Strike Out ALS 5K Free Entry GIVEAWAY

Posted on June 18, 2013 by tootallfritz

We are so fortunate that we have options when running and racing. There are new events popping up every day and if you want, you can race every weekend and a couple times thru the week. The race distance which seems to be growing the fastest is the 5K. This is a distance that is family friendly, fun and challenging all the same. It can be fast and furious or a measure of one’s ever-growing fitness level. For this reason, charities seem to favor this distance for both fun and fundraising. One such charity is the Les Turner Foundation which is hosting it’s 4th Annual Strike Out ALS 5K on Tuesday, July 16th at US Cellular Field.

What is ALS? ALS = Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS—often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease (MND)—is a progressive, degenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Motor neurons are specialized nerve cells that carry impulses from the brain to the muscles by way of the brainstem and the spinal cord. The muscles then move in response to these impulses.

In ALS, motor neurons gradually cease functioning and die. As this happens, the muscle tissues waste away because no movement is being stimulated. This results in gradually worsening muscle weakness, atrophy, and often spasticity. Only the motor neurons are affected. Other nerve cells, such as sensory neurons that bring information from sense organs to the brain, remain healthy. Source & more info HERE.

The Strike Out ALS 5K gives runners a one-of-a-kind experience. The race starts at the iconic home plate of Comiskey Park and finishes on the warning track inside U.S. Cellular Field. Following the race, runners can celebrate with family, friends and White Sox fans at the after party featuring the 2013 MLB All-Star Game under the lights of the ballpark. The concession stands will be open and the game will be broadcast on the Jumbotron. This race is on a Tuesday night and includes free parking at the ballpark. Free Parking = WINNING!!

The race entry is currently valued at $40 but might be considered “priceless” to White Sox fans in the CHI. If you would like to be entered to win this free entry, please comment below. If you REALLY want to win this entry then share this post with your friends via Facebook or Twitter and let me know that you did so (in the comments below). You’ll get an extra entry for each social media share. I’ll draw a winner via a random number generator at 9am on Monday, June 24th. Good luck!

This looks like a great event that would be fun for the whole family. I like that. All proceeds go to the Les Turner Foundation. I like that. Free parking. I REALLY like that. If you are too excited to wait for the drawing for the free entry, go HERE to register now. Enjoy!

** Win an Entry to the Strike Out ALS 5K ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winners!! RMHC Raffle!

Posted on June 17, 2013 by tootallfritz

Many thanks to everyone who was able to donate to the raffle for the Ronald McDonald House Charities! I really appreciate it and please know that the families that utilize RMHC are so very thankful. If by chance you are still interested in donating but didn’t have time or weren’t ready, the charity page will be open until a couple weeks after the Chicago Marathon so feel free to utilize it anytime between now and the end of October 2013.

Now the fun part!! The numbers have been drawn and we have lots of winners. The list is below, please email me (amanda@tootallfritz.com) with your address so that I can send your goodies!!

Amy Dykstra – Lock Laces
Mag Mile Runner – Boston Strong Tee
Run With Jess – AdvoCare Fueling and Rehydration pack
Nicki T – Aspaeris Pivot Shorts, ibungee speed laces & Team Tough Chik Sponsor Pack
Erica Finds – Team Tough Chik Sponsor Pack
Anastasia Kwitt – Women Rock Chicago calendar & headband
Susan D – Venus de Miles Entry & prize pack
Frogger – Handana
From Ice Cream to Marathon – Women Rock Chicago calendar & headband
In Mid Stride – Pro Compression marathon socks
Amanda W – Get to Goal – Flip Belt
Running Kellometers – PunkeeLove Headbands
Sara & David J – Boston Strong Tee & Biofreeze prize pack
Suzanne Westenhofer – GU prize pack & Tough Chik $25 gift card
Bonita F – Mission Athlete Skincare prize pack, Adidias headbands, & ibungee speed laces
Pam S – Bastille Day 5K/8K entry
Lynn S – Team Tough Chik Sponsor Pack
Marcia’s Healthy Slice – Road Runners Sports 2 Bottle Belt
Walissa D – Team Tough Chik visor
Michelle Pluhar – Cytosport prize pack

Congratulations everyone!!

Check back in tomorrow for a giveaway!!

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Charity Raffle for RMHC

Posted on June 5, 2013 by tootallfritz

This week starts the kickoff of the Chicago Marathon training season! Everyone is excited. Everyone is ready. Everyone is planning ahead to make the 2013 race the best one yet. Those of us who have chosen to run for charity are also strategizing as to how to make our fundraising campaign as successful as possible for our charities. My charity is the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Yes, we still have entries available on our team if you didn’t get one of those coveted lottery spots!! Go here to become a 2013 team member for RMHC.

I have chosen to run for RMHC for many reasons but most importantly because I want to help the kids and families not only of Chicago and the US but around the world. The RMHC mission speaks to me by helping out the kids and families of injured, disabled & terminally ill children stay together. They focus on normalcy and helping the family to feel connected, offering creature comforts, fun and a home base that is less like a hospital and more like a home. They provide a place to stay, meals and support these families regardless of their financial status. They focus on keeping families together during times of crisis. That I like. That I support. That is something I would want for my family.

So without further ado, I’ll start introducing the raffle prizes. I am still collecting raffle items so email me if you would like to donate something! Currently we have just under 30 items with prizes ranging from $6 up to $189. I’ve been ~~hoarding~~ saving and stashing things away for this all year, so I hope that we can really put some $$ away for RMHC. My goal is to raise $5000 this week. You will receive 1 entry into the raffle for every $10 donated to RMHC via my fundraising page HERE. If you see a prize that you REALLY want, then please make a comment below and if your name is drawn then I will do my best to accommodate your request.

PRIZES

1) Pro Compression Marathon Socks – $50 Value. Your choice of color & size. These are my go to socks for compression. They are long enough for my long legs and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

2) Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – $65 value. Your choice of color & size in the Gen2 style. These are the only compression shorts I wear. I love them. I like both generations for various reasons but the hot pink Gen2 shorts really makes a statement as they are working at keep me together.

3) Tough Chik $25 Gift Card – You get to chose what you want from the Tough Chik store! Lots of amazing things from cycling, running, TRI gear to casual tees. My new favorite, which just dropped yesterday, is the “Tougher Than I Look Tank” which is priced at $28. However, YOU can pick anything you like with this gift card!

4) Venus de Miles Illinois FREE ride entry + Tee (medium) + Water bottle – $189 value. Join myself, the other Venus de Miles Ambassadors and ladies from all over the tri-state area as we cruise Lake Forest in style on July 28th. This ride offers a 25 & 61 mile option. It’s totally free for YOU and the mandatory fundraising requirement will be waived. The ride includes fully stocked rest stops every 12-15 miles, on course support, breakfast & activities pre-ride, and a big ladies style bash after the event. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this event. Check out the website or read more about the 2013 event HERE or my 2012 experience HERE.

5) Bastille Day 5K/8K FREE entry – $37-$42 value. Run one of the best races in town on Thursday, July 11th for free! This race claims to be “Bringin’ Happy Hour Back” so I have massive expectations for fun, Fun, FUN! The race is in Lincoln Park offering a 5K or 8K option followed by a block party. Join me to celebrates the French Independence Day and we will show Lincoln Park what HAPPY HOUR is all about! Whoooooooop!!

6) Women Rock Chicago Calendar & Headband (x2) – Value is “priceless”. I scored two MEN of Women Rock Chicago calendars which have been signed by Mr. April & Mr. July! You are welcome!!! These calendars are filled with fun and hot men. Each calendar comes with a Women Rock Chicago headband. Two winners here, try not to fight but I know you want these!!

7) AdvoCare prize pack – $32 Value. One AdvoCare blender bottle, 3 packets of Spark (mango strawberry), 3 packets of Post Workout Recovery Drink (chocolate), 3 pouches of Rehydrate Gel (lemon), & 3 packets of Rehydrate drink (mango pineapple). AdvoCare is my go to for nutrition and sports performance products. I don’t shop around. This is what I trust. This is what I use. These products are safe, tested, legal, plus focus on giving us what we need for our bodies without all the “extra” additives ~~and sugar~~.

8) Punkeelove Headbands (3 bands – 1 winner) – $44 Value. I love sparkly headbands that DO NOT slip. These are the only ones that I buy. I’ve tumbled and rolled down the lakefront path (no joke!) and these stay in my hair. They don’t flip off the back of my head while I run either cuz who wants to pay big $$ for a cute sparkly headband then lose it in a race on the first wear. Not me. This prize pack includes a purple, black & pink band. What more could a girl possibly need? Oh and they are adjustable so you can share them with the little divas at home too!

9) Mission Athletecare prize pack – $17 value. I am including two of my favorite Mission Athletecare products. They are my go to for sunscreen, anti-chafe, lip balm, muscle care & foot cream. I really like this stuff. CVS carries some products and then I get the rest online. This prize pack includes an Anti-Chafe stick & a 50 SPF Kids Continuous Play Sunscreen. I use the kid sunscreen all the time so this is what I had in the cabinet and this is what’s in my purse right now.

10) Road Runners Sports 2 Bottle Belt (size medium) – $29.99 value. This is my favorite water belt. It doesn’t move. It holds 14 oz of water at one time, plus has small pouch for keys, phone, or gels. Fuel Belt branded bottles. Road Runner Sports designed belt.

11) Team Tough Chik visor – $18 value but you can’t get it unless your ON THE TEAM and I probably won’t let you win it unless you are on the team or promise to sign up next year!! This is a Headsweats brand visor with a velcro adjustment strap.

12) Flip Belt – Black (size large) – $24.99 value. It’s been soooo hard for me to save this and not use it. I have a yellow and pink one that I wear constantly. I run in them, race in them and sometimes wear one if I’m out with the kids and don’t have pockets. Great belt that fits a ton of stuff but doesn’t bounce or move around.

13) CytoSport prize pack – Muscle Milk Light (Cytosport product) is a headlining sponsor of the Zooma Women’s Series. I have a prize pack from our sponsor which includes several of their Muscle Milk & CytoMax products. Prize pack includes: 2 Muscle Milk snack bars, 1 Muscle Milk Light (chocolate) ready to drink, 1 Muscle Milk Light (peach) ready to drink, 1 CytoMax ready to drink, 5 CytoMax mix packages, 2 packages of CytoMax Energy Drops & 1 CytoMax water bottle.

14) Tough Chik Boston Tough Boston Strong performance wicking tee by Alo (x2 – both size medium) – $22 value each. Get one of these tees while they are HOT! They sold out immediately on the first printing. They run small so these mediums fit like a small. Two winners here. Each winner will get a tee & a Tough Chik sticker!

15) Lock Laces – $7.99 value. Yellow lock laces. Great for running, triathlon or little ones who can’t keep their shoes tied!

16) BioFreeze prize pack – $31.50 value. Number one topical pain reliever for athletes!! This prize pack includes a full size pain relieving gel and a full size can of 360 spray.

17) Handana – $18 value. The Handana is all the rage! Used by runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts everywhere, this is your answer to gracefully wiping away snot & sweat during a workout. It may seem a little “out there” but it’s a practical solution to a problem that we all share. Second photo from the Amazon website.

18) Team Tough Chik sponsor prize pack (x3 – three winners). One of the benefits of being on Team Tough Chik is the backing of our amazing group of sponsors. We aren’t just paying for cool clothes & access to an amazing network of women but also cool prizes and discounts from our sponsors. A few of our sponsors are in this prize pack below: Nuun – 1 full size tube of fruit punch nuun & 1 nuun water bottle, Cliff Bars – 1 Cliff Bar & 1 Cliff Builder bar, BodyGlide – 1 “For Her” product, Reflect Sports H2O swim shampoo sample & a John Wayne Cancer Foundation 30 spf sunscreen sample.

19) ibungee Speed Laces – $6 value (x2 – two winners). Neon Green & Yellow. The ibungee speed lace system claims to be the #1 seller for speed laces. They are great for running, triathlon & the little ones in your family. Installation is easy, just make sure you get them long enough! There are 38” laces so long enough to cut to your specific needs. Two winners here.

20) Adidas Sport Headbands – 5 headbands (black, pink & white) – $9.99 value. I haven’t tried these yet, a friend gave them on to me because she knew that I liked headbands but since I was collecting for this, I just tossed them in the pot. They look cute!!

21) GU prize pack – 14 GU gels, $24 value. GU is undeniably the most popular “on the go” fueling option. We have 11 regular gels: 2 TRI Berry, 3 Strawberry Banana, 1 Mandarin Orange, 2 Espresso Love, & 3 Peanut Butter. Then the prize pack is topped off with 3 of the coveted Roctane Gels in the Chocolate Raspberry flavor. You’re workout will definitely get a boost with these!

Wow! That’s it! If we don’t get any other prizes, then I will draw 26 winners next week on Thursday, June 13th at 9am via a random number generator. This is one instance where you can win more than one prize. Please share this with your friends, blog readers, run club members & anyone who might be interested. The idea behind this is to do the best we can for Ronald McDonald House Charities and in the process help as many families as possible. My personal goal is to raise $5,000 thru this raffle ~~and then not talk about it again~~. Please help spread the word! Each $10 donation (increment) to my fundraising page = 1 entry into the raffle. No donation is too small, now go help me spread the word and GOOD LUCK!

** Raising $$ For the Kids ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Flip Belt Giveaway Winner

Posted on March 25, 2013 by tootallfritz

I was wearing the Flip Belt again this weekend and someone asked me, “Do you REALLY like the Flip Belt or did you just say that?”. It surprised me. Sometimes I forget that some of my readers don’t know me personally. Don’t know how I feel about things. Don’t know how I feel about this blog. Don’t know how I feel about honesty.

So, for the record, you probably won’t hear about the things I don’t like unless it’s a really big deal ….. like a race that we all paid a lot of money for and then got the short end of the stick. I don’t want to throw a lot of negativity out there because there is truly something for everyone and just because it doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean that it won’t work for you. However, if I tell you about it, then I like it. In fact, I really like it. If I don’t tell you about it, then well, I have other things I like better. On a similar note, the way I work the giveaways, is I normally go after products, for you, that I already own and like. So I don’t have to worry about getting something for free, reviewing it, and then having to write about it if I don’t like it. There are a few exceptions to this rule, the Flip Belt and the Yurbuds Inspire for Women headphones (Review HERE) are both products that I went after that I didn’t already own. I took a chance because of the wonderful things that other people, who I knew personally, had already said about them. It worked out very well both times. I now own 3 pair of the Yurbuds Inspires (green, yellow & pink) and I have ordered two additional Flip Belts (pink & black, in addition the yellow they gave me).

Now you know. If I say I like it, I really do like it. In fact, I probably love it. Smile

Now back to the Flip Belt that I LOVE! So far I’ve used it on every outdoor run since it came in the mail. Runs as short as 4 miles and as long as 20. It works great for me. Doesn’t bounce. Doesn’t move. Holds lots of stuff. It even holds my shirt down if it’s cold. Bonus! I looked at the sizing chart (below) and was between sizes. I’m an 8-10 in pants. I ordered the large because I like things to ride on my hips and not my stomach. It was the right size for me.

The Flip Belt Winner is #117, Stacy Kirk.

Congratulations, Stacy! Please contact me at amanda@tootallfritz.com. I need your email address to send to Flip Belt so they can set up an account for you!

For the rest of us, Flip Belt set up a 15% discount code: tootallfritz. Feel free to use the code and share it with your friends if you like. It’s active now. I’ve already placed an order using it. The code expires on April 25, 2013.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Flip Belt Review & Giveaway…..

Posted on March 20, 2013 by tootallfritz

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I have been seeing a lot of hoopla on the Flip Belt. I was intrigued. However, I have two “fitness” belts already and I don’t love either one of them. I was, therefore, reluctant to purchase another for fear of it being just “ok”. I got lucky and Flip Belt agreed to send me one to try even though I’ll never be as buff or naked as their amazing models below:

They have lots of great colors and I couldn’t decided which one I wanted so I ultimately picked yellow since it looked so good in their ad. Yep, I LOVE a good marketing campaign and definitely missed my calling. I’ll have what she’s having. Just give me what the model is wearing. Yes, PLEASE take the exact outfit off the mannequin at the store cuz that’s what I want too. Smile

If you are feeling a bit more decisive than me, here are the color choices below, plus they have a few limited edition colors on the sidebar of the Flip Belt webpage.

I don’t think I had this thing more than a day and I busted it out of the package. I was really excited to try it. My current belt has one stretchy zip pocket. It has worked well enough because my giant phone (a droid) fits into it; however, I can’t put anything else it in and well during marathon training, I need to carry a lot more than just my phone.

So as I prepared for the first outing with the Flip Belt, in the pouring rain, I loaded it with my car key, an energy gel, my phone and an iPod. At the last minute, I opted to leave the iPod in the car since it was raining cats and dogs and I usually don’t use an iPod while I run anyhow. I was also thanking my lucky stars that during the ordering process, I elected to add a free waterproof phone bag to my order. So I slid my phone into that bag (a plastic bag with a ziplock) and I was ready to run. At least as ready to run as anyone who has 15 miles to put in during a downpour. We did get a brief period when the rain stopped (for about 2 seconds) so I threw off my hat and had Susan snap a photo of me wearing the Flip Belt. Thanks, Susan!!

The belt is a continuous loop which you step into (or pull over your head) and has multiple openings to slide items into the loop. The openings are a bit stretchy so that you can fit a gigantic phone inside, plus lots of other goodies. The entire circumference of the belt serves as a giant holding cell so you can stuff a lot into it, if necessary. The concept of the “flip belt” is that you can flip it into you and seal the openings with your body if you are concerned about something slipping out. I can’t see that happening since the belt is stretchy and snug but if you have that fear, just flip it inward and keep your belongings safe!

I put the belt on, ran and forgot about it. Then I remembered I had it on only because one of the other runners managed to spy it under my jacket saying, “Is that one of those flip belts?”. I was like, oh yeah! At that point, we had ran a good 12 miles and I hadn’t thought about it once. That means, it didn’t bounce. It didn’t slide. It didn’t do anything that bothered me. In my opinion, that is what makes good technical gear, something that benefits me but doesn’t bother me. Something I wear and forget about. I was sold at that very instant. I was excited and sent out a tweet as soon as I got home!

Instagram & Tweet from 3/10/13

Since that day, I’ve worn the flip belt on every outdoor run, including last Saturday’s 20 miler. I slide it on and forget about it. LOVE THAT!! I am also looking forward to using it in races so that I have my phone on me when I need it rather than having to leave it behind in gear check.

If you want to try the flip belt, they have offered one lucky reader their choice of any size/color Flip Belt ($24.99 value). In order to be eligible to win, please comment below and tell me what kind of fitness belt you currently use and more importantly, do you like it? You can then get one bonus entry for liking Flip Belt on Facebook HERE and leaving a separate comment stating that you did so, including your FB name for verification purposes. And you can get a third entry by following them on Twitter HERE.

One winner will be drawn via a random number generator on Monday, March 25th at 9am. Good luck!

** I Red heart the Flip Belt ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Lock Laces Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 14, 2013 by tootallfritz

I first became aware of elastic shoe lacing systems as I delved into triathlon circa 2005. One of the easiest ways to knock time off a race is to have a smooth transition. Yes, you can certainly “PR” an event just by being better in transition. Consider transition the 4th discipline of triathlon. The faster we are able to change our shoes, ~~without hurting ourselves~~ the better. Enter speed laces, elastic shoe lacing systems which allow us to slip on our shoes before “some” decide if they are going put on socks or NOT.

For many years, we had two options in elastic lacing systems. One was super complicated, the other was much easier, if you picked up the right size laces for your shoes. Lock Laces has taken the complexity out of the issue and brought us an elastic lacing system that is not only simple but one that is truly for everyone. That’s right, one size fits all no matter your shoe size, the number of eyelets on your favorite shoes or if you have tiny toddler feet. I’ve seen these laces everywhere from professional triathletes all the way down to tiny tots at the playground. One size fits all. No exception.

As my TRI season fast approaches, I have started to think about my race shoe, and what type of lacing system I want. Since things aren’t always as easy as they appear, I wanted to try the Lock Laces while I still had plenty of time to find another option if they didn’t work out. Thankfully, Lock Laces was kind enough to send me a pair to try and they also sent a “few” for you!

Mine:

Yours:

I decided to try the blue Lock Laces by putting them directly into my new marathon training shoes. Several reasons, first I would know immediately if I liked them (or not) and two, because as I run long miles, my feet swell. So in addition to needing a slightly bigger shoe for those mega long runs, I also need a bit of flexibility, or should I say expandability in my laces. The Lock Laces eliminate my need to stop and readjust my laces mid-run as my feet swell, they instead just expand without putting additional pressure on the top of my foot.

They worked out great! First, I wore them to work/commute one day as a walk around test. Then I ran in them numerous times both on the treadmill and on the trail. I never even notice them, which is a good thing because the last thing I want to be thinking about during a run or race is my shoes or the laces.

My favorite non-performance aspect of the Lock Laces was the ease of installation. It wasn’t any more difficult than changing a regular pair of shoe laces. The laces are long, so you just lace them like you would a normal shoe, slide on the round lock over the laces, cut to leave 2 to 3 inches & place the end caps on the laces. Done.

Lastly, I will say that I’m SUPER excited about these Lock Laces, not only for myself but for Aby’s Cross Country team. I admit, that I’ve started hoarding them. You probably won’t see more than one or two pair in my shoes specifically because I’ll be saving them for fall to dole out to Aby’s teammates. Last year, I can’t tell you how many times those kids lost their shoes. Some kids do not possess the ability to tie their shoes. I know this sounds ridiculous but it’s true. So if they can’t tie their shoes properly on a normal day, then they certainly don’t understand the concept of double knotting their shoes for runs and races. Therefore, they lose their shoes. A lot. In the mud. In the woods. On nice straight, flat patches of grass. In the rain. In the snow. In the flippin’ sunshine. I’ve looked for missing shoes one too many times. I’m springing for lock laces for the entire team come fall.

If you would like to try a pair of Lock Laces, I have 7 pair to giveaway. That’s right, 7 winners!!! I have white, grey, purple, pink, red, green & black.

If you would like to be entered in the Lock Laces drawing, leave a comment below telling me which color would be your first choice. This will help with distribution! For a second entry, go like the Lock Laces Facebook page HERE and leave a separate comment below stating that you did so, along with your Facebook name for verification purposes. And lastly, for a third entry, go follow them on Twitter HERE & leave a separate comment stating that you did so along with your Twitter name. Total of three entries possible. Winner will be drawn on Monday, March 18th at 9am via a random number generator. Good luck!!

These Lock Laces are cool and they aren’t very expensive. If you would like to purchase some now, go HERE and shop. One pair for $7.99 or 3 for $19.99. Enjoy!

** Win, Never Tie ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Winner – 13.1 Chicago

Posted on March 11, 2013 by tootallfritz

A winner has been drawn for the ever popular Allstate Life Insurance 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon on June 8, 2013. The winning entry was #27.

And #27 was Nicole Zemaitis.

Congrats, Nicole! Email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com so that we can get you registered!

As for everyone else, there are a few other bloggers giving away entries. I posted them on my facebook page last week but will link them up below so that you can go enter those giveaways as well. And of course, if you don’t win, I still hope to see you out there. You can register for the race HERE. The current cost to register is $80 thru Friday, March 15th, then the price goes up to $85.

Chicago Running Bloggers – Drawing on March 12, enter to win HERE.
Running Kellometers – Drawing on March 13, enter to win HERE.
A “Weighs” To Go – Drawing on April 1, enter to win HERE.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Allstate Life Insurance 13.1 Chicago Race Entry Giveaway….

Posted on March 6, 2013 by tootallfritz

The Allstate Life Insurance Chicago 13.1 Marathon will once again take to the South Shore of Chicago on June 8, 2013. Although this is a newer race in Chicagoland, it is a good one! The 13.1 race series is known for putting together great races with a few extras, gender specific race shirts, unique locations and a crowd pleasing after party. For what they offer, the event is still priced reasonably with the current registration fee of $80. Possibly the best part of the Chicago event is the unique location. This is one of the few races held south of Jackson Park. Runners start and finish at the South Shore Cultural Center, loop thru Jackson Park, then take to the lakefront for amazing views of both Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago.

I’ve wanted to run this event for multiple years but it hasn’t worked out for a variety of reasons. I had planned to be out of town this year as well but I’m thinking we had an abrupt change of plans over the last couple weeks so I’m going to try to squeeze this in and I hope to see lots of friendly faces.

If you would like to be entered for a free entry, please comment below. For an additional chance to win, go like 13.1 Marathon on Facebook HERE and leave a separate comment stating that you did so (and include your facebook name for verification purposes).

Good luck! I will draw one winner via a random number generator on Monday, March 11th at 9am. Two entries possible per person.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Pro Compression Trainer Low Socks Winner

Posted on March 5, 2013 by tootallfritz

I’m still wearing the awesome Pro Compression Trainer Low socks and am happy to be able to share them with someone else! Over the last couple of weeks, since I first tried the Trainer Low socks, I’ve accumulated quite a few. I now have 4 pair of the white, 4 pair of the purple and 2 pair of the pink. Today, I am sporting the pink trainer low’s while I live life, work, sit at my desk and commute back and forth to the city. At least my feet are happy, even if it’s snowing AGAIN.

I was asked by several people in last week’s comments about these socks. They are slightly thicker than the Pro Compression Marathon (tall) socks. The foot bed, particularly the grey area, has a bit of padding that makes them softer. They have a cushioned feel that my Marathon socks do not possess. In fact, when I put the Marathon socks on with my trainers, I need to adjust the laces because they are thinner than my normal running sock. However, I don’t have to make adjustments when I wear the Trainer Low socks. Although they do not feel thick, they are thicker than the Marathon socks. This is good in my world but I wanted to point it out for those of you who asked since I know we all have different preferences.

NOW …… The winner of a free pack of Pro Compression Trainer Low socks is #69, SeeMommyRace!

Congrats, Melanie! Please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com with your color/size preference and your mailing address. You can reference the size chart below to get the proper fit.

The rest of us can use the $5 off & free shipping discount code to purchase ~~more of~~ the Trainer Low socks. The $5 discount brings each 2 pack of the Trainer Low’s to $20. The code is: TTF Shop HERE.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Pro Compression Trainer Low Socks Review & Giveaway

Posted on February 27, 2013 by tootallfritz

I’m a bit of a sock snob. I only have a few brands in my drawer and I don’t go outside my favorites because it ends up being a waste of money. In fact, Aby has a drawer full of running socks that are “Momma’s rejects”. Some socks are just too small for my giant feet, others don’t fit properly, some slip, some I just don’t like but for no particular reason.

Therefore, when initially discussing Pro Compression’s Trainer Low socks, I wasn’t excited. In fact, I wasn’t interested. However, as my long runs progressed in distance and the trail became snowy and uneven, this created additional stress on my already damaged feet. I reconsidered the Trainer Low. I figured if I could get more support for my feet and in particular, the tendon that I’m rehabbing, it would be a good thing. Less foot pain is always a good thing, right?

Enter the Pro Compression Trainer Low.

My first impression when they arrived in the mail was, “Hmmmm, they aren’t No Show socks”.

My second impression was, “Wow, these things feel pretty good!” And I basically haven’t taken them off since. In fact, I had to order more because I was wearing dirty socks. Dirty socks to work. Dirty socks to workout. Dirty socks. Yuck.

These would be the only socks in my arsenal that are NOT “No Show”. If I’m not wearing full compression socks, then I wear No Show socks. No Show socks with a tab so they don’t slip. No exception. Until now.

These socks hug the foot in true compression fashion but are not tight. They have slight padding at the ball of the foot and in the heel. They are thin but not so thin that I need to fear a short life span. They are super comfy and just make my feet feel good. The official description from Pro Compression:

The ideal under-ankle compression sock for running, walking and other activities. Lightweight construction and stabilizer zone increase comfort and provide support you can feel. A great sock for training, racing and everyday wear.

Features

Built-in “Stabilizer Zone” promotes balance from the ground up
Non-slip design, even after hours on your feet
Lightweight construction for incredible feel
Blended materials provide maximum comfort and support
Moisture control, keeping you dry…even during your biggest efforts
Made in USA

An additional benefit to having a little material on the ankle in the winter time? It covers the gap between my shoes and my tights. Bonus! I’m super excited to ~~clean out my sock drawer~~ add the Trainer Lows into my rotation for both running/workouts & every day wear. Okay, who am I kidding? I’m totally clearing out my sock drawer to make more room for Trainer Lows. I’m hooked!

It just so happens that Pro Compression is offering one of you a 2 pack of their Trainer Low socks in the color of your choice (white, baby blue, black, lime, orange, pink or purple). This is a $25 value. Each order of Trainer Low socks comes in a 2 pack. If you are interested in winning, please comment below and tell me your favorite running sock and what it is about them that you love. For a bonus entry, go “like” Pro Compression on Facebook HERE and then leave a separate comment below stating that you did so and include your FB name so that I can verify. I will draw a random winner on Monday, March 4th at 9am. Good luck!!

For those of you who want to buy the Trainer Low socks now, they have offered a $5 off discount code, plus free shipping. That will bring the 2 pack of socks down to $20! The discount code is: TTF

** Keep It Tight ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

TooTallFritz

Running Toward: Health, Wellness & PEACE …………………………………….. Running From: Insanity, Screaming Children, Housework & a Big Ass

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Pro Compression Trainer Low Socks Review & Giveaway

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