The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

My biggest complaint about winter in Minnesota isn't necessarily the constant sub-zero temperatures, it's that the ice and snow on most sidewalks has completely hindered my running. I've found a few trails that seem pretty clear and not too slippery, but to be honest I'm just too scared to risk it. Running on a treadmill is not my favorite thing to do, so I've been spending my time jump roping or treadmill walking on an incline, which for some reason is less boring to me. But Reebok recently sent me a pair of Reebok ZQuicks, and they've got me excited about getting back out there.

The shoes are inspired by hi-performance, Z-rated tires--and the outsole delivers control, traction, and speed. They fit like a glove and are super light, with a no-sew upper and internal bootie that hugs your foot and makes you feel incredibly secure in the shoes. They're breathable and sleek while still being supportive. And they're bright and fun enough to remind me that winter won't last forever.

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss.

I'm not usually one for holiday gift guides, but I do have a handful of pretty awesome sponsors this month whose products would make wonderful presents for the people on your Christmas list.

First up is Koss, whose Fit Buds and Fit Clips are actually changing my life. I've been using the same old earbuds for years, and they're worn to bits and fall out of my head with every other step I take. Koss' female designers teamed up with Gold Medalist Dara Torres to create the world's first headphones designed specifically for women.

Also, they're just really fun.

Get 'em at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart, or Sears this season. Happy holidays!

Thank you again for your support as I take on a few more sponsors this month. I only work with brands that I love or use myself, so I hope you find these partnerships of mine beneficial to you in some way.

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.

 

Mizunos were a thing when I was running cross country in high school. My teammates--some of whom are still my best friends now--and I coveted them, always excited about the newest version of Wave Riders as we prepared for races; matching green uniforms and pink bows tied around our ponytails. They were bright and shiny and made us feel like we could do anything, and that, paired with a fabulous coach and summer two-a-days made us a team of pretty respectable runners.

 

A stress fracture kept me from running in college, but I have continued along since then on my own. Running has gotten me through every season of my life so far. Several of my high school girlfriends and I still run today, which always makes me smile to think about us in three or four cities across the country every morning, lacing up our sneakers and singing Disney princess songs in our heads. You never know what's going to connect you to the people you love later in life.

 

 

  



 I ran our annual Thanksgiving race--another running tradition that's dear to my heart--in these Mizuno Wave Rider 17s the other day, and they were fabulous. The 17 is the lightest Wave Rider ever, and it features a Seigaiha wave pattern outsole to provide optimal flexibility. They're light, bright, ultra-smooth, and fun--just the way I remember them.