franklyrunning
Follow my journey in running, hiking, biking, and the outdoors!
Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Review
Disclaimer: I received a free Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner leash 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 wish this leash was out a long time ago when my dogs were young! Such an incredible idea to allow runners the ability to run hands free with their dogs and not get yanked to the ground! I’ve run many times with my dogs both together and one at a time and one thing always happened – my arms were tugged when the Ryno and Tucker saw any land creatures! I love the thought of running with them and getting them exercise but I didn’t want to get hurt or alter my paces just to have them go with.
When I was given the opportunity to test out the leash, I already knew it was going to go well. I’ve seen so many positive reviews from the running community and how they were able to enjoy their sport as well as getting their dogs some exercise. Ryno and Tucker were now going to be able to safely be with me and I could not worry about a tight leash.
The Stunt Runner is well worth the price of $44 and comes in 4 great colors: white, orange, blue, black, and red. I tested the orange since it matched my dogs collars and of course BibRave. The waist belt fits anyone from 28-49 inches and fits comfortably. The flexible connector stretches from 42 to 66 inches. That is a perfect dynamic stretch that normal leashes can not do! The leash is definitely high quality webbing that has been tested through the trails and woods where I run with no fraying. Being a firefighter, most of our life safety webbing is made and stitched in the very same way. The buckles are strong and also built well.
I would highly recommend the leash to dog owners that want a better alternative than a static leash and be hands free! My neighbor has asked and already ordered her own for when she runs with her dog. Thanks for a great quality item and genius design!
#bibrave #bibravepro #bibchat #stuntpuppybr
Zwift Running App
Disclaimer: I received a free Zwift Runpod 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’ve been testing out the Zwift Runpod and app for the last month. What is Zwift you ask? Well, simply put, it’s a virtual running or biking app that you can use on your treadmill or bike and virtually run with people from all over the world. There are workouts and group runs that are always scheduled and you get to run through some very cool areas.
What do you need to try it out? You’ll need a footpod which is very minimally priced, any treadmill, and a device to run Zwift on. This can be most iPhones, iPad, or certain PCs and Macs. I used my iPhone for all of my runs and it worked great. I’d imagine it’s much cooler on a bigger screen like an iPad or computer.
The courses go through London, Virginia, and a fantasy land called Watopia. You run through cool landscapes, beaches, rural roads, and a few other places. It’s so cool to run with other people and bikes out on the course. You can just run for fun or follow one of the training programs.
The app will connect to your other running apps like Garmin and Strava so you can keep a running diary of how your training is going. It keeps track of your paces, your strides and cadence, distances, intervals, and heart rate with an appropriate heart rate monitor. The more you run or bike, the more points you accumulate and can use them to customize your avatar in the program. You get to change shoes, socks, hats, glasses, hair colors and cuts, and many other options. There are also multiple views that you can watch as you exercise like third person, in front of, over, and behind.
I ran a few races with my fellow BibRave pros and it was so cool to virtually race each other and pace yourself with. The connection was easy and I suggest that if you plan on running with others that you log in early to ensure that the connection is strong and you can register steps with the footpod. I have yet to try it out with a stationary training bike but it looks to be pretty similar and fun. I was pretty happy with the opportunity to try such a fun piece of equipment and can now use it to run with friends from across the country!
#GiveGoodVibes with Aftershokz
Back during the Black Friday weekend and specials that AfterShokz was offering, I was given a pair of AfterShokz headphones to give as a gift for a special person who has affected me in some way. This was the #GiveGoodVibes promotion and the person I chose has been going through some tough times but was ALWAYS there for me with her support and motivation when I was down or going through my knee surgery and rehab.
Tina is one of the most selfless running friends I know and puts everyone before herself in life. That alone is a special trait that we can learn from her. Her amazing landscape photos of running through the mountains or her training for ultra races and Ironman are beyond impressive. She has always commented on my running escapades and been there for that extra push or congratulations. Giving away a pair of my favorite headphones was an easy decision to a friend who deserves them for being there and being a true role model. Truly leads by example!
AfterShokz #CyberMonday Deals
You already know how much I love my AfterShokz wireless headphones if you’ve scrolled through my feed! Now is the time to take advantage of the CyberMonday deals!!
Head over to share.aftershokz.com/FRANKN to see just how good the deal is!
#shokzsquad #givegoodvibes
WIN Detergent
Disclaimer: I received a free bottle of WIN Sports Detergent 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 know it may be hard to believe, but I don’t always smell like roses and fresh baked cookies. Sometimes I put in the work and smell like a dock worker after a long day of hauling in fish. There are so many laundry detergents out there that claim to be able to make anything smell good and clean better than the rest. I’ve been looking for something that doesn’t smell like flowers but definitely removes any odors. Luckily, I had the opportunity to test out WIN Sports Detergent for the past few days.
The WIN that I am using is WIN Green which is fragrance and dye free. It is specifically formulated to get the smell out of workout clothes. Also, with green, it’s biodegradable and safe for septic systems, not tested on animals, packaged in 25% post-consumer recycled plastic, and meets the EPA’s Safer Choice environmental standards.
What makes them different and how does it work?
Wicking Fabrics Attract Oils – You’ve heard that oil and water don’t mix? Turns out that’s a fundamental chemical principle. The very properties that allow fabrics to wick moisture away cause them to attract oils.
Those Oils are Home to Bacteria Which Create a Lingering Smell – As bacteria from your skin consume those oils, they create gases which give synthetics that telltale sweaty smell.
WIN’s Active Ingredients Separate Oils From Synthetics – WIN has ingredients not found in most supermarket detergents that are optimized to remove oils from synthetics.
By Removing the Oils, WIN Makes Your Apparel Smell and Perform Like New – Not only do those oils cause odor, they impede performance. By removing them, WIN makes your apparel wick better and last longer.
I’ve used the detergent only a handful of times but I am definitely happy with how my clothes are coming out. They no longer smell of death and there is not even a hint of built in sweat smell. Luckily I have a big bottle and will continue to test out the detergent on the days where I have heavy workouts or runs.
You can try it too and use the code RAVE4WIN to get 20% off of any purchase!
#bibchat #bibravepro #winbr
2018 North Shore Turkey Trot
Disclaimer: I’m promoting The North Shore Turkey Trot as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!
This is the last week to register for the North Shore Turkey Trot 5K or 10K! Come run on Thanksgiving morning! The race takes place in Highland Park, Illinois in 5 days! Both races start at 8am and that gives you plenty of time to get back and enjoy festivities with your family and friends! #bibchat #NSTTBR
Registration: Use the code BRTurkeyTrot for a free pair of sunglasses when you register HERE
Prices: $49 for the 5K and $64 for the 10K (Prices increase next week!)
Packet Pickup: Fleet Feet Deerfield Nov 20 from 10-6pm and Nov 21 from 10-6pm
So why should you run?
– To work off that holiday guilt!
– 8am start isn’t super early
– The course runs through the beautiful downtown district
– Walkers are still loved here
– There’s a gear check!
– MINI APPLE PIES at the finish line!
– FREE race photos!
– Live runner tracking!
– A Turkey Trot blanket in your packet pickup bag!
– You’d be running for a charity like The Highland Park Police Benevolent Association and Go The Extra Mile!
– RAM Racing always runs the most fun races!
2018 Hot Chocolate 15K Chicago
Disclaimer: I received free entry to 2018 Hot Chocolate 15K 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 race is coming up in 5 days! How much chocolate can you eat? Chicago lakefront races are about as scenic as it gets. Plus, the energy from this huge race can’t be beat. I’ve run this race a few times and it gets better every time. From the start line energy and music to the scenic course and cheering to the finish party and hot chocolate, RAM Racing thought of everything to get you pumped up to run! How have you not signed up already??
Expo Location & Times
McCormick Place
Hall C1
2301 S Martin Luther King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
Friday, November 2, 2018: 10am to 7pm
Saturday, November 3, 2018: 10am to 6pm
Race Start Times
Wave 1 (15k & 5K): 7:00am
Wave 2 (15k & 5k): 7:45am
2 mile walk – Walk start time: 8:30am (Note: Start time is tentative, the walk will start after the last wave 2 corral has cleared the start line)
The Medal!
Course Map
Register here and use the code BRHCChicago to get this cool arm band!
15K race is $74
5K race is $54
Walk for Special Olympics Adult $49
Walk for Special Olympics Child $44
#bibchat #HCChiBR #bibravepro
2018 North Shore Turkey Trot
Disclaimer: I’m promoting The North Shore Turkey Trot as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!
So I know you plan on indulging on Thanksgiving! We all do! We eat gloriously, then rest, chat with family and friends, watch some football, eat some more, and finally at the end of the night we realize just how much we partook! Here’s an idea to help relieve some of that guilt…
Come run the North Shore Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! The race takes place in Highland Park, Illinois in 26 days! You have the choice of running a 5K or a 10K. Both races start at 8am and that gives you plenty of time to get back and enjoy your Thanksgiving! #bibchat #NSTTBR
Registration: Use the code BRTurkeyTrot for a free pair of sunglasses when you register HERE
Prices: $44 for the 5K and $59 for the 10K (Prices increase next week!)
Packet Pickup: Fleet Feet Deerfield Nov 20 from 10-6pm and Nov 21 from 10-6pm
So why should you run?
- To work off that holiday guilt!
- 8am start isn’t super early
- The course runs through the beautiful downtown district
- Walkers are still loved here
- There’s a gear check!
- MINI APPLE PIES at the finish line!
- FREE race photos!
- Live runner tracking!
- A Turkey Trot blanket in your packet pickup bag!
- You’d be running for a charity like The Highland Park Police Benevolent Association and Go The Extra Mile!
- RAM Racing always runs the most fun races!
Claimed my results on Athlinks!
“Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Urban Bourbon 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!”
I claimed by results from the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon from this past weekend on Athlinks! While is was far from my fastest half marathon, I just enjoyed the race and watched out for my knee. Still, easily my favorite race and I am already looking forward to 2019! #bibchat #bibravepro #ubhm #ubhmbr #athlinksbr
2018 Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
“Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Urban Bourbon 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!”
Where do I even begin? This race has been on my radar for quite some time. Many of the BibRave Pros have run this in the past and I finally made it a goal to run it in 2018. It has easily become my favorite race for so many reasons. Right when I registered, I quickly made hotel reservations right next to the party! I was registered way in advance so eager anticipation built up. Everything about this race from initial registration to the post race party was as good as it gets. I already know I’ll be running this next year!
Registration – Easy as it gets. It’s clear on the website stating that since it’s a bourbon themed race that you have to be 21 years old to register. There were options to not only register as an individual but also teams. Price increases were well advertised.
Race Communication – We received plenty of emails leading up to the race letting us know about everything race related like course changes, special events, bourbon tastings, post race party details, etc. The last couple of weeks before the race, the emails were all about last minute details. It included parking information, Bib numbers, and packet pickup details.
Packet Pickup – There were two options for packet pickup with a VIP option or standard pickup at the PNC Club at Cardinal Stadium. Parking was free at the stadium. There was also some bourbon tasting at the expo and the standard souvenirs, race shirt exchange, and supplies. The VIP experience which I was privileged to be part of was at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse and was such an incredible opportunity. I met up with fellow BibRave Pros Emily and Jonathan Friday night. We were given free drinks, hors d’oeuvres, some live bluegrass music by the Tavern Travelers, and a complimentary token to participate in the Taste of History experience at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse that includes a small working distillery, a bottling line, and a tasting experience! We were taught all about how to properly drink bourbon and sampled some great drinks. At the end, you also had the opportunity to purchase a Jim Beam White Label commemorative bottle that was laser engraved with your choice of design.
The Swag – The long sleeve gender specific tech shirt is freaking great! The fit is right on and I’ll be sporting it on these recovery days!
The Race – I always love a high energy pre race and the Urban Bourbon didn’t disappoint. The weather was tad chilly at the beginning but for a Midwesterner, it was perfect for a half marathon! I met up with my fellow BibRave pros right next to the start line for a quick picture opportunity. There were no corrals but there were some great pacers with very visible signs that you could guide your way in to run with them. We were led off by the Kentucky Derbys official butler Steve Buttleman who had a chilling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner! Absolutely incredible. As for the course itself, there were some beautiful areas we ran through with on course entertainment in certain areas. Going through the Cherokee Park was so scenic but those hills were a true test!! There was plenty of on course spots for family and friends to encourage the runners and hold those friendly motivational signs.
The Post Race Party – Hello??!! Bourbon Bash!! By far, the BEST post race party I’ve ever seen. Let’s see, live music by the Louisville Crashers, free Falls City beer, a slice of pizza, bourbon samples, and burgoo. This was all held at Fourth Street Live. The ID bracelet we wore had tabs for each of these items and the general public was able to sample as well for a small fee. There was even a spot for table massages should you need a quick fix after the race. It was packed full of people and energy and so much fun! Other races could definitely take note on how to post race party!! Also had the opportunity to see the Race Director Michael who did such an amazing job with this whole race.
The Medal – Um yeah, this speaks for itself. I’ve seen many of the medals from years past and when I saw this one come out, I could not wait to get mine!
Orange Mud Ambassador
Aftershokz #shokzsquad
franklyrunning 