For a long time, “runner” was one of the main ways I identified myself but over the past couple of years my focus has drifted away from running and towards yoga and strength training. While I really enjoy the new mix I have with my workouts, I miss the process of training and the excitement of race day. It’s been quite some time since I’ve actively trained for a race (maybe the Thunder Road Half in 2010). Since then I have just run a few 5 and 10Ks for fun.
That’s all going to change this summer. Not only am I going to get back to training and running, but I’m going to make it fun with new experiences and challenges. I’m participating in the Under Armour What’s Beautiful Challenge where I’m joining other female athletes across the country to declare a goal and document my progress in reaching it.
The idea behind the What’s Beautiful Challenge is that you declare a goal, set up a profile, and then share your progress towards reaching your goal with other participants.
Under Armour puts a fun spin on it by issuing a series of challenges you must complete and document.
The cool thing about the challenge is that it’s also a competition, and from it Under Armour will select 10 finalists who will receive $1,000 and become part of the Women’s Advisor Group to make appearances for Under Armour. From that group of 10, three winners will be announced and will basically have their lives sponsored by Under Armour for a year. Think gear, working with celebrity trainers, and becoming the new face of the brand in marketing and for special events. Pretty cool, right?
Watch this video and check out the website for all the details. Go declare your goal!
While I am not participating in the competition, I am taking part in the challenge. And what’s my challenge? I will complete my first mud run on June 16 (my birthday!) and run my first trail race on July 21 – a 15K. I’ll be posting all the details on these races later this week!
My hope for this challenge is that I can get back in the training mindset and have fun with it by mixing it up with trail running. The ultimate goal is that the training will carry me into fall race season, and I can get back to half-marathoning and possibly a full!
Now, let’s talk about some of the gear that’s going to get me through a hot summer of training. I checked out Under Armour’s new site and here are a few of the items that I’m going to pick up.
Charm Tank – this tank features Under Armour’s Heatgear technology to wick away sweat and dry faster. I really prefer to run in tanks over tees.
Escape Shorts – feature Heatgear technology and are a solid lightweight running short.
Storm Running Shoes – they come in at less than 10-ounces and are built for on and off-road training. I need something that’s going to stand up to trail training and running…and I think these will look pretty sweet to wear around the gym.
