Falke All Terrain Advance Performance Socks Review and Giveaway

If there's one thing I don't want to worry or even think about mid-run, it's my running gear. Gear that rides up, slides down, bundles together or abrades my skin detracts from the joy of running and quite frankly drives me mad. And that's especially true for running socks. Give me a pair that I can put on and forget about until my run is over (and beyond!) and I'm a happy camper.

Enter the Falke All Terrain Advance Performance socks. Guys, these socks are amazing! They're soft, comfortable and they do their thing while I can focus on the important stuff, like running.      

One of the most technologically advanced running socks in the Falke range, the All Terrain boasts some pretty impressive qualities:

• A seamless toe and mohair/wool blend that prevents friction and blisters;
• An elasticized cuff and ankle that provides stability and support and keeps out dirt and pebbles;
• A knitted mesh panel on top of the foot that ensures ventilation;
• Drynamix yarn that aids moisture transfer and cooling;
• A reinforced heel and toe that provides cushioning, durability and comfort; and 
• Elastic arch support that prevents the sock from sliding and supports the arch of the foot.

Quite a mouthful, right?

[Image provided.]

But how does this all pan out in practice?

I can honestly say that these are the most comfortable socks I've ever run in. I love the fact that they're padded, and the mohair/wool blend provides some serious comfort without being itchy. And although I'm used to running in a slightly shorter sock, I've come to love the almost geeky-looking, longer-length ankle support. It stays put without being too constrictive, and it really does prevent trail gunk from interfering with your run.

As far as the sock's friction and blister prevention qualities go, I can happily state that I completed the Saint Clair Vineyard Half in my All Terrains last month without a single blister or hot spot. Score! 

I also just have to add that I love the fun and funky darker shaded colours in which the All Terrain is available. Hands up if you're a fellow trail junkie who loves socks in practical colours that are easy to keep clean and looking like new...? 

Rocking the Saint Clair Half in my All Terrains. [Photo by Marathon-Photos.com.]

So is there anything that I don't like about the sock? For me personally, no. I do think, however, that if you're a running sock minimalist at heart who fancies thin, hidden-type socks that don't leave a tan line, you might want to look for another option in the Falke range (and they do have plenty!).

I personally also haven't tested the All Terrains in hot, summer conditions, so it would be interesting to see if they deliver in terms of cooling and ventilation. I'll keep you updated when summer rolls around!

WIN! WIN! WIN!

[Image provided.]

Want to win yourself a pair of Falke Advance Performance All Terrain Socks? We have one pair each to give away to a lucky South African and New Zealand based reader! Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post, saying why you love running and whether you're based in South Africa or New Zealand.

OR

2. Head on over to our Facebook page and leave a comment here, again saying why you love running and whether you're based in South Africa or New Zealand.

OR

3. Head on over to our Instagram page and leave a comment here, also saying why you love running and whether you're based in South Africa or New Zealand.

OR

4. Increase your chances of winning by doing all three!

Winners will be selected on Wednesday, 14 June. Open to New Zealand and South African residents only. Good luck!

*I am part of the Falke SA ambassador team for 2017 and receive free Falke running socks to train and run in for the duration of this term. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Hellooooo, Club 100!

It's done! I'm finally a part of the black shirt brigade! Three years and 100 parkruns later, and I'm officially a member of Club 100.

[Photo by Jeff Stark.]

I have to admit that one of the first things that drew me to parkrun, was the milestone clubs and associated (free) club t-shirts. Free running gear? I'm in! 

This is my third milestone shirt (I've previously earned the Club 50 and Club 25 Volunteer shirts) and each one has been such a highlight. I guess I'm motivated by tangible rewards...? 

A true friend is one that gets up ridiculously early on a freezing Saturday morning to celebrate your 100th parkrun with you. Thanks, Juandre and Telané!

Indulge me in a quick trip down memory lane, will you? Over the past three years, there's been:

• Three home parkruns: Naval Hill, Kimberley and Kapiti Coast.
• 15 parkruns clocked at Naval Hill parkrun.
• 46 parkruns clocked at Kimberley parkrun.
• 29 parkruns clocked at Kapiti Coast parkrun.
• 13 parkrun venues visited in total: Ten in South Africa and three in New Zealand.
• A slowest parkrun time of around 01:30:00. Friends and I showed up about half an hour late to Naval Hill parkrun after completing a 10K race, and then walked the route with our (very!) pregnant friend, Madelene.
• A fastest parkrun time of 24:04.
• 111 volunteering stints (some of them were combined).
• Nine freedom parkruns.
• Countless new friends and wonderful memories!

Printing out that barcode was without a doubt one of the best decisions of my life. Have you printed yours??

Onwards now to Club 250! (Which I can technically only join in 2020... Waaaaaa!)

Monthly Catch-Up: May 2017

According to the Kiwis, winter officially starts on June 1st. And although we've had some f-f-f-freezing weather (from an African perspective, of course!), I'm happy to report that June has been sunshiny and mild so far. So hopefully that's a good sign? Anyway, here's how our running has been going in May. 

Best run

I had the privilege of visiting New Zealand's South Island for the first time last month. Running the Saint Clair Vineyard Half was a dream come true and hopefully the first of many trips down south. My ferry ride there and back was, however, a different story - it literally took me two whole weeks to recover from it...! Note to self (and fellow motion sickness sufferers): Next time take the plane!
   

Picture-perfect Marlborough!

Monthly miles

Guys, I walk a lot. A lot! So much so that I've sent my beloved Asics Nimbus 18s to an early grave... Boo! I've never had the desire to monitor my steps with one of those fancy step counters before, but recently I've wished I had one just to see how much I move every day. I think I'd be surprised! Miss K and J Bear's school drop off and pick-up takes about 6 to 8 kilometers each day, depending on the route I take. Plus there's additional walks to the shops and play parks. And that's not counting the running miles! 

But I can honestly say that I love what's become our morning and afternoon walking rituals. What a feast to be able to walk wherever and whenever we please in complete safety. Plus I find that starting off the day with a brisk walk just sets me up well for the rest of the day. I'm determined to keep on walking even when we get a vehicle!  

That said, I clocked a total of 67 running kilometers during May. 

New gear

Will and the kids treated me to a stunning new pair of full-length running tights for my birthday. Miss K picked them out herself and I absolutely love them! I also can't even begin to tell you how useful they've been. Man, parkrun mornings are nippy! I literally give thanks for my cosy calves ten times a kilometer. Such an awesome birthday gift! 

Hooray for cosy calves! [Photo by Jeff Stark.]

Running high(s)

I've had so many incredible runs in May. After a few months of heading to the riverbank for my running fix, I've re-discovered the beach and just can't get enough. I cherish my solo sanity runs these days and the beach's breathtaking beauty just adds an element of serenity that's hard to describe. These runs have become essential to my sanity!   

Latest challenge

Thanks to the generosity of inspirational running buddy Madelene Loots, and the lovely Rachel from Inspired Health, I've received a free entry into the Wellington Marathon 10K race on 18 June! As you know, I have some unfinished business with the 10K, so I'm going to give that sub-50 one last try. Fingers crossed! 

And that's it for May! How's your running going? Any highs or lows you'd care to share? 

                                                              

Like a care package from a sole sista {RaceHer Box Review}

I love coming home to a package on the front porch. Don't we all? But you know what I love even more? Coming home to a package full of running stuff on the front porch! Ahhh, the excitement! 

It's no surprise then that I was thrilled to be included in the group of runner chiks selected to take a sneak peek into the new RaceHer Box*. Brainchild of the lovely Stephanie Superty, RaceHer Box is a brand-new running subscription box specifically aimed at the female running market. Each box typically contains the following:

• 2 - 3 pieces of running gear;
• 1 - 2 snacks;
• 1 - 2 pampering items; and 
• An extra item just for fun.   

That's 5 to 7 items in total, shipped on a bi-monthly basis, for US$35. Sales open on June 1st (that's tomorrow!), and the first boxes will be shipped between 5 and 7 July. [Inside tip: Head on over to the RaceHer Box website and sign up for the mailing list to receive a special discount code!] Note that boxes are sold on a subscription basis, but that subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. A 10% discount is given for all three-month subscriptions.

Buuuut, without any further ado, let's take a peek into the July RaceHer Box!

  
Don't you just love how it screams summer? And it smells just as gorgeous too! Here's what's inside:

• A RaceHer "Run in the Sun" Tank. Can't wait for summer to bust this one out!
• A BAMR Anchor Headband.
• A "Run like a Girl" Bottle Band.
• Wayfarer Floral Sunglasses. I'm in love with these sunnies! They're much more fun and funky than my old pair - I wear them all the time now!
• Heritage House "Your Pace or Mine" Lip Balm. This one is made from all-natural ingredients - love!
• A Pretty Fizzy Bomb Shower Steamer. Smells sooooo good!
• Gatorade Endurance Chews.

Rocking my new sunnies at parkrun last weekend! [Photo by Tom Collier.]

One of the things I love most about RaceHer Box, is the fact that it's curated by a fellow runner chik who knows just how to spoil and inspire female runners. It has the feel of a care package given to you by a sole sista sending you off on a running adventure - certainly something I wouldn't mind finding on my doorstep every two months! 

*I received a complimentary RaceHer box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Seven years and 545 blog posts later

Running the Race turned seven this weekend. That's right, SEVEN! And wow, what an incredible journey it's been. There's been...

... running adventures on four different continents and in six different countries

Running Botswana!

... bulging bellies and finishing dead last in races

I know. It barely looks possible. And I wasn't even full term here! I was only 34 weeks and had a whopping six more to go...

... single stroller running, double stroller running and finishing first in races

... shameless running around the neighbourhood in a poop-covered shirt

Ta-daaaaaa!

... failure to clock a sub-50 10 kay on a bazillion different occasions

If only the course didn't measure long...!

... close encounters with ostriches and one very grumpy bull

... the accidental discovery of parkrun and a subsequent lifelong love affair

Hartenbos parkrun with the fam!

... and countless new friendships that motivate and inspire me in a million different ways!

    
Thanks so much for sharing this journey with me. Here's to the next seven years of running fun!