Happy and Healthy 2015!!

Hard to believe another year has already gone by!  I kicked off 2014 with a bang, and am looking to do so again for 2015!   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 to get 2015 off to a great start, showcasing my favorite gear and vendors from 2014!

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 also to make the leap into ultra running.  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 2015?  I am hoping to move forward another step by slowly working my way down another 20 lbs or so... I know I will certainly feel that in my quest for longer distance running.

First Ultra! Greenland Trail 50K, May 2014

Back in 2011 I never dreamed I would develop a healthy obsession for running, but somehow that has happened and in 2014, my goal of becoming an ultra runner was reached. I ran my first 50K at the Greenland Trail in May, followed by another 50K in September at the Tommyknocker's Ultras here in Woodland Park.

3 weeks after my 2nd 50K, I took the plunge and ran my first 50-miler at the Bear Chase Trail Race...   Wow...  that was one of the toughest things I have ever done... especially in the near 90 degree weather...   but 14 hours of physical and mental battles paid off with a finish and and great sense of satisfaction.  So what's up for 2015?  Longer of course!  Besides a number of 50K's, I have my mind set on completing a long 100K (67 miles) at the Tommyknockers Ultras (HPRS) in September, and then seriously look for my first 100 miler!

Oh... and how could I forget! In 2014 I had the great fortune to continue on as an Ambassador for INKnBURN!  I love this company, their products, and all of the people involved, including owners Megan and Rob. AND.. I am also proud to have been selected as an Ambassador for Fuel 100 Electro-Bites, Orange Mud, and the Human Potential Running Series! I can't tell you how great it is to be involved with these companies, the amazing products/races they have, and the incredible fellow ambassadors I've got to know...   I am very lucky indeed :-)

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 5th, 2015 until 10PM MST on Monday, January 12th. 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! (Mandatory to participate in additional giveaways below).   Also note that each contest entry includes an entry by leaving a blog comment... if you want to combine your comments into one entry, that works!  then just check the "I commented" box for each individual entry.  Also, besides just visiting each Facebook page, if you could "like" them as well, that would be awesome (but not required). Thanks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OK!  First out of the chute, I wanted to showcase INKnBURN.  They were the first company I became an ambassador for in 2013, and I love their tech shirts! Basically they are all I wear, and they all still look new...  high quality construction, super comfortable, and the best designs! Rob and Megan are so great to work with, and I love that everything is made in So Cal!  And, they are about to release a whole new series of designs for 2015, so make sure to follow them on Facebook!  And, if you are a new customer, create a free account on their site, and use the code "jefftoldme" to get 15% off your first order and a $10 credit to future orders!

Enter below to win a tech shirt from last years design collection (will no longer be available, so this would be great to grab!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Next up, Fuel-100 and Electro-Bites..     I did my first review on Electro-Bites almost exactly one year ago... check out the full review HERE.   Needless to say, I was sold..  I love fueling with Electro-Bites for the clean ingredients, and a welcome break from sweet, sticky, messy gels..   If you are looking for a way to add variety to your long-run fueling.. check them out..   And use code "jefftoldme" to get 20% off your order.

And, be sure to enter below for a baker's dozen variety mix of Electro-Bites!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

use code "barefootinclined" for 10% off

Orange Mud!!  Need I say more?  If you aren't familiar, Orange Mud has rewritten the book on trail running hydration and gear. This last year I've reviewed the Hydraquiver Single Barrel, Double Barrel, and the Vest Pack 2 (VP2).   These packs helped me through my ultra training, and all of my ultra races this year..   I can't say enough about how much I love these packs, and that is why I applied to be an Am-badass-ador! I am currently working up a review on their insulated bottles, new handheld, and accessory pack for the Double/VP2, so stay tuned!

To help "wrap" up 2014, Josh and the fine folks at Orange Mud are giving away "The Wrap"..  A transition towel/seat wrap to help you keep all that trail mud and grime to yourself!  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And finally, one of the coolest things to happen to me last year was discovering the Human Potential Running Series..   Race Director "Sherpa" John Lacroix has been working extremely hard to develop a true grass roots ultra running community in Colorado and I can't wait to see what 2015 brings.  You can read up on what HPRS is all about in my post HERE.   I am really proud to have been selected as an ambassador to help spread the word and to get more people involved!  This year I'll be running the South Park Marathon, TommyKnockers 100K (my first), and the Indian Creek Fifties..  Check out all of these races, along with the FREE Fat Ass series this winter by clicking HERE. 

Now.. this is really awesome... Sherpa John is offering a FREE entry to ALL 5 races in 2015! This includes the South Park Trail Marathon & Half, Sheep Mountain 50 miler, Silver Heels 100 mile, Tommyknockers Ultras (50K and 100K), and the Indian Creek Fifties (50K and 50 mi). I will give these out to 5 individual winners. These entries are valued from $85 to $275 depending on the race..   want to run your first ultra?? Enter to run free, and I'll be there to cheer you on!  Please note which race/races you would like to be entered for.  I will randomly select winners for each available race from these entries..

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have been reading BI for awhile, you know how much I love running in huaraches, and one of my favorite companies has been Earth Runners... I started working with Michael Dally and Earth Runners since October 2012 when the first Kickstarter project was launched.  Since that time I've been fortunate to have tested/reviewed a variety of models and to provide feedback into new designs.  I love that about working with smaller companies here in the US.

Circadian-X

 I am currently working on a review of one of the the latest models, the Circadian-X.  The review is not done yet, but I'll spoil it now by saying I LOVE these sandals.....   and I'm excited to be able to give a pair of these to one of you, so enter below and follow Earth Runners to see what is up for 2015!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Switch Sunglasses is another great company that I have been working with for a while now.  I reviewed the H-Wall trail running glasses (interchangeable lenses) back in October 2012, and they are still my go-to trail runners... check out the full review HERE. 

Then, this past August, I had the opportunity to test out the Stormriders with the activity/climate guards... they are amazing, and you can see the full review HERE,   And thanks to Switch, I am stoked to give away any pair of Switch Sunglasses of your choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And last, but certainly not least....  Carson Footwear!    I am really excited for the official launch of this 100% Made in the USA company that makes amazing minimalist trail runners!

I just completed a review of the Iguana Racer 10/10, and you can read about them HERE.  I love these shoes, and I am really excited to see where 2015 takes Carson Footwear...   happy to be a part of their launch and future development!   So, if you can't wait for the 1/15/15 launch, then enter below to win a pair of Iguana's before anyone else has them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So.. here's to a Happy and Healthy 2015 to you and yours!  Thanks again for being part of my journey and following Barefoot Inclined!  It's been a blast this last year, and I look forward to an even better 2015!

Happy trails!

Jeff

barefootinclined@gmail.com

http://barefootinclined.com