I've only run one marathon, but I'm fortunate enough to have two nutritional sponsors, one dedicated massage therapist, and stylish running attire.
I first learned about
Bonk Breaker when Justin Breland at Try Sports gave me a bag of free goodies. In it was the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip bar, which is now my all-time favorite. Little did I know that after running Twin Cities that Bonk Breaker would be kind enough to have me as a part of their team. Over the past couple of months, the company has added three new flavors to its line of bars, and I can't wait to try to the new Blueberry Oat. These bars are great for helping get your energy back after a long run and refilling your glycogen stores. To further solidify them as a great brand, they accepted my best friend and training partner, Meagan Nedlo, into their Team Bonk Breaker. Now we're energy bar twins! Also, my boyfriend Garrett, a minor league baseball player, is also hooked on them! You can't go wrong with a Bonk Breaker!
Honey Stinger is my go-to product during a marathon. I tried the typical gels out there (Hammer Gel, etc) and found them to be too sweet and fake. They tasted like they were full of all sorts of unhealthy ingredients, so I decided to search for another option. After a simple google search for "All natural energy gels", I found Honey Stinger. Not only did it sound simple and sweet, but it tasted good! I immediately requested to be a part of their team so I that I could use their products in my debut marathon. My favorite flavors are the Gold and Chocolate Energy Gels as well as the Pink Lemonade and Cherry Blossom energy chews. To be honest, I could eat any flavor of the chews because they are ALL delicious. In fact, they are so good that sometimes I eat them outside of competition like they are fruit snacks! I am honored to be a part of the Honey Stinger Team and to use these products again when I run at the US Olympic Trials Marathon in January 2012.
I'd like to thank my all-time favorite Charlotte massage therapist, Byran Bullock from
Balance Bodywork. I first discovered Byran at the massage-chain Zen Massage in Dilworth. His hands of steel were able to dig deep into my tired and sore muscles, releasing them from the tightness that seemed to never go away. From that moment on, I only made appointments with him at Zen. One day he mentioned opening up his own practice, and I greatly encouraged him to do so. I told him that I could help him build a clientele of runners through the Charlotte Running Club. Soon we had a great working relationship as he opened his own practice in the heart of Dilworth, less than 2 miles from my house. Since then, Byran has helped me overcome IT Band issues, aided me in post-marathon recovery, and educated me about new stretches. He continues to partner with the Charlotte Running Club for big events, offering free 5-10 minute massages to attendees.
Before 2010, I had never heard of
Lululemon Athletica before. My ignorance quickly transformed into awareness about the brand in less than two months because I kept hearing about it from different friends. First, my friend in NYAC told me about the high quality gear they provided to her team to wear test. A couple weeks later, I saw Alice Rogers sporting a cute pair of crops and she boasted that she got them from the Lululemon show room on Central Ave. Soon I was invited to a Lululemon focus group on what Charlotte runners want and need from the local community members and retailers. Eventually, I got to know several more of Lululemon's educator's in the first half of 2011. We began to partner so that they could be plugged into the Charlotte Running Club and so we could both identify ways where together the two groups could promote running in the greater Charlotte metro region. While cheering for runners at the Greek Fest 5k, a slew of these stunning ladies came out to ask me to be a Lululemon run ambassador. Of course, I said yes and tried not to get teary eyed, as if it were a marriage proposal. I am proud to be associated with Lululemon because this company shares many of the same values as I do and truly focuses on living a life that is true to your heart. Not to mention the added bonus of the fact that their clothing is the highest quality running gear that I've ever worn, I am honored to partner to continue spreading the love of running!
