Wild by Nature Book Review and Giveaway

The Green Girl was thrilled to receive her first ever advance reader's edition when she was offered a copy of Sarah Marquis' Wild by Nature: From Siberia to Australia, Three Years Alone in the Wilderness on Foot.

One woman
10,000 miles on foot
6 countries
8 pairs of hiking boots
3,000 cups of tea
1,000 days and nights
Wild by Nature follows Swiss National Geographic Explorer Sarah Marquis on the trail of her 10,000 mile 'eXplorAsia' solo hike across the remote Gobi desert from Siberia to Thailand. From Thailand, she travels by boat and completes her hike in Northern Australia.

Sarah Marquis Photo Credit: alchetron.com

The author is Swiss and it's my understanding that the book was translated from French to English. I believe some of the meaning may have been lost or skewed in translation.

I also acknowledge the fact that cultural heuristics mold and influence world attitudes and views.

I found her writing incongruous, disjointed, and detached. I felt she had a lack of respect for the native inhabitants of the lands she encroached on but an intense appreciation for Mother Nature. I was often left yearning for more details. But I was still blown away by the magnitude of her solo journey.

Sarah Marquis at her camp in Australia’s Kimberley Photo Credit: Sarah Marquis

Preparing for a 3 year hike is a significant undertaking and I would have appreciated more details regarding her training and preparation. I also wish she would have provided the gear list that comprised her 75 lb backpack and 120 lb cart.

I appreciated insights like tips on how to collect water in an arid region.

Sarah Marquis arrives at her final 'Little Tree' destination Photo Credit: Sarah Marquis

I also learned a lot from how she handled herself in the difficult and potentially volatile encounters. She even resorted to sleeping in sewage pipes - sometimes alongside animal carcasses - to avoid night visits from drunk Mongolian men.

Wild by Nature goes on sale today, February 9th.

If you would like your very own copy of Wild by Nature, The Running Green Girl is pairing up with St. Martin's Press for a giveaway.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends Friday, February 19th at 12:00 midnight Pacific Time. If you encounter any issues entering this giveaway via Rafflecopter, please let me know.

The only way to survive three years of walking was to embrace the moment of now. Sarah Marquis

Reebok Spartan Race Canada Giveaway

The Green Girl is happy to announce she is partnering with Reebok Spartan Race Canada to give away one race entry to a Reebok Spartan Race in Canada.

Spartan Race was voted Outside Magazine’s Best Obstacle Race.

In 2014, there were over 130 Spartan Race obstacle events in 17 countries.

Spartan Race is a global series of obstacle races at 3 distances:

Obstacle Sprint 5+ km/15+
Obstacle Super 13+ km/20+
Obstacle Beast 20+ km/ 25+.

The Spartan World Championship is the culmination of these events.

In addition to the Elite Heats, the Spartan Race Open Heats offer something for all abilities and fitness levels.

The goal of the Spartan lifestyle is to encourage people to get off their couches and help everyone lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

Types of Spartan Races



To enter the giveaway to win a free Spartan Race Canada race entry for any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any 2015 Spartan Race Canada, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends Friday, May 22nd at 12:00 midnight Pacific Time. If you encounter any issues entering this giveaway via Rafflecopter, please let me know.



Good luck and thank you
for taking the time to enter this giveaway! Aroo!

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Winner

The Green Girl is thrilled to announce the winner of the Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Giveaway.

The winner is Tiina from One Crazy Penguin!

Thank you to all the participants and a big congratulations to Tiina!

Tiina, please send an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com to claim your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please also consider taking a moment to vote for Orange Mud founder, Josh Sprague, for Entrepeneur Magazine's 'Emerging Entrepreneur of 2014'. In addition to offering locally sourced, innovative products with for endurance athletes, Orange Mud also supports and gives back to the athletic community.

If you'd like to save 10% off an Orange Mud purchase, simply use discount code 'RUNNINGGREEN14'. Code valid until 08/30/2014.

Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap Giveaway

The Green Girl loves her lime green Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap.

After I posted my review last night, Orange Mud generously offered one Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap for a giveaway to a lucky winner.

Orange Mud designed the Transition & Seat Wrap to function as both a towel wrap and a seat protector.

The transition wrap feature consists of a sturdy clip that fastens easily and securely to a laser cut belt. I like how the belt band gives the towel a slight stiffness so it doesn't stretch as you secure it around your body.

The seat cover feature consists of a section of the towel that zips into a hoodie. This hooded portion can be pulled over the headrest of your car seat. It's long enough that it drapes over and protects the edge/side of your seat from potentially dirty calves/legs.

The Transition & Seat Wrap comes in 16 fun colors:

• Neon Yellow
• Royal Blue
• Neon Pink
• Hunter Green
• Navy Blue
• Sunshine Yellow
• Caribbean Blue
• Turquoise
• White
• Burgundy
• Orange
• Tan
• Purple
• Lime Green
• Salsa Red
• Black

To enter to win your very own Orange Mud Transition & Seat Wrap in your choice of color, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 6th at 12:00 midnight Pacific Time. If you encounter any issues entering this giveaway via Rafflecopter, please let me know.

Good luck and thank you
for taking the time to enter this giveaway!

Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 7th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Allied Medals Display Giveaway Winner

The Green Girl is thrilled to announce the winner of the Allied Medals Display Giveaway.

The winner is fellow Team Superhero ambassador, Whitney Sheperd!

Thank you to all the participants and a big congratulations to Whitney!

Whitney, please send an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com to claim your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

Allied Medals Display Giveaway

The Green Girl's 'The Running Green Girl' Allied Medal Displays Medal Holder

The Green Girl loves her 'The Running Green Girl' medal holder from Allied Medal Displays and is thrilled to announce Allied Medal Displays is giving away one medal display to a lucky winner.

(This is my first time using Rafflecopter for a giveaway, so please let me know if you encounter any issues.)

To enter to win your very own Allied Medal Displays medal hanger, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below.

You will have two options for logging into the Rafflecopter widget:

1. Log in via Facebook - choose this option and a pop-up will ask for permission to access Facebook details. Rafflecopter needs to access email addresses via Facebook in order to contact winners.
2. Use your email - leave a name and email address. Your email address is PRIVATE and I will not share or publish it anywhere.

Good luck and thank you
for taking the time to enter this giveaway!

Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 1st!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you'd like to save 10% off an Allied Medals Display purchase, simply use discount code 'TRGG'.

Running for Angels Virtual Summer Race Winner

The Green Girl is pleased to announce the winner of the Running for Angels Virtual Summer Race Giveaway.

There was one entry submitted via blog reply.

By default, that entry is the winner. Congratulations, LeAnn from Sole Runners!

Running for Angels Virtual Summer Race

The Running For Angels 5k race series benefits the Foundation For Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics to help fund important research for treatment for Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder. Characteristic features of this condition include developmental delay, speech impairment, and problems with movement and balance (ataxia).

Angels have a happy demeanor and laugh easily. While Angels cannot speak, they do have much to say.

Many angels also suffer from epilepsy. The seizures can be debilitating and, in some cases, even fatal.

Registration for the Running for Angels Summer Race the week of August 25th is still open.

Participants have the option to complete a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, or team marathon.

Please show your support by taking a moment to 'Like' the Running for Angels Virtual Race Series on Facebook.

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Winner

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30

The Green Girl and Coach Steve Mackel are pleased to announce the winner of the Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Giveaway.

There were a total of 26 entries submitted via blog reply or email. The winner number 17 was randomly selected based on results from random.org.

Congratulations to the winner, Elle from eat run sail!

Please send your mailing address to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in this giveaway and help us celebrate the ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012.

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 Giveaway

The Green Girl and Coach Steve Mackel are pairing up to host a blog giveaway to celebrate the ING Runner's Nation ING Class of 2012.

The ING New York City Marathon ING Runner's Nation is a virtual community for runners.

The group is open to everyone and is not limited to participants of the ING New York City Marathon. Coach Steve and three other running bloggers are the official Hosts for the interactive ING Runner's Nation.

Coach Steve is giving away one Phiten gift set that includes:

• 1 Phiten Titanium Necklace X30 red and black checkered necklace
• 6 Phiten Titanium Discs
• 3 Phiten Titanium Tape Strips
• 1 small Phiten Titanium Massage Lotion

Phiten Titanium Necklace X30

Phiten necklaces and apparel feature Phiten's Aqua-Titanium which is composed of micro-titanium spheres that are absorbed into fabric like dye.

The Phiten fabric is permeated with the Aqua-Titanium and is capable of emitting energy to effectively control the body's bio-electric current to improve the alignment of the body's positive and negative ions.

According to Phiten, their Aqua-Titanium products can improve your circulation and reduce muscle stress based on the theory that stiff muscles and fatigue may be caused by distruptions in the flow of your body's bio-electric current.

If you would like to celebrate the ING Runner's Nation Class of 2012 and have a chance to witness the benefits of Phiten's titanium technology for yourself, here's how you can enter this giveaway. Please note that each entry may be submitted in a reply to this post or via email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com:

• 'Like' the ING Runner's Nation on Facebook
• 'Follow' ING Runner's Nation on Twitter
• Share this giveaway on your blog
• Retweet this giveaway using hashtags #ingclassof2012‬ ‪#ingnycm‬ ‪#ingnation‬.
• 'Friend' Coach Steve on Facebook
• 'Follow' Coach Steve on Twitter
• View Coach Steve's Tips on 'Warming Up and Cooling Down'

The deadline to enter this giveaway is Saturday, August 11th, at midnight Pacific Time. The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 12th.

Good luck to everyone!

The Green Girl Won The 13.1 Chicago Race Entry

On a whim, the Green Girl entered a 13.1 Chicago [Half] Marathon Race Entry Giveaway hosted by Tim from 26.2 Quest.

I didn't expect to win but I figured if I somehow managed to get picked, I would make it happen one way or another.

There were a few iterations of winners but in the end, you can imagine my surprise when Tim contacted me and let me know The Running Green Girl won.

I guess the Green Girl will get the green 13.1 shirt after all - in Chicago!

Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandal Winner

The Green Girl is thrilled to announce the winner of the Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandal Giveaway.

I love how the sandal features Spenco's patented Polysorb Total Support insole. It's amazing that a sandal can offer so much arch support and stability.


There were a total of 133 entries submitted via blog reply or email.

The winning number, 125, was randomly selected based on results from random.org.

The winner is Monica. You will be receiving a pair of Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals in your choice of style, color, and size.

Congratulations, Monica! Please send your mailing address and sandal choice to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com.

Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thank you to Spenco for this awesome giveaway!

Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandal Giveaway

Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals

The Green Girl is very proud to team up with Spenco Medical to sponsor a Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandal Giveaway.

As I mentioned in my review, the Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandal has changed my life. I can finally walk around in a pair of flip-flops like 'everyone else'.

The sandal features Spenco's patented Polysorb Total Support insole.

Spenco Polysorb Total Support Insole

The Polysorb Total Support Sandal is a dream come true for me. I am so happy to have found such a comfortable and stable sandal with arch support that actually fits my small, wide feet.

One lucky winner will a pair of Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals in their choice of color combination and size, men's sizes 7-13 or women's sizes 6-10.

Men's Black/Pewter

Men's Khaki/Chili

Women's Caramel/Coffee

Women's Dove Grey/Pink

Women's Dove Grey/Purple

Women's Black/Black

If you would like a chance to win your very own pair of Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals, there are two ways to enter this giveaway:

• Visit the Spenco Medical website and in a reply to this post, tell me which pair of Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals you would like to win and why
• Visit the Spenco Medical website and in a an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com tell me which pair of Spenco Polysorb Total Support Sandals you would like to win and why

Bonus Entries (can be submitted in a reply to this post or via email):

• Visit the Spenco Medical website and tell me which Spenco products you think would enhance your workouts
• Blog about this giveaway
• Tweet about this giveaway

The deadline to enter is Thursday, May 19th at midnight Pacific Time. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 20th. This giveaway is limited to the U.S. and Canada.

Nathan Trail Mix Giveaway Extension

The Green Girl wants to express her sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused by the outage of her blog hosting company.

The Nathan Trail Mix Giveaway was technically supposed to end last night at midnight Pacific Time but due to my blog's downtime, I will extend the giveaway until midnight on Sunday, May 15th. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 16th.

I will account for all the comments that were lost in the outage by adding the following entries to the contest:

• Nicole, Ryan & Wilder - 2 entries
• Robin - 4 entries
• Samantha - 2 entries
• Stacie - 5 entries

Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

The Green Girl's Nathan Trail Mix Belt Giveaway

After the Green Girl professed her undying love for all things Nathan Performance Gear, they offered to give one lucky reader their very own grey (not green) Nathan Trail Mix hydration belt.

As I mentioned in my review, I am very pleased with my new Trail Mix.

The design is phenomenal. The strap fastener is easily adjustable, comfortable, and remains snug. The belt is so unobtrusive that I was able to wear it while cycling.

My favorite component is the spacious rear pocket. The zip enclosure ensures your items are secure. The main compartment even has a small internal pocket with a handy key connector.

I love this feature because I always anchor my car key to that hook and then I slide the secured key into the pocket flap so it's separated from the items stuffed in the main section.

If you would like a chance to win a grey (not green) Nathan Trail Mix, there are two ways to enter this giveaway:

• Reply to this post
• Send an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com

Bonus Entries (can be submitted in a reply to this post or via email):

• Blog about this giveaway
• Tweet about this giveaway
• 'Like' Nathan Performance Gear on Facebook
• 'Follow' Nathan Performance Gear on Twitter

The deadline to enter is Thursday, May 12th at midnight Pacific Time. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 13th. This giveaway is limited to the U.S. and Canada.

Farthest Star Cookies Cookie Shots Winner

Farthest Star Cookies - Cookie Shots Sampler

How far the star
      exceeds our grasp
How far the star
      extends our reach
The Green Girl is thrilled to announce the lucky winner of the Farthest Star Cookies Cookie Shots Giveaway!

Farthest Star Cookies is the Home of the Original Cookie Shots. Farthest Star Cookies provides a unique selection of cookies made with liqueurs and well known cocktails.

Farthest Star Cookies is also a proud sponsor of the upcoming Los Angeles Angelman Syndrome Foundation National Walk.

There were a total of 31 Farthest Star Cookies entries submitted via blog reply or email. The winning number, 14, was randomly selected based on results from random.org.

The winner is Stephanie Anne from Running To Health! You will be receiving the Cookie Shots Sampler.

Congratulations, Stephanie Anne! Please send your mailing address to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com.

Farthest Star Cookies Cookie Shots Giveaway

The Green Girl is teaming with Farthest Star Cookies to offer a Farthest Star Cookies Original Cookie Shots giveaway.

Farthest Star Cookies is the Home of the Original Cookie Shots. Farthest Star Cookies provides a unique selection of cookies made with liqueurs and well known cocktails.

Farthest Star Cookies - Irish Cream Chocolate Chip

I am thrilled to announce one lucky winner will win a half dozen Farthest Star Cookies Cookie Shots.

The winner will be able to choose from Farthest Star's selection based on popular liqueurs such as Irish Cream and Crème de Banana, or popular cocktails such as the Northface.

There are two ways to enter this giveaway:

• Reply to this post and tell me which Farthest Star Cookies item you would like to win
• Send an email to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com and tell me which Farthest Star Cookies item you would like to win

Bonus Entries (can be submitted in a reply to this post or via email):

• Blog about this giveaway
• Tweet about this giveaway
• 'Like' Farthest Star Cookies on Facebook
• 'Folllow' Farthest Star Cookies on Twitter

The deadline to enter this giveaway is Friday, February 18th, at midnight Pacific Time. The winners will be announced on Saturday, February 19th. This giveaway will be limited to the U.S. and Canada.

How far the star
      exceeds our grasp
How far the star
      extends our reach

Angel Runners Race For Research Winner

The Green Girl is pleased to announce the winner of the Angel Runners Race For Research Giveaway.

There were a total of 29 Angel Runners entries submitted via blog reply or email. The winning number, 18, was randomly selected based on results from random.org.

The winner is Molly from I'm a Sleeper Baker!

Congratulations, Molly! Please send your mailing address and choice of Angel Runners apparel to giveaway@therunninggreengirl.com.