Confessions of an Amateur Athlete

It's probably no surprise when I tell you I LOVE Nuun Hydration. I'm constantly popping open tubes, plopping tablets in my water bottles, and always boasting about them to friends. So it's only natural that they be included on My Favorite Gear Holiday Giveaway!

"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 love Nuun.  And wanted to share that love with my friends...  AND with you!  

First off, I have to take a few seconds to really thank Hoist for not only sending me a few items to try out.... but a whole CASE!  AND a draw-string bag like the ones you get at expos! THANK YOU SO MUCH Hoist, You guys rock!

ion-taylor-photography/flikr The temps are already picking up here in the desert!  So it's time to discuss my tricks to surviving the Arizona heat!  I say "surviving" the hellish heat because in Phoenix, we don't BEAT the heat... there's no beating 117+ digits.  Instead, we have to come up with ways to get in our long runs while not being burnt to a crisp in sweltering sun! Yes, it is a "dry heat", but so is an oven .  However, you'd be surprised what your body can get used to.  These days, I've acclimated so much that I'd prefer to go run in 90+ degrees then attempt a run in anything below 30. LOL. So how do I stay alive in the desert?  Here are the tricks I use during my summer training: Stay Hydrated This, of course, is the most important.  I always take EXTRA water with me.  I might normally only need a small handheld bottle for a quick tempo run, but during the summer I'll take a fuel belt to be safe.  My philos...