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. 

Life On The Fast Lanes

Disclaimer: I received Knockaround Fast Lanes 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!

The Shades

What is going on everyone? It's Ben back with a review of some new Knockaround Shades, the Fast Lanes. This is my second time with Knockaround and they didn't disappoint, although I had one small problem that was easily fixed. If you want to read my first review click HERE.

My Medium sized noggin

So these glasses are designed for a medium to large face per the website, which I guess I kind of have as I feel they looked okay on my mug. The last pair I tried, the Premiums, had a more Wayfarer style frame while the Fast Lanes are more modern. The rectangular shape to the lenses and thinner arms mean you have better range of sight in the corners and to the side.

Sweaty trail day!

As far as running, the shades stayed in place rather well. I used them on both the road and trail, in the hot and cold. The glasses never really slipped or bounced, even when I was sweaty so that's a big plus. 

I picked the Juniper Fade frame with Green Moonshine lenses. I like the pop of color this offered compared to the Black or Grey, but they do offer a Neon Yellow that I was tempted to get. Maybe we can get an Orange colorway soon? 

As far as specs go, like I said these are for medium to large face size. The lenses are impact resistant and UV400 protection. You can get them polarized or not. And at $20 for a pair, that's a fantastic deal!

Ducks love them!

I did have one issue, but it was an easy fix. the arms would start to press rather hard on the back of my ears, but I heated up some water, soak the arms and bent them out a little and they are fitting most excellent now. 

Want a pair for your very own? Go to KNOCKAROUNDS order and use code BIBRAVEKNOCK1 for 20% off your entire order. This offer will end 4/18/19 so get on it!

Thanks for reading and if you want to see my IGTV review go HERE!

Give me a follow of Twitter and Insta @bwachter70 or check out Run Bigfoot Run on YouTube.

See you on the trails,

Ben W

Cary or Bust, A Tobacco Road Marathon Recap

I received entry to the Tobacco Road Marathon as a Bib Rave Pro. For more information on becoming a Bib Rave Pro and to read and write race reviews head over to Bib Rave. 

The course

What is going on everybody, Ben here with a Recap and my thoughts on the Tobacco Rd. Marathon. This was marathon number 8 for me and my 7th completion, and I have to say it was one to remember. The course, and the town of Cary, NC are amazing.

The Bling!

My wife and I arrived around midday on Saturday and went straight to the expo. It was super easy to find and there was plenty of parking. The Expo was broken into three areas. The first was mostly local races and area attractions showing upcoming events. The middle was where you picked up your bib, and verified it. They also had a station set up to check your chip and make sure it was you. The last area was vendors and sponsors and shirt pick up. I picked up my shirt, a nice tech T, and we proceeded to walk around and tried some local fare. Appalachian Brewery was there with samples of the after race beers, and we tried some bread from a local baker.

At the Expo

After the expo we checked into our hotel and went exploring around town. There was a nice shopping center down the road from us so we had a dinner out and walked around, before heading to a local brewery for a night cap.

The race started at 7:00 and the weather was perfect. In the mid 30's and slowly warming over the course of the day. The half and full went out at the same time so there was some congestion, but split up after about 2 miles when we turned onto the trail. The Tobacco Road is an abandoned railway that has been converted into a trail system and I hope more towns start doing this. Since it was once a railway the trail was mostly flat, with any hills being hardly noticeable. The water stops were well supplied and manned and everyone was cheering any time you saw people. The trail has several neighborhoods that border it so there is plenty of access to it. The few road crossing were well handled by the police and volunteers and everyone involved did a super job. The course runs mostly through pine forest and is crushed packed gravel, but there are some paved sections.

Around mile 8 or so we turned around and went back across to the half route and continued  until the turn around at about mile 20. The race had a nice downhill finish, and a short walk to the finisher party. The pizza was warm which is a first for me, and the beer was cold. They even handed out Chocolate milk to drink!

ME!

Personally, this was my best marathon ever. I've always wanted to break 4 hours and finally did it. I also set a 40 minute PR. I have to say this is a race I would do again in a heartbeat.

That about wraps it up. If you're looking for a fun, flat, fast course and a marathon that gives back to it's community then I would definitely check into Tobacco Road.

As always you can give me a follow on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70, and check out the IGTV and YouTube Channel Run Bigfoot Run. 

It's Go Time, a Tobacco Road Marathon update.

• Disclaimer: I received free entry to Tobacco Road 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 I'm wearing

What's up everybody? Just a quick one today about what I'm wearing for Tobacco Road on the 17th of March. Normally I wouldn't bother, maybe just a flat Ben photo the night before, but I'm feeling really good about this race. I didn't hit all my training mileage, but what I've done has been quality and I'm feeling good.

So of course I will be in my Run Rabbit Singlet. It's my Bib Rave Uniform. Nice material, doesn't chafe and very comfortable, even when wet. For my arms I will have my Buff Arm Sleeves, and my Saucony gloves, but those will be race day determined. The weather looks super nice and if it warms up quick, I don't want to carry them with me, or toss them. If it was colder, I would wear my Turtle Glove Flip Mitts.

Shorts, I decided on my Janji 5" shorts. Lightweight, super comfy, and wick away moisture. I just wish they had pockets to carry gels or chews. But I will have a Flip Belt for that. I normally use a SPI Belt but my phone fills it up so there's not enough room.

I always race in Balega socks, so not much to talk about there, but shoes were a tough choice. I had been between my New Balance Beacon and Altra Solstice, but both have shortfalls. The Beacons gave me blood blisters during a rainy long run so I'm a little iffy on them, and the Solstice are very hard soled so I'm concerned about foot fatigue.

New Balance Beacon

Altra Soltice

Then I found the new Altra Kayenta. The lightness of the Altra Solstice with the cushion of the Altra Escalante. I wore them for my last long run and decided they were the shoe for me. Expecta full review on Run Bigfoot Run, both on IGTV and YouTube.

Altra Kayenta


That about covers the clothes portion. I will of course be wearing a Buff on my head and probably sunglasses. I still on the fence about wearing headphones, but we shall see.

Thanks for reading,

Ben

You can follow me on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70 and check out the IGTV and YouTube Channel Run Bigfoot Run!

Turtle Power, or the lobster ate my hands

"Disclaimer: I received Turtle Gloves Turtle Flip Mitt 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!"

The fun has arrived!

What's up everyone? Ben here with my review of the Turtle Gloves Flip Mitt. I was able to test these at the perfect time, in Winter when it was cold and rainy. Normally in Winter I run with either just gloves or tucking my hands in my shirt sleeves since they have thumb-holes. I really enjoyed this product and the colorway they sent me should be called the Lobster.

Great for cleaning cars!

In a turtle shell we have a flip top mitten that will turn into a finger-less glove, one step further and you can stick your thumb out the side. And if you go a little more they become arm sleeves. The materials are a soft fleece that felt good on my hands and face and didn't snag on anything. You will need to stick out a finger or thumb to use a touchscreen with these but with the flip top that's pretty easy to do.

Mitt and arm sleeve

I tried these out in 30 degree down to the teens and never felt cold and they extend up your wrists so that area will get covered unlike gloves that stop short. I think anything warmer and a fleece glove may be too much for me.

After a few miles into my run I would get hot and it's a simple flip to open up the gloves and let in some air. This puts the soft fleece side on the back of your hand, perfect for wiping sweat or snot (the first 2 S's of winter) off your face. I did run in the rain with them, they will get wet but not heavy as you would expect. The mitts do a good job wicking off moisture. I was able to run in the snow and sleet (2 more S's) and never felt it on my hands.

As arm warmers, they did a good job, just twist them so the thumb-hole is on the inside of the elbow. Or try it on the backside of your elbow. It may fit better.

Best fact about Turtle Gloves? They are made in the USA in Michigan. I know it gets cold up there so I trust them to make something that would keep you warm!

You can check out Turtle Gloves HERE and use code TurtleBibRave for 15% off your order for a limited time.

Also give them a follow on Twitter and Insta @turtlegloves they post some funny stuff.

Give me a follow on Twitter and Insta @bwachter70 and check out Run Bigfoot Run on IGTV and Youtube for reviews and other things I do.


So lace up and get out,

Ben

Training Problems and How to Deal With It!

• "Disclaimer: I received free entry to Tobacco Road Marathon 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!

  

  Look at that BLING!

Whats up everyone, Ben here and I'm back with a little over one month to go before the Tobacco Rd Marathon on March 17th in Cary, NC. I would love to be on here talking about how great training is going but to be honest this Winter has been a hard one to get my miles in.

Living in a rural area, it's hard to get my runs in due to the lack of safe roads. That's okay, as my running group meets in town near my work so I can run before or after work. I fit my long runs in on the weekends around family schedules, usually in the mornings. The problem comes when it snows or it's raining and cold. I'm not trying to get sick a month out so it's perfectly okay to skip a run once in awhile. When you skip a lot of runs that can be an issue.

The Tobacco Road

If you're using a plan, they are broken down day by day to maximize your workouts, but if you switch up a day it's not the end of the world. I missed my run today, due to rain and will make it up tomorrow. Runners always find a way to get a run in, whether it's staying home on a Friday night to get up early, or getting a run in during lunch.

So far my current training plan calls for three to four runs per week. The fourth can be either a track day or hill day. I usually run on Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, but if I miss a day I can just skip and pick up the next day. Which leads me to a bit of advice, never try to cram a missed run in as it will usually lead to injury. I know a lot of runners that have wasted time and effort only to miss race day due to an over training injury.

The takeaway from all of this rambling is don't stress training. It can be your first or fourteenth, if you miss a couple of days during training it's okay. We all do.

That's about all for today. I'll be back in a couple of weeks to talk about my overall thoughts and what I'm expecting at Tobacco Road.

If you want to follow Tobacco Road Marathon on Twitter or follow me on Twitter or Insta

Check out Tobacco Road on the Interwebs  and use code TRMRAVE19 for a discount.

Check out my YouTube Channel