A New Balance Giveaway

Why hello Fall!

Ashley Fall

Even though today’s hazy, warm weather in New York City makes me quickly forget this past weekend’s cool temps and Fall fun, there is no doubt in my mind that Fall running has arrived.  With the arrival of a new running season comes the fun task of switching out my workout drawer. Long sleeve technical tops and jackets replace the tank tops of Summer while I add compression socks to my shorts for just a few more weeks before switching to crops.

Similar to the way I’ve been stalking Loft, Nordstrom and J.Crew for their new Fall trends, I’m also excited to try some new running gear this Fall. In order to help you all with your search for new gear, I wanted to share my five favorite pieces from Reach the Beach weekend with New Balance. When I wasn’t dripping sweat during the hot daytime runs, I was wearing this gear whether relaxing or running at night.

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Before this weekend, I wasn’t familiar with New Balance’s gear beyond their shoes, tanks and shorts which I’ve sworn by for years. Most of their items, including these, tend to be more forgiving and comfortable in their sizing which is a pleasant change from some of the tighter, more bootylicious fits which are so popular with other brands. While I was lucky enough to be sent these items by New Balance, I wanted to share my thoughts with you guys as well as let one lucky reader win one item for themselves!

relaxing in new balance gear

These items, except when noted, run true to size or a bit large, which is perfect for Fall and Winter as typically you have multiple layers up top.

New Balance Premium Performance Print Capri – Stripe

I fell head over heels for these tights the first time I wore them. The horizontal stripes unexpectedly flatter me everywhere while the higher waist flatters the waistline.  The DRY technology wicks away the moisture quickly, allowing me to finish a run or Bar Method class fresh and dry versus a sweaty mess.

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New Balance Vazee Pace

While these are perfect for all seasons, I can’t help but include these in my five favorites as I’m absolutely in love with these shoes! They weigh in at only 6.5 ounces, far lighter than my other shoes and have resulted in faster paces! The material hugs for feet, providing a fast feel while the sole is responsive. Even though it packs all of this into a light package, the sole and heel are still supportive enough for my 20 Reach the Beach miles as well as this weekend’s 10 mile race. I’m currently running in the grey blue but have full intentions of rewarding myself with the hi-lite color if I can set a new half marathon PR this Fall!

new balance beacon

 

New Balance Glow Beacon Vest

On sale right now, this vest will become a layering go to this Fall and Winter as the days grow shorter. The bright color keeps runners safe, even in the pitch dark, and there are zip pockets for storing your keys and money as well as smaller, interior pocket. The women’s version is slim cut so keep that in mind when ordering.

 

New Balance Essentials Plus Classic Sweatpant

It’s straight up embarrassing how much I’ve worn these since they arrived last month.  They combine the comfort of your favorite, worn-in sweatpants with the style of this season’s joggers, scrunching perfectly at the ankles. I have worn these for everything from recovering in the van during Reach the Beach to brunch when styled with Converse and a v-neck tshirt.  When winter comes, I know I’ll throw these on over my shorts or crops for workout classes as well as snuggling on the couch.

impact half zip

New Balance Impact Half Zip

This feminine half zip is perfect to wear to yoga or on a frigid run as it’s made with NB Dry, ensuring that the swick wicks away. I love the ruched detailing and collar notch detail that allows your ponytail to fall over the collar. The rear pocket is large enough to store everything you need for a busy morning of workouts and errands. The $69.99 makes this a great deal and has me tempted to order it in black heather.

Instead of taking my word for it, why don’t you enter my giveaway so you can wine one of the above items in your color and size preference? 

To enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know what item you would want and why. (Required)

2) Follow @healthyhappier on Instagram and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

3) Follow @healthyhappier in Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

4) Like A Healthy, Happier Bear page on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

This giveaway is only open to US residents and will end Thursday at 11:59pm. While my friends at New Balance invited me to join them for Reach the Beach as well as providing me with this wonderful gear, I am providing the prize with my own money and was not compensated for this post. 

 

 

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RUN 10 FEED10 NYC RACE DISCOUNT AND GIVEAWAY

Happy Tuesday gang!

I’m just lacing up my shoes for a 6 mile run but wanted to stop in quickly to share a great giveaway and race discount with you guys. Once again the team at Women’s Health is hosting a gorgeous 10k in New York City as part of their Run10 Feed10 race series.

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RUN 10 FEED 10 started in 2012 with the hope of raising money and awareness for the dire hunger problem in America. The concept was a simple one. RUN a 10K and FEED 10 hungry people in your hometown.  Now, going into our fourth year, they need your help once again to reach their goal of providing 5 million meals.  When you register, you automatically provide 10 meals to those in need! 
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If you’re in the tri-state area this weekend this is a great race to use as a training run or way to break up a long training run. Located along the Hudson River this timed race will include gorgeous views and is always very well organized.

 

WHEN:  Sunday, September 20, 2015
WHERE:  Pier 84 at Hudson River Park Run
down the West Side Highway
TIME: 7 AM
REGISTRATION FEE: $55  (Discount code for readers: R10F10PR)

WEBSITE / INFO:  www.run10feed10.com

The money from the registration and fundraising efforts will go to the nearest NYC metropolitan areas. The registration fees include a 2015 limited-edition FEED bag and FEED bracelet as well as pre and post-race activities such as warm-ups, yoga and music.

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As part of the fun, the team at Women’s Health has given me one Fit Kit bag to giveaway to a lucky reader.

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The RUN10 “Fit Kit” Giveaway Bag includes

· Batiste Dry Shampoo
· Crème of Nature Straight from Eden Oil-Infused Hydrating Shampoo
· Nubian Heritage Mango Butter Hand Cream
· Aveeno Mini Daily Moisturizing Lotion
· Out of Africa Shea Butter Hand Cream
· Crème of Nature Straight from Eden Plant-Derived Repairing Oil
· Geri G Cheek/Eye Duo
· Geri G Ultra Plush Mascara
· Purell Travel Hand Sanitizer
· Goody Slideproof Headband
· Fat Water Berry Concentrate
· Go Raw Zesty Pizza Sprouted Flax Snack
· Go Raw Lemon Pie Sprouted Cookies
· Eden Wild Berry Mix
· Stoneridge Orchards Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruits
· Go Organic Apple Hard Candies
· FIT Mushroom Matrix
· Dave’s Homemade Sweet & Sassy Smokehouse Rub
· Owl’s Brew Tea Crafted Cocktail
· PaperChef Culinary Parchment Cooking Bags
· Koala Bottle Opener
· Blender Bottle Sport Mixer
· Natalie Jill Total Bodyweight Workout DVD
· Domino Magazine Summer 2015 issue
· Mandy Ingber’s Yogalosophy book
· $500 Golden Door Gift Certificate

Want to win? Leave a comment sharing with readers your absolute favorite piece of running gear that you can’t live without whether it’s that Lululemon Tata tamer sports bra or those old school Nike Tempo shorts.

The contest is open to residents in the United States and ends on September 16th at 11:59pm and I will pick a winner using random.org and contact them via email.

Thank you to Women’s Health magazine for providing this great prize! While I was not compensated for this post I love the magazine and believe the race supports a great cause. 

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Timex IRONMAN GPS+ Giveaway

As you guys know, I have more than a few miles to run between now and the end of the year. I’m currently signed up for seven races and eyeing a few more. I love Fall running and the energy that races, regardless their size, provide.

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Part of me thought that coming back to the United States I would need numerous races to keep me motivated and on track. But, as Jess and my other friends know, these days I am always staying busy whether running, going to yoga, or cross training with Fhitting Room and The Bar Method.  If I want to succeed during these races and finish the year strong and healthy, I have to make sure that each run is the strongest possible.

After a Summer of running for fun, I’ve started tracking each run, ensuring that I hit the paces Jess prescribes for each weeks’ workouts. However, since moving back to the US, my GPS watch has had constant issues finding satellites and holding a charge. After one too many frustrating runs, I swapped to using an activity tracker app on my iPhone. Trying to fumble around and take screen shots of your paces after each 800 repeat is laughable. While it seemed to work well for other types of runs, it drained my phone and forced me to hold my phone during the run which was cumbersome and not good for the phone. As my post workout pictures show, I sweat a lot. The last thing I want to do is ruin an iPhone due to excess moisture and sweat during the dog days of summer runs.

Luckily, my friends at Fitfluential and Timex have helped ensure that my past eight runs were near perfect.  After just a few weeks using the Timex IRONMAN GPS+ I’m already in love and doubt I’ll ever go back to my old methods. I’ve been able to precisely track my paces for each run without having to stress or fumble around. In fact, dare I say, that the Timex IRONMAN GPS+ has made me enjoy running just a bit more?

What makes it so helpful?

  • It’s easy to read, even in the direct sunlight! 
  • The instafix GPS picked up signal within seconds of leaving my house in Brooklyn and even exiting the subway in NYC! 
  • Activation took just a few minutes and once that is done, the portal and system will allow you to do everything from interact with others to email you reminders when your watch battery is low.
  • The texting capability and SOS support allows me to leave my phone at home without running worried. I can text Bo or friends in case of emergency while still enjoying a lightweight run.  
  • When paired with your favorite Bluetooth headphones, it can hold and play over 1000 of your favorite songs due to the 4 GB of storage and bluetooth capabilities. 
  • The easy to read summary screen shows your current pace, average pace and total time all on one screen which makes hitting those paces even easier. 
  • Valued at $399, the watch is currently retailing for $199 which makes it a great deal within the GPS watch arena.

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What don’t I love?

  • The screen, though easy to read, isn’t necessarily always easy to use when running due to the touch screen capabilities. 
  • It’s a bit larger than I’m accustomed to wearing but due to the light nature, the size didn’t bother me during the run. 

But, instead of making you take my word for it, I want one of you to have the chance to try this watch for yourself! Thanks to the team at Timex and Fitfluential, I’m able to give one lucky reader a Timex IRONMAN GPS+ of their own, just in time for Fall running season!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will announce a winner on September 14th within Monday’s post. If I do not hear from the winner with contact information within 48 hours I will be forced to draw another name. In addition, unfortunately this contest is only open to residents within the United States.

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Timex.

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