[Disclaimer: I received Gatorade Endurance formula, energy gels, energy chews and a squeeze bottle plus a free race entry 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!]

While I certainly trained for months for the Run Woodstock 50K in September, my goal race for 2018 has been the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon. It’s such an iconic race that I’ve been wanting to run for years, and my friends have suggested it several times. Plus, I get to say that I ran to another country. (Read the race reviews on BibRave.com and use code 2018 DETROCKS for 10 percent off race registration).

All of the items on the Gatorade Endurance trial pack.

Training for the Detroit Free Press Marathon has gone really well, even though I had to take a break after having my fourth shoulder surgery about six months ago. I’ve certainly taken things slowly and have been working on both my cross training and on my core.

I’ve also been taking better care of myself overall, even getting seven-to-eight hours of sleep most nights, eating better during the week (weekends are for donuts and pizza!) and making sure I’m properly hydrated.

Enter the opportunity to try out the Gatorade Endurance products because I’m a BibRave Pro (ambassador). I’ve certainly been using all of the items in my trial pack because they will all be available during the Detroit Free Press Marathon:

• Endurance Formula
• Energy Gels
• Energy Chews
• Carb Energy Drink
• squeeze bottle

Watermelon? It’s actually pretty good.

I’ve been adding the powder to my water for most of my runs and even some of my longer bike rides at home. I really didn’t expect to like the watermelon flavor, but it’s mild enough (and sweet enough!) that it’s been working great for me. I do want to see if I can find it in a sugar free version, eventually.

I got to try the vanilla Gatorade Endurance gel.

The gels are super handy and easy to open. The consistency is much more liquid than what I’m used to with my other gels.

I used the Gatorade Endurance chews during my recent 50K.

As for the chews, they’re by far my favorite product in the trial pack. I had used these before and find them easier on my stomach than just about any energy product I’ve tried before. I found the packaging super easy to open, even on the run, and the chews are small enough that they don’t take a lot of work to consume. I can even chew and run, even though I often just wait until a walk break to pull them out of my luggage.

I’m getting a ton of use out of the water bottle.

While I don’t expect to carry the bottle on race day, I have definitely gotten a ton of use while I’ve become reacquainted with our Peloton stationary bike and, often, while I run on the treadmill at home. It’s been helping me make sure I’m really drinking enough, even when I don’t really want to.

I’ll continue to train for the Detroit Free Press Marathon using the Gatorade Endurance products, since they’ll be available on the course. So far, they’re working out great and it’s been a great relief to know that I won’t have to carry a bunch of fuel and fluids on race day — especially since the race discourages big hydration packs because of the international crossing into Canada.

Hope to see you at the starting line!

What are your fall race plans? Is Detroit on your list? (You may have to click on “Continue Reading” to leave a comment.)

Disclaimer: I received Ultima Replenisher to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

As someone with blood-sugar issues (I’m prone to hypoglycemia), I have to be really careful with what I eat and drink on my long runs. Sure, I use the traditional packets of gel and drink tons of water, but I’ve also been known to bring turkey bacon in my hydration pack (next to the ice water) to make sure I have something substantial to eat after three, four and five hours of running. (Thankfully, I have yet to attract any bear or packs of wild dogs.)

When BibRave asked me to try out the Ultima Replenisher hydration product that’s sugar-free and has zero carbs and no artificial ingredients, I figured it might be just what I needed on my long training runs this summer. I sure am glad I did, because this is definitely a product I’ll be ordering and using long after the trial period.

What is it?

I got a 20-count variety pack and 30-serving canister of Ultima Replenisher. It’s an electrolyte replacement powder that the company says is sweetened naturally with organic stevia leaf extract.

My variety pack included raspberry, grape, lemonade, orange and cherry pomegranate packets for one-time use (listed in order of my favorite flavors). I mixed each with ice water that I carried on my hydration pack.

what’s so special about it?

The company says its product is “certified vegan, autism approved, paleo friendly, keto friendly, gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients.” I liked the sugar-free aspect, and also that it is zero-calorie. When you’re slow and running for four or five hours in 80-degree temperatures, that makes a big difference.

how does it taste?

As a Puerto Rican living in the Michigan tundra, there are very few opportunities for experiences that take me back to my childhood. The raspberry flavored packet had me envisioning myself eating a piragua de frambuesa from the first taste, so it quickly became my favorite.

As for the other flavors, I liked all of them. The grape reminded me of watered-down Kool-Aid; the others were about what you would expect.

did it work?

I have to say that I didn’t have any tummy troubles when I drank even two or three packets of the Ultima Replenisher. It also helped me get the electrolytes I needed during even my longest runs.

I also liked the convenience of throwing a packet or two in my “luggage” so I could use them later in my runs when I had to refill my water bottles. I even used a packet to help me re-hydrate after a sunny afternoon pool-side left me with a headache, probably from not drinking enough water.

should i try it?

Yup. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the product. You can even save 15 percent with code ULTIMABR at the Amazon Store Front.

What are you using for hydration on your long runs? (You may have to click on “Continue Reading” to leave a comment.)

“Disclaimer: I received four Brilliant Reflective strips packs 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 dog’s collar
• The back of all of my running shoes
• The back of my winter running jackets
• The back of my winter hats
• My winter running mittens
• The front and back of my hydration vest
• The back of my favorite running Skirts Sports skirts

The strips include very clear and thorough application instructions inside the packaging.

I still have some strips left, so I will do another round of pasting/ironing on in the coming days. A chica can’t be too careful.

Step 1: Separate the strips.

Brilliant Reflective strips come in several colors, including black.

Once you open the package, the strips are easily separated. Choose the proper size for your item or cut it down to size.

Step 2: Place the strips on your item

I placed my strips on the back of my favorite running jacket.

The company recommends placing the strips in spots “recreating the human form with motion.” That includes placing the strips so they’re visible from all sides of your body and on your head, shoulders, knees, elbows, hands/wrists and feet.

Step 3: iron on using a paper towel

Even the back of my hat got the Brilliant Reflective treatment.

The company recommends making sure to use a paper towel when ironing on the strips and using a slow continuous iron movement over the towel while applying a bit of pressure. This process took about 30 to 40 seconds.

step 4: remove the clear plastic covering

Make sure your strips are cool before removing the clear covering.

Once the strip cools, you can remove a clear plastic covering. Mine came off easily and quickly.

step 5: BE SEEN

My back now lights up when I’m running or walking in the dark.

Thanks to my new Brilliant Reflective strips, I now light up beyond just my headlamp. I am a lot more comfortable running or walking my dog when it’s dark outside.

I genuinely can’t think of any downsides to the product, except for any user error like when I accidentally put the strip down incorrectly and accidentally ironed the strip to the paper towel. Oops.

If you want to light up on your run, you can save 25 percent off all Brilliant Reflective multi/assortment packs with code BRP25. Or click here to automatically get the discount at checkout.

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Oofos recovery sandals 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!

When BibRave announced to ambassadors that we could opt in to review the Oofos Project Pink line, the excitement was immediate and infectious.

I had heard of Oofos sandals, but hadn’t yet tried them. I am so very glad I did.

Bonus? The company donates $10 out of the $59.95 price for every Project Pink shoe sold to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for breast cancer research.

The sandals came with information about the cancer research donation.

The OOahh Sport Project Pink sandals came in black, with a tiny pink logo on the outside of both shoes, and the always-present double Os on the top in white.

As for the feel, the shoe is absolutely comfortable, lightweight and can be worn with and without socks. That’s important to this chica because I’m always cold and often wear my SmartWool socks with my slippers at home.

I should note that I haven’t work said slippers since I got the Oofos sandals in the mail, in large part because the sandals are comfortable and because I can wear them outside to let the doggies out.

The company boasts that its sandal “absorbs impact, cradles your arches and allows you to move naturally.” I do like how squishy the shoe feels, especially after a long run, when I can toss my trusty Brooks aside and slip into something more comfortable.

They also don’t smell, despite my obviously stinky feet, and don’t make my feet sweat either. The company says they can be machine washed, something I haven’t yet done.

Good shoe post long run.

I haven’t worn flip-flops in years, mostly because I don’t like the smack-smack sound they make when you walk.

The only downside I have seen with my Oofos sandals is that sometimes, when I wear them without socks, they make a, well, fart sound when I walk. It’s not often enough that it’s stopping me from wearing them, but I also wouldn’t want that to happen when I’m out and about.

Overall, they’re a comfortable shoe that easily fit in my gear bag so that I can bring them with me when we go camping and after races. I can see myself wearing them for many years to come.

What’s your favorite post-long-run shoe? Have you tried Oofos? What did you think?  (You may have to click on “Continue Reading” to leave a comment.)

Disclaimer: I received running gear to review from 5K Crate 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!

He didn’t resort to a personal protection order, but I definitely stalked our mailman for a few days as I eagerly awaited a box full of running goodies from the 5K Crate subscription service.

All of the items in the 5K Crate I received for this review.

For $59.99 per box, 5K Crate ships you a box each quarter with what they describe as “premium apparel and accessories for runners of all types and fitness levels.” Shipping is free.

Sent out every three months, each box has five to six items from brands such as Mission Athleticwear, Zensah, Epic Wipes, Nike and Knuckle Lights. And the company guarantees the items will have a value of more than $100. You get to pick a woman’s or men’s version.

As for my box, my first impression ranged from ooh and aah to wowza. My 5k Crate included:

• Mission VaporAcitve Alpha Running Shirt ($35.95). It’s really, really pink. It’s also well made and the medium fit me perfectly. I ran with it and did yoga in it (and even slept in it). No rubbing or weird chaffing. I washed it on a regular cycle in cold water and hung it up to dry. Held up just fine.
  

  My 5K Crate included this nice, soft, comfortable and very pink shirt.

• Mission VaporActive Cooling Towel ($19.99). The weather hasn’t been warm enough to try this out yet, but the towel looks well made and the fabric is nice and soft.
  

  Haven’t tried the cooling towel, but it looks well made.

• Spigen Wireless Bluetooth Headphones ($45). Probably my favorite item in the box. I’d been looking for a good set of wireless headphones because cables drive me bonkers. These are super easy to use and set up. I had them paired up to my iPhone right away and ready to go. Unfortunately, it took me several tries to get the things to stay in my ears. The best thing I can tell you is to stick them in your ear, then twist them until they stay. Once I figured out how to do all that, they stayed put, even during my run. The sound is good, but I only wore one earbud in my ear so I could hear cars and other sounds. The battery life was longer than I imagined and the headphones gave me two low-battery warnings before they died. Removing the cover to plug in the charging cable was also a bit of a challenge because it’s tiny. But they charged just fine and I’ve continued to happily use them.
  

  I used these Spigen wireless headphones almost every day during my 5K Crate review period.

• Zensah No-Show Compression Socks ($19.99). I’m a SmartWool snob, but I have to say that I also loved these. They’re super soft, comfy and washed well (ie, they stayed bright white and there were no loose threads). Because I run at 0-dark-30 a couple of mornings during the week, I also wore these to sleep in. I’m a big enough fan that I will buy another pair (or three!) to run next summer.
  

  I liked these socks a lot more than I expected.

• 2 Epic Full-Size Body Wipes ($2.50 each). I haven’t tried these either because I’m saving them for next week’s Run Woodstock 50K. I am throwing them in each of my drop bags as a carrot to have something to look forward to when I’m exhausted and need a pick-me-up.
  

  Sticking these babies in my drop bag for next week’s 50K.

• 3 La Fresh Travel Sunscreen Samples ($1). El husbando used these today at a football game since we had seats in the full sun, but they didn’t keep him from frying. That said, he burns easily and they are the perfect size to keep in a hydration pack or pocket for long summer runs.
  

  These sunscreen packets in the 5K Crate are the perfect size to stick in a hydration vest.

So is it worth selling out almost $60 based on what I got in my box? Yes. Am I hoping that my familia sees this post and decides to get me one for my birthday or Christmas? YES.

If you’re interested in trying out this service, you can pre-order the fall box, which ships out in early October. The ordering process includes listing your top, bottom and shoe sizes, and whether you want a box for a woman or man. Signing up for a year’s worth of boxes ahead of time saves you 14 percent, or more than $50.

Like a lot of subscription services, you need to know that 5K Crate’s terms and conditions state that “in order to avoid being billed for your next subscription—whether recurring on a quarterly or annual basis—be sure to cancel before the next billing date.”

Have you tried a subscription service before? Whatcha think? Was it worth the money? Do you know a runner who would love a 5K Crate? (You may have to click on “Continue Reading” to leave a comment.)