Integrity First

Mai tai

This is my blog, and I write it. There are no ghost writers. I don’t accept “sponsored content” that is really a disguised “advertorial.” If I am quoting from a public relations release or other material provided to me by someone else, I’ll tell you and show it is a quote. I cite my sources. Where appropriate, I thank my inspiration. Guest posts will be clearly attributed to their authors. Copyright will be acknowledged.

Integrity means transparency. If I am an affiliate or otherwise compensated for a referral, I’ll tell you. If I receive a free product to review, the review will say so. I will disclose my relationships and affiliations relevant to this blog. (By the way, in the United States the FTC–Federal Trade Commission–requires disclosure of any affiliation with a brand, product, etc. on any social media post, regardless of the platform. That disclosure is required to be prominent and easy to understand, AND on the page where the content/post appears–it’s not enough to have a generic disclaimer page. The same is true of affiliate links, which have to be identified. This has been the rule for literally YEARS, but so many bloggers and “content creators” still do nto respect your right, a reader and consumer, yto know.)

My pledge: I will only promote products and services that I would back with my own personal reputation.

Potter bag

Integrity means honesty. I won’t lie to you, and I won’t stand for anyone lying to (or about!) me. If I review a product, service, or event it is because I used it, tried it, or attended it. (If there’s any weird exception–like I’m training for an event that’s new to me–I’ll tell you.) My positive reviews are absolutely not for sale–not here, not on any review site–they must be earned by merit. Trust matters.

Science: it works, bitches. (I read it on XKCD.) That’s why I do my best to research before writing about fitness and nutrition, so I can present the most current state of knowledge of the topic I’m discussing.  That’s professional. I will not knowingly repeat junk science or conspiracy theories or promote a product, service, or event that relies on them. I’m not a scientist, but I will do my best (and you’re encouraged to help!). I will seek out peer-reviewed research publications wherever possible. I’m evolving, and my opinions will change as we all learn more about the world.

Roll

Critical thinking: you should do some. Disagree with my conclusions? Find a flaw in my logic? Not sure about a source I’m citing? Do your own research. Try it out for yourself. Make up your own mind. I’ll approve your dissenting, thoughtful comments.  Find a peer reviewed research study where I said there wasn’t one?  Tell me! I want to hear about it.

Hate isn’t welcome here. Feel free to debate ideas and to disagree. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me or share my tastes. Personal attacks are not okay. A free exchange of ideas is!

The Bottom Line: I am responsible for what you read here, love it or not.

Live Your Best Life Now!

Disclosures (updated 2/220/2023)):

  • Honey Stinger Hive
  • Lebert Fitness Ambassador
  • Run Gum Athletic Club (fka Run Squad)
  • Fueled by The Feed
  • FNX Ambassador
  • Noxgear Ambassador
  • aSweatLife

In addition, I participate in fitness professional discount programs offered by Prana, and OPTP; I also have a love for EnergyBits (discount code BAIN–save 20% on any Bits)

Previous affiliations:

  • Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon Ambassador, 2016
  • Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon Ambassador, 2017
  • Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Blogger, 2017, 2018
  • Represent Running (now Run Local) “Run the Bay” series Ambassador, 2016 & 2017
  • Health Warrior Ambassador 2018, 2019
  • BibRave Pro, 2014-16
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll series: Rock ‘n’ Blog, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Nuun #Nuunbassador, 2015 & 2017
  • Berkeley Half Marathon Ambassador, 2014
  • Siggi’s Culture Club, 2014
  • Women’s Health Magazine “Action Hero” 2012-2014
  • Former Independent BeachBody Coach (now very anti-MLM though I do like some of their workouts)
  • Core Meditation Ambassador
  • Hydrant Insider