Race Archives - Words To Run By

Racing with the FLEXR Sports Bottle

December 2, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

Hydration wasn’t always an issue for me while running, but lately I have discovered that I just can’t find the perfect bottle to carry with me on my runs. With shorter runs, I don’t need my belt hydration system and I don’t like carrying a water bottle without it at least connecting to my hand in some way. Hydration is critical to athletes, including myself, and especially since my blood clot last year. Dehydration is one of the risk factors associated with blood clots and anything I can do to decrease my risk, will not only keep my healthier, but bring me peace of mind as well. Unfortunately, over this summer, I didn’t stay as hydrated as I should, especially while running and walking. Carrying a bottle became cumbersome and annoying, not to mention I forget to carry a bottle when I don’t have one I love. This Thanksgiving, I was racing with the FLEXR Sports Bottle.

I was excited to try the FLEXR Sports Bottle. FLEXR is a new, revolutionary BPA-free sports bottle with a disposable and fully biodegradable liner. Yes, you heard that right and as far as I know, it is the first sports bottle of its kind, which immediately gained my attention. I was grateful to receive the FLEXR Sports Bottle (go see the pretty colors!), the FLEXR Sports Bottle Hand Carrier with Pouch (it’s pretty much weightless) and the FLEXR Sports Neo Running Pouch (how they knew my favorite color was purple for the zipper is amazing) to try out in the Flying Feather Four Miler on Thanksgiving Day.

I love the sleek design of all the accessories I received, everything fit and felt good for running on the morning of the race. The FLEXR bottle came pre-loaded with the biodegradable liner (and extras for me to change it or a plug if I decide not to use the liners).

Things I Love (about the FLEXR Sports Bottle)

It’s extremely light-weight and the ergonomic shape make it easy to carry over any distance, short or long
It’s completely flexible
The nozzle has a patented one way jet stream valve, for accurate and precise flow, and I don’t have to squeeze too much or tilt it go get water out
It fits perfectly in my hand
The nozzle is twist so I don’t have to bite down on it and pull with my teeth, which is annoying
The liner makes me feel a lot better about not ingesting the germs that may have been lurking in previous (non-lined) bottles
The liners are BPA free and leave no weird aftertaste like some plastics
Technically I wouldn’t have to clean this bottle, I can just change the liner
Affordable ($9.95 for the 16 0z)

Things I Don’t Love Quite As Much (about the FLEXR Sports Bottle)

My water still sloshes even it is drastically reduced with the liner inside, but that’s not important to me to begin with
While the liners are really inexpensive ($2.95 for 25) and easy to change, I probably wouldn’t take the time to change them on a regular basis (I’m more likely to plug the bottle and throw it in the dishwasher)
Changing the liner is not very convenient, I think because my habit is to wash my bottles, not change a liner (the bottle is great liner or not)

Things I Love (About the FLEXR Accessories)

The fabric is quality, sweat-proof neoprene and feels great on
The race bib holders are removable on the running pouch
The hand carrier is comfortable and not too bulky
Both accessories can hold everything I would need on a run or at a race (ID, cash, card or two, phone)
They are sleek and appealing to look at in design
Reasonably priced ($16.95 for the pouch and $8.95 for the hand carrier)

Things I Don’t Love Quite As Much (about the Accessories)

I love it all

FLEXR Sports Bottles are Made in the USA and are designed by athletes, for athletes, which shows in the superior craftsmanship, sleek design, light-weight accessories and functionality. This is definitely a bottle I would invest in (even if I don’t use the liners) and is a serious competitor for iFitness Belts and Fuel Belts.

It was totally awesome racing with the FLEXR Sports Bottle and I was thrilled to have Dad join my sister and I this year!

It was totally worth the Finisher’s Prize too (I wonder if super fruit Sangria works in the FLEXR…..)

Connect with FLEXR on Facebook and Twitter or visit their webpage.

Tell me about you. Do you run and/or race with hydration? Do you have a hydration system you just can’t live without? Will you give FLEXR a try?

Until the next mile marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

Weigh-In Wednesday: Week 13

July 31, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

Weigh-In Wednesday Weekly Stats

Weight Watchers Week Number: 13

Lbs Lost this Week: – 1.0

Lbs Lost Total: – 9.6

WW Stars Earned this Week: None

Food of the Week

I made Easy Shredded Crock Pot Chipotle Chicken Tacos this week and they were so good! I figured out they are (about) 7 WW points per taco (served on a small corn tortilla). Recipe coming to the blog on Friday! I also went to the State Fair and tried a deep-fried Buckeye (hey, I do live in Ohio after all) and it was not worth whatever points I am sure it was! Ew.

Activity of the Week

I ran the Commit to Be Fit 5K on Sunday in 45 minutes 18 seconds (14:35 pace per mile). This was my first official race since the blood clot in my lung stopped me from running just over a year ago. It took me 363 days to run again and 13 months to race again. It was my second first 5K. Read my full race recap.

Personal Weight Loss Goals (crossed off when reached)

I want to lose…

~~10 lbs~~
20 lbs
30 lbs
35 lbs
40 lbs
45 lbs
50 lbs
55 lbs
60 lbs
65 lbs
70 lbs

Personal Fitness Goals (crossed off when reached)

I will…

~~Run a 5K~~ Read all about it here.
Run a Quarter Marathon (Emerald City; Dublin, Ohio; August 25, 2013)
Run a Mud/Obstacle Race (Pretty Muddy Women’s Mud Run 5K; Columbus, Ohio September 14, 2013)
Run a Half Marathon
Start Strength Training (again)
Start Biking

Reflections

How is it so easy to gain 4 pounds, but I lose them one by one?! I guess this is a mini-example of how weight-loss goes throughout our entire lives. It is easy to gain weight (for whatever reason – mine is major medical issues which caused me to be sedentary for an extended period of time combined with poor food choices since then and a slow return to exercise). But, I remember when I gained weight the first time right out of college and I literally felt like one day I woke up and said, “How did I gain all of this weight?!” I still didn’t do anything about it immediately and when I did decide to get healthy, it was a slow process and eventual weight loss – far from overnight! Thank you all for your encouragement since last week! I am on a journey – not a race – and I Will. Get. There.

Until the next mile marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

A Spartan Giveaway for My 1400 Fans!

June 18, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

I’m really excited about all of the mud races, obstacle races, theme races and exciting challenges that runners (or even non-runners!) can participate in. And I am really excited that my Facebook Page, that started out with a mere six or seven likes, now has 1400! In honor of summer, racing fun and all of YOU (because without your support, my blog wouldn’t continue to grow like it has), I am hosting a giveaway. A Spartan giveaway for my 1400 fans to be exact.

Want to know more?

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race.

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor.

– http://www.spartanrace.com

How would you like to win a free entry to a Spartan Race? Check out the event listing to make sure there is one near you (or one that you are willing/able to to travel to) before you enter.

The Reebok Spartan Race was voted Best Obstacle Race by Outdoor Magazine in 2012. You can also find out more at the Spartan Race Website and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Ready for your chance to win? The giveaway for any open heat in any Spartan Race in the continental US will run from midnight on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 through midnight on Friday, June 28, 2013. Spread the word and see the details through Rafflecopter below-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don’t want to wait for your chance to win a free entry, please visit http://spartanracemedia.com/ for 15% off any Spartan Race.

Good luck and thank you for all of your support!

Until the next mile marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

Pretty Muddy? Pretty Amazing Start!

June 1, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

Welcome to June! Summer is officially here – school is out, the grill is on and the mud races have begun.

Today marks the kick-off to the 2013 Pretty Muddy Women’s Mud Run Series. The first wave was this morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Skyline Ranch in Dallas, Texas. The course there is amazing per the Pretty Muddy updates…the weather is going to be perfect and Pretty Muddy has partnered with some very exciting organizations-

Pretty Muddy is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have a lot of fun. (Not to mention, get a ~~little~~ lot muddy). Good luck to everyone running today!

You can keep up with Pretty Muddy and follow race updates throughout the day on Twitter and Facebook.

I’m excited to run the Pretty Muddy race in Columbus on September 14. Registration is now open! You can register here. Join me and several other Central Ohio Bloggers. We are Team Powerful in Pink slated for the 9:00 a.m. wave. You can run or walk, so don’t be shy – I would love to see you there!

What about you? Are you running a Pretty Muddy race? If so, which one? Did you run in Dallas today? Leave me a comment and tell me how pretty awesome it was!

Until the next mile marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running