Category Archives: Giveaways

WINNER … Michelob Ultra 13.1 Chicago

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Lots of excitement over the giveaway for the Michelob Ultra Chicago 13.1 race entry!  This is a great race and I can see that all of you love it as much as I do, so let’s pick a winner!

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The random number generator selected #34.

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Number 34 is Kari Routledge!

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Congrats, Kari!  I know you will enjoy 13.1 Chicago!  Email me as soon as possible at amanda@tootallfritz.com so that we can get you registered!  Then get ready to run on June 7th!

For all of the rest of us, go HERE to register. 

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Happy Friday GIVEAWAY for the Michelob Ultra Chicago 13.1

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We are fortunate that Chicagoland is BURSTING with half marathon pride.  It’s the perfect race distance for so many and as result Chicago has really embraced the distance and offers road racers a variety of events at that distance.  One of my favorite races is the “13.1 Chicago”.  This year Michelob Ultra is the key sponsor and the official name is the Michelob Ultra Chicago 13.1.  I ran last when it was the Allstate Life Insurance 13.1 Chicago (race report HERE).  Before the big name sponsors, it was simply 13.1 Chicago and well, that’s how I’ll always think of it! 

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This year 13.1 Chicago is on June 7th.  Once again it occurs on the same weekend as the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relays.  Since I’m spearheading an all ladies ultra team for Ragnar Chicago, I will unfortunately not be able to run the 13.1 event in 2014.  However, if my calendar permitted I would be there and I hope to see lots of pics of all of you enjoying this amazing event!

What does 13.1 Chicago have to offer that puts it heads above the other Chicago half marathons?

  • Unique Southside location, starting at the South Shore Cultural Center where Mr. & Ms. Obama were married, running thru the beautiful trails in Jackson Park, and covering sections of the lakefront trail that most of us never run.
  • Beautiful views of the city of Chicago while you are running north on the course.
  • Amazing backdrop for photos when you run back south toward the finish line.  Photo below courtesy of Xaarlin (Pain is Nothing). 

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  • Sophisticated starting corral system which seeds participants well and allows for space on the course to run YOUR race. 
  • Low traffic on run course, even when running the Lakefront path. 
  • Shade on the run course.
  • Out and back race where you can see your friends come and go for the majority of the race.  This is definitely one of my favorite things about this run.  I saw each and every one of my run buds, the fast ones and the ones behind me too! 

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  • After race BEACH PARTY! 

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This is a great race, certainly my favorite of this distance in the city of Chicago.  They also offer a 5K if you (or a friend) is not up to the half distance.  Take your friends to this race because you are going to want to stay and enjoy the after party!

NOW, did you want to win a FREE ENTRY to the 2014 Michelob Ultra Chicago 13.1?    If so, please make a comment below and tell me your all time favorite half marathon (so far), it doesn’t have to be a Chicago event.  For a second entry, like the TooTallFritz Facebook page.  For a third entry, like the 13.1 Marathon series Facebook page.  Let me know which of the above you did so that I can assign your entries correctly! 

Giveaway starts now and runs until Wednesday (March 26, 2014) at 9am when a winner will be selected via a random number generator.  Good luck, all! 

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winner!! Sunburst Marathon Giveaway…

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Everyone was super excited about the Sunburst Races giveaway!  I hope you still join me on May 31st, even if you didn’t win!

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Without further ado, the winner of the Sunburst Race giveaway is #37.

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Number 37 is rl262 

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Congrats, Mr. rl262!  I’m sorry I don’t know your name but please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and we will get you registered for the Sunburst race of your choice! 

Everyone else who would like to run the 2014 event, please register HERE!

I’ll see YOU in South Bend on May 31st!

Sunburst

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Sunburst Marathon (or Half) Giveaway!!!

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It’s no secret that one of my all time favorite race series is the Sunburst Races in South Bend, IN.  This is a great location for me because it’s close to Chicagoland but also close to my parents home so that they can help with the kiddos.  The timing is also good and avoids holiday conflict by running the weekend AFTER Memorial Day.  There are multiple race distances to suit the entire family (Fitness Walk, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Full Marathon)!  The course is scenic and relatively flat.  And last but not least, the finish is inside the stadium on the 50 yard line of the Notre Dame Football Field.

  Sunburst

Runners and football fans alike, love, Love, LOVE this event.  One of my favorite aspects of the event is that it’s convenient for those of us who tend to “fly in and out” of races as well as those who like to stay for a while and enjoy the local atmosphere.  Downtown South Bend offers an array of activities from the College Football Hall of Fame, to several restaurants/bars, to the Chocolate Café by the South Bend Chocolate Company, which is a favorite for my family.

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I have ONE entry to the Sunburst Races to give away to one lucky person.  The entry is to the race of your choosing! Join me in South Bend on May 31st and see why so many people love this race!  Giveaway starts right now and will run until Tuesday, March 4th at 9am when I will draw the winner via a Random Number Generator.

To be eligible for the giveaway, you MUST comment below.  You can earn a second entry to the giveaway by liking the Sunburst Races Facebook page HERE, just let me know that you did so in the comments section.   Good luck!!

You can read last year’s race recap HERE if you want more Sunburst details.

Not required for this giveaway but please feel free to follow along via Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram for everything TooTallFritz!

**What’s Better Than a GREAT Race?  Running that GREAT Race for FREE! ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winner – Corn Fed Spartans Crucible Obstacle Course Race

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Obstacles races and mud runs are currently all the rage and I have one entry to give away for the Corn Fed Crucible race on September 13th in Monterey, Indiana!  This new OCR event promises to be fun & challenging.  It offers prize $$ for those who are fast and strong and running to win.  It offers two levels for each obstacle so that beginner and experienced participants alike will both be challenged without being overwhelmed.  This sounds like an AMAZING event with an AMAZING after party which will go ALL DAY LONG.  Plus it’s a Corn Fed Spartans race so you know it will be worth the trip.

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Without further ado, the random number generator selected lucky #1!  This is certainly the case where the early bird got the worm.  So who was the very FIRST person to comment??? 

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Looks to be Lynn S.!  Congrats, Lynn!  Please send me an email (amanda@tootallfritz.com) so that I can get you hooked up with the free entry!  Congrats and take lots of pics for us!!

As for the rest of us, we can all go HERE to register for the Corn Fed Crucible Obstacle Course and Mud Run.   See you there!

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** Get Down, Get Dirty & Scale That Obstacle ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Corn Fed Crucible Race Experience Giveaway!

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As someone who has been in the sport for years, I love to see the new direction that running and racing has taken.  We are now seeing variety in the sport with the addition of obstacle racing, mud runs, color runs, long distance relays and the addition of all things neon and sparkly.  While purists may feel that certain new additions devalue the sport of running itself, I believe the opposite to be true.   Variety brings a VARIETY of athletes to our sport who may not think running alone is that exciting.  The addition of mud, obstacles, color and AMAZING after parties really sweetens the pot for some.  It flushes out hard core athletes and Couch to 5Kers alike.  Now THAT makes me happy.  The more people moving, the better! 

Today, I want to introduce a new race experience to you called the Corn Fed Crucible running and obstacle event in Monterey, IN on September 13, 2014.  This is one to add to your calendar NOW!

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The Cruicible is a 4-5 mile obstacle course race that’s not for the faint of heart.  Looking for something new?  Something fun?  Something that will challenge you?  Then this might be the next best thing.  According to the website and my inside source: 

The Crucible is the ultimate race experience that combines 5+ miles of rugged terrain with unique and challenging obstacles. It is the greatest test of stamina, mental determination,  fitness, and camaraderie.

The 5 miles of rugged terrain will also encompass 20 obstacles for you and your friends.  Each obstacle will offer a beginner and experienced option.  So, please don’t worry if your BFF is the obstacle course queen and you just came for the after party cuz BOTH OF YOU will be challenged at your individualized ability level and still make to the finish for the free beer! 

Are you fast?  Are you strong?  And I mean really fast and really strong?!?!  If so, then enter the elite division and fight for the prize money!  Showcase your inner and outer badass and bring home the cash!  There will be cash and prizes offered to the top 3 individual men and the top 3 individual women, PLUS the top team of 4 that crosses the finish line TOGETHER with all 4 teammates in tow. 

Now let’s be honest, some of us just go thru all that “fun” to get our butts to the after party as quickly as possible.  The Cruicible is boasting an ALL DAY after party that will knock your socks off if you didn’t already lose them in the mud.  There will be food, beer, games, music and contests.  Oh, and if I forgot to mention it, the party will go on ALL DAY LONG.  WhooooHooooo!

I have one FREE entry to GIVE AWAY to this amazing event.  How to enter?  Please comment below and tell me if you have done any of these new events which offer obstacles, mud, color or team participation and most importantly, did you like it?  You can earn a second entry to the drawing by liking the Corn Fed Spartans FB page HERE, where you can get updated info about the Crucible event at all times.  And you can earn a third and final entry by sharing this giveaway with all your friends via any social media outlet of your choosing.  Let me know, in the comments below, what you did and how many entries to assign you!   Good luck!  Giveaway will run from now until Friday,  February 21st at 9am.  On Friday, I will select one winner for the FREE Crucible entry, a $65 value.

My first mud run back in 2006 with Aby!  Super fun!!

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** Be Active, Be Strong & Keep Moving ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

 

 

SOL REPUBLIC DECK Speaker Winner!

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Great responses to the giveaway for the SOL REPUBLIC DECK Speaker!  Don’t worry, I took out Hubby’s comments and won’t let him win so if I’m divorced next week, it will certainly be because of this and NOT because I left him with the kids for 5 day to go off and run the Dopey Challenge. 

The random number generator selected #58. 

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# 58 is Michelle Krause – Michelle, please send your mailing address to amanda@tootallfritz.com and I’ll get your info to the rep so that you can get your new DECK Wireless Speaker ASAP.

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As for hubby the rest of you, Best Buy is the #1 retailer for the DECK Wireless Speaker.   Shop online HERE or head to a local retailer and pick one up.   These things are so much fun and they sound great too!  Very portable, which I appreciate when I’m folding laundry in my bedroom or soaking in the tub! 

** Music Makes Me Happy ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

SOL REPUBLIC DECK Wireless Speaker Review & Giveaway

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The coolest thing arrived on my doorstep on Christmas Eve.  I was able to welcome the SOL REPUBLIC DECK Wireless Speaker into my home! 

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I’ve been looking at wireless speaker options for well over a year but couldn’t decide what I wanted.  I’m NOT a techy person.  I don’t even like to change the batteries in my Knuckle Lights, and that’s the truth.  Hubby does all the computer, tv, music stuff.   Aby handles it when he isn’t home.  I’d rather be running than trying to figure out where to plug in things to make them work.  So there you have it.  I’m not techy.  And I don’t want to be.

So when the DECK arrived I was nervous.  Hubby wasn’t home and I was excited and wanted to try it out immediately.  It needed to charge so that got me off the hook for a bit but it charged quickly and hubby arrived home in the interim.  Once it was charged, things were so simple that even I could handle it!  It hooks up to any Bluetooth ready device and will allow up to 5 different devices to hook up at once (if you want to share!).  I went into the Bluetooth settings on my iPhone and paired the DECK and the phone.  It recognized it immediately.  We then paired Aby’s phone and Hubby’s phone for kicks.  Then the fun really began.  When you are in multiple user mode and have more than one phone connected, anyone can control the music (unless you lock them out).  SOL REPUBLIC has coined the term “Heist Mode” for multiple users and anyone can “heist” the song selection by choosing a song from their Bluetooth ready device.  Each time a heist occurs, the speaker lights up in a different color to signify the user who has made the “heist”.  In the pic below I am heisting in green, Aby was red and hubby was blue. 

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We eventually connected the iPad too and it was purple but we have yet to connect a 5th device. 

The DECK is so much fun and we have really enjoyed playing with it and just having something so portable to move around the house.  I’m looking forward to using it in a party setting tomorrow night on New Year’s Eve!  Not everyone in our house has the same music taste so we are always fighting over the music selection.  Always.  And someone, usually multiple someone’s, lose the fight.  No losing the battle anymore, everyone gets to play their favorite songs! 

Thru the DECK we have played, iTunes, CDs, mp3s, Pandora and YouTube.  All of these music options worked well and had great sound.  Kids prefer a YouTube video playing on the iPad with the music blasting on the DECK but I was pretty happy with all the options plus it would never have occurred to me to load a YouTube video to watch & listen to simultaneously.  Never.

If you want the technical info, please read the press release HERE or go to the Best Buy website HERE where the DECK Wireless Speaker retails for $199.  My non-techy self just knows 1)  that it’s easy to use and pair with multiple devices,  2) the Heist Mode is SUPER fun, 3)  there is an outdoor mode that I will love when spring/summer rolls around and we are outside ALL the time, 4)  I can easily carry it around with me from room to room, 5)  It comes in multiple color options, including bright colors in case your kids drop it in the grass or somewhere in the woods, 6) It will pick up phone calls too if  in “individual” mode and playing music from one’s phone, 7)  It comes with plugs and wires for devices which I may want to hook up that aren’t Bluetooth/wireless compatible like I’d ever do that, and lastly, I know that it SOUNDS GOOD.  I’m very picky about my sound.  I won’t even buy a car that has crappy speakers and I don’t want any poor speakers in (or out) of the house.  Music is important to me.  Love this thing!

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If you don’t believe my non-techy review, then I guess I’ll let you know that Hubby LOVES the DECK too.  He is obsessed with it and has even been using it when I’m not home.  This really is an amazing family gift!  We love it and if you are in the market for a wireless speaker, this is a good one. 

Do you want to win a DECK Wireless Speaker, $199 retail?  Of course you do!   To be eligible to win, please comment below and tell me how you blast your music now.  Do you have a wireless speaker, if so which brand?  Do you use a stereo or maybe the TV?  What do you do when you are outside?  I certainly hope you haven’t been pulling a massive speaker out of the house like I have for the last 10 years, but if so, it’s okay cuz I can relate.  Smile   Tell me!  Giveaway starts NOW and I will draw one winner on Friday, January 3rd, 2014 at 9am via  a random number generator.  One entry per person. 

I have also seen giveaways for the DECK Wireless Speaker on the SOL REPUBLIC Facebook page.  So if you want extra opportunities to win one of these babies, like them on Facebook HERE and follow them on Twitter HERE.

Good luck! 

** Jamming To My Favorite Tunes Til I Get Heisted ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Injinji Socks Giveaway Winner!!!

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I’ve learned several things from the Injinji Sock Giveaway.  1)  Most of you are much younger than me.  I’m not sure what I was doing when you all were wearing rainbow toe socks but I was in a different world. Call me clueless.  2)  There are a lot of us around here with jacked up feet.  We need to find a solution.  3)  There is a ton of interest in toe socks but almost everyone is saying the same thing, “I’m too nervous to try them”.  I absolutely understand.  When I want to try something but am a bit nervous about spending the money on something I don’t know if I’ll like, I look for a deal.  I go to the discount sites and search for my desired item.  I check the store website for a sale or last chance section.  If all else fails, I go to eBates to find a retailer who both carries my desired product and also offers an “eBate”.  I figure even if I just get a little bit back, I still save.  That’s how I got my first Injinji’s, I bought them via eBates.com.   I saved a little.  I realized I loved them and then bought more. 

Now, let’s announce the winner of the Injinji socks!!  The Random Number Generator selected #43. 

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#43 – Gigi – Who is apparently already a fan of Injinji!!   Congrats Gigi – email your shoe size and mailing address to amanda@tootallfritz.com.

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For the rest of us, let’s go shopping!  Oh wait, I already did.  I have a pair of those Injinji compression socks coming my way.  HAD.TO.HAVE.THEM.

A few of my favorites spots to get Injinji’s:

  • Injinji.com
  • REI.com – Where they “might” have the Injinji compressions on sale for as low as $26.33.  Yep, they do!  REI is on eBates too!!
  • Backcountry.com – On eBates.
  • Sockmax.com – 15% off with promo code:  SAVE15

Happy Running, all!  Let’s find a way to keep our feet HAPPY and HEATHLY!

** Amanda – TooTallFritz.com “”**

Injinji Socks Review & Giveaway ……

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My feet are a “little” sensitive.  I’m SUPER picky about my socks.   And to be honest, no matter how picky I am, I still get blisters, lose toenails and have REALLY ugly feet.   I have more pairs of socks than any “normal” person should but really, WHO WANTS TO BE NORMAL?  I hand pick the most desirable pair of clean socks for each workout to protect my feet to the best of my ability.    If a pair stretches, or wears, or doesn’t fit perfect then it goes to the trash unless Aby claims them or recycling.   My sock collection ….. Yes, “collection” is the proper term ….. encompasses two full dresser drawers and “might” be sorted according to use, thickness, ankle height, trail and compression.  I don’t own socks for fashion purposes, each one is functional and an amazing performer or it loses it spot in the line-up.  Sounds dramatic?  Most definitely.  Serious business in my world. 

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Until recently my sock drawer was missing one specific type of sock, the “toe sock”.   I first heard about toe socks, specifically Injinji Toesocks from a fellow friend/runner/blogger, Maggie at MagMileRunner.   She has been wearing them forever, raves about them {read her review HERE}, won’t run in anything else.  I wasn’t interested.  Sounded weird.  Like super weird (sorry, Maggie!).  Yeah, not for me.   However, my young running princess, Miss Abygayl, jumped onto the Injinji toe sock train with both feet and has been using them exclusively for well over a year now.  See her Injinji’s with her pink shoes from a run this fall. 

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Well, this year has been a particularly rough year for my feet.  My feet have blistered in every spot imaginable and I kept hearing Maggie’s voice in the back of my head, “you should try the Injinji’s”.  So I stole a pair of Aby’s for a test run on the treadmill and was pleasantly surprised.  Okay, I liked them a lot.  Really, a lot.  So I went shopping and bought a few pair.  Smile  All three of the ones pictured below (plus a blue pair), original weight no show socks.  Why did I pick those?  Because I haven’t bought Aby any in a while so I figured they had to be “originals”.

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Wore those for a bit on all my long runs, then went shopping again for some taller, “trail” socks”.  Been wearing the midweight trail mini-crew socks for all my trail runs.  It’s been cold.  Snowy.  Icy.  But my feet stay warm even when they are wet. 

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I’ve been very happy with all of these so I decided to reach out and get you some socks too because these things are awesome and I know that most people will be hesitant to try something so different.  I want you to think outside the box.  These socks are warm and cozy and fit so perfectly.  If you are prone to blisters and lose toenails like me, then these WILL help you.  They will also help hold your toe protectors in the perfect spot so that they won’t slide off when they get cold and wet {or sweaty}.  Nothing worse than having a toe protector half way off your toe when you are trying to run a marathon.  Been there, done that, not so fun.  That, however, won’t be a problem for me anymore! 

ToeProtectors_NEW feet w toe protectorsInjinji_road2 

I also like that the Injinji’s come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths since I prefer different types of socks for different types of runs.  One sock does not fit all runs!   I train mostly in the original weight no shows (pictured in grey but I have a few other colors too).  I run trails and wintery/cold/snowy runs in the midweight mini-crews (pictured in green but I also have purple).  I will race 5Ks in 2014 in the lightweight no shows,  like the black and purple ones below.   

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I am going to ask Santa to bring me a pair of the tall compression 2.0 socks because those are the only Injini socks which I have yet to try and I am anxious to add them to my compression sock drawer!! 

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Now let’s hook you up for the win!  One lucky winner will win TWO pair of Injinji socks:  one pair for the road, another for the trail!  WhoooHoooo!   If you would like to enter to win, please comment below and tell me if you have EVER tried toe socks and if so how you feel about them!  Second entry available if you go like Injinji on Facebook HERE (and then let me know in the comments below). 

One winner will be drawn on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 9am via a random number generator.  Good luck!

** Toe Sock Convert ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **