Tag: BibRave

BibRave, Product Review

It’s a Handful

Fallon @ Slacker Runner

Disclaimer: I received a Closer Bra from Handful 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!

Okay, let’s get honest here- I have a chafing problem. A real one. And it’s bad.

For now, lets talk the dreaded bra chafe.

I have numerous sports bras- some inexpensive, some very expensive. Pull over the head and front zip. The front zips while easier to get on and off rip me up no matter how much I slather up. I’ve used Body Glide, Vaseline, Squirrel’s Nut Butter- nothing works. I end runs and races with severe chafe to the point of slices at the bottom right of the front zipper and top left of the zipper. Any run over 4 miles and I would end up bloody. I’ve shoved my shirt up under my sports bra numerous times just to see if it helped.

Oh and the pull over ones? Chafe all along the back band. Not to mention how next to impossible they are to get off post run.

I had heard good things about Handful so when the opportunity came up, I thought why not? I opted for the Closer version as I really do love the ease of a front zip.

It was cute!!!

Here’s where things get tricky. I am currently up in weight- a lot- but all my sports bras are mediums. According to the Handful website you should choose your shirt size when ordering a bra. My shirts range from mediums to extra large. I chose a large. Once it arrived, I was excited. It seemed very soft and was super cute. Except… it didn’t fit. Like at all, there was no way that was getting zipped up. Nope. So I sent it back and exchanged it for an extra large. Which I won’t lie, stung a little.

Yeah, should have taken a pic of just the bra

Once it arrived, I tried it on right away. It felt big so I tightened the adjustable straps on the back. Took it for an 8 mile run, no chafe! It felt a little loose on the downhills though. So I tightened it again. Better. Took it for more runs. Still soft, still no chafe. Hmmm.

I gave it the ultimate test up in Napa this past weekend. Thanks to the temper tantrum that is my GI system, I was in the sports bra for over 5 hours. 3 of those were running hours… ok trying to run hours. Zero chafe!!!!! I didn’t even think that was possible. Who knew???

I am sold on the softness and the chafe free-ness. I do feel like I need it to be a little tighter but I can’t tighten the straps anymore. Handful does sell extra pads to insert so I could buy some and use those to make it a snugger fit. Or I can finally get my act together and to get to a point where I can buy the large. Plus that way I can get a fun pattern too.

Want your own? Use code BIBRAVE20 for 20% off.

How do you avoid chafe?

BibRave, Race Day, Recap, Run!

Napa Valley Marathon- Half Recap

Fallon @ Slacker Runner

Disclaimer: I received a VIP entry into Napa Valley Half 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!

I knew Napa Valley was going to be interesting, I just had no idea how much that was true.

In other words- a new personal worst! And a PR for port-a-potty stops.

Race morning dawned early and a little chilly. I dressed and headed off for the start line. My stomach literally spasmed the moment I got out of the car. Um, what?

I headed to the tasting room at Conn Creek Winery which was the VIP area. People- a warm room and real bathrooms are so worth it. However my stomach felt ok again. Hmmm.

I met up with Stephanie from Run Strong Run and we headed to the start. Actually a little late- most runners had already started- we crossed the start line with the 3:00 hour pacers. We soon separated but it was nice ststarting with someone.

There’s a really tiny balloon in this pic

Miles 1-2 11:35, 12:16
I was feeling ok, but I knew I was out of shape so after about half a mile, I turned on my run/ walk intervals. I was enjoying the perfect cloudy weather and watching hot air balloons rise with the sun over pretty vineyards. Exactly what I had hoped for.

Mile 3 12:49
We had reached the first aid station, water bathroom and electrolytes- but I was fine. Half a mile later I was not fine. Not at all.

This is the scenery I love

Miles 4-6 12:45, 12:27, 17:20
Oh dear lord- where is next aid station?!?? This is a problem. Oh look pretty views, oh, ow, stomach bad. Just before mile 6- oh, hallelujah- an aid station.

Miles 7-8 12:45, 16:45
Ok, that was rough and I’m still not feeling great but let’s keep moving. Nope. Stomach doesn’t agree and now I’m worried there’s not another station until mile 9. Oh lord. Except, wait! Another station just before 8!

Miles 9- 11 12:50, 13:09, 13:51
Again I tried to run on. Nope- mostly walking. Stomach cramped again, badly a little after mile 10. And yes there was a station, but I decided to try and walk it out. I think I walked for 10 minutes straight somewhere in there.

Miles 12-13 13:07, 13:37
I am so close! Oh, here come the first and second marathon runners- ok that was kind of cool. Wouldn’t have seen them if I wasn’t having issues, right??? Trying to find the bright side here. The weather was still good, and I still loved looking at the scenery around me even if we were in town now. Oh— there’s the high school!! The finish!

Finish- 2:58:15

So yeah, that was not my best showing. Oddly enough, as rough as it was, I never once thought about quitting. I knew I was going to finish- eventually- it was just taking more energy than I thought. More energy to move slower but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and kept moving forward.

The course was so pretty, I really do love running by vineyards, I really do. Also this course is very PR-able- flat in a way that didn’t feel flat to me. I kind of feel like I need vindication- this is definitely a race I will run again. There were also VIP perks I missed out on post race- my stomach was not cooperating at all. Boo.

Napa Valley- I will run you again.

Ever had your body completely rebel during a race?

BibRave, Discounts, Run!

Excite-d

Fallon @ Slacker Runner

Disclaimer: I received an entry into Giant Race- San Jose 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 briefly alluded to waning to do things differently in 2020 in a previous post. I also recently mentioned that I had registered for 4 races. So let’s talk about one of those!

I used to run short races. And they were fun. I also want to do new things and run new races…

So, I am running the Giant Race in San Jose! I am so excited.

The Giants Races first came on my radar a few years ago. There are 4- Scottsdale- Arizona, Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco. There’s even an extra medal for running the whole series. Yay for medals!!

The San Jose race takes place around the Excite Ballpark which is home of the San Jose Giants. I grew up playing softball and watching baseball with my mom and grandfather. We only got Denver news stations when I was younger so I did not grow up watching the Giants, oops.

It might sound odd that I’ve wanted to run these races for years but I really have. I’ve been telling everybody at work about it I am so excited, now I am telling you!

Want to come run with me? They offer a 5 mile, 5k, and a virtual option. I am running the 5 mile. My first non trail 5 mile race – that should guarantee a PR, right?? Who cares??? I just want to have fun.

Join me and use code GIANTS2020 for $10 off.

What sport did you watch or play growing up?

BibRave, Run!

Heading off to Napa

Fallon @ Slacker Runner

I am 2 weeks into training for Napa Valley Half Marathon. Which makes me realize I forgot to tell you about Napa…

Disclaimer: I received an entry into Napa Valley Half 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!

Silly Slacker.

Napa Valley. People, I live in wine country but it’s not Wine Country. Prior to running, I actually paid little attention to the hundreds (not an exaggeration) of vineyards in my area. My first half marathon was lined with vineyards and vines. I learned harvest patterns thanks to a house I run past with a couple acres of vines. Vines grew on me you could say.

I am so looking forward to running in Napa. I’ve thought about it for years but for some reason, don’t go north as often for trips. Oops. Napa Valley Marathon has been running since 1979. In 2018, they added a half. Which is what I will be running. The race course runs down the Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa. The half starts around the midway point. I do love a good point to point race. Throw in rows of vines along the way and I am in!!

Now if only I spend more time running than taking pictures. It’s a toss up. I am a picture hoarder after all. Also this may be half marathon #40. Or 41…. I do have a tendency to throw races in at the last minute.

Oh, did I mention this will be my time trying the VIP experience at race?????? I’m excited!!

Want to join me on March 1? Use code BIBRAVE10 to save $10 on registration!

Race Day, Run!

Rambling Up to San Jose

Fallon @ Slacker Runner

Disclaimer: I received an entry into Rock n Roll San Jose 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!

It’s been a rough week. But it’s race week!!!

Also, this is going up late since I have been having WordPress issues. Anyone else?

This weekend should be seeing my 40th half marathon but I have a feeling it will be seeing a 10K instead. Maybe I shouldn’t have said I hate them?

I was looking forward to this weekend and the race, I was feeling good after last week’s peppy 8. Then I had an endoscopy on Tuesday. And hurt so bad I could barely move the next 2 days. I’ve talked to doctors and surgical centers on the phone so much this week. I had one years ago and was fine, we all have no idea why I reacted like this this time. Grrrr.

I am still looking forward to the race. I still get to race through San Pedro Square, errrr walk? I still get to enjoy the sights of downtown. And we never know I may just do something stupid.

No, I will be smart, I will be smart. If I repeat it over and over, I have to follow through right? Catch you on the flip side!

What are you doing this weekend?