Running on the Wall Race Bib & Medal Holder Review

Running on the Wall custom race bib & medal holder in Sage

The Green Girl got a customized Race Bib and Medal Holder from Running on the Wall.

The Running on the Wall displays are handcrafted from recycled MDF wood by wife and husband runners, Melianna and Alex. They also use water-based paint and non-chemical based varnishes.

I decided to get my favorite quote on a sage display:

A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu
The exact Chinese translation of the quote 千里之行，始于足下 is 'A journey of a thousand li starts beneath one’s feet'. A li is the equivalent of roughly a third of a mile.

Running on the Wall custom race bib & medal holder

This quote is on the Inperspire Towel I use for yoga and it's engraved on my ring from my mum.

Melianna provided outstanding customer service and was very helpful when I inquired about the specific shades of green.

My display was shipped quickly and securely (with no excess packaging) in a USPS Priority Mail box.

Running on the Wall custom race bib & medal holder

The vinyl lettering was covered with a clear varnish for protection and easy dusting.

The display arrived with the hardware - L-shaped metal hanging pegs, 4 bib extension rings, and 2 nails - in a plastic zip bag.

Assembly was straight-forward - I hand screwed the L-shaped metal hanging pegs into each of the pre-drilled holes until the flat portion was flush with the wood.

Marked holes

After all the hanging pegs were installed, I flipped the holder over and used a piece of scrap paper to jot dots down for the nail positioning.

I'm absolutely thrilled with how my customized holder turned out and it's nice to finally have a way to display race bibs.

The Green Girl's new customized Running on the Wall Race Bib & Medal Holder

Wild by Nature Book Review and Giveaway

The Green Girl was thrilled to receive her first ever advance reader's edition when she was offered a copy of Sarah Marquis' Wild by Nature: From Siberia to Australia, Three Years Alone in the Wilderness on Foot.

One woman
10,000 miles on foot
6 countries
8 pairs of hiking boots
3,000 cups of tea
1,000 days and nights
Wild by Nature follows Swiss National Geographic Explorer Sarah Marquis on the trail of her 10,000 mile 'eXplorAsia' solo hike across the remote Gobi desert from Siberia to Thailand. From Thailand, she travels by boat and completes her hike in Northern Australia.

Sarah Marquis Photo Credit: alchetron.com

The author is Swiss and it's my understanding that the book was translated from French to English. I believe some of the meaning may have been lost or skewed in translation.

I also acknowledge the fact that cultural heuristics mold and influence world attitudes and views.

I found her writing incongruous, disjointed, and detached. I felt she had a lack of respect for the native inhabitants of the lands she encroached on but an intense appreciation for Mother Nature. I was often left yearning for more details. But I was still blown away by the magnitude of her solo journey.

Sarah Marquis at her camp in Australia’s Kimberley Photo Credit: Sarah Marquis

Preparing for a 3 year hike is a significant undertaking and I would have appreciated more details regarding her training and preparation. I also wish she would have provided the gear list that comprised her 75 lb backpack and 120 lb cart.

I appreciated insights like tips on how to collect water in an arid region.

Sarah Marquis arrives at her final 'Little Tree' destination Photo Credit: Sarah Marquis

I also learned a lot from how she handled herself in the difficult and potentially volatile encounters. She even resorted to sleeping in sewage pipes - sometimes alongside animal carcasses - to avoid night visits from drunk Mongolian men.

Wild by Nature goes on sale today, February 9th.

If you would like your very own copy of Wild by Nature, The Running Green Girl is pairing up with St. Martin's Press for a giveaway.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends Friday, February 19th at 12:00 midnight Pacific Time. If you encounter any issues entering this giveaway via Rafflecopter, please let me know.

The only way to survive three years of walking was to embrace the moment of now. Sarah Marquis

The Runner's Choice Review and Giveaway

The Green Girl was contacted by Trusted Health Products to review their The Runner's Choice foot recovery product.

The Runner's Choice is comprised of a proprietary blend of almond, eucalyptus, eucalytol, wintergreen, peppermint, and spearmint oils.

The Runner's Choice Oil Blend
Almond Oil is antioxidant rich, high in vitamin E, and contains many essential nutrients.
Eucalyptus has antibacterial/antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It also creates a cooling and refreshing effect.
Eucalytol has anti-fungal properties.
Wintergreen contains salicylic acid and methyl salicylate and therefore acts as a natural pain reliever. It also increases blood circulation.
Peppermint has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties. It also provides a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body.
Spearmint has antiseptic, antispasmodic, restorative, and stimulant properties. It also contains vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients.

The Runner's Choice

The Runner's Choice comes in a 2 ounce amber glass bottle with an orifice reducer for dispensing a drop at a time.

The Runner's Choice Directions
Apply to feet immediately before and after running, jogging, or when you will be on your feet for long periods of time. Coat the bottom of your feet, between the toes and the top and 2 inches above the ankle for best results. Do not rub in (rubbing is not required for effectiveness). Wash hands after use.

The Runner's Choice has a soothing but not overpowering minty fragrance that I found refreshing.

I was initially hesitant to rub essential oils on my feet and ankles because I didn't want to end up all oily but I was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly The Runner's Choice was absorbed into my skin.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly The Runner's Choice was absorbed into my skin.

I used The Runner's Choice on my sore feet post-LA Marathon and I felt like it aided my recovery. When I woke up the next morning, my feet were no longer sore and I was able to workout the day after the race. The skin on my feet has also become softer and smoother since I started using The Runner's Choice.

Trusted Health Products would like to give 3 of the The Running Green Girl's readers a chance to win their very own bottle of The Runner's Choice. To enter the giveaway, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below. Please note this giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends Friday, April 3rd at 12:00 midnight Pacific Time. If you encounter any issues entering this giveaway via Rafflecopter, please let me know.

Good luck and thank you
for taking the time to enter this giveaway!

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Review

The Green Girl purchased a lime green Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap a few months ago.

Orange Mud designed the Transition & Seat Wrap to function as both a towel wrap and a seat protector.

I discovered the versatility of a full-sized bath towel while participating in Ragnar Relay multi-day races.

A single towel could serve as a body wrap when changing clothing, a blanket for warmth, a seat protector, and even a pillow if folded/rolled.

I was looking at triathlon transition towels and spa towels wraps in search of a velcro-less solution (I dislike how velcro tends to catch on fabrics) when a fellow Ragnarian mentioned the Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap.

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap

The Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap measures 30" wide x 60" long.

The product is made in the USA.

The care directions indicate wash cold and dry cool.

The transition wrap feature consists of an impact resistant polymer clip that fastens easily and securely to a laser cut belt.

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap

I like how the band of the belt gives the towel a slight stiffness so it doesn't stretch as you secure it around your body. The belt appears to be well made and reinforced.

The seat cover feature consists of a section of the towel that zips into a hoodie. This hooded portion can be pulled over the headrest of your car seat. It's long enough that it drapes over and protects the edge/side of your seat from potentially dirty calves/legs.

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap

The towel is the thickness and quality of a typical beach towel.

I ignored the care instructions and washed my lime green Transition & Seat Wrap in hot water and dried it in high. This did not appear to diminish the integrity of the towel but the towel did leave behind generous amounts of lime green fuzz.

I highly recommend washing your towel multiple times before use - and with items that do not attract lint. The towel did eventually stop shedding after a few washes - and the hot water/high heat hasn't had any negative effects on it even after a few months.

The Transition & Seat Wrap comes in 16 colors:

• Neon Yellow
• Royal Blue
• Neon Pink
• Hunter Green
• Navy Blue
• Sunshine Yellow
• Caribbean Blue
• Turquoise
• White
• Burgundy
• Orange
• Tan
• Purple
• Lime Green
• Salsa Red
• Black

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap

I love my Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap - it's become my 'go to' towel. In addition to outdoor sports and the gym, it's also great for recreational swimming or the water park.

The product was thoughtfully designed and well made.

The Green Girl's Allied Medal Display Review

The Green Girl loves her Allied Medal Displays 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

I won the medal holder a couple of years ago in Erin from See Mom Run Far's Big Fundraising Giveaway.

Allied Steel Fabricators Laser Cut Bicycle

The Allied Medal Displays are manufactured by a family-owned business, Allied Steel Fabricators. The company's motto is 'Old World Craftsmanship with Modern Day Style'.

Allied Medal Displays offers a wide selection of running-themed medal displays in addition to other sports and hobbies.

One of my favorites is their 'Run the USA' hanger.

Allied Medal Displays 'Run the USA' Medal Display

I worked with Joel Exe from Allied Medal Displays to create a customized 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

Allied Medal Displays offers displays in 13", 18", 22", 26" or 30" widths. You also have the option to expand your medal display by adding rows.

Allied Medal Displays Size Options

I didn't need a high capacity medal holder because I don't hold onto all my medals. I just keep the ones that I like the most so the single row hanger was adequate.

I sent Joel a link to my blog, and he sent me an initial design concept that exceeded my expectations.

I let him know I wanted the letters to all be lower case, I'd prefer a sans serif font, and asked if I could add a bib number to my mini me. He replied that my mini me was only 2" and it would be difficult to add that level of detail.

Joel incorporated the changes I'd requested and sent back an updated proof. It was perfect.

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder Proof

A week and a half later, I received an email from Joel letting me know they had my display cut, grained and ready to ship.

My medal holder arrived in a long, slim box. I appreciated Allied's effort to minimize the shipping footprint.

Getting ready to hang up my 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder

The medal display looked even better in person. My mini me was adorable.

The steel medal display shipped with a hardware packet that included ¼” plastic nylon spacers that force the holder to sit off the wall by ¼”.

This buffer protects the wall from the display and gives you the space to easily slide the medal ribbons on and off once the holder is mounted.

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder

I decided to center the medal display on my bare wall. I leveled and marked the wall with a pencil before I drilled the holes.

Once it was installed, I took a step back to admire my awesome new medal holder.

I decided The Green Girl needed to be green so I snipped a piece of bright green shipping tape and stuck it on my 2" mini me's stomach.

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder

I absolutely love and adore my Allied Medal Display medal holder.

I would recommend Allied Medal Display without hesitation. I was impressed by their exceptional customer service and attention to detail.

Joel also demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement when he asked me for feedback on the packaging and shipping.

I'm one happy Green Girl with an awesome 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder.

If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock and Skin Review

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

The Green Girl purchased the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock for Lexa because of the smaller form factor and positive ratings/reviews.

Lexa's 43 cm frame is too small to accommodate a U-lock so I was looking for a solution that would be easily carried in my Nathan Intensity Race Vest.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock Product Information

• Product dimensions: 3.25” x 5.5” (8.3cm x 14cm)
• Product weight: 2.15 lbs (0.98 kgs)
• 13mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
• Reinforced cuff over crossbar and cylinder for added security
• High security, disc-style cylinder
• Bent Foot™ shackle design for ease of use
• Center keyway defends against leverage attacks
• Anti-rattle bumpers reduce noise during transport
• Rotating dustcover protects cylinder
• Includes new Transit FlexFrame-U transportation system which allows for versatile carrying
• Protective vinyl coating
• 3 stainless steel keys – one lighted with high intensity LED bulb & replaceable battery

Lexa secured with the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

Online research indicated a combination of a U-lock and a braided cable lock or dual U-locks were the most secure solutions.

After reading endless reviews, I was comforted to learn this U-lock could not easily be compromised by bolt cutters or hacksaws. Admittedly, an inexpensive angle grinder could cut through any U-lock on the market - you just have to hope the potential thief isn't carrying a spare angle grinder in their back pocket.

Pros

• Small form factor - 3.25” x 5.5” (8.3cm x 14cm)
• Reasonable weight/protection ratio - 2.15 lbs (0.98 kgs)
• Mostly positive ratings/reviews

Cons

• Too large to mount on my 43 cm bike frame
• Small size limits the objects you can attach your bike to
• Not a Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini
• Kryptonite's Anti-Theft Protection only applies if the thief leaves the compromised lock behind

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock and Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin

I purchased the Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin because I wanted my U-lock to match Lexa and because I read the skin added protection against scratching the bike frame.

The Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skins fit all Kryptonite Mini U-Lock (EV & KLS2) models with both 3" (7.6cm) and 3.25" (8.2cm) crossbars.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock original and replacement skin crossbar/dustcover

The shackle skin tubing is 17" (43.1cm) long and will completely cover up to a 7" (17.8cm) Kryptonite Mini shackle length. The Color Skin Kit includes shackle and crossbar covers and replacement dustcover parts.

I learned how important it is to perform the installation in a certain order after I mistakenly slipped the crossbar cover on before sliding on the replacement dustcover.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

The dustcover will not slip on the crossbar once the skin is on. I had to use a green rubber jar opener to pry the sticky skin off. In the process, the green from the jar opener transferred onto the skin and the crossbar became a faint, fluorescent green color.

Kryptonite Mini U-Lock Color Skin Installation Steps

1. Unlock the U-lock so the crossbar and u-shaped part of the lock are separated
2. Slide the original orange Kryptonite skin and dustcover off the crossbar
3. Put the clear replacement dustcover on the crossbar
4. Align the hole in the crossbar skin with the hole in the crossbar and slip on the crossbar skin
5. Remove the original Kryptonite covering on the U-lock portion - I used a kitchen knife/rubber jar opener and wiggled it around until I could yank the remaining tubing off with my hand
6. Trim the replacement vinyl to the same length as the now removed U-lock covering - I did not replace the mounting bracket since Lexa's frame is too small to accommodate the lock so I factored in the lack of bracket in my measurement and I used regular scissors
7. Slip the now trimmed U-lock skin onto the U-lock - I did not use bike lube or heat up the cover but it took some serious muscling to force it on
8. Attach the crossbar to the U-lock and make any necessary adjustments

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

The entire process took me over half an hour because of the additional time spent yanking the skin off the crossbar so I could slide the dustcover on.

I felt it was worth the effort because I am happy with the final result.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

I took advantage of Kryptonite's Anti-Theft Protection at no additional cost by sending in a copy of my bike receipt with the understanding that it will only be honored if the U-lock is left behind by the bike thief.

The Kryptonite website offers suggestions for How to Lock Your Bicycle. This is important because many bicycles are stolen due to faulty locking techniques as opposed to a compromised lock.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock

If weight and size were not a consideration, I would have opted for a larger U-lock so I could lock Lexa's wheel with the frame.

With my current Mini U-lock, I will feel reasonably confident that Lexa is secure when I have to make short stops.

In the future, for longer rides when I have a larger cycling pack, I will invest in a cable chain to pair with the U-lock for additional security and peace of mind.

Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor Review

The Green Girl's Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

The Green Girl purchased a Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor 67650 a couple of months ago to replace an older model Hamilton Beach juicer.

When I initially researched juicers, I was overwhelmed. The majority of consumers judged the appliances based on efficacy and ease of cleaning.

I discovered there are two types of juicers: masticating and centrifugal.

Masticating juicers are more expensive and use a single gear or auger that breaks up the fruit and vegetable fibers, resulting in more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals in the juice. Centrifugal juicers spin at high speeds, grind the fruits and vegetables, and then force the juice away from the pulp.

The Green Girl's first 400 watt Hamilton Beach HealthSmart Juice Extractor

I ultimately purchased a Hamilton Beach juicer because I wasn't willing to make the financial investment in a masticating juicer. I got my first juicer at Kmart for $34.99.

After 5 years or so, the blades became dull and the time came to replace the unit so without hesitation, I purchased the newest Hamilton Beach model.

Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor 67650 Overview

• Retail price $79.99
• 9.3 x 13 x 16 inches
• 3-inch wide chute
• 8.8 pounds
• 800 watt motor
• Dishwasher safe parts
• Includes recipes, tips, juicing cup, and cleaning brush
• One year limited warranty

Making Apple Carrot Ginger juice with the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

In comparison to my old 400 watt HealthSmart Juice Extractor, the 800 watt Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor is a beast.

I love the wider chute because I don't have to spend as much time chopping up fruits and vegetables.

Disassembling the unit after use is straightforward. Since I tend to juice a few times a week, I've streamlined the process. The key is to washing the five pieces as soon as you are done so the pulp doesn't dry up and become difficult to remove.

Disassembling Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor cutter/strainer

I immediately rinse each component under hot water, starting with the pusher and the chute cover.

The cutter/strainer screen is tricky to remove because you need to pinch the rim and rotate it until it comes loose. I rinse it and then place it in the sink.

Next, I rinse the separator with the juice sprout. I don't wash the bin until after I've deposited the pulp into my compost bin.

Washing Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

Once all the components have been rinsed, I wash them with dishsoap and a sponge.

Since I've already rinsed with hot water, all the juice and pulp has already been removed.

I always leave the cutter/strainer screen for last.

Taking apart Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

I start by rubbing the inside of the round screen with the sponge, avoiding the blades in the center.

Then, I rub the outside. Finally, I carefully use a corner of the sponge to remove any remaining bits of pulp.

I've gotten to the point where I can wash the fruits and/or vegetables, chop, juice, and wash the juicer in about 15 minutes.

Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

I love being able to make fresh juices at home and experimenting with ingredients is a lot of fun.

If you are on the market for an reasonably priced centrifugal juicers, I highly recommend the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor.

Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves Review

Green Zensah Arm Sleeves from RunJunk.com

The Green Girl was thrilled to receive a pair of green Zensah Arm Sleeves from Robert from RunJunk.com.

According to the manufacturer, Zensah:

The Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves have a second-skin feel which makes them the most comfortable compression arm sleeves out there. They are made with a seamless design and ergonomic fit which increases circulation for maximum performance.

Zensah has created the best compression arm sleeves that can be worn as running, basketball, baseball, softball, cycling, triathlon, and football arm sleeves.

Benefits of Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves Design:

• Graduated Compression - Increases circulation and oxygen blood flow, preventing the forearm muscles from becoming tight and therefore helping to reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
• Pin-Point Compression - Direct support at the exact source of pain for elbow injuries such as Elbow Tendonitis (can be worn as Elbow Sleeve)
• Provide protection from sun. The Zensah compression arm sleeves shield and protect arms from harmful sunrays while the silver ions are thermal regulating, keeping the arms cool by wicking away perspiration with protection of UPF 50+

The Green Girl wearing her green Zensah Arm Sleeves

This was my first experience with compression so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I wore them the first time on a run after work. I was impressed by how soft the material was.

I wasn't exactly sure how high they were supposed to go so I yanked them up really high and they really irritated me as I was running.

I finally stopped and pulled them so they were just above my elbows. They were suddenly really comfortable once the tops of the sleeves stopped rolling down my upper arms.

They kept me surprisingly warm - I found I was able to run without a jacket with the sleeves on.

I liked the idea of having more sun protection on my arms while I'm out riding Lexa.

I really liked how they felt when I was cycling. The support felt good on my arms and my forearms actually felt less tired at the end of my ride.

The sleeves also come in a variety of fun colors:



In addition to the Zensah products, RunJunk.com also carries a great selection of nutrition and supplies for endurance athletes. They offer free shipping on all orders over $50.

If you would like to get 10% off your RunJunk.com purchase, simply use the discount code 'GREENGIRL' when you place your RunJunk.com order.