BibRave Pro – Page 7 – Zenaida Arroyo

05
Jan
2018

Friday Five 2.0-5 Things I Am Looking Forward to in 2018

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Race all 50 states, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Happy New Year! How did you celebrate? I kept it very low key. Nothing exciting at all. My sister came over with my nephew. We ate and watched TV. Then they left and I went to bed at 10pm. Felt great to go to bed early and wake up early the next day. 🙂

Happy New Year 2018

The other day I was thinking about things that I am excited about and looking forward to this year. There are a few but for now I am picking five of them. Here they are in no specific order or importance.

1. The Illinois Marathon. This will be my 9th marathon. My last marathon was the Chicago Marathon in October 2016 where I ended up with at 5:12:59 finish time. I am working with a coach to get me to the finish line in April. I am hoping to finally get a sub 5 finish time. My training is going well. Most of my runs have been “easy” and short (30 and 45 minutes). I know this will get my body ready for when I need to do hard and intense workouts. This week I ran “specific” miles (3 and 4 miles).

2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Races. In 2013 I ran 14 RnR races. While it was fun, it was also tiring and expensive. As a BibRave Ambassador, I have the chance to run again a couple of these races. I picked Washington DC, New Orleans, Chicago, Savannah, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, and San Diego. There is no guarantee that I will get selected for all of them but I’ll be happy with 2-3 races.

3. Moving to a new apartment or house. I’ve been living in the same apartment for about 8 years. When I moved here, I told myself that that would be the last time I would move. Wrong. My landlord told me to start looking for a new apartment because he wants to remodel the apartment and sell the building. Part of me wants to move to another apartment because it is just easier and less responsibilities. However, another part says it is time to buy a house. I’ve looked at a few houses and have not seen anything that I like. My goal is to move no later than March/April (assuming that the landlord gives me till then to move. What I am most excited about is the possibility of having a bigger bedroom than the one I have now! 🙂

New House Image

4. Run a couple half marathons in new states. Currently I’ve completed 38 half marathons in different states. If I get picked for the RnR races (#2) then I will be adding Colorado and Georgia to my list. I am hoping to also add Delaware and Michigan.

Run all 50 states — Source: www.etsy.com

5. BibRave Ambassador. I was selected for another year as an ambassador. I am happy and excited about it! I’ll have the chance to provide you with various product and race discounts. I will also have the opportunity to run various races throughout the year and try out different and new to me race products. I also hope to meet more Ambassadors whether in Chicago or from another state!

Anything exciting you are looking forward to this year?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

fridayfive

28
Nov
2017

Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago 5k Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago 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 had originally signed up for the 8K. However, I know it is always cold in November so when I picked up my bib, I changed it to run the 5K. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t that cold. 🙂

I picked up my bib on Sunday afternoon. I was in and out in about 10 minutes. I did not read the information carefully because later on that week I found out that there was race day packet pickup. That is what I get for not reading carefully the race information.

One thing I dislike about racing in Lincoln Park is the parking. I knew it would be a hassle so I made sure to get there early to get a spot. Indeed I did (5 minutes from the start) but I had to wait about 2 hours in my car. Not sure if it was worth it. My friend Michelle joined me at about 8:30 and then at 8:50 we left my warm car to use the port-a-potties and run the race.

There were 2 waves in this race. We did not plan it carefully because we missed the 1st wave. By the time we made it to the race and were done using the port-a-potties, people were lining up for the 2nd wave which began at 9:30. I was annoyed (mainly at myself) because I could have been in the 1st wave if I had left earlier.

Finally it was time to run and it was a total mess. The path was narrow and there were so many people on it. There were lots of walkers (which is fine) but I wished they would have moved over to the right. I had no time goal for this race but just to have fun. I tried. I was happy with the weather because it did warm up. I wore a Oiselle wazzie wool top and a flyout jacket and was HOT. But it was CROWDED. I am not a fast runner at all and found myself weaving around to pass the runners.

The turnaround was a little before Irving Park Road. I don’t remember at what point the 5k and 8K runners split up but eventually we were reunited. Yeah, I don’t think this merging area was suitable.

By now my goal was just to get to the finish line. And that is exactly what I did. Happy to be done and collect my medal. But before I could do that, I had to get through a gridlock of people also trying to collect their medal.

I didn’t stay afterwards to enjoy the festivities. It looked like people were having a good time after the race.

The medal is cute.

I was really hoping to enjoy the race. I just couldn’t. It sold out before Thursday so I am not sure how many people in total participated in this race. I am glad the sun came out and it wasn’t too cold but that particular area of the lakefront is not a good choice for a race.

Did you run a Turkey Trot Race on Thursday? How did it go?

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

26
Nov
2017

Illinois Marathon Training Plan

categories: BibRave Pro, Brooks Running, Marathon Training, Running, Weekly Recap

BibRAVE Pro

My training will consist of running 4-5 times a week. It will also include cross and strength training, which I know is necessary, but always fail to do.

I know I wrote about one day qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I haven’t given up on that but for now it will be pushed to the side. Or maybe THIS is my training to train to train to train for a BQ? 🙂

As a HUGE fan of the Brooks Launch 4, I am looking forward to wearing some new shoes that I’ve purchased these past few months (Yes, I am aware I have a problem).

Brooks Launch

I also want these. Cute shoes and running clothes are required in order to have a good run. Right?

19
Nov
2017

Health Warrior Chia Bars Review

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Product Review

Disclaimer: I received Health Warrior Chia Bars 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 like to eat. However, I can be lazy and rarely cook. I make pasta, quinoa, eggs, pancakes, etc. It has to be easy with very few ingredients. I told you I was lazy. I also like to snack. I know it isn’t healthy but many times I crave something salty and spicy. My favorite is potato chips with hot sauce. No wonder I cannot lose weight!! Sometimes I also crave something sweet.

It was during this summer that I first heard about Health Warrior Chia Bars. I believe it was before my trip to Alaska. I didn’t think about it anymore and then just completely forgot about them till about sometime in October when the opportunity arose to try them out. Sign me up!

Health Warrior makes Chia Bars, Pumpkin Seed Bars, and Chia Protein Bars. I received two different flavors of the Chia Bars – Apple Cinnamon and Dark Chocolate. What makes these so great and healthy? They’re gluten free, soy free, dairy free, 100% vegan, and non-GMO. Plus they’re only 110 calories, have 4-5 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 1100 mg of Omega-3.

I first tried the dark chocolate. I liked that it wasn’t too sweet but yet it was enough to satisfy me. I finished it in 3 bites.

Next I tried the Apple Cinnamon and also liked that one too. This one had pieces of apples. Again, 3 bites later and it was gone.

I realize that they’re meant to be eaten as a snack but I think these should be a bit bigger. 🙂 Also, I know chia seeds tend to get stuck in your teeth (dislike it when that happens). However, I found that that was not the case with these bars.

I enjoy eating one or two of these after school. I eat lunch at 11:30 am and am done with school at 3:00 pm. You bet that afterwards I am hungry. Depending on the day I either have a meeting, stay late to grade papers, or have Math Club on Thursday.

Something else I received with the Chia Bars is a Marathon Training Coloring Book. I like to color but don’t always make the time for it. I laughed when I checked out each page because I could relate to many of the pictures in the book.

The Chia Bars come in 9 flavors: Acai Berry, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coconut, Dark Chocolate Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Almond, and Mango. The Health Warrior Chia Bars are $15.99 for 15 bars (one time purchase) or $12.79 when you subscribe and save 20% off your order. The company offers free shipping for orders over $25, hassle free returns, and a rewards program.

You can also try a sampler box of 3 bars for $4.99 and FREE shipping. I ordered the Pumpkin Seed Bars in Cinnamon Spice, Dark Chocolate, and Honey Cracked Pepper with Turmeric. You can also get the free coloring book with your order by going here: http://healthwarrior.link/colorbookbr.

Have you tried these bars? Thoughts? If you haven’t, which one would you like to try?

03
Nov
2017

Friday Five 2.0-Become a BibRave Pro in 2018

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Running

Do you like to get FREE stuff to use and review? Do you like to get FREE race entries to some of the best races in the US? Do you enjoy meeting new people? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, keep on reading to learn how you can become an ambassador.

The BibRave Pros are ambassadors for BibRave. Everyone shares a passion for running and blogging about their recent running escapade. Each Pro gets free entries to run BibRave partner races (a few past partners include Grandma’s Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Rock ‘n’ Roll Race Series, Hot Chocolate Race Series, and more). They also get to test and review running products (wireless headphones, shoes, fuel, etc). Plus, you are part of an amazing community that motivates and encourages you. What else is there to ask for?

Do YOU have what it takes to be a BibRave Pro?

Here are the requirements to join the program:
– Enjoy running and racing!
– Maintain a personal running-orientated blog
– Have a strong social media presence across multiple platforms
– Have a BibRave account at www.bibrave.com with at least 3 reviews
– No more than 3 other ambassadorships

I applied in July and a few weeks later received an email welcoming me into the program. Since then I’ve received race entries for the Run Mag Mile, Chicago Half Marathon and Lifetime 5K, Turkey Trot Chicago, and Illinois Marathon. I’ve also received a few products to test such as Under Armour Horizon RTT shoes, Brilliant Reflective, Luvo Frozen Meals, and 5K Crate.

Is this something you want to do? If so, sign up TODAY. Applications are now open till November 15, 2017 11:59pm PST. You will be notified by November 24, 2017 if you’ve been selected as a member of the 2018 BibRave Pros. If you apply, make sure to include my name on the application as the person that referred you. 🙂

I have applied again for next year and will be back in 2018! Next year is supposed to be bigger and better so you bet I am looking forward to it.

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

Category: BibRave Pro

Did you run a Turkey Trot Race on Thursday? How did it go?

Are you training for a marathon or half marathon? Which one, when, and where?

Have you tried these bars? Thoughts? If you haven’t, which one would you like to try?

Do YOU have what it takes to be a BibRave Pro?