Bonk To The FinishBonkToTheFinish.com, home of ultra runner Nicole Huston. Race and fitness discounts, race reports, training info, and stories of acheivement.https://bonktothefinish.com/blog2019-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Nicole HustonTacoma City 5khttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/tacoma-city-5k.html2019-06-04T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<p>I kicked off the <a href="http://www.tacomacitymarathon.com/race-information/weekend-schedule">Tacoma City Marathon</a> weekend with the 5k.
In the afternoon was a marathon and a 50k awaited me the next day.
I was nervous.</p>
<p>It was...</p><p>I kicked off the <a href="http://www.tacomacitymarathon.com/race-information/weekend-schedule">Tacoma City Marathon</a> weekend with the 5k.
In the afternoon was a marathon and a 50k awaited me the next day.
I was nervous.</p>
<p>It was a struggle to get ready in the morning and a battle to get in the car.
I doubted my fitness.
In February I <a href="/blog/mesa-phx-marathon-recap.html">PRed in the marathon,</a> but took lagged in my training afterwards.
Since then I'd only ran one 50k, and few halfs or less.
Speed had been more of my focus.
So here I was.
Even though I've ran a handful of back to back marathons or 50k's my mind was preoccupied worrying about whether I'd make it to the finish injury free or if I would time out on Sunday's 50km.</p>
<p>With doubt weighing heavily upon me, I lined up far from the starting line.
Unfortunately I still found myself at the front of the pack.
No one else was more confident in themselves than I was it seemed.
With my marathon looming an hour away, and a 50k on deck the next day, I knew I didn't want to race too hard.</p>
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<p>Despite my wishes the race started anyways, and with me at font.
Me and my following procrastinators all ended up having to run several extra steps to get to the start line.
I decided I'd do a rough 80% effort.</p>
<p>We turned out of Point Ruston onto a path neighboring the water.
It was early enough that the path was mostly clear, which worked well for a 5k.
Later in the day it was much busier, which made it hard to pass other racers.
Thankfully it was manageable at my snail pace.</p>
<p>The course was a quick out and back to a turn around, and I realized at the turnaround that there was a huge gap between me and the next few females.
"Ok fine, maybe I'll race the second half a bit faster," I thought.</p>
<p>Running back was fun as people cheered me on and you got to waive at all the other participants.
It reminded me of my usual free weekend <a href="https://www.parkrun.us/">parkrun</a>.</p>
<p>The way back was a bit longer.
The path turned towards the road, behind Point Ruston apartments + businesses before wrapping back around to the finish.
This part teased you a bit, as you ran right next to a set of stairs that took you to the finish, but you had to keep going and climb a small hill before looping back to actually finish.</p>
<p>I ended modestly with a very similar time as I'm used to getting at parkrun, so I was feeling good.
I'm not sure if I ended up sticking to my 80% effort plan, but I did get a nice ribbon for my run and a few extra minutes of rest before the start of the ghost marathon.</p>
<p><strong>Final time: 22:16</strong></p>
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2019 Naked Sports Innovations Ambassadorhttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/naked-sports-innovations.html2019-04-03T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<p>For 2019 I was selected as an ambassador for Naked Sports Innovations. It wasn't until recently that I became familiar with their products so I wanted...</p><p>For 2019 I was selected as an ambassador for Naked Sports Innovations. It wasn't until recently that I became familiar with their products so I wanted to provide a brief overview of the company and their gear. With time I plan on writing more in depth reviews of each individual product they offer. Since they aren't as well known as some other running vest/band products out there I wanted to share my experience of how I came to discover them.</p>
<p>For the marathon distance especially, I have found that the running band is the perfect item for me. Vests can get hot and heavy and when you're trying to run for time every ounce counts. I was searching for the perfect running belt for my marathons.</p>
<p>I've tried a variety of running bands. First I started with a pink running waist band that had a small zip pocket in the back and a buckle in the front. This was a one-size fits most belt with long excess strings that I had to wrap around several times so they weren't hitting my arms or flying around in the wind. You could stuff a few gels in the zip pocket and that was it - forget about running with your phone, ID, or wanting any more than 3-4 gels. It didn't leave you with many options of what you could bring. Another issue I had was that I would often end up getting a bruise on my backside after the race from the little zip pocket hitting my back ever so slightly, repeatedly for 26+ miles. So that one was out, what was initally a gift served me well, but I knew I needed to keep searching.</p>
<p>Then I ended up with a water belt, one of the rigid ones that has a few small bottles around the belt. This gave me the flexibility to carry water on my runs, but it was heavy, and didn't offer much additional storage space. I ended up realizing that when I want to carry water I'd rather just have a full pack where the bulk of the water weight is further up my back.</p>
<p>Then I ended up with the Tube running belt. This solved a lot of the issues I was looking for. I had tons of storage options to fit gels, snacks, phone, ID, etc. and no longer had the issue of having bruises on my back from the belt actually staying in place. I used this solution for quite some time and thought I was satisfied until I ran the <a href="/blog/detroit-free-press-marathon.html">Detroit marathon</a> with it. The race had light rain that turned to high humidity. This must have been the first "hot" marathon I wore the belt to because I quickly realized that this belt didn't breathe AT ALL. It was miserable, and I didn't have the option to take it off in that setting so I was stuck with it for 26.2 miles. Another no.</p>
<p>From here I started looking into options of running bottoms that have built in waist packs and pockets. I generally really like two of the items I found for this purpose but the major drawback is that they are expensive and you have to wash the clothing after each use, so it's really not ideal for when you're wanting to carry basic gear like a phone on every run. This solution worked fine for races but I wasn't willing to shell out hundreds to buy enough for everyday use.</p>
<p>Jump to me finding the Naked Running Belt and I immediately knew this was exactly what I had been searching for. It's light, breathable, AND allows for the option of carrying a lot, or just a few essentials on your daily run. So far I would say I've spent the most time using the running belt that they offer just because of how versatile it is. I've worn it on several runs where all I'm carrying is my phone, to races where I'm storing fuel, phone, ID, car keys, sunglasses, salt tabs, even clothing when I've decided to remove layers on the go. And when you're not carrying anything, you can't even tell it's there.</p>
<p>The size options are a bit intimidating at first, so be sure to actually measure. I wouldn't guess and put it to chance. With 12 different sizes you'll be sure to find your best fit, whether you prefer to wear your band lower on your hips or higher on your waist. Just keep in mind that the stretch offered is minimal, so I found it works better for me to wear it lower on my hips.</p>
<p>Naked Sports also offers running vests (and bras for women) that offer even more storage. Collapsible bottles can be found on their website, or try to fit your own. I've done minimal running with my vest, but I tend to carry more when it's hotter (in terms of water and electrolytes) so I expect I'll be using the vest option more as summer arrives.</p>
2019 Queen Bee Ambassador + Discount Codehttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/queen-bee-ambassador-2019.html2019-04-03T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<h3 id="discount-code-nicole10-save-10">Discount Code: <strong>"NICOLE10"</strong> Save 10%!</h3>
<p>For those of you that know me, you know that I am Ohio born and raised. I also lived briefly in Cincinnati. I loved...</p><h3 id="discount-code-nicole10-save-10">Discount Code: <strong>"NICOLE10"</strong> Save 10%!</h3>
<p>For those of you that know me, you know that I am Ohio born and raised. I also lived briefly in Cincinnati. I loved my time in Cincinnati and although I would have loved to be there longer, life didn't work out that way. So as you can imagine, I am ecstatic to share that I was selected to be an ambassador for the Queen Bee marathon this year! Although I now live a plane ride away in Seattle, I managed to make it back to Cincinnati last year for the <a href="/blog/flying-pig-26-2.html">Flying Pig 4-Way Challenge - Marathon + 10k + 5k</a>, which was a ton of fun. The Queen Bee Half and 4-Miler is put on by the same group, but has a women's focus!</p>
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<p>Let me just say, never have I valued having tissues at aid stations until I was introduced to it by the Flying Pig group. Especially when it's chilly (as it will likely be in October!) having the option of a tissue instead of sweaty sleeves feels almost royal.</p>
<p>Whether you are local or considering a race to travel to, this one is the one for you!</p>
<p>My advice for the course is to go out slow, if you can run/walk negative splits on the half marathon course that means you did something right. The worst of the hills are early, but you finish with plenty of rolling hills and even an uphill towards the finish so best to pace yourself as such :) I would say hill training is a must for this one! If you live in Cincinnati (or Seattle) that's not hard to fit into your usual routine. If you're thinking about coming down from Columbus you may want to put some extra thought into your training routes.</p>
<p>But most importantly, just consider coming out for a fun weekend and bring your friends! I am already plotting for what Ohio contacts I'll rope in to run with me.</p>
<p>And if I didn't sell you on the running aspect maybe I can sell you on the expo that will most likely offer P&G samples and other offerings that you won't want to miss!</p>
Mesa-Phoenix Marathon PR Recaphttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/mesa-phx-marathon-recap.html2019-02-11T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<p>This year was my second year attending the Mesa-Phoenix marathon. Trying to follow up on an impressive summer marathon's 11 minute PR would be difficult...</p><p>This year was my second year attending the Mesa-Phoenix marathon. Trying to follow up on an impressive summer marathon's 11 minute PR would be difficult, and combined with my running since then, I was definitely feeling underconfident going into this race.</p>
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<p>In the summer I scored a huge marathon PR of 3:43 at the <a href="https://cascadesuperseries.com/sum/">Super Marathon</a> outside of Seattle in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The weather was perfect and the course was significantly downhill, moreso than Mesa-Phx.</p>
<p>My training since this PR was decent up until September, when a lasting illness led to the tough call of sitting out the next marathon in the Cascade Super Series. I was sick through October and then went on my honeymoon, where I did a minimal amount of running. Fast forward to November's Seattle marathon. I had really wanted to cross it off the list since moving to the area, but coming in significantly undertrained, my time was far from impressive. This took me into December where I figured if I couldn't be quick I could at least work in a slow ultra and signed up for the Dreadmill 48 hour. My goal was 100 miles but I made the decision to stop at 70 after extended walking and creeping knee pain. From there I took a week off but got right back into long runs the following weekend. My long runs were slow and my recovery turn around was much slower than what is was when heading into my last marathon PR in June. I became pretty discouraged and instead of working in a taper I kept running, completing two ~40 mile weekends leading up to the Phoenix marathon. Those training runs didn't raise my confidence much either.</p>
<p>The week leading up to the marathon I debated whether to race the marathon or if I should take it slow and easy. I debated everything from running with my husband for fun to trying to run a 4:00-4:10 goal marathon: far off from PR but seemingly more in line with where I believed my ability to be. Race day morning came and I was still debating, but ultimately decided to start within the 4:15 group.</p>
<p>With what I knew from running the race last year, I stuck to the right side to avoid the dreaded reflective bumps that were in the middle of the road. With the race starting at 6:30am, it was hard to see them if you weren't paying attention. I started slow and settled in knowing it was steep early. My legs felt heavy from my lack of taper and I was nervous for the day ahead. I imagined myself blowing up at mile 16 and having to run/walk it in. I tried to focus on my breathing and not look at my watch. I clocked a couple miles and started looking at my splits - a little fast. I made an effort to slow down, especially on the uphill section about miles 4-6. I passed the 3:50 pacer before the uphill section, but they caught me briefly on the long hill. I figured, although I was back ahead of them and taking advantage of the downhill, it was possible I may see them the second half of the race. I took this risk, knowing full-well it could backfire on me.</p>
<p>For the next few miles I mentally checked out as I thought about what was ahead and was surprised by how much of the course I had memorized from running the race the previous year. Around mile 8-9 you run across an aid station which I remembered being the most enthusiastic aid station with signs that stretched seemingly forever. Some of the signs I recognized from the previous year while others seemed new.</p>
<p>Before I knew it I was at mile 12 and saw a red pacer sign in the distance. On the approach, I realized it was not a 3:45 pace sign but rather the 3:40. There was no 3:45 pace group. I realized that this meant up until this point I had been running faster than my previous marathon PR pace which was scary considering how I felt my training had gone. I made a mental note to slow down and stick with this pace group for at least several miles knowing that I still had over half the race left. I also knew that since I had started so far back, my chip time was currently faster than a 3:40 pace.</p>
<p>I clocked more miles. The course slowly flattened out which made the pace feel slightly harder. My leg were sore and I knew that if I were to start walking at this point they wouldn't want to start up again. I worried about dropping the pace group knowing the only thing that was motivating me was trying to keep up with the group.</p>
<p>Mile 21 came and went and I felt great. I had a bit of pain from chafing in my underarms but when I kept passing aid stations I'd either miss the area that had Vaseline or it was far back behind the cups of gatorade and water. I didn't want to lose the pace group picking any up so I continued (which made for a rough couple of days following the race).</p>
<p>Then about mile 22 it happened. My body started falling apart and the pace felt HARD. I worried with over 4 miles left I may not PR after all. I went deep into my survival mode trying to think of anything but the marathon I was running in and focusing on staying with the pacer. My feelings of discomfort grew as I began to feel lightheaded. I didn't want to alarm anyone, but I also felt like I could pass out at any moment. The day wasn't hot, I had stayed on top of my nutrition and had taken in plenty of fluids. I took more fluids and ate some more at the next aid station but the feeling didn't pass. I was running at my limit, but my pace was dropping. The group began to sneak away from me with ~2 miles to go. I felt defeated but focused on keeping pace with another small group of brisk-looking runners. They motivated me but it wasn't long before I couldn't keep up with them either. When they started to creep away I was bummed and without thinking began to walk. They turned around and encouraged me while another runner came up from behind and gave me a light tap on the back telling me to keep going and that we were almost there. I started crying a bit as I was still feeling dizzy but thanked all the runners for looking out for me. I made an effort to run it into the finish even though I was slowing down signficantly at this point. I was giving it all my body would allow me to give.</p>
<p>I suddenly realized that although the 3:40 pace group had passed me, I could still see them and focused on trying to keep them in my sight. I knew if I did that I still had a chance of finishing around 3:40 - or at least beating my 3:43 PR. As I got closer to the finish I wanted to speed up and be done, but my legs weren't turning over. I gave it all I had and coming across the finish line I was surprised to see the gun time at 3:40 and change, meaning that I had likely beat 3:40. I stopped my watch to see 3:38:18. I was crying and thought I might pass out all at the same time. I thanked the pacer and runners who had motivated me when I briefly fell apart.</p>
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<p>A few days later, I am still in awe at my PR of 5 minutes. I continued to put in the training in even when it felt like it wasn't good enough and ran with my heart even when it didn't feel like it would be enough.</p>
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<p>You can BET that I'll be back next year. I'm even considering getting in on the 2016 and 2017 virtual races this year so I can finish off the C's next year.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9nPnsls0v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9nPnsls0v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9nPnsls0v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Saturday 2.9.19🗓 Earn the bird, your BQ, and another piece to complete Arizona’s Copper Star! Missed a year???🙀... no problem. We have a virtual run option available so you can still earn your medal and work towards completing the star.⭐️ 👉🏻thephoenixmarathon.com/marathon-registration/ —— #medalmonday #earnthebird #bostonqualifier #virtualrace #phxmarathon #mesaphxmarathon #sproutsmesaphxmarathon #marathon #halfmarathon #10k #saturdayrace</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/phxmarathon/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sprouts Mesa-PHX Marathon</a> (@phxmarathon) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-15T17:48:36+00:00">Oct 15, 2018 at 10:48am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<h3 id="related-posts">Related Posts</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="/blog/mesa-phx-marathon-ambassador.html">2019 Mesa-Phoenix Marathon Ambassador + Discount Code</a></li>
</ol>
Scoobtober 10k: Part Twohttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/scoobtober-10k.html2018-11-07T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<p><em>Disclaimer: I received a free entry into the <a href="https://www.scoobydoorun.com/">Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series</a> as part of being a BibRave Pro.
Learn more about becoming a <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/bibravepro">BibRave Pro</a></em></p><p><em>Disclaimer: I received a free entry into the <a href="https://www.scoobydoorun.com/">Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series</a> as part of being a BibRave Pro.
Learn more about becoming a <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/bibravepro">BibRave Pro</a> (ambassador), and check out <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/">BibRave.com</a> to review find and write race reviews!</em></p>
<p>This month we set out to run our virtual 10k!</p>
<p>Viira was more than ready for it after me being sick and then having a 2 week vacation that left her with no runs over that period. Needless to say she was more than a little wound up! So not long after a red eye flight I was already out the door running with Viira.</p>
<p>The run was nice and we ran along a flat bike path. We went down a different way that I had not been down yet. The only other time I tried to run down there a stalled train was blocking the path. We finished up a giant hill and I thought I had her tired out but she seemed to gain more steam once the end of the hill was in sight. Let me tell you, it's much easier running up hills when a large dog is helping pull you up!</p>
<p>Viira and I both are hoping that this race happens again next year. We loved the cause and getting items for your pup was a nice added touch!</p>
<h3 id="swag">Swag</h3>
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<img src="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/big_thumbnails/2018/2018-11-07-scoobtober-10k/scoobtober.jpg" alt="2018 Scoobtober 10k Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series Part Two Swag">
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<p>I originally wasn't thinking I'd be too thrilled for the drawstring bag but it was actually really nice! Tons of zippered pockets and soft straps and a chest clip. It ended up being by far the nicest drawstring bag I've ever gotten from a race. All the medals were large and had great designs on them. My only piece of feedback is that it would have been nice to get a dog item for the challenge too.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/full_size/2018/2018-11-07-scoobtober-10k/challengemedal.jpg" >
<img src="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/big_thumbnails/2018/2018-11-07-scoobtober-10k/challengemedal.jpg" alt="2018 Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series Part Two Swag Challenge Medal">
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<p>Love them or hate them virtual races are here to stay and I loved this one! I was also a fan of not being given a "race bib" to awkwardly wear around town during my run.</p>
<h3 id="related-posts">Related Posts</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="/blog/scooby-doo-virtual-run-series.html">Scooby-Doo Virtual Run Series: Up First Doo Good 5k</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/doo-good-5k.html">Doo Good 5k: Part One</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/scooby-doo-virtual-run-series-part-2.html">Scooby-Doo Virtual Run Series: Last Up Scoobtober 10k</a></li>
</ol>
The New 100% Recycled Original Style BUFFhttps://bonktothefinish.com/blog/original-buff.html2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:002020-03-02T17:04:05+00:00Nicole Huston<p><em>Disclaimer:
I received an <a href="https://buffusa.com/">Original BUFF</a> to review as part of being a <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/bibravepro">BibRave Pro</a>.
Learn more about becoming a <a href="https://bibravepro.tumblr.com/">BibRave Pro</a> (ambassador), and check out...</em></p><p><em>Disclaimer:
I received an <a href="https://buffusa.com/">Original BUFF</a> to review as part of being a <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/bibravepro">BibRave Pro</a>.
Learn more about becoming a <a href="https://bibravepro.tumblr.com/">BibRave Pro</a> (ambassador), and check out <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/">BibRave.com</a> to review find and write race reviews!</em></p>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo70CRVFPbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo70CRVFPbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo70CRVFPbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nicole Huston (@bonktothefinish)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-15T01:01:54+00:00">Oct 14, 2018 at 6:01pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
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<p>I love to point out when companies are working to offer more sustainable products. BUFF has reinvented their Original BUFF to now be made of 100% recycled REPREVE® Performance Microfiber fabric.
The Original BUFF strikes just the right balance of being able to keep you warm during the cooler months and providing moisture wicking fabric for the warmer months.</p>
<p>I love wearing my BUFF especially during ultras for when I might be sweating a lot to keep sweat out of my eyes or wipe off excess sweat as needed.
In the winter it keeps my ears warm and is a great intermediary for when it's not quite cool enough to throw on a thick hat.</p>
<p>It also has UPF 50 Sun protection and with the 4 way stretch it's easy to have one size fits all sizing! I can easily share my BUFFs with my husband and they don't get stretched out.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/full_size/2018/2018-10-15-original-buff/2buffs.jpg" >
<img src="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/big_thumbnails/2018/2018-10-15-original-buff/2buffs.jpg" alt="Half BUFFs in the wild">
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<p>See below for ideas of how to wear your own BUFF! I personally like using it as a headband or a neckwarmer, but there are so many options! I also use some of my half BUFFS to wear around my wrist during races so I can easy wipe up sweat or water if I spill too much on me.</p>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/64926398" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/64926398">How to Wear BUFF® Headwear</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/buffusa">Buff, Inc.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>I picked to test out the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners BUFF as seen below.</p>
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<img src="https://bonktothefinish.com/images/blog/big_thumbnails/2018/2018-10-15-original-buff/buff-breast-cancer.jpg" alt="Original BUFF Breast Cancer Prevention Partners">
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<p>The pattern is beautiful and supports a great cause! That being said there's lots of other great patterns that range from reflective, to images of mountains that I also loved.</p>