Blizzard Blast Race Review

So Sunday, January 25th, I ran an awesome race called blizzard blast. It is by the same guy that runs panic in the dark. It turned out to be a magical day, the race got pushed back a day about a month before the race, from Saturday to Sunday. This was a blessing in disguise. Racers were offered a refund if desired or an entry into a future race, which was awesome! I would not miss the chance to run a race in the snow. Especially since i just got a pair of icebugs! (Review coming after i get some more runs in on them. The weather was perfect! Just between 2 snowstorms, the amount of fresh snow to run over was great. This races mantra is "there is no off season" and with races like this one, i agree! The race was about 5.7 miles long, and i loved every second of it (could you tell?) I will probably not remember every obstacle, but there were fun ones you won't see elsewhere. This race is known for the keg swings, it is what it sounds like you swing holding onto the keg handles, similar to ring swings like in gymnastics, there were 4, then a truss to go across like monkey bars, followed up by 3 more kegs to swing on. This was pretty hard, good thing the penalty is 10 snow angels, i just went till i got it, on the third try. They also had a peg board on a tree, it was pretty hard but with good grip on the tree with your legs it was doable (i think this is where the icebugs studs really helped). There were 2 sections where we got to hop on sleds, a giant see saw, walls to climb, duck and traverse. And finally a Christmas tree carry just before the finish line, it was long and hard, but fun. (Photo thanks to my fellow Spahten Vince Rhee)

Several places on course that you were running over giant sheets of ice covered by a few inches of snow. The good thing though was, through was that the few of the bad spots there were volunteers placed in front, and warning people, it was an awesome touch! The venue was great, pretty cool country club, good food options that were free for racers, we also got a blizzard blast buff, and the medal is a bottle opener.

This race also marked the beginning of #racelocal, if you don't know whats that is check here for the FAQ page. But basically it is a group of races, that have proven to be quality, locally owned ocrs. I ran a few of them last year, and only heard good things about some of the other races, but you earn cool swag the more you race. But back to the race, if you want to do a fun ocr, check out both blizzard blast, and panic in the dark.

Plant fusion product review

In case any of you were wondering, my protein shake of choice is the Plant Fusion. I am  big fan of the taste. I am lactose intolerant, and when i was doing whey it did not agree with me (constant gas). I drink these shakes everyday, I even started making cookies and bars with this powder (recipes, and reviews are next on the list). I tried some others, the only one I remember was garden of life raw. I really did not like the way it tasted, I think it was chalky, and did not mix as well as the plant fusion. this powder is fine, and mixes really well. I use almond milk, I have read way too many things about soy, and its negative affects on the body. I like that this is made from quinoa and amaranth, and gmo free. I have only had the chocolate flavor, i have discovered in a protein shake chocolate flavors are the best, it hides any bed flavors easily. It has bcaa from peas and a bunch of other goodies from plant sources.


So if you are looking for a protein source, and want it to be vegan, and allergy free, this is a great choice

Darn tough socks review

Wool socks have been gaining in popularity in running, and darn tough socks have been at the top, showing up in magazines and cites all over the internet explaining that they are great for ocrs. This could not be more true, they have a lifetime guarantee, i have yet to need it, but i have spoken with friends and i have been told that they are quick to solve problems, so that is a plus.  I bought them for running ocrs, wool is great, and cotton is not good when running through water and mud. Cotton retains water for way to long. Wool also helps reducing chances of blisters when running. I have several pairs of the hiking ones, and a few of the road running socks. (Hiking and Running). They have done great when trail running or racing, I have done 18 miles over rolling hills, and highly technical trail, and no trail toes, and no new blisters or anything (sore arches but socks can not stop that). The socks are also great at regulating body temperature. Unless you are wearing long socks you will not notice them in the summer, i actually switched over to darn tough socks for all of my socks. They help keep me warm in the colder weather and cool in the hotter weather. I have talked with a few friends who thought that wool in the summer can make you sweat early and be uncomfortable, but they are great! Socks are one of the things that can be easily overlooked when it cones to running and/or racing gear, but they make a difference in comfort.

Bottom line they are not cheap (no wool socks that last are cheap) but they are worth every penny!