All My Favorite Brands Brands Brands Brands

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Virtual Oakland Turkey Trot 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!”


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My first official turkey trot is just 3 days! I’m totally pumped for race day and why not celebrate with a flat lay. What the what is a flat lay you say? It’s basically any photograph you take from directly above while the objects are on a flat surface. Usually the objects are arranged neatly or in a creative way. If you follow my IG or Pinterest feed, you know I LOVE doing flat lays of my run gear aka flat runner!

Here’s a rundown on my favorite brands included in this flat lay:

  1. Oakland Turkey Trot: This race is pretty unique. All proceeds go back to the Oakland community. Part of my heart belongs to the Bay Area (I lived there for a number a years while growing up.) Both of those are reasons why I signed up to have this race as my very first Turkey Trot!

  2. Knockaround: These sunglasses are my go-to shades. They are reasonable, stay on your face and look good on.

  3. Buff: Lightweight, comfortable and keeps you warm. Buffs are the best!

  4. Altra Running: I was favoring an ‘other’ brand for a while and my right hip as been killing me. Decided to bust out my Altra Impulse Flash and I wish I did that sooner. My hip pain is going away and I’m running fast. Wow. Love Altra.

  5. Aftershokz Trekz Air: Hear the world around you and your music. I feel safe while wearing my Trekz Air during runs. Also, no cords to deal with and the Canyon Red color looks fab against my skin tone.

  6. Garmin feñix 5s Rose Gold: Oh, momma! Talk about beauty meets tech. This watch is my favorite watch of all time. It does NOT leave my wrist unless I need to charge it. My favorite features is all day HR monitoring and how accurate it tracks my pace during runs.

  7. BibBoards: I first noticed rust on my shirt last year. WTH? It was from the safety pins! BibBoards protects your favorite tech shirts from rust and holes and they are customizable!

  8. Sparkle Athletic: #TeamSparkle 4eva! Be bold, be bright. Running is FUN, so have fun doing it. I like to shine during races and I am absolutely wearing a Sparkle Athletic skirt while doing this virtual 5k Turkey Trot.

Join me in getting your #feastmode on and sign up for the Oakland Turkey Trot. Apply code BROTTVIP for 10% off registration.

Running My 1st 🦃-Day Race: Virtual Oakland Turkey Trot 5k

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Virtual Oakland Turkey Trot 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!”


The design and colors of the Oakland Turkey Trot 5k really caught my attention.The design and colors of the Oakland Turkey Trot 5k really caught my attention.

The design and colors of the Oakland Turkey Trot 5k really caught my attention.

Running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning is THE thing to do these days. According to Runner’s World Magazine, it’s become the most important race in America. They say in 2015, Thanksgiving passed the Fourth of July as the most popular day to run a race, drawing nearly a million participants to more than 1,000 different events across the country. So why haven’t I raced a turkey trot yet and more importantly, why is my first one a virtual?

Thanksgiving Day is an insanely busy day for me. I do have time to run in the early (5 a.m.) morning and that’s it. I best be getting back home from my run by 7 a.m. latest or my meal prep time gets messed up. Basically, I don’t have time to drive anywhere to go to a race. When I found out as a BibRave Pro that I could participate in a virtual turkey trot, I knew this was my chance to finally run in a real turkey trot.



Loving the cuteness of the Oakland Turkey Trot beanie.Loving the cuteness of the Oakland Turkey Trot beanie.

Loving the cuteness of the Oakland Turkey Trot beanie.

A Special Place in My Heart

Did Y’all Know? I lived in the Bay Area for about 4 years. Originally, I was born in Chicago. In 1982, my parents took me to San Jose and lived there till 1986. The Bay Area holds a special place in my heart. That is an important reason why I’m supporting and promoting the Thanksgiving Day Virtual Oakland Turkey Trot



Volunteering while on the run with the 2:40 pace group on 11/04/2018.Volunteering while on the run with the 2:40 pace group on 11/04/2018.

Volunteering while on the run with the 2:40 pace group on 11/04/2018.

Giving Back

Location alone isn’t the only reason I’m passionate about this race. The Oakland Turkey Trot partnered with the Mayor’s Office, Alameda County Community Food Bank, Oakland Public Schools and local sponsors and charities. 100% of proceeds are going straight back to the Oakland community! This is huge.

I too enjoy giving back to my community. This is why I regularly pace local half marathons. Here I am at my latest pacing race at the November 4, 2018 3TV Phoenix 10k and Half Marathon.



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Join me

If your time is limited, you can’t drive anywhere to go to a turkey trot so a virtual is your only option OR if you live in the Bay Area and you want to run a super fun turkey trot that gives back immensely to the community, then sign up for the Oakland Turkey Trot. Apply code BROTTVIP for 10% off registration.

Wally did a 10k with Scoobtober!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Scooby-Doo Virtual Run Series 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!


Wally has some serious proud bling face going on!Wally has some serious proud bling face going on!

Wally has some serious proud bling face going on!

It was totally fitting for Wally and I to complete the Scoobtober Virtual 10k on Halloween morning. I’m proud of my 9-years-young pup. Similar to how we ran the Scooby Doo DooGood 5k, we completed the 10k challenge in 12 bite-size walks.


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Routines Form Good Habits

Wally loved to take the same route everyday. I noticed he’d stop and smell all the same spots and leave pee-mail messages behind! He was on a mission that always took us to the neighborhood playground at the top of the hill. To keep things interesting, I’d mix it up and we would still make our final destination but get there by taking separate routes. The Scoobtober challenge is now over, but Wally gets all perky eared when he sees me put on my running shoes. 

See above all 12 of our runs that made the entire 6.2 miles of the Scoobtober 10k and you’ll see what our favorite routes are.



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All the Bling


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The team behind Scooby Doo really did a fantastic job with the quality of the medals, t-shirt, bandanas and backpack for the swag. The details and quality in their items are great. Colors are vibrant in the ribbons and in the enamel of the each virtual race medal as well as the challenge medal.

I never seen a medal specifically for a dog before. That is just the coolest thing.

The drawstring backpack was much larger than I anticipated. The material is durable and there are 2 zippered pockets. As a nice touch, the Scooby Doo logo is on the pull tabs. This will totally be my new Wally walking bag.


Final Thoughts

The Scooby Doo Virtual Run Series was by far the best virtual run I participated in. Scooby Doo is a strong brand with a huge following. I could totally see an in-real-life race event where people bring their dogs. What’s the biggest takeaway from the Scoobtober and the race in general? I was able to get closer to my dog. We love being outdoors together.

I Love The Light Life

Disclaimer: I received an SPIbeams LED Visor 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 startline was dark at the November 4, 2018 3TV  Phoenix Half Marathon . I came prepared to pace the 2:40 group with my  SPIbeams LED Visor .The startline was dark at the November 4, 2018 3TV  Phoenix Half Marathon . I came prepared to pace the 2:40 group with my  SPIbeams LED Visor .

The startline was dark at the November 4, 2018 3TV Phoenix Half Marathon. I came prepared to pace the 2:40 group with my SPIbeams LED Visor.

Words I can’t believe I’m saying: I miss the summer. I live in Phoenix, so I must be crazy to utter those words. It’s finally starting to cool off and shorts are being traded for long pants. Yet, I miss the summer. It’s because I miss those pre-5a.m. sunrises. More light means safer and happier running for me. As the fall season starts to progress, the days are getting shorter and morning runs feel like night runs with the sun rising later. I’m more of a daytime runner. When the opportunity came to test the SPIBelt Beams LED Visor, I had to jump on it. I had other tools to keep me safe on the run, but now I could have something to light my way, other than a headlamp. Here are my favorite features of this supercharged visor.



Morning runs now include the  @SPIBELT  Beams LED Visor. Light to brighten the sidewalk & the visor to protect my eyes during sunrise.Morning runs now include the  @SPIBELT  Beams LED Visor. Light to brighten the sidewalk & the visor to protect my eyes during sunrise.

Morning runs now include the @SPIBELT Beams LED Visor. Light to brighten the sidewalk & the visor to protect my eyes during sunrise.

Dark to light, still shine bright

The interesting thing about headlamps is that they work well when you start and end your run in the dark. But what if you start your run in the dark and end it in the sun? What do you do with your headlamp? When this was my problem, I left it on my head and then suffered when the sun would rise because I had nothing to protect my eyes. Also, nothing to protect my forehead from sunburn. This is where the SPIbeams LED Visor is brilliant, both in idea and brightness. I can wear my visor at night with the lights turned on. There is a main on/off switch in the sweatband and a quick switch under the brim. As the sun starts to rise, I just turn off the front lights from under the brim. Then I can still keep my visor on to trap sweat and keep the sun out of my eyes. Totally brilliant.



Around mile 11 of the October 13, 2018  Craft Classic Phoenix Half Marathon  where my  Beast Pacing  teammate and I paced the 2:45 group.Around mile 11 of the October 13, 2018  Craft Classic Phoenix Half Marathon  where my  Beast Pacing  teammate and I paced the 2:45 group.

Around mile 11 of the October 13, 2018 Craft Classic Phoenix Half Marathon where my Beast Pacing teammate and I paced the 2:45 group.

Race wear, hardly there

Race day is a critical time in that you can’t be bogged down. I hesitate wearing anything extra because I don’t want the weight on me. I wore the SPIbeams LED Visor during two half marathons I paced. Each of them had a pre-dawn arrival time. I didn’t have the capacity to carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp because there wasn’t anywhere to put it when as the sun rose. SPIbeams saved the day again, with the front LED lights that could be easily turned on and off. That’s not the only plus on race day though. During both races, I didn’t notice the visor on my head and it’s because it’s super lightweight. It weighs approximately 2.6oz.



Andrea Heser© 2018Andrea Heser© 2018

Andrea Heser© 2018

A few of my favorite things

Check out the annotated graphic for my favorite features of the SPIbeams LED Visor. Cool features include: it’s super lightweight, 4 LEDs on the front that shine 128 lumes, 2 red LEDs on the back closure, on/off quick switch under brim, replaceable batteries inside sweatband.  


If you’d ask me what my favorite feature is, I’d tell you the 2 blinky LED lights on the back. To me, that gets a drivers attention.If you’d ask me what my favorite feature is, I’d tell you the 2 blinky LED lights on the back. To me, that gets a drivers attention.

If you’d ask me what my favorite feature is, I’d tell you the 2 blinky LED lights on the back. To me, that gets a drivers attention.


Interesting observations and conclusions


OMG. Is that…salt?OMG. Is that…salt?

OMG. Is that…salt?

During two runs and one race, I wore my SPIbeams LED Visor. I took a risk and won. Nothing broke, but it could have. The components of the main on/off switch are not waterproof. Lot’s of water poured down on me and thank goodness nothing happened. The electrical wires could have been damaged. With that being said, I don’t recommend running with this visor in the rain unprotected. Maybe wear it with a waterproof hood covering the sweatband part.

During my last half marathon this past Sunday, I realized the sweatband was covered in my own salt! Yikes! SPIbelt does recommend handwashing with specific instructions on their website. I plan on doing that this weekend.

I’m pleased with my SPIbeams LED Visor and glad it’s keeping me safe on the run and race. SPIbelt is generous and offering a 20% discount on purchases through November 12. Apply code BIBRAVE at checkout. Also, all orders in the U.S. include free shipping.

Luvo Taught Me Veggies Don’t Need Meat

Disclaimer: I received a Luvo Vegan Essentials Bundle 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!


Photo by Luvo FoodsPhoto by Luvo Foods

Photo by Luvo Foods

I’m not vegan or vegetarian and thought I should give the Luvo Vegan Essentials a try. The high amount of veggies in each bowl is what sold me to test out these flavors as a BibRavePro. I figured I could pair the bowls with the lemon pepper chicken I make weekly. What I learned is that every flavor in the Vegan Essentials was so satisfying that I didn’t need the meat after all. It surprised me that I could have a meat-less meal. All eight boxes from my Vegan Essentials are now gone and I’m thinking it’s about time I place an order. See below for my reviews of each flavor.



The Most Fresh Looking Frozen Meal I Ever Seen

So Cal Kale & Bean

This was the first Luvo meal I tried out of the Vegan Bundle. Microwaveable meals usually never look they way they look like the photo on the box. Luvo proved that wrong! The heated meal out of the microwave looked exactly like the photo on the box. The broccoli was the vibrant green. The kidney beans were a deep red and not dull one bit. The meal was hearty, smelled and tasted delicious. I did add baked-skinless chicken breast to the bowl. Still, I could see myself eating this bowl as a vegan meal. 

10g Protein / 360mg Sodium / 14g Sugar / 1½ cups Vegetables / 23g Whole Grains



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Pineapple & Black Rice, Unexpected Yum

Hawaiian Un-Fried Rice

I would have never thought to pair pineapple with black rice, but they make a nice couple! The black rice is much hardier than sticky rice. Also, I felt full for about 3 hours after the meal and it must have been the rice. The pineapple was a nice touch and not too sweet that it overpowered the meal. The cashews were a nice touch and gave the bowl a good texture. This was a great comfort food meal for in-office lunch. Also, I typically would have added a meat to a vegan meal like this (I’m not vegan.) But this bowl didn’t need it. I felt satisfied!

10g Protein / 330mg / Sodium / 10g Sugar / 1 cup Vegetables / 42g Whole Grains



Hearty and Satisfying, No Need for Meat!

Great Karma Coconut Curry

Your curry bowl made me re-think curry. Honestly, was not a fan of curry in the past. Noticed it was part of your Vegan Bundle and took a risk. So glad I took that risk! So good. Also, was totally thrilled to see Butternut Squash as a featured veggie. I was thinking that I should bring some cooked chicken to go along with the bowl. Didn’t need the meat! I just finished this bowl at the office for my work lunch and I feel full and satisfied. The Great Karma Coconut Curry bowl is a perfect bring-to-work meal.

10g Protein / 390mg Sodium / 5g Sugar / 1 cup Vegetables / 16g Whole Grains



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Perfect for Those Venturing Into the Spicy World

Chana Masala

Honestly, I’m nervous to try food with extra spice. As my Chana Masala bowl was microwaving at work, a co-worker commented how delicious it smelled. I was so eager to try! The flavors blended so well that the spice didn’t bother me. The Chana bowl is my favorite. I could have it 3x a week if you let me! The texture is great and the veggies look fantastic, so fresh looking. Also, I was full after just eating this bowl with no added meat.

11g Protein / 360mg Sodium / 2g Sugar / ½ cup Vegetables / 11g Whole Grains


If you are a person who feels meat should always be a part of each meal and would like a change, then consider the Vegan Essentials bundle by Luvo Foods. I have a strong feeling you and your tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised.

Scoobtober 10k — Can Wally Do It?

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Scooby-Doo Virtual Run Series 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!


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Earlier this month, Wally and I decided to the 10k distance of the Scooby-Doo Scoobtober Virtual Run. We did so well last month during the Scooby-Doo Do Good 5k, that we decided to take on the challenge of the extra 3.1 miles for the the Halloween-themed run. I try to be the best dog-mom, but I noticed I haven’t been walking Wally much. The Scooby-Doo run series helped me get Wally out the door which made him a happier pup!



Happy Birthday to you Wally! Yes, I made him a hat and this is him on his actual birthday earlier this month. Hear how he asks for a hotdog treat  here .Happy Birthday to you Wally! Yes, I made him a hat and this is him on his actual birthday earlier this month. Hear how he asks for a hotdog treat  here .

Happy Birthday to you Wally! Yes, I made him a hat and this is him on his actual birthday earlier this month. Hear how he asks for a hotdog treat here.

On October 1st, Wally turned 9-years-old! In human years, that’s about 56-years-old, which means technically he just entered the senior category of dog ages according to Pet Health Network. Wally still might act like a puppy with his playful ways, but that doesn’t mean he has the stamina of one.



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Our Scoobtober 10k effort must be deliberate. We only go for a half a mile maximum. His pace varies from a 14 to a 20 minute mile. Also, even though it’s cooler out, the pavement is still warm. I try to get him outside before noon or after 6 p.m. for our 25 minute average walks.



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We only have 4 more walks to go until we reach our goal! The swag he’ll get is really pretty and will look nice against his cream colored fur. I’ll keep you posted on how Wally does on his last leg of this 10k. So far, so good!


PHXDW 2018: Quotes to Live By

Speaking in front of others is hard for me to do. It’s not that I stammer or say ‘um’ a hundred times, or even start to sweat. My fear is not coming across authentic and then people will stop paying attention. So, when I decided to do an impromptu presentation about my experience from attending the 10th anniversary of PHXDW earlier this month to the design team at my work, I didn’t practice. The strategy behind that is I wanted to speak from the heart and not from a memorized script. Also, I didn’t want to bore my team with photos from the conference, we’ve all seen those before. Instead, I compiled the best quotes from my live tweeting that I felt would be relevant to everyone. Took those words and made them visually interesting in the PHXDW black notebook/itinerary that came in our swag bags. Photographed the pages, placed them in Keynote and simply talked through the slides and explained why each quote was important to me.


Every  PHXDW  participate received a note/itinerary book. Perfect for sketching, taking notes and knowing everything there is to know about the conference that took place October 5-6, 2018.Every  PHXDW  participate received a note/itinerary book. Perfect for sketching, taking notes and knowing everything there is to know about the conference that took place October 5-6, 2018.

Every PHXDW participate received a note/itinerary book. Perfect for sketching, taking notes and knowing everything there is to know about the conference that took place October 5-6, 2018.


Your work brand or personal brand will change throughout the years. Find ways to stay excited about so others will too. Quote by  @realbrandingchicksYour work brand or personal brand will change throughout the years. Find ways to stay excited about so others will too. Quote by  @realbrandingchicks

Your work brand or personal brand will change throughout the years. Find ways to stay excited about so others will too. Quote by @realbrandingchicks


Throughout your process, check-in on your flow. If you are not fully immersed, feeling energized and feeling enjoyment, then rethink your process. Quote by  @trapdoorstudioThroughout your process, check-in on your flow. If you are not fully immersed, feeling energized and feeling enjoyment, then rethink your process. Quote by  @trapdoorstudio

Throughout your process, check-in on your flow. If you are not fully immersed, feeling energized and feeling enjoyment, then rethink your process. Quote by @trapdoorstudio


We had a discussion about how this conflicts with the notion of ‘dance like there’s no one watching.’ To me, this quote is about being deliberate with your approach. Know your audience, speak to them. Quote by  @bloguettesWe had a discussion about how this conflicts with the notion of ‘dance like there’s no one watching.’ To me, this quote is about being deliberate with your approach. Know your audience, speak to them. Quote by  @bloguettes

We had a discussion about how this conflicts with the notion of ‘dance like there’s no one watching.’ To me, this quote is about being deliberate with your approach. Know your audience, speak to them. Quote by @bloguettes


My father always shared his trade secrets. It used to piss me off. Then I realized it’s a kind thing to share your institutional knowledge. It’s ok to share. It’s up to the person to apply it to something good. Quote by  @realbrandingchicksMy father always shared his trade secrets. It used to piss me off. Then I realized it’s a kind thing to share your institutional knowledge. It’s ok to share. It’s up to the person to apply it to something good. Quote by  @realbrandingchicks

My father always shared his trade secrets. It used to piss me off. Then I realized it’s a kind thing to share your institutional knowledge. It’s ok to share. It’s up to the person to apply it to something good. Quote by @realbrandingchicks


This reminds me to always think ahead. If you find a solution before your client asks, then bring it up to them. Might get new business that way. Quote by  @annyoachimThis reminds me to always think ahead. If you find a solution before your client asks, then bring it up to them. Might get new business that way. Quote by  @annyoachim

This reminds me to always think ahead. If you find a solution before your client asks, then bring it up to them. Might get new business that way. Quote by @annyoachim


This speaks for itself. Look for ways to keep things interesting even if you are on the same project for years. Quote by  @sthompsonartThis speaks for itself. Look for ways to keep things interesting even if you are on the same project for years. Quote by  @sthompsonart

This speaks for itself. Look for ways to keep things interesting even if you are on the same project for years. Quote by @sthompsonart


Lots of components make up your personal brand and your work brand. These four are pretty important and should be considered: Network, Community Involvement, Work Ethic, Voice/Vision. Quote by  @realbrandingchicksLots of components make up your personal brand and your work brand. These four are pretty important and should be considered: Network, Community Involvement, Work Ethic, Voice/Vision. Quote by  @realbrandingchicks

Lots of components make up your personal brand and your work brand. These four are pretty important and should be considered: Network, Community Involvement, Work Ethic, Voice/Vision. Quote by @realbrandingchicks


Don’t be so hard on yourself. You got into this business for a reason. Remember that. Quote by  @trapdoorstudioDon’t be so hard on yourself. You got into this business for a reason. Remember that. Quote by  @trapdoorstudio

Don’t be so hard on yourself. You got into this business for a reason. Remember that. Quote by @trapdoorstudio


Honestly, I roll my eyes when people start talking about being ‘blessed.’ To me, you work for what you get, it’s up to you. This quote stuck with me though. I wanted to do some type of design work since I was in 2nd grade. I’m doing what I always wanted to do and I love my job. so, you better believe that I’m blessed. Quote by  @realbrandingchicksHonestly, I roll my eyes when people start talking about being ‘blessed.’ To me, you work for what you get, it’s up to you. This quote stuck with me though. I wanted to do some type of design work since I was in 2nd grade. I’m doing what I always wanted to do and I love my job. so, you better believe that I’m blessed. Quote by  @realbrandingchicks

Honestly, I roll my eyes when people start talking about being ‘blessed.’ To me, you work for what you get, it’s up to you. This quote stuck with me though. I wanted to do some type of design work since I was in 2nd grade. I’m doing what I always wanted to do and I love my job. so, you better believe that I’m blessed. Quote by @realbrandingchicks


Remember, as a visual communicator, you are powerful. Visual messages speak volumes and sometimes don’t need words to get the point across. Aaron Draplin reminded us that. Quote by  @draplinRemember, as a visual communicator, you are powerful. Visual messages speak volumes and sometimes don’t need words to get the point across. Aaron Draplin reminded us that. Quote by  @draplin

Remember, as a visual communicator, you are powerful. Visual messages speak volumes and sometimes don’t need words to get the point across. Aaron Draplin reminded us that. Quote by @draplin

Best Friends Have 4-Legs

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Scooby-Doo Virtual Run Series 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!


Andrea Heser©Andrea Heser©

Andrea Heser©

We did it, again! Wally and I both ran the Scooby-Doo Doo Good Virtual 5k for the second time this month. The gains we had when we first took on the challenge were so fantastic, we decided to do it again. Here is the top 3 gains from our Round 2 of the Doo Good Virtual 5k.

Gain 1: Brought Us Together

My dog Wally and I are pretty close. I adopted him when he was about 3-months old. He’ll be 9-years-old on October 1st. Before kids, my attention went to Wally and our other family dog Rusty. Then things changed when baby arrived. Walks & playing became scarce to non-existent. It’s sad to admit this reality, I was barely petting my dog on a daily basis. Still, I was unmotivated to do anything. A month ago I discovered that I could opt-in to the Scooby-Doo Virtual Race Series. This was my chance, our chance, to get closer again. Wally could never participate in a regular 5k race. He doesn’t have the body for it: flat face, short legs, small airway. But a virtual? Oh, yes! Wally could finally run his race, his way, and get the bling to prove it. This meant we had to start slowly. He can only last about 15-20 minutes on a fast walk. Every morning we went out for a walk, just a half a mile to help us get used to the motions. Remember, Wally is almost 9-years-old which means he’s about 56 in human years. Even with training, I realized he couldn’t do a full 5k all in one shot. So, I broke it up in 6-doggy-bite-sized chunks for him. Breaking up our 5k meant more time together. It was wonderful. Sometimes I allowed him to lead on his favorite half-mile route and other times I guided him down new streets to explore. Glad how the training and race process brought us closer together. 

Gain 2: Snoring is Gone

Most brachycephalic dogs snore. It’s because of their short muzzles. Wally was a loud snorer. Once we started our training then completing the Doo Good Virtual 5k twice, his snores are pretty much gone. When he does snore, it’s quiet. I believe the Scooby-Doo Race Series is helping Wally get in shape. Excess weight can make breathing more difficult, worsening the snoring. I didn’t weigh him before and after our training and racing cycle during the month of September but he surely made gains in the health department. 

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Gain 3: Sweet Bling For Doggy

Medals motivate me to run races. Would they motivate Wally too? I never seen bling for dogs until I saw what was offered with the Scooby-Doo Virtual Race Series. Doo Good Virtual 5k and Scoobtober Virtual 5k/10k  add-ons gets your pup a bandana and collar medal for each race. Can’t wait for Wally’s Doo-Good bling to arrive so he could show them off to you. 

Grow Your Bond With Your Pup

Join me and sign up for the Scooby-Doo Virtual Race Series.  You can still do the challenge if you register tonight. Get 10% off registration with code BIBRAVE. Register here!

Salivating at the Opportunity to Taste Test Luvo

Disclaimer: I received a Luvo Vegan Essentials Bundle 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!


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I have no shame by telling you that 50% of the food my family and I consume comes from the frozen section. It’s the ease and minimal prep that appeals to me most. When BibRave put out the opportunity for their pros to test Luvo Foods, you know I was champing at bit to get on board. There are four huge reasons why I’m thrilled to taste the Luvo Vegan Essentials Bundle, and here they are:


1) A Good Pair:

My family loves how I prepare chicken. It’s quite simple, I bake chicken breast dusted with lemon pepper seasoning. Problem is, I’m never sure what to have as a side dish. Usually it’s the same ol’ thing; can of green beans. I decided to try the Luvo Vegan Essentials Bundle because it has the variety of flavors that I hope would pair perfectly with my mild flavored chicken. 


2) Low on Sugar:

During the summer, I decided to cut back sugar from my diet. So far, doing so helped me loose 20 pounds and curb my sugar cravings dramatically! I’d like to help my family curb their sugar cravings too. I chose the Luvo Vegan Essentials Bundle because of the low sugar content per serving. Their Great Karma Coconut Curry and Chana Masala bowls only have 2-5g of sugar per serving.


3) Right Balance:

Finding food that is fast and nutritious is tricky. It makes my heart warm to know that Luvo has guiding principles when it comes to their products. They feel food should be nutritious while limiting sodium and added sugar. Also, they so no to artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Also, the meals I chose are gluten free and vegan. 


4) Fast Foodie:

My time is simply limited. Swim team lessons for my son 3x a week, my running 3x a week, school, packing lunches, making dinner, husband & wife time, oh and me working full-time; it all adds up. Frozen food has been my go-to. I love how each of the bowls in the Luvo Vegan Essential Bundle take only 4-4 1/2 minutes in the microwave. And since I cook up a bunch of my famous chicken ahead of time, I can get dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes, with a veggies that actually taste fantastic. 


Dinner is Served

My order just came in tonight! The Luvo Vegan Essential Bundle comes with 2x of the following flavor bowls: So Cal Kale & Bean, Hawaiian Un-Fried Rice, Great Karma Coconut Curry & Chana Masala. Which flavor should I try tonight with dinner?

Self Motivation

“Ability to do what needs to be done, without influence from other people or situations. People with self motivation can find a reason and strength to complete a task, even when challenging, without giving up or needing another to encourage them.”


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Other athletes inspire me but they don’t motivate me. I realized this early on in my running journey. Lately, I’ve been a lazy runner. Not sure why. I want to run. Even though I schedule my runs on my G cal, set out my clothes and charge my devices, still, I can’t get up in the morning.


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In the past, I was a Strava Premium member. Didn’t have to pay for it because I got promo codes through My New Balance Rewards. That benefit is gone and Premium changed to Summit. I’m so frugal and that is the #1 reason I didn’t join Summit yet. Seriously scoured the internet for a promo code this morning for one hour! Found nothing!

Pulled out my CC and now I’m on Summit on their Analysis pack only. Hoping that checking my Power Analysis, Workout Analysis, Relative Effort & Fitness & Freshness will give me the self motivation I need to start waking up early again so I can crush my training for my lofty MESA-PHX Half Marathon goal.