This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light Pure Fitness.

I started running - really running - last January.  I had never trained properly for a race.  My idea of running was go out and run 3 miles and wonder why I hated running as I tried not to pass out in the grass. 

Training properly made a huge difference.  It also made me love running, though sometimes I forget I feel that way when I’m dripping in sweat and forcing myself to get through that last mile.  Working with a training team also made me face some hard facts:  a large part of my problem was my lack of hydration.  Even in the winter, I wasn’t drinking enough during or after my runs and I would get headaches and feel exhausted. 

As spring and summer came around, we had a history-making heat wave for Richmond.  Based on my schedule, there were days I could only run in the late afternoons - when the heat index climbed into the triple digits and the humidity levels were ridiculous.  Water become more important and hydration necessary. 

I’ve never liked drinking sports drinks - they were always too high in calories and too thick in taste.  I was excited to try Crystal Light’s new Pure Fitness product - 15 calories per serving, and flavored.  The first time I tried it, I was cross-training - walking for 10 minutes, running for 10, and so on. I replaced my usual water in my water belt with Crystal Light.  It was such a treat to be able to have some flavor with the added bonus of electrolytes while simultaneously not adding calories I’m trying to burn. 

I’ve now become addicted to Pure Fitness.  When I garden, I carry a bottle of water flavored with Pure Fitness.  I use it when I walk the dog, at the gym, and keep a pitcher in my refrigerator so I can rehydrate after playing outside with the kids.  Summer in Virginia is ultra hot because of the high humidity levels, and I’ve found that by carrying the Pure Fitness around with me, I have less headaches and more energy.  I especially love the fact that there are no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners or preservatives.  Every little bit of support helps me reach my goal of being healthy - and doing what I love. 

I get to do what I love best:  give things away!  I will be giving away a $100 Visa gift card after all of my Pure Fitness blogs have been published.  I will combine all entries/comments and choose a winner from among them.  All you have to do to be entered into the pool is to tweet about this post (place link in the comments, please!) or post a comment about your favorite way to stay hydrated. 

You can check out the reviews and giveaways from BlogHer at BlogHer.com CLPF exclusive offers page. There are always great giveaways and ideas there.  Make sure you check out the other participating bloggers’ reviews as you will have three other chances to win the $100 gift card - or the $1,000 sweepstakes on the round-up page! 

Official rules are here. 

You can find out everything you ever wanted to know about Crystal Light’s Pure Fitness by going here. 

Don’t forget to participate in this week’s poll!