Spartan Race Partners with Runner's World

I just received the following email from Runner's World announcing their new partnership with Spartan Races.  Pretty awesome for those who love the Spartan Race Series!

SPARTAN RACE PARTNERS WITHRUNNER’S WORLD

…World’s most influential running media brand teams with global leader in obstacle racing

EMMAUS, PA (June 30, 2014) -- Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, has signed a partnership with Spartan Race™, the global leader in obstacle racing since 2005, that includes custom digital content, racer-focused benefits, training plans and event activations.

The collaboration between these two premier fitness brands kicked off in the July issue ofRunner’s World magazine, which reaches over three million people monthly in print. Highlights of Runner’s World’s involvement in Spartan Race events include: Customized Spartan Race training plans designed by Runner’s World experts as well as exclusive stories and videos to be available only on Spartan.com; Runner’s World content on Spartan.com; and a Runner’s World presence at select Spartan Race events.  

“Non-traditional running events such as the Reebok Spartan Race have really taken off in the last five years,” said Runner’s World Publisher Molly O’Keefe. “Our core mission is to welcome and engage all runners, and this new partnership with Spartan Race allows us to continue on that path with obstacle racers. The growth of Spartan Race into a global brand underscores their ability to create and deliver a first-class experience, showcasing the social and physical benefits of running and ultimately attracting new runners to our sport.”

According to a Running USA Study, in just five years, the number of estimated finishers in non-traditional events has grown from low six figures in 2009 to four million in 2013, a nearly 40-fold increase.

“We’re excited to kick-off the partnership with Runner’s World,” said Colby Connell, Spartan Race’s Vice President of Marketing. “Our goal is to expand the way people view health and fitness. While we provide people with an alternative to more traditional running events, Spartan Race is still a race at the end of the day and our heritage comes out of distance running.

“We believe that Runner’s World’sknowledge of training, nutrition, and race day preparation will greatly help our current race community. We also believe the alliance will help educate those in the traditional road race and trail running communities on how to optimally train for a Spartan Race.

“This partnership is yet another key factor in growing the emerging sport of obstacle racing along the proper channels and helping millions of people off their couch and out the door, living fitter lives.”

About Runner’s World

Rodale’s Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, is the essential guide for everyone who runs. The brand provides all runners—men and women, from beginners to hardcore marathoners—with the advice and information they need to pursue their goals, the inspiration and entertainment they crave, and a sense of authentic community they won’t find anywhere else. Runner’s World is everywhere its readers and customers are—in print, online, on-screen and on the ground. Through authentic events such as the award-winning Runner’s WorldChallenge, the award-winning Runner’s World Half & Festival (www.RWHalf.com), and the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival (www.HHHalf.com), Runner’s World editors forge deep connections and have meaningful interactions with our readers as an organic part of the running community. Runner’s World publishes 18 international editions: Argentina (2014), Australia/New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. For digital updates, visit www.runnersworld.com, Twitter (@runnersworld), Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine), as well as the brand’s mobile apps.

About Spartan Race, Inc.

Founded in 2010, Spartan Race is the global leader in the sport of obstacle racing. Spartan races cater to everyone from the “ordinary Joe or Jane” looking to get off the couch and leading a fitter lifestyle, to elite endurance athletes seeking out the ultimate physical test. Currently, Spartan offers three primary race formats,  “Sprint” (3+ miles; 15+ obstacles), “Super” (8+ miles; 20+ obstacles) and “Beast” (13+ miles; 25+ obstacles), along with a shorter format race for children. Unlike other obstacle-focused events, Spartan Races are always timed and competitors are encouraged to accumulate completion medals at each of the primary race distances to achieve “Trifecta” status. With over 40 races slated for the United States in 2014, and 70 races taking place across 17 countries internationally, Spartan Race encourages you to change your life by signing up to race today at Spartan.com.

Endurance Shield Sunscreen

Last month I was asked by Endurance Shield to test out their SPF 45 Sunscreen. I was unfamilliar with the company and product however I was thrilled. I can't deny that there have been times that I go out for 2, 3, 4 hour runs without sunscreen on my face. I know! I know! It's terrible, awful and I should never do that. It's just that all the "sport" sunscreens I have tried all get on my nerves during long runs. There is always a smell to them that will never go away so then I'm stuck with this annoying sun block smell the entire run. My other problem is as I start sweating, I can feel the lotion dripping down my face. Not only is it literally sweating off my face but then it ends up in my eyes as well. Sometimes I still end up with sunburn in addition to the burning eyes. I can't stand it! After reading the Endurance Shield website, I was very excited to give it a try. Their sunscreen is made from ingredients such as aloe, cucumber extract, grape seed extract and sunflower seed (see full list here) Their products were also created by professional triathletes so I was thinking that they probably had most of the same problems I had with sun lotions and would have created their product with those issues in mind.

Thorlo Sock Review

A few months ago Emir was asked to try Thorlos socks and write a review. He fell in love with the socks immediately. I can't lie, I was pretty jealous. Socks were one area of running apparel, that I felt I was lacking. My feet would be pretty beaten up after most long runs, blisters and pain. I was so grateful when Thorlos gave me the opportunity to try their socks.

Trail Socks

Experia

I was sent a pair of Thorlo's most popular socks, Experia and a pair of trail running socks. Thorlos is a brand that is concerned with serving people’s lifelong best foot health interests. And they make the socks right here in the USA, awesome!

My first impression as soon as I put on the Experia was "wow these are extremely comfortable and cushioned!"  And then I put on the trail socks and couldn't believe that they had even MORE cushion than the Experia.  I was in shock how much better these socks felt just being on my feet than any other running sock I have ever tried.  But how would they feel running?

I tried the Experia first.  I wore them on short and long runs, road and trail.  They felt great in every shoe I have including the Nike Flyknit which is a very snug shoe.  I wore them for the double Blue Ridge Marathon and they definitely did not disappoint.  No blisters, no feet pain whatsoever actually.  I was pleasantly surprised how good my feet could feel after 52 miles on the road just from wearing good socks.

Even fits nice with Nike Flyknit

Of course after that experience I could not wait to try the trail socks.  As I said these socks are even more cushioned than the Experia which does create a little more bulk and they are a little higher on the ankle.  My only concern was how the bulk would feel with some of my shoes.  I wasn't as concerned about my trail shoes but some of my speedy road shoes that are more snug.  I have to say while I might not wear them as much with a couple pairs of my road shoes that I currently have because it just feels a bit too tight, I still absolutely love these socks.  I was once again shocked at how well my feet fared during my first 100K which was all trail.  I thought for sure I would have some kind of foot problem, at least a little pain.  But nothing to speak of, the trail socks worked.

Trail socks in action

So some runners, even myself, might think that extra padding might get in the way of trying to run as fast as you can, that the extra bulk (which you really can't tell when you run except your feet aren't hurting) might actually cause extra weight or not have that "exact feel."  I admit, I definitely used to go by that and my socks especially ones that I wore for road racing were very thin, very minimal.  Now after wearing the Thorlos, I know it's definitely not true.  I also know that I am not only making my feet feel better now but I'm protecting them and preserving them so that as I get older (ugh!) I can still continue to run.  Our contact from Thorlos, Thomas, told me that they have had many runners in their 40s or older say that they thought they were going to have to give up running until they tried Thorlos.  But there's really no reason to wait as our foot pads are probably already starting the slow breaking down process as we speak.  If you want to give them a try (I promise it's worth it!) you can get a pair for free and just pay the $4.90 shipping (Currently Experia is not included in the offer, but I know you would be happy with any Thorlos you try).

My mother's day gift because I like them so much

BioSkin Calf Sleeves

A few weeks ago I was asked if I would like to become a Bio Skin Braces And Supports ambassador. At the time I was unfamiliar with the Bio Skin company however after browsing their website and reading reviews, it sounded like a great company with great products that I definitely wanted to be a part of.

Drink Cocogo! -- Review

***use code Marathonmom for 40% off***

A couple of months ago, Emir informed

me that he had been contacted by a company called Cocogo asking if he wanted to try their product and review it on his blog. When I asked, he informed me that Cocogo is a powder that you put in your water for hydration. At the time, we were both wary as we already had hydration/fueling methods that we were attached to. Emir decided to give it a try anyway. Of course, I couldn't let him get away with trying something and not sharing with me! Despite the fact that Cocogo is coconut water and I HATE anything coconut, I wanted to taste it anyway especially since Cocogo comes in lemon-lime, grape and raspberry passion fruit.