Ah 2020, the year of virtual races. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting at the Rock n Roll AZ expo in Phoenix, representing the Hot Chocolate race and helping them promote race registrations.  I would never have predicted that the race would not be taking place in person, and everyone would be running it on their own virtually.

When I registered, I had full intentions of running the 15k, as it would be perfect training for Rock n Roll AZ the following month. Well,  you know how that played out.  Then,over the summer and fall I had a string of various injuries that had me take an entire month off from running.  My 15k hopes were dashed.  But, there's no shame in a 5k, right?

So,  registered for the virtual race, and got some pretty nice swag. High quality hoodie, medal, bib and a treat bag of hot chocolate and honey stinger waffles!  Then I talked to my girlfriends and got them to sign up, too. The 15k ladies started about an hour before, then we met up with them for the last 5k. And of course celebratory drinks after LOL.

Once I got home, I made the hot chocolate for myself and my son.  It was so unbelievably rich and decadent, we loved it!  Just missing that delicious chocolate fondue. I'll make up for it next year!

I ran my  first Hot Chocolate race several years back, and really enjoyed it.  This race brings out ALL the local runners and walkers, since you can choose from 15k or 5k - - and everyone LOVES chocolate, right???

Your typical Hot Chocolate race has sweet stations along the way - grab a handful of m&ms,  hershey kisses, etc. to keep you motivated along the way...and then finish with a glorious mug of hot chocolate, and chocolate fondue with various dippers.  It's typically a chilly day here in Phoenix , so the warm chocolate really hits the spot!

As everyone knows, nothing about 2020 is typical!  So, all the Hot Chocolate races since March have gone virtual. So how does that work, exactly?  Obviously you will run or walk whichever distance you choose on whichever date you want, wherever you want!  Then you'll receive a Hot Chocolate swag bag in the mail!

Swag bag includes:

• Comfy hoodie
  
• Sweet treat bag of 2 hot chocolate packs, Honey Stinger waffle, Nuun tablets
• Hot Chocolate Medal!!!
  

Hot Chocolate Phoenix takes place on December 13.  Register today and start training for that chocolate!

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Resilience Challenge 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 seems like everyone and their mom is doing a mileage or movement challenge to keep their sanity during quarantine. I've done some virtual races, and a 50 mile challenge with Honey Stinger. I saw that Team in Training was doing one, and I decided to jump in!

I have a longstanding history with Team in Training.  I did my first 5 marathons with them. They are such a fantastic organization, and a very worthy charity (Leukemia & Lymphoma society).

So How Does It Work?
Team In Training’s Resilience Challenge is a 30-day movement & fundraising challenge dedicated to supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

1. Register here
2. Join my team!
3. Walk or Run 50 miles between Sept 1- Sept 30
4. Tell your friends! You'll have a personal fundraising page - there is a suggested goal of raising $500, but there is no fundraising commitment.
5. Have fun and log your miles!
6. Win prizes for the fundraising levels reached

What's included?

• Resilience Challenge Playlist
• Fundraising & Social Media Toolkit
• Training Resources with an Exclusive Event Facebook Group
• Badges & Achievement Milestones
• Digital Finisher Certificate
• Virtual Finisher Medal
• Virtual Post Race Celebration

LETS DO THIS! Join My Team "Movin' and Groovin' to Beat Cancer" today! Even if you aren't able to fundraise, I think raising awareness for blood cancers is super important too.

"Disclaimer: I received a free canister of Metcon START pre-training formula  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'm always on the lookout for products that make my running or weightlifting easier - whether it's energy before or recovery after. I wanted to try Metcon START because it was developed by a top athlete, for athletes.

Since I've been dealing with some injuries and running less,  I decided I would use it for the first time doing my body pump workout. 

My initial thoughts after taking the first few sips were 1) wow, that dissolved really quickly! and 2) the flavor was a bit intense for me.   The directions call for 1 scoop with 12-16 oz water, taken 15 minutes before the workout.  I knocked it down to about 2/3 scoop and I like the flavor SO much better!!

So here are some of the selling points of this product that you should know!:

• gluten free
• paleo
• zero calories! say what?
• no artificial colors, sweeteners or ingredients
• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K
• amino acids
• caffeine! contains the equivalent of approx 1.5 cups of coffee
  

I can't say that I noticed a huge burst of energy, but it is a sustained energy release.  So it tastes good, replaces electrolytes and adds vitamins, etc. without any artificial sweeteners (yuck!).  It runs around $50 for a 30 serving container.  This will probably last me more like 40-50 servings since I'm using a bit less. It's definitely something I will continue to keep in my arsenal, especially once I'm back actively training for half marathons (and Ragnars!) again soon.

Also, Metcon gives back! Every product purchased provides a meal to a local food bank.

And, here's a little bonus to get you started: Try it for yourself and get 20% off! Use "BibRave" for 20% off a one time purchase.

Disclaimer: I received a sample box from Sips by to review as part of a partnership. My opinions are my own

Well, folks - summer is here! Those of you in most parts of the country welcome it.   Those of us in Arizona kind of dread it due to triple digit temps for months.  One way we can beat the heat, though, is to drink copious amounts of iced tea!  I just received a collection of teas curated by Sipsby to help us chill out. Let's dig in, shall we?

Red Berry Cooler from Pinky Up
-Caffeine Free
-Organic
- Hibiscus, Elderberry, Rose Hps, Rooibus, Cranberry

Sunny Sangria from Fava Tea
- Higher caffiene
- Black tea
- Features blackberries and an exotic collection of fruits - pineapple mango, orange, tangerine, strawberry. Yum!

Lychee & Rose Cold Brew from Tea Pigs
- Caffene free
- Blend of lychee and rose with a fruity base
- Light and sweet

Moroccan Mint from Davdson's Organic Tea
- Low Caffeine
-combines organic green tea with organic spearmint

Shop for the Iced Tea Box here.  Cheers!

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Global Running Day 24 Hr Virtual Relay  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 always try to do something within my local running community for Global Running Day each June - Whether it’s joining a group run with my local run club or participating in a virtual race.  This year,  I heard about the Global Running Day 24 hour virtual relay.  Since I am a self-professed Relay Queen, I couldn’t say no!

Here’s how it works:

The relay will take place on June 3, 2020. There are teams across the country in most major cities.  Just search for your city, and find a timeslot you like. They are all 30 minutes each.  Each person will walk/run for 30 minutes at their assigned time then notify the next runner on the list to “pass the baton”.  That’s it! Easy, right?

And yes, there’s swag to be had! Every participant gets a medal and shirt!

You can join any team you want, whether it’s your own town, or spread across the country with friends. You can even create your own team! I’m currently in talks with one of my running clubs to sponsor their own team. 

Anyway you choose to celebrate, being part of the running community is the best way!
Learn more and reserve your spot today! Registration ends at 11:59PM on June 1!

GIVEAWAYS!
All participants will be entered intro drawings for prizes from sponsors including:
Garmin
Trigger Point
Goodr
Maurten

CHARITY
25% of proceeds are being donated to the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. If you're interested in donating, check it out here.

"Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockaround Fast Lane sunglasses 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!"

Obviously sunglasses are a necessity here in Arizona year round. I wear the heck out of them and have to have them in my purse, car, etc .  I need something that can take a beating but not cost me a fortune!

I received a pair of Knockaround Fast Lane sunglasses. Knockaround is based in San Diego and have been around since 2005.  Plus, they start at just $25!!!

These glasses are super casual and up for anything. But are they good for running? YES!  I have been taking these sunnies on an endless amount of runs, even in the melting heat we are experiencing in Arizona. 

Ok, they are clearly made for more than just running! They didn’t slip with the sweat,or get fogged up. Plus, they didn’t get tangled in my hair, like my aviators sometimes do.  I've even dropped them on the concrete, and no scratches!

The “Fast Lane” collection is designed to look great on medium and larger face shapes. And like all Knockaround sunglasses, each pair benefits from FDA-approved and impact-resistant lenses with full UV400 protection.

Available in a wide range of fun colors! Check them out here! 

Ok, here’s the coolest part!  You can design your own for just $25. Including Shipping!! Say what??!!! I just designed this super cool pair, and can’t wait for them to arrive!

Try it out for yourself! Designing your own pair can be a fun quarantine activity LOL! What do you have to lose???!!!

Disclaimer: I received a sample box from Sips by to review as part of a partnership. My opinions are my own.

When you think of teas that can improve your health, what do you think of? I think of ingredients like Ginger, Tumeric, something with Vitamin C, matcha, and certainly green teas. As we are all trying to stay healthy right now during these unpredented times, I thought this was the perfect time to try out the Immunity Tea collection from Sips by.

This box contains samples of 4 different teas designed with good health in mind:

Tulsi Turmeric Ginger – by Organic India
Boost – By Tea Drops
Organic Rooibox Tea – by My Red Tea
Immunity Booster – by Tealyra

The Tulsi Turmeric Ginger tea is a blend of tulsi, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon , black pepper, cloves and even some stevia for sweetness. It is caffeine-free.

Tulsi, which is known as Holy Basil, supports stress, mood, the immune system and detoxification. The ginger even aids in digestion.

Boost tea is a hip blend of matcha, ginger and lemon. It has a medium caffeine rating. This tea is unique because there is no bag, but it doesn’t require steep time.  They are “tea sprinkles” that dissolve instantly in your cup.  I tried this one first (because it has caffeine!) and it's got a great gingery vibe. I dig it!

Organic Rooibos -This South African tea is full of antioxidants and is caffeine-free and non GMO. It says you can even add it to your bath water to soothe your skin! I might just try that.

This tea has some really fun ingredients – ginseng, tulsi, lemon peel, orange peel, cinnamon, rose, and vanilla. It's very fragrant. It’s caffeine free, perfect for a nighttime treat.
 
No better time than now to strengthen your immune system –and relax your nerves! Learn more about the products in this box here, and then Save $5 on your own tea subscription box with my referral code.

Cheers to your health! Emily

"Disclaimer: I received a supply of Now Foods BCAA Blast powder and Effer Energy tablets 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 have used BCAA’s before – Branch Chain Amino Acids – as part of muscle recovery after a tough strength training workout.  I was working with a trainer who knew I would be sore the next day, and she suggested I get some BCAAs. I bought a powdered lemonade formula from another brand and I honestly couldn’t stomach the taste.  I was anxious to try the BCAA Blast from Now Foods because I’m still looking for the perfect “pre-workout” formula, and am a believer in BCAAs.

I received a jar of BCAA Blast (raspberry flavor), along with a shaker.
AND 1 tube of Effer-Energy, tropical flavor

So what exactly is a BCAA and why do I need it?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine essential amino acids in total, but there's a key trio that helps you maintain muscle: leucine, isoleucine, and valine
 
BCAA BLAST
In general I knew they were helpful for muscle soreness, but here’s what this product is designed to do specifically: (from nowfoods.com)

• 100 MG Caffeine (YAY!) for energy
  
• 5 G BCAAs for Sports Recovery*
  

NOW® Sports BCAA Blast powder is a simple, yet effective pre-workout supplement that can help maximize output during workouts.* Each serving blasts you with 5 g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle growth, retention, and recovery.* These BCAAs are not blended with other amino acids. With 100 mg of natural caffeine per scoop, this thirst-quenching supplement assists in maintaining physical energy and focus during workouts, while supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.* The electrolyte sodium is added to supplement and replenish what is lost during strenuous activity.*

Ok, so now time to put it to the test a bit.

I first took it to body pump class. It’s definitely a good test because a) I need extra energy to lift weights for an hour and b) this class leaves me sore, so BCAAs should help with muscle soreness. My thoughts: the raspberry takes a little to get used to, but I can work with it!  I noticed the extra sodium right away, but appreciated that.  I didn’t feel fatigued during the class, but I didn’t feel a rush of energy, either.  I do think I felt a bit less sore than usual, which is great!
 
Next test was running, obviously!  I used it for the Scottsdale Giants 10k that I ran. I carried it with me in that race, as well as the Kiss Me I’m Irish 8k.  The added electrolytes kept me going great for both.

EFFER-ENERGY
This is.comparable to other dissolving electrolyte tablets- but this one has caffeine, yay!
 
Calories 10
 Total Carbohydrate 1 g
Total Sugars<1 g
 Niacin (as Nicotinamide) 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (from Pyridoxine HCl) 2 mg
Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg
Calcium (from Calcium Carbonate) 13 mg
Magnesium (from Magnesium Carbonate) 25 mg
Sodium (from Sodium Bicarbonate) 360 mg
Potassium (from Potassium Bicarbonate) 100 mg
Green Tea Extract (Leaf) (36 mg of naturally occurring caffeine) 125 mg

I tried this for a cardio class,and body pump class too. I found that it broke up a little easier than other brands to drop into a bottle of water and dissolved quickly.   I honestly didn’t love the taste, but I was able to drink it and get the benefits from it.  There is also a mixed berry flavor that is another option.

BCAA Blast sells for $31.99  for a canister.  Effer Energy sells for $5.19 a tube. You can save 20% off your own container of BCCA Blast, Effer-Energy, or any other supplements with discount code NOWSPORTS20 now through 4/30/20

“Offer valid 2/1/20 through 11:59 PM Central Standard Time 4/30/20. Offer valid only on products found at https://www.nowfoods.com/sports-nutrition/sports-nutrition-all-products. Prices are as shown. Some exclusions apply. Must use coupon code NOWSPORTS20 in the Promotion Code field at checkout. While supplies last at nowfoods.com. This offer does not apply to applicable taxes or shipping and handling. Offer cannot be used on previous purchases. NOW Health Group, Inc. has the right to end any promotion at any time.”
Give it a try and see what you think! If you do try it, let me know your thoughts!

"Disclaimer: I received a full knee compression sleeve from Body Helix 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!"

Those of you who have been following me for awhile probably already know that I have bad knees – osteoarthritis damage – which I discovered before having surgery for a torn meniscus a few years back.   I manage it by running significantly less than I used to, taking supplements, etc. – but my new love of body pump weight workouts puts significant stress on my knees too.  So, long story short – I was curious to try this compression sleeve out to see if it could help.

I remember when I first went to the surgeon and he explained that the meniscus area really couldn’t heal itself because it gets very little circulation in that area to help.  Wearing this brace, theoretically, could help increase circulation in this troubled area of my knee.

I was very careful about measuring to get the size just right – and I did! It really fits beautifully!  There’s a trick to putting it on – there are videos on their website, but basically for the knee sleeve, you fold in half to put it on, then pull it up.  It’s not uncomfortable – it’s snug but in a secure way.  The first time I wore it, I used it in my body pump workout – which in part consists of sets of squats and lunges.   It’s my least favorite part of the class because I baby my knees so much.  Anyway, I wore it over my tights which I guess wasn’t the most ideal way to wear it. I still thought it was great!  Ideally it should be directly on your skin for best results.  I could feel warmth in my knee, and it just felt more stable, like I had the confidence to squat just a little lower.

According to their website, Body Helix is made for “stretching, staying put and rebounding” and consists of “Medical-grade compression: scientifically proven to aid in pain-relief.”  I’m in!

Ok, time for the real test – a run! I took it out on a 9 mile run.  Within a few miles, sweat was literally dripping down the back of my leg, from under the brace.  It stayed perfectly in place, it never slipped at all.  It was drenched when I took it off.

I was kind of surprised that it could be machine washed and go into the dryer too!  It came out as good as new!

The full knee sleeve retails for $49.99. There are more than a dozen different types of sleeves /wraps for virtually  any body part that is giving you trouble! 
 
I have a discount to share - Get 15% off site wide with code BH15BR, now through April 1!