under armour horizon rtt trail shoe review

Disclaimer: I received the UA Horizon RTT Trail Shoes 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!

Finding the right shoe for you can be hard, let alone finding a trail shoe that works not only for your running style and foot, but also to the trails you run. I generally run some tame trails, but sometimes I head over to more technical trails to run with my trail loving friends (and on the rare occasion, by myself).

I had the opportunity to try a pair of Under Armour Horizon RTT Trail shoes. Choosing a color was tough, but in true Heather fashion, I went with one of my favorite colors — the teal ones (official color is Marlin Blue / Neptune). Picking a shoe size can always be iffy too, but I took the 'what size fits me best test', which resulted in the same size I usually wear. 

When I got the shoe, I was intrigued by the traction on the bottom. They looked like they would be great for the really technical trails where you would need good traction to get up some of the trickier hills or to stay on your feet in a muddy situation. I never got to test the latter, as the trails in the area aren't supposed to be run on when they are muddy (to preserve them, and I do my best to follow the rules), but they did work great on getting up hills where I needed a good foothold (better than my usual road shoes).

I am in full marathon training mode, so I was weary of trying them on my long runs, but I did wear them for short/medium runs up to 6 miles. I didn't have any issues with blisters and the fit was great. I'm glad I went with the size that was recommended. I found it was true to size, but sometimes size can be relative, so I'll say the shoes I usually wear for running in the two brands I wear are both the same size, and the Under Armour RTT Trail Shoes are the same.

They were a little heavier than the shoes I'm used to, but I feel like that is standard for a trail shoe – I think they are made a little more sturdy and durable. It didn't bother me, it's just something I initially noticed, but quickly got used to. I felt they moved well with my foot when running and didn't notice any heel or knee pain (something I've been dealing with lately, which I think has to do with running in shoes that aren't a great fit for me, so I am usually pretty weary of new shoe models I haven't worn before for running).

There were a few instances where I was running on rocks that I noticed my ankle rolling a bit, but I honestly think that's just me and my lack of gracefulness and being a bit on the clumsy side. This didn't happen when it was the dirt, tree roots, grass, etc. Just when on the rocks. Nothing got stuck in the bottoms. I felt the cushion wasn't over the top, but there was enough that my heels weren't bothered in them.

I love getting out to the trails; though they are more difficult, which means I'm even slower than usual, I always feel accomplished and I enjoy my time out in nature. Having a shoe that fits the terrain better gives me the excitement and energy to make the trek out rather than just running around the neighborhood (which gets pretty boring).

I would have liked to get out to the trails more, and I did try, but sometimes life gets in the way. I was able to get out there 5 times to test these shoes out for 5–6 miles each time. I tried another day – I got everything ready to go so I could go straight from work and I was so proud and later in the day at work I realized I didn't pack a sports bra... that's not really negotiable, and by the time I got home from work I didn't have the time to get out to the trails before making it to BibChat at 8pm CT that night. I did go the next day, but it just wasn't the same haha. 

Some info on the UA Horizon RTT Shoe from the website:

These were made for the runner who makes the trail their second home. With superior cushioning & incredible durability, they‘re are ready to put in some serious miles.

Product DNA

• Durable PU & textile upper for breathability & reliable protection
• Reinforced welded synthetic material in critical areas for increased durability
• Mesh heel with dual protective welds
• Molded collar foam package for added comfort
• Charged Cushioning® foam puck placed under the heel for responsive comfort
• Lightweight, full-length EVA midsole for optimal cushioning
• High traction rubber lug outsole for dependable traction on a variety of conditions
• Offset: 7mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz.
• Imported
• Colors: 

• Marlin Blue (300) / Neptune

• Black (001) / Steel
• 
Raisin Red (916) / Black Currant

• Midnight Navy (410) / Mediterranean
• Pomegranate (693) / Gray Matter
• Cost: $109.99

I would recommend these for anyone looking for a trail shoe that is sturdy and durable. I heard a few of the other BibRave Pros even ran through streams and puddles in them and had no issues. Everyone is different, but for me, they were comfortable and worked well for the trails that I was running. 

Under Armour has also started up a running series and you can join one of my best running friends Amy at Copper Mountain. They have a ton of distance options: 50k, marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, vertical challenge, 10k, and 5k. I love when a race has so many options to choose from; just about something for everyone. It looks really challenging, but that's what we love, right? It takes place September 9 and 10 and you can save 40% on any distance using code BIBRAVE40.

Connect with Under Armour:
website | facebook | twitter | instagram

Read what the other BibRave Pros had to say about the UA Horizon RTT Trail Shoe:
Mel | Tedrick | Lindsey | Jessica | Fallon | Casey | Vanessa | Angie | Frank | Amy

pack run cap review

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF® Pack Run Cap 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 wore the BUFF® Pack Run Cap for the Chicago 10k.

Are you one of my amazing follower on Instagram or Twitter? If you are, then you’ll notice that almost all of my running photos feature a hat or visor. Even on a cloudy day, I usually wear one, because I have sensitive eyes and need to block the sun (along with being pale and I like to protect my face when I can from the sun. If there isn't a hat or visor being featured, it's mostly likely because I took it off after my run before I took the photo (and if you look closely enough, you'll see the line on my forehead haha).

In the summer (and really, anything over 50 degrees), I’m usually in a visor. My head heats up pretty quickly, so I like to have that top vent haha. In the winter, I can wear a hat… though even sometimes I’ll take that off to cool down.

Anyway, I often add new hats and visors to the collection so I have more variety. Most recently, I was able to test the BUFF® Pack Run Cap. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but when I received it, I noticed how super lightweight it was, along with being super bendy. I use really technical terms here. I hope you can keep up 😂

I can’t say exactly what color mine is, as it isn’t available on the website at the moment, but it’s a fun pink and orange combination (based off of the UV Arm Sleeves, I believe the color/design is called Akira). Nice and bright, which you’ll also notice is something I love. I don’t feel the need to match, just be bright. Not only do I feel that being in bright colors gives me more visibility out on the streets, but also it makes me happy to be in bright, fun colors.

The BUFF® Pack Run Cap is easily adjustable with an elastic cord at the back so you can get a secure fit. I love how easy it is to adjust and that it can actually fit my smaller head. I often have trouble with hats, feeling sometimes foolish in trucker hats because they make my head look super small haha. This adjusts to my head shape and then I can tighten it to a good spot and not have to adjust it again. I wore it on some windy days. I have some caps that a windy day means it's blowing off, or I'm constantly grabbing at it, patting it down, to make sure it doesn't go flying. The BUFF® Pack Run Cap stayed on, no problems.

Another great feature is that since the fabric is so movable, I can rinse it with water after each run to get all of the sweat out, wring it out, and not have to worry about its shape. The brim always snaps back into place and doesn’t bend weird or get jacked up from doing this. Even after a 4-miler. I am dripping sweat. So that hat needs to get washed out and hung to dry haha. Another bonus: doesn’t take long to dry.

The BUFF® Pack Run Cap includes a low profile sweatband that helps to keep perspiration out of the eyes and the side panels wick away moisture. Obviously, I still had some sweat dripping down my face towards m eyes, because I don't wear hats at my eyebrow level haha – so there was still some face wiping on my end. I’m also someone that has to constantly wipe my face anyway (my eyes burn so bad if sweat gets in there – is that just me? Does it have to do with wearing contacts? Or maybe what I eat makes the sweat burn? ha). Just something I like to note, in case you sweat a lot like me... a hat can only absorb so much 😂

Another bonus of the fabric being so streamlined and compressible is that you can easily fold it up and tow it in a pocket during a run if you don’t want to wear it anymore. It’s also great for travel. Trying to only pack a carry on? This is the hat to bring as it’ll barely take up any space and only weighs one ounce. Awesome sauce.

Here’s some information from the website:
Ultralight and ultra smart, the BUFF® Pack Run Cap is built to go the distance. Super streamlined, exceptionally light and highly compressible, it’s comfortable for the long-haul, but can easily be folded and rolled to stash in a pocket. The four panel design and stretch materials hug the head for a secure fit that doesn’t bind, while a low profile sweatband provides moisture control without added bulk, and the polyester materials wick away perspiration. The crushable polyurethane brim snaps back to shape and combines with the UPF protective materials for sun protection on long races and extended training days.

• Exceptionally lightweight, weighs only one ounce
• Packable design with crushable brim that regains its shape for reliable sun protection
• 4-way stretch fabric for comfort
• Upper panel provides UPF 50 protection
• Fastwick fabric side panels wicks away moisture and improves breathability
• Low profile sweatband keeps perspiration out of eyes
• Adjustable elastic cord at back for a secure fit
• Reflective tab on back, logo on front add low-light visibility

I think this hat will be great for me in the fall/winter months more so than summer. While it is lightweight and breathable, I still like to have that air vent up top that a visor can provide when it’s 70+ degrees and high humidity. It works fine for the shorter runs, but once I’m at 8+, I need as little fabric on me while still wearing clothes that are supportive and protect my eyes and skin. I struggle in the summer, so I need all the help I can get haha.

The cost of the BUFF® Pack Run Cap is $32, which I believe to be very reasonable, and comes in 4 colors at the moment. BUFF® usually has some pretty good sales, too, so I'd sign up for their email list so you know when those are happening. They make a lot of great, quality products. You'll see me in the summer sporting a BUFF® half on my wrist to wipe away all the sweat on my face and in the winter, I love the Merino Wool BUFF® around my ears or I use it on my face when it's super cold or windy. 

Join #BibChat over on Twitter Tuesday night (August 22, 2017) at 8pm CT for a chance to win one of your own! It's a great piece of gear to add to your collection. Honestly, I really like it. In order to win the chat, you must follow both BibRave and BUFF® on Twitter and answer the 6 questions during the hour. It's also a great chance to chat with other runners and get some new training, nutritional, or recovery tips. Hope to see you there!

Connect with BUFF®:
website | twitter | instgram | facebook | pinterest | youtube

What the other BibRave Pros had to say:
Meredith | Janelle | Angie

bucktown 5k 2017

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Bucktown 5k 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!

Oops, I did it again. I just registered for another RAM Racing event. Sorry, not sorry. This year, the Bucktown 5k is offering a BLANKET! It's soft and cozy and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The design is the Chicago flag, which I guess this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Bucktown 5k always has some unique swag; last year it was a comfy tech sweatshirt that was also the Chicago flag. I love that light blue color, and of course Chicago, so I like that the theme is continuing.



Join me for this fun, Chicago neighborhood race on Sunday, September 17. Bonus: the race doesn't start until 8:30am, so you have a little bit of time to sleep longer. I enjoy not having to wake up at 4am myself. Plus, after the race it's the perfect time to go have some breakfast at one of the local eats (lots of great options).

Use code BibRaveBT17 during registration (right before checkout, click on the button to add a promo code/coupon) to score a free water bottle.



Hope to see you there!

btn big 10k recap

Disclaimer: I received entry for BTN Big 10k 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!

The BTN Big 10k was on Sunday, July 23, 2017 with a 7am start for the 10k and an 8am start for the 5k. I registered for the 10k and this was my second year racing this event. You can read my shorter review here.

I was unable to get my packet during the week (it started on Wednesday and went through Saturday at Fleet Feet Old Town), so I was heading into the city on Saturday after my dentist appointment. My friends Angie and Josh were coming into town for the race, so we decided to coordinate a run on the Lakefront Path together with a planned meet up of around noon.

It took me a while to get into the city on Saturday. I left around 10am and got there around 11 or so. Pickup was a breeze – I had my QR codes ready to go and after going into Fleet Feet and going to the back where the pickups are held, I waited maybe a minute or two for a volunteer to be available and it was another minute to get both packets. Turns out, my mom and I had registered early enough we were also getting cookies. I expected it to be one, but it was five or six in a bag held in a plastic RAM Racing cup. Awesome, and as later I found out, delicious. They were from a place called Carol’s I believe.

I had a little time to kill, so I looked around the store and found a Momentum Jewelry wrap I had wanted that said runCHI on it, so I bought that. My friend Mike was working the register, so we chatted a bit about running and shoes while he checked me out. 

It's nice to have someone with you to take a photo.

I headed over to Montrose Harbor to meet Angie and Josh. I had 8 miles scheduled for the day, and so Angie ran with me. Josh ran 11, but we met up with him a time or two on the LFP while he was getting a snack/drink. It was a warm one, and the path was very crowded, but we had a lot of fun. Afterwards, we ate at the Montrose Docks. I got a BLT and fries and it was delicious.

These two are the best.

Anyway - back to the race details :)

My mom and I parked at Millenium Garages (pre-paid for a spot using SpotHero) and arrived at the race site around 6am. I had a planned meeting with the three other BibRave Pros racing at 6:30, so we hit up the porta-potty lines which were starting to get long.

The Start Line.

I ran into my Oiselle teammate Jen while waiting for the other pros and we chatted a bit. She was out there to cheer and we talked about how humid it was – it was going to be a tough race if it was that bad already in the morning and we felt it just standing there. Temps were already at 75 degrees with 86% humidity and 70 dew point.

Eventually, the four BRPs were able to find each other and we high-fived, hugged, took photos, and wished each other luck. It was time to get into the corrals.

The BibRave Pros.

I was in the last one, so didn’t matter so much for me, but the rest had to get up closer to the start. There were about 2 minutes between corrals and the line-ups were along Columbus with the start line (going north) at Monroe. Soon enough, we were off. I was attempting to race on my own, using my own intervals, which for that day I was trying 70/15.

Mascots at the start line.

I was doing ok the first few miles, though the very high humidity had me struggling. By mile 3.5 or so, it hit hard. I couldn’t keep up with my intervals any more, and I had to walk a lot more than I wanted. I tried bringing them down to 60/15, and then 60/30, but I still struggled. I decided that day was just going to be about finishing, and I assumed my mom would catch up to me before the finish. 

Great views of the city. This was right after aid station 1.

The first aid station was pretty packed, so I kept going (I brought my own hydration for situations like these – and I get to drink the electrolytes I prefer), but I stopped at the second and third for some water (to both drink and to dump on my head). 

Shedd Aquarium.

I really like the course (minus the bad cracks and holes in the lower path near the lake, but that can’t be helped. One of these days the city will fix that area, right?). We had some beautiful views of the city, and the lake looked really enticing on such a hot day – I wanted to just jump in.

When you aren't having a good race, might as well stop for some photos.

There were clocks and mile markers for each mile, and three aid stations, and 2 slip and slide blow-up things. I passed on those, assuming I wouldn’t have the energy to slide the whole way haha. I think there was a timing mat around mile 3.1 too, but not completely sure. I get runners brain and forget a lot of things about on course happenings ha.

Around mile 5 mom caught up and so we ran the last mile together, keeping each other going when I know all we both wanted to do was walk. We did 30 secs running and 60 secs walking I think. Eventually we crossed the finish line. Summer running in Chicago isn’t my favorite, and so I know to have lower expectations of my finish times. This one was far from a PR.

At the finish line you got your medal, which was the same for everyone this year (10k finishers only), bottled water, a banana, and Clif Protein Bars. I saw towels laying around, so they must have been giving those out, but I couldn’t find any and assumed they were all gone. I did grab a bag of ice to help cool me down (wrapped it in my BUFF® and then held it to my neck, face, and put it on top of my head).

Trying to cool off using ice in my BUFF®

After leaving the finishers chute, we headed to get our magnetic coins. This is where you would go to your alumni tent for the school you chose when registering. You tore off the claim ticket on your bib and exchanged it for the coin, which then stuck to your medal. Mom got the generic BTN Big 10 Fan shirt at pickup (liked the colors a lot), and so we headed over to that tent first to grab her coin. Then it was to Illinois for mine. Luckily, Iowa Hawkeyes was right next to it, which made it easy to find Angie, Josh, and Kelly. I also met up with another Oiselle teammate from WI, Allison, who was super sweet.

A ton of people hang out for quite some time at this race. There are games, photo opportunities at your alumni tent (if there weren’t trophies or mascots, there was at least the school backdrop). The Illinois tent gave out coupons for Chipotle (free guac and chips). Food was Amylou sausage and pretzels – I didn’t get any, as after being super hot, the thought of eating something hot just wasn’t doing it for me. They also had Revolution beer. I was SO happy to see that the race partnered up with them, a local brewery, instead of one of the big guys. Thank you RAM! I didn’t have any, but I’m always in favor of supporting and promoting local. 

We hung out behind the tents in a tree shaded area for a while, then decided it was less crowded so we could get our photos taken at our tents with props and things. On our way out, we had a small dance party (I believe Angie posted a video on her twitter or instagram) and then some more photos by the blow up football. We went to Buckingham Fountain for some photos, then Dunkin’ Donuts for some drinks (I was very disappointed that they didn’t have the iced teas they had on the menu, but the Strawberry Banana smoothie was good… and the hashbrowns), and then over to The Cloud Gate. Lots of great photos and conversation. Lucky for us, my mom doesn't love to be in photos, so she took all of the group ones for us. She's awesome. Eventually will sat down by the fountains where the wind would bring over some cooling water spurts that felt awesome. Kelly headed out and we talked with Josh and Angie a bit longer. Around 11 I think it was, we all said our final goodbyes until hopefully Marathon weekend. 

I'm a good sport.

Exhausted. Early wake-up. Hot. Humid. Sunny.

Though I’m not a super fan of college sports, I enjoy this race. It is well-managed, packet pickup is easy (and you can have it mailed if you wanted up to 3 weeks before the race for $15 and packet usually arrives about a week before race day), the course is a little different, great scenery, and great vibe from the runners. Though there’s school rivalry, it’s all in good fun. I’d recommend this to anyone that’s looking for a fun race, there is an Elite start so it’s great for the fast runners too. I love that so many people are still there when I finish. A lot of races, most people are gone by the time I finish, so I think it’s cool that there’s enough going on at this post-race tailgate that entices people to hang around.

Closing out a fun weekend with fun friends.

run mag mile 2017 updates

Disclaimer: I received an entry for Run Mag Mile 10k 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!

Run Mag Mile 2017 has undergone some changes. This race seems to be evolving a little every year; it was once the Women's Magnificent Mile Half Marathon and 5k, then switched to the Run Mag Mile Half and 5k, and for 2017, they swapped the half marathon for a 10k.

Initially, this was disappointing. You all know how much I love to run half marathons, but honestly, after doing so many + marathon trainings I was a little relieved to have a shorter race distance. Plus, the 10k was still going to get medals. I love that bling at the finish line.

Some really cool features to look forward to:

• Post-race brunch! What runner doesn't love brunch?
• Hooded, full-zip, light-weight sweatshirts for all participants (light grey for men, light blue for women)
• Post-race libations – choice of Revolution Brewing OR a Moscow Mule
• 10k or 5 option
• Running on Michigan Avenue! Not a lot of races get to do this, let alone north of the river. This race takes you north to Chicago Avenue and then turns back around. Pretty cool to run down that iconic street.

Registration took longer to open this year as they finalized all the details, but it's open now and you can score yourself a free RAM racing branded water bottle using code BibRaveMM17 (add it into the coupon/promo code are at checkout). Check out the website for details and to register.

Who's all in?

btn big 10k quick guide

Disclaimer: I received entry for BTN Big 10k to review (and one package to give away) 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!

BTN Big 10k is tomorrow! Who’s ready to have some fun? Here’s some last minute details for you to plan your day. You can also read my post from yesterday for more information. You can view the participant guide here.

10k start: 7am
5k start: 8am
Grant Park

Packet Pickup
Today is the last day to get your packet! There is NO RACE DAY PICKUP since the event is so large. Can’t make it? Send your friend with your bib confirmation email with a note how you give them permission to get your packet. You can go to Fleet Feet Old Town (1620 N Wells) from 10am–6pm.

Transportation
Transportation information can be found here. Driving into the city and need parking? I highly recommend pre-paying for your parking spot, or you’ll be spending a lot more money if you wait to pay on race day. There’s a ton of spots in the Grant Park/Millennium Garages and you can buy online here.

Course Map



Runner Tracking
Sign up for runner tracking here. You can sign up to follow your runner from start to finish as they run for school pride! Live runner updates send you free notifications via Facebook, Twitter, or text as runners cross specific points on the course.

Results & Photos
There will be timing clocks at each mile marker along the USATF-certified course, as well as at the finish line. Results will be posted online within 24 hours after the race.

Photos are FREE! After the race, you’ll be emailed free pictures and videos of yourself at the race. Share it on Facebook, tweet it, or download/print it out. To make sure they are able to accurately tag your pictures, wear your bib on the front of your body and make sure it isn’t covered by clothing, race belts, etc.

Get ready to TAILGATE!
This year’s post-race Tailgate will be unforgettable for Big Ten fans! Celebrate the conference with mascots, cheerleaders, food, music, beer, tailgate games, exciting prizes, BTN talent, and former Big Ten player appearances—all with the beautiful Chicago skyline as a backdrop!

Fan Fest & Tailgate features:

• Mascots and cheerleaders from Big Ten schools
• Interactive football and tailgate games, hosted by Chicago Sport & Social Club
• Post-race snacks and hydration from CLIF and nuun
• A free sausage from Sausages by Amylu and beer provided by Revolution Brewing (21+ registrants only) for all registered participants
• Additional drinks and grilled food for purchase
• Recovery gear and race rehab services provided by Aligned Modern Health
• Tons of great prizes, including Big Ten Football Championship tickets and contests hosted by MB Financial Bank
• BTN on-air talent and former Big Ten player appearances
• Photo opportunity with the Big Ten Championship trophy

Medals

New in 2017! All BTN Big 10k and 5k finishers will receive this awesome medal, complete with school-specific magnetic coin, to show your pride even after the race is over!

See you tomorrow!