BibRave Pro Product Review: UV Full Buff

Disclaimer: I was recently sent a UV Full Buff 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!

Have you ever tried any products by Buff?

The UV Full Buff is my third Buff product to review as a BibRave Pro!  The first two products were warmer for the winter months (Buff Thermal Hoodie & Merino Wool Buff) whereas the UV Full Buff was made “for looking cool in the sun” to block wind, sun and cold.

Did you know?

The name Buff is a derivative of the Spanish word “bufanda” meaning scarf.

When I received my UV Full Buff in the mail by first thought was—“What the heck is a Bug Slinger?”

So I picked my UV Full Buff based on colors, obviously, and didn’t realize the “Water Camo Blue” was from Buff’s Bug Slinger Fly Gear line.  While I know nothing about fly fishing and have absolutely no interest in getting to know anything about fly fishing, you got to agree that the pattern is super cute and perfect for the summer!

 

So what’s special about the UV Full Buff? (From www.buffwear.com)

·      Seamless, multifunctional tubular accessory ideal for many warm and hot weather activities.

·      Made with Coolmax Extreme to wick moisture away from your skin faster than any other fabric.

·      There are no irritating seams or hems.

·      Will not lose its elasticity.

·      Will not fade.

·      Treated with Polygiene to remain fresh as the silver ions prevent the build up of bacteria on the fabric.

How do I wear my UV Full Buff?

I personally enjoy my Buffs for running, dog walking, yard work (or watching my parents do my yard work LOL) and other outdoor activities.  My favorite wear to wear my UV Full Buff is as a headband.  I often forget to wear sunblock on my face and the UV Full Buff adds great UV protection to my forehead and the top of my ears.  

 

I’ve worn my Buff around my wrist in spin class where I’m constantly wiping sweat off my face.  It’s also been great around my neck on those in between days when I couldn’t really decide how many and what kind of layers to wear.  If you get too warm, tuck it in a pocket or pull it up to the headband style. 

Not only is it functional, the UV Full Buff brings fun colors and fashion to any running outfit!

Other bonuses:

·      There are more than 12+ ways to wear your UV Full Buff.

·      Blocks 95% of UV radiation for sun protections.  YES!

·      SO MANY COLOR CHOICES.

·      If you order directly from the Buff website, 1% of all proceeds from the sale will be donated to a non-profit organization that works for the environment.  Pretty cool!

Cons:

·      I found myself using my UB Full Buff as a headband the most.  It takes me a lot of time to get the full sized Buff folded perfectly so that it’s not too big and bulky on my head.  Buff does make a half sized Buff which may fit my style better.

·      I said this in my Merino Wool Buff review and I’m saying it again—I want more colors!

Join us on Twitter for the BUFF sponsored #BibChat on May 17rd at 9pm EST!

Happy running!

P.S. Georgie gives Buff “2 paws up!”

Buffalo Marathon: Things To Do & Places To See Race Weekend

Did you know that Travel + Leisure Magazine just named Buffalo America’s Favorite City?  And what better time to visit Buffalo than Memorial Day weekend?  Whether you are running the Buffalo Marathon, cheering for friends and family running the Buffalo Marathon or just celebrating Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer, Western New York has something for everyone.

With just over 2 weeks to go until the Buffalo Marathon, I compiled a list of some of my favorite things to do and places to see in the place I still call home.

Order Wings (Medium, Extra Crispy)

Before I could even walk, my parents would take me to this little hole in the wall on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda called Klimek’s Tavern.  You can visit the Anchor Bar on Main Street in Buffalo for “The Home of the Original Chicken Wing” but Klimek’s Tavern is my pick for best wings in Western New York.  While you’re there, make sure to order Pizza Logs and crinkle fries.  If you don’t know, now you know.

Run Jen Run Tip: Don’t call ‘em buffalo wings. In Western New York, they’re just called wings.

Start Your Day with Tim Horton’s Coffee

Tim Hortons is to Western New York as Dunkin’ Donuts is to New England but SO MUCH BETTER!  Tim Horton was an NHL legend before becoming the coffee king of Canada.

Try Platter’s Orange Chocolate & Sponge Candy

First of all have you ever heard of sponge candy?  It’s a Western New York favorite and Platter’s Chocolates claims they have “the absolutely best orange chocolate and sponge candy around.”  I personally love the Orange Chocolate flats.  My parents enjoy the sponge candy.  Just try it.  You won’t regret it.

Be a Tourist at Niagara Falls

I LOVE NIAGARA FALLS.  Only a short 30-minute drive from Buffalo, Niagara Falls is a bucket list location that everyone should visit at least once in his or her lifetime.  Don’t be turned off by how ghetto the actual city of Niagara Falls is though!  There is also construction going on right now to be completed by “Summer 2016.”  Bring your passport and check out the Canadian side for a better view of the Horseshoe Falls or even better, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get the best view of this natural wonder.  Are you a thrill seeker?  The Whirlpool Jet Boats may be more your speed.  Be careful though—you not only sign a death waiver, it could threaten your marathon experience.  I got whiplash from the forces of the waves crashing on us and couldn’t turn my head for a week after.  (Thanks Melissa!)  Whatever you decide to do, be a total tourist and take a ton of pictures.

Hike the Niagara Gorge

Save this for a post-race activity… if you can handle it!  The Niagara Gorge is one of the Falls’ best kept secrets.  The hiking trail travels along the Niagara River with about 400 stairs to get you down to the whirlpool rapids and Devil’s Hole.  Pretty water, beautiful views and a very challenging workout!

Go on a Brewery Tour

Breweries are popping up everywhere in Western New York.  Flying Bison is brewing a special “Mile 27 Beer” for the Buffalo Marathon post-race party.  To continue to the party, visit Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Big Ditch Brewing Company, Resurgence Brewing or Community Beer Works to discover your new favorite craft beer.

Head to Chippewa Street or Elmwood Avenue

Did you know that bars stay open until 4am in Buffalo?  If you’re ready to take on Buffalo’s nightlife, head to Chippewa Street.  You will find bars, pubs, taverns, lounges, nightclubs, and wait—did I say bars?  Want a little less crazy?  Elmwood Village also offers a fun bar scene. 

Attend a Buffalo Bisons Game

The Buffalo Bisons are a professional minor league team and Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.  Buy your tickets to Coco-Cola field on Monday, May 31st as the Bisons take on Columbus at 4:05pm.

Go to the Buffalo Zoo

I love visiting the local zoos when I’m traveling.  My uncle used to work at the Buffalo Zoo, which is America’s third oldest zoo.  While it’s not the biggest or prettiest zoo, they do have polar bears, bison, lions, giraffes, gorillas, Asian elephants, Siberian tigers and so many more!

And last but certainly not least…

Get Lost in a Wegmans

From its unbelievable selection of prepared foods and massive bulk candy aisle to its fresh produce and beer for sale, Wegmans is more than a grocery store.  In fact I never visit Western New York without eating at least one, often two or three, subs from Wegmans.

Honorable Mentions: Relieve History at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, Tour Old Fort Niagara, Visit Canalside, Rent Kayaks & Paddle the Erie Canal, Stop by Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square, and Go To Mighty Taco.

What are your favorite things to do in Western New York?

Weekly Roundup 5.2-5.8

Week 9 of 12

To sum up Week 9 of Buffalo Half Marathon training in 2 words, I’d choose grey and rainy.

Monday week started off with a progression run ranging from 7:48 to 6:37.  It felt SO GOOD!  I thought about skipping Run Club but a late afternoon text from Infa got me to commit.  We had a really good run and the weather was actually pretty nice for that hour.  Wednesday it rained and rained and rained.   ALL DAY.  I had 8 quarter mile repeats on the schedule and I was not too thrilled about doing it on the treadmill BUT I knew after Linda was taking me for a burger and milkshake at Five Guys so I pushed it and went for 10 repeats.

I worked the late shift on Cinco de Mayo (womp, womp) but we rocked out in spin class to my fiesta mix.  Not so Mexican but it was way better than 45 minutes of mariachi bands!  Don’t worry—we had the Cinco de Mayo Pandora station playing in Power Water.

I got my long run in on Friday because I had to attend my good luck charm’s first birthday party on Saturday and then obviously I had to be with my dad for the Derby.  I slept in on Friday and procrastinated all morning.  The start of my run was grey and depressing but by the end of my 12 miles the sun was shining and it was beautiful.  The sun makes such a difference to my motivation levels.

(Look who met me at the finish!)

  

With 3 weeks to go, I am starting to get pretty excited.  Training has been going well.  I have been sticking with my new motto: Train Fast to Race Fast.  Next week will be my hardest week of training then 2 weeks of tapering down.  I’ll be in Buffalo before you know it!

Other highlights:

·      I signed up for the Falmouth Road Race!

·      I decided I needed to incorporate more training tips into my blog. Up first: Hills Are Your Friends

·      I posted another product review for BibRave.  This time it was the Zensah Well Rounded Shorts.  Find out my thoughts and how to score 15% off here: http://www.jenrunsfastblog.com/2016/05/bibrave-pro-product-review-zensah-well.html

Upcoming events:

·      2 weeks until the 7th Annual Piggy Trot!

·      3 weeks until the Buffalo Half Marathon!

·      10 weeks until the Runner’s World Classic!

Monday 5.2.16

6 miles (43:48) with 5 mile progression <--7:48, 7:39, 7:07, 6:45, 6:37

19,744 steps

Tuesday 5.3.16

Taught spin class. The playlist: Tequila Boom Boom Spin Playlist

10 push ups

Marathon Sports Run Club! 5 miles with Infa (37:19)

18,436 steps

Wednesday 5.4.16

6 miles treadmill (43:10) with 10x1/4mi, 90” recovery <--1:39, 1:38, 1:40, 1:35, 1:36, 1:34, 1:32, 1:30, 1:32, 1:29

10’ core workout

19,040 steps

www.instagram.com/georgiegsd

Thursday 5.5.16

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

0.94 miles with G (8:24)

Taught spin class. The playlist: Tequila Boom Boom Spin Playlist

Power Water

14,476 steps

Friday 5.6.16

12 miles (1:32:07)

10’ core workout

28,683 steps

Saturday 5.7.16

2.02 miles with G (17:43)

9,909 steps

Sunday 5.8.16

Happy Mother’s Day!

Taught spin class

Burdenko H2O

14,582 steps

This week’s mileage: 32 miles

This week’s G mileage: 3 miles

May Totals: 32 miles

2016 Totals: 355 miles

Beginner Blog: Hills Are Your Friends

Hills.  Some runners love them, some runners hate them.  Short hills, long hills, steep hills, and gradual hills—all types of hills can be tough and challenging.  Learn how to properly run uphill and downhill then hit the hills for increased strength, power and race day confidence!

Why should I incorporate hills into my training?

It’s pretty simple.  Hills will make you stronger.  Here are some of the benefits of hill training:

·      Improves muscle strength.  Running uphill will strengthen your hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors, calves and Achilles.  Your quads take over most of the workload on the downhill.  You also use a lot more upper body muscles running hills than running on flat roads.

·      Improves endurance.

·      Improves power as your muscles need to work harder to fight gravity.

·      Improves running form and promotes a more efficient stride.

·      Hills can often break up your rhythm.  Train on the hills to master a technique so there are no surprises on race day.  Most new runners will try to surge up a hill and then feel totally beat at the top.  The best advice I can give you is not to worry about your pace—focus on your effort.  Maintain your effort level on the way up and then change your gears to allow gravity to carry you downhill.

Running Uphill

When you approach a hill, think about changing gears.  Your form will change and your pace will slow down but your effort levels should remain the same. 

First, lean into the hill.  I’m talking about a hip hinge, good posture and no slouching.  With this you will be running more on your toes—that’s ok, forefoot running on hills is what we want! 

Next, think about your arms.  You want to aim for a shorter, faster arm swing.  Faster arms = faster leg turnover.  Some coaches will talk about using “higher knees” but the RRCA taught us to focus on your arms and your legs will naturally do their job.

If you are completely out of breath at the top of the hill, your effort levels are too high.  Try slowing down and finding the right speed to tackle the hills with ease.

Running Downhill

Downhill running can actually be harder than uphill running.  It puts a lot of strain on your quads (hello eccentric loading!) and pressure on your hip and knee joints.  My 30 year old body personally HATES running downhill.

One big thing is that you always want to be in control on a downhill and accelerate gradually.  Your natural reaction will be to slow down and “put on the breaks” but that can put your knees at an even greater injury risk.  Instead, lean forward and allow gravity to carry you downhill.  Use short strides and keep your elbows tucked in—no flailing arms!

Types of Hill Workouts

There are a number of variables you can use to create incorporate hills into your workout including distance, grade, pace and recovery.  Remember this is a workout so make sure to warm up properly and only perform 1-2x per week max.

Hilly Course

The easiest way to start training for hills is to run hilly routes.  Play around with paces and effort levels.  Find out what works for you. 

For a hill workout (not a race day strategy), try surging uphill at a comfortably hard pace and running at a relaxed pace on the downhill and flat roads.

Long Hill Repeats

·      600-1,000m hill at about a 7% grade.

·      The RRCA gives the example of 5-8 repetitions with rest of jogging or walking in between.  This is good for early in base stage and good for marathon training.

Short Hill Repeats

·      100-600m hill at about a 10-17% grade.

·      The steeper the hill, the shorter the effort.

·      Again, the RRCA says 5-8 repetitions with rest of jogging or walking in between.  A good workout for shorter race preparation.

Do you incorporate hills into your training?