rudy project rydon carbonium review

Disclaimer: I received the Rudy Project Rydon Cardbonium with Impactx-2 Photochromic Clear to Laser Red Lenses 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!

BibRave has really been working its magic this year. I have some amazing opportunities to register for great races, and just recently had the chance to test out a pair of Rudy Project sunglasses. 

I cannot go for a run, even on a cloudy day, without sunglasses. If it's sunny, I also need a visor. My eyes are very sensitive to light, and if I'm without sunglasses, I squint and in turn, get a massive headache. I also have to admit that I like wearing glasses because they keep bugs out of my eyes, which is a fear of mine.

The hard case the RP Rydon came in.

The problem with some sunglasses is that they fog up, they're heavy which can cause a headache on their own, or they just don't fit right. The Rydon's are fantastic for so many reasons that fix the issues I just mentioned: they are extremely lightweight (only .88 oz), so light that I barely even notice I'm wearing them. They had an adjustable notepad and temples, so you can make them fit your face the way you like them (they'll fit the large head, small head, and everything in between). I didn't notice any bouncing or fogging happen. The nosepad has an anti-slip locking system, and there are safety hinges that are hidden and provide more safety.

Wearing the RP Rydon for my Turkey Trot 4 miler.
Even though it was cloudy, they came in handy!

Another great feature is that if you wear glasses, you can get lenses with your prescription. The glasses have an quick change feature, which means you can swap out the lenses easily. They have a TON of options for other lenses, including:

• Optic Lenses (lots of color options) – Rudy Project Polycarbonate RP Optics lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and a CONTRAST LENS is best to enhance depth perception and color while a NEUTRAL LENS is best to give you the darkest coverage possible.
• ImpactX Lenses – Rudy Project's Exclusive ImpactX™ Photochromic Lens Technology represents the most advanced solution for vision protection in the sunglass market.
• Polarized Polar 3FX Lenses – Rudy Project's Polar 3FX Polarized Lens Technology contains unique light absorption and molecular properties to enhance contrast and depth perception.
• Polarized ImpactX Lenses – Rudy Project's Exclusive Polarized ImpactX™ Photochromic Lens Technology represents the most advanced solution for vision protection in the sunglass market.
• Sport Reader Lenses – Rudy Project's sport reader lenses for our best selling Rydon model are available in our most popular colors and come in 3 common powers (+1.50, +2.00 and +2.50).

You can also customize with different tips and nosepads in assorted colors (black, green, yellow, red, orange, pink, blue, grey, white, or clear).

Fellow Pro John demonstrates the transition lenses.

The lenses in this particular model incorporate patented RP D-Centered optics which give you crisp, clear optics at all times. I honestly forgot I was wearing them sometimes. They are so light and comfortable, and even when using my earphones which go around the ear, there was no discomfort or annoyances. I'm pretty much in love with them, and I don't think that's weird at all.

Sight seeing in DC.

Not only have I worn my Rydons for running, but I also wore them around Washington DC when I was doing sight seeing. They are amazing. They come with a hard case and one of those fabric soft cases (with a string pull closure). The retail price is $274.99, which is expensive, but totally worth it if you are someone that is serious about protective, sturdy, adjustable, comfortable eyewear. They have a 90-day return policy, so if you are unhappy, you can return them. They are currently running Black Friday deals too - an extra 25% off sale items (while supplies last). The Rydon are not part of the sale items, but I have no doubt that you'd be happy with any of the options available.

Whether you are a runner, cyclist, volleyball player, or any type of active person, I would definitely recommend Rudy Project products.

Connect with Rudy Project:

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preparing for rundisney wine and dine weekend

I cannot believe that runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is already here! Where has the year gone? It seems like I was just feverishly registering yesterday. This will be my fourth Wine and Dine Half Marathon! Can't believe it.

I've got to get myself packed, which means I have to figure out what I want to wear. Not always an easy task, and I'm sure many of you have seen the forecast where rain is possible (though currently it seems more afternoon than evening, but you never know). It also seems to be quite hot and humid down in sunny Florida. The low isn't below 60, which means shorts and a tee or tank for me. If it rains, it might actually feel nice with that heat. I'm not going to worry myself over it, just bring some clothes in gear check to change into post-race. I failed to do this last year, thinking it would be a pain to change and I would just get wet again, but regretted that when my mom and I were walking around Epcot shivering.

Anyway, here's a hodge podge of information and tips that will help you have a fun, relaxed trip.

Download and print your race waivers prior to leaving.

On your half marathon race waiver, you'll find your bib number. You can check what corral placement that is here.

Download the Wine and Dine 2015 Official Event Guide.

The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo is at ESPN Wide World of Sports. If you are staying at a host resort (listed below), transportation is provided to and from EPSN WWS. Buses run on Friday from host resort to expo 9:30am–6:30pm, and concludes from expo to host resorts at 7:30pm; Saturday from host resort to expo 8:30am–2:30pm, concludes from expo to host at 3:30pm.

Host Resorts:

• Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All Star Music ResortDisney’s All Star Sports Resort 
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn 
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort 
• Disney’s Polynesian Resort 

Transportation Hours for Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K

• 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• 5K participants must board buses no later than 5:30 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 6:15 a.m. 

Transportation Hours for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon & Finish Line Party

• Transportation begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and concludes at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday
• Half Marathon participants must board buses no later than 8:00 p.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 9:15 p.m.
• Transportation will continue throughout the evening for spectators
• Finish Line Party admission to Epcot® begins at 7:00 p.m. and a party
• ticket is required. 

A few tips for the race:

• Rest up on race day. I know, you're in Disney World and want to play, but you'll want to rest your legs and feet. There's quite a bit of standing around before the race even begins, so save up some energy. Plus, you'll want it for the finish line party at Epcot that goes until 4am :)
• If you want to run with a friend that is in a different corral, the faster friend moves back to the slower corral.
• If you are doing gear check, make sure to use the clear gEAR check bag given to you at the expo and attach your bib number to it (there's a tear off on the bib that is for your gEAR check bag). Also, there is security before going into the race area, so you'll have any bags on you checked. If you have no belt or bag, there'll be a separate, quicker line for you to enter. I personally have never had any problems with the security lines – there are plenty of officers checking bags, and the lines move quickly.
• Pack a drawstring bag in your gEAR check, so that post-race it's easier to carry around all of your stuff. Those gEAR bags are a bit of a pain.
• Pack extra clothes in a ziplock bag – if it's rainy, it can help keep your post-race clothes dry in your gEAR checked bag.
• Run or walk NO MORE than two abreast. I know you want to run with all of your friends, but there are places that are cramped, and you have to make sure, for your safety and others, that other runners can safely pass.
• Make sure at water stops to grab your cup and keep moving. If you need to stop to drink, move over to the side. I don't know how many aid stations I've been to where I've bumped into other people because they stop dead in their tracks to grab water. It's ok to stop running, but keep moving forward and go to the side if you have to stop completely.
• If you are running and decide to walk, raise your arm for a few seconds or say 'walking' so runners behind you know you'll be slowing to a walk. Also, make sure it move to the side, and look behind you before stopping so that if there's someone close behind you, you can move over more so they won't run into you. You'll help avoid injury to yourself and other runners this way.
• Hydrate! There are 9 water/Powerade stops – use them wisely. It's going to be hot and humid, so you'll want to make sure you are prepared. This also means starting the hydration process days before the race.
• Celebrate your accomplishment at the after party!! Grab some post-race eats at one of the Wine and Dine Festival kiosks. There's plenty of options.
• Bring your Wine and Dine gift card to use after the race. Depending on how much you'd eat/drink, you might not even need money (I personally bring some in case, but I know others that don't).

Mom and I at Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2014,
lovingly dubbed 'Splash and Dash 2014'.
Despite the rain, we had a blast.

I'm super excited that I'm able to participate in Wine and Dine weekend again. It's my favorite race, party because of the theme and finish line party, and partly because it's a night race. I'm much more of a night race person than I am morning. I'll be at the expo in the morning Friday, and then at both Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5k and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Saturday. If you see me, please say hi! I'm a little shy myself, so understand the desire to stay quiet when you see someone you might know, but have never met, but I never regretted speaking up and saying hi to someone new – it's how new friends are made!

Have a great trip and amazing race, everyone!

2xu elite mcs compression tights: review

Disclaimer: I received the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights 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 gush about being a BibRave Pro all the time. Being involved with the running community is amazing, and having the opportunity to try products I might not have heard about or been able to test is fantastic.

Elite MCS Compression Gear 

Same goes for being given the opportunity to test the 2XU (two times you) Elite MCS Compression Tights – I was super excited to get the email that I was chosen to give them a shot. I'm a fan of compression, but have only ever tried calf sleeves and a pair of capris (which were ok, but I didn't love them). 

When they arrived in the mail, I immediately ripped open the package to try them on. They felt great on my legs, but a bit tight around the hips/waistband. It was a bit uncomfortable at first, but I had used the size chart on the website to choose my size, and I knew I had chosen correctly. I wasn't even close to being one size or another, I was in the middle of the one size I had chosen. After two wears, I found that it no longer bothered me or felt too tight. I think it just needed that initial wear and stretch. (The size chart has you choose your size by your height and weight. I'd say it's true to size.)

I was very happy that they were a full length pant, rather than a capri. I personally prefer the whole leg to be covered and in recovery mode with my compression tights. That's just my personal preference. I just think it works better for me.

Post-Chicago Half Marathon and an extra 5 miles
means recovery on the couch with my
Elite MCS Compression Tights

We were still having summer weather here in Chicago, and all the races I did involved shorts (capris for one race). This meant I didn't have an opportunity to test the pants for running. You know me, I heat up quickly when running, so unless it's below 40s, I'm in shorts or capris. 

For recovery, though – these pants are AMAZING. While training for the Chicago Marathon, I put them on after every long run (post-shower, of course). I would wake up after a tough 19 miles with the ability to walk no problem. I couldn't say that prior to using these tights post-long runs. 

Some of you know that I had a rough Chicago Marathon. I got sick and had hip problems starting around the halfway mark that continued until I finished. I was certain that on Monday, I would barely be able to get out of bed. After the race, I showered and put on the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights to go meet other Pros/friends for food and celebratory drinks. I felt instant relief on the entire lower half of my body. I was able to hang out with my pals with little discomfort in my legs/hips. 

I'm on the right wearing my 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights
at Goose Island Taproom post-Chicago Marathon.

And what happened when I woke up Monday? My legs weren't sore AT ALL. The bottom of my foot, where a gigantic blister resided and refused to stay drained lived, on the other hand, made walking difficult, but if that didn't exist, it would have been as if I hadn't done 26.2 miles the day before. I seriously think of them as my magic compression tights. 

I also witnessed my friend and fellow Pro Angie put these tights on post-50k trail race (ECSWI), wear them for bed, and wake up feeling refreshed and with little leg pain. 

Laura after completing the ECSWI Half
Marathon and Angie day after ECSWI 50k -
Sporting their Elite MCS Compression Tights.
Photo cred: Angie

They are extremely comfortable. I could wear them all day every day... and sometimes do.

All of this makes me swear by these pants. Of course the weather is perfect for wearing them to run in, but I've been sick since right after the marathon and haven't been able to run at all. I can honestly say, that the moment I'm back at running and it's in the lower-temps for my liking, I'll be wearing these pants ALL. THE. TIME. I'm also adding more 2XU products to my Christmas Wish List. And I'll be buying myself a thermal pair for those super cold days using the discount code.

At the Chicago Monster Dash race.

I even wore them yesterday to pick up my swag from the Monster Dash, where it was cold and rainy (obviously I opted out of racing) - and they kept me warm and dry.

I know there's a lot of science involved, and though I might not understand all of it, I think it's worthy of mentioning.

MCS stands for muscle containment stamping, which traces over key muscles, tendons, and fascia groups for more targeted effective compression power. These tights provide support specifically for use during explosive or rapid-movement activity. They also offer superior performance for recovery, with greater protection against blood pooling post-activity.

BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION:

X PERFORMANCE:

• wear prior to training to facilitate a faster and more effective warm-up

• use during intermittent high-intensity exercise to assist with activities such as repeated sprinting and jumping

• faster recovery from all-out maximum strength and power efforts

• wicks sweat away from the skin 

• reduces fatigue and risk of long-term overuse injuries by reducing muscle oscillation

• provides antibacterial and UPF 50+ sun protection

FROM THE TECH LAB:

• raised elastic on the inside lining is anatomically mapper over key muscle, tendon, and fascia groups for more precise compression and muscle containment

• a powerful combination of 70-denier fabric and heavier 105-denier fabric allows full range of motion in tandem with strong muscle support

• made on 8-way stretch machines, which eliminate any bagginess in areas such as the knees or crotch

• highest grade Invest Lycra® in a 360˚ circular knit to produce graduated compression for increased blood circulation

I seriously suggest you look into getting yourself a pair of these Elite MCS Compression Tights. And if tights aren't your thing, perhaps the shorts or Calf Guard might be more up your alley. Use code BIBRAVE20 for 20% off your shopping cart. This code has no limit on usage, so maybe after your first purchase you also decide you need one of everything else, you can use the code again. I'll need to get some shorts and calf guards for next spring and winter... 

Jeremy loves his tights!

2XU will be sponsoring #BibChat on Tuesday, November 3 at 8pm CT. Join us for what's sure to be an exciting chat and meet some new runner friends. Follow 2XU on their social media (links below), and check out their YouTube page - so many cool videos on there.

Connect with 2XU:

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