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The Hot Chocolate Series comes to Philadelphia

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It’s that time of the year again chocolate lovers! The Hot Chocolate 5/15k Series is coming to Philadelphia, April 1, 2023.

Register and use code: BRPRUNHAT for a FREE running hat! (Offer valid for 2023 season)

Register: https://hotchocolate15k.com/city/philadelphia/

The best part of this race is the run through Fairmount Park! The park is especially beautiful in April, when the weather (for the most part) cooperates and is relatively comfortable.

Looking to make the most out of your trip to Philadelphia?

Here are some must-visit destinations in Philadelphia:

  1. Independence National Historical Park: This park is home to many historic sites, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed.
  2. Reading Terminal Market: This is a bustling indoor market that has been around since 1893, offering a variety of delicious food options.
  3. Philadelphia Museum of Art: This world-class museum is famous for its “Rocky Steps” and the statue of Rocky Balboa at the entrance.
  4. Liberty Bell Center: This iconic symbol of American independence is on display here, along with exhibits on its history and significance.
  5. Franklin Institute: This science museum is filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a planetarium.
  6. Rittenhouse Square: This picturesque park is the perfect spot to relax and people-watch, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.
  7. Eastern State Penitentiary: This former prison, now a museum, is famous for its imposing architecture and notorious former inmates.
  8. Fairmount Park: This sprawling park is one of the largest urban green spaces in the country, with plenty of trails, gardens, and historic sites to explore.

Finding my Why!

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Holy cats, I almost forgot about my blog! It’s been a crazy 2 months off from the platform, and hopefully I’m back and posting regularly again.

Anyway, over the last 2 months I’ve been recording videos like crazy and trying to find where I fit in, when it comes to the YouTube world.

I enrolled in Casey Neistat’s “film school” via Monthly.com and I’m looking forward to sharing my review soon. But- before that review, here is a short video I made about finding my “why”.

Running has become such a part of my life, and I think I tap into the deeper meaning of why I’m drawn to this community. Enjoy!

Space Jam: A New Legacy Virtual Run

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Disclaimer: I received an entry into the Space Jam: A New Legacy Virtual Run 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!

Starting July 12 through September join me in the Space Jam: A New Legacy Virtual Run!

Relive the nostalgia of the original Space Jam while celebrating a new release of newest movie in theaters!

And when you sign up HERE, use “SpaceJamPromo” to score a free BUFF!

100 Peloton Rides!

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I made this video to share with my close friends to build some hype about joining me on my century ride! Unfortunately, my timing was a little off and I ended up rocking my century ride on my own schedule.

I was lucky enough to have one of the BibRave Pros join me, so it was nice to be able to celebrate 100 rides with a fellow Bibraver!

Fitness has been a fun and challenging journey, more especially after catching Covid and having to pause physical activities until my fitness levels came back.

Anyway- thanks for following along!

Choose Your Tech Tools: Action Camera Considerations!

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Note: This segment was taken from the 2021 BibRave BRProud Summit, and is just a sampling of materials covered.

Do you think it’s time to take your social photos up a notch? Here’s a quick 5 min segment outlining some considerations.

Here’s the condensed notes:

1. Consider its use! GoPro’s, 360° cameras, drones and the like are powerfully awesome tools. But are an investment of time and money. Consider how often you’ll use this technology and decide if it’s worth the investment.

2. Save money – once you’ve decided to pull the trigger, look for sales (especially on older models), used equipment, and even factory refurbished are a great way to save money.

3. Consider the application – most name brand cameras have an associated application. These make it easy to review, capture, and share your action shots right from your phone. If the action camera you are considering doesn’t have an app, think about how you’ll retrieve the footage? Is it easy or a hassle?

4. Be cautious of knockoffs – these can be enticing especially when they are priced in the $30-60 range. Check the reviews and do your research! Find out how they work and if they are a match for you.

Ready Set Move!

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Disclaimer: I received the Ready.Set.Move. Box 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!

Ready Set Move!

Ready.Set.MOVE. is a quarterly subscription box created for those passionate about running and those moving toward their fitness goals.

Each box is filled with industry-leading products, valued at $100+, that can be put to use right away for your next workout, training session, or run.

Check out my unboxing where I dive right into the goods!

Every box costs $49.99 if you want to purchase them on your own but you can save $20 right away by signing up for the whole year ($179.99 total).

Boxes are shipped every January, April, July, and October. They make a great gift for the active someone in your life- or you can treat yourself to this awesome subscription!

Use code BibRave10 at checkout for $10 off your first box for all first-time subscribers!

But don’t take my word for it, check out what the other Pro’s are saying:

Mai | Meridith | Lisa | Patrick | Phil | Erica | Vanessa | Mark | Lissa

Product Review: BUFF DryFlx+ Collection – Combat the Cold!

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Disclaimer: I received the BUFF DryFlx+ Collection products 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!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Actually I lied, this time of the year is when I struggle the most with choosing to #optoutside. The days are short, the air is crisp and hurts my face (don’t let the beard fool ya), everything is cold, and all I want to do is sleep.

Needless to say, if there is ever a time where I need motivation to get out the door, this time of the year is prime for said motivation.

That’s where BibRave comes to the rescue and introduces us to awesome brands (like BUFF) that are focused on making our time outdoors more comfortable. And that’s exactly where the BUFF DryFlx+ Collection comes in clutch!

When I received my BUFF DryFlx+ gear that was all the motivation I needed to shake me from old man Winter’s grasp!

Breathable Fabric = No Overheating

When the temps dip into the 30°F (-1°C) range and below, protection from the cold becomes essential. However, I find that on a mild day, I warm up too quickly and my clothing choice (headgear specifically) becomes too much. Likewise on a bitterly cold day, protection for my ears and neck are crucial yet somehow I always end up overheating and becoming uncomfortable with sweaty gear.

If you visit Bibrave’s BUFF link, sign up for the newsletter and receive 15% off!

Cold and Sweat can spell disaster if not properly addressed. This is where the BUFF DryFlx+ Collection really shines!

Neckwarmer and Hat!

I received the DryFlx+ Neckwarmer and Hat, an awesome combo for the outdoor runner! According to BUFF, the DryFlx+ construction boasts:

  • 4-Way ULTRA STRETCH
  • Moisture-management
  • Thermal Insulation
  • 100% Seamless Woven Design
  • Reflective Elements

The fabric is breathable and light, yet provides warmth to the areas that need it the most. I have found overheating isn’t an issue when I layer up with the DryFlx+ products.

Combat the COLD!

The neckwarmer is made from a one-piece design, and has engineered holes that allows you to breathe through the mask.

(Image: BUFF)

I’ve been using the combo hat and neckwarmer for well over a month and these two items have been added as permanent fixtures in my cold running arsenal.

The hat design is similar to the neck warmer (without engineered holes) and fits my head well. Typically when I overheat the hat is the first thing to go, however I find that this hat is breathable and eliminates the need for removal. This is awesome news if you’re like me and don’t like having to carry things on the run- especially gear that you should be wearing.

Eliminate your fears of being cold, grab the BUFF DryFlx+ collection of products and build your cold running kit today! But, don’t just take my word for it, here’s a few other Pro’s take on the product line:

RunCanvas | TheLateRunner | FitXBrit | Throwing Star | Running on Pixie Dust | Fun Size Athlete | Seventh Trail Sister | Running with Attitude

Race Recap: A Christmas Story 10k Virtual Race

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Disclaimer: I received entry into A Christmas Story Virtual Race 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!”

A COVID Christmas!

Ah, Christmas. The one day of the year where the kids wake us up before the sun rises. We stumble down the steps, sleep still in our eyes. We open gifts and play “A Christmas Story” in the background. Then, when the living room is covered in discarded wrapping paper and empty boxes we feast on an amazing breakfast. After filling up on Christmas pancakes, we pack up the AWD sleigh and drive 2 hours East to be with family.

It was right in the middle of opening presents when reality slapped us in the face. “Mom has a fever” Dad’s text read. It was like the Bumpus hounds came crashing into our living room destroying our dreams of having a huge family Christmas gathering.

For the second time in 37 years, I wasn’t going “home” for Christmas. We all were a little bummed, but then again the pandemic has pretty much turned the entire landscape on its head, so we weren’t surprised that this year would be any different.

Surprisingly, it was refreshing having no where to go. And even more refreshing going for a 10k run to celebrate the “A Christmas Story Virtual Race”!

I decided to take advantage of being home and took off to catch some sights and enjoy some time with my thoughts. I reflected on Christmas’ of the past and how much I value my family. It then dawned on me that we’ve been watching “A Christmas Story” since as long as I can remember! Such memorable moments from the movie, and my favorite part still being Flick putting his tongue on the flagpole!

Anyway, no records were broken, just me out on Christmas Day enjoying time alone and thinking about my family and friends.

The Swag!

Just prior to Christmas Day I received my race swag, and I was pretty impressed with the overall haul.

The jacket is lightweight and breathable (it’ll make a perfect jacket for running in the fall and beginning part of winter when the temperatures are still fairly mild). I typically opt for a size larger since it’s hard to tell how well (or not) these things fit.

I typically wear a size L, so the XL jacket fits a little on the loose side, but it pretty comfortable and I’ll enjoy it running or lounging!

The knit hat is thick and plush, make no mistake it’s definitely made for winter use and keeping those ears warm!

The medal is heavy! I was shocked at the heft of the medal since it’s not that big. My only suggestion would be having the medal reflect more of something from the “A Christmas Story” movie… I mean, a leg lamp would have been hilarious, it’s a major award afterall!

See my BibRave Review HERE

Overall Experience

Since we planned on NOT being home for Christmas, we had no food set aside for a Christmas dinner. So in “A Christmas Story” fashion we had our own Parker style Christmas dinner (Indian food was the closest we could get).

Despite not seeing family, it was fun to get out and run a 10k and having our own mini-celebration of Indian food afterward.

How’d you celebrate Christmas?