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. 

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