XX2i -- Bermuda1

Disclaimer: I received XX2i Bermuda1 sunglasses 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!

My XX2i collection is GROWING!!!

As you may recall from my previous XX2i post, I am a HUGE fan of their sports sunglasses.  In fact, they are the only sunglasses I run in. I love how they look, feel and how durable they are.  So of course I jumped at the chance to try their new casual, lifestyle sunglasses the Bermuda1. 

Bermuda1 with case

The Bermuda1 are XX2i's first casual type sunglasses and they are not even for sale yet (coming soon!).  I received the matte tortoise color which I received many compliments on.  The Bermuda1 will also be available in matte black, white & black and crystal black. They have blue polarized lenses, look cool and good protection for your eyes. They also 4K optical technology ensuring frame durability and lens clarity which is also the same materials they use in their performance glasses.

running in my glasses

Aftershokz -- Trekz Titanium

Disclaimer: I received Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Headphones 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 will try really hard not to run these over :-o

Back in October I wrote about testing a pair of wireless headphones and how they helped bring music back into my running life.  Unfortunately, about a month later, I ran over them with my car after a run at the trail.  And no they did not still work after that! 

Ever since, I'd gone back to either playing music out loud on my phone or quiet runs.  I thought I didn't care about having music when I run but I was realizing that there are a lot of times I would really like to have it or that it even helps me get through a super tough run. So when the opportunity to test the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium came up, I gladly accepted.

Who Doesn't Love Chocolate?!

Disclaimer: I received entry to Philly Hot Chocolate 15K 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!

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of running the Philly Hot Chocolate 15K for the second year in a row.  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate however I didn't let that stop me from having a good time.

Last year, I ran by myself however Emir and the kids came down to support me.  They were planning on doing the same thing this year (what kids don't like candy and chocolate?!) however once Thursday came around the forecast did not look good, we decided it would be best if the fam stayed home which turned out to be an excellent decision.  Lucky for me, my sister Cindy wanted to run this race with me along with her bf Todd so at least I wouldn't have to face the rain alone. 

This year's jacket was better than last year, very nice!

Stroehmann Back on My Feet 5 miler

As you may recall, the last 3 years I have given away a free entry to the Philly BOMF 5 miler however I was never able to actually run the race.  This year the timing worked perfectly that I could run.  When I went on the website to register, I noticed there was a free kids run so of course I signed the kids up.  I knew Emir wasn't going to want to run since he just had the Mt. Tammany 10 the weekend before so that would work out to bring the kids down.  And my sister Cindy had registered to race so I was looking forward to running with her.

They love being involved at races

2 Toms -- Saving my Skin, one run at a time!

Disclaimer: I received 2TOMS SportShield 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!

Prior to Bibrave asking who wanted to test 2 Toms, I had never heard of them.  But when they said it was a product to prevent chafing, I HAD to try it.  I feel like I'm in a never ending battle with chafage.  Every time I think I've solved the problem, new chafage issues crop up.  It's not only annoying but PAINFUL!  I've tried MANY different products and combinations of things including my running apparel but nothing seems to make it go away completely.  At this point I was willing to try ANYTHING even though I knew nothing about the product!

I don't have pictures of all my inner thigh and back wounds but here's a couple of under arm pics to give you an idea....

AHHHHHHHH

 

Here's the description of the Sportshield product I was being sent:

SportShield® is a silicone-based anti-chafe product. SportShield® anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily.  It contains no animal products. - See more at: http://www.2toms.com/sportshield/#sthash.EDM8HVzy.dpuf

 "a Silicone-based anti-chafe product.  Sportshield anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily"

The SportsShield comes in two forms: the roll on bottle and the wipes.  Both are becoming a permanent part of my ultra drop bags!

Once it arrived, I realized it definitely was a much different product than any of the other anti-chafe products I have used.  It's a roll-on application and the actual anti-chafe stuff is very liquidy.  I was a bit skeptical at first but I did really enjoy the ease of the application.  I think I covered my whole body in like 2 seconds.  So much easier than those sticks.

It's SO EASY to just roll on whatever parts you want protected!! 

I saw a little residue when I put my running clothes on so I was concerned whether it had rubbed off or that it might stain my clothes.  Turns out neither of those things was true.  I did not chafe a single time that I used 2 Toms and my clothes came out of the wash stain free every time.  And in case you are wondering EXACTLY how it works.  You are basically "Rolling on a smooth, invisible coating to the skin.  This coating eliminates or greatly minimizes the friction that causes blisters, chafing and irritation."

2 Toms has become a part of my race kit!

I'm not one to be dramatic and tell you that a product is amazing but 2 Toms has really been a savior for me.  I used to dread taking showers after long runs or ultras.  I almost always had a chafed spot that would cause me to scream.  During the testing period, I ran many back to back long runs, a 50 mile race and One City Marathon.  I honestly did not get chafed a single time!  And this winter was crazy with the weather so I had the opportunity to test in everything from twenty layers to shorts and singlets.  I also wore my pack a number of times which has also been a source of chafage with certain sports bra combos.  Even with the usual deadly pack combos, I had no problems.

This is usually a DEADLY combo for me: sports bra + singlet + pack

Currently there is a 20% off discount code, 2 TOMS20, which I already used to stock up on more Sportshield for my upcoming 100.  There are also other blister and butt products available in addition to stink free detergent which I purchased a trial size since ALL my running clothes smell so bad.  I'll let you know how it goes!

MORE 2Toms!!!!!

SportShield® is a silicone-based anti-chafe product. SportShield® anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily.  It contains no animal products. - See more at: http://www.2toms.com/sportshield/#sthash.EDM8HVzy.dpuf