2018's New Running Experience | Under Armour HOVR Sonic Review

Disclaimer: I received Under Armour's HOVR Sonic running shoes 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!

Under Armour is releasing a running experience like no other coming next week. Until last year, I hadn't thought of Under Armour as a long distance running shoe brand but my thoughts have greatly changed since experiencing the HOVR technology for myself!

Let me introduce you to the innovative Under Armour HOVR Sonic running shoe.

Designed for runners of the competitive mindset, the HOVR Sonic is a digitally connected, neutral running shoe featuring HOVR cushioning which offers a 60% energy return. These shoes are like nothing I have seen before, in the best way possible.

As a BibRave Pro, I received white HOVR Sonic running shoes and have been packing on the miles over the last couple months. Here's a look at my personal findings on the HOVR Sonic experience so far.

Under Armour HOVR Sonic

The HOVR Sonic Tech Specs

Neutral Cushioning
Offset: 8mm
Stack Heights: 21mm Heel / 13mm Forefoot
Midsole Durometer: 47C Rim / 47C Core
Last: D Width; Speedfit + Strobel Construction
Weight: 9.6oz
Midsole: HOVR Cushioning, 60% Energy Return
Outsole: Solid Rubber Forefoot; Carbon Rubber Heel

The HOVR Training Features

Both shoes have a built-in sensor in the sole that tracks distance, cadence, pace, stride length and other data on outdoor and even treadmill runs. This data is stored and easily synced up to your device after the run or you can have the app open while running too.

I prefer to sync my shoes post-run so I don't need to bring my phone with on every run. When I'm done running, the shoes sync via Bluetooth to the MapMyRun app on my phone and all of the running data is stored on my account.

The data can be viewed as a general overview and more in-depth breakdowns are included for pace, stride length, elevation and cadence. This has been hugely helpful for my postpartum recovery and return to marathon training as getting back to a solid cadence is my main goal.

Tracking this data via my HOVR Sonic shoes has served as a personal accountability partner! I am able to compare data and (hopefully) see improvements as training progresses.

For outdoor runs, the HOVR Sonic shoes sensor tracks the weather and route to store on my MapMyRun account as well.

The HOVR Sonic Feel

The HOVR Sonic shoe's neutral cushioning feels natural for me. Though these shoes are on the heavier end of the spectrum, the 60% energy return from the HOVR cushioning evens things out. My feet felt light on the run and I haven't experienced any soreness or discomfort from the shoe.

The shoe's knit upper body offers support and breathability to keep you comfortable covering the long miles. The HOVR Sonic's knit upper comes in white (like mine), red, black and brilliance (neon pink).

Where to Find HOVR

Under Armour's HOVR technology is coming to market on February 1, 2018 and the Sonic shoes are priced at $100.

To receive updates on Under Armour's HOVR technology, visit UnderArmour.com/.

My Final Thoughts

The HOVR Sonic is easily my favorite Under Armour shoe. I plan on wearing these for many of my Grandma's Marathon training runs and potentially the race itself. I'm thinking these shoes will really shine on longer tempo runs and weekend long runs. The fit of the shoes has been very comfortable and syncing the data is a breeze. Geeking out on training data and pushing to new levels as a runner is right up my alley!

The absolute only concern that I have with the HOVR Sonic shoe is the mine are a beautiful bright white and I don't think they will stay that way for long. They may be grey after running through puddles this Spring but that's no trouble. It just means they are well loved and I put the work in!

Designed for runners of the competitive mindset, the digitally connected @UARunning HOVR Sonic running shoe is like nothing I have seen before, in the best way possible! 👟 #bibchat #bibravepro #uarunning #UAHOVR pic.twitter.com/PqvJ8DiOOj
— Amy (@creativeaim87) January 26, 2018

Weekly Workout Wrap-Up

MONDAY:

Easy Run: Goal pace 9:40 - 10:00/mile.

TUESDAY:

Ekhart Yoga's Vinaysa Flow video (17:55)

WEDNESDAY:

Strides: I got out for an early morning run and dabbled in some strides followed by front and side planks that evening.

THURSDAY

Off

FRIDAY:

A late night, night nursing and an early morning took the wind out of my sails today. Not even coffee could help! {gasp} Stretching and yoga will have to do and running will wait for the weekend.

SATURDAY:

Easy Run (Treadmill): 4 miles and another cold weekend in Minnesota!

SUNDAY:

Long Run (Treadmill): Goal pace of 8:30-8:40/mile. This run felt hard... Coming back into running after having a baby can make paces feel very deceiving. My body was going 8:30/mile but my mind thought we were running 7:30's for how the effort felt! I know I ran this one too hard technically, but pushing myself felt good too.

Do you track training data or prefer tech-free running?

Let's Connect!

Instagram @creativeaim87 | Twitter @creativeaim87 | Facebook @livinglifetruth
Pinterest @creativeaim87 | Athlinks Profile | BibRave Profile

Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.

Sweat Hard, Smell Victorious | Sweat X Sport Review

Disclaimer: I received Sweat X Sport products 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!

I'll admit it, winter is not my favorite season. Especially a crazy cold winter like this one! The snow came on November 1st and, who knows, it may stay through April. As they say: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And that's exactly what you have to do here!

When the weather gives you lemons, layer up and run!

To avoid being pent up inside for half the year, you dress in layers. Lots of 'em. Below is a picture of my running attire for an above zero run (heat wave!). It went as follows: Buff Thermonet hat and baklava, sports bra, tank, long sleeve technical shirt, winter jacket, spandex shorts, tights, gloves, cozy socks, running shoes and Yaktrax.

When in doubt, wear more tights!

All of the extra layers required for winter running make a whole lot of extra laundry and sometimes the regular old laundry detergent just won't cut it, especially on technical fabrics.

As a BibRave Pro, I received the Sweat X Sport Detergent and Extreme Odor Eliminating spray to test on my sweatiest winter running gear. Sweat X uses NANOVASIVE™ technology that is safe not only for activewear, but on all types of fabrics.

I put Sweat X detergent to the test on my running clothes and our regular loads because it is strong enough for your technical fabric, yet gentle enough for everyday wear, sheets and towels. The "Smell of Victory" scent is pleasant and not overpowering.

Sweat X detergent was even effective on my kids' snowpants and outdoor clothing. This formula is non-toxic and biodegradable so I don't have to worry about harsh ingredients on sensitive skin, even if our newborn baby's clothes sneak in a load.

The Extreme Odor Eliminator spray easily freshened up my running shoes, hockey skates and the plethora of boots and shoes in our house.

Just like the Sweat X detergent, this product is non-toxic and biodegradable as well. With a few sprays, it easily removes odors rather than masking them. I should probably order a whole case of these bottles!

A huge advantage of Sweat X detergent is the efficiency. Sweat X’s super concentrated formula only requires 1 ounce of detergent per wash load. Each 45 oz bottle washes 45 loads!

Sweat X 45 oz detergent is $19.99 and Extreme Odor Eliminator spray is $12.99. The Sweat X Value Bundle, which includes the detergent, odor eliminator and stain remover, is $39.99. You can buy Sweat X products in select retail stores or use code "BibRave15" for 15% off your purchase at https://sweatxsport.com/shop/! They ship to virtually any address in the world.

Here's My Verdict:

The Sweat X Detergent and Extreme Odor Eliminator spray has been very effective in cleaning our laundry, from athletic attire to daily wear to even bed sheets! I feel safe using it on my kids' clothing and sports equipment. The "Smell of Victory" is just the right amount of smell good without being overwhelming. I was most impressed that this powerful concentrated formula washes a whole load of laundry with only one ounce of detergent!