Run

Until, next time, lace up and get out...

Ben

Science in Sport for Your Tummy

"Disclaimer: I received SiS isotonic gels 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!"

What's up everybody? It's Ben and I'm back to talk about race nutrition.

'But Ben, I'll just use what they have on the course and be fine.'

Um, no you will not! First off your body needs to be used to what it's taking in or you could wind up on the side of the course throwing up or with stomach cramps. One marathon I almost choked on a gel, it's not a pleasant experience. In 8 years of running I have tried, beans, chews, gels and all sorts of other nutrition but Science in Sport have done something different. They are the first gels I have used that can be taken without water.

So how exactly can you do that, you ask? The gels are Isotonic. Don't worry I had to look it up too. What this means is they are the same consistency as what's floating around in your body so you can adsorb it quickly. When you're active you burn carbs, right? SiS Isotonic gels are the same consistency which helps your body take them in quicker and is also the reason you don't need water with them.

I've been using them for about a month now and so far have enjoyed the flavor, except the espresso, it has a good coffee taste at first then gets a weird sweet taste. The lemon and mint is by far the best one I've had so far. Salted Strawberry is a close second, then the apple. I'm not a huge apple flavored fan so that's why it's third for me.

On my long runs I will use a SiS before I start and take another around 6.5 or 7 miles, which is just shy of an hour. If needed I will take another around mile 13. It's been super hot on my runs so I have been drinking water during my runs but when I use these gels I don't feel like I have to. They are that super easy to take.

I'm not sure what else I can say so you want to read some other reviews just look below. As always follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70, and check me out on YouTube and IGTV Run Bigfoot Run.

Thanks for reading and if you want to try Science in Sport (even though they are partnered with Man U) use code TRYSIS25 for 25% off your order. The code is for a limited time.

Lace up and get out,

Ben

https://runbeckyrun.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/giveaway-science-in-sport-isotonic-energy-gels-six-pack/

http://themarathonlady.com/index.php/2019/07/09/science-in-sport-gel-product-review-and-giveaway/

https://bluegrassbamr.wordpress.com/2019/06/29/instagram-giveaway-time-science-in-sport-go-gel-contest-ends-july-12th

http://kookyrunner.com/science-in-sport-product-review-and-giveaway/

https://alastairvance.com/2019/07/13/science-in-sport-isotonic-gels-review-giveaway/

https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/07/for-gel-of-it-sis-gels-review-giveaway.html

It's Cooler in the BUFF!

"Disclaimer: I received a BUFF Coolnet UV Headband 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!"

What is happening everyone? I'm back in the buff to talk about the Coolnet UV headband from BUFF. Actually I have on clothes so we're safe there. If you're a regular reader or follower of me on social you will know I always have a Buff on. I wear them almost every time I run, and usually when I'm not running so when I get the chance to test something from them I tend not to pass it up.

The thing that was appealing about the Coolnet headband was the cooling fabric and shorter size. Most of the Buff's I own are full sized and I have a few that I've cut in half for Summer running in the heat. The Coolnet worked well on the hot humid Summer morning I used it compared to my normal Buff. It stills wicks moisture away and keeps the sweat out of your eyes, but the cooling fabric gives it a little something extra. When a cool breeze comes along I could feel my head cooling off. This has been washed at least 4 times so far in testing and is still holding it's fit and cooling ability. Just make sure you air dry your Buff.

The fit was nice, just the right length to hold my hair back, but it felt like the headband was slipping the first couple of times I wore it. I'm used to wearing a longer Buff so that may have been part of it, but the fabric does feel slicker than a normal Buff. That may just be the Coolnet fabric. I have worn other Repreve fabric products and have not noticed that.

Buff has started using Repreve fabric for their head wear and like the tag says, the headband is made with 1 plastic bottle. The full length Buff saves 2 bottles from the landfill or oceans. I really like that Buff is using this fabric but not doubling or tripling their prices like some companies do when using reclaimed or recycled products.

This tag took a little bit of looking. The Hohenstein Institute is a Company that tests and researches fabrics. That they list the Coolnet Buff as cooling and give you the test number. Hears a link to their site to read about the cooling test. HERE

To check out Buff or pick up your own visit them HERE

As always give me a follow on Twitter or Insta @bwachter70

Gettin' Trekie with it!

"Disclaimer: I received Aftershokz Trek Airz 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!"

What is up everybody! Ben here with my thoughts of the Trek Airz by Aftershokz. This is my second time reviewing these, so if you would like to read that review go HERE or watch my review HERE. THis time I figured I would talk about some things you can do with your Treks that you may not know.

I'm an Android phone user and I am able to take photos and video with my Treks, by talking to Google and can unlock my phone as well. Just go to settings and add your Trek as a trusted device and they will unlock your phone. For setting up the camera, you can go into your camera settings and look for shooting methods, then turn on voice control.

Did you know you can also connect 2 devices to your Trek's? This is great as I have a work phone and a personal phone. Instead of 2 phones and 2 headsets, I can just use one. Here's how it works, taken from the Aftershokz website.

To pair multiple devices through multipoint pairing:

1. Start with your headphones turned off.
2. Enter pairing mode by pressing and holding the volume+ button for 5-7 seconds, until the LED light flashes red and blue.
3. Press and hold the multifunction button and volume+ button for 2-3 seconds. Audrey says "Multipoint Enabled."
4. Pair first device. Audrey says "Connected."
5. Turn your headphones off.
6. Re-enter pairing mode by pressing and holding the volume+ button for 5-7 seconds, until the LED light flashes red and blue.
7. Pair the second device. Audrey says "Device Two Connected."
8. Turn your headphones off.

The multifunction button lets you answer calls, skip and pause music. 

The volume controls turn on the Airz, set the EQ, pair to your phone, and of course control the volume.


That about wraps up the blog for today. I hoped you enjoyed reading and be sure to check Run Bigfoot Run on IGTV or YouTube fora video review soon. 

You can follow my exploits on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70, and follow @Aftershokz to hear more from them.

Now lace up and get out there!

Ben

The Cure for the Hydration Blues

"Disclaimer: I received Ultima Replenishment 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!"

Go Ape For Grape!

What is up Everybody? Ben here and I'm back to take about running in the Summer.
Firstly it's hot.
And humid.
And sweaty.

But first a science joke. Want to hear it? Na

Lolz!

Normally I drink whatever my group is offering during our runs. We take turns with SAG stop so usually it's Gatorade or Powerade. Problem is, they bother my stomach. Maybe it's the chemicals, maybe it's the artificial sweetener or color. I'm not sure, but even cutting it with water and I can feel it. I was glad when Bib Rave offered the chance to try Ultima Replenisher.

The first thing I liked about Ultima, is they use Stevia as a sweetener instead of sugar or some chemicals. With other products you can taste the artificial sweetener in them. Secondly, they are plant based colors, not dyes with numbers. 

And what is up with the dye numbers? Are there different shades?

But you're here for the flavor, and I can say they didn't disappoint. Personal favorite is the Cherry Pomegranate. Followed closely by the Raspberry, Lemonade, Grape and then the Orange. The best is when you start to mix and match. The Raspberry Lemon is highly recommended. 

Nothing against the Orange, it's just growing up playing little league, it was either Lemon-Lime or Orange flavored sports drinks.  Gross!

Want to hear a joke about Potassium? K

Har-har!

Well anyway I'm not sure what else I c an say about Ultima. It tastes great, is not full of chemicals, and provides your body with the electrolytes it needs to preform. One cool thing was in the sample pack where they talk about how a 150 lb person can lose up to 3 pounds of fluid weight during  an hour of activity. I never realized that. I do sweat a lot, especially in the Summer, but 3 pounds is a bunch.

As always thanks for reading. If you want to check out my IGTV, or YouTube review, just search for Run Bigfoot Run. 

Give me a follow on Twitter or Insta @bwachter70

Check out Ultima HERE or follow them on all platforms @GoUltima

Fall Running Schedule

Disclaimer: I received entry into Marine Corps Marathon, Rock n Roll Virginia Beach, and Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half  as part of being a Bib Rave Pro. For more info on becoming a pro or to leave and read race reviews, go to Bib Rave.

What is up everybody, Ben here with some announcements about Fall running. I know Summer is just getting started, it was humid enough to already be here the other day, but it's time to start planning your Fall race calander. Now personally, I usually only plan marathons, to give me training time, but this year we're doing something different. On September 1st I will be running the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. It's early May as I write this so training will kick in the start of June for that. It's going to be a hot one, but the ocean will be nice to get in afterward. Looking at he course it's fairly flat and out and back so it's going to be a good time to run and maybe shoot for a PR.

 YOU can get $16 off of the half with code 19RNRBRP16

For more info go HERE

Then in October, I'll be teaming up with Team in Training to run the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C. What is Team in Training? Well,  they are an organization that has raised over 1 billion for blood cancer research. One of the ways they raise money is by giving people entry into races for reaching fundraising goals. So I will be fundraising this Summer to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Want to try to fundraise too? Use the code below to get started and maybe you will be running Marine Corp Marathon with me. 

YOU can use code MCMBIBRAVE for free Team in Training registration. That's $100 right there. 

You can check out  Team in Training HERE 

Finally in November we have the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half. This is a race I'm looking forward to as the course should be flat so it's a good PR attempt. I will have a discount code soon so watch out for me on Twitter and Instagram @bwachter70 for that. Or just check back here.

Anyway thanks for reading. I'm sure I will have some 5 and 10k's here and there throughout the year so maybe I'll see you out there.