OrangeMud Review: Endurance Hydration Pack

Y'all - it's finally summer! And with summer comes my least-favorite running weather: heat, humidity, and so much sun. While I love summer for all those same reasons, the weather doesn't make it easy for running outdoors. Staying hydrated in the summer months is critical to staying cool in the heat. So, how do you stay hydrated on the run? Check out my review below for a pretty neat option for taking your H2O on the road with you this summer!

The awesome folks over at OrangeMud sent me an Endurance Hydration Pack to review for the blog and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you!

Full disclosure- I received this hydration pack from OrangeMud in exchange for an honest review on the blog. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Another full disclosure- I've never run with a hydration pack like this before. I've used a handheld water bottle and a running belt with bottles but nothing like this.

Source: OrangeMud

When I first opened up the Endurance Pack, I have to admit, I was a little intimidated. The bladder (the thing that holds the water) looked like it was going to be heavy to carry and I was a little worried about the actual pack itself- I have small shoulders and was nervous that it wouldn't fit correctly or move around too much when I ran.

Check out all those pockets. 😍

Despite my slight intimidation, I was so impressed with all the pockets/storage on this pack. On the front left-hand side there was a space big enough for my Samsung Galaxy 9 (which is a pretty big phone) and on each shoulder there were little pouches for GU or other gels. On the right-hand side there was another large pouch with a clip for my car keys. Pretty much everything I would take on a long run with me can be stored in this pack- plus WATER!

So. Much. Storage.

After filling up the bladder and loading it into the back of the pack- staying in place with a velcro strap- I tried it on. I had watched some videos about fit on the OrangeMud youtube channel so I felt comfortable adjusting the straps for a solid fit.

Another cool thing about this pack- totally adjustable front straps. You can criss-cross them, move them up or down, really anything to make the fit comfortable for you. As a woman blessed with lots of curves, I appreciate the multiple points of flexible adjustment!

Once I had the fit about where I wanted it, it was time to take it for a short run. A recent trip to the beach gave me the perfect mix of heat and humidity to try this pack out and see how it did on the run.

The first few minutes of the run were a bit awkward as I got used to the feeling of having something on my back while I was running. Despite my earlier adjustments, I did need to pull the side straps a little tighter to accommodate some minimal movement once I'd started to run. However, after about five minutes, I honestly forgot I was wearing it.

The fabric was comfortable and breathable- it was super sticky and salty running along the ocean but I never felt like anything was chafing or irritable on my skin. Having the extra large pocket for my phone was great. Not once did it I even feel the weight of it in the pack and it was nice to be able to have quick access to it.

For the front straps, I found it most comfortable to have one high across my chest and one low kind of across my diaphragm. I'd pulled the side straps as far as I could and then tucked the excess strap underneath the part of the strap that was taut. There was no movement of the pack or the straps once I'd adjusted it correctly. Even though I had on extra "weight," it didn't feel uncomfortable or heavy.

And let me tell you how awesome it was to have water on the run- so glorious, especially in the summer heat! I took this pack on a three and a half mile run and probably drank about a quarter of what it holds (two liters). I was a little worried there would be sloshing as the pack lost water but I didn't notice a thing. The hose was a perfect length for me- the pack came with a recommendation to cut it to a shorter length, but I preferred the original length. It was easy to use and easy to drink from on the run.

After having success on the run with the pack, I took it for a bike ride. It was even better on the bike, mainly because you have so many more storage options that you usually don't while riding a bike. Now I'm not much of a bike rider, but I do enjoy it on vacation. I can easily see this pack being used repeatedly on future trips when biking or hiking is involved- it carries water and so much more.

The perfect accessory for holding all your crap while on a bike. 

Overall, I can see this pack becoming a main staple in my training runs. I loved the option of having water with me and having so many extra pockets and pouches to store food, keys, my phone, etc. It was comfortable, adjustable, and easy to use.

And while I didn't use this feature, it actually has a safety whistle built into one of the front straps. As a female runner who often runs alone, this feature gives me extra piece of mind while I'm training solo- and the fact that this pack easily stores my mace in a place that can be readily accessible. 😄

If you've been looking for a hydration pack that is comfy and useful, take a closer look at the Endurance Hydration Pack from OrangeMud. There are tons of runners and hikers that use and love this brand- and it's easy to see why! From the storage options to the low-profile design, this is an awesome way to carry your water- and anything else!- with you on the run!

See more of their models and options here: orangemud.com.


How do you stay hydrated in the summer months?

Winter Running Product Reviews: Yaktrax, DryGuy, Falke

While it might be spring according to the calendar, it still feels like winter here in the mid-Atlantic! In fact, we just had over a foot of snow fall last week alone. What's that saying... in like a lion, out like a lamb? I sure hope so!

Even though spring is (hopefully) right around the corner, winter will return next year. *sigh* So, if you're like me and hate having to bring your workout inside due to weather conditions, you'll want to be prepared for next winter... or in my case, never-ending-winter-that-maybe-just-maybe-will-turn-into-spring. 😄

Pretty. And pretty chilly.

As a Cold Conqueror Ambassador, I was able to try out three winter-weather brands, all designed to help keep folks active in all types of cold/wet weather. I was sent two pairs of Yaktrax: Yatrax Run and Yaktrax Pro, a pair of Cabin Socks, and two Adventure Packs full of hand, toe, and body warmers. From DryGuy, I received the Force Dry DX, the Travel Dry DX, and the Warm N' Charge, a unique portable charging device and rechargeable hand warmer. And from Falke, I was sent a pair of their Ski Touring Socks.

Let's start with Yaktrax- in short, these are awesome for moving around in the snow and ice! Each pair came with a little instruction booklet but honestly, they are very easy to fit onto the bottom of your shoe and even have "toe" and "heel" imprinted on the rubber parts so you don't put them on backwards. The biggest difference that I noticed was that the Run pair had spikes and the Pro pair did not. However, when they were on, I couldn't discern any difference in performance.

The Yaktrax Pro before a snowy run.

Both pairs allowed me to run without a second thought to the snow and ice I was running through. I didn't have to worry about slipping or sliding at all. They really, truly work. The only draw back was snow gathering in between the "diamonds" made by the coils- every mile or so I'd have to stop and knock the snow off the middle of the underside of my shoe. But overall, these made running in the snow really fun!

Yaktrax and Altra- a match made in heaven!

Even though we didn't get the amount of snow we usually do, running in it -and through the puddles of this "spring" we're experiencing- results in wet running shoes. And wet running shoes stink. That's wear DryGuy's Force Dry DX saved my winter running game- and my shoes. The Force Dry DX uses gentle, heated forced air to dry your soggy socks, gloves, hats, shoes, whatever, in about an hour. I admit, I was a little skeptical that my snow-soaked shoes would dry that quickly but they sure did!

DryGuy helping thaw out my pair of Altra Olympus. 

I was a little concerned that the fan/motor would be loud, but I could barely hear it when it was plugged in. I've used it with shoes, gloves, and hats and I'm sure I'm going to use it more this spring, especially as we will have melting snow for the next few weeks. The cool thing about the Force Dry DX is that it allows me to run on consecutive days in the same shoes- I no longer have to wait a day or more for my shoes to dry out on their own.  Pretty neat.

So, I don't ski. But, the Falke ski socks have been fabulous to run in. They are a thicker, woolier, version of a compression sock and keep my legs warm on those 20 degree training runs. They don't offer any fun colors (mine are black with some red stitching- you can see a little of them in the first picture in this post) but they get the job done.

The Cabin Socks from Yaktrax have quickly become my go-to socks. As most of you know, I have really wonky, arthritic feet. And winter is brutal on them because of the cold; they are crankier than usual so I try to keep them as warm as possible by wearing socks at all times. Enter the Cabin Socks. They are double-layer, cute as hell, and very, very warm. 6/7 days a week, these are on my feet. I wash them on the seventh day. Just kidding, I wash them more often than that! Maybe. 😉

Fuzzy moose goodness.

All three of these brands offer unique products that will keep you moving and keep you warm and dry no matter your choice of outdoor winter activity. So the next time you need to train through snow and cold, grab yourself some Yaktrax, DryGuy and Falke, and #conquerwinter!

FINALLY! SNOW! Two super fun miles this morning courtesy of @yaktraxtraction- thanks for helping me feel fearless running through ice, snow, and slush, never once worrying about slipping or falling. Felt like a true #BAMF out there with my spikes on 😜❄⛄

A post shared by Sarah (@sparklyrunner) on Feb 9, 2017 at 6:03am PST

Note: As a Cold Conqueror Ambassador, I received merchandise to use and review. All opinions stated on this blog are my own. 

YogaDev Yoga Wheel: Review & Giveaway

As a typical runner, I tend to focus my fitness on things that will improve my running, namely, running. 😃

But as my physical therapist, orthopedic doc, and family doctor all lecture tell me, I have to incorporate some low-impact activity into my weekly routine. Specifically, yoga has been known to help runners significantly as it helps restore flexibility and strength into muscles that assist in running.

Over the years, I have dabbled in some at-home yoga practice. It's not been something I have done regularly, but it's something that I am making a priority moving forward; mainly because I keep getting injured.

So, it was a pleasant surprise when YogDev reached out to me a few weeks ago and offered to send me a yoga wheel to review on my blog- and sponsor a giveaway so I can give one to my readers! Contest information is at the end of this review.

So, what is a yoga wheel? It is a tool used in yoga, similar to a yoga block, that can assist in different poses, stretches, and strengthening exercises. I had never used one before so it was a little intimating when I pulled it out of the box.

It came with a little cheat sheet of poses that you can do with your yoga wheel. The first night I got my new wheel, in my infinite wisdom, I decide that I'm going to try and do a super-advanced pose and try to balance on top of this hard plastic wheel.

You can guess what happened- I totally bit it. Let me caution you with this- if you're not a professional yogi, don't try "garland" (pictured above) as your first pose with a yoga wheel. 😉

After learning what not to do with a yoga wheel, I checked out YogDev's pose guide online for some instructional videos on how to properly use the wheel as a beginner. I also found this YouTube gem that gave me some cool strengthening moves to check out.

I pulled together a few of the poses, stretches, and exercises to make a routine for myself focusing on my hips and hamstrings. One of the things I loved about using the wheel is that I can modify some of my favorite moves (like a single-leg bridge) using the wheel to balance instead of using a large stability ball. With as much as we travel, this yoga wheel is way more portable than a stability ball and I felt like I got a better workout using the wheel because I had to use more of my muscles to balance.

The smile disappears when the move gets intense! 

I also was able to do a modified single-leg squat coupled with a hamstring stretch (see above) and use the wheel in a controlled rolling motion. It was a pretty effective move and I love how using the wheel allowed me to add some extra stretch and balance to a single-leg squat.

The other benefit I found to using the wheel was being able to access some really restorative stretches and poses. Using this in a modified bridge pose, it was amazing how good it felt to get some release across the top of my back/in between my shoulder blades- that's where I carry all my stress. And the calf stretch pictured below is just what I needed after the longer runs of this marathon training cycle.

If I look uncomfortable, it's because I am. Need. More. Yoga.

Overall, I really enjoyed incorporating the YogDev Yoga Wheel into my fitness routine. I hope to keep using it and maybe one day I'll nail the "garland"- and I'll be sure to upload a picture for proof! This product is definitely well-made, comes in multiple fun colors, and has a great website with lots of information on how to use this appropriately in your yoga practice. All in all, I think it's pretty cool.

Want one of your own? Check out the rafflecopter below for your chance to win! Tweet every day between now and 12/7/16 for more chances. Winners will be notified via email on the morning of 12/7/16 and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the wheel.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: YogDev provided me with a free yoga wheel to review on this blog. I did not receive compensation in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions are on my own.


Have you ever used a yoga wheel or similar fitness product? What's your favorite piece of fitness equipment?

Stride Box Review

A few weeks ago, the awesome folks at StrideBox reached out to me and offered to send me a free box filled with runner goodies- obviously, I said yes! I've seen other IG runner friends post about their StrideBox subscriptions in the past so I was eager to see what all the hype was about.

From their website: "StrideBox is a fun and exciting way to discover running products and accessories. Each month, as a member, you will receive a curated box of gear, accessories, and nutrition products to fuel your training sessions, workouts, and races."  

My StrideBox had a Rundana headband, Sport Beans,
a motivational sticker, and some other neat running products.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much stuff was included in the box! Along with the products, they also sent a recipe card for homemade energy bars and a "Stride Guide" listing all the goodies in the box.

Adorable AND helpful.

So far, I've tried the Sport Beans (awesome!) and the evoke muesli (yummy!). I am intrigued and also scared by the New Grounds Coffee Bar- not sure how I feel about eating my caffeine :-)  I love how the "Stride Guide" lets you know whether you should eat/drink the product before, during, or after your run taking all the guesswork out of it.

A few magic beans at mile 11, courtesy of @stridebox . 6 more to go.

A photo posted by Sarah (@sparklyrunner) on Oct 17, 2016 at 8:26am PDT

In addition to the food and drink products, there was a Rundana (like a buff headband) with inspirational sayings on it, a motivational, healthy-living sticker, and an anti-chafing product. I'm excited to try everything out as marathon training progresses. And I think I've got the perfect spot for my sticker: on the front of my new training/life journal- but more on that in another post.

Rundana- functional AND fashionable.

All good points. 

So, what's the cost of StrideBox? For $15 a month, you can get a box filled with new products every thirty days- all focused on running,training, and recovery. I love this concept because it gives runners the opportunity to try things without having to buy a full-size product and let's face it, running stuff isn't cheap! This is a cool way to "try before you buy" and discover new companies and brands. 

You can also gift a one, three, or six month subscription to your favorite runner. I'll happily fill in as your favorite runner this Christmas if you need one ;-)

Overall, StrideBox is a super fun and affordable way to try new products and get cool running surprises in your mailbox each month. It will definitely be on my list to Santa this year!


Have you ever tried StrideBox or a similar running subscription service?


Disclaimer: I was provided with a free product in exchange for sharing my honest experience on my blog and social media. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the developing company or any of its affiliates.

Product Review: CozyPhones

Hello, friends! I hope you are enjoying your Friday!

Before I start this product review, here are answers to some questions I've been asked lately:

• Yes, the wedding was awesome! Matthew and I were surrounded in a cocoon of love from each other and family and friends and it was probably one of the funnest days of my life.
• Yes, the honeymoon was amazing! Five nights in Disney, seven nights on a Disney Cruise, and one last night in the World was the most perfect start to our marriage. 
• Yes, I'm sad to be home and back to reality! Monday was awful because I had to wear real pants for the first time in 16 days AND I didn't get an afternoon nap on the beach. #sadpanda

I promise to write tons more posts in the next few weeks including Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend recaps and a review of our fourth Disney Cruise on the Disney Fantasy- our first time on that ship.

In the meantime, I am excited to review a fun product today- CozyPhones! The folks at CozyPhones reached out to me a few weeks ago and sent me a set of their active/lycra headband headphones to review.

The headphones came with a black storage bag and an index card with fitting instructions. 

I was super pumped to try these out for a few reasons: 1. I have seen some similar products on the market but was skeptical of how well they would work so I hadn't bought any. 2. Even though I LOVE my Yurbuds for running, when I've been wearing them (or really any "in-your-ear" type of headphones for more than two hours, my ears start to hurt. As you know, I'm a back-of-the-pack runner so my long runs are frequently longer than two hours so I frequently have ear pain after long runs.

I've used CozyPhones for several activities- running, weight lifting, and to help me fall asleep at night while listening to guided meditation on YouTube :-) Overall, they are pretty cool for a number of reasons, some of which I've highlighted below.

Quality of Materials
These are really nicely made. They headband is super soft and stretchy and quite comfortable. The headphones are advertised as "non-tangle" and that is 100% accurate! The headphone cord is braided and doesn't "cling" to itself the way many other headphone cords do.

Sound Quality
Surprisingly, these headphones have decent sound quality. They are not as great as the Yurbuds I normally wear but I actually think I may prefer the Cozy Phones for outdoor running because you can still hear what's going on around you as you enjoy your playlist. In other words, they don't block out all other sound the way most headphones do. I think these are a bit safer than a traditional headphone for outdoor/road running.

In addition, though it looks like these headphones would "leak" sound, they totally didn't. I put them on, turned the volume up, and sat right next to Matthew- he couldn't hear a thing!

Design
I really, really liked how the headphone cord ran down the back of the headband. It was really nice to work out without having to tuck the extra cord in my sports bra, LOL :-) Also, the actual headphones are these soft little disks that are adjustable within the headband. These were super comfortable for sleeping as I could lay on my side and not feel the headphones at all- not something you can do with traditional headphones.

Fit
These felt a bit loose to me. I would have preferred a tighter fit so the actual headphones were closer to my ear. While they didn't slip much while working out, I'm not sure how well they would stay where they are supposed to during a long run.

The headphone-disks inside the headband are easy to adjust but that also means that they have a tendency to move around while in use. This may be because the headband was a little loose but I'm not 100% sure.

Practical Use
Right now, for summer running, these aren't very practical. It's too hot to wear anything on your ears/head. However, I think these could be really awesome for fall/winter weather- they would act as two things in one: an ear warmer and a pair of headphones.


Overall, these are a cool product that I'm happy to add into my rotation of running stuff. To be honest, my favorite use of these headphones has been to help fall asleep at night. One of the most important (and often most neglected) factors of marathon training is getting quality sleep. I like to use guided meditation or other ambient noise (via YouTube) to help fall asleep and these headphones make it easier and more comfortable to do that.

Perfect for catching some Z's

What kind of headphones do you use for running, working out, sleeping, etc? Have you ever used headphones to help you sleep?


Disclaimer: CozyPhones provided me with a set of headphones to review on this blog. I did not receive compensation in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions are on my own.