Sport Hooks Review

Tweet

I was recently given the opportunity to review a new medal hanger. I love displaying my medals and I've rapidly run out of space and am always looking for some new creative ways to display mine. Thankfully Sport Hooks sent me this gorgeous medal hanger!

Quality: I found it to be sturdy, simple, and easy to install.
Price: Prices range from $19-$70 depending on the type and size of display you're looking for. This is relatively on par with the other hangers out there.
Product Availability:
They offer many practical and stylish displays. They offer finishes in black, bronze, and silver. Prices range from $19-$70 depending on the type and size of display you're looking for. This is relatively on par with the other hangers out there. They also offer triathlon, Ironman, and bib displays and even add-on bars to extend your current display.

If you're looking for something to hang your Rock 'n' Roll medals on, they even offer some rockin' specific displays:

Sport Hooks can also often be seen and are available for purchase at many Rock 'n' Roll expos, I certainly hope they will be joining us here for the Oasis Rock 'n' Roll Vancouver Half Marathon & Cunningham Seawall 10k.

Until then, you can like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to stay in the loop!

Finding a sports bra that actually works...

Tweet

For my male readers, if I have any... you can stop reading now as I don't believe this will apply to you.

Part of what I'm doing differently for marathon training this time around is trying to work out all the the things that gave me trouble the last time. Working out the kinks is especially going to be important in May/June since I'll have so many marathons so close together, recovery is going to be paramount.

Something that was a real problem happens to be a bit of an intimate subject. This is the post that inspired me to finally do something about it. A friend posted it on Facebook and I cannot thank her enough because boy do I feel a lot better!

For the past two years, I have been wearing a variety of sports bras and to be honest, they have pretty much all failed me. Many of my previous sports bras gave me some pretty serious chafing underneath my chest where the band sits. After the marathon, it was so bad that I had blisters there.

I think part of the reason I have waited so long to really research this topic is I knew that finding something that actually worked for me was going to cost more money than I'd like to pay for an undergarment. I've outlined the 3 bras I've used the most and the one that I've recently found and decided that I can't live without.

-Prices are in Canadian dollars-

1. The Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer $58.00
This bra goes up to a size DD which is why I thought it would work well for me. I like that it has nice wide straps so it has some stability, but it's the support underneath that is missing and unfortunately, I don't think the size was really working for me either... and then of course there's the chafing issue. And ahem... the price! If you're going to spend that much, you might as well invest in a real bra.

2. Handful Adjustable Bra $48.00
I actually really like this bra, just not for running. The idea behind this bra is to "flatter not flatten". I like to wear it around the house or to sleep in but it doesn't have enough support for me to run in. Handful is a great company but definitely more designed for a smaller-chested woman.

3. Lululemon All Sport Bra $52.00
This, I think has to be the worst one, especially now looking at the pictures... It is also very similar to the Nike sports bra I also wore for a while. Though, I probably have used it or others like it the most. I think it gave me the illusion of support because it was so tight that it held everything in place. However the band isn't really holding anything up and the so-called flat seams are what gave me those horrible blisters. After a while, it also gives you what I believe is referred to as "uni-boob", so NOT flattering...

4. The Panache Sport Bra $79.99
By far the most expensive bra, but so unbelievably worth it. For the amount of time I spend running, I can't believe I've walked around so uncomfortable for so long. I've always believed in having the right bra during my normal daily activities, so why should running be any different? I happened to find this bra 20% off last week and I loved it so much that I went back and bought a second one, the very last one they had actually. It has underwire, wide straps, and the ability to convert to a racerback. I wore it on my 14k run last Sunday and a few other short runs and I've had no chafing issues, everything stays secure and in the right place, and above all else, I feel a lot more comfortable. I didn't realize how uncomfortable I actually was before until I ran with this bra on.

And since, lets face it, I wear running clothes the majority of the time, I'm getting a lot of use out of it. Personally I think it looks pretty good too.

P.S. This is not a sponsored post, just sharing my thoughts/opinions. Believe it or not, I bought ALL of those sports bras... Also, I apologize for the terrible iPhone photos but it seemed a little strange to be taking the tripod and "good" camera out to take pictures of my bras... haha.

Running Jewels Review & Giveaway

Tweet

If you live in the US, I'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

If you live in Canada, happy Thursday!

 

Before I ran the marathon distance, I was already thinking about getting a piece of jewelry to commemorate the big event. I looked around but nothing really caught my eye that was within my budget. Then when I ran the Surrey Marathon in September I met this wonderful lady at the Health and Wellness expo, Cathy the owner and creator of Running Jewels. 

I talked to her a bit about my blog and she expressed interest about doing a review/giveaway. Well I've been wearing this necklace since the beginning of November. I haven't taken it off at all, not to shower or anything.

My skin is very sensitive to jewelry and I easily react to things. I have not had any problems at all with this necklace because it is made from very high quality sterling silver. I love wearing something that represents me as a runner when I'm not actually wearing my running clothes which is um... hardly ever haha.

When you visit the Running Jewels Etsy shop, you can customize each necklace to have the distance/wording and Swarvoski stone of your choice. This a great gift for any runner on your list and at a great price point with necklaces ranging from $23.00-32.00.

The necklace that Cathy has graciously sent me to give away is this one:

Sterling silver 18" necklace with "Run" charm, shoe charm, and 2 Swarvoski stones (ruby & emerald).

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that Running Jewels only provided me with the necklaces and is not compensating me for this review in any other way, it is solely based on my own experience with the product.- 

Running on the Wall Review & Giveaway

Tweet

So this is it, by the time this is posted (scheduled for Sunday morning) I should be in the middle of my very first FULL marathon. To celebrate this accomplishment (hopefully!) I'm hosting another giveaway!

Running on the Wall is where I bought my first ever medal display from and I love it, see below.

 

As you can see it filled up quite quickly so I needed to find another one! I particularly wanted another one in anticipation of receiving the marathon medal... soon to be revealed! The great people at Running on the Wall sent me another one and included a bib hanger to give away right here on the blog, hooray!

 

Here's my new display set up!

 

All of their products are made with a sturdy recycled wood and several gold hooks are sent along with your package (with pre drilled holes but not screwed in so it doesn't get damaged when shipping). As you can see above, I have definitely tested the weight limits and it has withstood over 25 medals at once. There are all sort of displays with different colors and sayings to fit your style and décor. Feel free to check out their website and have a look! The prices range depending on what you're looking for, but a bib holder is about $30 and the same goes for a medal holder.

 

So up for grabs on this awesome giveaway is the following bib holder valued at $33.99:

Note that there are 2 sets of hooks and corresponding pre-drilled holes for different sized bibs as well as hooks for the bottom to hang some medals! It will look something like this when put together:

The giveaway will run until next Sunday, good luck! Hopefully I will be hanging this beauty up Sunday afternoon:



 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that Running on the Wall only provided me with 1 running medal display and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

Injinji Review & Giveaway

Tweet

So it's finally Marathon week and this is my 2nd giveaway of 3 to celebrate my 1st FULL marathon taking place in 6 days, whoa!

I was approached recently to try out some Injinji toesocks. I had read about them on other blogs but had never tried them personally. Considering I began having some issues with blisters a couple of months ago mid-marathon training, I was more than willing to try out some new socks!

I was sent 3 different pairs: original weight, medium weight, and light weight. I've found that I prefer the light weight or the original weight, but they are all very comfortable.

They come in several different colors and are available in no-show or mini crew. I've only tried the mini crew so far but plan on ordering some no-show soon. I'm totally in love with these socks, all my blister issues have since ceased.

Injinji carries several different types of socks for running, trails, yoga, and they even have some compression socks which I can't wait to try!

There's no doubt that I will be wearing these on marathon day and for all my future runs! In honor of finding my new favorite socks I'm hosting a giveaway! The winner will have their choice of one pair of running socks ($12-$14) subject to availability. You can check out the options here: http://www.injinji.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that Injinji only provided me with the socks and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

BAMR Bands Review & Giveaway

Tweet

Have you ever read http://www.katieheddleston.com/ well I absolutely LOVE her blog (especially the gluten free recipes) and if you do you've probably heard of BAMR Bands. Katie created the non-slip headbands herself. BAMR stands for Bad Ass Mother Runner, isn't that awesome?

Excerpt from www.katieheddleston.com:
"BAMR bands are 7/8 inch non-slip fitness (and fashion) headbands for a cause. One dollar from every headband goes to the charity, Every Mother Counts - a charity aiming to “end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Every Mother Counts informs, engages, and mobilizes new audiences to take action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women worldwide.”"

What's not to love about a great headband that doesn't slip, comes in all sorts of patterns and colors, and helps out a charity?!?

Katie has generously sent me a headband to review and will give the winner of the following giveaway a headband of their choice (open to US & Canada readers)!

I love my green chevron headband and wear it all the time, I've worn it for running but also just for every day use. I like that it's wider than my other headbands but doesn't slide around and holds the little fly-away hairs in.

I've also noticed since I've had the headband since June (Sorry this took me so long Katie!), that it has lasted a lot longer and doesn't stretch or doesn't show sweat and general wear as badly as my other bands. If you're looking for a headband to get you through a run and that will transition to coffee/brunch after, I'd highly recommend these fashionable bands! Here are just a few of my favorite patterns:

If you'd like to win one of these awesome headbands please feel free to the enter the giveaway below. It will be open until this Saturday at noon. The winner will receive 1 headband of their pattern choice, options can be seen here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that www.katieheddleston.com only provided me with a headband and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

Road ID Review & Giveaway

Tweet

Regretfully it has been a while since my last post. Sometimes life just gets in the way I suppose. Packing for our big move and studying has really challenged my time management skills. Anyways I've still been managing to get my long runs in which in my mind I are the most important. My shorter weekly runs have suffered but I'm still managing okay. To reward all of you still following my blog during this busy time I've got an awesome review/giveaway to help keep you safe!

Most people think of running as a relatively safe sport, that isn't altogether true especially when running on the roads. A few months ago I was preparing for a race out of town and I considered what could happen if something happened to me out there on course, how would my family know? A lot of races take your health information at the time of registration, but in the event of an emergency how long does it take to access that information? I have asthma and thankfully have it pretty well controlled but what if I had an attack and I couldn't communicate this to the emergency responders? Well I found my answer with Road ID.

 

Road ID carries a range of products meant to keep you safe communicate necessary information in the even that you are unable to. They have everything from wristbands, apparel, reflective products, shoe tags, etc. I approached them wanting to get a wrist ID for myself so that first responders would have my information if necessary. They were more than generous and I was able to get a wrist band for myself and for my son!

Road ID Slim $17.99 each (7 different color choices)

Road ID Slim $17.99 each (7 different color choices) in size XS for toddlers.

There is plenty of room on the wristbands for your name, medical information, and emergency contacts. I even had enough room to put a motivational phrase on mine. You also have the ability to pay for interactive web support which means that a first responder can access comprehensive medical information and you can update it at any time in case of changes. Road ID also provided a list of abbreviations if you are unsure of what to put on your band such as "NKA" which translates to "No Known Allergies".

I found the slim wristband to be comfortable and have had no issues whatsoever with either product. My son enjoys wearing his and though it may not be necessary yet, I like the idea of him having it for when we travel in case we were to get separated or he was to get lost. You can also purchase just the slim band (if you want to have different colors of if your child grows out of it) for $1.99/ea.

 

I think that everyone should consider investing in something like this for your own personal safety and peace of mind. Please visit Road ID to check out the full range of products.

 

The winner of the giveaway will receive a $35 Road ID gift card Ecard code to use for any Road ID product. Good luck, the giveaway will close at 12:00PM (PST) on Friday August 2, 2013.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that RoadID only provided me with the gift card and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

Pro Compression Review & Giveaway

Tweet

Over the past year I've tried so many things to help me in recovery post-run but I don't know that it has ever been more important than with my plans THIS weekend. So to celebrate presumably finishing my last two half's for the 13in2013 challenge this weekend I'm having a giveaway to help you with your recovery and compression needs!

I've tried a few different types of compression socks but I really love ProCompression! In my opinion they have a really nice selection of styles and colors and their sizing works for me. Sizing is really important when it comes to compression wear; if it's too small, you won't be able put them on and if you do happen to squeeze them over your legs they won't be comfortable for very long. If they are too big well then you aren't going to get the benefit of compression therefore defeating the purpose all together. The "Marathon Purple" socks pictured below are $50/pair which is rather reasonable as far as compression gear goes.

I've been walking around in these while cleaning all day!

Anyways, I've tried 3 different brands of compression socks and though I find one other one is OK, the Pro Compression ones are my favorite, the S/M size fits just right for me and I can't wait to get some more colors!

Colors WANTED!: Marathon Orange, Pink Argyle, Baby Blue

The winner of this giveaway will receive one pair of Pro Compression socks in their size and color choice (click on the link to see your options)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run until next Thursday at 8:00AM!

Lock Laces Review & Giveaway

Tweet

As you may have already read yesterday, I posted about signing up for my first full Marathon and being named an official blogger for the Surrey International World Music Marathon. To celebrate this exciting news and the fact that I will be running my 17th half marathon tomorrow morning I'm throwing a giveaway!

Lock Laces are innovative shoe laces that have a fastening system that prevents your shoelaces from becoming untied (a necessity for runners/triathletes/walkers/or anyone with shoes). The lock is fast to tighten/loosen and they even come with a cord tip clip that protects the lace ends from becoming frayed. They are cut-to-size so they will fit any pair of shoes.

I've worn them for a few races now and have had no issues at all, I worried about them not being tight enough but they're easily adjustable and stay in place. I'm a lock laces convert for sure and will be investing in some other colors soon. I'm sure they're going to be a staple over the next few months of marathon training... I really don't think I need to exert any extra effort tying my shoes...

Lock Laces retail for $7.99/each and come in a variety of colors, they also have multipacks available for purchase on their site.

But if you just enter my giveaway here you might not need to go buy any, I've got TWO sets up for grabs: one orange, and one black!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that Lock Laces sent me only the product and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

Nuun Hydration Review & Giveaway

Tweet

Well it's almost time for the Portland Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. We are starting our 7 hour road trip at 6:00AM tomorrow... it's time to start hydrating! How? Why with Nuun of course!

What is Nuun?
Electrolyte enhanced drink tabs to keep you hydrated! When I originally looked into Nuun I thought it was just to take along as race fuel but I have since found that I love drinking it ALL the time. It's a nice way to keep myself drinking lots of water and make it less "boring". It's helped me stay away from sugary drinks like pop/juice. Nuun products do not contain any sugar and they are less than 8 calories per tab, they are also gluten-free!

How do you use it?
It's pretty simple:

The Nuun website recommends 1 tablet per 16 oz of water.

Where can you buy it?
It is popular and easy to find at most sport supply stores, I see at my local Running Room all the time. However you can also buy it online: http://nuun.com/ (free shipping until Sunday May 19)

What do I think of Nuun?
I definitely approve of Nuun, mostly for keeping me hydrated on a daily basis, though I do take it along on some of my runs as well. My favorite flavor is lemonade, and Griffin's favorite is watermelon.  The cherry limeade (caffeine enhanced) is yummy too, especially when it's ice cold! I've even read about other bloggers/twitter friends freezing it and drinking it in "slushy" form, now that sounds delicious especially after a hot summer run! I keep a tube of tablets in my purse for when I'm out and I need to spice up my water at a restaurant or refill my bottle after CrossFit, it's very convenient that way. Nuun has become a part of my pre-race routine and really my every day routine.

Giveaway:
The winner will receive the same three flavors pictured below!

Cherry Limeade (Caffeine Enhanced)

Watermelon

Lemonade

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that Nuun sent me only the product and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

KT Tape Review & Giveaway

Tweet

I first saw KT Tape back when I did the Tinkerbell Half Marathon . Unfortunately at that expo I really didn't have the time to stop and get taped by them, I wish I had though because then I would have discovered how much I LOVE it!

As you may know I occasionally experience problems with Runner's Knee especially on my longer runs. I reached out to KT Tape to see if they'd give me a chance to try their product. I was so grateful that they sent me 2 whole rolls of KT Tape Pro!

I received the tape just in time for my back-to-back long run weekend. I was so excited to try it as I needed to take advantage of every recovery method possible for 17km on Saturday and then 24km on Sunday! I believe KT Tape and compression socks saved me that weekend, I'm not sure my knee would have survived...

When I first opened the box my biggest concern was being able to put the tape on in the right way so that it would support my knee and provide stability. However I need not worry because their directions are totally awesome, they even have videos with further description as well as printable instructions for each ailment.
Here is the Runner's Knee video:

Mine doesn't look quite as nice as the video but I definitely feel the support.

Contrasting tape for my back to back weekend!

Taping for BMO Vancouver International Half Marathon tomorrow!

It's not just for your knee, KT Tape Pro provides relief, support, and stability for a variety of issues, you can check that out here. At $19.99 for 20 Pro Strips it may seem on the expensive side but the convenience and value in the product makes it worth it in my opinion. I now have 4 rolls of KT Tape so I can match all my different running outfits!

Tomorrow's race is a pink day thus the pink KT Tape. I will have a review coming up, but I'll give you a hint; so far race weekend has been pretty A-MAZING including a lunch with Bart Yasso, so cool! You'll have to wait for the details because I need sleep before Half Marathon #14 tomorrow!

So to tie you over in the meantime here is my KT Tape giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Please note that KT Tape sent me only the product and is not compensating me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product- 

Mom Monday & Wet Bag Giveaway

Tweet

I've been trying to find a way to incorporate a "mom specific" post into my blog for a while, I recently decided that Monday's on the blog will now be known as "Mom Monday" where I will talk about my experiences with motherhood. If any of you other bloggers are interested in a linkup for future Mom Monday's, please leave a comment below.

When I became a Mom about 18 months ago my whole life changed, yea I know people say that all the time, but it really does. There's so many things I thought I knew but I really had no clue. There are lots of complex topics that fit into that statement that I want to and will talk about but I thought I should start small...

When I become a Mom my interpretation of the word "independence" changed. I am my own person but I am also a Mom which means I usually have a little boy vying for my attention for what used to feel like 24 hours a day (and I'm sure some days it was) and now is more like 12 hours a day. When you have a child it's always about the next thing, first it was when are they going to sit up? When are they going to crawl? Walk? Talk? It just goes on and on. And then when it happens I always have a mini panic attack when I realize he doesn't need me in the same way he did before, he's growing up. On the bright side it means he's gaining independence and so am I.

When you are a new Mom it's the little things that help you maintain your sanity and your independence. I love getting out with Griffin (my son) even if we're just going to the park but I've always hated toting around a giant knapsack or baby bag. It sounds so silly but I missed just having a purse. About 6 months ago I decided enough is enough and I needed to find a solution. I was frustrated that the few times I went out without Griffin I had to switch bags or carry the baby bag, what a pain (who wants to carry diapers around on date night)... I began searching, I tried little backpacks and some various tote bags but everything felt like a baby bag or it just wasn't big enough. That was until I found out that someone I know, or should I say reconnected with on Facebook (Isn't FB funny that way) makes these bags called "wet bags":

2 Wet Bags created by Made Just For You - by Lisa

It's so simple and perfect when you think about it, it's a cotton bag with a waterproof interior. You can customize it by picking your own fabric, and she has tons of options. You can even get coordinating snack bags made as well. Because it is not a formed stiff type of bag you can sort of throw everything in there you might need and it fits everywhere including under the stroller. You can't see in this picture but it also has a small strap on the side. So now when I go out with or without Griffin I still get to carry a purse. Sometimes he even carries the wet bag, whoa!

Here's a picture of a coordinated blanket, wet bag, and snack bag:

In honor of the beginning of Mom Mondays Lisa has generously offered to give a wet bag to one of my readers, ooooh! So here's all the info:

FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MadeJustForYouByLisa
(The majority of the fabric options are on the FaceBook page and if you'd like to place an order please just send a direct msg via the FaceBook page)
Etsy Page: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madejustforyoubylisa

Wet Bag Info
Size: 13" by 16" (custom sizes available, message Lisa for a quote)
Price: $25

The winner will receive one Wet Bag in a fabric of their choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lisa also makes blankets and other custom items, here's Griffin modeling his new chevron minky blanket:

Bulu Box Product Review & Giveaway

Tweet

So the blog got a makeover! I hope you love it, because I sure do :)

To celebrate I have another product review and giveaway to share!

Bulu Box is a monthly subscription program that provides vitamin, supplement, and weight loss products. 

Bulu Box did offer me the opportunity to become a brand ambassador but I respectfully declined their invitation, it is important to me to retain the integrity of my blog and that all my product reviews are based solely on my own experience and that there is no bias over the review. So here's what I got:

1. Dream Water: "Has natural ingredients that can improve sleep quality if consumed 20-40 minutes before bed." I LOVE this, I always have trouble getting to sleep, anything that could improve that is a bonus for me.

2. QSpeed CoQ10 100mg: "Delicious, natural orange flavored, sugar free, fast melt tablet formulated with CoQ10." I haven't tried this one but I look forward to doing it before my next long run!

3. Prolab Quick Fire (Pre workout amplifier): "Each dose fuels your body with a surge of nitric-oxide-induced blood flow, supplying nutrients to fuel muscle contractions and promote vascularity."

4. Redd Remedies atEASE PM: "Anxiety and nervous tension are some main causes of restlessness, atEase has a blend of natural ingredients that help you relax naturally..." 

5. AeroShot Energy: "...an air-based shot of energy delivering a unique powdered blend of B vitamins plus 100mg of caffeine that starts working right away..." Love energy shots before a run!

6. iTrain Download | Workout $50 gift card: "Jam-pack your MP3 player with workouts from the premier source for downloadable fitness programs featuring the best music and top celebrity trainer voice-overs." Can't wait to use this one, and $50 is a lot!

They have different lengths of subscriptions but they all basically amount to $10/month unless you sign up for 12 months and then you save $10. They also have a reward points program. At this time they only ship to the US (but you can still enter the giveaway if you're from Canada). 

All in all it seems like a great service if you're looking to try different supplements. They even included a little fitness booklet with some different exercises.

I had a great experience with their customer service and box arrived in no time at all!

-Please note that Bulu Box sent me only the product and is not paying me for this review, it is solely based on my own experience with the product-

Here is the giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Raw Threads Review & Giveaway

Tweet

Back in January when I went to the Tinkerbell Half Marathon Expo in Disneyland I visited this awesome booth full of really soft athletic clothing, it was the Raw Threads booth. That was in the early stages of reviving my blog and I hadn't started doing any product reviews, so when I finally started approaching companies I was really hoping that Raw Threads would respond. I couldn't wait to put one of those soft t-shirts on, thankfully they responded and were so generous to send me TWO tshirts!

I've always had trouble finding comfortable technical wear, some I find to be too stiff or it makes me itchy because the moisture-wicking  fabric contains polyester. Well, these t-shirts are totally different than any other athletic t-shirt I've ever had, actually different than ANY t-shirt I've ever had. They are SO soft, the bamboo cotton is breathable and stretchy. I'll admit I've been wearing them other than just to run because I love them that much. They have some really cute designs, especially the Half Marathon/Marathon themed ones, I'll definitely be visiting them again for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon in November. You can check out all the designs on their website here.

Here are a few facts about Raw Threads clothing:
-Bamboo natural fibers
-Anti-odor
-UPF 50+ sun protection
-4-way stretch
-Moisture-wicking
-Regulates core temperature

I wore one of my Raw Threads shirts during my Virtual Jelly Bean Half Marathon on Saturday and it felt great. I wasn't too hot, I felt relatively dry and I think I looked pretty awesome out there LOL.

-please note that Raw Threads sent me only the product and is not paying me for this review, it is purely based on my own experience with the product-

Do you want to win an awesome Raw Threads t-shirt? Then you should enter the giveaway, this is the t-shirt up for grabs:

Don't forget it's mandatory to leave blog post comment! Once the giveaway has ended I will announce the winner and they will have 48 hours to contact me with their information and shirt size so I can have Raw Threads ship you a t-shirt. Good Luck!

Please Note: The winner will have the option to choose either the Marathon OR Half Marathon version of the shirt. If a male wins, this is the shirt they will receive: http://rawthreads.org/BEERRUN.aspx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RunnerBox Review & Giveaway

Tweet

I've been contacting several companies over the last little while about doing product reviews and possibly a giveaway, RunnerBox is one of the companies that responded right away! I have to say if there all multiple companies out there offering similar product, I would choose one product over the other based on customer service and RunnerBox has excellent and efficient customer service!

The RunnerBox has a great website that can be found here. They have a couple of different options:
1) A compact RunnerBox to be shipped monthly for $10.00
or
2) A regular RunnerBox subscription shipped bi-monthly (ever other month) for $20.00
or
3) A 6-month RunnerBox subscription charged in 3 installments of $20.00
or
4) A RunnerBox GIFT BOX a one time shipment for the cost of $20.00
or
5) A gluten-free RunnerBox GIFT BOX a one time shipment for the cost of $20.00

All of these seem very affordable to me for the amount of stuff in the box. It would be a great gift for your fellow running/fitness friends. They also make TriBoxes specialized for triathletes.
Typically RunnerBox ships mainly to the United States because of the increased shipping cost to Canada. There is a flat $5 rate for shipping anywhere in the US.  RunnerBox is not currently set up on the website to take Canadian addresses, (it has to be set up specially for international shipping)  but if anyone from Canada would like to order RunnerBox they can order by emailing Staci @ s.dietzel@therunnerbox.com - she will set that up for you!  All Canadian shipping rates are now $19.95 for boxes.  They ship USPS.

Now for what's in the box I received (every month is a different set of stuff so if you happen to win the giveaway it may not be exactly as pictured):

1. A nice pair of RunnerBox gloves, I love these type of gloves they are easy to pull on/off while running and you can tuck them in your belt and they also machine wash very well.
2. Chocolate Muscle Milk Light - this is similar to chocolate milk however it contains no actual milk and is a protein based nutrition shake, great for post-run!
3. Chocolate Agave Slo-Burn Energy - Organic and 100% agave sweetened, a healthier option for an energy boost during your run
4. Bonk Breaker PB&J Energy Bar- Great pre/post run snack!
5. 2 x CocoaVia Supplements (Unsweetened Dark Chocolate, Cran-Raspberry) - contains cocoa flavanols that are scientifically proven to help support healthy circulation. These are conveniently packaged so you can travel with them and mix with your bottle of water or cup of coffee.
6. Picky Bars Lauren's Mega Nuts Peanut Butter Booyah! - This bar is delicious and I will definitely be adding them to my pre - race breakfast!
7. Shower Pill Athletic Body Wipes - Great idea to slip in your checked bags for after a race!
8. Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans - I already use sport beans when i race and I love them, looking forward to the caffeine boost from the "extreme" version.
9. SiMbi Bracelet & Hair Tie - I see these everywhere and I love them, when you wear your hair tie on your wrist all day like I do it's nice to have it look like a bracelet, much more appealing and a great alternative to your average elastic.
10. SportLegs Dietary Supplement - These are meant to be taken before and after exercise to prevent lactic acid buildup in legs and soreness, these are also gluten-free.
11. Honey Stinger Pomegranate Passion Energy Chews - I love the flavor of these and will be adding them to my bag of goodies for racing!

Overall my experience with RunnerBox has been extremely positive and other than the shipping cost to Canada I love everything about it. The thing about all the different products out there for running, it's often impossible and expensive to try them all, RunnerBox is the perfect solution. You get to try ONE of something before committing to a whole box! Also, I know I would definitely look forward to picking up the mail knowing all those goodies were on the way every other month. With just this one box I already have a few things I know I will buy more of including the SiMbi Bracelet/Hair Tie, Picky Bars, and the Honey Stingers!

-please note that RunnerBox sent me only the product and is not paying me for this review, it is purely based on my own experience with the product-

Now here's the GIVEAWAY! Don't forget it's mandatory to leave blog post comment! Once the giveaway has ended I will announce the winner and they will have 48 hours to contact me with their information so I can have RunnerBox ship you a box. Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Knuckle Lights Review & Giveaway

Tweet

I've been searching for something new to light the way when I run so I contacted Knuckle Lights and they sent me some of their product to review, so here it is:

-please note that Knuckle Lights sent me this product with no bias over this review, it is purely based on my own experience with the product-

Price:
$39.99/ for one set (2 Knuckle Lights)

Product Description:
According to their website it is the first and only light designed to be worn on your hands. Each light puts out 45 lumens. They have adjustable straps and 3 light settings (High, Low, & Blinking).

Product Performance:
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel running with something on my hands as I tried one of the handheld water bottles once and I hated running with it. However, I really enjoyed wearing the Knuckle Lights. They weren't heavy and I appreciated that I didn't have to reach up to adjust my light position like I normally would have to with a headlamp. If I wanted to look ahead or at something on the ground I literally just moved the position of my hand, so simple. As a runner, I definitely think I could get away with just the Knuckle Lights, normally I would wear a headlamp and a light on my fuel belt but I didn't wear those tonight. Knuckle Lights are VERY bright, there was no question that it made a difference seeing the area in front of me and I was definitely recognizable to cars and other people. I also liked how I was able to adjust the Knuckle Lights to different spots on my hand and it was pretty much comfortable in every position.

Conclusion:
All in all these are a great product and I will be using them again. They would be great for pretty much any runner or walker. I will even take mine out to walk the dog.

GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win one set of two Knuckle Lights (batteries included):

Note: You MUST like Knuckle Lights on FaceBook AND LEAVE A BLOG POST COMMENT for your entry to be valid!a Rafflecopter giveawayA big thank you to Knuckle Lights for their support and for providing me with this product to review and giveaway, good luck everyone! Make sure to pay attention to the blog & twitter, once I announce the winner you have 48 hours to respond to me with your mailing address, if at that point there is no response another winner will be chosen.

It was announced on Twitter shortly after the giveaway ended but the winner of this Giveaway is: Pavement Runner
Congratulations!