Happy and Healthy 2013 Giveaway!!

Hard to believe the year has already gone by!  I started this blog in October 2011, and I had my first giveaway on 1/1/12 with the Happy and Healthy 2012 Giveaway.  With a full year of blogging since that post, I can't tell you how much fun it has been. I've really enjoyed review and sharing running gear that I really like, and also doing what I can to share healthy eating related topics and recipes.

And, I have really appreciated all of you that have been following my blog for the past year, following on Twitter, and liking the Barefoot Inclined Facebook page. Which is why I am so excited to host the ultimate giveaway on this first day of 2013, showcasing my favorite gear and vendors from 2012!

But, before I jump to the giveaways, I just wanted to give a little recap of the year.  I had a number of goals for the year, but first and foremost was to continue my journey to better health through clean eating and exercise.  Over the year, I've lost another 10lbs (for a total of 50), and that, more than anything was a huge step for me.  I've lost more pounds than I care to think about over the course of my life, but it has always come back. This is by far the longest I've maintained and continued to lose, and that feels great.  How did it happen? Simply by no longer dieting.  Dieting implies a short term plan, whereas a change in a lifestyle is forever.  I know I have a ways to go, but focusing on whole, organic, non-processed foods as much as possible has made this change possible, and the loss of weight has been a side benefit. My goal for 2013?  Just keep it going on :-)

And of course there is the running.  I never dreamed I would develop a healthy obsession for running, but somehow that has happened. I credit discovering barefoot/minimalist running for a big part of that, as it helped me find a way to run with a lot less pain and injury.  Not that I didn't have my share, but I've learned a lot over the year about prevention and training. Also, finding my love of trail running has certainly helped as well. There is nothing I enjoy more than just getting out on the beautiful trails (and Incline) in Colorado. 

In 2012, I started the year with a 5K as my longest race, and 5 miles as my longest distance run.  During the year I ran several 10K's, a 10 Miler at Garden of the Gods, my first half marathon in August, and recently my long run of 20 miles as I train for my first marathon which is (gasp) less than 30 days away!  My goals for 2013? Carlsbad Marathon in January, Greenland 50K in May (first Ultra!), and the Pikes Peak Marathon in August (provided I qualify in Jan AND I can get an entry). Also, I want to build more barefoot miles, and run a 5 and or 10K barefoot this year.  Beyond that, I plan to just keep trail running, testing/reviewing gear, and just plain having fun with it.

My favorite view spot from the Incline

SO.... Let's get this New Year started with a bang!  The following is a summary/highlight of some terrific gear and websites I reviewed last year, along with some amazing swag provided by these vendors. I've had the privilege of working with some terrific people from equally great companies and I want to take a minute to thank them as well! 

In the following sections, you can click on the links for the products mentioned to see the full review I did earlier this year. In each section below, you are welcome to enter for any/all of the gear/products noted. The contests will run from January 1st, 2013 until 10PM MST on Tuesday, January 8th. A winner for each prize will be selected randomly from the entries received.  Contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. 

Here we go... and good luck!

In order to participate in each of the individual giveaways, please complete this easy step first!:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.xeroshoes.com/

Xeroshoes/Invisible Shoes:

As you may know, my first pair of minimalist shoes were the Invisible Shoes 6mm Contacts.  Still one of my favorite huaraches from a proprioception perspective, and also one of the most affordable running sandals out there!  The company is still in the midst of transition to the new name Xeroshoes, but regardless of the branding, the quality is the same.  I love working with Steven Sashen.. and his video (over on the left side banner) still cracks me up every time I watch it!  Anyway, Steven has kindly offered to provide one winner with a DIY or Custom pair of Xeroshoes sandals in the style and color of their choice!!  Thanks Steven!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vivobarefoot:

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that Vivobarefoot makes one of my favorite cold weather snow running shoes, which is the Neo Trail.  Check out my reviews for the Neo Trail and the Breatho Trail by clicking on shoe name.    The Neo Trail was my first minimalist "shoe", and my go to shoe for snow running.  The Breatho Trail offers a lot of the same qualities as this shoe, only better suited for warm weather conditions.  Vivobarefoot is a terrific company with some amazing shoes. I'm looking forward to what they may have to offer next year!

The great folks at Vivobarefoot will provide one pair of shoes to a lucky winner!! (THIS contest is OPEN to the UK!)  Choices may be limited by availability, so if you are the lucky one, decide on your top 3 choices with size and color!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Far End Gear:

I don't normally run with earphones in, especially on the trail.  But there have been times when I would like to. Earlier this year I tested out the "One Good Earphone" from Far End Gear. These were the perfect idea, as they allowed stereo audio through one ear piece, leaving one ear open to listen for traffic or wildlife etc.  In addition to this product, Far End Gear also offers Brite Buds, which combine reflective cords for safety, plus increased strength and durability, available in single or dual earphone models.

Far End Gear totally rocks, because they are providing Brite Buds for two lucky winners!  Enter below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.runbare.com/

Barefoot Running Movie from Michael Sandler and Run Bare:

One of the first resources I checked out when I started barefoot running was Michael Sandlers book, "Barefoot Running: How to run light and free by getting in touch with the earth".   I love Michael's story, and the book is an excellent resource.  What was really exciting was hearing that he was working on a movie as well, and I had the privilege of receiving an early copy of the movie.  I've watched it several times and I highly recommend it.  Not only does it recap Michael's journey, it also provides some really great video for learning to run barefoot properly and safely.  Add to that the fact that it is filmed in such a beautiful setting (Hawaii), and with co-author Jessica Lee, and you have a great movie that every barefoot/minimalist runner should have on their shelf. 

So here is your chance to grab a copy!  Thank you Michael Sandler!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://bedrocksandals.com/

Bedrock Sandals:

I have to admit, I do love running huaraches. I've reviewed a number of different brands and styles, and Bedrock Sandals are still one of my favorites. I reviewed the Bedrock Earthquakes earlier this year, and since that time, there have been a number of improvements and enhancements, due to the intense focus on quality and performance by the dudes at Bedrock.

Thanks to the generosity of Dan and Nick at Bedrock, you too can own a pair of the latest Earthquake V2's!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.roadid.com

RoadID:

When it comes to running solo (as I do primarily), safety and security is critical.  I know my wife was much happier once I started running with a RoadID earlier this year.  Carrying your critical emergency info is a simple and smart thing to do, and RoadID makes it easy and stylish.  Earlier this year I was running with the Wrist ID Sport. I liked this band for it's comfort and simplicity.  Unfortunately, I lost it somewhere along my travels, and the few times I ran without it, I felt uncomfortable not having it on.  So, I have since replaced it with the Wrist ID Elite model.  I really like the watch band type clasp, and the smooth rubber material of the band. It is easy to clean, and comfortable to wear.  Regardless of the style, RoadID has you covered.

And to cover one lucky winner, RoadID has offered a band of your choice so you can stay safe too! I also have to give a shout out here to the great gang at Outside PR (Jenny, Scott, Rebecca). They represent RoadID and a bunch of other great brands and are just so great to work with :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.earthrunners.com/

Earthrunners Sandals:

Ok... back to huaraches!  Earthrunners is a new company that got a terrific start last year via Kickstarter.  Their twist on the running huarache is the addition of conductive copper studs to complete a grounded connection with the earth. I tested out the Quantum trail running model. What was unique in these huaraches was the sueded leather footbed over a cork and rubber sole.  Very comfortable!

Michael at Earthrunners has graciously offered a pair of sandals to one winner, which is awesome.  Thanks Michael!  So, get entering below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://tribesports.com/home

Tribesports:

Although Tribesports doesn't necessarily have any "product" to give away (their service is free!), I would be remiss if I didn't give them a shout out.  When I was first introduced to the site, I didn't think I needed another social media site to participate in, but I've really grown to love this site, the challenges, and the tribes of amazing people there! As I noted in my review here, Tribesports covers the world, and I've met a lot of folks from many different countries that share the same passion for sports and fitness.   And I love all of the great challenges, including team challenges such as the Elves versus Reindeers in total mileage run between 12/1 and 12/24. It came down to the wire with each team racking up close to 9,000 KM! 

Anyway, I think it's a great site, especially if you are a little competitive. I'm happy to say that I've just brought my ranking into the top 750 users out of over 100,000 users on the site!   Here's a little sample of a great article and challenge from the site... check it out, and I hope to see you there!

Click here to read the article and see the challenge!!

http://www.softstarshoes.com/

SoftStar Shoes:

Looking for the simplicity and freedom of a huarache, but in a shoe form?  Look no further.. the Elves at Soft Star make some amazing shoes! I was fortunate enough to test out the Runamoc Dash Lites from Soft Star earlier this year. I really love the soft leather moccasin styling and comfort of these shoes, tied with a minimal 5mm sole that performs really well... and a very comfortable trail shoe as well. All hand made by the Elves in beautiful Corvallis, Oregon. 

To help you out in getting started in your own pair of SoftStars, the head elf has authorized a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.mypeak365.com/

365 Days of Pikes Peak: The Journey, from The Pikes Peak Guy:

What can I say?  I feel truly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country where we get to gaze at "America's Mountain", Pikes Peak every day.  My friend The Pikes Peak Guy loves the Peak so much that he set out on an amazing journey to photograph the Peak every day for a year, and he did it without missing a beat, and enjoying some amazing experiences along the way. I interviewed The PPG back in July, and you can read much more by clicking here. 

If you aren't lucky enough to enjoy a view of the Peak everyday, The PPG is giving you a chance to enjoy an autographed soft-cover version of his amazing book! Not only is it full of a full year of amazing photos, but along with it comes all the great stories of this journey, as well as feedback from fans that followed his project on Facebook.  It's an awesome book... good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://muddyj.com/juaraches/

Muddy J "J"uaraches:

Ok....  I have a pair of custom "J"uaraches from Muddy J that I am going to be working up a review on soon, however I haven't been able to get out and run in them!!  They are the first and only huaraches I've tried with a 100% leather sole, and a unique design.  So far, wearing them around the house has been awesome!

As you can see, Muddy J puts a lot of love into his craftsmanship..  I loved the embossed strap across the top and the unique serial # embossed on the sole.  These are unique in that they are custom molding to my feet all around as I continue to wear them, and the reflective elastic lacing is really cool.

Incline Addicted.... love it!   Anyway, I really excited to add Muddy J to my list of giveaways.  One lucky winner will get a custom built pair of "J"uaraches!  The winner will need to pay shipping of ~$10, but that is a bargain for some super cool sandals...  Look for my full review very soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://www.lunasandals.com/

Luna Sandals:

Last, but certainly not least! is Luna Sandals out of Seattle, WA.  Luna was started by Barefoot Ted of "Born to Run" fame.  Luna Sandals are considered some of the best trail running sandals on the market.  I was more than happy to test and review the Luna Leadvilles with MGT earlier this year. The Leadvilles are probably one of the most rugged huaraches I tested (10mm base), but super comfortable and performed well on the most harsh trails.  Also, they performed really great in deep muddy water!

To get you started off on the right foot in 2013 (or left for that matter), Luna Sandals will provide one winner a $50 gift certificate good towards the purchase of a DIY Sandal Kit.  For whoever wins this, I would love to see your finished sandals in action!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wow... ok there you have it.  A TON of awesome stuff!  Good luck to you all, and I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2013!!  Thanks again for following... I look forward to another great year of running/blogging and getting healthier!

Happy Trails!!

Jeff
http://barefootinclined.com