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On the run with a dietitian

Bibrave

Bibrave review running

To Zwift or Not to Zwift, There is No Question.

“Disclaimer: I received a Zwift Run Pod 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!”

 

I was only slightly familiar with Zwift when the opportunity to participate in a Zwift run came to me. I knew of the cycling aspect, but hadn’t heard about the running one. I knew right away that I wanted to opt in to this opportunity. I’m all in to try things to make the DREADmill more exciting. I have a NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill that I do love, but to be honest, rarely use.

In order to participate in the Zwift running you need to have access to a treadmill and then have a foot pod or Zwift Run Pod. I was sent a Zwift Run Pod to use for our Bibrave 5k running event and definitely recommend it if you are looking for a cheaper option that will allow you to use Zwift.

The Zwift Run Pod arrived and it took some strength to get the pieces separated so I could put it on my shoe. But after the first time taking it apart it went more smoothly. I placed the run pod on my shoe laces and went to my treadmill.

I had already installed the Zwift app and Zwift companion app on both my phone and my ipad. I used the zwift companion app on my iphone and turned the zwift app on, on my ipad. The run pod wanted to calibrate and so it asked you to turn on a comfortable pace you could hold for 60 seconds while it calibrated to your cadence and mph on your treadmill.

From there you were ready to roll. There are many events you can join on Zwift, or you can run on your own and even do workouts. They have a running 101 workout series to help you get acquainted to Zwift. I did the first workout (what I could anyway.) It broke down different intervals and what to set your treadmill to and how long to hold that pace. I thought it was fun because once you got close to the next interval, your map/running route would have a big glowing arch/bubble you run into that reminds you to switch to the next pace. I felt like I was in a virtual game running into the glowing area.

I was so excited during this workout that I was just talking out loud commenting on the beautiful scenery, the cool things I saw, the people that ran or biked past etc. I wasn’t able to do the full workout because I am struggling from knee issues, so I did what I could and then ended early. The awesome thing is that you can also connect your Strava and it will save your run to your strava log. I LOVE THIS!

Race Day

Bibrave held a 5k that allowed anyone to join and run with us. I believe we had over 90 runners and it was possibly the coolest thing I have experienced virtually and especially running/treadmill related. I had some slight issues because I had never done an event before and I thought since I had signed up and it showed I had joined the event that it would automatically start when it was time. So there I am waiting as it counted down and nothing was happening.

I then pressed the button and it had me at the start line and said “waiting for other runners” or something along those lines. I could see the waves of people already going, so I was late. All of a sudden I was in the crowd of them and we were off and running! I ran for a mile with all my friends and then decreased the speed to a walking one. I held on for a little longer until eventually I was so far back that I was out of the event and on my own. I knew this would happen and I ended my event.

The second Bibrave run was a tempo. I really wanted to join this one because it looked so fun and there were a wide range of paces. However, with my knee, I still wasn’t able to participate like I had intended.

I am looking forward to at least running a mile every now and then because I am too excited to use Zwift. Even if my knee is bothering me, a mile is better than nothing!

I never was excited to run on the treadmill, until now!

Follow them on social for the latest news! IG/TW: @gozwift @gozwiftrun

3 mile run Bibrave racing running Running Outfit running recap

Post Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k Race Review by a BibravePro

“Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race 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!”

If you missed my pre-race post, you can check it out here.

Expo Review

Each year the Hot Chocolate St. Louis expo is held in Union Station. I love this location as you may have previously read. It did take a little longer to get into the exhibit hall because of the construction and the access to the back parking lot where I normally park was open but you had to walk around and go through the hotel to get to the expo. Thankfully some ladies in front of me knew where they were going, so I followed them.

Packet pickup was a breeze and I was able to get my goodie bag quickly. I arrived a little before 10am (the start of the expo,) but everyone was already setup.

As you can see, there is an area to try on your jacket and exchange sizes if you need to. I love that they offer this because so many races don’t allow you to switch sizes or you have to wait until after the race and what’s leftover. I didn’t need to switch sizes, so I went on to the explore the booths.

Like I stated in my earlier post, there are always chocolate goodies to nibble on as you browse the booths.

I debated buying a mug at the expo but found a deal on two cute Run St. Louis pullovers and half zips that were 2 for $30. So, I went ahead and purchased those and then headed on out!

Swag Review

I just love the color of the jacket this year. What’s nice about the jacket is that it is fleece lined, but light. It’s warm but still lightweight and not too hot. I most enjoy the softness of it. The outside feels like butter. Once again, good job on the swag, it never disappoints.

Race Review

Flat Sam was ready to go the morning of the race.

I want to start by saying that I love this race. However, I did start it in a slightly cranky mood because I arrived over an hour prior to the start and had difficulty finding a place to park. I will say part of this was poor on my end because I was trying to find a place not miles from the start, but also that I would be able to find after. Forest park can be quite confusing and a maze. All of the spots that I had pre-mapped out with the handy parking map they provided had been either filled or closed off already. I finally found a place to park but I was about a mile away and the race started in 10 minutes. I was frazzled and forgot my gloves, kept my pants on and was pairing my headphones to my watch as I ran to find the start. I could hear the national anthem and worried that I wouldn’t be able to start with everyone. I knew there were corrals but didn’t know how many and figured it would be a rolling start.

My corral was A but I ended up just hopping in the I corral in fear of missing the start. As we stood there, I realized that they were keeping 2-3 minutes between each corral start. I tried to make my way up a little because I wanted to get going. I was able to get up into the G corral and saw the pace of 10:30 and thought that with my knee, this was probably a good place to start anyway.

So, then I was able to relax and get settled and switch my mindset into having a good time. That’s exactly what I did. I ran until my knees started hurting and then switched between walking and running as comfortable. At mile two they passed out these cute chocolate wafers and I walked and ate two and put the rest into my pocket for later.

The course was a bit hilly, but so pretty. I loved running by the zoo, the jewel box and the Muny. I just enjoyed the scenery and had a good time. I also enjoyed the signs 500m away from the finish because that helped motivate me to keep going and that I was almost done. I also started to get my phone out so I could film the finish, because I was having fun and thought I never do things like this!

Food Review

At the finish line they had NUUN and I’m not much of a fan because of the carbonation like taste. I had thought it was lemon lime Gatorade and quickly realized it was not, but I knew the hot chocolate was close! I filmed the post-race party and took advantage of the awesome photo opportunities!

Post Race Food Video

Then I started to get cold and knew I needed to find my car. I was trying to figure out where the start had been so I could remember where I parked. Thankfully the maps on your phone tells you where your car is parked, so I started to follow that. However, it was only .5 miles to the start from my car, but .9 to my car from the finish. I was walking from the other side of where I originally had come from. I started thinking my phone was lying and that I would never make it to my car.

My hands were hurting from being so cold. However, I was standing at the top by the art museum and just embraced the beautiful view and took some photos.

Then I continued knowing I was close to my car. As I continued to walk, I saw this beautiful tree and knew I had to get a picture.

So, I think in the end, I was meant to walk this way so I could experience the views, great sculptures and artwork.

Race Results and Photos

Per usual, race results were instant on Athlinks and I could go on and claim my results right after the race.

I also had an email shortly after the race saying I had race photos up online. This was the fastest turnaround for photos I have experienced. You really do get your bang for your buck. I recommend running this series no matter where you are!

Overall

Overall, I love this race series. I liked running in forest park a lot too. I believe there was just a lot more space for their post-race party in the open field and you weren’t so congested. If I could make any suggestions, it would be more helpful parking. What I mean by this is maybe having signs of where you can park for the race and also how far that location is from the race itself. Then you would know if it was a good spot. This is only for directionally challenged people like myself. I’m sure others had no problem and knew exactly where to go and where to be. Honestly, everything else was great!

To see my Bibrave Review, click here.

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