“Disclaimer: I received a Buff Pack Run Cap 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!”
One thing I am not sure that I have shared on my blog yet is the little hat obsession that I have. If you follow me on social media though, you may have noticed that I am almost always wearing a hat, especially in the summer. Hats are great protection from the sun and can also help hide a bad hair day! When I learned that BUFF® has a summer pack run cap that is as cute as it is functional, I knew I wanted to try it out!
Let me get to the point…. over the last few weeks this has become my absolute favorite hot weather/summer running hat!!! I have worn this hat during a virtual half marathon that went from humid to misting rain, a 4th of July trail race that was so hot I thought I would melt, and a race literally called the Meltdown which was 3 back to back 5k races that featured temps that went from warm to hot to scorching! Thanks to the BUFF® pack run cap the sun was not in my eyes, my sweat didn’t drip in my eyes, and it even kept the misting rain off of my face!
Took my BUFF® Pack Run Cap along for a virtual half marathon and got compliments on my hat from “spectators” on the course (A group of women sitting on their from porch!)So thankful for my BUFF® Pack Run Cap during this 4th of July run! It kept me cool and the sweat out of my eyes! It helped me claim 3rd place in my age group for the 15K!
Looking good in my BUFF® Pack Run Cap! Absolutely in love with the colors!
This hat is also so lightweight and breathable. I honestly forget that I am wearing it most of the time that I am running. That is a huge plus for me! I don’t want to have to fuss with or keep adjusting my running gear while running and luckily with this run cap I don’t have to! And can we talk about how cute these hats are!?!?! I am a huge fan of the pink and blue colors in the hat but BUFF® has several colors available in both the Pack Run Cap and also a Pack Run visor (which will be my next purchase!)
The Meltdown: 3 back to back 5K races in July! So thankful for my BUFF® Pack Run Cap! So lightweight that I forgot I was wearing it! It kept the sun and my sweat out of my eyes!!!
Other features of the BUFF® Pack Run Cap include:
Exceptionally lightweight, weighs only one ounce
Packable design with crushable brim that regains its shape for reliable sun protection
4-way stretch fabric for comfort
Upper panel provides UPF 50 protection*
Fastwick fabric side panels wicks away moisture and improves breathability
Low profile sweatband keeps perspiration out of eyes
Adjustable elastic cord at back for a secure fit
Reflective tab on back, logo on front add low-light visibility
The BUFF® Pack Run Cap folds up small enough to fit in a pocket or run belt and it features a adjustable cord in the back so you can get the perfect fit!
Head over to buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for Buff® emails to receive a 15% discount code for Buff® products! Grab your very own pack run cap or visor! It will quickly become one of your must have pieces of summer running gear!
Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Illinois I-challange (5K and Half 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!
Nothing beats the anticipation of race weekend! As runners we train for months to run a distance or pace and as that date on the calendar gets closer the anticipation and excitement (and maybe nerves!) grow with it! By now we all know that anticipation was halted for just about all running events starting in March and most events have had to find alternatives to hosting in person races.
The Illinois Marathon is held yearly in Champaign/Urbana, IL and was originally scheduled to be held April 23-25 2020. This was to be my first in person race as a BibRave Pro and boy was I hyped. Champaign/Urbana was a place that our family had visited several times in my youth and I was excited to tour the town on foot. (I recommend going to the races YouTube channel and watching the video of the course preview. It is absolutely beautiful!) Another thing that drew me to this race is that the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon all finish on the 50 yard line at Memorial Stadium! I have never ran a race that finished on a football field and I was really looking forward to this!
Due to Covid, the Illinois Marathon made the decision to go virtual for 2020. Runners had the option to complete their race virtually or to defer their registration to 2021. Choosing to run a race virtually that you had planned to run in person is a great way to support that race during these difficult times but also helps the race directors continue to support the charities that they support with these events! Personally it’s also a great way to stay disciplined and motivated to keep training. (And while I may find that I am not as competitive during these times, I am finding that I am enjoying running and training in new ways!)
I ran my virtual I-challenge on June 26th and June 27th. (I didn’t run it immediately after the cancellation of the April date because there was some thought that the race may be rescheduled for the Fall but ultimately that was not able to happen) I ran the 5K Friday evening staying true to how the challenge timeline would occur in person but I did run this race on the treadmill because the temperature outside was 91 plus humidity! Luckily in Indiana where I live, gyms have been open since May 22nd with social practicing guidelines in place. My 5K time was 27:14 which isn’t a PR but compared to some of my recent times it is a very good time and I’m very happy with it!
The next morning I set out to run the Illinois Virtual Half Marathon. I don’t know how many other runners got their very own bike escort my my sweet husband rode his bike along with me and also ended up carrying my hydration vest as well. I normally wear it without issue but it was just so humid and everything felt heavy. As the miles ticked off, there did seem to be more of a breeze which made things better and it threatened to rain so many times! I would feel misting of rain drops here and there and really the rain would have felt good at any point but the skies waited to open up until we were safely back on our front porch. How is that for timing??
I tried to imagine myself on the course (I went back and watched the course video on YoutTube before running!) and finishing on Memorial Field! I hope that in the future I get to experience the course in person and the whole family gets to join me! I know the kids would love to get to run on the field as well and the Illinois Marathon offers a kids run that would allow them that opportunity!
After completing the 13.1 miles, we were still a mile from home. Anybody else have to get their shoes off pretty quickly when they are done running? I usually have a pair of sandals etc in a backpack that my husband will have at the finish line for me for the walk back to the car but bc I assumed the finish line would be our front door (I a misjudged the distance) I had to make the walk back home in my socks!
I should be receiving my Illinois Marathon swag soon and I will be sharing all about it on my social media pages so make sure you are following me on Instagram and Twitter at @lish_loves_life because you are not going to want to miss that!
I know this is not how any of us runners saw our 2020 race season going and with NYC and Berlin announcing the cancellation of their 2020 marathons this week it’s something we are learning to accept. But it is also something we are learning to adapt to. When we can’t race in the way we are used to we are finding ways to make the best of the situation. I keep telling myself that these times will make the comebacks even sweeter and I truly believe that!
Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hospital Hill Virtual 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!
The Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City has been on my run bucket list for awhile but due to distance and timing I haven’t had the opportunity to check it off yet. Like so many others, I have had my share of disappointment from cancelled races, but learning that this particular race went virtual gave me the chance to be part of this race in 2020! There were 3 distance options when registering for this race (5K, 10K or half marathon). I am usually all about the half marathon distance because it is my favorite distance to race, but due to several of my half marathons going virtual I decided it was best to stick to the 10K distance this time. I also still plan to get to Kansas City for an in person Hospital Hill race in the future and I can’t think of a better way to tour a new city than on foot for 13.1, and that is another reason why I chose the 10K distance for the virtual race!
After deciding to join the virtual race, I quickly joined the Hospital Hill Virtual group for runners on Facebook. This group was full of other runners preparing for and completing their virtual runs. It was a good place for information (questions were answered quickly by the team!) and to interact with runners across the country! This was an unexpected perk of running this race virtual but ended up being one of my favorite parts. I love the social part of running and that is one thing that I have been missing with most races going virtual. Being able to see how others were preparing to run and then completing their races was super cool!
I ran my virtual race on June 11th one morning before work. Being June I wanted to get out of the house early to beat the heat! I ran at a local park that has a nice paved trail that is beautiful. Being before 7 am on a weekday, there were not many others out on the trail but I did see a deer hiding behind a barn. I tried to get a video of the deer running across my path but hit the button wrong and got a video of nothing instead. So you will have to take my word for how awesome it was to see out on the trail! The weather was in the mid 60s but did get a little warm as I was running and the sun started coming out but overall it was a beautiful morning for a run!
The deer that I saw on my virtual 10K!
I completed my 10K with a time of 1:10:16. Nowhere near a PR for me, but that isn’t the goal with these virtual runs. For me, they are a good way to motivate me to keep running and training when it is unknown which if any of our races will happen in 2020. I am choosing to focus on the things that I can control and getting involved in virtual races has been a good way to stay connected to other runners. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to join the Hospital Hill Virtual Run.
Now lets get to the most important part: THE SWAG! My swag arrived a couple weeks prior to the day that I ran the virtual race. The package contained the 2020 Hospital Hill race t-shirt which is oh so soft and race bib. I also received my race medal that is super unique. It highlights that this is the 47th year for the race and has a blue transparent background that catches the light in the most enchanting way. It is one of my favorite so far for 2020!
If you are interested in taking part in this Virtual Race you need to be registered and have the race completed by July 1st, 2020. Registering is super easy! Just head to http://www.hospitalhillrun.com and register for the distance of your choice. Use code BIBRAVE1for 15% registration. Don’t forgot to post pictures of your run to social media and tag Hospital Hill Run!!
Disclaimer: I received a ROAD iD Sidekick to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) at BibRave.com/BibRavePro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
Running is very social for me. If given the choice to run alone or with someone else, I am going to choose to run with a buddy. Not only do the miles seem to tick by more quickly with a friend but I also feel safer than when I run alone. But let’s be honest, even before the terms social distancing and quarantine were so prominent in our vocabularies, it was difficult to find times to coordinate schedules with my best running buddies so that we could get all of our training runs in…..together. So that means if I want to keep to my running schedule and get my runs done in a timely manner I need to suck it up and run alone.
Now don’t get me wrong….I don’t hate running alone. A good solo run can clear your mind and allow you to dial in and focus on your training. Safety is something that needs to be on every runner’s mind but especially if you are running solo. Personally, I will make sure that my husband knows when I’m running and has a general idea of what my route will be. I wear bone conduction head phones that allow me to hear what’s going on around me and I take extra caution when crossing streets, parking lots, etc.
Solo Run finisher photo…. Running solo has become a new way to stay safe, ROADiD offers peace of mind when running solo!
Even with all of these precautions, accidents can happen. If you have followed me for any time on social media you will know that I can be a little clumsy and somewhat of a hot mess. I have fallen (during a race and even during packet pick up!) and once during a trail race I slipped climbing over a guardrail and managed to slice my leg up pretty badly (I still have the scar from that one!) Luckily, I was not alone when any of these accidents happened and was able to get help when needed. But what if I had been alone? What if I am unable to provide basic information about myself and my emergency contacts??
My leg bandaged up after I tangled with the guardrail
As an ER nurse, I also understand how important it is to have all the information that you can when caring for someone. If someone is not able to be identified, it is impossible to know any medical history or allergies they may have. The healthcare team needs this information to provide the safest care. Having a ROAD iD means not only can you be identified and previous medical records can be reviewed if available but an emergency contact can also be called and they can provide additional information. This information can be life saving!
I have a ROADiD stretch bracelet that I had been wearing on my right wrist opposite of my watch. I wear my watch everywhere though and so I was excited to try out the ROADiD sidekick for my Garmin. This particular ROADiD fits on the band of my Garmin watch. They also have sidekicks available for FitBit and Apple watches. You can choose from three different faceplate covers (silver, gold, or rose gold) and I chose the rose gold, of course!
My ROADiD stretch bracelet. Super comfortable and comes in 3 different sizes so you can choose the size that is the best fitGarmin sidekick! So comfortable and I love the rose gold!
The information on the faceplate is completely customizable so that you can put the information that you feel is most important to you on your ROADiD. I chose to include my name, birth date, my husband’s name and phone number and my favorite motivational quote, “Faith over Fear”. I was a little worried that putting a faceplate on my Garmin band would be uncomfortable and would make my watch feel too tight. I wear my watch all day, every day (except in the shower and when it’s on the charger) and I notice no difference in how my Garmin feels on my wrist. It’s super comfortable!!
While the information on my ROADiD sidekick could be important to first responders if something happened during a training run or race, I also know that my ROADiD could also be very useful if I were in a car accident or needed medical attention in my day to day life. Having my sidekick right on my Garmin that I wear all day, everyday means that I can have that extra peace of mind that if I am unable to provide this basic information for emergency medical care, my ROADiD can speak for me!
ROADiD offers a variety of different options to choose from including wrist iDs, shoe iDs, and even wearable iDs for your pet! Check out their website at http://roadid.com to check out all the color and personalization options! Use code SAVEBRP when ordering to save 25% Peace of mind is priceless but saving a little money with it is even better!
Once you order a ROADiD get ready to stalk your mailman! This won’t be too difficult because they do an amazing job of keeping you updated about your iD and when you can expect it. I got emails telling me when my sidekick had been engraved and when it had been shipped that included tracking information. I appreciated being kept in the loop about my order! This excellent service paired with the fact that the engraving is guaranteed for life can’t be beat!
Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Madison Marathon 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!
Fall running is my favorite time to run! The temps are cooler and the the changing leaves offer beautiful views on most courses! This fall I will be taking my big goals to Wisconsin for the Madison Marathon on November 8th. As I sit here currently, I have never been to Wisconsin but this race will actually be my second in Madison as I will be running a half marathon there in August!
What makes this adventure even crazier is that I will be running a marathon in Indianapolis on 11/7/20. Yes, that is correct! I have committed to run 2 full marathons in one weekend! This is my biggest running weekend yet and I am scared and excited all at once!
I couldn’t take this on without the support of some pretty special people. Of course my biggest running supporter, my husband, is helping me work out all the logistics and I have no doubt he will make sure I am in the right places at the right time. I also have a best running friend that is from Wisconsin and she has also promised to make the trip to Wisconsin as well (to run of course!) I can’t wait to hear all about her hometown and get the inside scoop on the best places to eat after the race!
My biggest race cheerleaders and BRF from WI!
But even if I didn’t have a best running friend from Wisconsin, the Madison Marathon would still be high on my list of races that I would love to run and here’s why:
FREE RACE PHOTOS compliments of Madison Marathon presented by SSM Health
FREE runner tracking via the Madison Marathon App
1 complimentary Michelob Ultra beer (for those 21+) and a Wisconsin Tailgate (mac ‘n cheese, chili or brat) at the Post-Race Party
Now let’s be honest – I’m not a contender to qualify for Boston (even running a marathon on fresh legs that didn’t run a marathon the day before!) but there is something about being on a course with fellow runners that are chasing that BQ! One of my favorite things to do is to follow a races hashtag on Twitter or Instagram and cheer on others accomplishments after a big race!! You can follow the Madison Marathon and watch as other runners like myself train and prepare for the race in November! Madison Marathon Facebook Madison Marathon Twitter Madison Marathon Instagram
Come join me in Madison on 11/8/2020 for the Madison Marathon!! You can save 10% on registration by using code BIBRAVE2020 !!!!! I would love to have a running buddy to explore 26.2 miles of Madison with me on foot!! Whose in?
Disclaimer: I received free entry to the 465 Virtual Challenge 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!
If you read my blog post published on December 31st you know what the 465 Virtual Challenge is and why the participants were challenged to run, bike, walk, etc 53 miles. (If you missed that blog post you can read it here.)
I have to admit, in the past I have never been a huge fan of virtual races. I enjoy the atmosphere of a race, especially the camaraderie and support from other runners and the crowd that comes out on race day. The idea of a virtual challenge was very intriguing to me. This challenge ran for 2 months (1/1/20-2/29/20) and the goal was to get 53 miles in the time frame. You could achieve Looper status by completing 2 or more virtual loops around 465 so 2 loops would equal 106 miles and so on. My goal for this challenge was to obtain Looper status and the result was increased motivation for me to log miles even when I didn’t necessarily feel like getting out there!
I even made my kids run some of the miles with us!
And I did not have to miss out on any of the camaraderie or support that is my favorite part of race day! Hands down the best part of this challenge was the 465 challenge Facebook group! The other participants in this group were so supportive! Anytime I posted an update on my mileage or about a run that I had done, within minutes I would have several comments and likes from other members of the group. I felt like this group also helped keep me accountable. I posted in there that I had a goal to complete 2 loops by the end of the challenge and I felt like I needed to stay true to my word! How is that for motivation!
My husband also participated in the challenge and the two of us had a lot of fun with this. We did some races together to log some miles and helped push each other to get our miles in. It was also fun to interact with several of my friends that had signed up for the challenge in the Facebook group! I can confidently say that I made some new friends as well!!
Love this swag!! The shirt is super soft and the medal is so fun with a car that moves around the loop!
I will be watching for future virtual challenges from 465Challenge as this is definitely a challenge that I would do again! Hopefully I will see you in the next challenge group so we can virtually cheer each other on!
“Disclaimer: I received three boxes of Built Bar protein bars 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!”
So many flavors…..so hard to choose a favorite!
I ordered my first box of Built Bars in February of 2019. These have been the go to choice to satisfy my sweet tooth for the last year. Having a protein bar that takes like a candy bar with no strange after taste is a game changer! So when I learned that Bibrave Pros had the opportunity to share Built Bars with others I knew I wanted to be part of it!
My sweet craving likes to hit about 2 pm on work days and having these on hand allows me to feel like I am having a treat while giving my body a healthy alternative that won’t cause that afternoon sugar spike and then ultimate crash. Most flavors of Built Bars have 110 calories and 15 G of protein. The flavors that contain nuts have a few more calories (all are under 200 calories) but also have more protein (up to 20 G)! I have these proteins bars everywhere! At this very moment you will find a few Built Bars in my purse, gym bag, work bag, and you might even find one in my daughter’s backpack!
Built Bars are made using Whey Protein which is a complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. They have no artificial preservatives, are made with natural flavoring and no coloring. Built Bar is coated with a high quality dark chocolate which is the source of all the actual sugar in the bar. The use of this chocolate is what Built Bar considers the ‘secret’ to the great taste of their protein bars. (I would have to agree with this!) When you finish a Built Bar you have the lingering aftertaste of this dark chocolate and not the strange aftertaste that you get after eating most other protein bars.
The best way that I can described the inside of the protein bar is to call it a sticky nougat consistency. I have heard some people say that they like to store their Built Bars in the fridge or freezer and enjoy them cold. I personally just store them room temp and prefer them that way. Like mentioned above, these are coated in dark chocolate and if allowed to get too warm the chocolate will melt, so that is something I keep in mind when I take them on the go.
Flavors! Built Bar has so many flavors and they are always updating and changing the flavors they have available! My current favorite flavor is the black cherry chocolate creme! I also love the salted caramel chocolate, peanut butter and coconut almond (which tasted just like an Almond Joy I promise!). The other flavors available at this time from Built Bar are mint brownie delite, double chocolate mousse, coconut chocolate creme, banana chocolate creme, raspberry chocolate creme, orange chocolate creme, vanilla chocolate creme, peanut butter brownie, toffee almond, and banana nut bread. Some of these flavors are limited time flavors that will be replaced by new flavors when they are released. You can also vote on which flavor you want Built Bar to release next on the website!
I enjoy Built Bars almost daily. They are sometimes my breakfast and have become my pre run fuel because I don’t get the unwanted stomach issues that sometimes come with other pre run meal choices. A box of Built Bars also accompanied me on a recent road trip to Nashville where I spent the weekend with friends. Both of my friends tried a Built Bar over the weekend and LOVED them and stated that they would be ordering a box for themselves! I also shared a few Built Bars with one of my best running and she sent me a picture of the box she had ordered a week later! I haven’t shared these bars with anyone yet who didn’t love them!
You can purchase a 18 count box of your favorite flavor of Built Bar, purchase a mixed box of all flavors or build your own box and choose which flavors you would like to receive. Built Bar has given us an amazing discount code to share for 20% off your order: BUILTNOW. Use this code to grab a mixed box of Built Bars and let me know which one is your favorite flavor. Just be prepared: you will have a hard time choosing a favorite because you will love them all!
Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Madison Mini Marathon 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!”
Excited is a understatement to describe how I’m feeling about the Madison Mini Marathon on August 22, 2020!!!! It’s always fun to experience new races but it is even more exciting when these races take you to places you have never been before! I have never been to the great state of Wisconsin my fastest best running friend is from there so of course this race had to be on my running bucket list!!!
This race offers all of the top notch amenities: – a scenic course featuring some of Madison’s most iconic landmarks – access to Best 14th Mile Post-Race Party on Memorial Union Terrace Overlooking the Lake – complimentary Post-Race Beer (21+) – Real-Time Athlete Tracking App – collectible bottle opener-finisher medal (half marathon finishers) – awesome blingtastic medal (5K finishers) – commemorative super soft tri-blend race shirt – motivation from energetic Cheer Challenge stations along the half marathon course
The 12th Annual Madison Mini Half Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Run benefits Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin. Girls on the Run is a positive youth development program that is activity based. It is designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
In South Central Wisconsin Girls on the Run has served over 14,000 girls since their inaugural team of 13 girls in 2005. In 2019, 1,800 girls were served and awarded over $49,000 in scholarship funds to 400 families with financial need. No girl was turned away for an inability to pay.
You can learn more about this partnership between the Madison Mini Marathon and Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin and how you can help by donating or fundraising by following visiting theirs website. https://madisonminimarathon.com/charity-partner/
I am also excited that I will be earning the Illini-Badger Challenge Medal by running the Illinois half marathon in April and the Madison Mini Marathon in August. Ya’ll know how much I love a challenge and more specifically a challenge medal!!!
Join me at the Madison Mini Marathon!!! Running is always so better with a running buddy! Use Code Bibrave10 for 10% off the cost of registration!!
Disclaimer: I received free entry to the 465 Virtual Challenge 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!
Indianapolis. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I learned to drive. And now it’s the closest big city to us and where we travel most often to participate in some of my favorite races. Interstate 465 is one I know well and while I have never driven a complete loop around the city without stopping (although I’ve always secretly thought that it would be fun!), I’ve been around the entire loop at some point or another. So when I learned that the 465 Challenge would give me the chance to VIRTUALLY run the distance of the loop I-465 makes around Indy (53 miles!) I was so excited.
Here’s the stuff you need to know about the 465 Challenge!
The challenge starts 1/1/2020 and ends 2/29/2020
You can walk, run, bike, swim, skip, crawl, somersault (ok you get the point) Log the miles however you want! Or make it a combination of different activities! Just get out there and be active!
There are 2 registration options: Premium and Basic. The PREMIUM registration includes: 465 Challenger Super Soft Finisher Shirt, 465 Race Car Slider Finisher Medal, Super Cool Bumper Sticker, Training Program, Motivational Emails, Virtual Bib, and a Certificate of Completion The BASIC registration includes: Super Cool Bumper Sticker, Training Program, Motivational Emails, Virtual Bib, and a Certificate of Completion
Access to the 465 Challenge Facebook group where you can connect with other challengers
This medal is EPIC! I can’t wait to slide the race car around 465!!!
Want to add a little more to your challenge? Become a Looper by completing the 53 mile “loop” as many times as you can from 1/1/20 – 2/29/20 or join the 24 hour club by completing the 53 miles in 24 hours!!! My goal is to be a Looper and complete the Loop 2-3 times over the course of the challenge!
We have a little debate going on at our house concerning this challenge! My husband who is also taking the 465 virtual challenge says he thinks the two of us should only count outside miles as I-465 is outside. (Remember this is a VIRTUAL challenge – No miles should be completed on the actual interstate!) I disagree!! I plan on switching up my miles between running, elliptical, the bike, etc!! Our differing opinions highlights the coolest part of this challenge – whether you are a runner that only logs outside miles or someone that would rather get out on a bicycle or even someone who wants to mix up the miles in a variety of ways – it all counts!!!
We are taking on the 465 virtual challenge together!! Who will you take the challenge with?
Disclaimer: I received Aftershokz Aeropex 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 have exclusively ran in Aftershokz headphones for the last year and I cannot imagine running in anything else! I first learned about Aftershokz headphones from my husband who had bought a pair of the Titanium headphones for himself. He let me borrow them for a few of my runs and I was hooked. My favorite thing about Aftershokz is that their headphones deliver sound through bone conduction. What does bone conduction mean? Transducers send mini vibrations through the cheekbones and deliver sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. This leaves your ears open to experience your surrounding environment.
Aftershokz headphones deliver sound through bone conduction. They are the most comfortable headphones that I have ever worn!
The biggest benefit of bone conduction headphones is that they allow you to hear what’s going on around you. Aftershokz headphones deliver excellent sound quality (which is important to me, especially when running gets tough and I need to dig deep into my music to keep going!) while also making it possible to hear what’s happening around you (also important for safety reasons!). Another benefit of bone conduction headphones is that you do not have to put anything into your ear when using them. I find earbud type headphones to be very uncomfortable. I had tried so many different types of headphones and had never found a pair that I had considered comfortable until I tried Aftershokz.
Aftershokz headphones are not only comfortable but lightweight with no bounce. You cant see them in this picture but that is because I can tuck them under my favorite running hat easily. So my ears stay warm! I can also wear sunglasses with them with no issue! They are the BEST!
So when I heard about Aftershokz Give Good Vibez campaign I knew I wanted to be involved! If you follow me on social media (and if you don’t, you should be!) you have seen me post about this awesome campaign. Aftershokz offered a BOGO sale for Black Friday last month. If you purchased a pair of the Aftershokz Aeropex wireless headphones you received a pair of openbox Titanium wireless headphones for free! This was the perfect opportunity to gift a pair of Aftershokz this holiday season!!
I was so excited to receive my Give Good Vibez BOGO Aftershokz headphones! I wanted to get them out of the box and charging so that I could get out and get a run in with them, only to find that they come out of the box fully charged. I had been running in the smaller size Titanium headphones because the larger size had felt too big for my head and bounced slightly when I ran. I was slightly worried about how the Aeropex would fit as there was not a smaller size offered and I was delighted to find that these fit perfectly and did not bounce at all when I ran in them.
Other features of the Aeropex headphones include:
Comes in 4 different colors–black, gray, blue and red
2 year warranty
8 hour battery life
Connects easily to your phone with Bluetooth technology
Easy to pause music or skip songs easy to reach button
Sweat proof and waterproof
Strong magnetic charging cable for easy charging
Dual noise canceling mic
Wireless range is 33 feet
Lightweight (and no bouncing while you run!)
Cost: $159.95
Now to the best part of the campaign…. the Give Good Vibez part!!! When I found out that I would also be receiving a pair of open box Titanium headphones, I knew exactly who I wanted to gift them to! This summer my kids met Amara. She was a junior counselor at their summer camp and they all love her. I later learned that she has cystic fibrosis. She was recently hospitalized, missing a Luke Bryan concert that she had tickets to for her birthday. To make it worse the concert had been rescheduled due to weather and she had been healthy and was ready to attend on the original date. Instead of being upset and complaining she took to social media and launched a campaign to get Luke Bryan to visit her and the other children at the hospital. This was unsuccessful but not due to her lack of work and spirit! She also volunteers at her school and is currently the manager for the swim team.
We saw Amara recently when she did some babysitting for us and gifted her the headphones! My daughter has a special relationship with her and so she presented the Titanium headphones to her and told her all the features. (Even my 6 year old is an Aftershokz fan!) Amara was excited to receive that headphones and will put them to good use! It was so fun to Give Good Vibez this holiday season with Aftershokz.
Want to see more heartwarming stories of those who Gave Good Vibez this holiday season? Visit Aftershokz social media (linked below)! Are you giving good vibez with Aftershokz? Share with the hashtag #givegiidvibez !!!!
The Give Good Vibez BOGO Black Friday sale may be over but you can still make someone’s holiday season brighter with a pair of Aftershokz headphones. Learn more about the different wireless headphones Aftershokz’s offers at https://aftershokz.com/
Lisha Runs Life 