Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Happy and Healthy 2018!!!



Happy New Year!!!

Hard to believe that another year has passed by... and even harder to believe.. this is my 6th Annual Happy and Healthy kickoff post and giveaway!  Yep.. way back in January of 2012 I launched my first Happy and Healthy... and I can't believe how much it's grown since then!

Credit http://www.teamworkinnovationz.com/

 I have really appreciated all of you that have been following my blog for the past year, following on Twitter, instagram, and liking the Barefoot Inclined Facebook page. Which is why I am so excited to host the ultimate giveaway to get 2018 off to a great start, showcasing my favorite gear and vendors from 2017 and the amazing things from those companies I represent as a proud ambassador!

 
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 continue participating in trail ultramarathons. I set a goal of running a 100 miler in 2017, and gave it all I had. You can read all the details HERE, but I only managed 64 miles before having to DNF.  On a positive note, I did manage 67miles at the 24 Hours of Palmer Lake in April as well. 

While it was so awesome to be able to reach 100K+ twice last year, I was still a bit bummed about not getting my 100 miles.  After my attempt, I had to shift gears into selling our home, then looking for a new home, moving and getting settled.  For those of you that have done that, especially after being in one place for 10+ years, you know what I'm talking about.  That kind of wiped out the summer, and I've also had to focus more time on work/family, which is all good, but I got out of the habit of running regularly, and posting here as well...   so if you've stuck around, I appreciate it. 

So... while I had hoped to bore you with recaps of all these amazing races in 2017, I instead can only relay that the balance of the year was a struggle. I've put 20 lbs back on due to not running, and I lost a lot of motivation over that time to work out at all, or to work on any reviews or blog posts..  



But.. have no fear! I am back!.  I am slowly working my miles back up, and feeling that joy of just getting out on the trail and moving, regardless of the speed.  And, what else does one do to get motivated?  Sign up for races of course!  Not just any races though... I've signed up for several Human Potential Running Series events, including the South Park Trail Marathon, and the Last Call 50 Miler!  And of course, I can't skip the 24 Hours of Palmer Lake... as a matter of fact, I may start that one early, and just go until I get my 100 miles....  so local folks, I may need your help at that one! 2018 will be EPIC!

Speaking of epic..  In 2017 I had the great fortune to continue the year representing Carson FootwearFuel 100Switch SunglassesOrange Mud, and  Thin Optics  as an Ambassador!! I can't tell you how great it is to be involved with these folks, the amazing products they have, and the incredible fellow ambassadors I've got to know...   I am very lucky indeed :-)




OK!... let's get on with the HUGE giveaway to kick 2018 off right! 

Below are brief recaps of some of the reviews I've done over the last year or so, and an opportunity for me to give back, thanks to the generosity of all the great folks I've worked with and represented over the years.   I have a separate giveaway for each, so you have tons of opportunities to win! 

Each giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. (and in some cases, Canada or elsewhere, and will be noted).  I will run these until 10PM MST, Sunday January 14th, 2018... so enter early and often!



Let's kick this thing off with a shout out to Carson Footwear, the makers of my favorite trail/ultra running shoe...   These things are amazing!  My first review of these was almost exactly 3 years ago, and you can check it out HERE.  The ONLY running shoe manufacturer that builds their shoes 100% in the US with US materials...  That rocks..  



I love being an ambassador representing Carson Footwear...  I ran a 50K in these right out of the box, and my original Iguana's reached 800 miles before I reluctantly retired them. I also got to run in the latest 12/12 sole (pictured above), after Carson Footwear overnighted a pair to me in So Cal just in time to run the Born To Run Ultras 100! 




Anyway, if you've followed me for any length of time, you know I will go on and on about Carsons.. so I'll stop now, and instead give away a pair of Carson's of your choice to one winner, plus a Carson t-shirt to two additional winners, courtesy of the amazing folks at Carson Footwear.  If by chance you don't win, you can always score 10% off by using the code "barefootjg" at checkout :-)


a Rafflecopter giveaway








Another company I am proud to represent is Switch/Liberty Sport Eyewear.  From my first run in the Switch H-Walls to skiing with the all weather protection of the Storm Riders, and most recently, hitting the trails in the Avalanche Upslope, I've been hooked.



I love the ability to quickly swap out lenses lightning fast for different lighting conditions (perfect for Colorado trails), and the fact that the Avalanches are the bomb for trail running... light, durable, and well ventilated...  And such great folks to work with!  Anyway, enter below to snag a pair of Avalanche Upslopes (or any style of your choice) for your running adventures!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


http://humanpotentialrunning.com/

Woo hoo! Now I get a chance to rave about my favorite trail ultra series by far.   Although there is no longer an official ambassador program, you can bet that I continue to promote Sherpa John's races and events, and participate in as many as I can.  Why? Because he and HPRS get it....  And what is IT?  Simply put.. its that sense of community.  I've met so many amazing folks and had so much fun at these races that it is difficult to describe.  I did try in a post HERE.  The bottom line is if you want an extremely well-run race, killer aid stations, and to feel supported and valued, whether 1st place or DFL..  HPRS is where you belong..  check them out and become a member!

And speaking of races.... thanks to Sherpa John's generosity, I am able to give away race entries to one male and one female winner! Check out all the races HERE.. and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Xeroshoes (Invisible Shoes then) was my first pair of minimalist runners back in 2011 and I will never forget the impression they made. Steven Sashen has come a long way with his company and products and I've loved working with them over the years.  Last year they released the Day Light Hiker shown along with the Coalton casual boot, and they both are amazing! 



And in 2016, I finally met the man, myth, and legend himself.. Steven Sashen!  We had a great time at the US Trail Running Conference in Estes Park.   And Steven, being the great guy he is, has provided 1 pair of the Day Light Hikers for me to give away!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



2017 was another great year for ThinOPTICS.  For those of you like me that struggle with joys of presbyopia, ThinOPTICS are a life saver! I carry two phones ( work and personal) and I have a pair attached to each..   and they are awesome.. easy to wear, easy to keep track of as the case is attached to my phones and an incredible lifetime warranty!    Check out my full review HERE.

New for 2018 is a very cool swap system that I can't wait to try out! I'll tell you all about once I do, but in the interim,  I'm giving away an awesome Gift Pack you build yourself!  Enter to win two universal pods (in styles of your choice) plus a keychain set! Also, if you follow this LINK to the ThinOPTICS website, you will qualify for a 15% discount on any order!



a Rafflecopter giveaway





Another one of my favorite running huarache companies is Shamma Sandals.  I've been working with Josh at Shamma for several years now, and he and his company have been following a path of continuous improvement in the design and composition of their sandals, and it has been great to participate in that journey.  Last year I reviewed the latest edition of the Warriors HERE, and even since then, the products continue to evolve, so stay tuned for some new stuff in 2018! From what I understand, Josh has been working on a new grip top which should be awesome..combined with the power straps, they will be amazing I am sure! I'll review them sometime this Spring!


Being the awesome dude he is, Josh is providing 2 pairs of any model sandal to 2 of you! Go to the Shamma website HERE and check them out, then enter below!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Next up... Lace Locker from Stash Sports! Never leave home without them and never loose again! I just reviewed these last October, and I love them.  Seriously... super simple and super effective.  Check out my review by clicking HERE and see why they rock.  And speaking of rocking, Carol "Stash" Stanely and Stash  Sports has provided 10 pairs, so I'll give away two pair to 5 of you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ok!  You've made it this far! Wading through my blah blah blah, entering giveaways left and right... good job! Keep it up!  This annual post is almost like running an ultra :-)



Last, but certainly not least in this 2018 extravaganza is Arctic Cool..  This company and the folks associated with it are.... cool!  I am working on a review of their amazing cooling gear.  I know it sounds funny in winter (although we haven't had much of that in Colorado yet), but I ran in 100 degree temps in an Arctic Cool shirt, and Cooling Towel at Born To Run in May... While I didn't make my goal, I am certain that this cooling gear kept me going much longer than I could have in that heat..   

Not only do they have shirts and shorts, but they offer a variety of "cool" gear... check it all out HERE.   Stay tuned for my review, and I know I'll be checking out more of their gear to keep me moving later this year when it heats up...   And speaking of cool.. the "cool" folks at Arctic Cool are giving away any item of your choice to one winner!





a Rafflecopter giveaway






Wow... there you have it...   a wrap on 2017 and a huge kickoff to 2018!   Thanks again for tuning in.. I wish you all the very best in this new year and  I am really looking forward to another great year of running and blogging!

Happy trails!

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




35 comments:

  1. Wow! Can't believe it's that time of year again! Such great prizes! Crossing my fingers for the Carsons and xeros...man it sure would be nice to win either one...and Arctic cool? This desert rat needs exactly that. I have a cooling towel or two I carry hiking up to the tower, but sure could use something a little lighter! I hear you on the added weight and lack of motivation, and I didn't even have to move a whole house! Here's to 2018, though, Happy New Year!

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  2. Woohoo! I love the new year post from Jeff. Much luck and continued success to you in 2018 sir.

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  3. I'm currently trail running...in road shoes! Hoping to win something much better!

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  4. Wow, thank you for the generous giveaways! My current trail runner shoes are Salomon Speedcross 4's, but I would be interested in trying Carson's. Regarding fuel, I don't have a consistent source, but bananas are always good! I don't currently have a pair of minimalist shoes, but with all shoes (and I would expect with those as well), comfort is the most critical feature. Similarly, I don't have hiking sandals, but I would be interested in trying them, and what I would probably enjoy the most is not having my feet get as sweaty as they would in regular hiking boots. Lastly, the primary way that I try to stay cool in the heat is to run in areas that have shade and to stick to the shaded parts as much as possible. Wearing a hat also helps!

    Phew, that was a lot. Thanks again for offering the giveaways, and I hope you have a great 2018!

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  5. I always enjoy following you on FB. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  6. Awesome giveaway this time! Best of luck this year. Hope you hit your 100!

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  7. As always have fun! Thanks for the raffle options.

    Mitch

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  8. drink water
    tie them together
    more comfy
    no glasses
    easy to wear
    power bars
    no fav

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  9. I personally love running in my Skechers Go Runs! Entered on Rafflecopter as REBECCA ROBERTS

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  10. The most critical feature of a minimalist shoe to me is motion control and stability! Entered on the form as REBECCA ROBERTS

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  11. I love hiking and walking in sandals because of love the freeing feeling of having my toes out! Entered on the form as REBECCA ROBERTS

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  12. I stay cool running in the heat by using a wet towel on my neck. Entered on the form as REBECCA ROBERTS

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  13. "What is the most critical feature of a minimalist shoe to you?" WIDE. Feet and toes need plenty of space to spread/flex and do what they are naturally designed to do! No support or control structures in the footwear, it interferes with the foot's (and legs', etc) ability to strengthen and function correctly naturally.

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  14. Favorite trail runner: undecided! I like my Hoka's but i'm also afraid I'm going to twist my ankle! Getting back into running is awesome, but I have to update my gear!

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  15. Those glasses look amazing! Hmm, mine are like 10 years old, I bet the Switch/Liberty Sports sunglasses would be a huge improvement. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  16. Can't wait to try the Human Potential Marathon-my first! Might as well make it HUGE!

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  17. I do use reading glasses, but they are just a prescription and I'm always misplacing them, which is not good because I need them to read my old phone! Thinoptics look really cool. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  18. Shamma Sandal Giveaway: I've never run in sandals, but I'm intrigued! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  19. Lace Locker Giveaway: TRIPLE KNOT! Such a pain, especially when I get a rock in my shoe. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. Arctic Cool: to stay cool when I run, I wear a shade hat. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  21. I could definitely use more Carson Footwear shoes...one of my two pairs is due to be retired and the other will be worn out by summertime at the rate I'm putting miles on them!

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  22. Prizes! I love the Lead King Loop 25k trail race - so difficult but beautiful! Hard to pick a favorite pair of shoes but I tend to gravitate toward my Salomon Sense Pro's frequently for any trail conditions.

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  23. I am a cold weather runner, so I try to avoid running when it's hot at all costs! But when I have to, I recruit friends to ride bikes alongside and spray me with squirt guns full of cold water, or put otter pops in my sports bra.

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  24. my favorite runners are skechers so comfortable

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  25. My favorite runners are skechers. They seem to fit well and very comfy!

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  26. I think swapping out on the fly would be great!

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  27. The most critical feature of a minimalist shoe would be good stability. Very important!

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  28. I love walking/hiking/running in sandals because they are comfy and I feel free and cool.

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  29. I stay cool running in the heat by using a cold towel around my neck.

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  30. I love how relaxing it is for me and love the peace and quiet

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  31. One of my favorite trail races has not been found yet, but i am hoping to have a favorite soon

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