2015 Ambassadorships
First off – let me just say real quick that running in the wind is NO JOKE! Even after reading Cori’s post the other day about how much wind can slow you down during your runs I was stubborn (go figure) and still headed outside for my workout yesterday morning despite 25-35 mph winds and loads of black ice.
The 5 mile tempo ended up being a really good lesson in running by effort. 6:10 average is a little tough to see on my watch when the goal pace was 5:55-6:00 but I know that I was pushing at a tempo effort and I was exhausted afterwards so I know I put in the work! Just a little public service announcement that there are more things that go into factoring effort than the splits on your watch. 🙂
I know that I’ve peppered you with announcements about the ambassadorships that I’ve been chosen for this year but I wanted to do one post to tell you a bit more about each of these brands that I’m lucky to represent!
Altra
I had been hearing great things about Altra for awhile before I got the chance to try them out through the Runner’s World Festival in October. I fell in love as soon as I slipped on my first pair of One^2’s and have worn then for every workout and race since! For my maintenance runs and long runs I love the Torins and the Provisions. My favorite thing about Altra is that they are truly a running shoe company, and they are really passionate about helping people run better and stay injury free!
ProCompression
My senior year of college I had my first ever case of shin splits. They were so painful that I started trying any and all compression socks and sleeves that I could get my hands on. The first couple brands that I tried didn’t feel tight enough to do anything and fell down all. the. time. I almost resigned myself to the fact that maybe they just didn’t work for me when my best CA running buddy suggested ProCompression. When I tried on PRO’s socks I knew there was no going back – these things were perfect! I’ve been a HUGE fan for the past two years and am lucky to be an Ambassador for them again this year!
Honey Stinger
You probably don’t want to know this about me but I have a really sensitive stomach. When I was training for my first marathon I was awful about practicing with fueling on my long runs because as soon as I would eat a little GU or something like that I would need a bathroom ASAP (TMI? sorry, but it’s true). My coach at the time told me that his college athletes had a lot of success with Honey Stinger products because they are all natural and aren’t as harsh to your system as the sugars that are in the GU packets. The original Honey Stinger gels and the chews were a game changer when it came to my marathon training! They are so tasty and easy on the stomach and really do the trick when you need some extra energy. I also love the chocolate and honey waffles for before my morning runs if I wake up hungry and need a little something to hold me over until breakfast time.
Cocogo
Like Honey Stinger Cocogo is all natural which I absolutely love! When I spend my long runs downing sweet gels and chews the last thing I want to hydrate afterwards is a sugary drink like Gatorade or Powerade. Cocogo has a little sweetness in it but that comes from fruit and is just the right amount that I want after all that sugar during my run! My favorite flavor is the coconut lemon-lime, it is so refreshing and light. I can’t wait for summer to come because all that heat and humidity will give me an excuse to sip on Cocogo all day long! 😉
I am so incredibly thankful for these companies that support me and my running and hope that I represent them well as I chase down my goals!
Post half marathon PR – with all my fave brands!
What do you think about running in the wind? What is your least favorite element to run in??
**I was not asked or encouraged to write this post by any of the companies involved. I just wanted to rave about my favorite brands a little bit, all opinions are my own. 🙂