Confessions of an Amateur Athlete

Everyone seems to focus on what to put under the tree for the runner on their shopping list, but how about the stockings! I focus on some very affordable, smaller running items *I* would love to find in *my* stocking, and I know any runner would too. Plus discounts on a few items so you can save even more! 

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Rudy Project-Rydon Impactx-2 shades 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. Shades are essential on my desert runs. But does a pricey pair make a difference? I compare my last sunglasses review experience to this one for the ultimate analysis!

I've ran the Rock n Roll Las Vegas before ( last year's recap ) But this time I had the opportunity to see a side of Las Vegas I'd never had the chance to experience before! 

“Disclaimer: I received a free pair of 2XU  MCS 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!” -------------------------------- You are probably overwhelmed with the amount of runner/bloggers who say " I love X product " because they received it for free. Or because they hope to sell it to you. But I can honestly say that I love 2XU so much, that I've since purchased numerous other 2XU products on my own! I've had over a month to test out 2XU for everything from recovery to enhancing my performance, and over that time I've truly believe I've found the compression that stands out above the rest.

“Disclaimer: I received 2 free pairs of  XX2i  France 2 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!” -------------------------------------- I've been dividing my time between the trails and a "big boy job" lately (more about that HERE ), which means I haven't been able to sport my running gear to the office... until now! I love my new sleek shades from XX2i, that make me feel fast on the trails and polished at the office. 

Who doesn't like new RUNNING GEAR?! Being a BibRavePro gives me the chance to pass along some seriously SWEET discounts on big name brands and all around awesome products. I've already purchased extras of everything listed because I enjoy them all that much.  Here's your chance to stock up as well for yourself.. or maybe even as a gift for that special runner in your life.

I love my running clothes. I feel most comfortable in them. But one of the most exciting things for me about taking on this new job at Gemini Virgo Productions , is donning a whole new wardrobe! My good friend who does photography on the side helped me commemorate this moment of self-validation with a photo shoot. 

“Disclaimer: I received entry into The North Face Endurance Challenge Series 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 yet to run a race that made the trails more welcoming than the North Face Endurance Challenge Series-Wisconsin . I met so many celebrities, was left inspired by the friends around me, and had an incredible adventure with memories to last a lifetime!

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Wigwam Ironman Lightning Pro 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! All opinions are my own . ----------------------------------------- Photo (left to right):  @heatherruns13.1 , @lauracaffeine ,  @azsungoddess, and myself We BibRave PROs took Wigwam Socks for a run  and bonded over the experience! 

Yes, it's ANOTHER Big Announcement.  But I'm very excited to share this one with you...  I've accepted a NEW JOB!  

Disclaimer: I received the UV Full Buff 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.                                                 ----------------------------------------- Once I had tried the UV Half Buff, I knew I not only wanted to try the FULL Buff, but that I also wanted to get one for my pups. BibRave was gracious enough to hook me up with both! Why was I so excited to become a "Buff Household"? I break it all down in this review. 

Come Friday, it was RACE DAY! I was about to embark on the journey of a lifetime: tackling the Hood to Coast Relay with Team Nuun ! Honestly, I'd barely slept from all the excitement. 

My Hood to Coast adventure was a challenge. An experience both mentally and physically demanding. And I loved every minute of it! I owe my amazing experience to the best host a runner could ask for: Nuun !

Thanks to some obstacles life threw my way, I've been delayed on my Race Review on Ragnar Wasatch Back. I've also missed telling you about all the adventure of running with Nuun. With a whole NEW adventure on the horizon, I'm finally sharing my story!  Team Nuuniacs at the Ragnar Wasatch Back Finish!

With big races on the horizon and dealing with injury (more about that HERE ), the normal prescription of stretching and "taking time off" wasn't cutting it. So I turned to a local  Physical Therapist to see if " fire cupping "could help me.

Disclaimer: I received the UV Half Buff 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.                                       ----------------------------------------- What exactly is a Buff?  Isn't it geared more towards women? How can it help running in hot weather? Why is it better than a hat/visor? I asked all these same questions, but after putting the UV Half Buff to the test, I now have the answers!  

ANOTHER running injury. Tons of big races and big goals on the horizon.  I've been thrown quite the obstacle, but it's time to face the facts and get back on track!

A savory option to those sugary gels... but do they WORK? What about the TASTE? Thanks to the #RunEatTweetAZ crew, I was able to take the new  Organic Energy Food  from  Clif  for test run!

Disclaimer: I received the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 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 the most frustrating things I've dealt with as a runner is finding the right wireless headphones! Either they don't fit, they start malfunctioning quickly after purchase, or they're just too expensive. I had a chance to try out the BackBeat FIT from  Plantronics . So I put them through a rigorous test to save YOU some of the hassle!

Some of you may have seen the announcement, but only a few friends and family know exactly the latest speed bump my life has taken. And even though it's a cliche, in my case, when one door was closed another was definitely thrown wide open. 

It's a Water Bottle.. AND It's a Foam Roller. Color me intrigued! But how does the Mobot hold up when put to the test? Disclaimer: I received a Mobot to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a  BibRave Pro  (ambassador), and check out  BibRave.com   to find and write race reviews!

I've been looking for a new source of fuel to take in before my runs. It's been a tricky search with my sensative stomach. So I decided to give "clean fuel" a try, with GoMacro Macrobars . Here's my review AND your chance to WIN a whole box!

The big adventure is finally here! Nerves are on end, and excitement is boiling!  I'm running the original Ragnar Relay with TeamNuun athletes and there a few ways you can follow along on my journey.

Ragnar Wasatch Back is a week away! I've got to pack light, but can't forget my fuel. So what made the cut? I break down my favorite five things I'll be using to fuel my 24-hour relay!

#NationalRunningDay is tomorrow, June 3rd. A virtual running celebration from coast to coast! Anyone can join, it's completely FREE, and best of all.. tons of companies are joining in to offer giveaways, deals and more! It's like "Black Friday" for runners! So I'm breaking down just some of the fun you can get involved in and take advantage of it all! 

These days I there are so many options for running shoes it can get overwhelming, especially for new runners or those trying to get that "perfect fit". Friends always want to know what shoe I wear and have I tried "X" brand. I wanted to put some of the most popular brands to the test, to find MY own perfect fit. 

I surprised myself at The Night Run , and with a few small tweaks, I believe this race will draw runners from all over!  

Friends and followers new to Ragnar Relay have asked me "how do you train" for one? I'm sharing what advice I have for those looking to either run their first Ragnar Relay, or bring their A-Game come race day! Crossing the finish of Ragnar Relay SoCal with my ULTRA team.

So my blog has been quiet as of late. There are now new races and new opportunities on the horizon and I've been busy keeping tabs on them all. Now I'm taking the time to share them with you! 

My run group #RunEatTweetAZ is hosting a virtual 5k for a cause that's near and dear to my heart, the Arizona Humane Society . Help us help animals in need.  http://runeattweetaz.com/virtual5k/

I've always had a love/hate relationship with foam rollers. After being introduced to the  M80 roller , it's now more of a love/love! 

It's been a busy week with exciting updates! From my Run the Runway 5k, division awards, personal rewards, big DISCOUNTS, and plans for my 50k Redemption! 

After months of stress, injury, and wondering when/where my next race would be... the pieces all fall together by chance! I basically feel like I've won the running lottery!

The puppies had their first race this last weekend at the Kiss Me I'm Irish Run !

Some Gear and Race discounts to get your hands on before they expire!

I wasn't on my selfie A-game for this race.  So how do I tell my  Phoenix Marathon  story? How about 13.1 things that make this race really stand out! Think it can't be done? Read on!

This time last year I was preparing to run the Phoenix Marathon , with a goal to PR.   (Spoilers, I *did* PR!) Last year's Race Recap HERE . Now I'm just hoping to finish the Half!  

It's been quiet on here lately. But I have been busy... and I bring gifts! Well sort of.. read on for Race Discounts, Giveaways, and upcoming awesomeness! :) 

Winter means many of us runners are running at night. And night-running means we need to take extra precautions to be visible to everyone else, as well as being able to see! I put a variety of Nite Ize LED products to the visibility test! 

My big plans for my first Ultra in March have crumbled.  The odds just aren't in my favor! However, I'm not letting that get me down.  My Ultra Marathon Journey still continues! http://38.media.tumblr.com/

I've ran the Rock and Roll Arizona course a number of times... but this was my first run from the "middle" of the pack. I saw aspects of the race I'd never seen before!

Instead of just listing my 2015 goals, I like to look back and the lessons learned in 2014 and how they'll help me and YOU become a stronger runner for the new year!