And yes, lesson learned, I’m now backing up my photos to unlimited Amazon Prime.
Those of you following me on Instagram are probably tired of this story because for the first time I went NUTS with Instagram stories to share the journey that started this weekend.
I think any big partnership deserves a moment here because I always want you to know why I’m doing it and what to expect. I say NO to far more than I say yes these days, which I think is important for you to know! But when Under Armour Women approached me for a whole new program that was all about being authentically me and continuing to share my passion for running with some added support, I was intrigued.
That’s right I didn’t instantly jump on board!
While I love every single piece of Under Armour apparel (I have a pair of shorts and a tank that have been my race staples for years and are probably thread bare, but I refuse to give them up), I wasn’t sure about their running shoes.
I couldn’t stand up proudly and say I love everything about this brand until I gave them a fair shake. And they admit they’re only 10 years old in the running shoe category, so they’re making massive strides to catch up…and I’m happy to say they are doing it well.
What it means to you?
I won’t be suddenly trying to sell you product, but you’ll be seeing a whole lot of their gear in all of my training and you can decide for yourself how darn cute it is.
I’ll be doing tons of giveaways for you to test out gear on your own.
When I do talk about gear from what works to how to layer to how to wear it from your run to the store without looking like a hot mess, of course I’ll be including some of my favorite pieces.Overall, content here will not change! You should expect my objective opinion on what’s great and what won’t work for everyone, my researched articles and my crazy run travels.
What is means to me?
I’m part of a family of women determined to make some serious strides in promoting fitness.
Not wearing fitness gear, but using the dang stuff.
Not running because we have to, but because it changes our lives.
Not judging anyone for how they choose to sweat, but jumping in beside them for the new experience.
Friends I cannot wait.For my fellow bloggers already asking “how can I be an ambassador?” I wish everyone could because I adore you, but this isn’t the program you’ve seen before.
They aren’t bringing on hundreds of people to rep product, we’re forming a truly collaborative relationship where they genuinely want to invest in my goal achievement and I’ll be happily doing it in their swanky gear.
In fact, the scope of how different this is from things I’ve participated nearly brought me to tears a few times. They didn’t just show us their stuff, they created this massive wall and went through our stories to introduce us to everyone.
Having a group of women and a whole dang company rooting you on is overwhelming and seriously motivating.
What happened last week?
Holy moley, where to even start.
I often say one of my favorite parts of any event is the people I meet, that rang true again. There are 7 ambassadors in this brand new one of a kind program and we are all so different, it’s fantastic.
Chaley Rose – Actress on the TV show Nashville (seriously the cutest)
Shiona – Professional stylist (yes like Beyonce stylist and take no shit Bermuda Native)
Dani – Professional dancer with people like Katy Perry (most energy ever)
Monique – Surprise I know her already from Ambitious Kitchen, a fellow blogger!
Kym – Soulcycle instructor and competitive cyclist who used to bike messenger in NYC
Sierra – Skateboard photographer and pretty fabulous skateboarder in her own right
Our time together was filled with laughter and honestly some mind blowing experiences.
But to be honest it wasn’t just the ambassadors who made the week special. It was every UA person that we came in to contact with and genuinely embraced us, knew our journey and were excited for what we can do together. It was also the PR team who focused on every single little detail, like putting names on our lockers or creating customized shirts for us!
They asked what one word best describes me and I said “consistent”. So tada, I opened a locker for a workout in their gym to find my tank. I walked in to find my may favorite Gerber daisies waiting in the hotel room. Touring Under Armour is fascinating because you being to realize the scope of what they’ve done and where they’re going.
Soon they’ll own properties all around the Harbor including a new Under Armour Hotel and the water taxi service that everyone uses as transportation. One very cool stop was to a place called The Lighthouse where they are doing lots of top secret development.
Part of what they are testing is how to make products faster and with even better fit. They have this great 3D machine that allows them to then test out apparel digitally through various ranges of motion.Of course on campus they have a full gym, basketball court, multiple cafes, top secret technology rooms and out of this world décor like this living wall.
Branding is done to a T with everything from pedestals to tables to cups to lamps.
Then you realize that Under Armour founder Kevin also owns Sagamore Farms, which includes a beautiful house (that operates as a hotel for UA), race horses, an on site farm employee apt for 25 people, a fresh spring which provide water for Sagamore Whiskey and so much more!The ponies were seriously a pretty cool highlight, but also learning about the race horses and the fact that their training track is made from ground spandex…yup results of Under Amour.
I could literally just keep going with all the fun, but here are some other highlights.
- We learned how to make a cocktail with the Sagamore Whiskey or in my case a mocktail.
- An indoor s’mores bar with homemade graham crackers.
- A morning run around the harbor with some UA running team members.
- A HIIT workout in the UA gym which was a great reminder of how much I love the TRX and how much I hate mountain climbers.
- A quick yoga session lead by Kathryn.
And of course our super market sweep of the Under Armour brand house, where we all went in and in a very short amount of time tried to find outfits. It was hilarious to watch and probably the most fun shopping I’ve ever had in my life.
If you’re still here, thanks for reading and don’t be afraid to hit me up with your questions.
Have you tried UA gear?
Have you visited Baltimore?
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Laura
I’m so excited for your partnership! I too know very little about Under Armour’s shoes and I’m excited to hear your thoughts :-)
amanda
OH and hear about them you shall on our many run, walk, hike, trampoline adventures
Alisha
Me too.
Team Gillis Realtor
Congratulations! So proud of you. Under Armour is one big company and you are very lucky to be sponsored.
lindsay Cotter
totally stalked you on IG stories. THIS IS AWESOME!! congrats friend. What a great group and company!
amanda
That’s what I did with your move!! isn’t it weird to feel like you are stalking a friend :)
Holly
I actually do not own any Under Armour apparel. Looking forward to the giveaways. :-)
Marcheta
I love my UA shorts and tanks even though I only have a couple. I really want to try their running shoes with the chip that will sync up to MapMyRun if I don’t take my phone on a run. I’m such an Asics fan though, I’m afraid to buy them and not like them. haha. This partnership is SO EXCITING! I can’t wait to see what the giveaways have in store! Congratulations!
amanda
Yes!!! It’s very cool and the new Gemini that has it does this little test before a workout that helps to gauge your energy level and let you know if you should back off.
Jodi
Oh my gosh. I am truly and genuinely so excited for you!!!!!!! Cannot wait to follow this journey of yours!!
Yes, I have just a few UA pieces and LOVE them….honestly just so expensive so I rarely treat myself!!
Jodi
oops…no have never been to Baltimore!!!
amanda
You should be able to find great prices at places like Dick’s, that’s where I always bought stuff!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
What an awesome opportunity for you!
Alisa Fleming
Holy amazingness!! Congrats Amanda, that is HUGE! As a side note, I love their products (one of the few brands that fits me!) and will definitely be following along and entering those giveaways :)
amanda
Thanks Alisa!!! I am very honored and maybe can swap gear for food, ha!
Heather Montgomery
So fun! Glad to hear they have made strides in the shoe department. When I went to baltimore to visit with them/was an ambassador, that was my one issue. LOVED their workout clothes but the shoes I had some problems with for my feet. Can’t wait to hear more!
amanda
Yup I know FitFluential did some things with them in the past and I think they’ve taken it to the next level now because they are finally ready to make women’s a massive focus as a company. I talked a ton to the run group and I’m super excited about what’s coming (the trail shoes are awesome).
Sandra Laflamme
Congratulations to you friend! What a truly exciting opportunity! I am in love with Under Armour Sports Bras as they truly perform!
Marsha
How cool!!! Congratulations!! I do have a few UA items and really like them. Never been to Baltimore
Renee
Congratulations!!! I think I liked ALL your instagram posts like a true fangirl. :)
Carmy
I have a few pieces from UA that I will NEVER give up! I practically live in my UA joggers.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs
I wish more bloggers were as authentic and transparent as you are when it comes to partnerships. I, too, will only promote a product I love and use, and I think it’s so important to build trust.
I’m excited to learn more about UA and how they fit into the running world.
Also CONGRATULATIONS!!
Lisa @ RunWiki
When I saw that you had this opportunity, I got the chills and a huge smile on my face for you. How exciting Amanda! My husband is a Maryland boy, born and raised, and ex- military so we are big UA fans here in this house. I’m excited to follow along as represent this very cool brand! xo
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
So cool, Amanda! Congrats! :)
Laura
Congrats, Amanda!! Somehow I totally missed this on Instagram, but what a huge honor! I’m so excited for you!
Susie @ Suzlyfe
Congrats! This is fantastic, and so exciting for you. They couldn’t ask for a better ambassador!
Leis
Wow diddy wow wow Coach! This is such an incredible opportunity for you and they soooo chose the right person! I cannot wait to see what this opportunity has in store for you! As for UA, I am a huge fan! And yes, mine are so worn, that it really is time to invest in new ones! And NOPE, never been to Baltimore. Congrats my dear friend!
amanda
Big hugs, thank you so much friend!
Jenn
Wow, congratulations! This is seriously the coolest! I love Under Armour – though have never tried their shoes – but their clothing is so cute. My hubby is a football coach so I have to sit through a lot of hours in frigid temps toward the end of the season and I wouldn’t be caught out there without my Under Armour ColdGear!
Sara @ Oats & Rows
Congrats, that is so exciting! My brother and uncle work for Sagamore Spirits and love it. Baltimore is such a cool city!
Bonnie Lang
So, so excited and happy for you! What an amazing opportunity, Amanda!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Congrats on such an amazing opportunity – UA chose an awesome ambassador! Your IG stories were so fun to watch.
Margarita at Cupcakecardio.com
Amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed my new home. I love everything Kevin Plank is doing for this city. I’m hoping he makes the water taxi usable (right now it’s just covenient for tourists and people who live in Fed Hill) for everyone along the Harbor. A new focus in women’s running sound fantastic.
amanda
I was truly amazed at everything they have in the works and I didn’t realize how useful the water taxi actually could be until talking to some locals!
Diane
Congratulations! I’m so excited for a group like this to be helping bring fitness to all! I’ve honestly avoid UA because their clothes never fit me well because I’m more rounded for a marathoner. I have 1 shirt I LOVE for UA that I’ve worn for mulitple marathons but that’s my only piece. I look forward to seeing what this will bring!! Congratulations!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
Congrats, Amanda! But very well deserved. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you about this partnership!
Meghan R
So excited for you chica! ☺
Taylor Kiser
Super excited for you!! Congrats! Looking forward to following along here with you on this amazing journey!
Sarah
Congratulations this is just awesome and I’m so happy for you!! I look forward to seeing more! Maybe tracking you down on a billboard so I can take a selfie with you! ;)
Emily Kyle
A program where you get to be your authentic self and celebrate that, now that is amazing! Congratulations on a much deserved sponsorship!!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
Hi Amanda! This is amazing!! What an opportunity to work with an amazing company and such great women! Congratulations— so much to be proud of!!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit
That is awesome! Congratulations! You look like you had a great time with the girls!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
Congrats Amanda! I love how genuine and authentic you are. This partnership seems like a great fit for you and a fun group of women to be with!
Lisa @ early morning run
I am SO excited for you! It sounds like the partnership is off to a roaring start. Sorry about your photos – that’s my worst nightmare. Thank goodness for new friends, right?
Laura
CONGRATS! What an amazing opportunity! I live in under armor! :)