Category Archives: Giveaways

Spartan Race Entry Giveaway

May 23, 2013 By in Fitness, Giveaways, Racing Tags: , , , , , 31 Comments

I first got excited about obstacle racing when I finished my first Spartan race, then again when I helped edit Margaret Schlachter’s soon-to-be-released book about obstacle racing.

Although I enjoy the diversity of obstacle racing, the target audience always intimidated me—big, burly guys with shaved heads who wanted to crush me. I didn’t want to crush anyone. I mostly just wanted to run a lot.

To my relief, I discovered at my first Spartan race that this was very much a trail runner’s world. I ran circles around the bigger guys, slipped under and over the obstacles, and finished strong despite my lack of veiny muscles. My confidence was restored.

Now the 2013-2014 Spartan season is kicking off all over the country, and I’m honored to offer one free race entry to a lucky reader.

This entry will get you into ANY open Spartan race in the Continental USA. There are events of varying distances all over the country. Check out the Spartan schedule HERE.

You can also use this URL to generate a 15% off code for any Spartan race.

If you’ve never tried an obstacle race before, I’d strongly recommend entering.

HOW TO ENTER

To win the free entry, simply leave a comment on this post answering the question: “What makes you a warrior?”

If you share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or any other form of social media, you get an additional entry for each time you share. For example, if you share on Facebook AND Twitter, that’s two extra entries. (Leave a separate comment telling me where you shared.)

The winner will be chosen randomly on May 31, 2013.

Good luck!

SPARTAN RACE VIDEO

Direct YouTube Link HERE

You May Also Enjoy:

Spartan Obstacle Race Report

The Burpee Challenge: 3 Things I Learned & 2 Surprises

8 Blogs that Rock my RSS Feed

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Check out my book: The Summit Seeker

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Win a 100-Mile Race Entry

July 10, 2012 By in Giveaways Tags: , , , , , , , , , 48 Comments

I am excited to announce a free giveaway for the inaugural Mogollon Monster 100 this year in Northern Arizona on September 28rd!

I have never seen a 100-miler giveaway before, and I’m stoked because:

1. It can be expensive to race 100s.

2. It’s intimidating to sign up for a 100-miler.

Why You Should Enter

I jumped straight from a 50K to finish a 100-miler, so don’t be intimidated if you haven’t run 100k or 50 miles. This distance is very much a mental challenge.

Many don’t sign up because they don’t believe the can finish. And many would be surprised. You still have time to train for this event.

I’m a passionate advocate for running ultra marathons because we are always stronger than we think we are. The ultra can bring about such a life-changing transformation, and you cannot attempt 100 miles without being changed.

No matter what you have done or will do in the future – this is a victory that nobody can undermine or take away from you. And it’s free! So go ahead and throw your name in. Maybe this is your time.

Read this post about 7 Lies You Believe About Ultra Running to ease some of your fears. You CAN do this!

If you’re still having doubts, read my race report for my first 100-miler. And my thoughts before the race.

If you’ve finished 100 before, here is a worthy buckle to add to your collection!

The Course

  • Arizona’s 2nd 100-miler and 1st mountain 100-miler
  • 4 Mont De Blanc points
  • Start at 5,500 feet, max at 7,400
  • Each climb and descent is anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, usually done in under 2 miles
  • Climb through multiple ecosystems
  • Scale the first climb to the top of the Mogollon Rim in the first 9 miles of the race
  • Series of ascents and descents of the Mogollon Rim
  • Run from red rock high desert terrain to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world (soldiers used to mark the Ponderosas high on the trees so they could still see them in high snow in the winter and today you can still see some of the markers)
  • Minimal dirt roads, and nearly all have a view
  • Dirt road sections are under 6 miles
  • 1 mile at the finish is pavement into town
  • Steep, rugged and extremely technical

Read more here.

The Race Director, Jeremy Dougherty, has spent years shadowing many RDs at ultra events, and can avoid the normal hang-ups of an inaugural race.

Here is a video of the upper region of the course called the Cabin Loop. This is right after the first snow break so the greenery hasn’t sprung up yet.

Visit the website www.mogollonmonster100.com for more course photos and videos.

If you really can’t make it…

Strongly consider being a volunteer or a pacer for this race. Both are tremendous learning experiences and will give you a chance to see what a 100-miler is all about. Shacky and I will be there with Ginger, volunteering.

If you’d like to get set up with a pacing gig but don’t know anyone who is running, email the Race Director at at azadventures@getoutgetlost.com.

How to Enter

You must complete the following three things for one entry:

  1. “Like” the Mogollon Monster 100 Facebook fan page.
  2. Share a link to this giveaway via social media or your blog and mention that you’ve entered.
  3. Leave a comment and tell me why you want to win.

The winner will be chosen next Wednesday July 18th through a random draw and I will announced it here on the blog. You have five days to claim your entry before I pick another winner.

Good luck!

Eat & Run Giveaway Winner Plus More

June 22, 2012 By in Giveaways, Nutrition, Ultra marathon Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

We’ve got a winner for the Eat & Run book giveaway by Scott Jurek!

Congrats to “jeeweetje” who left the following comment:

I first saw him running in a tv commercial about a certain car brand. Then I read about him in Born to run.

When Cablo Blanco went missing, I was touched how he and others responded and reminded me of something important; although your (ultra) runs are a lone thing mostly, when needed you run for friends.

Please send me an email to vanessaruns@gmail.com with your mailing address so I can send the book out!

For the rest of you who didn’t win, there’s another giveaway going on at this site, so head on over.

Some other links to follow:

Ultra Running’s Top Stories

This is an online paper I manage and compile. The link is updated daily with links related to ultra running, pulled from all over the web. It really helps me stay on top of ultra running news and find relevant contacts to follow.

FOLLOW HERE

Shut Up and Just Run

My friend Carlos recently started this Facebook page where he posts race coverage videos and photos. He does interviews and covers the events really well. Below is his video on the San Diego 100 Endurance Run. Enjoy and Happy Friday!

FOLLOW HERE

Win Your Autographed Eat & Run Book By Scott Jurek

June 16, 2012 By in Giveaways, Running, Ultra marathon Tags: , , , , , , , , , 62 Comments

Today we attended Scott Jurek’s run, talk and book signing at Movin Shoes in San Diego. It was amazing to meet Jurek and speak to him personally. He was really easy to approach and took his time chatting with each person who lined up for an autograph.

Although I already had his book on my Kindle, I bought a new hardcover copy and had him sign it for a giveaway.

So here’s your chance to win your own autographed copy!

The rules are simple:

1. To enter, leave a comment telling me how you first heard about Jurek and how he has inspired your running.

2. For an additional entry, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or on your blog. Leave a separate comment and let me know you shared.

Next Friday, June 22, I will choose one comment at random and mail the book to the winner.

Good luck!

Here are some photos from the event:

FREE Race Entry Giveaway: SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon

March 10, 2012 By in Giveaways, Half Marathon Tags: , , , , , , , 19 Comments

There’s a new half marathon in town, and here’s your chance to win a FREE entry ($60 value)!

The Inaugural SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon takes place on June 23, 2012. This will be Southern California’s first and only trail half marathon for women. (YAY TRAIL!)

I will be running it, and the race director, Paul Jesse, has generously offered up a free entry for one lucky reader. You can view the race website HERE.

The race is only open to women, but if you’re a dude and want to enter this giveaway for your wife/sister/friend/girlfriend, you’re welcome to do so.

The girl in question can also enter for herself, and increase her chances of winning. Men can show their support by volunteering or dressing skimpy to impress the ladies.

HOW TO ENTER

Women: Leave a comment telling me what you most love about being a woman.

Men: Leave a comment telling me who you’re entering for and what you most love about her.

Both men and women: You may get additional giveaway entries and boost your chances of winning by:

  • Blogging about this giveaway (+1 giveaway entry)
  • Posting this giveaway Facebook (+1 giveaway entry)
  • Tweeting about this giveaway (+1 giveaway entry)

Make sure you leave a comment telling me how you spread the word, along with a link so I can verify.

A winner will be chosen at random and posted on Tuesday, March 20th.

Good luck!

Women in Running

In his newsletter, Dr. Victor Runco of the San Diego Running Institute recently mentioned the Sports Survey by runningusa.org.

This study sheds some light on the growth of female runners in the United States. Here are some fascinating stats:

  • Women make up an astounding 59% of all half marathons in the United States.
  • Women made up the majority of 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons in 2010.
  • The marathon remains the only male-dominated event in running.

The average female runner has the following statistics:

  • Average Age: 38.5
  • 63.2% married
  • 78.2% college educated
  • 70.3% earn a household income of $75,000+
  • Average number of years running: 9.9 years
  • Average number of running events participated in during the last 12 months: 7.2 events
  • 51.8% have completed one marathon or more in their lifetime
  • 70.4% Run/Jog 4+ hours each week
  • 77.7% run 12 months a year
  • Average number of days run per week: 4.0
  • Average number of miles run per week: 21.9
  • 66.1% describe themselves as “Frequent/Fitness Runners”

I found these stats eye-opening and motivating. Women are running. And I will be at the Inaugural SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon to see them come together. See you there!

HUARACHES GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Invisible Shoes

September 27, 2011 By in Giveaways, Product Reviews, Run Smiley, Trail Running, Ultra Runners I Follow Tags: , , , , , , 64 Comments

Mileage: 51.2 miles

Terrain: Technical trails

About a month ago I received a complimentary pair of Invisible Shoe huaraches offered to the Run Smiley Collective. I was excited because these were my first real pair of laced huaraches. Previously I had worn Unshoe sandals, which are adjusted with a clasp (no lacing), and I was still waiting for my first pair of Lunas.

I started using the Invisible Shoes on San Diego trail runs, which I soon discovered were extremely technical. In retrospect, I am amazed that these huaraches did so well with the terrain and the mileage I was using them on. I ran over 50 miles in about 3 weeks of exclusively rocky trails.

Here’s what I think of them:

Ground Feel

The ground feel was very high, as the 6mm sole was really quite thin. I liked the fact that this forced me to pay attention to my footing, but it would also start to tire out my feet as the miles started accumulating. They didn’t hurt, but I definitely felt every step.

Tying & Adjustability

I never had any trouble tying these and they only came untied once under very harsh trail conditions. The best part of these laces is that they are easy to adjust on the fly. So if the fit isn’t perfect, I can tug a little instead of having to sit down and re-lace from scratch. They also come in slip-on form, which simplifies the lacing process.

Technical Trail Performance

I love running trails, so I really need a sandal that holds up. The thing about trails is that each footfall is different, and always uneven. So it’s difficult to find a perfect huarache fit. If the lacing is too loose, the sandal falls off. If it’s too tight, it digs into your skin and gives you blisters. Plus the constant foot-shuffling tends to loosen the fit in a way that doesn’t happen with traditional shoes.

That said, this pair only fell off once after a particularly intense trail run, and I was only delayed for seconds since I could adjust them while they were still on my feet. And I had run over 50 miles before they started to blister. I think that’s impressive considering I didn’t take any anti-blister precautions. No socks, taping, or BodyGlide. Creek crossings are also really fun in these.

General Fit

One thing that would bother me with the Unshoes was that the front of the sandal would fold over and I’d step on them a lot, no matter how I adjusted my form. So I was concerned that would be the case again. But that never happened with the Invisible Shoes. Overall, it was a better fit. I never felt the lacing between my big toe and my second toe, whereas this was also a painful issue with the Unshoes.

Storage & Convenience

I like to throw these into my hydration bladder and head out for a barefoot run. If the trails get too rough, I know I can throw these on fairly easily. They give me the confidence to try new trails barefoot because I know these can get me through any rough sections. They help me run MORE barefoot miles, not less. I think that’s how a shoe should truly function.

Customer Service

I have to mention the great customer service and personalized attention from this company. It’s always refreshing to deal with someone who can answer all your questions and get back to you promptly. Great job guys!

Drawbacks

I can’t race an entire ultra in these on a technical trail. I still need a bit of a thicker sole. I also hate them on concrete. They slap a little louder than I’d like and I find it tough to run in complete silence, no matter how I shift my form. I would also recommend some blister prevention, like BodyGlide. Because when they DO form blisters, it’s very demoralizing and tough to avoid rubbing in the exact same places.

Conclusions

I definitely have a place for these huaraches. I love that I can carry them around when I’m barefoot. I also love them on slightly rocky trails, or on anything less than 20 miles. I love they way they look on my feet and they do spark some conversation. For the average runner, these would be a fun sandal. For me, they were also a great transition to huarache running.

If you’re considering moving into huaraches, I would recommend these as a great “first” sandal. They’re easier to tie than other options, they’re very reasonable, and will really give you a good idea as to whether huarache running is for you.

HUARACHES INVISIBLE SHOE GIVEAWAY

Invisible Shoes is generously offering one lucky reader a free pair of huaraches!

To enter, do one or more of the following things. Leave a separate comment below for each thing you do, as I will count up the comments and choose a winner randomly using random.org. Every separate comment will count as an entry. The more you do, the higher your chances of winning.

The winner will be announced next Tuesday, October 4th. Come back and check because if you don’t claim your prize, I’ll choose another winner!

  • Leave a comment and tell me why you’d like to win these huaraches
  • “Like” Invisible Shoes on Facebook HERE
  • Follow Invisible Shoes on Twitter @InvisibleShoes
  • Post about this giveaway on any social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc). Each posting counts as one entry, so leave a separate comment for every one.
  • Blog about this giveaway.
  • Follow/subscribe to this blog (top left hand side). If you’ve already subscribed, that still counts as an entry. Just leave a comment and let me know.

Good luck!

ZENSAH COMPRESSION SLEEVES REVIEW & TANK GIVEAWAY!

August 25, 2011 By in Giveaways Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

When I first saw someone wearing a pair of calf compression sleeves, I had no idea what they were. Over time I learned that they were popular (invaluable even) with many distance runners, and particularly barefoot or minimalist runners.

Trying to transition to a more minimalist shoe, or training to run barefoot is taxing on your calves. When I first started out, my calves were sore for days. Many of the people I’ve nudged into barefoot running have experienced the same soreness.

Calf compressions sleeves have made the barefoot transition easier for me. They shorten my recovery periods. So I was thrilled when Zensah offered me a free pair of their calf compression sleeves for review.

I chose the women’s green because green is my favorite color!  I started wearing them immediately for my San Diego trail runs. Moving from Toronto to San Diego was a rough transition for my calves. The trails in Toronto are relatively flat and easy to run, but in San Diego they are hilly, rocky, and very challenging.

During my first week in San Diego I did a Noble Canyon training run in huarache sandals, and it was easily the roughest trail run of my life. My calves should have been killing me. But thanks to the compression sleeves, they weren’t. To be sure it was the sleeves, I went on another training run without the compression. This time I ran on an easier, flatter trail. And my calves were sore.

I love my Zensah sleeves for two reasons:

1. They work. I’ve found that they drastically reduce my recovery time, allowing me to run further distances on rougher trails. Basically they let me do what I love for a really long time. Many of my running friends swear by them.

2. They’re cute. Another less-discussed aspect of running barefoot or minimalist is STYLE. Barefoot runners like to look good… or at least different. The sleeves are bright and fun to wear. They look great with my running skirts and they draw attention to my bare feet. I love that. Zensah also offers a wide range of color options, so I’d like to buy a few more to compliment different outfits.

ZENSAH RACERBACK TANK GIVEAWAY

You can enter for a Zensah Racerback Tank by “Liking” the Zensah Facebook page HERE.

Then click on the Dare to Win link on the left hand column. Enter your name and email for a chance to win!

NUUN ELECTROLYTE REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

August 9, 2011 By in Giveaways Tags: , , , , 39 Comments

I never worried much about electrolytes until I started ultra training. Now I know how important it is to replenish the minerals I lose through sweating.

I was lucky enough to receive some Nuun (pronounced “noon”) samples from the gorgeous Barefoot Angie Bee a few weeks ago, and I used them for the first time on a 24-hour ultra relay in Toronto.

What I received: Nuun Sport Drink Tablets. These are tablets that you drop into any water bottle or glass of water. Let it dissolve and drink up!

Here are my thoughts:

I LOVED

The flavors. There is a great variety of over 10 flavors and they’re all delicious! Tri-berry is my favorite.

The convenience. The tabs were super easy to carry around and you could drop them into any water source. I even took them to restaurants, ordered water, and dropped them in. The tablets come in a crush-resistant waterproof tube. They are pocket sized and easy to throw into any bag.

No added sugar. Just Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B2.

Under 8 calories. Guilt free!

The hydration. I immediately noticed a drastic improvement in my hydration. I was drinking a lot more (because it tasted good) and my pee was clearer. I felt more confident about my hydration during my runs, and it was easier to recover.

Environmentally friendly. There are no plastic bottles. Every recyclable Nuun tube is equivalent to 12 bottles.

I DIDN’T LOVE

The fizz. The tablets dissolve like Alka-Seltzer and there’s a carbonated fizzy sensation. Similar to soda, although they’re not actually carbonated. While I was loving ginger ale on my first ultra, I wasn’t feeling the fizz this time. It was making me gassy and uncomfortable during my relay.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, I’m loving Nuun as a recovery drink. I can drink it all day long when I’m not running. It makes me feel like I’m splurging on a fancy drink when I’m actually replenishing my body. During the run, I prefer something flat, as the bubbles throw me off a bit.

THE GIVEAWAY

Nuun is generously providing one lucky reader with: a 4-pack of Nuun plus 2 bottles!

HOW TO ENTER

Do one or more of the following things. Leave a separate comment below for each thing you do, as I will count up the comments and choose a winner randomly using random.org. Every separate comment will count as an entry. The more you do, the higher your chances of winning.

The winner will be announced next Tuesday August 16th. Come back and check because if you don’t claim your prize, I’ll choose another winner!

* Visit the Nuun website HERE and tell me which flavor you think would be your favorite.

* “Like” Nuun on Facebook HERE.

* Follow Nuun on Twitter @ministryofnuun

* Post about this giveaway on any social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc). Each posting counts as one entry, so leave a separate comment for every one.

* Blog about this giveaway.

* Subscribe to this blog (top left hand side). If you’ve already subscribed, that still counts as an entry. Just leave a comment and let me know.

Good luck!

HOLISTIC NUTRITION BOOK GIVEAWAY!

June 30, 2011 By in Giveaways, Nutrition Tags: , , , , , , , 39 Comments

Yesterday I received the following in my email inbox:

Dear Graduate,

Congratulations on completing the RHN (Registered Holistic Nutritionist) program!

Finally confirmation that I didn’t bomb my exams and I’m officially “Registered” to practice nutrition! Although I already started practicing, it’s nice to finally get the confirmation of those letters behind your name.

This was an amazing program and I learned so much. I’m really proud of myself for pursuing this and sticking it out when it got complicated and time consuming.

To celebrate, I’m having a giveaway for Peggy Kotsopoulos’ new book, Must Have Been Something I Ate. Peggy is an RHN who attended the same school that I did, so she knows her stuff! Her book explores the food-mood connection (the link between what we eat and how we feel).

Peggy “spins salads into PMS cures, turns oatmeal into a sleep aid and makes squash into pasta.” Topics and tips include:

  • Speed up metabolism and slow down aging
  • Turn to food to get energy and lose weight
  • What to nosh on to squash many ailments
  • Have your cake and eat chocolate too

My favourite part of Peggy’s book is the food porn at the back. She has beautiful, drool-worthy pictures with recipes of stuff that makes me feel good just by looking at it.

She also has a great section on Food and Beauty. In the past, I’ve been asked what I put on my hair/skin/nails to make them look so strong/shiny/healthy. My answer is always: Nothing. Eating well makes you look good, and Peggy explains how.

HOW TO ENTER

  1. Do one or more of the following things. Leave a separate comment below for each thing you do, as I will count up the comments and choose a winner randomly using random.org. Every separate comment will count as an entry. The more you do, the higher your chances of winning.
  2. The winner will be announced next Thursday July 7th. Come back and check because if you don’t claim your prize, I’ll choose another winner!

* “Like” Peggy’s page HERE and tell her I sent you.

* Blog about this giveaway

* Post about this giveaway on Facebook

* Tweet about this giveaway

* Subscribe to this blog (top left hand side)

* Tell me why you want this book

Good luck!

SALTSTICK CAPSULES & DISPENSER GIVEAWAY

June 14, 2011 By in Giveaways, Nutrition Tags: , , , , , , , , 28 Comments

If you’re running this summer, SaltStick is your friend.

I first befriended SaltStick when I started training for my first ultra. At the ultra event, we were even closer buddies. I inexcusably forgot my own SaltStick capsules when I made the trip to Rochester for the Mind the Ducks 12-hour race. So I bummed some capsules off a friend. SaltStick is always there for me.

Now that the temperatures are going up and I’m sweating more during the sunny runs, I like to carry some SaltStick capsules with me on my long trail runs. They’re tiny, easy to pop, and a very efficient method of electrolyte replacement.

Today’s giveaway is for your own SaltStick capsules, as well as a mini SaltStick dispenser you can carry on your runs to keep your capsules dry, safe, and easily accessible. It fits on running belts, or on inside road bike handlebars. It is water resistant, super light, and prevents capsule damage from bouncing.

HERE are some more of the dispenser’s key features from www.saltstick.com:

And HERE are the key features of the SaltStick capsules.

As a nutritionist, I love that the capsules are composed in a way to aid in digestion and absorption. This is a vegetable-based composition, with bio-available active ingredients.

It ONLY contains the electrolyte minerals of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. There are no added herbal, trace, or questionable components. They do not contain high fructose corn syrup, or sweeteners of any kind. They are gluten free.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Do one or more of the following things. Leave a separate comment below for each thing you do, as I will count up the comments and choose a winner randomly using random.org. Every separate comment will count as an entry. The more you do, the higher your chances of winning.

2. The winner will be announced next Tuesday June 19th. Come back and check because if you don’t claim your prize, I’ll choose another winner!

* “Like” SaltStick on Facebook HERE and tell them that I sent you.

* Blog about this giveaway

* Post about this giveaway on Facebook

* Tweet about this giveaway

* Subscribe to this blog (top left hand side)

* Do something nice for someone else and tell me what you did. (This entry is inspired by Patrick Sweeney.)

Good luck!

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