Confessions of an Amateur Athlete

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Fotonyk Performance Sunglasses and Trucker Hat from Rudy Project  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! Santa didn't bring everything you wanted for Christmas? Treat yourself to what are now a crucial piece of my training gear: Rudy Project Fotonyk shades . I put them to the test and share how they held up in the desert! 

The North Face Endurance Challenge Series Events in San Francisco, CA was an adventure of a lifetime. And getting to share the experience with my November Project-Phoenix friends was icing on one amazing cake!

It's never too soon to plan your summer race-cation right? I'm planning mine at the North Olympic Discovery Marathon in Washington state summer of 2017. You can join in the fun race preps by WINNING a NODM training swag bag! 

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Aerodaks men's sports briefs to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! I can't speak for all guys, but I know some short liners or plain undies just don't provide the ...eh.. support we need for on the run. The Aerodaks running briefs promise men better support, breathable mesh, moisture wicking, and better comfort. Do they live up to the claim? I put them to the test!

I've registered for the Sedona Marathon  this February 4, 2017 and will be running as a BibRave Pro . This isn't my first time at the Sedona Marathon events (read my review from last year HERE ). Today, I'm breaking down  Ten Reasons to Run The Sedona Marathon! Photo Courtesy: www.sedonamarathon.com

Eating healthy is a struggle on its own. But SNACKING healthy--that's a whole new challenge! So I put the Thrive Bars from GoMacro through the test to find out if these Organic, Gluten-Free, Plant-Based protein snack bars were as tasty as they sound.

Disclaimer: I received a pack of Luvo Frozen Meals  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! One of my largest issues holding me back from becoming a stronger athlete and reaching my fitness goals... is my diet! But leading a busy life and trying to do meal prep can be tough. Not to mention palate fatigue from the same old meals each day. So I was excited to see if Luvo meals could be the answer to my struggle. 

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Craft Classic Phoenix as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!" The Craft Classic-Phoenix half-marathon was my "comeback" race to the running scene. It was full of hops and high-fives. They even found a way to make hills... FUN!

Disclaimer: I received a Rudy Project Sterling Helmet-Limited Edition Fluo  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! -------------------------------------- I'm working on running smarter, and stronger. So I have been cross-training to strengthen other muscles, and to change up my routine. Biking has been one of them. I wanted to stay safe on the trails, but looking sexy too doesn't hurt either . That's where my Rudy Project Sterling Helmet comes in! 

“Disclaimer: I received a sample of 2Toms Stink Free Sports Detergent and 2Toms Stink Free Spray  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!” -------------------------------------- Leading an active lifestyle means I go through an above average level of laundry. If I have more than one activity or run in one day, plus my work clothes--that's three "outfits" in one day! All of them wet, smelly, and downright nasty. And my running gear... even worse! So my stinky laundry was the perfect test subject for the 2Toms Sink Free Sports Detergent and Stink Free Spray. 

Ever wondered what it's like to run a Beer Mile ? I took on the challenge with friends to see if I could make it through. And have some tips for you if you're thinking of running one yourself.

“Disclaimer: I received a free pair of AMPLAFly  shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!” -------------------------------------- I've been attempting to not just begin training again, but to train smarter. Better form, stronger running. So I put the ultimate training tool, a pair AMPLAFly shoes, to the test!

“Disclaimer: I received a free pair of XX2i Australia1 Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!” -------------------------------------- Shades are important in the desert. And the proper pair are just as important as the right pair of shoes. I put the XX2i Australia1 Performance sunglasses to the summer test! 

"Disclaimer: I received an Orange Mud Endurance Pack to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"                                            --------------------------------------- When working out in 108-118 degree weather... staying hydrated is extremely important and always top of mind. But when it comes to a hydration pack, we all want so many things. I put the Orange Mud Endurance Pack to the test and see if it has everything I am looking for! 

I know, it's been several  months since my last post.  I tackled some major life changes. But I'm back! And running and staying active has helped me get my life back on track.

Disclaimer: I received a pair of On Cloudserfers  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! I have always been super picky about shoes. I have become accustomed to wearing shoes I could simply "tolerate"... until now. Read on for why I have fallen in love with the innovative  On Cloudsurfers ! 

Disclaimer: I received 2xu Performance Run Calf Sleeves and 2xu Vectr Socks  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! I had to change some plans around, only to have others fall into place. I'll be sending my 20's out with a BANG all thanks to my new 2XU ! 

Apologies on the delay! But Part 2 of my Double Challenge Turned Triple Threat Weekend was an adventure out on the Arizona Trails. Worth the wait! 

My Double Challenge Weekend Turned into a Triple Threat! First on the list, was the Sedona Half Marathon . Read on for why the Sedona Marathon is easily now my *favorite* half-marathon!

Disclaimer: I received two items from 2XU (the Hyoptik Jacket and Movement Engineered 1/4 Zip ) to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! All opinions are my own. This isn't your everyday review! I have some lofty goals this 2016, including my own "Double Challenge", and thanks to BibRave and 2XU I received an amazing gift of dependable gear to help me tackle what's ahead.

Disclaimer: I received a pair of 2XU's Hyoptik Thermal Compression Tights  to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! All opinions are my own. Cold. Mud. Rain. Darkness. Burpees.  I put my 2XU Hyoptik Thermal Compression Tights through it all! 

A whole lot of work, a little fun, team building, and lots of high-fives! My behind the scenes confession as a race official at the Sin City Shootout 5k, 10k, & Double Your Luck Challenge .

2015 was a whirlwind of challenges, changes and adventures. I'm taking a look back at all the excitement and a look ahead at what's in store for 2016!