Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy and Healthy 2014!!



Hard to believe another year has already gone by!  I kicked of 2013 with a bang, and am looking to do so again for 2014!   With a full year of blogging since that post, I can't tell you how much fun it has been. I've really enjoyed reviewing 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 2014, showcasing my favorite gear and vendors from 2013!

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 maintained my weight, and continue to eat clean.  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 that feels great.  How did it happen? Simply by no longer dieting.  Dieting implies a short term plan, whereas a change in 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. My goal for 2014?  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 and it continued throughout 2013. I struggled a bit this year with a nagging Achilles issue which slowed down some of my mileage, but I'll still remember 2013 as the year I ran my first marathon!  Also, my love of trail running has continued to grow this year. There is nothing I enjoy more than just getting out on the beautiful trails (and Incline) in Colorado. 

ADT 1/2 Marathon

Rock Canyon 1/2 Marathon

In 2013, I started the year with marathon training that culminated in the Carlsbad Marathon on January 27th.   During the year I ran several 10K's (Including the Bolder Boulder which I managed to run 5K of it barefoot!), a 10 Miler at Garden of the Gods, and 2 more 1/2 marathons to bring my total to 3.  My goals for 2014? The PPRR Winter Series, Big Mountain Trail 1/2 Marathon in April,  Greenland 50K in May (first Ultra!), Garden of the Gods 10 miler, and the Pikes Peak Ascent in August (provided I qualify AND I can get an entry).   Beyond that, I plan to just keep trail running, testing/reviewing gear, and just plain having fun with it.

Oh... and how could I forget! In 2013 I had the great fortune to be selected as an Ambassador for INKnBURN!  I love this company, their products, and all of the people involved, including owners Megan and Rob, plus the awesome Ambassadors that I've gotten to know over the year. I was also glad I had an opportunity to visit INKnBURN in Costa Mesa, CA this summer to see first hand the passion and quality that goes into every amazing cool tech shirt.  I know.. I know.. can't help it, I love this company!




SO.... Let's get this New Year started with a bang!  The following is a summary/highlight of some terrific gear and stuff 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, 2014 until 10PM MST on Friday, January 10th. A winner for each prize will be selected randomly from the entries received.  Contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (unless otherwise noted) 

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

Whoo hoo.. on to some of the best stuff from 2013!  Below I've categorized my review summaries and giveaway into Books, Fuel, Gear, and Shoes (or sandals).  Check it out!


BOOKS:



I had the opportunity to review several books last year, and I find that a great book can be both educational and motivating.  Two book of note are "The Cool Impossible" by Eric Orton, and "Do Life" by Ben Davis.



Eric Orton's book is a really great read, and is really informative. Check out the full review by clicking HERE.  And, enter below to win one of two copies of "The Cool Impossible" !



I had the chance to review Ben Davis' book, "do life" right at the very end of 2012.  This personal story of Ben's journey is really motivating, and it also has some great tips for new runners.  Check out the full review HERE.  I also have a few copies of this great book to giveaway as well..





a Rafflecopter giveaway



FUEL: 

I guess I should label this category fuel and snacks :-)   Two products I reviewed last year in this category were Energybits and KIND Snacks.  


I reviewed Energybits last February, and you can get the full review HERE. Energybits are an algae based fuel source that many runners swear by.  I thought they worked pretty well and I'm thinking of working them into my 50K training! I've got a sample pack of bits to giveaway :-)


KIND Snacks are just plain awesome! Not just a great tasting snack bar with quality ingredients, but also an atypical cool kind of company.  Read more about them HERE.  And, they have just recently released a new line of Healthy Grain bars, and I have a case of 10 to giveaway to one of you!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


GEAR:

Ah yes... to run, you need gear.  Well, at least shoes....   or not even those really.  Ok ok... gear isn't always necessary, but the three products highlighted below fall under the NEED category for me!  Check out this great stuff from YakTrax, Rocktape, and Switch Eyewear!


When you run in wintery conditions like we have here in Colorado, traction is key.

YakTrax offers some really great traction aids that perform really well.  Earlier I reviewed the YakTrax RUN HERE.  The RUN is a great product with it's carbide spikes, but I really love the PRO's for the conditions I see most. Enter below to win a pair courtesy of YakTrax!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rocktape is a kinesiology tape that really helped me during the peak struggles I had with my Achilles tendinitis.  As I noted in my review you can read HERE, I was a little skeptical about using Rocktape, but it really did provide relief and helped me to run stronger and longer.  Thanks to the awesome folks at Rocktape, I have 6 rolls to giveaway to two winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Finally, you've probably noticed that in just about every picture of me running, I'm in a pair of Switch Vision H-Wall Trail running sunglasses, with magnetic interchangeable lenses.  I love these sun glasses for the trail because they perform, and you can switch out lenses insanely fast :-).  Check out my full review on the H-Walls by clicking HERE AND enter below for your chance to win a pair of AXO's, Lynx, or H-Wall Extremes in your choice of colors!  You can see these styles at their website :  http://www.switchvision.com/product_kits.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway


SHOES/SANDALS:

Ah yes... where would the barefoot runner be without shoes or sandals?  Just kidding... if you've been following my blog, you know that I love to run barefoot, but I am really a minimalist shoe runner. I like to find the right balance between proprioception and trail conditions (and sometimes mood!) when selecting footwear.  I am really excited to giveaway some great shoes/huaraches from four companies that I have reviewing for a few years now, and whose products I truly believe in.  Check out these reviews from Xeroshoes, Vivobarefoot, Bedrock Sandals, and Earthrunner!


As you may remember, my very first minimalist shoe was the Invisible Shoe 6mm Contact.  Since that time, Invisible Shoe has become Xeroshoes, and they continue to provide outstanding running huaraches at a terrific price point. Click HERE  to read my review of the Sensori Venture and then enter below to try some out for yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bedrock Synclines


Another terrific huarache company is Bedrock Sandals.  I've owned a few pairs of Bedrocks, including the Earthquake (reviewed HERE), and the Earthquake V2.  Both are awesomely comfortable trail running huaraches. BUT.. in this case, you get a chance to check out a new product from Bedrock before me! Thanks to the rockin' guys at Bedrock, you get a shot at running the latest Bedrock Synclines! I am jealous.. :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


No year end minimalist shoe review recap would be complete without including Vivobarefoot.  Vivobarefoot is another company that I have worked with for some time now, and continue to be impressed with their line of quality minimalist running (and casual) shoes.  They really get it...     I've reviewed the Neo Trail, Breatho Trail, One, and Women's Ryder Boots (my wife reviewed these).  You can see these and all my other reviews by clicking HERE.  One of my favorite trail running shoes has been the Breatho Trail, and Vivobarefoot, being the incredibly cool company they are, are providing a pair of Breatho Trail's to one of you.. AND this contest includes Europe/UK as well!!  Thanks guys!




Last in my giveaways, but certainly not least by far is Earthrunners.  I started working with Earthrunners during their first Kickstarter project, and they have continued to grow and expand their line of top quality running huaraches.  And, as I noted in my review of the Circadian and Alpha HERE , Earthrunners makes a great huarache that also grounds you with the earth via conductive lacing... cool stuff.  And even cooler, here's your chance to win a pair of Circadians!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Image courtesy of hin255 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ok!  Here's to a Healthy and Happy 2014!  I wish you the best in this new year and thank you for following Barefoot Inclined!

Happy Trails!

Jeff
http://barefootinclined.com
barefootinclined@gmail.com




51 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a great year! Hope this one is just as nice. I started mine off with a nice, 9 degree Fahrenheit half marathon in southeastern MI, just for fun! It was terrific.

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  2. In 2013 I was able to increase my running mileage after starting to run again after a long time in 2012. Completed a marathon, a 25k trail race that I won and a couple of half marathons. For 2014 my goal is to run my first ultra (50 miles) as long as everything goes to plan.

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  3. Happy New Year Jeff! I hope you have new adventures this year and plenty of time to blog them!

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  4. Wow, giveaway post bonanza! That photo of you running through snow in your vivid blue INKnBURN shirt is so excellent. Dark Forest really is the quiet hero of the lineup. Happy New Year!

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  5. I completed my first ultra in 2013. Right now the Yaktrax appeal to me the most, we have some bad weather here and more to come.

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  6. I lost some weight in 2013 but I want to continue in 2014

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  7. Hey Jeff. Happy New Year! Lots of great prizes here to be won. I am excited to try a running sandal in 2014. I have eyeing up the Luna ones but see there are lots more options! Time to do some research.

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  8. What a great year! I'm looking forward to becoming a first-time mom in 2014 and, once baby's here, getting back on track with training for my 1st marathon in October (postponed from 2013 when my 1st trimester kicked my butt)!

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  9. In 2013 I ran my firs 5k! And in 2014 I am running 14 of them including a Spartan race! :D My goal is to get though all 14 races in 2014 and become a healthier person for it! I would love to win a pair of the Vivobarefoot Breatho Trails!

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  10. I ran 1000 miles in 2013. This year I will participate in 3 Spartan races and earn the Trifecta medal! the sunglasses are my fave!!

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  11. wow! You were busy! Hope 2014 is as or more productive for you! It will be exciting to follow you. Of all your reviews, I personally think the sunglasses rock the most. Imagine, sunglasses with EASY interchangeable lens. What a novel concept! Happy New Year to you :)

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  12. I've been running barefoot on trails, looking at some minimalist shoes to continue my running when the snow starts falling!

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  13. Blog keeps getting better, Jeff!

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  14. In 2013, I started running and met my goal of running a half marathon. My goals for 2014 are to run my first marathon, set a half marathon PR and run 1,500 miles total for the year. I'm most interested in the YakTrax and the Vivobarefoot shoes.

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  15. 2013 started solid, I was running regularly, and enjoying it! I was healthier than I've ever been in my adult life, and i was under 200 lbs, which I haven't seen since high school. Then in June, I fell skating at the skatepark and jacked up my now 30 year old back :) SO... I just recently started to be able to run again, it's starting slow, but I'm excited to get back to where I was.
    This giveaway is HUGE, so many different things, mostly the Xero shoes, and of coarse VivoBarefoot. I haven't got to try xero's yet, but I do love my Vivos.

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  16. I am going to run a full marathon this year. I love the vivobarefoot shoes!

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  17. I started running in early 2013. Fell in love with it. It is the best therapy there is. I am curious to try out the minimalist running sandals.

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  18. Looks like I've found a great new blog! Been minimalist running for a couple years now, between NB and Vivobarefoots. Looking forward to my first ultra in August!

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    1. Welcome Dan! And good luck on your first ultra! I'm looking forward to my first in May :-)

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  19. so many of my friends have taken up barefoot running and I'd like to participate with them. I am signed up for 3 half marathons this year. training for those and earning the medals will be my resolution.

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  20. Happy New Year! This past year I went from running my first 10k to running my first half marathon. This coming I have 5 half marathons planned and my first full marathon. I would really love to win the sunglasses.

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  21. I'm running my first 25k this spring! I'd love those sunglasses.

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  22. I started running faithfully in July 2013 after I finished a 5 1/2 year enlistment in the Army. I've always loved running, but because of the Army, I was always going for speed and getting burnt out. Once I realized I was running for me and not for anyone else, I slowed down, ran longer, ran happier. I got to the point where my body was craving runs! I normally run around 6 miles every weekday morning and I am hoping to run my first half-marathon this year. The prize I am most excited for would be the YAKTRAX. My husband is still serving in the Army and has orders to Fort Wainwright, Alaska for later this year & I would love a pair of YAKTRAX to leave my footprints on the Alaskan snow!

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  23. I've been away from running for a while, but recently decided to give barefoot running (or running with barefoot shoes) a try. Would love to win a pair of the Vivobarefoot shoes!

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  24. My goal was to run my 1st Spartan Race, 1st Tough Mudder, and to lengthen my runs overall. I ran both races and even ran a 21 mile trail run! In 2014 I have joined the Run This Year challenge and I also plan on running my 1st marathon.

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  26. Massive giveaway! Thanks! Happy trails in 2014!

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  27. Happy New year! I wish you great results in 2014!

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  28. In 2013 I ran my first Marathon, and in 2014 I'm going to run Boston

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  29. I want to run a full marathon this year. that is what i am training towards.

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  30. Thanks for some many great giveaways. This next year I'm going to eat healthier & work out to be a better examplle for my kids.

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  31. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :) My 2014 goal is to complete my first full marathon, and to run a sub 2 hour Half (my fastest Half so far is 2 hours 13 minutes). I'm excited about the energy bits, YakTrax, RockTape and sunglasses!

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  32. Hit my weight goal in 2013 and maintained. Started running in May and ran my first half marathon in December. Lots of halfs planned in 2014 with time goals.

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  33. I ran my first 50K and attempted a 50Miler in 2013, hoping for success in 2014!

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  34. Happy New Year! My fitness goal for the year includes keeping my back strong and getting my running average over 5 miles a day

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  35. Wow what a year!
    I hit my weight loss and race goals in 2013.
    Main goal for 2014:London Marsthon.

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  36. Holy heck, that's a massive giveaway list. In 2013 I ran over 2000 miles, ran 3 obstacle course races, and hiked through the Red River Gorge, and the Porcupine mountains. my goal for 2014: 2500 miles.

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  37. Looks good! My goal is to get back in shape after a disappointing autumn and try to really kick it in my age group at my first race in April. Also excited about the Yaktrax.

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  38. My goal for 2013 was to get on the treadmill more often - in 2014 I'm working on portion control and no more midnight snacking! I'm also looking forward to training for a 5k

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  39. I'm most excited about the Vivobarefoot Breathe Trails

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  40. The big one for me is improving my half marathon time!

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  41. Jeff,

    Thanks for all the awesome info and help. 2013 was a good year for me and I hope to continue in the new year. Thanks buddy!
    Todd

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  42. Excited to get back into better shape this year and the goal of cutting way back on eating out (even if I eat healthy while out it's still not healthy for the bank account). Also excited to run more and enter a few more road races around Kansas City.
    I am hoping for a good chance to win the switch glasses or the Yaktrax(to be prepared next time we come to the incline in the winter!)

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  43. I'm glad I stumbled across your blog! I've enjoyed reading your posts and look forward to a great 2014! My goal this year is to run my first half marathon.

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