Monday, January 5, 2015

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




53 comments:

  1. I plan to run at least 1 mile everyday and complete my first ultra.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! Which ultra are you running? And, just so you know, once you run one, you are going to be hooked :-)

      Delete
    2. I had signed up for the North Country Run here in MI but might have to find another one to do when we move.

      Delete
  2. Met Scott van loo at a race in traverse city who is also an ambassador. Helped that I was wearing an inknburn shirt! I have not seen any orange mud products at races yet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I told him I followed your blog. He said you guys talked pretty regularly. Super cool guy

      Delete
  3. Great blog and giveaways--not just the product themselves, but the way you are going about doing the giveaways and the useful information you provide. I will definitely be on the lookout for some of these products at upcoming races, now that I am more familiar with them. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cool giveaway! I'd be interested in any of the <=50k HPRS runs...I'm hoping to be in shape for my first 50k by then so that'd be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm hoping to move in CO this spring but not on an exact date yet. Would love to run all of the races if I can work it into my schedule

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome... noted. Be sure to let me know when you get to CO!

      Delete
  6. Read your review on the Carson Iguana Racers and am very intrigued. Love trying new shoes from small companies especially US based companies

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh man, I wanna pair of Iguana shoes!! Those are really the first shoes I've been excited about in years.

    ReplyDelete
  8. yes, I've spent way too much money on InkNBurn gear. Now I'm trying to wait patiently for the zombie shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Jeff! Can't believe another year has flown by...you have really accomplished a lot this year! Ultra runner! I hope I get to join you and Mark for a race, soon, it's on my bucket list. I did see a chick at the turkey trot this year with an inknburn shirt on, it looked really good, too. Just out of my price range for now...they are lucky to have you as an ambassador, though, you do look good in yours. Orange mud is next on my list of must haves for when I really start those loooong distances. This is the only place to carry water as far as I am concerned. Thanks for all you do for us runners, and cheers for 2015!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On my list too! :-) Here's to an awesome 2015 Lorraine! :-)

      Delete
  10. oh, yeah, I forgot...iguana shoes are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  11. 2015 is the year of my first ultra! Thanks for all the inspiration throughout 2014. You've come a long way!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Our 2015 goals are to backpack and camp as much as we can as well as complete our first 10k!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have seen you running in the Inknburn gear, but I think they would be excellent for backpacking and hiking as well!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Regarding race fuel, I honestly loved the power gels until I tried the Electro-Bites. They are amazing!
    I've never seen any Orange Mud gear, but honestly I've never looked for it until now! :)
    I'm currently reviewing the Circadian X's for backpacking and hiking and I LOVE them! AMAZING sandals!
    I would definitely go with the AXO sunglasses. They look AWESOME!
    I want to see what all the hype about Carson footwear is about! ;) Would love to see if they would hold up to some Ozark Mtn backpacking!

    Now, I hope I win something! :) Thanks for the awesome blog Jeff! You rule!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great year - I enjoyed hearing about it! And this is so exciting that you are giving away all this awesome gear! I just love the running community. Okay - now for my long comment to answer all your questions:

    1. My goals for 2014 were to run my first marathon and ultra marathon (which I did - including the same 50 miler as you - Bear Chase!). For 2015, I am stepping back from trail running, and instead focusing on speed to try and Boston Qualify! While all your giveaways are pretty exciting, I am most excited about the Ink-n-burn giveaway and the Human Potential Race Series race entry giveaway.
    2. I have seen Ink-n-burn gear and just bought my first skirt and shirt a few weeks ago! The skirt doesn't quite fit me though, but I love the shirt!
    3. Right now, my favorite long run fuel is either Clif shot gels, or Honey Stinger chews and waffles. I haven't tried very many other kinds though, so I'd love to try Elctro-bites!
    4. I have seen Orange Mud out and about on the trails, but haven't tried any of it yet. The wrap seems like a useful thing to have around!
    5. All of the Human Potential Races seem pretty cool, but if I had to choose one, I think the Indian Creek 50's would probably fit my racing schedule best (since I'm focusing on road running for at least the first half of the year).
    6.I have never tried huaraches, but think they would definitely be interesting to try! I haven't gotten into the minimalist/barefoot running a lot, but I like the idea behind it.
    7. I would love the "Arya" pair of Switch Sunglasses, if I were to win!
    8. I'll be honest, I had not heard of the Iguana racers until this post, but they look pretty cool! I like the unique look, and would love to try out some more minimalist style shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  16. wow - what an awesome giveaway! so many cool prizes - i'm probably most excited either for the carson iguana racers (i've been a minimalist runner for several years now - which is also why huaraches are appealing to me) or the switch sunglasses (like the H-Wall Sweptback). in 2014 i just hoped to be able to give back more to the running community than i took from it - and that included serving as unofficial pacer for some friends (who posted PBs in the 5k and half-marathon) as well as being an official pacer for a marathon. in 2015 i hope to tackle all new races so that i can enjoy the process more than just focusing on the outcomes!

    as for long run fuel, i tend to be a packet-gel kinda guy ... although for my first ultra last year (56k) i found that boiled potatoes became my best friend!

    as for INKnBURN - i love the idea of stylin' while you're miling! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kept my run streak alive in 2014 and ran my first full marathon. Am now over 550 days straight, all in minimalist/barefoot shoes. In 2015 I hope to do the same but with more miles, races and a bit more shoe experimentation! Great blog. Love the product reviews.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wow.. 550! that is amazing... good luck in 2015!

      Delete
  18. Thanks for the great contests!
    1. Have seen Ink burn like the shirts
    2. Haven’t seen Orange Mud in person but a lot on social media
    3. I like the minimalist aspect of the Earth Runners
    4. I like the Switch Lynx sunglasses
    5. I like the Carson shoes because they are innovative

    ReplyDelete
  19. My goal is to stop using the kids as an excuse not to run in 2015. Jogging stroller, here I come!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a great giveaway, Jeff. Looking forward to pushing my limits again this year :) Here's to a Happy & Healthy 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I haven't tried huaraches, but I like the simplistic design!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Those EarthRunners look great, would love to try a pair out

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Lynx look like the Switch glasses I would pick! And the Iguanas look interesting! I'd love to try them, though I'm a huge Skora fan, it would be interesting to see how they compare.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think I would get the Stormrider Switch sunglasses if I won.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm GOING to complete my 1st full marathon. If luck would have it I will run my 1st ultra this year as well. This is my year of redemption after having such a lousy race year last year.

    I don't know if I'm more excited for the Orange Mud transition towel or the Earth Runners. Although the INKnBURN tee would be amazing; or the Switch sunglasses.

    ReplyDelete
  26. My goal for 2015 is to drink more water!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I really would like to have pair of Carson Iguanas because I believe in zero drop, flexible footwear.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hope to see you at some of the HPRS races and FAs this year! If I win an entry into a HPRS race, I don't think I'm ready for a 100 yet but plan to run all the others! So far I've only registered for the Southpark one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be at the Frozen Dead Guy 50K FA at the end of this month... and I'm planning to run South Park so I'll see you there for sure! And I'm going to run Tommyknockers and Indian Creek as well!

      Delete
  29. Looking for the shorter stuff... this year! S.P. 1/2 marathon, marathon or a 50k.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Enjoyed reading this post! Looking forward to running my first marathon (Collegiate Peaks 25) and the Leadville Marathon:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The South Park Half Marathon/Marathon and Silverheels 100 look epic! Will totally look into doing the whole series next year!

      Delete
  31. My running in 2014 was just blah so I'm already getting my motivation back for 2015. We have a big move in June to Guam and there are a ton of races of a variety of distances (and super cheap!)so I want to be race ready when we move back there. Wow, awesome giveaway! I would love the Switch Sunglasses or an InkBurn shirt for my hubby as he has been eyeing a few of them :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I don't own any InknBurn clothes but I do love their designs. Would love one of their tank tops or skirts.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I would pick the Tenaya Lake Sunglasses from Switch! Love them!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have never worn a minimalist shoe but would love to try the Iguanas.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I haven't seen any Orange Mud products. The seat cover looks great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. I haven't tried huaraches but I love the idea of running in them to the beach in them. I like running to the beach but hate when sand all ends up in my shoes. These have would be great.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I may or may not want to win an entry. Because if I won an entry to a HRPS race I might accidently pick Silverheels. And that would be crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  38. My goal is to run a distance further than a marathon. Getting prepared for it. Wish me luck!
    Love InknBurn - would love to try their stuff so I could run with the cool cats who are younger than me and have a look they would envy ;)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love Sherpa John's Fat ASS runs. He is amazing!

    ReplyDelete

I live for comments.. so leave one! Thanks!