Amphipod Hydraform Handheld

Disclaimer: I received Amphipod  ergo-lite ultra Hydraform 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'm always interested in trying new hydration running products because as a runner who runs "all the miles" I'm always thirsty.  I am always trying to figure out what's the best way to carry hydration on my runs.  It's a never ending cycle.  I have a number of 20oz handhelds already which is why I decided to test out the 16oz Hydraform.  The 20oz ones are fine for doing my shorter runs when I don't need my pack but they seem to be just a bit heavier than I want to carry when I'm trying to race fast.  The Hydraform i was testing was actually called the ergo-lite ultra which peaked my interest since it's supposed to be even lighter.  It also has an ergonomic shape to fit your hand nicely.  

gel holders!

I noticed from the first time I put it on that it felt very comfortable.  The bottle sits in a padded, insulated sleeve.  The only negative about the sleeve was that it was not too easy to take off and on.  I, personally, don't care much because I'm a dirtbag and I just rinse it out and put it in the drying rack however I know some people prefer the dishwasher which would require removing the sleeve often. Other than that, I actually really loved the sleeve.  The feel and look were nice.  The pocket was a good size.  I still have iPhone 4s ( I know, I know) but it says it can fit 6.  It also has a little clip for your keys in there.  The strap is adjustable so I was able to fit it nicely to my small hand   I love the thumb hole so I can switch up positions of my hand during the run.  Another feature not on most handhelds were the little holders for gels, 4 of them. I utilized those during my relay race this past weekend.  It's easy to get the gels in and out.  The gels however stay super secure in there during the run and even when I would throw the bottle around in the van.  The last nice feature is the insulation of the sleeve.  They say it will keep liquids warm or cold.  Clearly I didn't test keeping anything warm since its summer.  But two of my relay legs were in the middle of the day in the blazing sun.  I put cold water with ice cubes and my water was cold for entire run.  

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As far as the bottle itself, it has a unique opening for drinking.  I can't pretend to understand exactly how it works but I do know that nothing comes out unless I suck on it or squeeze the bottle.  I love not having to pull on something to open it and I like being able to just squeeze water out on myself easily when I'm hot.  

used it during this weekend's Rock Lobster Relay

Overall I was very happy with the Amphipod ergo-lite ultra.  It was light, comfortable with some unique features that set it apart from a lot of other handhelds.  It will definitely be a product I continue to utilize frequently in my running.  

Liked using the Amphipod!!!

Did you say running AND wine?! Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received entry to Virginia Wine Country Half 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!

Doukenie Winery

I didn't really realize the full extent of what I got myself into until maybe a couple weeks before all this went down.  First of all, I had originally thought I was going to be doing about 21-22miles in the United Relay and for some reason I didn't really realize that the Wine Half was that same week (I'm not very attentive to details, oops).  So when Bibrave was really needing people to do the wine half, I said sure since I knew I was one of the closer pros to the location.  Plus, when I checked out the website I realized there was a wine party after the race, so umm yeah who doesn't want to drink wine at 10am?!

Beautiful even on an overcast day

United Relay of America -- My Blue Route Adventures

Disclaimer: I received entry to United Relay 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 United Relay of America is a new relay across the country raising money for various charities.  There was actually 3 routes, red, white and blue.  There were individual stages and group stages.  The distances ranged from 5K to maybe 10 miles (I'm not totally sure of that but that's the average).  I joined the Blue Route since that was the one coming closest to me.  There was no one signed up for any of the legs in this neck of the woods, so I agreed to do 3 of them which added up was about 22 miles.  My only issue was that my first leg was supposed to start at 2:00am so Emir wouldn't be able to support me or drop me off.  The RD of the relay assured me that the blue support team would either give me a ride back to my car or drive my car to the finish for me.  AWESOME, problem solved!

Blue team crew.  Two of them had been supporting the Blue route by themselves until this day I met up with them when two others had arrived to help with the end.

UCan, I can, we all can

Disclaimer: I received Generation Ucan  product 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!

Nutrition and fueling is not something I really like to think about.  It's just my nature.  I LOVE ultrarunning but I don't really like to analyze and figure out what I'm putting in my body and how it will affect my running.  I just want to go out and run forever and not worry about anything else.  Unfortunately being an ultra runner means just the opposite.  I really do need to pay attention to these things (darnit!).