chicago marathon training 2016: week 3

Week 3 of Chicago Marathon Training
Monday, May 30: Ridge Run 5k; 30/60 intervals, 3.12 miles, 13:07 avg pace (CP)
Tuesday, May 31: Rest Day
Wednesday, June 1: Strength Training Week 6, workout 1; 1 mile for Global Running Day, 14:05 avg pace
Thursday, June 2: Short run, 4 miles at CP; 30/30 intervals, 13:36 avg pace
Friday, June 3: Strength Training Week 6, workout 1
Saturday, June 4: Volition Half Marathon (13.22 miles), 30/120 intervals, 15:05 avg pace
Sunday, June 5: RAM Racing North Shore Classic (13.17 miles), 30/90 intervals, 14:16 avg pace

Week Total Mileage: 34.52 
Marathon Training Mileage: 90.66

YTD: 516.98

Week 3 of Chicago Marathon training is in the books (again, I am so late on my weekly recaps, but at least they are getting done, right? haha). I've been seriously swamped with work, running, BibRave-y things, and parties the past few weeks, making it tough for me to keep up with everything. 

This week was filled with races. If you recall, Soldier Field 10 mile was on May 28, then I had a 5k in Beverly on Monday, and two half marathons over the weekend. As if running two half marathons about an hour from my house wasn't enough, I also had three parties to attend which kept me out of the house and on my feet most of the weekend.

Ridge Run is a nice 5k, run around the town of Beverly (Chicago) on the south side. The community really makes the event - setting up water stations, turning on their sprinklers and hoses, and coming out to cheer. As usual, it was another hot race. I can't remember doing this race and it ever being cool weather, but I guess that's expected at the end of May. The main issue is the humidity, but that wasn't as miserable as years past. Anyway, I'll write up a recap on all of my races soon. The run felt good for the most part. My legs were pretty tired and sore at first, but they loosened up. Mostly mom and I run this one for fun, knowing we had the 10 miler over the same weekend + taking into account the weather. We did 30/60 run/walk intervals.

Strength training was a tough one this week. These exercises are NO joke, but I can feel them having an effect on my running, making me stronger and faster, so I'm really glad I've added it into my training.

I wasn't supposed to run on Wednesday, but I had to lace up for at least one mile in honor of Global Running Day, right? I took it super easy, since the week was mostly a resting week to prepare for the challenge of the weekend. Thursday's 4 miles went fine.

The game plan for the weekend was to just take it easy so I could complete both of the halfs without injury. My mom was running Volition as well (I had gotten entry via BibRave), and since we had never run it and weren't sure of the course, and since I was planning on taking it easy, we ran together. We did 30/120 intervals. The heat and humidity were tough for me this day, so I sometimes added some extra walking in there. It rained a bit, which felt amazing and helped cool me down. 

Fellow BibRave Pros 'Daddy Did You Win' & Frank

The race went great (look for a recap in the next day or two), and right after I grabbed a Subway sandwich, showered, ate, and then went up to our favorite local brewery for their second anniversary party. I stayed there until about 6 (I wouldn't leave until Toasty Cheese arrived so I could eat dinner) and then I went to my cousin's for my uncle's birthday party. I was drinking water like a mad woman, trying to re-hydrate for my next race in the morning. I went back to the first party to drop my mom off at her car, and to grab the hubs. He had a co-worker just show up, but I was done with the day, so secured him a ride home with someone else and went home to shower and gather my things for the morning.

I was in bed around 11 with a wake up of 4am (again) the next morning. Somehow I managed to wake up mostly on time and get moving for the next race. I was giving myself plenty of time to drive there, figure out parking, and meet up with some fellow BibRave Pros. I was on time for parking, but a little late for our meet up as I hung out in my car too long trying to get myself ready to go. The race was hillier than I expected, but I managed to get through it. I ran on my own, but there was another girl near me keeping about the same pace as me, so I used her as my motivation when I wanted to slow down. I wanted to stick with her, and if she pulled ahead (which she did often), I made myself catch up. It was nice to have someone that could help me push myself when I didn't want to because I was getting tired. I gave her a high five at the finish.

After this race, I had to rush home to shower and get to a family reunion. Busy busy busy. It was super fun, no doubt, but definitely tough. My husband asked why I ran all of these races the same weekend all of these parties were going on. My reply was that I decided to do the races before there were any other events on the calendar, and I wasn't going to skip out on them. Bring on the challenge, I say! haha.

On to another week of training. I love having my coach again to discuss my plans, goals, and general training with. It really helps keep me focused, and if I feel like slowing down or quitting during a run, I think of her and I don't want to let her down or disappoint her, so I keep pushing. It's helping me become a better runner, for sure. If you are looking for a coach (it's all online/email/text, unless you are in CA), but I highly suggest Sweat Tracker. The president/owner and my coach are amazing, which leads me to believe the other coaches are too. You won't be disappointed if you go with them.

united relay of america: group stage 318 recap

Disclaimer: I received an entry for the United Relay of America 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!

Richard, Mandie, Laura, me.

I wrote a post a while back about joining the United Relay of America, what it was all about, which you can read here. In short, it was a three route, non-stop relay from three different cities on the west coast, all which ended in NYC. It was the first of its kind, and I am honored to say I was a part of it. You can read my shorter review of my leg of the relay (which was the group stage in Chicago) over on BibRave.com.

Orange was required... so might as well go ALL out orange, right? :)

The Group Stage was taking place at Lakeshore East, and since it was a group stage, it looped back to end in the same place, to make it easier for a large group to run together and be a part of history in the making. It was scheduled to begin at 7:15am on Tuesday, May 24. We had received an email approximately a week out with the route information, meeting/start time, etc. All of the regular stages/legs of the relay were to maintain an 11 minute mile pace. This made me nervous, because 12:30 is usually the best I can manage. However, for the group stage, they allotted an hour time limit — I think this was to encourage other runners and walkers to join in on the fun.

The hand off from Stage 317 to 318. Photo courtesy of Richard.

I believe it cost $50 to run a regular stage and $25 for the group stage. With that came a free t-shirt (plus $5 shipping) — they sent a code via email so you could go pick it out. The free shirt was the cotton, but they also were selling tech shirts and sweatshirts. Though blue is my favorite color, I chose to stick with representing my Red Route with the red shirt. I got my free one and also purchased a tech shirt to run in so I could help spread the word. With registration they requested you choose the charity you'd like to fundraise for. Fundraising had no minimum requirement and wasn't something everyone HAD to do, but there were so many great charity options, putting it out there that you were raising money for them didn't do any harm.

Stage 318 getting ready to run! Photo courtesy of Richard.

Run Laura, run!

Running along the lakefront with Laura and Richard.

I pre-purchased my parking in a nearby lot the night before, since being a workday, I figured parking could be messy. Sure, it's plentiful in the Millenium Park lots, but it also costs $30–40. No thanks. I scored parking about .5 away for $15.

Erica and myself.

I knew driving into the city would be a bit of a mess, but I left my house at 5:45 thinking I'd have plenty of time. Wrong. So. much. traffic. The time on Google maps directions kept increasing. I might be late. Luckily, I parked and made it over there with 5 minutes to spare. Weather was beautiful It was a clear day (sunny) in Chicago and about 70 degrees. It was pretty warm when running, but I don't think we could have asked for much better at the end of May.

Yay! I got to carry the baton! 

When I got there, I met Laura, who had come in the day before to help with the crew, and Richard, who had been crewing since the start of the Red Route in Seattle. The runner of the previous stage was just getting in, but it turned out that another runner had contacted Richard and was going to be late. They had some cycling stages coming up, so Richard asked if I was rushed for time and if it was ok to wait for everyone before starting. I was working from home that day, so though I did need to get back eventually, I wasn't too pressed for time.

At Buckingham Fountain.

Richard and I talked a bit while waiting for everyone, and eventually a large pack met up with us. It included Mandie (the runner of stage 317 which was 11 miles), Laura, Josh, his parents, and Erica. We all said hellos, took some photos, chatted briefly, and figured out who was running with who. It's always so funny talking with other runners – you might recognize them, but have to ask what their blog is or what their social media handles are and then it's, 'Ohhh I follow you already!' haha. Erica and Josh were fast, so they took the baton and were off. Mandie and Laura agreed to do run/walk intervals with me and go slower. I told them they didn't have to run with me and to go their own speed, since I knew my way, but they were so sweet and refused to go on their own.

Richard, Mandie, Laura, me, Erica.

About .25 of a mile in, Richard joined us for the remainder of the run. We all chatted and got to know one another, and took a bunch of photos. Sometimes we stopped to get a nice Lakefront image, other times we all took turns taking photos while running. It was such a fun, laid back group. 

The United Relay Red Route baton in Chicago. Courtesy photo of
Erica, Josh, and/or Richard. Not sure who took it, but it's Josh's hand haha.

Instead of following the route that had been created, we kind of just ran where we pleased. It was originally from Lakeshore East Park East, down Lake Shore Drive (sidewalk), around the Shedd Aquarium, and then coming back down on the Path. We decided to go down in the shade on the path in the middle, then we met Josh on the north side of the Aquarium, we grabbed the baton from him, and then we proceeded to take the 'path' that's down right on the Lake to the end of the Aquarium. At the part that ended, instead of heading east down it, we found a walk through in the fence on the upper part near the street going towards the Planetarium, walked to the other part of the path, and took that back. We then met up again with Josh and his parents (his parents had walked to the Shedd and then they stopped to wait for us), walked over to Buckingham Fountain for photos, and then we all walked back to the start together. It ended up being about 3.58 miles. The route is a little weird to explain with all the different Lake Front Paths in the area, but here's my Garmin map if it helps. We all took turns with the baton.

United Relay of America Group Stage 318
of Red Route – my Garmin Watch map.

It was such a great time getting to talk to fellow runners, who may have started out as strangers, but quickly felt like old friends. It's part of the reason I love the running community — everyone is SO friendly, supportive, kind, and enthusiastic about the sport. We of course all exchanged social media handles to make sure we were following each other and then I may have friended them on Facebook when I got home. With 'normal' people that might seem weird, but I don't think runners think anything of it. You meet once and you're pals instantly.

Red Route Stage 318 on the Lake Front Path. Photo courtesy of Laura/Richard.

When we made it back to the park, we all gave hugs and good lucks to everyone continuing on. Josh was taking the next relay leg (he had already done a few a day or two earlier) and Richard was biking alongside him. I met Ben, the other Red Route crew member, who had taken the hour or so to take a quick nap. Mad props to all of the crew members for all three routes. I don't know how they made it through all of those weeks with barely any sleep, and still continued to be so pleasant. Fantastic.

Mandie, Laura, me. Towards the end of our journey. SO MUCH FUN!

Being the first year for United Relay of America there were a few hiccups I'm sure – originally it started out as running only, but when so many of the stages weren't filling up, they included cycling as well. Hopefully through good word of mouth, more runners will register. I really enjoyed my time, and hope that when next year rolls around I can manage the time to run more legs, but I'd definitely want to participate in the group stage, too. I hope you'll look into next year and join in. You'll make some great new friends and have a lot of fun.

The hand off from Stage 318 to Stage 319. Josh's parents to Josh. They were so cute.

yes ucan: a generation ucan review

Disclaimer: I received Generation UCAN product 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'm always looking for ways to improve my fueling process for running. I'm not always great at following a scheduled plan while on the run, which can lead to some bonking. Also, if I'm running early in the AM, I have trouble eating breakfast. I usually can't eat until about 9 or 10, no matter what time I wake up. This obviously can cause some issues during the long runs. A certain product I like to use helps with this, but I feel like I could find a good combo to work together.

All done and ready to run!

I was interested in trying out UCAN to see if this was something that I would help me in this problem area. Since it was a liquid, it'd be easier for me consume over actual food, which I don't like pre-early runs. UCAN is powered by SuperStarch, which delivers steady, long-lasting energy without the spike and crash, and GI distress of sugar-based fuels. UCAN keeps your blood sugar stable and allows you to better burn fat, minimizing the need to refuel frequently. UCAN is liquid food that's easy on your stomach and it has no sugar, added electrolytes, and is gluten-free. 

I asked around to see if any of my twitter friends have used it. The response was incredible (probably my most commented on tweet ever). Not one person had anything bad to say. The words game changer came up often. This got me pretty stoked to give it a go.

The pack I got included 2 Cocoa Delite, 2 Tropical Orange, 1 Cran-Razz, and 1 Lemonade along with a shaker bottle. I decided to go with the Cocoa Delite since there were two, and someone recommended it (and the Cinnamon, which I'll have to try). 

Some of the contents inside the UCAN delivery.

According to the instructions, you were to mix it with 8–10 oz of water. Since I generally prefer the consistency of shakes, smoothies, etc to be on the thinner side, I did 10 oz of water. It was thin how I liked it, so I kept my water measurement the same throughout. I don't think I would have liked it as much with less. You really could do any amount of water that worked for your tastes – the amount doesn't change the effectiveness of UCAN 

I had heard that having it really cold is when it tastes best, so I decided to mix it with ice in my NutriBullet. Honestly, I wasn't a big fan of the flavor. I would like to note I'm more of a fruity flavor fan than chocolate, so I had higher hopes for the other three.

Good news is, I did prefer the other three flavors. In order of my favorites: Lemonade, Cran-Razz, then Tropical Orange. 

Tropical Orange was my second flavor test. I liked this one a lot better than the cocoa, so I was happy about that. I mixed this one in the blender bottle and put it in the fridge overnight. Nice and cold when I drank it, which definitely makes a difference (I gave it a taste test before tossing in the fridge). The blender bottle works great for mixing the powder with the water. 

Bottoms up.

There's a bit of a chalky consistency with it, but I feel like the more I drank it, the more I got used to that. Also, not loving the mixture with water, I learned you can also use Almond Milk or mix it with your coffee (UCAN is pretty great at responding to tweets and answering any questions on twitter – I appreciate that a ton). I don't drink straight coffee, but I love making smoothies with Almond Milk. I did the Cran-Razz with Almond Milk and it was awesome! A bit sweet, but for me, way better than the other two with water. 

Last up was the Lemonade. I had a feeling it would be my favorite, and it definitely was the winner of my tastebud test. I made it in my NutriBullet (10 oz water + ice) the night before the Volition Half and then drank it on my way to the race. I gave it a taste after mixing it up, and it was almost icee-like. Loved it. I poured it into the shaker bottle and tossed it in the fridge, then grabbed it before leaving the house. I gave it some shakes before drinking just in case anything settled or separated during the evening hours, and drank it down.

I found UCAN to be quite filling. It was sometimes difficult for me to drink an entire serving. My longest run having drank it beforehand was the Volition Half Marathon. I definitely noticed having a longer, steadier energy level than usual, so I do believe that it works as it says. 

Some tips/bullet points on UCAN:

• Drink 1 serving 30 minutes before a 1–2 hour workout
• Experiment with 2 servings before workouts over 2 hours
• If you want to curb hunger during your long workouts, try the UCAN with protein (that's on my list to try, as I do tend to get hungry a few miles in... again, going back to that whole not eating before running problem). 
• You make your calories count – (UCAN vs other sorts nutrition during 90 minutes of activity) 1 UCAN = 130 calories, energy bar + sports drink = 30 calories, and 3 gels = 300 calories. This means UCAN is less than 100 calories per hour.
• Steady energy – no spike and crash
• Burn fat for fuel – stabilize blood sugar and insulin
• No GI distress – high molecular weight, gentle on the stomach
• Healthy, efficient calories – steady release; curb sugar cravings
• Optimize recovery – spare muscle glycogen
• Improve body composition – become metabolically efficient
• UCAN can be a snack between meals to help curb cravings caused by low blood sugar. Try blending with some healthy ingredients for a meal replacement shake (definitely going to be trying this, as I always seem to be snacking or hungry!)
• Gluten free
• SuperStarch
• Electrolyte
• No added sugars

I'd really like to try their other products as well – UCAN snack, UCAN Protein, and UCAN Hydrate. Luckily I can save some money while I test more products out, and so can you! Use code BIBRAVE to save yourself 15% on any/all UCAN products! Woot woot! I would suggest one of the trial/sample packs so you can try the different flavors before committing to a tub or case of one you haven't tried yet.

Since I'm not great at getting myself up early/on time on race days, I
make sure everything is ready the night before. Including my UCAN.

P.S. Don't forget to join BibRave, the running community, and sponsor UCAN for #BibChat on Tuesday night (June 7) at 8pm Central Time. I bet they'll be giving away some product ;)

Connect with UCAN:

website | twitter | instagram | facebook | youtube | blog

chicago marathon training: week 2

Week 2 of Chicago Marathon Training
Monday, May 23: Strength Training Week 5, workout 1
Tuesday, May 24: United Relay 5k - Group Stage 318
Wednesday, May 25: Strength Training Week 5, workout 2
Thursday, May 26: Medium run, 8 miles at CP; 1:49:56
Friday, May 27: Medium run, 6 miles at CP;  1:23:53
Saturday, May 28: Soldier Field 10 Mile; (10.10 via Garmin) 2:25:23
Sunday, May 29: Rest Day

Week Total Mileage: 27.69 
Marathon Training Mileage: 56.14
YTD: 426.32

This was a super busy, fun week as far as running goes (and work too, but that's not always as fun). 

My coach from Sweat Tracker was actually in town for a conference, so Monday night I went into the city to have dinner with her. It was so great to meet her in person. We talked running, upcoming strategies, and life. I feel like having met in person we have strengthened our bond as coach/running student and it's awesome. Something about talking with someone face-to-face adds to the relationship (duh). Also, she agreed to meet for pizza, so I mean... she's super cool.

Coach Val and I at Gino's East :)

Two days after running the Chicago Spring Half Marathon, I was back where that finished at The Park at Lakeshore East to take part in the United Relay Group Stage 5k. Little did I know I'd make some new, awesome friends and have a BLAST. 

I'll have a blog recap soon about the Relay, but you can read my initial post on it when I first registered if you're interested in reading what it was all about. 

It turned into a very laid back 5k, as about half way through we decided to stop and take photos, meet up with some of the other runners, and then stopped for group photos by Buckingham Fountain... and then walked back to the park. The crew had some time to kill, knowing that some of the legs coming up were cycling, so time would be made up then. Seriously, I had so so so much fun and really look forward to running again next year (and hopefully being available to do more legs!). Here's my BibRave review.

So much fun at the United Relay of America Chicago Group Stage!

Strength training has been getting tougher each week, naturally. It takes longer to complete each workout, approximately 30 minutes as apposed to the beginning few weeks which were about 15–20 — this is of course when you are beginning to learn all of the different exercises, and then as weeks progress you up the reps and add in advanced forms. I never though I could sweat so much using nothing but my body weight and occasionally a medicine ball or small weights. I'm going to be honest with you. I have very weak arms (part of the reason strength training was needed — I think you remember I've also mentioned my weak core haha). Anyway, I'd been using 3 pound weights when weights were needed, and a 5 pound medicine ball. I attempted 5 pound weights this week, and let me tell you. OW. After about 15 reps my arms were killing me. Maybe I need more time before jumping up more... :-/ (embarrassing!).

Thursday was a medium run with 8 miles. I ended with an average pace of 13:44. Not horrible for that distance, for me. I'm still trying to get used to this summer weather... it could take all summer haha.The humidity is just so draining — dehydrating you no matter how much water/electrolytes you're drinking and your body can't cool off because the sweat doesn't evaporate. Woof.

Thursday I also headed to Fleet Feet Chicago to grab packets for the Soldier Field 10 Mile on Saturday. While there, I grabbed some new gear (sports bras and shorts) while they were having a sale, and my pal Mike helped fit me for some new shoes. I love my Nike Lunarglide, but I needed another shoe to alternate with when I have back to back runs. While I could probably get away with more Lunarglide, I thought I'd give another style a shot. I ended with the New Balance Vongos. I'll keep you updated on how those go. For now, I'll just be wearing them for errands and walking, then some short runs to break them in.

Friday was a 6 mile day. I had a 13:59 pace on this run. I was not feeling the heat and was feeling so drained early on. I walked the last half mile of this run because I was starting to feel sick, but I refused to not get in my 6 miles.

Saturday was race day! I had a BLAST meeting up with so many friends at this race — Angie, Josh, Rachel and her husband Mike, Eric, and Jacob. We took some fun photos (naturally), and all headed our separate ways for race time. I'll have a full recap eventually (I have so many to catch up on), but it was fun. In the meantime you can read my BibRave review. Mom and I ran/walked 30/90 intervals. Again, the heat was not my friend come mile 6ish, but we kept on truckin'.

Two of my best buds - Josh and Angie.

Sunday was a welcomed rest day. I had the whole day free, and though my intentions were to do laundry and cleaning, my husband convinced me it was worth skipping to sit outside with the dogs on our back porch. It was warm out, but in the shade it was lovely because there was a breeze. Though some pesky bees kept bothering us (and our dogs attempting to eat said bees), it was nice to just relax for once. We shared some new brews and chatted.

I hope you guys don't mind my week in review gets written nearly a week after the fact haha. I've been busy with work and running and life in general, so it's just the way it is ;)

How is your training going? What's your big upcoming race?

ucan global running day conference

As most of you runners know, it's Global Running Day! In honor of this wonderful day that we all celebrate this sport, hobby, exercise (whatever you choose to call it) we all know and love, UCAN is having a Global Running Day Conference. Their lineup of speakers is pretty phenomenal, including Olympians and top coaches. You can access some video chats immediately once you register (for FREE!), and then watch the LIVE chats or the recordings at your convenience. That's pretty cool. I mean, I can use all the help I can get, so whatever tips I can gather from these amazing speakers I will. I of course am signed up! Here are the details...

GLOBAL RUNNING DAY CONFERENCE
Improve Your Running with Tips from the Experts

The very best in running come together for a special online conference in celebration of Global Running Day, presented by Generation UCAN! Learn how to improve your training and nutrition in a series of live video chats featuring Olympians, top coaches, and researchers.

You'll get free access to 4 video chats when you sign up, and you can tune in LIVE or watch the recordings at your convenience!

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE ::

WHEN ::Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Global Running Day

SCHEDULE ::

12:00–12:45 PM EST
"The Mental Side of Running"
Coach Pete Rea, ZAP Fitness

1:00–1:45 PM EST
"Nutrition for Women Runners"
Carrie Tollefson, Olympian, Broadcaster
Dr. Cathy Yeckel, Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale School of Public Health

2:30–3:15 PM EST
"How to Train Like a Champion"
Dathan Ritzenhein, 3x Olympian
Amy Begley, Olympian & Atlanta Track Club Head Coach

5:00–5:45 PM EST
"Tips to Avoid the Nutrition Wall"
Coach Greg McMillan, Exercise Scientist

xx2i hawaii 1 review + discount

Disclaimer: I received a pair of XX2i Hawaii1 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!

Remember when I said I was a sunglass hoarder? Well, add another great pair to the list. This is another active lifestyle pair - for running, cycling, etc. They are a new model in the list of XX2i products and are called Hawaii1. Now I have the Hawaii1, USA1, and Bermuda1.

I think the first thing you'll notice when you put on the Hawaii 1 are how extremely lightweight they are. So much so that you can barely feel them when you're wearing them. Major bonus points for that. 

The noticeable difference between the USA1 and the Hawaii1, at least in looks, is that the Hawaii1 doesn't have the frame at the bottom of the lenses, and the arms are thinner. I really like they way they look when they are on. They come in matte white with polar grey lenses, matte black with polar grey lenses, or matte tortoise with polar brown lenses. Unlike most of their other sunglasses, these do not have the option to change lenses (not a big deal to me – I love the polar grey... they look blue and I dig it). The nose piece is adjustable to help fit any face shape for any activity.

It's been summer weather here, with lots of sunny days. If you're read any of my other sunglasses reviews you know that I have sensitive eyes and need sunglasses even on a cloudy day. I squint and get headaches and it's just no good. Plus, wearing contacts, having sunglasses helps protect my eyes from dust, dirt, and whatever weird things are floating in the wind. Also, I have a fear of getting bugs in my eyes, so there's that.

The Hawaii1 are great eye protection. Keeps out the sun and bugs. Again, they are super lightweight so often times you don't even notice them there. I've found for my face size, they fit/stay on best when I tuck them underneath my headphones or visor. Take note that adult sized visors and hats are usually large on me – I'll have them on their smallest possible size and they are still loose. I have been known to wear a child size hat if it's an option. So, if I don't tuck in these sunglasses at all, even after adjusting the nosepiece, I find they are little big for my face. They'll slide a little bit and I'll need to push them back up. It's more of a frame fit than the nosepiece that makes this happen — I think the frames are made for just a little bit bigger face than mine. I know most of the guys testing this particular pair didn't have this issue, so I think it's just my childish head size (it's also why I have a hard time finding regular glasses frames at the eye doctor haha). Anyway, if I keep them tucked in, then no problems at all. And honestly, I'm almost always wearing my headphones and a visor or hat, so it's not much of an issue for me. No bounce, no slide.

Flat Heather for Chicago Spring Half Marathon.

One other thing of note was that without the frame on the bottom of the lenses, there's a bit of space for some sunlight to come through. Not a lot, just a little, and it also depends on how close to your face you wear the sunglasses. I need a little space so that the frames aren't touching my eyelashes, and I don't like them right up against my forehead. This didn't bother me at all, and I liked being able to glance down and easily see the cracks, holes, puddles I'd like to avoid. Sometimes lenses can be too dark and it's harder to see where you are going — makes it easy to trip (not any of my XX2i sunglasses, other brands!).

Chicago Spring Half Marathon.

Some ladies have mentioned hair pulling when taking off their sunglasses. I didn't have this issue with the Hawaii1. Let me tell you my secret. Instead of sliding them onto your head, place them. This means you aren't sliding the rubber temple arms through your hair. You are just putting them on top of it. Take them off the same way. This makes it so your hair is getting caught on the rubber. I'm not sure if my explanation makes sense, so let me know if you need further clarification. I never had any hair come out this way. I don't even think about it, for some reason with sport sunglasses, I've always put them on this way. Unlike my everyday pair that I slide on through my hair. I must have subconsciously learned at some point that anything with the rubber won't work well if I put them on normally.

Flat Heather for United Relay of America Stage 318.

Bright, sunny day in Chicago for the United Relay Group Stage.

I obviously like them, or I wouldn't have worn them during so many runs and races. I've done a half marathon and 10 miler in them + countless training runs of 4+ miles. If they bothered me, I wouldn't be able to race in them, as any little thing that is off/bothersome aggravates me for the entire race. Even the smallest distraction over the course of 13 miles drives me insane (yeah, I'm one of those people). Say, if I had to push them up every few minutes because they were falling down, or take them off because they were fogging a lot. This doesn't happen with XX2i Hawaii1. Give them a try, you won't regret it (and even if you maybe get a style that doesn't work for you, see below for their amazing return policy – try a different style that might fit you better. For anyone with a smaller noggin' like me, I'd suggest a smaller frame).

Summer has hit in Chicago. This means high heat, high humidity, and sun.

XX2i has a lifetime warranty. No questions asked, you break or scratch them, send them back to be replaced for a nominal shipping and handling fee. They also have a 365 day return policy. What does that mean? You can take up to 365 days to determine if you want to keep them and if not, send them back for a full refund less any shipping and handling fee. This is a great return policy, as it can be hard to know when buying something off the internet whether it's going to fit properly or not. Even with something like sunglasses, trying them on in store isn't enough. You need the time to wear them while doing your activity (for me, running), to know if they'll work. It's sort of like your shoes. They might feel great in store for 2 minutes of running, but the real test is when you get them out for long runs (once broken in).

Flat Heather for Soldier Field 10 Mile.

On the 'field' post-SF10. Beyonce's concert that weekend meant the
field was covered. Boo.

The Hawaii1 cost $124.99, but you can get 50% this pair (or any other XX2i\) on their website using code XX2iRocks. I'm actually looking at adding the Crystal USA1 to my stash... don't they look super awesome with the green flash lenses? 

Fellow BibRave Pro and best bud Angie and I sporting the Hawaii1 for SF10.

XX2i will be sponsoring #BibChat on Tuesday, May 31. Join us at 8pm CT over on Twitter. Follow BibRave and XX2i, answer the six questions, converse with running pals, and be entered for a chance to win a pair of the XX2i Hawaii. If you don't win, use the discount code to snag yourself some sweet sweet shades.

Connect with XX2i:

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What other BibRave Pros are saying:

Angie | Gina | Erin | Sarah | Christine

chicago marathon training: week 1

I'm back with my coach and I couldn't be happier! After a hiatus from Coach Val over at Sweat Tracker online coaching after last year's Chicago Marathon (due to limited funds — not because I didn't think she was amazing! It was sad to not re-up the plan post-race. You can read my review of the process here.). I decided it was time to get back together to prepare for this year's race. Honestly, I'm still pretty new to this running life, and I could use all the help I can get. I really have no idea what I'm doing haha.

Week 1 of Chicago Marathon Training
Monday, May 16: Strength Training Week 4, workout 1
Tuesday, May 17: Medium run, 6 miles at Conversation Pace (CP); 1:20:26; 13:24 avg pace
Wednesday, May 18: Strength Training Week 4, workout 2
Thursday, May 19: Medium run, 6 miles at CP; 6.2 miles; 1:19:30; 12:49 avg pace
Friday, May 20: Short run, 3 miles at CP; 38:19; 12:45 avg pace
Saturday, May 21: Rest day
Sunday, May 22: Chicago Spring Half Marathon; 13.24 miles; 3:07:24; 14:09 avg pace

Week Total Mileage: 28.45 (I'm using my Garmin stats for mileage, etc)
Marathon Training Mileage: 28.45
YTD: 405.21 (I'm less than 200 away from my 2015 mileage)

Week 4 of strength training was NO JOKE. It's been getting tougher each week, and the fourth week began adding in higher reps, more exercises, and doing the alternate options for exercises (and by alternate, they mean more difficult). It was rough going. It even added in the stability ball, which was a real treat ;) The one exercise took me so long just to get myself balanced properly on the ball without falling off in order to do the necessary reps haha. 

I will say I can definitely notice that I'm getting stronger, as when I first started doing, say, 10 pushups was a difficult task, and now doing 20 is manageable—mind you it's still difficult, but much more manageable than when I first began. My abs and arms are usually pretty sore the next day, which means it's all working. I'm feeling stronger on my runs, and I know in the end this will have been a very goof thing to add into the mix. I'm happy I found this book and that it's working so well. The details, explanations, and photos are super helpful in making sure I get the right form.

My run on Tuesday didn't feel great. My legs were tired and I felt like I was dragging, and that showed in the pace. It's also starting to warm up and get into summer temps here, which if you've read my blog or follow me on twitter, know that I hate. I didn't complain once over winter that it was too cold. This was in part to the fact that I love winter/cold running, and also so that I could complain when it got hot out haha.

Wednesday's strength training went better than Monday's. It was more about balance, which I think I'm a bit better at than my core strength... which is why I'm doing this in the first place. Increasing your core and stability strength is important for runners, and I think balancing (ha) both of those out, rather than having a much stronger area, is good to do.

Thursday's run went well. Even though I felt like I was going slow, when I saw my pace I was happy. No knee pain, which I think I can partially attribute to the core strengthening. Not much to say about the 3 miles.

Sunday was the Chicago Spring Half Marathon. It was much warmer than I was expecting it to feel. Upper 60s and low 70s + all sun. I got so tired after mile 9, but I kept on trucking. Mom and I ran together and we did 30 seconds running and 1:30 walking. I'll have more details about the race when I write my recap (I'm a bit behind on these, but I'll get to it eventually). You can read my shorter BibRave Review here if you're interested in what I felt the Pros and Cons of the race were (not many cons, except that the beer choice was the usual disappointment haha).

I have a good feeling about the training cycle and I'm excited to have some direction (because honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing and need all the help I can get!).

What are you currently training for?