June RunnerBox Review

I am happy to bring you my first RunnerBox review as one of the newest Blog Ambassadors!! I received my new box early last week and was really excited. I mean, what runner doesn't enjoy receiving presents??? With RunnerBox you can select the frequency in which you want to receive these awesome presents! And every month the boxes change! YAHOO! Well, I want to share some of the goodies I got this month! There are a few things I am really anxious to try! That's another one of the awesome benefits of subscribing to RunnerBox! You can always sample and try new products without the huge commitment of purchasing a product not knowing if you will like it or not.

Lock Laces - Many runners know about Lock Laces. I have heard of them but I've never owned a pair. Lock Laces basically remove the need for you to worry about tying your shoes when you are out there running. They also eliminate heel crushing and reduce pressure points! So I'll be excited to give these a try.

Generation UCAN! - This is a product that was pitched to me when I was at the Boston Marathon expo. Funny enough, Meb uses this stuff...and he won Boston! Generation UCAN is a drink powder that is known to provide steady energy and put your body in the ideal performance state whit ion spikes and crashes...or GI stress. The reason I didn't buy it in Boston was because of the price tag on the box...so I will be really interested to see how this works, and how it compliments my other fuel. I was really excited to pull this product out of the box.

Mud Energy Gel - Not a big gel fan. But for those that are, I think it is interesting that this particular gel uses coconut water and has 12 grams of protein...and of course uses chocolate (hence the name mud right?) Can't say I will use it but good to know it's out there. If you have used it I would love to hear your thoughts.

PureFit Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Premium Protein Bar - I've been known to enjoy a PureFit bar once or twice and I gotta say these are really tasty! In fact, I like having snackage to take along with me on long trail runs, this seems to hit the mark. I have also had this flavor and it is NOMTASTIC! Tasty, full of protein and developed by athletes. Winner!

Pure Clean Beet Powder - I like beets, they are nature's candy don't cha know. Brownie points to whoever gets that reference. Anyway. I didn't know that someone would take beets and turn them into a powder...well they did. Pure Clean is organic, full-strength beet juice...just in powder form. So essentially you literally just add water. Interesting. The nitrates are still included with the package! You can also use it in juice and smoothies. This may be part of my breakfast tomorrow. A great example of a product I had no idea existed that catches my curiosity. MMM Beets....

Fuel 100 Salty Vanilla Electro-Bites - These little guys are designed to help extend training and improve race performance. The packs are only 100 calories, and the bites have a salty taste that dissolve easily in your mouth. Some of their ingredients include coconut oil and agave syrup. Not quite sure what to think about these, but they do sound tasty. Sounds like a road test is in order.

EBOOST - Hydration mix time! The flavor I got was pink lemonade! YAY, how awesome is that for summer time? So, EBOOST powders have a bunch of interesting things in them. Green tea, green coffee (what?), various vitamins, electrolytes and antioxidants of course. Good news is that is doesn't have any artificial colors or sweeteners. No sugar. That's a good thing. It may be worth a sip for sure...but more research on the green coffee is needed. ;)

Veggie-Go's Chewy Fruit and Veggie Snack - Fruit Leathers! YAY! I'm a big kid so anything that reminds me of my old lunch box is a winner in my mind. These babies are organic fruit strips but they also have half a serving of veggies in them, now that's pretty damn cool. Of course they are also packed with vitamins and minerals...these will find their way into my lunch box tomorrow.

Lenny & Larry's Peanut Butter Crunch FIT Protein Brownie - More peanut butter! ALL THE PROTEIN! Instead of making a bar, these folks made a brownie. I appreciate that. Different textures and consistencies can be fun to experiment with. It's gluten free, has no GMOs, low sugar, and has 13 grams of protein. Seems like something I would be interested in chomping on!

RunnerBox Towel - Thanks guys for tossing in this lovely little gem! It is getting hot here in so cal so a microfiber towel is always welcome! It's really kind of neat! Me Likes Swag!

All in all, I am really satisfied with the box. The total value of everything in the box is $30.99. That's more than what you would have paid for it. I'm calling this one a victory. I may not use all the products, but that doesn't mean that they are bad. I am also interested in trying some of the new things like Generation UCAN, the Beet Powder, and I'm gonna tear into that veggie snack. Pretty sweet!

Want to get started with RunnerBox? I have a discount code for you! SSRUNRB will save you 10% on any RunnerBox subscription! Take a look! Try something new!

Product Review - Orange Mud Hydraquiver

Hydration is a critical part of any athlete's training, racing, or conditioning. Hydration is the sweet elixir of life and without it...well we all know what happens. When you are out on your run, what do you bring with you to ensure you have enough liquid fuel to sustain your body for the duration of your workout? Some folks use handheld water bottles, others have fuel belts with small water bottle attachments, and others use hydration bladder systems. I heard that some runners even high leprechauns to set up aid stations along their route...lucky! I have used all of these items, and honestly I don't have a favorite. I mean, if I have to choose one I think the hand held is probably the thing I will reach for first. All that changed when I was introduced to Orange Mud. 

Orange Mud is a local Southern California company that makes arguably one of the best hydration systems for runners. I would like to introduce you to the HydraQuiver by Orange Mud! The HydraQuiver is a sleek, comfortable hydration systems for runners. The HydraQuiver fits comfortably over your shoulders and gently rests on your back, like a backpack. It is padded for comfort and does not chafe what so ever. Trust me, I took mine with me on my last Trail Marathon and didn't have any chafe issues at all. The HydraQuiver houses a 24 ounce bottle that fits securely in the pack. Worried about bouncing? Not an issue. This puppy stays put! I put it through the ringer doing the Griffith Park Trail Marathon which has over 3700 feet of elevation gain and loss on the trails...that sucker didn't bounce or chafe at ALL! Your hydration is within reach...right over your shoulder. This enables you to continue moving forward while grabbing some liquid and continuing on your journey.

What I think is probably the winning factor of this device is how much storage is in this thing! I put it to the test a few weeks ago. I placed my car keys, my nutrition (Clif Blocs and EnergyBits), and 7 packs of Skratch Labs packets. Would you believe I had plenty of room left? Now of course doing this will cause your pack to get a little heavier, but a small adjustment of the shoulder straps and no problem. There is also a port so you can pull your headphone cord through and safely keep your iPod or phone inside your pack. BRILLIANT! Did I mention it comes in a ton of colors to match your personality or your outfit? Comfort, convenience, and versatility. I do my best not to run without this thing. It really is one of my staple items for my gear catalog. If you are looking for a hydration solution for your trail or road runs that stays put, provides plenty of hydration, and is versatile enough to handle whatever you throw at is, the Orange Mud HydraQuiver is what you're looking for!

As an Orange Mud Ambassador, I can offer you a great discount on the store online! CLICK HERE to be taken to the store. Then when you get to check out, use code ABLINZROCKS to save yourself 15%! Let them know I sent you over! Don't sit around and wait...you have to have one of these bad boys! If I were Oprah, this would totally be on my Favorite Things list! GO ORANGE MUD!

5 Reasons Why I Love Skratch

As a runner, one of the most important things is hydration. Sometimes, water is enough...we need to ensure our electrolytes are primed and ready for that training run or that race. There are tons of different drink mixes and tablets out there and I have some of my staples and go-to items. But, Skratch Labs hydration mix changed my world. This stuff is the real deal! Much like my relationship with EnergyBits, I like to fuel and hydrate with products that are as clean and natural as possible. Skratch not only is a natural product, but it is absolutely delicious! So I want to talk about 5 different reasons why Skratch is now my hydration of choice for training and races!

5. The Cool Swag! The folks over at Skratch are real down to Earth! They understand their customer and want to provide high quality hydration mix, and they want you to look awesome when you're drinking it. No shock to anyone, but I like to make a statement...and water bottles are an essential part of that! I scored the Polar Bottle and the Liberty Bottle. My Polar Bottle did an amazing job of keeping my Skratch cold for hours! And it looks really awesome! My Liberty bottle is a little more subtle but just as neat. With it's matte black finish and debossed Skratch logos make it sleek and stylish. It gets bonus points or being made out of 100% recycled metal materials! It also does a great job of keeping the good stuff nice and cold! Yay for swag...it's important.

4. Variety! Skratch comes in four varieties; daily electrolyte mix, exercise hydration mix, HOT exercise hydration mix, and hyper hydration mix. Now I haven't tried the hyper hydration mix...it sounds intense. I want to focus on the daily electrolyte mix and the daily hydration mix as those were the items I used the most. I tried the hot mix, and it is VERY tasty and does a great job of keeping you warm when it's chilly outside. The electrolyte mix is what you'll use when you are in the midst of battle. And the daily hydration is a new addition to their line up. I found myself addicted to this stuff as a daily beverage! Let me explain why...

3. Daily Electrolyte Hydration is AMAZING! Hydration can be boring, but your water doesn't have to be (hey that's a good line!) Water by itself is pretty bland, but adding Daily Electrolyte Mix by Skratch takes it to the next level. Now this isn't their sport drink mix at all. This is meant to drink throughout the day to remain hydrated when you don't want water, and you want to stay away from other naughty beverages such as soda. It comes in two flavors; lemons and limes and raspberries. I love them both! They are crisp, light, refreshing, and overall just delicious. It isn't overwhelming or gritty. You can't go wrong! I highly recommend this for your everyday hydration needs!

2. Exercise Hydration Mix Keeps You Moving! Listen, I love a good hydration mix that isn't overpowering with flavor. When I am racing, I like the taste of water, but always want just a hint of flavor to awaken my pallet keep my mind stimulated. Exercise Hydration Mix meets the challenge head on! The mix comes in lemons and limes, raspberries, pineapples, HOT apples and cinnamon flavors. I tried raspberries and lemons and limes and I was very happy with the results. With this stuff, I had absolutely no stomach issues or cramping what so ever! The mix is made to help maximize your performance, and I definitely felt the results. Partnered with EnergyBits this is a marriage that is meant to last Talk about amazing performance! Real Food + Real Hydration = Real Performance!

1. All Natural! Skratch is all natural stuff. They only include ingredients we normal folks can pronounce and understand what they are for. It's naturally sweetened with cane sugar and they use real fruit juices in their powder to create the out of this world light flavor profile! No cramps, amazing taste, great style,and very affordable! For a one pound bag of Skratch, you are looking at about $19.50, which for what you are getting in my humble opinion is absolutely spot on!

I'm in love with this stuff, I drink it all day long! I am due to place another order myself :) Give it a shot and tell them I sent you! Skratch Labs is awesome! Thank guys!

Product Preview & Review - INKnBURN Retro Surf Tech Tee

It's a new year, which means the awesome folks over at INKnBURN have been working around the clock to turn out some new fresh designs I know that all of us will enjoy and love! A few of these items have already started hitting the streets, such as the ladies pull-overs which have received some enhancements to their design! But as an ambassador, I get this question all the time...what about the guys!? What's new for us!? Well, lucky for the guys, I've seen a few of the new designs (sorry can't share yet) but I promise you there is wide range of variety and the designs are seriously outstanding! Very unique and you will not be able to get these new designs anywhere else! Often imitated never duplicated! One of the designs that made its retail debut at the Walt Disney World Marathon expo was a shirt I was excited for the minute I saw the sneak peek! I knew I had to have it! Especially being a Southern California boy...there was absolutely no way this could not make it into my closet and INKnBURN collection. Allow me to introduce you to the Retro Surf Tech Tee for guys and gals! (thunderous ovation please)

With it's vivid colors and energy, the retro surf tech tee is something any runner needs if they have love for the ocean, surfing, or the lifestyle. Heck, it's just a good looking tee! You'll notice there are some icons on the tech tee that really bring out its unique character. The colors in the ocean have a very specific pattern in the design, when you move it almost is like the water is moving with you...which is the purpose of surfing in the first place. Be one with the water! The palm trees are great! You see them on all parts of the shirt and they are very detailed! Each palm branch has a personality of its very own so look closely. The INB logo is incorporated as the sun on both the from and the back! It is large on the back which I don't mind...I mean it makes me easy to spot if I happen to be pacing folks! The beautiful multi-colored wave that sweeps around the shirt is both calming and bold at the same time. The shirt really tells an amazing story! The colors are all very complementary of one another! I feel both strong and calm at the same time in this shirt! One of my new favorites for sure!

Rear view of the tee

I paired this with the denim shorts and the current tech tube! The current design is in my opinion the soul mate to the retro surf tee! They look incredible together! One doesn't outshine the other! They are both strong on their own, but together they are amazing! If you are running Surf City USA in just a couple weeks, you need this. Period.

This shirt should be released in a couple weeks! Production is moving along at a great pace, so you can be sure to have your hands on this beauty real soon! Also be sure to keep an eye out for new designs on the way for men and women! Like the INKnBURN Facebook page...that is where they announce new designs and street dates for release. I have to say, I was real happy this was available for purchase at the expo...I felt so special! Especially since I got SO many compliments on the tee!

Don't forget! If you want to try INKnBURN and you're a new customer! Create an account on their website (it takes two minutes) and when you check out, use discount code 'LinzieToldMe' and you will save 15% on the items in your shopping cart. As an added bonus on your next visit you'll have 10 dollars in loyalty points to spend! Trust me, once you give these high quality, made in the USA garments a whirl, you will not ever go back! There is no problem with looking great while you run. I wouldn't have it any other way! I am thankful for INKnBURN and their amazing team who bring these creations to life! More great art on its way! Stay tuned!

Product Review - The Mizuno Wave Rider 17

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Mizuno and their running shoes! I had the opportunity to run in my very first pair of Mizuno shoes last summer with the debut of the Wave Sayonara! To date, that is still one of my favorite shoes! Light, fast, comfortable, and vivid colors! Take a trip back in time and see my review of that shoe here. Today, I want to talk to you about one of the newest additions to the Mizuno shoe arsenal of tools! The NEW Wave Rider 17!

This shoe was released in early December 2013, the 17th generation of this bad boy and let me tell you, it is not a disappointment. I received my box and opened it to find that I received the Olympian Blue and Cyber Yellow option for the shoe! My initial reaction was "WOW she's a beauty!" I couldn't wait to get these bad boys on my feet. I laced them up and slid my foot inside, and what happened next was magical! I experienced that same connection with these shoes, that I did with the Wave Sayonaras. The shoe literally felt like it had melded and became part of my foot. The comfort was absolutely incredible. This may have been due to the upgraded sock liner in the shoe!

The Wave Rider 17 is available for men and women and is classified as a high mileage neutral trainer shoe. I agree. What that means is you can comfortably use this shoe for racing or training. I have done both and have had absolutely no complains. It's adaptable and versatile! The mens shoe weighs in at only 9.2 ounces! The Wave Rider 17 has a TON of Mizuno exclusive technology built into the shoe, which gives this shoe it's unique design, feel, and experience. Such technology includes the Mizuno Wave, which is meant to disperse impact and forces it away from your foot, and is intended to be lightweight, compact, and responsive. One of my favorite components of the shoe is the incorporation of the Smooth Ride technology which creates a smooth transition from heel to toe.

The graphical elements are crazy on this shoe I LOVE THEM! The blue and yellow are stellar colors! I absolutely LIVE for the peeled paint effect that goes toward the back of the shoe on the side! There is even some pearlized detail on that area so as the light hits it, it shimmers and turns different colors! A really sexy touch! I also appreciate the Wave Rider 17 patch which is located toward the rear of the shoe near the ankle. Now let's talk performance.

I wanted to put these shoes through the ringer. I gave them a few test runs before I headed out to Walt Disney World to participate in the Dopey Challenge. I brought the Wave Rider 17s as my primary racing shoe, and the Wave Sayonaras as my back up in case something went wrong while I was product testing. I ran ALL 48.6 miles in this shoe! Not one blister. Not one cramp. Not one problem. The shoe literally adapts to your foot and the ground. I honestly felt like I was running on the waves. The ride was comfortable and light. I felt the area near my heel was heavy at times during the marathon, but that may have been due to poor form from dipping and dodging positions on course. After some time, this subsided. This shoe performed exceptionally well. When I took the shoe off, it held up amazingly to the stress. No rips, no tears, no faded graphics, just an amazingly well made shoe! Well Done, Mizuno!

Crossing the Walt Disney World Marathon finish line in the Wave Rider 17s

All in all, I am very satisfied with the shoe! It is a great neutral shoe that looks great, feels great, and performs beautifully. Give the shoe and good look! If not the Wave Rider, perhaps another shoe in their catalog! Mizuno is probably one of my favorite running shoe brands. I've yet to be disappointed with the quality and performance!

Thank you Mizuno for the chance to review another shoe!

Disclaimer/Legal Stuff: Mizuno provided the Wave Rider 17s in exchange for an honest review of their product. The above review is 100% honest is only influenced by my thoughts and experiences. Opinions and views expressed are that of See Sharp Run and not Mizuno USA. See Sharp Run believes in providing honest product reviews with the highest level of integrity.

Product Review - INKnBURN's Long Sleeve Holiday 'Sweater' Tech Tee

Ya know, I think that whole facade that people put up about not liking corny holiday sweaters is a bunch of hog-wash! Everyone at least likes the idea of a holiday sweater...even if they aren't the one wearing it. If nothing else, we like to laugh at people that do wear them...come on kids, let's be honest...don't end up on Santa's naughty list for fibbing!

Well, the INKnBURN long sleeve holiday tech tee is absolutely nothing to laugh about! It has absolutely turned into a staple in my holiday collection, both for running and casual attire. For one, it isn't itchy OR ugly! Although the shirt looks like a sweater your no-so-favorite aunt may gift you with a pair of socks, it moves, breaths, and behaves like any other INKnBURN product would. You feel comfortable, you look great, and you distance yourself from the crowd! All pluses in my book. Another thing I discovered when I wore this shirt is the versatility of the sleeves. I usually like running in short sleeve tech tees, but while in Walt Disney World with a group of friends (and fellow INB Ambassador Jill) we all decided to get and wear our INB holiday sweaters for Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K...we had a blast by the way. What I liked was when I got hot, it was VERY easy to roll up my sleeves in such a manner that the tee actually looked like it was short-sleeved. It continued to perform amazingly with no chafing and still allowed for plenty of air to circulate through and of course wicking sweat!

Yesterday during my last half marathon of the year, I ran the local Holiday Half Marathon...which happens to be located less than a mile from my dad's house, so that made life easy! Winter in Southern California can be...well...what's winter really? We had a high of 74 degrees yesterday. It was a brisk 45 in the morning (which for some of you is considered a heat wave), so I couldn't wait to wear my festive tech tee again to this race. As the race got warmer, I used the same techniques for rolling my sleeves as I did previously. I received lots of compliments on my tee, and cheers as I came across the finish with a new PR of 1:57 for the half marathon!

If you are looking for shorts or a skirt to pair them with, denim is a popular favorite or even try the Brave plaid designs! Both are causal yet festive! Don't forget to pair it with a tech tube as well to keep your face warm! There is a holiday themed tube available if you want to match ;)

Now I did say I plan on wearing this tee casually as well...I have a holiday party at work on Thursday...problem solved.

Everyone needs this in their closets. Both red and navy sweaters are available at INKnBURN.com! Don't forget, for new customers to INKnBURN, create an account on their website and use discount code 'LinzieToldMe' to save 15% on your first purchase! I wonder what fun cooky design they will have next year?

Gametiime Launches in California

If you are anything like me, you wished you had a genie in a bottle or a magic map that would show you all of the races in your geographical area with a simple click. Well one day, I happened to stumble across this genie and his name was Gametiime! Gametiime is in my opinion the only place you'll need to go to locate you next 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, or even ultra! The team at Gametiime works hard to search the internet looking for races, saving you time...because let's be honest...ain't nobody got time to be searching through the internet and race calendars! They do the work for you!

Gametiime is a free resource that anyone can use. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from their team some months back during their beta testing phase. I provided some feedback and have kept in close contact with their team. When the site first launched, they were only available in Washington state...and I was totally jealous. Now, Gametiime has expanded it's reach to Oregon and now CALIFORNIA! So, how easy is Gametiime to use? Easier than you think!

Say I want to search for a race in San Diego because I would be interested in vacationing there this holiday season. I simply go to Gametiime, log in and enter the criteria I am looking for. I can search by city, date ranges, the race distance I am looking for and away I go and appear the results. Simple. Did I mention that the user interface is very clean and easy to navigate?

Enter your search criteria

Once my results come back, they show high quality images and links to the races, both small and large races. When you click on the race, Gametiime will provide you with a small snapshot of the race, provide you a Google maps image showing you where the race will be held, and provide you links to register for the race! It couldn't be easier! If you aren't ready to register for the race, you can always save it to your account for later. The people at Gametiime are all about ease...saving you time...again this is a free tool!

Who doesn't love search criteria?

Example of a race page on Gametiime

So, if you haven't done so, I recommend heading over to Gametiime to find your next race. Again, they are only live in Washington state, Oregon, and California at this time, but I can promise you they are making their way to other states! And when they do, will you be one of their users? I swear by Gametiime, and I know once you get your hands on it...you'll be a fan too! You can read what I thought about the launch here.

GO GAMETIIME!

SportHooks Giveaway

It's officially marathon season! That can mean only a few things. Runners all over the world are completeing marathons, half marathons, and ultras that they have been preparing and training for for months. Some runners are finally achieving their goals of crossing the finish lines, and others are adding new races to their list of conquests. Whether it is one race or ten, you need an awesome place to display your achievements! A display that is unique, stands out, and makes a statement. So, if you are looking for a display to help bring that vision to life, I have you covered!

My friends over at SportHooks asked me to help spread the good word! I have always been curious as to the quality and design of SportHooks, so when my display came in I was pleasantly surprised. First off, who doesn't like getting presents in the mail, right? When I removed it from the box, I was surprised at how light it was. Although it is a light display, it still is able to maintain the strength required to hold some heavy medals. Second, the design is just spot on. SportHooks offers some runDisney themed displays for you to choose from. I chose the ten hook Magical Miles display.

 I plan on using it to hold my Dopey and Dumbo Challenge medals next year. I don't know about you, but I like to show off the ribbons of my medals. Sometimes, I find the medals are just as beautiful as the hardware. SportHooks displays make it easy for you to show off every piece of your medal. For me that is a huge plus. If you plan on taking on the Coast-to-Coast challenge next year with runDisney, they offer several Coast-to-Coast medal display options. I can honestly say I am looking forward to mounting this on the wall of the Bling Annex. My 2014 runDisney medals will look amazing on it...well the ones that will fit anyway haha. Did i mention how easy it is to install? Two screws and you're done! It's perfect for the not-so-handy like myself.

Here are a few of their designs that are available on their online store!

So, my friends at SportHooks were really awesome and want to give you a chance to win your very own medal display! This contest is open to US residence only and no purchase is necessary. Use the Raffle Copter below for your chance to win! There will be one winner, and they will be announced on Friday October 25th! Good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

INKnBURN Product Review - The Tech Tube!

One of the things I love to do is talk about products I love! I am fortunate enough to be an Ambassador for INKnBURN, which for most of you is no surprise haha! In a past blog post, I talked about their tech shirts, shorts, and water bottle handhelds...all of which I still love and I have increased my inventory by some ungodly number! Now, I want to give you some insight on a little wonder they like to call The Tech Tube!

The Tech Tube is something really special. It is currently available in twelve different styles and can be worn by both men and women. The tube is made from the same high-quality material as their awesome tech tees! They are soft, yet durable. Each design is strategically placed on each tech tube to allow the highest level of versatility when it comes to how we as athletes wear them. Take the Rock n' Roll tube I am wearing in the first picture. I am using that tube as a headband and was able to roll the tube in such a way that the skull and logo appeared front and center, and the wings wrap gracefully around my head! Details are very important when it comes to art and apparel, and INKnBURN absolutely has this down to a science.

As a headband, this tube does not disappoint. It is light, and wicks and captures sweat, and needs absolutely no adjustment once secured to my brow. I used to run wearing a Halo headband, nothing wrong with the Halo, but I find that the tech tube is more my speed. Ladies, I would recommend this as a way to hold your hair back during your runs.

But of course there are other uses for the tech tube other than just a headband!

Sometimes, we just need to be prepared. You can roll the tube and slide it around your neck, and it instantly is ready for action when needed. Pull it up to your forehead for a headband, slick back your hair, remove it and place it around your wrist to wipe away sweat. You name it. One neat thing about this application is you can create a small pocket and place ice in it to help cool you...hands free! Something to think about after a day on the trails or finishing a road race...it is summer after all ;)

As temperatures start to cool down this fall, I love wearing a good beanie! I love things that are stylish and are eye catching. Well, who knew that the tech tube could be transformed into a beanie!? I didn't! And I am absolutely excited about it! With so many designs to choose from, those cold races are a thing of the past. Sweat catcher and stylish hat in one! And when you aren't racing, they are great casual wear accessories...much like most of the thing InB makes!

You can learn to make the beanie by watching the Pro Holly in this video:

This is quite possibly one of my favorite items to run with. It has become a staple in my arsenal for sure! And the price isn't bad either at $25.00! Remember, these are high quality tech tubes made from some awesome material, the softest threads, and the art is impeccable.

So do yourself and your wardrobe a small favor, click here to view their selection of absolutely fantastic tech tubes, order one, and give it a go! Want to make the deal even sweeter, when you decide to purchase, create an INKnBURN account, and use promo code 'LinzieToldMe' at checkout! You will receive 15% off your purchase! This is a one-time use code, but I am sure once you try INKnBURN, you'll see that the price is well worth it! So be sure to check out their tees, shorts, camisoles, etc.

Distance Yourself with INKnBURN, where Art and Apparel Collide and bring you some amazing gear!

Product Review - Wave Sayonara

I have to take a few minutes to thank the good folks over at Mizuno Running! About a month ago, a member of their team (HI SETH) messaged me and asked if I would be interested in giving their new shoe a try... the Wave Sayonara. I haven't had the pleasure of running in Mizuno shoes before, so of course I accepted. I did some reading on them, and found out this was one of their new release shoes that hadn't even come out yet. I received it two weeks before the street release date! That itself was enough to make me do the hokey pokey and turn myself around!

The first thing that caught my eye was the color! The strong blue and electric yellow on this shoe are incredible! They will absolutely get you noticed. The second thing that struck me was how light the shoe was. It weighs in at just over eight ounces! I couldn't wait to lace up with them.

Now typically, I wouldn't run a half marathon in a new pair of shoes that hasn't been 'broken in' yet. But these shoes were different. After I tried them on, I knew my feet had found their solemates in these shoes. The shoes felt like it molded and adapted to my foot. After some test jogs, I knew these shoes would perform with absolute excellence...I was right.

I ran two half marathons a week apart...and I PR'd both of those races. The first race I PR's my 10K time which was so incredible, and the second race I PR'd the half marathon with a time of 2:00:41, which was a 4 minute improvement. I LOVE THESE SHOES!

When I run in these shoes, I feel light, I feel fast, and I find that my landing is a lot lighter. For a 'performance neutral' shoe, these shoes sure do measure up! Truth be told, these are probably one of the best pairs of shoes I have run in. And I hope they stick around for a while, because I am a huge fan and plan on having many more pairs.

So, Wave Sayonara to your old shoes and those old personal records, because with the new Mizuno Wave Sayonara...you'll be saying hello to improved performance in style!

Thank you again, Mizuno!

Oh by the way, the thoughts expressed are my own.

Powered By Bits

Algae. Who knew that algae would make for such an awesome supplement during a marathon! I had heard a lot about ENERGYbits via Twitter from lots of people. So I decided to explore and see what these ‘bits’ were all about.

So, you are probably wondering (like I was at the time) what exactly ARE ENERGYbits? Well, bits are made from a 100% organic spirulina algae. What is interesting about bits is that they have the highest concentration of protein in the world and hit you with a consistent hit of energy without caffeine, sugar, or excess chemicals. But you know that’s not it, right? So bits are food…the algae is actually grown. Here are some interesting facts:

• Bits contain 40 vitamins and minerals, Omega 3, and are 64% protein (that’s more than a steak for you carnivores out there).
• The are one calorie per tab
• Bits contain iron and nitric oxide which prevents fatigue, antioxidants which reduce inflammation and electrolytes which preserve chemical balance and prevent dehydration.

Above bullets are sourced from the energyBITS fact sheet.

So, for those of you out there that use gels or blocks as fuel…you may want to give bits a try…you won’t buy another pack of gel again. So, let me share with you about my experience with these during a 26.2 marathon.

So, on Cinco De Mayo I celebrated my one year runnerversary by running the OC Marathon. ENERGYbits was nice enough to send me a sample tin of bits to try so I could get out there and perform at my peak. And boy did it work! Let me explain. First of all, bits have a very…well…odd taste. Not bad, nor good, they like to call it an ‘acquired’ taste. Swallow them. Trust me. As I staged in my corral I open my tin and popped 15 bits. Next thing I knew I was 10 miles in and feeling amazing! Now I was running a marathon, and had no idea I was running sub 10 minute miles that early. I felt AMAZING out there! Being fueled by the bits, I noticed by breathing was more consistent, my muscles weren’t tired in the spots they normally were, I wasn’t hungry, and above all else…I WAS FOCUSED!! I knew they were going to be great for circulation and keeping energy levels up, but when I found out that my focus was DEAD ON and unshakeable…that’s when I knew I had some magic pellets in my pocket! I tend to burn calories very fast when I am running, so that means I get hungry. During my race to replenish, I carried the tin with me and held it in my running shorts in the front pocket (easy way to store and carry with no fuss) I would pop a few tabs at a water stop and continue to move. I didn’t find them distracting at all. I didn’t crave ANY food during my run, the bits took care of all that. Remember, bits are food not a supplement. Full, focused, full of energy, consistent performance…how can this be wrong! Did I mention I finished this race with a 21 minute PR after using bits?? Now let’s talk about recovery! I had some bits left over so the following day I took some bits as a snack while at work. I am honest when I say this…I SWEAR those bits helped in my recovery. I had little to no strain or pain the next day when I woke up! Long review short, I do NOT want to run without these things ever again…I am off gels officially. We have broken up! And we aren’t ever ever ever ever EVER getting back together! I love bits now!

I am HOOKED on bits! You gotta give these things a go! I have joined the ENERGYbits ambassador team, and this is awesome for you! If you head over to www.energybits.com and enter the promo code ‘SeeSharpRun’ at check out, you’ll receive 30% off of your bag of bits! You can use this code over and over again!

Now go out there and see why athletes all over including myself are officially #PoweredByBits

Thanks to Jonathan from energyBITS for the sample!

Check out www.energybits.com for more information!

INKnBURN

Many of you know or have seen that I generally do not run in a marathon or train in any other gear except for INKnBURN! It has actually become a fun game for a lot of you know try to guess what gear I will wear to my next race! I love that :) So, you probably want to know why and how I became such an INKnBURN enabler and fan! Let me tell ya!

For people that may not know me, I am quite the fashionista. I mean, just because you are running 13.1 or 26.2 miles is NO excuse not to look fabulous in the process! I believe that when you look good, you feel good, which means you perform better. Although, looking good is only part of the equation. The clothes have got to work for your body. They have to draw moisture away and not get heavy or feel gross. They have to be able to stand up to multiple visits to the washing machine. And they have got to breathe! That is where INB comes in!

INKnBURN gear is made and produced right in my back yard here in Southern California (proudly made in the USA). It is a relatively small company, but the energy and passion they have for art and fashion is something I can almost bet you will not find anywhere else. They make endurance gear for both men and women with various designs, colors, and textures. I personally own just about the entire men’s catalog. I want to highlight some of my favorite things about INKnBURN apparel. I often wonder if INB gear is just gifts bestowed upon runners from Mt. Olympus!

The Tech Tee

The technical tees are by far my favorite of any brand out there on the market. The colors are vibrant and breathtaking at first glance. One thing I like is that you can look at some of the shirts and have no idea it’s an endurance technical shirt. Example, yesterday I went on a six mile run in Huntington Beach wearing the newly designed mens Camber tech tee, changed shorts and went to Disneyland to meet a friend for lunch. Not only did I receive a lot of compliments on the tee, but it continued to look great and translates from the train to the streets with ease! It’s really two shirts for the price of one if you think about it.

The Performance Shorts

Prior to starting my long-lasting love affair with INKnBURN I used to run in shorts with sewn in compression short liners. Still love those shorts nothing wrong with them. But I like to match and coordinate my outfits when I get ready to race so I invested in the INKnBURN denim shorts. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered them. When I got them, I instantly fell in love. The print on the shorts is so dynamic and high definition you would SWEAR these shorts were denim! Even up close it’s hard to tell. Of course, they are made of the technical material all of their shorts are made of, but it is a really fun illusion. Again, another piece of INB gear that can translate from the streets to the trail in seconds flat. I actually used some Under Armour compression shorts with the denim and LIVED for the performance I felt. They move great, they are comfortable, and I love the mini pockets in front of the shorts. They are great for holding an iPod, energy gels, keys, energy blocks, etc. (all things I have stored in these pockets with no problem). I love my performance shorts. I know own the Hollywood dragon, Run or Die, and Zen shorts to round out the collection! A guy has got to have options right?

The Handheld

When INB introduced the water bottle handheld I wasn’t quite sure what to think about it. Was this going to be just about water coolly jacket for my bottle? Was it going to be more of an annoyance than a help? This handheld is EVERYTHING! It has an adjustable strap for your hand, a hole for the thumb, keeps your water cold, and has that same vibrant color and comfort as their other gear! I own two. The Run or Die skull and the Wave. I HIGHLY recommend this handheld for your water bottle! It is literally perfect. A must have to round out your gear collection.

I literally could go on and on about INB all day long! But as for now, I will not wear any other athletic gear on a race day! I love their gear that much! Looks great, feels great, works great, just great! Their staff are some of the most awesome and sincere people I’ve met! Big shout outs to Holly and Megan!

So, what are you waiting for? GO GET YOUR GEAR! But before you go! The people at INKnBURN want me to share the love with YOU!

Go in INKnBURN and start shopping! But a new shirt, a camisole, a handheld, and headband, anything you want! Create an account on INKnBURN.com and use promotional code ‘LinzToldMe’ and receive 15% off your order! This is a one time use code so make sure you get something good! And when you do buy it, I wanna hear ALL about it! Also, keep a close eye on my Facebook and Twitter, I am ALWAYS giving away e-gift cards to my followers to INKnBURN!

What are you waiting for? Don’t get lost in the crowd! Distance Yourself, with INKnBURN!