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

It's a Knockaround Life!

But first....

 I received a pair of Knockaround Sunglasses to test and review as part of being a Bib Rave Pro. For more information on becoming a Pro or to read and write race reviews, go to bibrave.com.

It seems like a lot of new sunglass companies are popping up offering affordable shades. You have the hip company that gives everything a funny name and then you have someone like Knockaround. No big name sponsers, no silly names, just good shades that fit and don't break the bank. I have owned expensive sunglasses before and lost them, it wasn't pretty, so I like that someone is offering a good quality shade at a decent price.

When I first received these, I was impressed with how light they were and was kind of worried. I was thinking that they wouldn't make it a week without breaking, but here we are, a month later and still going strong. And that's with daily wear. So for lightness we're giving a 10.

Next up is the reflectivity inside the glasses. Have you ever put on glasses and seen yourself inside the lenses, or at least a reflection of what's behind you? I never really thought about it until my wife put them on and commented about how there wasn't much reflection inside the lens. I never really noticed it before and started looking at other sunglasses and she was right. So we will go with a 9 for inside lens reflection. There still is some but I don't think anything can be done about it.

So I've worn my Knockarounds for quite a lot of runs, both short track workouts and long weekend runs training for Freedom's Run Marathon and they don't move. I set them on top of my head this past weekend until the sun came up and they stayed put. When I'm out running hard, they're staying put. These definitely are made to not move around unless you're doing the moving, even the time I wore them on the trails, the shades stayed in place. So there's another 10.

 The lenses come in your choice of polarized or non-polarized and are impact resistant and UV400 so that's an easy 10.

Overall, I would give Knockaround a 10 on my score. They are super light, stay put and have a classic stylish look that I love. If you want to give them a try, just go to Knockaround.com, and you can get some of your own. Use code BibRaveKnocks20 by 9/30/18 for 20% off.

Also you can check out my video review HERE. Subscribe while you're there to keep up with my goings on.

And you can always follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70. While you're at it give Knockaround a follow @Knockaround.

Thanks for reading and lace up and get out!

Ben

It's HOVR time!

Welcome back folks, as a Bib Rave Pro Under Armour sent me a pair of the HOVR Sonic to test and review. For more information on becoming a Bib Rave Pro, and to leave and write your own reviews, go to Bib Rave.

My feet in HOVR Sonic

 When I was selected for reviewing the Sonic's, I was skeptical at first. I am normally a zero drop runner, and have been since I first started running. The HOVR Sonic is a 8mm heel toe drop and comes in at 9.6oz. It has a knit upper and features their HOVR foam tech. I've put 100 miles in these, so let's get right to the good and bad.

THE UPPER

The upper really impressed me with these. The lightweight knit upper was ventilated and molded to my foot. I didn't have hot spots and the elastic material helped hold my heel in. There is a plastic type of material on the heel that helps hold your foot in, I have never experienced this in a shoe before, but it wasn't bad.
 One problem I have with knit uppers is how hot they can be in the Summer. These were hot, but the ventilation helped.
 The tongue was super! It was thick enough that you couldn't feel the laces and had elastic on the sides helping to wrap and hold your foot in. The flat laces were a nice touch as well. I could run in them without double knotting them.

THE LOWER

The real claim to fame with the Sonic's is the HOVR foam. Inside the outer foam is a layer of foam compression wrapped to keep it from breaking down. It keeps the shoe firm, but cushioned so you can turn up the speed when needed. Being a mid foot striker, the shoe rolls forward nicely to propel you forward. They're starting to show some signs of compression on the sides where the cut out is near the heel, but for 100 miles I would think it's normal. 

The out sole features full blown rubber covering the entire shoe. Personally I think it's a little much and hinders some of the flexibility. 

Overall I've enjoyed running in the UARunning HOVR Sonic. They surprised me with a good fitting upper, an awesome tongue, and a firm quick ride. My only question is where did the 'e' go? It must be too fast. To get your own pair check out the link HOVR

If you want to follow me on Twitter or Insta

Or sub to my YouTube channel HERE

As always thanks for reading and lace up and get out there,

Ben

Keep it Shady!

As a Bib Rave Pro I was sent a pair of Shady Rays to test and promote. For more information on becoming a Bib Rave Pro and to read and write race reviews, go to Bib Rave. 

What is up everybody? I was recently selected to test out some sunglasses from Shady Rays and they did not disappoint. Shady Rays is a smaller company bringing you a multitude of styles and price points. I have a problem with losing or breaking my shades so I like to find a decent product for a good price.  Another facet of the company I can get behind is a portion of the proceeds from every pair sold goes to Feeding America. I like and support companies that offer a good product and help those in need.

I selected the Signature Series Emerald Ice Polarized for my pair. Being a kid of the 80's, I love the classic 'Wayfarer' style frames and mirrored lenses. Plus the frames are clear, so maybe I won't get tan lines on the side of my face. The glasses themselves are light weight and fit my face. I wore them during a recent half marathon and they didn't bounce or fog up. Pretty much, where you put them is where they are staying. 

The hinges are metal and snug, which I like. It doesn't feel like they're going to stretch out and fall off. Another good thing is the lost of broken warranty. If you lose or damage your shades,  Shady Rays will replace them for up to 2 pairs of the same style. I cannot think of another company that will replace glasses if they are lost. As far as cleaning the lenses, they come will a soft case for storing and wiping them off. I have used my shirt on occasion and have not had any problems. I still think you should stick with the cloth. 

Full sun/ all Shady

Over all, I've been pleased with my Shady Rays, and plan on getting another pair to switch up things once in awhile.

Thanks for reading and remember to lace up and get outside!

If you want to check out Shady Rays go here. Use code BIBRAVE and get 50% of 2 pairs for a limited time!

Follow me on Twitter or Insta @bwachter70

Just Finish (A Rock n Roll Marathon Recap)

Hey everyone, Ben here and before I get started here's the disclaimer.
 As a BibRavePro I was selected to run and write/promote the Rock n Roll DC Marathon in return for free entry. This fact does not change how I feel about the race and organizers and for more information about being an ambassador go here.

 So I arrived in DC the Friday before the race and immediately got lost. Apple Maps gets confused and had me going everywhere but to the hotel. I was finally able to stop and get that straight and checked in and parked my car. If you plan on staying inside the District, I would research parking, it can cost a lot if you're not careful. After unpacking and changing, I decided to run to the expo, as it was only 2 miles. The weather was chilly but sunny and I made it to the Expo at the DC Armory in about 20 minutes. Once you got through security we went downstairs and got our bibs. One feature I liked was the scanner before you went back upstairs to verify your information was correct. Back on the main floor, you got your shirt and gear check bag, and could enter the expo.

SWAG CENTRAL!!!

 Divided in 2 parts, we had the Brooks Swag area where you could get race specific merch and Section 2 where the vendors and other sponsors were located. I enjoyed walking around and talking with some product reps, especially the ones that I use but after awhile I headed out and went to the Metro stop to go back to the hotel.

But first a visit to the Smithsonian. If you've never been, go and if you've been, go again. I saw a lot of things I missed when I was here last year and love wandering the Natural History Museum.

Race night dinner was my usual pizza. I went to We The Pizza on Penn Ave and it was really good. If you get a chance check it out.

Yummy

Race morning was cold. I checked out and put my gear in my car, then walked to the start of the race which was about a mile or so. The gear drop was located about a block away from the start and was well run by UPS. The start was a long fenced in area, about 2 blocks behind the museums and corrals were well marked. One thing I didn't like were the race announcers, I know there are a lot of sponsors but you don't need to mention them every 4 minutes. The Rock n Roll kicked off about 30 minutes before the start of the race and we had the singing of the National Anthem. Then we were off. The race winds throughout the city and is mostly flat. Until mile 6 or 7 when you start up the hill to Calvert House. The Blue Mile was set up along the route here and the support and encouragement to continue was super. After that, not so much. I've done races of all different distances and this was one of the sparsest as far as neighborhood support. If you want to run miles with just your thoughts, this is the race for you.
 There is a second large hill at mile 23 in Fort Dupont Park and it was there my legs said enough. I walked the last 3 miles and jogged/limped across the finish. Somewhere along mile 15, I started feeling off and stiff so I started walking/running to rest some but I'm thinking I didn't eat enough in the days leading up to the race. That's my fault and not the races so just remember to fuel up properly before any event. I will keep it mind too.
  I didn't get to spend a lot of time at the finish area. Once you crossed the line you got your medal, and headed to the food and bag pick up. I had to get my car so I walked through quickly and headed out.

Cool Pick Shape.

Overall, the race was fun, well supported aid stations and a friendly group of volunteers. I wish I had more time to explore before and after, but that happens sometimes when you go to events out of you area. The course had music playing at every mile through the mile markers and several bands scattered about.

If your looking for a good Spring marathon on the East Coast I would give the Rock n Roll DC a try.


Lace up and get out....

Ben

Richmond Marathon Recap

This was my third year running the Richmond marathon and it was the best one yet. Once again I was a pacer but moved up to the 4:45 group from 5:30. I have to say it felt a lot better pacing closer to my normal pace and look forward to doing it again.

  After my health scare I decided that I was done running fulls after this year but finishing at 4:46 just gives me the desire to run one for me. So it comes as no surprise that I'm getting back in the game.  I'm thinking something in the Spring would be a good choice. 

 Anyway back to the marathon. As I was saying I was the 4:45 pacer and started with 3 people running with me until mile 9 or so. Two of the pacers started in the wrong corral so we didn't catch them until about mile 4 but we ran together for awhile until they stopped at a water stop to long. I stopped long enough for the runners I was with to get a drink and we pressed on. Soon I was down to one person running with me, a woman named Carrie that had never broke 5 hours at a full and really wanted to. Since she was the last runner with me I was determined to get her across the line and make her goal. We had some time banked but she started to get leg cramps around mile 23 so we started to walk/run the rest of the way. 

 Her husband and children were at mile 26 waiting for us and I have never seen a look of determination like I did on Carrie. We rounded the corner and ran all the way to the finish. After thank you and hugs and a finisher photo together, I realized I'm not done with the marathon. I've still got miles in me and goals I need to make. And that is my Richmond Marathon recap.

P.S. It really is a lovely race, the neighborhoods and town really get behind it and there are people cheering almost every step of the way. If your looking for a fall event, give it a try.

Buff Pack Run Hat

 So I recently won a new Buff Pack Run Hat and figured the least I could do is write up a 30 mile review.

  First thoughts are the hat is super light. The fabric and bill felt really flimsy when its in your hand , but once you put it on the bill stiffens and forms to your head. The sides of the hat are vented to let the heat escape so this is not something to wear when it's cold out. The back is open and adjustable with a pull cord that surprised me and stayed in place. I'm used to running hats with a Velcro or snap adjustment but the simple elastic pull cord works well.
 
   The bill seems short but does a good job of keeping rain out of your eyes and pulling the sweat away from your brow as well. I've ran twice with a head lamp on and it will sit comfortably and not bounce around.



So far, I've put 30 miles on the hat, sweated quite a bit and it doesn't stink. I wish I could say the same for my running shirts, most of which didn't make it through the summer.

All in all, another great Buff product and I am very pleased with it.