Three Things: Fun & New

Today I have some fun and new things on my mind.

It's almost time to announce the winner of the Chilly Challenge. All miles must be logged by midnight EST tonight to count for Team Escapades. Check back tomorrow to see which team won!

My friends at ZOOMA have launched a Personal Best Program. The program challenges runners or walkers to complete a distance best or set a personal record. If they achieve their goal, athletes will receive a special “PR” medal at the finish line party, offering the opportunity for extra bragging rights.

There's a brand new race happening in one of my favorite places. The Newport Ten Miler has a fantastic course lined up that takes runners down scenic Ocean Drive, past beautiful mansions, and through the gates of Fort Adams. Best registration price ends today! 

What fun things are you thinking about?

Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 16s

I first saw the Mizuno Wave Rider 16s in early December at a fun run sponsored by my local running store. Mizuno Rep Mary brought a bag of running shoes for us to try that day and I choose the 16s since I already loved my 15s. 

After that run, I couldn't stop thinking about them. I admit, I put a lot of miles on my running shoes last year, but the 16s felt unbelievably soft and light. 

I hadn't noticed any discomfort while running in my 15s or my Inspire 8s, but a quick 5 mile run in the tester 16s clearly made my old shoes feel hard. One reason for this feeling lies in the change of material used in the heel which improves shock absorption and increases smoothness.

Another noticeable difference is in the upper part of the shoe. With the removal of overlays and the open mesh design, the shoe moves with your foot easier and improves breathability.

At 8.2 ounces, the Wave Rider 16 is half an ounce lighter than its predecessor. A subtle difference, but when combined with the other design changes it creates that soft, lightweight feel.

Once again, Mizuno does not disappoint. The color options are vibrant so they look good, and the material changes add a plushness so they feel good. Win, win.

What running shoes are you loving?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: 
Only one more day to run and log your miles for Team Escapades! 

I have not received compensation for this post.

#TrainingTruths: Paying Up

I entered a little Runner's Wager hosted by pavement runner and NYC Running Mama and since the Patriots didn't win the AFC Championship, my workouts last week included some #milesofshame settling up. On the upside, I could also add the miles to my team.

#TrainingTruth: There is no downside to running.

I took advantage of the day off from school and put in a Monday morning run. It was too cold for me to run outside by myself, so I jumped on the treadmill to run my first 5 #milesofshame. In or out, miles are miles. They all feel good.

Instead of waiting until after school, Daisy and I decided to use our hour long lunch break to go for a run. It was only 18 degrees, but we came prepared with our Lululemon brisk run neck warmers and lots of layers. I love running in the cold and barely breaking a sweat. It just feels easy.

With temps in the single digits, I took my run back to the treadmill on Wednesday and finished up my Runner's Wager #milesofshame debt. After reading about treadmill pacing problems I suspect that mine is also inaccurate because it feels so much harder to run the same pace as my outdoor runs. But, who can complain about TM runs when you have a buddy keeping you company. 

Still in a deep freeze, we canceled our normal Saturday morning long run (for fruit smoothies) opting instead for treadmill miles where we wouldn't lose any extremities to frostbite. With hopes that it might be warmer in the afternoon, I ran errands and went out to lunch with my husband, only to realize that I would be seriously crazy to run outside when I have a perfectly good treadmill in the basement. So I ran my longest distance on the treadmill while watching Run For Your Life - a documentary about NYC Marathon founder, Fred Lebow.

Has the weather been affecting your training lately?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Fitness Friday: Ready for the Cold

It's been frigid here in New England lately. Temperatures are low, wind chills are even lower. This season, I'm more prepared for my cold outdoor runs with a new piece of winter gear.

Lululemon's Brisk Run Neck Warmer:

After seeing my running partner wear this, I had to get one. This multipurpose piece is a neck warmer that can also be worn as a hood. I hate to wear hats because my head gets warm and then I have to carry the hat or end up overheating. But sometimes the temperatures are too cold to just wear bandless earmuffs. With the brisk run neck warmer, once you warm up, you can just pull it down and wear it loose around your neck. 

In below freezing weather and running against the wind, my head and ears stay warm and comfy. The BRNW has an adjustable cord at both ends so that you can wear it as snug a you like. The Rulu fabric is super soft and wicking.

Next weekend I'm heading up to Maine to run the Mid-Winter Classic 10 Miler in Cape Elizabeth. I have a feeling my new brisk run neck warmer will keep me safe and warm there.

What are you wearing this season to stay warm and safe from the cold?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned

Review: Firmoo Eyeglasses

In a couple of months, my running partner and I will be driving to New York City for the NYC Half Marathon. Obviously there's a lot of miles involved: running and driving. I can see to run, but I need glasses to see when I drive, especially at night. Just a few of weeks ago, I went for my regular eye exam. Around the same time, I was contacted by Firmoo to do a review of their eyeglass wear. So I jumped at the chance to try some new glasses.

I used Firmoo's virtual try on system that lets you see what the glasses look like on similar shaped faces to help me pick my frames from the large variety of options on the website. Less than two weeks after choosing my frames and submitting my prescription, my new Firmoo eyeglasses arrived. They came with a hard case, pouch, cleaning cloth and tool kit. The durable plastic frames are strong yet comfortable, and just as stylish as they presented on the website. 

Firmoo offers men's and women's glasses, designer glasses, RX sunglasses, and fashion eyewear - that's right, glasses are officially a fashion accessory. There is also a First Pair Free Program for new customers. You only have to pay for shipping.

I'm very happy with my new eyewear and being the frugal shopper that I am, I already have plans to pick out some new eyewear for my husband. He is the one who attempts to take great race photos by riding around during a race reading a course map. 

Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.