My cup runneth over this week. For realizes. I cannot believe the perfect storm of goodness that has taken over my week and I don’t want to let it go. I can only hope the good times will keep rolling into this weekend and beyond. I’m going to need every ounce of awesomeness to get though my Runner’s World Half and Festival weekend at this time next Friday!
But, I’m getting way ahead of myself. Back it up (beep, beep, beep) and let’s high five this Friday bitches!
Rise.Run.Retreat Weekend
You may be sick to death of hearing about this so get the puke bucket because I’m talking about it one more time. Plus, I still have not written my recap of the actual event, only the epicness of the race when elite runner Tina Muir paced me to the strongest race of my life. Not the fastest, but the absolute best. In case you somehow missed it, you can re-live how it all went down here – – > What Is It Like to be Paced by an Elite Runner?Â
It was so great to see all the running shoes lining the porch instead of the usual Crocs thrown everywhere!
Natural Deodorant
Ok, so maybe this is not in the category of “life changing” but, it has been very eye opening for me. As you know, I consider myself to be a very healthy person, both inside and out, and it never dawned on me to not use certain products on my skin that may have damaging ingredients. I had been reading a bit about natural deodorants and, of course, my first thought was I sweat way too much to use anything “natural” to cover up the stink of my hot sweaty mess.
Then opportunity presented itself via email. I was given not one, not two, but three samples of natural deodorants to try. Here are the results:
Via Nature
I tried the stick and spray deodorants and I have to say, both smelled great and actually worked! I have found that almost all natural deodorant sticks are kind of messy and this was no exception. It smears a bit but I could still be around other people after a hard track workout. Win.
The spray I don’t love as much only because it stings! I don’t know about you but I shave my arm pits every day. Yes, everyday. I’m Italian and Cuban! So the spray is just not an option since I don’t want to torture myself like that. Not most days anyway. However, the day I did use it, it passed the sweat test with flying colored aromas.
Bottom Line:Â Both work, smell great and are affordable at $6.99 for the stick and $7.49 for the spray. You can purchase online at the Via Nature website or find a store near you on the site store locator.
Piperwai
When I first received my little tub of Piperwai I noticed it read “charcoal creme” deodorant. What the…? Charcoal? Apparently that’s a thing…a thing that makes you smell great naturally.
I absolutely LOVE this product. It smells great, it keeps you smelling great, it reminds me of Piper from OITNB (ok, maybe that’s not a great thing) and it’s not messy, nor does it sting.
The only gripe I have (because there is always something) is you have to apply it either with your fingers or something called a “cosmetic spatula.” Although it’s not that big of a deal to just slap it on with your fingers, it does require an extra hand washing, which is not ideal when you’re running around like a crazy person trying to get ready in the morning.
I actually put this one in my gym bag and I use it post workout/shower. I also love telling all the other girls in the locker room about when I eventually get the stare as I apply it.
Bottom Line:Â I highly recommend buying Piperwai if you don’t mind having to apply it with your hands or a spatula. You can purchase it on the Piperwai web site or check out the list of retailers. ($11.99 for 2 oz.)
[Tweet “These natural #deodorants passed my sweat test! #smellgreat #benatural @piperwai @myvianature”]
ALL THE ARTICLES
As a freelance writer, I have zero control over when my work will be published. After I submit my pieces I check the media outlets obsessively for days until I see my name in lights. Apparently, Oct 6th was Allie Burdick day because three of my pieces hit the inter webs. #overexposure
Guest post for Amanda Brooks, Run to the Finish
How to Take 10 Minutes off of Your Half Marathon Time – – > It can be done. I know because I did it. Here’s a tip sheet:
Women’s Running Magazine (online)
7 Unhealthy Habits of Healthy People – – > As you may know, this first appeared in this space and was specifically about ME…not just “healthy people.” But, as editors do, they changed the title. No biggie, right? Wrong. Once it was posted to Facebook, people lost their minds. I find most of their heated comments hysterical, especially since their grammar is usually the worst.
The result was thousands of hits to my FB page and blog. Thank you angry people of Facebook! I heart you even though you think eating french fries is wrong and thigh gaps are the best.
It was the #1 most read post!
RUNNER’S WORLD | ZELLE
What I Learned About Racing After Having Twins – – > This story never gets old. It is one of true lunacy and, each time I reflect on it, I’m more astounded about how absolutely clueless I was as to how my body, mind and life would change after having the boys. While in la la land, I decided to register for my first ever triathlon. It was being held three months after their birth.
It’s a great story and I’ve included lessons on how to learn from my mistakes!
[Tweet “3 great weekend reads! @runtothefinish @womensrunning @RWZelle”]
I will be headed to Vermont with the crazies this weekend which should be good for a few live Periscopes! If you’re not already, jump onto the bandwagon and follow me! Or, you can go the old fashioned route and follow me on Instagram. #OldSchool
Have a great LONG weekend everyone! The Rundown will be up on Tuesday…if I survive.
What are you high-fiving this Friday?
Any long weekend plans?
You were everywhere and I loved it! Your articles make me feel like I’m having a conversation with you because you write like you talk – perfect! Have a wonderful weekend!
I never get tired of hearing that! I always want to be authentic so please cyber smack me if I start to sound like someone I’m not 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
I love how you address the “haters” and how they got to your blog. I loled.
Some of those speed workouts look so intense for the half…but I guess it’s necessary right? HA…
I always enjoy your posts on different platforms. You speak the truth and your mind which is so important.
A-ha! I guess you could say I gave you some fuel today? I love that!!
And yes, as you know, taking a whopping 10 min off your half marathon time is no joke so neither are the workouts 🙂
Thanks Hollie!
So much great stuff!! I am so proud of all of your awesome writing features Allie!! You are a super star!!! I’ve tried only one natural deodorant but it wore off after like1 hour so there’s that. I’d definitely like to try this one!! Have fun in Vermont! Looking forward to the scopes and the (old school!) instagrams 🙂
OMG you really should try these then. I was amazed at how well they worked – truly unexpected.
Thanks Nellie! CHEERS for your race this weekend!!
Love seeing you all over the place! Congrats! Interesting on the natural deodorant…piques my curiosity.
And like I told you, I also love that you did a triathlon 12 weeks postpartum, b/c you are the only other person I know who did this, too. Mine was an Olympic right here in town–extremely hilly and hard. I’d done it several times prior and guess what? I actually PRd it that year. Insane and I seriously don’t know how I did that.
Enjoy the weekend!
Holy crap! I did not know it was an Olympic distance and that you PRed??? That is truly awesome and this is why we are friends.
Congrats on all the well-deserved success this week!!! Is it a long weekend?? Is it possible my kids are off school on Monday?? Sh#t!! I better find out!
HAHAHAHA! Well it’s Columbus Day in my little world and our kids are out of school around here. I always forget that I write that stuff and people are like “what??” For your sake, I hope they have school!!
Congrats on an awesome well deserved week!! What an honor it must’ve been to run your best race with Tina Muir by your side!! W O W!! I love reading your blogs and always look forward to them … It’s like knowing someone famous who is honest and so sweet! You’re a SUPER STAR!! Your knowledge and tips help us more than you know. I couldn’t be more grateful to have you as my long distance friend. I’ll stay tuned to see your on Periscope. Don’t worry I drop everything when I get the notification – Allie is LIVE! Have a blast this weekend!!
HAHAHA! You are so great Tiffany and I so appreciate all your support – THANK YOU!!! xoxo
So awesome! I love that you got published all at once – you’re such a rockstar and I love seeing my crazy talented writing friends take off with their freelancing. Also, I’m going to try that Piperwai. I’m not in love with my natural stick deodorant and I’ve heard mixed reviews of the primal pit paste. I need to read your half marathon post about being paced by Tina! I haven’t read any of the retreat posts yet, but I can’t wait to hear what it was like to be paced by a professional – so exciting! xo
OMG it was completely friggin’ amazing!!!
Definitely try the Piperwai – it’s good stuff and it really works!!
I LOVED seeing your writing all over the place. It makes me happy to see your words spread far and wide. Funny about the natural deodorant (which is a word apparently I cannot spell) but after ShiftCon, I’ve been thinking a lot about the products I put on my skin and body and on my kids’ bodies. Slowly starting to try to make a switch over to the better stuff. Have fun in VT!!
Thanks so much Christine! You have helped me tremendously in that endeavor and I truly appreciate it!
I also struggled every.single.time with “deodorant.” WTH?
Oooh! Have such fun in VT! I only wish it was closer to meeeee! I would love to meet your hubby and your twins! Congrats on your big publishing week! I love your style of writing so can’t wait to read your pieces.
As for the deodorant, I am intrigued. Charcoal can make me smell better. I have visions of you applying it with a kitchen sized spatula 😉
HAHAHAHA!!! OMG, right? When she suggested the “cosmetic spatula” I had the same visions! Hilarious.
I so wish we could all meet up! I would love to someday bring my family to your farm. The boys would love it!!
And YES, perhaps if you stop running ultras the weekend before half marathons, we can run them together 🙂
Oh and one more thing, I definitely want to take 10 minutes off my half marathon time so I can keep up with you!
Congrats on all the buzz! What a week 🙂 Interesting take on the natural deodorants….and I shave my arm pits every.single.day. too – it’s not weird. Have fun this weekend!
HAHAHA! Thank you for saying that about shaving pits 🙂 It’s good to know I’m not alone…
Thanks Beth!
Allie! Congrats on your articles; they are all awesome, so I can see why they’ve been so popular – way to go!! Okay, so I’ve only tried two different “natural” deodorants in my life: one was from Tom’s and the other from a brand I can’t remember (got it at Whole Foods); they did NOT work well. I sweat…all the time. I break a sweat at work sometimes, especially in the summer, which is hugely embarrassing – ha! I might be willing to give one a try again, since you’ve had success with these! I will definitely keep you posted; thanks for being the guinea pig! 😉
I didn’t have success with Tom’s either and it was super messy – not good. Definitely try one of these, depending on your preference. I sweat like a man and these kept me smelling somewhat decent 🙂 Thanks Tara!
happy friyay! i’m totally feeling you on the aluminum free deodorant, i just bought a new stick of tom’s. i know that’s not the best but at least it’s better than others or nothing. i remember reading on ben greenfield’s blog about how you can use coconut oil as deodorant and i tried it, and guess what? nope. i smelled like stinky coconut. NOT what i was hoping for. i don’t always use natural stuff, but when it’s time for new stuff and its me doing the shopping, i get it.
i’m totally feeling the return of homeland right now, i’m so happy it’s back in my life. and wine. that’s not so bad, either 🙂 and oh… football. our team sucks, i feel bad for saying that. my husband says i’m supposed to love our team like it’s our child. our mentally challenged child. well fine, but i sort of want to adopt another child with less crappy defense. LOL.
Really? Coconut oil? At least you gave it a try 🙂
I keep saying I have to watch Homeland. I just heard an interview with Claire Danes and I just love her so much.
As for football, become a cheesehead. They never disappoint 🙂 GO PACK GO!
Dang girl, I saw all of those articles and I was thinking you had hit the big time! Nice job!! I’m high fiving all of the Chicago marathoners out there, I hear it was a tough race this weekend! I have not ventured into the natural deodorant department yet, but I know that I should. I sweat perfusely and I’m scare that my pit stains will be even worse, lol.
I sweat like a beast and all of these really were able to handle it. If you’re worried and don’t mind the application process, I would try the PiperWai first 🙂
YES! Huge high five to all the Chicago marathon finishers. I cannot wait to race that some day 🙂
Love love love that it was Allie Burdick day! And those Facebook people… that’s the trouble with popularity, it brings out the haters! Glad you can let it roll.
Can’t wait to hang out in a few days!!
LOL!! So true Laura.
Looking forward to seeing you but very scared of all the racing ahead of us!
I’ve never tried any of those deodorants before. I think the only natural one I’ve tried is Toms. In any event, I have limited access to natural and organic products so I just go with whatever makes me not smelly! The charcoal one is cool though.