Pure LYFT Review #CleanCaffeine


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Recently, I was given the opportunity to review Pure LYFT Clean Caffeine Sticks through #SweatPink. Since I am a coffee drinker, I was curious about how I’d like them and how they’d compare to my cup of coffee in the morning. I mixed mine with a glass of water and some lemon slices. I didn’t notice any taste/aftertaste that I’ve sometimes noticed in other drinks that have caffeine added to them and it seemed to give me the energy boost I was looking for.

 

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Here’s some information about their product:

  • Clean Taste
  • Can be used with a variety of different beverages from water to freshly pressed juices to coconut water
  • Vibrant Alertness
  • No artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
  • Caffeine equivalent to one tall coffee
  • Zero Calories

Pure LYFT Energy Stir Sticks are a cool, new way to get all natural caffeine and stir energy into any beverage you’re drinking. The energy is derived from all natural green coffee bean extract and has vitamins A and B complex.  With 0 calories and a clean taste, it’s a perfect pre-workout boost, gets you over that 3pm slump, or to keep your energy up while you’re painting the town red!
It’s also the perfect alternative to sugary energy drinks and shots. And if you’re ditching soda, LYFT gets the caffeine (equal to one tall coffee) you miss without the chemicals and calories.  You can easily stash it in your gym bag or even a small purse, making it an easy, lightweight, on-the-go option for energy.

How to use: Simply peel down the label completely off the whole stick and remove it. Stir the stick into any beverage for approximately 20 seconds. Toss the stick or keep it in your glass.

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In my opinion, if you’re looking to switch things up or if you’re not a coffee drinker but looking for a caffeine boost, this works great! I can’t say that I’ll be giving up my cups of coffee but this is a great alternative to mix into a cold glass of water or lemonade –  especially on these hot, summer days in Mississippi!

You can find them on these social channels:

Website:  http://www.purelyft.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purelyftenergy
Instagram: http://instagram.com/purelyft/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/purelyft

 Happy Running!

 

 

Disclosure: I was given this product in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

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How’s your Posture? Take the #PosturePledge from Backjoy!


backjoy

When I was  a young girl, my mom would remind me constantly that I needed to stand up straight, not only because it improved my appearance but because it was good for me. Even though I didn’t think much about it back then, I’ve since realized that she knew what she was talking about.  As a runner, I’ve learned that good posture is extremely important. I don’t always have correct posture when I run and I definitely notice the side effects of it.

May is National Correct Posture Month and Backjoy wants to help make you more aware of the benefits of sitting or standing up straight. They recently contacted me and asked if I’d like to participate in their #PosturePledge and were kind enough to send me a SitSmart Posture Plus and a Stress Roller to try out.

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Here’s what Backjoy says about their #PosturePledge campaign:

May is National Correct Posture Month and BackJoy is taking a stand—up straight, that is! Pledge to make posture top of mind when you sit, stand, sleep and move throughout the month and we’ll send you a FREE SitSmart Posture Plus in return.

Small actions, one day at a time, can have lasting, positive changes…and better posture will help you breathe better, lower stress hormones, build confidence and achieve greater focus and energy—not to mention you’ll have less back pain!

Pick your #PosturePledge action for May:

1.) Improve sitting posture at work
2.) Ditch the heels and invest in “zero drop” shoes
3.) Sleep on your side or back instead of your stomach
4.) Be conscious of “technology posture” and “text neck” – The 3 T’s: Texting, Tablet, TV (Gaming)
5.) Incorporate core exercises into your workout routine
6.) When you lift heavy things (weights, boxes, kids), bend at the knees, not the back
7.) Tell your mom “thanks”! She was right—sit and stand up straight.
8.) Consult with a posture professional (PT, chiropractor, ergonomist)
9.) Stretch—do pilates, yoga, swimming…
10.) Eat healthy and watch your weight

Here’s how it works:

Submit your name, email and mailing address in the fields below and tell us which #PosturePledge you’re committing to for the month.

Be one of the first 500 people to take the #PosturePledge and BackJoy will mail you a FREE SitSmart Posture Plus* (a $40 value) to help you on your posture journey and enter you to win the full suite of BackJoy products. Once 500 people have taken the #PosturePledge, any additional pledgers will be entered to win BackJoy’s grand prize.

 

I’ve decided that my #PosturePledge is #7 (Thanks Mom!) and #7 (I definitely need to work on my posture when I’m texting or on my laptop). What’s yours? If you’re ready to take their pledge, click the picture below and enter for your chance to win a SitSmart Posture Plus!!

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Click here for a few more tips from their blog about the 10 Posture Pledges. You can also check them out on Twitter and Pinterest!


 

 

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Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator #fuelyourbetter


 

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My husband and I are always looking for ways to improve our running and as you probably know, recovery is a big part of that. I was so excited when Vega Sport asked me to try out their Recovery Accelerator.

 

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Even though we aren’t currently training for a marathon, we are still always wanting to make sure we recover the best we can after we finish our speed drills or hill training during 5k/10k racing season. 

I received my box in the mail just a couple of days before I ran in our local 5k race, which has a very hilly course. I decided to try it out after the race that day since I knew that I’d be running really hard and dealing with lots of hills.

I will first say that I’m not vegan so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I tried it but was pleasantly surprised. The flavor was “Tropical” and I thought it had a really good taste and not a bad aftertaste either. I didn’t notice as much muscle soreness like I sometimes do when I race on hills.  My son, who also runs and bikes, tried it after a hard workout and noticed a faster recovery time.

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Here’s what Vega Sport says about their Recover Accelerator:

The first all-natural, plant-based recovery drink mix specifically developed to address all six key elements of post-workout recovery: muscle glycogen replenishment, muscle tissue repair and protein synthesis, hormonal support, soft-tissue repair, immune system support, inflammation reduction and rehydration.

The unique formula of Recovery Accelerator features an innovative blend of synergistic plant-based ingredients, like glucosamine, maca, devil’s claw, L-arginine and American ginseng, specifically selected to: replenish energy and electrolytes, reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain, support immune system24 and protein synthesis, and reduce recovery time between training.

Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator also features a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein, a combination shown to increase muscle glycogen re-synthesis – a crucial component of post-workout recovery.

 

All in all, I’d say it’s been working well for me and I look forward to using it more during my training – especially after some longer runs when we begin our marathon training again! 

 

vega

How about you? What do you use to recover after training hard? What’s holding you back from better?

 

Happy Running!

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: I received Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator in exchange for my review as part of the Fuel Your Better campaign by Vega Sport and Fit Approach. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Introducing Beamly!


beamly

This isn’t running related but is something I think you might be interested in checking out!

Have you heard of Beamly? I hadn’t until recently but think it’s a really great concept! With a busy household, my husband and I don’t get to watch a ton of TV shows (unless it’s on one of the many children’s channels) but when we do, we like to find a really great series or two to watch. Sometimes, it’s just as much fun to sit and talk about what happened or what we think/wish would happen next on those shows!

With Beamly, you can do just that! It’s a social network for TV where you can go chat with fellow fans and get the latest news and updates on all of your favorite shows!

Two of our favorite shows are Game of Thrones and The Blacklist. (By the way, am I the only one that thinks Red, played by James Spader, could be also be played by John Lithgow??)

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For the next 4 weeks, I’m collaborating with Beamly and will be contributing in some of the rooms. I’ve already set up my profile and would love for you to follow me so we can discuss our favorite shows! (New ones or the old stand-bys like Seinfeld.) You can use it on your computer or download the free app for iPhone, iPad, or Android.

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What are some of your favorite shows to watch? Are there some that we’re missing out on and need to watch?

Hope to see you there!

 

Beamly is THE 24 X 7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Zeebox. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Gymdoll Tank Top Giveaway!


 

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Would you like to win this tank top from Gymdoll? Just follow this Rafflecopter giveaway link!

Good Luck!!

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Make Every Side Your Good Side – Heidi Klum for New Balance


newbalanceheidiklum

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m the type of person that likes to wear running clothes that are cute and do their job too. I like to wear something that makes me feel good about the way I look, even if I’m the only one that sees it because I’m upstairs on the treadmill. There’s just something about feeling good in the clothes that I have on that gives me a mental boost when I’m running. Because of that, I was so excited to receive a piece of clothing from Heidi Klum’s New Balance line to try out!
Recently, New Balance teamed up with Heidi Klum to launch their new Heidi Klum for New Balance collection (HKNB). This collection is one part Heidi and one part New Balance, as you can see in the pictures below:

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What I really liked about this top was that it’s super lightweight and, since it’s mesh, it’s properly ventilated. Perfect for our hot, sticky summers here in the South! I also thought the lavender color (Cosmic Sky) was really pretty too.

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Here’s how the Heidi Klum for New Balance site describes this great top:

Women’s Fitness – HKNB Mesh Singlet

“The cutout in the back is super-hot, but it also has a bit of a tougher, tomboy feel; the combination ends up feeling sexy.” — Heidi Klum Head-turning and heart-pumping, the Heidi Klum for New Balance Mesh Singlet heats up your workout in more than one way. This women’s tank features breezy allover mesh with iridescent trim, plus an unexpected cutout back. Oh, and the cutout lines up perfectly with the HKNB Hottie Bra, so you can feel supported and sexy.

Type:Running

Features

  • Heidi Klum for New Balance
  • Iridescent details

As a busy mom, I have to sometimes put my running gear on earlier in the day (so I can get a run in as soon as time becomes available) which means I might be out running errands or picking up the kids from school while wearing it. It’s nice to know that I can still feel like I’m dressed cute even when I’m in workout clothes!

If you’d like to see more of her line, you can visit the HKNB site or you can check out my Pinterest board. I pinned a few of the items that I thought would be great to wear when I go run or run errands! 

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When you’re looking for workout/running clothes, do you look for the kinds that work (sweat wicking, comfortable, light weight) and look cute too? Are you like me and own more running clothes and shoes than “normal” clothes? 🙂 It’s great to know that now we don’t have to choose between quality gear and something that looks nice. 

Happy Running!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Heidi Klum for New Balance through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Heidi Klum for New Balance, all opinions are my own.

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What’s Your Healthy?


tracerun2012

We all have different ideas of what’s enjoyable when it comes to fitness. The important thing is to find something that you enjoy and look forward to making a part of your day.

Here are a few tips that might help you get started:

  • Make it fun! Find an activity that you look forward to doing instead of something you dread.
  • Workout with a friend. You’re more likely to follow through with an exercise program when you hold each other accountable.
  • Make goals to work towards.
  • Be realistic and patient with yourself. Major lifestyle changes take time.
  • Consult with a dietician that can assist you with finding an eating plan specific for you and your needs.

Of course, you already know the activity that I enjoy most is running. When I first decided to try to develop a more active lifestyle, I began by taking short walks in the evenings up and down our street. Eventually, I slowly started going to a local track and running trail and started mixing running in with my walking. Before I knew it, I was running without stopping and was able to complete my 1st 5k! Since then, I’ve run 3 marathons, 6 half marathons and numerous 5k and 10k races but it all started a little over 4 years ago when I made the decision to make healthy changes in my life.

Alison Sweeney has teamed up with Aetna and their campaign What’s Your Healthy? Here are a few tips for you from Alison if you’re interested in becoming a runner:

You can find lots of great tips on living a healthier lifestyle, as well as share some of your own tips on the What’s Your Healthy? website.

If you have something that you’d like to share, join in on the conversation by using the hashtag #AetnaMyHealthy!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of AETNA®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon New Orleans Recap and it’s My 4th Runniversary!


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On Sunday, February 2, 2014, I completed my 3rd marathon. Here’s the recap below!

A few weeks before the marathon, RnR Nola held a photo contest for King and Queen of RnR New Orleans and I was fortunate enough to win Queen!

We traveled down to New Orleans on Saturday and met up with my husband’s sister who was also running the marathon on Sunday. By the time we arrived, found somewhere to park and walked over, it was later in the afternoon and the Expo was getting close to shutting down.

I finally remembered to have my picture taken with my bib!

I finally remembered to have my picture taken with my bib!

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We made it in time to get a goofy picture taken at the Expo!

After checking out all the great booths at the Expo, we headed out to go eat an early dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in New Orleans, Dragos.

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We always like to get our picture taken outside with the big RnR Nola sign.

We headed back to our hotel after dinner and started prepping our gear and our minds for the next day. I was actually more nervous about speaking on stage in front of everyone than I was about running the marathon. We were, however, getting a little concerned about the forecast of rain and high humidity – not exactly ideal conditions but it is what it is. 

I was up at 4am (4AM!!) – not my typical wake up time on race mornings but since I had to be on stage by 6:15, I knew I’d better get started early. For someone that usually doesn’t head out to a race so early, I was really surprised at the tons of people that were already migrating towards the staging area. As soon as we got to the starting line/stage, I nervously made my way onto the stage and stood aside as they made their various announcements. I did remember to take a few pics from the stage while I waited!

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My view from the stage.

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Getting a quick picture made with the King, Tim Hinds.

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Interview time!

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Jason took this picture while waiting for me to speak.

Everything on stage went well and went by pretty fast. Before I knew it, I was gathering up my belongings and Jason and I were headed over to the VIP tent.

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A quick picture (via Instagram) before heading over to the gear check.

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Getting ready to check my gear and go to one last potty break before the race. (That weird looking concoction is Chia Fresca in my right hand.)

We made our way over to our corrals and got ready to tackle 26.2 miles for a 3rd time.

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My view on the front lines of Corral 15.

I was really trying to think positive and focus but in the back of my mind, I knew how bad my Plantar Fasciitis was hurting. It had gotten better in the weeks before the marathon. In fact, I was convinced that I was on the upswing and was doing much better. I was running consecutive longer runs with no pain (and that was a huge deal).  But…the day before the marathon, my foot was in horrible pain. I tried to think positive. I tried to visualize myself running with no pain. I did everything I knew to do but it didn’t work.  My plan was to run 2:30 and walk for 1:00. Every step hurt whether I was running or walking and I knew I was in trouble after the first mile but I tried to keep a positive attitude. I really wanted to get a PR from the year before but I knew that the weather and my foot were working against me. I had a pace band on my wrist and was very excited to see that was I on pace for the first several miles of the race. As my foot began to hurt me more, I began to notice my pace slipping a little bit. First, it was only a minute, then 3 mins, then 5 and soon 10. After that, I knew my goal wasn’t a PR but a finish. I cried a lot during this marathon. Honestly, I think I cried more this time than during my 1st.  At about mile 18, I had the privilege of seeing my husband on the course. He was on mile 21 and was a sight for sore eyes!! I’m sure I ran a little faster when I had him in my sight. He reached out his hand and took mine and gave me a quick kiss. It definitely carried me through those difficult miles on the hilly bridges.

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I’ve never been more thrilled to see that I had a 10K left to run!

As I mentioned earlier, the weather was crazy that day! It was humid, rainy at times and super foggy out by the river. I’ve never run in thick fog like that and it was very cool! When we ran past Jackson Square, it was eery to see only silhouettes of the statue and cathedral.

This gives you an idea of how thick the fog was down by the river. We took this later on that afternoon after the race.

This gives you an idea of how thick the fog was down by the river. We took this later on that afternoon after the race.

Out of 3 marathons, this one was my slowest but I didn’t give up and I finished. My official time was 5:56:40. All things considered, I’ll take it.

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I was one happy girl crossing the finish line!

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After the race, looking for food and a place to sit down.

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As you can see, I found both! 🙂

Besides the weather and foot problems, RnR Nola lived up to our expectations, as always. You can count on a well-organized race, lots of great music, crowd support like crazy and of course, awesome medals!

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I probably don’t have to tell you that I wore my medal all day the next day too. 🙂

By the way, yesterday was my 4th Runniversary! (This post was supposed to have gone up then – along with a run of 4 miles but a stomach bug decided to ruin all the fun.) Last year, I posted a recap of my running story that you can read here, if I haven’t bored you to tears already. 🙂

I also have an awesome giveaway going on with some great pages that you definitely don’t want to miss out on!! Click the picture and make sure you get your name in there for a chance to win!!

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Good luck and Happy Running!

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Q & A with Eric Orton – Elite Running Coach, Author and ZOZI Guru


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Photo Courtesy of ZOZI

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to do an interview with Eric Orton, who you may remember from the New York Time’s best selling book Born to Run. Eric is author to his new book The Cool Impossible and is an “Elite Guru” for ZOZI, a company that helps people live active lifestyles by connecting them to amazing experiences and outdoor gear. I first met Eric when he was on the Born to Run book tour with Christopher McDougall and Scott Jurek in 2011. I was so excited to get the chance to get a chance to ask him about his new book and his partnership with ZOZI! (Enter here to win Eric’s dream Nicaraguan adventure!)

SITNF:
Hi Eric! It’s so great to speak with you again. The last time I had the chance to talk with you was during the Born to Run tour when you stopped in Hattiesburg, MS for a run, speaking engagement and book signing in April 2011. (Read more about this.) Since that time, it looks as though you’ve been very busy! Tell me about your new book The Cool Impossible
ERIC:
It has actually been pretty crazy since day one of Born To Run and one of our best stops was Hattiesburg.  Running thru the city with some many runners was so great and everyone was so amped to have us there.  And now I am really excited about my book, which was released here in the US in hard copy last May and I am not preparing for the paperback launch scheduled for May 2014.
The nuts and bolts of the book is run strength, beginning with a foundation of foot strength. Foot strength is so important and an aspect of training no one thinks about.  Through my years as a coach, I have come to see that the health and performance of a runner is dictated by how well they use their feet and we can train this.  For example, a runner with flat feet can train and develop a natural stabilizing arch which then dictates how the legs and hips are stabilized while running. So two things are happening here, we are training the feet to be stronger and stable, and we are training the feet to promote better muscle activation and recruitment all the way up the leg to the hips/glutes. The great thing is these exercises are very potent but can be done anywhere with the use of very simple equipment and do not take very much time to perform. They work great as a pre-run warm-up.
 The book proceeds to run form and skill of technique that we all can gain something from to improve.  Combining feet strength and good form, we begin to develop what I call muscle equilibrium and when we get on this path we begin to alleviate the tug and pull on opposing muscles that causes the typical tightness most runners experience.  We should not be this tight as runners and we can strive for this and it doesn’t happen thru stretching.
The program then moves to run training with the use of heart rate and speed training zones.  I chart out a simple testing protocol for runners to perform so they can design their own personal training zones so they are always working and running at their own ability, it takes the guess work out of what to do.  With this I provide a two-phase foundational run program for runners to follow.
 Just as I feel there is a best way to strength train and run, I too believe there is a best way to eat and THINK.  So there is a nutrition chapter that ultimately is a challenge to readers to become the athlete they want to becoming and put some strategies into place.  This includes fueling strategies for training and racing, and also some coaching guidance to take their body to the next level.
 I picked the title, The Cool Impossible, because ultimately this book is a challenge.  I am a coach and it is my passion and mission to help runners become better than they think is possible and the final component to this is dealing with how we think that affects our actions.  I really believe there is a best way to think to perform our best and get out of life what we want.  This can be done just like a training program for say running, so I have spelled out a mind training program to follow to help become better and performing in running and life, and to set the reader on the path of developing their own cool impossible goal.
9780451416339_large_The_Cool_Impossible1SITNF:
2.Tell us about the company Zozi and your involvement with them?
ERIC:
I was fortunate enough to be one of the original ZOZI Gurus and now to be associated with the likes of Bear Grylls, Jimmy Chin and others, is truly humbling and an honor. ZOZI is all about adventure and living life to the fullest everyday and this is a very authentic way of being that we both share. I believe that running and Adventure travel brings people and cultures together and is truly a unifying force and this is what ZOZI wants people to experience on their own.  ZOZI is the catalyst and care takers of this adventure mindset and what life is all about. ZOZI is changing how people look at adventure and what is possible.  More importantly, ZOZI makes the everyday person believe they can experience and participate in epic adventures.  ZOZI is an adventure travel coach and guide.

SITNF:
3. What can you tell my readers about the shoes that you and your B2R team have developed?
ERIC:
B2R has had a road shoe out in the market now for about a year and we are now ready for follow this up with a new trail shoe, a casual moc, and a gym training shoe.  One of my goals in the over all design of the shoes was to have a shoe that fits the majority of foot types, wide, narrow and in between and we really nailed this.  We use a split toe design, separating the big toe from the other four toes.  This helps promote a very natural environment for the foot and also creates a unique fit because the shoe becomes part of your foot due to the wrapping of the upper from the split toe.  We also worked extremely hard on developing a really great last. The last is the 3D way it fits the foot – or essential how it feels.  Aside from the great performing characteristics of the shoe design, I feel we really nailed the last and how comfortable and natural the shoe fits.  We have had really great interest and feedback world-wide and I am look forward to the release of the 3 new shoes in February of 2014.  
SITNF:
4. I understand that you have an adventure trip to Nicaragua in the works. Can you tell my readers more about that?
ERIC:
I actually traveled to Nicaragua last February as an invited runner to the Fuego y Agua Ultramarathon race hosted on Ometepe Island.  This trip blew my mind.  I run mountains all the time, but this was my first exposure to running up a volcano that is still active.  Ometepe Island was like our own little Gilligan’s Island.  The food was eclectic, with many great restaurants and it was one of those situations where once you found that restaurant you liked, you kept going back night after night.  The chef recognizes you as well as all the help and it became “your” restaurant and island.
Having the ability to immerse in an island culture, eat amazing food, and be exposed to some of the most diverse terrain and landscape , running up volcanoes, with monkeys, thru jungles, and reenforced how adventure brings people and cultures together.  As part of the ZOZI 12 days of Adventure, we wanted to put together a similar adventure that I experienced in Nicaragua.  Nicaragua is so diverse and layered in culture, history, and unique landscapes that really provides a one of a kind experience.  This really speaks to what ZOZI is all about, finding those unique experiences that are a little out of the way but that are life enhancing to anyone.
Source: Courtesy of ZOZI

Source: Courtesy of ZOZI

 
SITNF:
5. Do you have any other running adventure trips on the horizon?
ERIC:
Well, I just got back from a 3 day Grand Canyon expedition and I am fortunate enough to live in Jackson Hole, where everyday is literally an adventure. Today I went for a long run and saw 4 bald eagles, a heard of bison, and traded howls with a pack of wolves.  For 2014, I am looking to attend a few of the new US Skyrunning race series and have a project set for the Wind River mountain range, and ultimately I am in the processes of trying to get to the Himalayas next Fall for a run expedition.
I am in the beginning stages of some secret projects in the UK and New Zealand, so as they say, stay tuned.
 
SITNF:
6. Have you had a chance to run lately with your Born to Run companions?
ERIC:
I actually had a great run with Chris McDougall this past Spring in Central Park.  He attended my NYC book launch that included a great group run prior to our talk, similar to what we did in Hattiesburg.  I have run with Scott Jurek a few times during Born To Run events and have seen Ted at various events and hope to see him in Seattle this Spring.  And, one day I plan to bug Billy over in Hawaii.
 
SITNF:
7. My husband and I do all of our long runs for marathon training together. We typically run at different paces when we run separately. (He’s really fast and I’m slow.) Because I’m slower, he obviously runs at my pace. I’ve always heard that it doesn’t matter how slow you run your long runs. Is this as effective if he does his shorter speed work and interval runs on his own?
ERIC:
I think this is OK early in the season for him to run slower on your long runs, but ultimately, as he approaches the last 8-10 weeks, it would be good to replace some of these longer runs with some race pace intensity to increase his strength/speed endurance.  But this is also something he could do with you.  After you warm up together, he could take off for 20-40 min and turn around and run back to you.  Or give you a head start and have him try and catch you.  You do not want to do a long race pace effort run every week, so I would mix it up.  Some runs, he does his own thing and others you two get creative by manipulated the challenge for each other.
During the early season when you are running together, it would also be good for both of you to do some 10-20 second fast efforts scattered throughout the run.  This helps develop leg speed and trains the neuromuscular path ways that are so important. AND, this could be an easy way for both of you to get in some quality while still remaining together.
 
SITNF:
8. Sometimes we get really tired of taking in the same fuel on our long runs. Do you have any suggestions that would shake things up for us or is there something that’s your go to snack?
ERIC:
In my book I talk a lot about sugar and how we might rely too much on sugar in general, but also in training.  So, something that you could really change up in the early season while you are building your long EASY run is to go without fueling.  Now this needs to be an easy run and you want to have something to eat before you start, but by limiting or not fueling at all during these build up long runs, you begin to train your body to utilize fat as fuel.  Fat is our best source of energy and this is something we can train our body’s to become more efficient burning fat as fuel.  
I would also try eating more good fats/protein before a run and see how this helps you need less during the long run and eventually when you do need fuel for the long run, look for a balanced approach that contains some fat/protein and carbs, not just heavy in the sugar.  I use PocketFuel for all my long runs when I need fuel and it gives me a satisfied feeling with sustained energy that lasts so much longer than sugar based products.  And once you get used to this feeling, you might notice that all of the sugar we normally take in when fueling, causes more bonking than a balanced approach.  I am not sure what you typically do, but you might also experiment with a variety of nuts and dried fruit.
 
SITNF:
9. My blog is made up of readers that are of all different skill levels. Do you have any suggestions for someone that’s just getting started as a new runner?
ERIC:
In The Cool Impossible, I start out by saying I believe at first, the mind follows a good body.  Sometimes we often hear it the other way around, where the body follows the mind.  But from my experience as a coach and athlete, it is hard to feel good about yourself mentally if you are not feeling good physically.  So, at first, the body must get strong and well and this promotes mental confidence and empowerment.  Through time, this starts to alter and as we become strong and capable physically, the mind takes over and leads the way. So my advice to new runners, first and foremost, is that running is good for us if done right.  Yes, it is a skill to be learned and one that we all can learn.  And, running can be fun and getting to the point in your running where YOU have the ability to manage your effort is the holy grail for new runners.  With this, I really think it is crucial for them to understand appropriate run intensity and effort.  This will help keep efforts as easy as possible when first starting so it stays enjoyable and something you gain power from, not torture.  This will promote consistency and will help running to be FUN – leading to that physical confidence I mention above. In fact all runners need to understand intensity for long-term improvement.  One simple way to understand what I mean by understand intensity and having the ability to manage your effort would be to go for a run and only breathe through your nose.  Run as easy as you can to achieve this and when the effort because too much where you can no longer breath only through your nose, stop and walk until you can resume running again.  Continue this pattern so you are only running when breathing through your nose.  Through time, you will improve your ability to run longer and longer nose breathing.  This keeps the effort manageable and helps the newbie’s body adjust easier to that initial phase of beginning running.  This will then help you be able to manage effort breathing normally thru your mouth.
 
SITNF:
10. Do you have any suggestions for the more advanced runners who have been running for a while and want to get faster but seem to have plateaued?
ERIC:
As a coach, I always look for what is missing when a runner is plateauing or when they simply just want to get better and faster.  With veteran runners, we tend to slowly slip into a routine of what we enjoy doing and what we are good at.  Where this becomes an issue is we stop challenging our body and ability.  So I would recommend to change it up.  If you are a marathoner, train specifically for a few 5k races.  Or on the opposite end, up your training volume if you have been keeping your weekly volume static for some time. But ultimately, to get faster, we need to get faster and this means we need to get faster running a mile in distance.  This mile time is a predictor of ability across the endurance spectrum and if you can improve your mile time, you will be faster at your chosen race distance.  And this mile time will also help you get a sense for your training paces at other distances and I have charted all of this out in my book.  Your mile test allows you to customize your program based on your own speed ability and takes the guess-work out of how fast to run for a given workout – which ultimately will really improve performance.
 
SITNF:
11. We really like using Chia Seeds since reading about them in Born to Run. Are there any other natural foods that you would recommend that boost your running performance?
ERIC:
I love chia as well and typically use it prior to running and as a recovery aid.  I think the key to any performance boost is consistency.  Just like in running, the more frequently we can run, the better we performance.  I think nutrition is the same way.  So to answer your question, I feel it is very important to avoid refine sugar and eat as clean and natural as possible on a daily basis. This consistency is what ultimately leads to high performance and all of the great athletes have a defined and structured philosophy of how they eat and fuel. So I suggest runners develop a day-to-day philosophy and strategy that works for them.  One of my sayings is, self-discipline is the ultimate form of performance, and I really believe this is true when it comes to nutrition.  
As I mentioned above, I would also look towards natural fat sources as a way to experiment with performance boosts.  At first, try eating more natural fats before your long runs and then look to add them during and see what happens…
 
SITNF:
12. How did you get your start in running?
ERIC:
I was an athlete very early on in life.  My primary sport growing up was actually football. I was a running back and played at the college level and also have a sprinting background which helped forge my run form philosophy and techniques.  After college I moved West to Colorado and became immersed in the endurance scene, racing bikes, running in the mountains, and racing ultras.  It was at this point when I first became aware of the Tarahumara Indians, when they ran in the Leadville 100.  So in some form or fashion, running is the one thing I have done most of my life, with my first memories way back in third grade field day races.
 
SITNF:
13. My readers come from all different climates and environments. Do you have suggestions that you’d like to share about how to deal with the different elements such as heat/humidity, cold/snow/, rain, high elevations, etc.?
ERIC:
I coach athletes around the world and they all bring diverse environmental challenges.  When it comes to heat, humidity and altitude challenges, always the best formula is to be as fit as possible.  This will always be the biggest help when you are training for a race in this environment when you might not be used to the challenges.  With this, you can certainly help yourself by getting as much experience in the heat or altitude as you can.  But again, put most of your energy to becoming as fit as you can without over training.
When I was training for my Nicaragua race, it was full-on winter here in Jackson and I was expecting to experience a 90-100 degree change in temperature.  To help prepare, I would visit the sauna as much as I could during the week to get my body used to sweating and being exposed to the heat.
When racing at altitude or in the heat, you will need to adjust your effort, especially early on as performance will be effected.  So, it is best to be patient and conservative and as the race develops, intuitively adjust based on your training experiences.  And of course, hydration will play a big roll both at altitude and heat.  Be sure to focus on getting in your electrolytes as your ability to hydrate is effected by your sodium intake, not the other way around.
When it comes to the cold, snow, and rain where the challenge is more mental, I feel it is super important to have run goals during this time or you will find a darn good excuse not to get out in the elements.  But if you have a good goal, one that has you motivated and maybe even a little fearful, this will help you get out the door consistently.
Another great tip for bad weather is to get creative and make an adventure out of your run.  Make sure you have good clothing to help combat the weather, and then get out in it and run some place new or run to breakfast or wake up in the middle of the night and throw a headlamp on and experience your neighborhood from a different perspective.  But ultimately, I believe the goal is the key.
 
SITNF:
14. How does a marathon runner begin making the transition from marathon runner to ultra runner?
ERIC:
It doesn’t take as much as you might think. I would tackle this by progression.  Start with a 50k or even a shorter trail race distance that might still take you as long or longer to complete than your road marathon time.  I would also focus on developing more run strength, which includes the foot and leg strength philosophy I discussed above and true run strength by performing hill sprints and getting on trails and hills as much as you can for long runs. 
The challenges of ultras become more about the mental perseverance AND managing nutrition and a good fueling strategy.  Many times a good day comes down to a good nutrition day and this is what is really different about making the jump in distance.  So with this, the best approach is to get out there and gain experience running longer. This can be done in training and in racing.  Make it a progression, start with a 50k and then go to a 50 miler, then on to 100k and so forth.  Progress your race distance just like you would progress your long run, a little at a time.  Thru this experience, you will gain more insight on what works nutritionally and at the same time training your body to adapt to longer running.  I would not recommend jumping right to the 100 milers.  Let your body adjust, you will have  a much better experience.
Another key difference is understand appropriate pacing and intensities for these longer distances.  Typically ultras are done on trails and on varied terrain and this presents a challenge in pacing.  So do a lot of training on similar terrain, always monitoring your effort and speed so you are gaining knowledge and do a lot of walking/trekking and power hiking.  This will really help you spend more time on your feet without over training and allow you to still train WELL during the week – this is key.  The big mistake people make is doing too many long runs, too fast and therefore, are too tired to do the other key, faster runs during the week. So they ultimately morph into running slower and really tired.  
 
SITNF:
15. What kind of strength training, if any, do you do?
ERIC:
I believe athletic foundation begins at the feet.  Our ability and health starts there and we must train this foundation. So I training my feet constantly thru unique exercises I have develop that also attack my entire leg strength and power.  I also perform 2-4 days of upper body strength that continues on the philosophy of training the body as one unit.  For example, the tightness in our pecs, effects how well we breath and use our arms during running.  We can develop this upper body muscle equilibrium just as we can with our lower body and it all effects how well we run, positively or negatively. I am also a climber, so I do a lot of bouldering at home and at the rock gym that also develops a lot of strength for me.
 
SITNF:
16. I find that as I transition into marathon training, I have lots of stiffness in my upper thoracic spine during my long runs. Are there any specific stretches or strengthening exercises that you might recommend to help with this?
ERIC:
My entire strength program will attack this, as it is so important. Many of the exercises I have developed, so it is hard to explain what to do because you will not recognize the name of the exercise.  But one good one that you might be what I call toes to chest, or piking your body with your feet/toes on a fit ball.  Simply get into a push up position with your toes positioned on top of a fit ball. In this position, pull your toes towards you while keeping your legs straight, butt high in the air (pike).  This will help develop the stability and strength in your upper back and shoulders, helping to take stress and tightness away from your pecs – which is causing the problem.
Also just laying face up on a fit ball extending your arms behind you to the floor and keeping your legs straight will help that area and it will feel good, but this will not address the problem, strength will.
Another thing to really work on is relaxing your upper body while you run.  Swing your arms BACK behind you more while you run. To help with this, perform short fast pick-ups during your long runs that force you to swing your arms for power – be relaxed but powerful.
 
SITNF:
17. Where is your favorite place to run?
ERIC:
Hands down, the Tetons.  They are so beautiful and so accessible.  The trails here in Jackson Hole are world-class that also offer great wildlife opportunities and the mountains make everyone a world-class photographer.  It is the true Wild West.  But having said that, I have traveled enough to know there are so many unique places to run. Another favorite in Moab and the Grand Canyon.
 
SITNF:
18. There’s no shortage of running gadgets out there. Do you use any of them and if you do, which do you recommend?
ERIC:
I am a big heart rate and GPS user for myself and all of my athletes. All of my workouts are designed either by heart rate or speed training zones, so this is the one piece of equipment I require. It is also a great way to learn and bring awareness to your running. To support my website, I have started to do more photo and video blogging so I now take a camera and GoPro wherever I run.  
 
SITNF:
19. Where’s the most exotic place you’ve ever run?
ERIC:
I would have to say Hong Kong and the Lantau Trail.  Having the contrast of a huge, huge megalopolis city and in the matter of a taxi ride you are out on amazing trails leading to the Big Buddha and monastery at the top of the mountain with views of the Island and water. Part of it for me was I just never imagined I would ever be running in Hong Kong, adding to this the history of the area and being so far removed from home really just makes this a very special place for me.
From a true adventure standpoint I have to say Nicaragua is right up there. Running there was so different than what I am used to.  I have never run up an active volcano before, or running with howling monkeys in the trees while navigating thru a jungle. There are not too many places like Nicaragua and that is pretty easy to travel to.
 
SITNF:
20. Do you ever take an extended break from running during the year to recharge your batteries (more than just a day or two)?
ERIC:
Oh yes, this is required to get stronger and come back rejuvenated physically and mentally. During Nov I will take about a month off and purposefully get a little reconditioned from running.  I also climb, bike and ski during the winter which gives me some diversity and keeps things fresh.
 
SITNF:
21. When you’re not running and going on exotic adventures, what do you like to do to relax?
ERIC:
As much as I love adventure, I am also very good at relaxing.  I am a big believer in developing goals with visualization techniques and also as a way to relax and use music to help with this.  I love to read and learn, so I always have 4-5 books going at a time, which now doesn’t sound too relaxing!!!
My daughter is a climber, so I do a lot of Daddy/daughter time training and climbing with her.  And of course, nothing gets much better than that morning espresso staring and dreaming out the window.
 
SITNF:
22. Do you ever run with music? Why or why not?
ERIC:
I enjoy music just as much as running, but I very rarely run with music. I am kind of a minimalist when it comes to this. I hate carrying much “stuff” and hate wearing ear buds, and ultimately I enjoy hearing nature and my surroundings.  If I lived in an urban setting, I might feel differently.
I use music when visualizing and establishing goals.
 
SITNF:
23. If you do run with music, what do you listen to?
ERIC:
Right now listening to Sinead O’Connor’s and Pearl Jam’s new music. The last Foo Fighter’s album is a must and always The Clash!
 
SITNF:
24. Some runners reward themselves after certain goals are met. Do you have any specific ways you “reward” yourself or is reaching a goal its on reward?
ERIC:
I really enjoy and get excited about creating a project and seeing it thru.  For me I sometimes enjoy this planning and the actually training more than the achievement itself.  Therefore my reward is to start another project and maybe a cold New Castle.
 
SITNF:
25. Do you have any tips on injury prevention?
ERIC:
Yes, foot strength.  It is so potent but so easy to do that doesn’t take time away from running.  It is the one thing that will be new to everyone and help prevent injuries and eliminate the tightness we experience as runners.   Working on run form will also help as will spending some runs in a natural or minimal shoe to help develop good muscle equilibrium and strength while running.  Run technique is the proper utilization of strength, therefore, every time we take a running step, we have the opportunity to layer on good strength and muscle usage.
 
SITNF:
26. Some people think that running is bad for your knees and causes arthritis even though recent studies show that running is actually good for your knees. What advice do you have for older runners that are just starting out and have some degree of arthritis in their knees.
ERIC:
Well, I would first say to be sure it is arthritis that you have.  I have talked with many people who say they have arthritis, but it is self diagnosed based on aches and pains they feel and assume is arthritis, but is not.  But if it is arthritis, this is the time where you really need to listen to your body and I would employ the philosophy of running less, but more often as the body allows.  Consistency is so important, and this frequency, not duration is the key.
But I also have to go back to foot strength, run form and good shoes.  The idea with all of this is to training your body to operate more efficiently, and this will help everyone.  The more you can recruit other muscles to help support the arthritic area the better.
If you are just starting out, I would really try and stay away from a built up shoe that has a lot of stability built in. This will not help the knees, look for a natural shoe to promotes stabilization at the feet, which will help stabilize the knees naturally and recruit other muscles to help out.
 
SITNF:
27. In your opinion, how much is too much as far as running goes?
ERIC:
I have done a lot of research on this based on historical records and for elites it has been shown that a weekly volume of 90-120 miles reaps the greatest return and anything beyond that is diminished returns.  For the age group runner, that is such a hard question to answer because everyone is so different. So I will answer it this way. I feel running begins to be too much when we are obviously injured often OR when running loses its appeal and it becomes something we feel we have to do, versus want to do.  Be aware of what you are doing, how you perform and if you start to see a drastic decline in performance physically or mentally, it might be good to take some time off.
 
SITNF:
28. Where is your dream location to run or have your already visited that place?
ERIC:
I really want to get to the Alps very soon to explore similar mountains to what I am used to hear in Jackson, but with the Euro flare.  And I am currently putting together a high alpine run project for the Himalayas, which would be that dream !!  And then on Mars.  Wouldn’t it be cool to be the first to run on Mars!?
 
SITNF:
30. What are your ideal running conditions?  What are your plans for the future?
ERIC:
I love running mountains, so my perfect day is starting out in the cool air with blue skies and following a canyon up high to a divide or to the summit peak, maybe with a little bit of a rock climb or scramble to wake up the brain to send the peak.
I have a lot of projects brewing that all revolves around my own “cool Impossible” mission of global running and one runner per household.  This goal is two-fold.  One, it is meant for me to lead by example of what the cool impossible really means, a huge goal and it doesn’t get much bigger than one runner per household.  I want runners and readers of The Cool Impossible to see my goal and understand it is not so much about the outcome, but the “cool” things and amazing things that come to us thru the process of living this cool impossible. Too many of us are stopped by fear because before we start a goal, we want to know what the outcome will be.  We ask, can I do it, what will happen, will I succeed?  Well, that is impossible to know until we live our goal day to day.  So, this need to know will stop us before we even start and our actions or lack of actions are being decided on something that is impossible to know.  
So yes, one runner per household.  My passion and mission in life is to use running as a vehicle to help people live the life THEY WANT.  When people are empowered to live the life they truly want, they eat better, they take care of their body, they treat others with respect and compassion, and become just a little bit more open-minded to other beliefs.  Thru running, we can create a healthier and better world.  And running is something most all of us can do.
Right now I am putting together a team to help me with this campaign and mission.  There is a great Ted Talk out there about starting a movement and the overriding point is when starting a movement, you need help and others to help carry the torch.  As a coach, it is sometimes hard to ask for help and it is tricky to find the right kind of help to keep this an authentic and organic movement. Right now my focus is on building my website community, continue to coach my athletes, and eventually encourage my fan base to become ambassadors for this global running movement.  I have a few projects brewing that hopefully will include a TV/digital media platform for my message.  And, I am in the process of putting together partners and sponsors to help me travel and show how adventurous running can be and give it a “face lift” to the general public.   
 
SITNF:
31. Any last words of advice/wisdom for my readers?
ERIC:
Yes, commit fully to your running in your own way.  Do it for yourself and give yourself the permission to do this.  Find balance with it in your life, but it is OK to do it for yourself. It is not selfish and if you allow this full commitment great things will happen that you would never ever dreamed might happen and you will become an inspiration to others and ultimately, this is the most selfless act.  Embrace the fear that comes with this, and see that fear is necessary to live your own personal way.  Fear is telling you, you are on the right path.  Trust the process and demand the impossible!
 
SITNF: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I hope I’ll get the chance to run with you again sometime soon!
THANK YOU Gina – these were great questions and I hope I was not too long winded.
Thanks again – E

Eric and ZOZI are teaming up to give away a dream adventure trip to Nicaragua that he’s helped them to design so be sure to go to ZOZI’s site and enter to win!!! You don’t want to miss out on this adventure! 

Eric with my husband and me in 2011 on the Born to Run book tour.

Eric with my husband and me in 2011 on the Born to Run book tour.

You can also find Eric on: Facebook & Twitter

You can also connect with ZOZI on Facebook & Twitter

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Athlete Inpsired Necklace Giveaway!


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Recently, Jenifer from Athlete Inspired was kind enough to offer me one of their great pieces of jewelry. I couldn’t resist the Run Necklace in black!

runnecklace

These necklaces are:

  • Light weight and comfortable
  • All original design
  • Genuine leather
  • Lead and nickel safe
  • Available in lengths of 16 or 18 inches

I wear mine all of the time and love it! IMG_20131211_200805

To enter for your chance to win, just click this Rafflecopter giveaway link!

By the way, if you’re looking for last minute gifts, Athlete Inspired has a ton of other items to choose from! Be sure to use the coupon code below when you check out! Ironman Wisconsin 2007

Good Luck!!!

• Light weight and comfortable
• All original design
• Genuine leather
• Lead and nickel safe – See more at: http://www.athleteinspired.com/shop/np-r-pk/#sthash.DQMm9Hf4.dpuf

Metal “RUN” cut out pendant on leather necklace.

Available in Pink and Black.

• Light weight and comfortable
• All original design
• Genuine leather
• Lead and nickel safe

– See more at: http://www.athleteinspired.com/shop/np-r-pk/#sthash.DQMm9Hf4.dpuf

Metal “RUN” cut out pendant on leather necklace.

Available in Pink and Black.

• Light weight and comfortable
• All original design
• Genuine leather
• Lead and nickel safe

– See more at: http://www.athleteinspired.com/shop/np-r-pk/#sthash.DQMm9Hf4.dpuf

Metal “RUN” cut out pendant on leather necklace.

Available in Pink and Black.

• Light weight and comfortable
• All original design
• Genuine leather
• Lead and nickel safe

– See more at: http://www.athleteinspired.com/shop/np-r-pk/#sthash.DQMm9Hf4.dpuf

Leave a comment

Filed under Giveaways, Reviews, Running