Category Archives: Giveaways

Knuckle Lights Giveaway Winner & a Quick trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

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So happy that the Knuckle Lights got such a great response.  These really are a great product and one that I use all the time.  In my opinion it’s the best lighting option available and I am a very happy customer!

The winner of the free pair of blue Knuckle Lights is #26, Mary Milella.

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It looks like Mary is a local.  Mary, do I know you?  Come run with me!!!!  🙂

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Mary, please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com with your name and address so that I can get these Knuckle Lights to you ASAP.  I want you and your friends to be safe!

** Happy SAFE Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

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Knuckle Lights Review & Giveaway

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I was super excited to see a package on my doorstep from Knuckle Lights this week.  I’ve talked about these many, many times before because they are very high up on my favorite things list.  If you run in the dark, then get ready to be introduced to the MVP of illuminated running.  Knuckle Lights:

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KnuckleLights

My first “in the dark” runs were a really long time ago with my friend Lisa E, while I was in college.  She was a teacher at a local high school which required her to be up and moving WAY before me.  She would hit the pavement before the sun came up in order to knock out her run before starting the mom, wife, teacher duties.  I’m not really sure why a young college student would get up early in the morning to run but it seemed like a good idea at the time and I obviously REALLY liked Lisa so that made it so much more sane.  I would meet her at 5 am, we would stretch/run, then hit the gym when it opened at 6am to get in some StairMaster work before everyone else woke up.  Then I would return to the dorm, shower and go back to bed.  🙂

Thinking back to those runs, I have fond memories.   Friendship.  Running.  Stars.  Fitness.  Laughter.  It’s no wonder that I don’t mind running in the dark now because I can just pretend I’m running with Lisa and look up at our favorite star for great memories.  However, times have changed.  My body has changed.  I’m more fragile and my roads are darker than our illuminated college campus and the small college town where we ran.  I also have developed a knack for stepping “off the road” or into potholes.  I’ve rolled my ankle countless times. These Knuckle Lights have been a game changer for me.  I am in love.  I’ve been in love since my first pair, which I purchased several years ago.  They are bright.  They light the way.  They take me anywhere I want to go regardless of the lighting conditions.  They BRING the light.

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The first pair that I purchased were the originals.  Version 1, if you will.  I bought them in yellow as a gender neutral color that the entire family could use.  Definitely one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

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I use them for running & hiking and the family uses them outside at night for various reasons (mostly dog related).  The kids frequently try to steal them to “play”.  It is safe to say that they are a family item that I try to hide away in my running bag.  The yellow lights have taken me many places and recently made the trip to Ragnar FL Keys.  No wimpy headlamp for me, I’ve got Knuckle Lights!  Yes, they are approved for Ragnar nighttime running.  In fact, here I am coming down a dark street in Miami with one of my lights. 

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Although the Knuckle Lights come as a pair, I frequently only take one light with me so that I have the other hand free.  I don’t run with music and tend to be very cautious.  I like a free hand to break a fall or be able to grab my pepper spray if necessary.  One light provides a lot of light and I’m very comfortable running that way but everyone else I know uses both lights, all the time, for the full 90 Lumens of light (45 lumens for each light).

The lights slide over an open hand easily and they are very comfortable.  There is an adjustable strap to snug up the fit if it isn’t initially perfect.

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The second version of lights (in blue above) have a few upgrades.  1)  There are now three light options:  High, Low, & Blinking.  Version 1 only had one setting, which is equivalent to the “low” on this new version.  Yes, these newbies are actually brighter.  I tested them out this morn taking both a new one and an old one for my morning run.  There was a noticeable difference.  2) The strap is now a soft silicone verses the more rigid rubber from the first version.  I remember them updating version one after some issues with the straps breaking.  I’ve never had a problem with my strap at all but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the soft silicone they use now.  It just melted into my hand and I totally forgot about it.  Great update!  Worth upgrading!

I’m so happy to have found Knuckle Lights.  They have been a game changer for me and have made my morning runs so much safer.  I also use them on the trail for group runs at night.  I love that they come in a pair so that I can share with other runners who don’t have lights!

If you would like an opportunity to win a pair of Knuckle Lights, please comment below and tell me how you light up your nighttime runs.  You can also get one bonus entry for going to the Knuckle Lights Facebook page HERE and liking them.  Please leave a separate comment below stating that you liked Knuckle Lights on Facebook and provide your facebook name for verification purposes.   I will draw one winner for a set of BLUE Knuckle Lights ($39.99 value) via a random number generator on Monday, February 18th at noon.  Good luck!

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** Be Safe – Illuminate YOUR Run **  Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Lansing Marathon Prize Pack WINNER

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The winner of the Lansing Marathon Prize Pack is #30.

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Who is #30?  Kim Bauer!!!

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Congratulations, Kim!  You just won a free entry to the race of your choice (please run the marathon with me!!), in addition to a free training plan and a free copy of the e-book, Aurora.

Please email me so we can talk and arrange your registration, plus delivery of your training plan and e-book. 

For the rest of us, the early bird pricing is still valid ($95 for the full & $60 for the half) up until January 8th, so take advantage of the $10 discount prior to the price increase!  Register HERE using the coupon code:  CHICAGO10

108 days until the Lansing Marathon!!

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

Lansing Marathon Prize Pack & Giveaway

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Two more days in 2012 and then we will be counting down to the New Year and a fresh start.  What are your goals for 2013?  Have you thought about what you want to do, where you want to go and which direction you plan to take your fitness?

For me, the next step in regaining my fitness is building my miles in order to be the fastest I can possibly be at the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago on April 7th.  I’m always the fastest in the weeks leading up to a marathon and for several months after…..quite possibly because my mind is trained as much as my body.  I want to run fast on April 7th so I picked a spring marathon.  The Lansing Marathon in Lansing, MI.  April 21, 2013. 

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Exactly 111 days from today. Plenty of time. 

The Lansing Marathon offers a multitude of races:  Marathon,  Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, & a kids race.  The race director promises an excellent race:

The course is flat, fast, scenic and varied with both city and country terrain. The course is USATF certified and the marathon course is a Boston qualifier. There is great on course support with lots of tremendous volunteers and outstanding, lively spectators. Excellent fluid stations and an exciting finish right in front of the State Capitol building. Terrific post-race food and beer. Great medical support on course, too.

If you are looking for a BQ, or a PR at the Half Marathon distance, this might be the race for you.  It will be small, flat and fast! 

The race also partners with The Lansing Moves the World Foundation. 

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Lansing Moves the World (LMW), coordinates an “ACE” Program for kids in Lansing schools, community centers, and at Lansing Boys and Girls Club. This project promotes coordination, agility, movement skills, stability, running speed, teamwork, and overall fitness and also has emphases on community involvement and educational advancement. ACE stands for Activity, Community, and Education.

LMW coordinates the activity of elite Kenyan runners.  When the Kenyan elites are in Lansing, they help with the ACE program and plant trees. When they are back home in Kenya, the help with our kids in the troubled Tana River District and also plant trees in de-forested areas of Kenya. We call Lansing the 24/7 marathon; we are trying to help children, somewhere in the world, around the clock. Details about LMW are at HERE.

Lansing Marathon Prize Pack Giveaway

  • One free entry to the Lansing Marathon race of choice;
  • A free training plan for either the full or half marathon ($39 value);
  • A free e-copy of the training book, Aurora ($19.95 value).

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If you would like to be entered to win the giveaway package  1)  “like” the Lansing Marathon on Facebook HERE and leave a comment below telling me you did so, including the name under which you liked them so that I can verify.  2)  A second entry will be given for anyone who likes the Lansing Moves the World (charity) Facebook page HERE, please leave a separate comment telling me you liked LMW.  3) A bonus entry will be given if you share the giveaway via social media or a blog.  Please tag TooTallFritz while sharing so that I see it, and yes, please leave a separate comment for each share.   

A winner will be drawn on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at noon (12pm).  This is a quickie so that I can make the announcement prior to my departure for Ragnar FL.  This will also allow everyone time to use the discount code before the price increase in Jan 8th. 

Did I mention a discount code?  Yes!  The Lansing Marathon has generously offered a $10 discount code!  The early bird pricing is still valid ($95 for the full & $60 for the half) up until January 8th, so take advantage of the $10 discount prior to the price increase!  Register HERE using the coupon code:  CHICAGO10

I look forward to seeing you in Lansing!  This is going to be an amazing race and I hope to see a lot of friendly faces!

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

ShowerPill Giveaway Winner!!!

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The winner of the box of ShowerPill athletic wipes is #18 – BetyBliss!

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According to Betty’s comment, she is a fellow Ragnarian so hopefully she will #StayFresh for her teammates!

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Betty, please contact me at:  amanda@tootallfritz.com and send your mailing address for the ShowerPill wipes!

For the rest of us, there is a 20% off discount code:  STAYFRSH  which we can use to purchase ShowerPill wipes at Amazon HERE ($9.99 each).  I really love these things and encourage you to try them.  I buy them for my gym bag, my running bag and use them at least once per week after my lunchtime runs.  I really love these things!

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

ShowerPill Review & Giveaway….

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Ragnar – Floridia Keys is 15 days away and I’m already thinking about my packing list.  Fortunately, ShowerPill is one of our sponsors and is supplying us with ShowerPill wipes for each van so that will be a major help in the hygiene department.

ShowerPill™ – A new state of freshness

Not a pill, not a shower and definitely not a baby wipe…

It’s the hygiene supplement to maintain your freshness while you lead an active, busy lifestyle.

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One of the “interesting” things about a relay race which goes on for days, is that showering is non-existent sporadic.  Added to the lack of showering, is the fact that you are cooped up in a van with 5 other people, who are also in desperate need of a shower.  All of whom have ran in the 80 degree Florida heat, for many miles, for multiple legs.  Everyone stinks.  It’s disgusting. 

I was first introduced to the ShowerPill wipes when they sponsored our ultra team for Ragnar Chicago (2012).   Although, I didn’t actually get to run due to my torn tendon, I did score a couple of the wipes.  I wanted to try them but I must admit, I was leary.  I never believe that things work like they are advertised because let’s be honest, advertisements sometimes embellish the facts to get us to spend our hard earned $ on something that we just don’t need.  Although, I liked the idea of a “shower” in wipe form; I didn’t necessarily know if I  “needed” it. 

ShowerPill_packageI had a couple of the body wipes in my running bag, in my car.  I didn’t try them.  Then I was out of town, at the Ironman 70.3 Muncie event, standing outside my car smelling worse than I had ever smelled after a race and I was dreading the 4.5 hour drive home.  The temps that day were in the 90s, so hot that our race was abbreviated.  I couldn’t even run b/c my foot was still rehabbing but I still smelled BAD after just the swim & bike.  Plus the water was so dirty that I had weeds & muck inside my tri kit.  So nasty.  I grabbed a ShowerPill wipe and hoped for the best.  As I ripped open the pouch, a nice aroma hit my nose.  The wipe was a nice size and very wet, a few drops even dripped from a corner.  I washed up with it, locked my dirty clothes in the trunk and got in the driver seat.  I was in absolute amazement that I not only “didn’t smell bad” but that I actually smelled good!  I was sold right then and there in a grassy parking area in Muncie, IN after using the product one time.  (IM 70.3 Muncie photos below)

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Since that day, I’ve used the ShowerPill wipes a lot.  I bought a couple boxes on Amazon and they are now my go to product when I need to “freshen up” after a run or race. I also frequently run on my lunch hour at work.  Everyone always asks me if I sweat, if I stink, if I shower.  Yes, I sweat & stink but there is no time for showering!  Pre-ShowerPill, I used either baby wipes, or the Say Yes to Cucumber wipes, for cleaning up.  That worked, if they weren’t dried out.  If I remembered them.  If I wasn’t too nasty.  Now with ShowerPill, I only need one wipe, plus I don’t need to carry an entire package of wipes that may or may not be dried out when I need them.  And I feel clean and fresh when I go back to work.  One wipe, that’s all I need.

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I think ShowerPill was invented specifically for people like me.  People on the “run”.  Busy mom’s who run directly from a workout to pick up the kiddos at school.  People who have to squeeze a workout into the middle of their work day.  People who travel to/from racing events and don’t always have the option of showering off after a major endurance adventure.  Relay runners who will spend days in a van with stinky teammates.  Regardless of how hectic your life, ShowerPill wants me & YOU to #StayFresh.

ShowerPill™ The Athletic Body Wipe™

  • Premium, 9×8 inch, thick and durable wipe that is individually packaged for true on-the-go versatility
  • Put it in your gym bag, purse, pocket or backpack
  • Proven to kill germs1 yet safe on sensitive skin and infused with moisturizing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
  • Quick dry solution, does not require rinsing or extra dry time
  • Light fresh scent is not overpowering or “perfume-like”

ShowerPill™, it’s the Athletic Body Wipe™.

ShowerPill is giving away one box of athletic body wipes to a lucky reader.  If you would like the opportunity to win a box, please comment below and tell us in what aspect you would most likely use the wipes.  Since the holiday is fast approaching, the winner will be drawn on Friday (December 21st) at 9am.

ShowerPill wipes are available on Amazon HERE for purchase ($9.99 each).  If you would like to grab some for stocking stuffers, or to throw in your gym bag/purse/car then feel free to use the 20% off discount code:  STAYFRSH

Good luck & please #StayFresh for yourself and all of your friends and family!

** Stay Fresh ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Pro Compression Calf Sleeve Winner

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The winner of the super cool Pro Compression Calf Sleeves is #17 – Ali-Lopez.com

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Ali, please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and let me know which color & size calf sleeves you would like.  It looks like the current color options are:  black, lime green, pink & white (not pictured below). 

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Please reference the size chart so that you get the appropriate size:

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For the rest of us, it appears the calf sleeves are currently on sale for $30.  We also have a coupon code for 40% off regular priced marathon socks & sleeves, plus free shipping using discount code: FIT40.  So if you miss this sale (or would like to try a pair of the Pro Compression marathon compression socks), then feel free to use the discount code.

Enjoy!  These are really great socks/sleeves!!

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

Pro Compression Calf Sleeve Review & Giveaway

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As we know, compression is all the rage right now.  It has taken our running and endurance activities to another level by helping us recover faster and get back out on the trail sooner than ever before, to push harder and get results.  Compression works.

There are various compression products on the market.  Last week we talked about compression shorts, this week we will focus on compression calf sleeves.  Regardless of where you run or race, you will see colorful compression socks or sleeves on many runners. 

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I personally prefer calf sleeves when I run which is why I was super happy to see them recently added to the Pro Compression line up.  I’m very picky about my running socks.  I wear one brand and its a little thicker and cushier than the normal “ultra thin” running sock.  All my running shoes are laced to fit that particular sock and compression socks are not the same thickness.  So I prefer the sleeves while running in order to reap the benefits of compression and still be able to wear my favorite run sock.  Then I wear the full compression socks for after run recovery and traveling.  🙂

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According to the Pro Compression website:

Your feet and legs are your engine. Anything less than peak performance and full recovery means unnecessary discomfort while operating at less than your best. Change all of that with the advanced design and materials that make PRO Compression socks your ultimate recovery tool…..

PRO Compression socks are designed specifically to deliver both maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood.  The moment you put these socks on your feet and incorporate them into your game, you will feel and understand the difference.

I was super excited to try out the Pro Compression calf sleeves. I know their calf sleeve line is new but they know compression.  If I’m going to wear compression socks to work around the house with my slippers, Pro Compression socks are my first choice.  So I was ecstatic to try out the calf sleeves for running.

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I love them.  I love that they are green.  I love that they fit like a glove. I love that they are green.  I love that they didn’t move when I ran. I love that they are green.  I love that they compress without putting too much pressure on my legs to create discomfort. I love that they are green.  I love that they don’t stretch out after multiple wear sessions. I love that they are green.  I love that I can pair them with capri’s for warmth & compression as the temps turn cooler. I love that they are green.  I love that they are at the top of my drawer and my current new favorite thing. I love that they are green.  I love that they match my new favorite shoes so well.  🙂

Regardless of whether you wear compression for function or fashion, I recommend trying out the new Pro Compression Calf Sleeves.  I look forward to adding more colors to my line up!

Pro Compression has generously agreed to give one lucky reader a pair of calf sleeves ($45 value), in their size/color preference.  To be entered in the giveaway, please comment below and tell me what you prefer:  compression calf sleeves, full compression socks or none of the above?

You might also want to follow Pro Compression on Facebook HERE in order to be up to date on the latest specials!   If you want to shop now, use the discount code: FIT40 for 40% off, plus free shipping.  That brings the calf sleeves down to $27 each!  Good deal!

One winner will be chosen on Monday, December 17th at 9am.  Good luck!

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

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts Winner

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It has been a big week for Aspaeris Pivot Shorts with the announcement of the upcoming Gen2 line, several bloggers giving away these awesome shorts and a new sale that will surely leave their shelves bare by Christmas.  So without further ado, let’s announce our winner and get you all shopping!

Our winner of a free pair of Aspaeris Pivot Shorts ($60 value) is #47 – Jennifer Boudreau. 

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Jennifer, please email me (amanda@tootallfritz.com) your size and color preference (red, black or navy) ASAP so I can get your info to Aspaeris. 

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For the rest of you, Aspaeris is running an end of the year special.  So instead of using the $20 off coupon code (RAGNAR20) which I gave last week, you can save 60% (pay only $24 each!) between now and January 31st, while supplies last.   See this excerpt from the recent press release:

…..shorts can be purchased for $24 each with free shipping on two or more pairs. This special offer is available exclusively at AspaerisPivotShorts.com by using the promo code FROSTYRUN. Orders placed by December 17 are guaranteed delivery by December 22.

So shop now using that FROSTYRUN discount code and you can get 2 pairs for LESS THAN the price of one.  That’s one for you and one for your BRF (Best Running Friend) for a very low price.  I love a good sale!!  Whooooop!!  🙂

** Enjoy the Savings ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts Giveaway

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I’m just barely back with the living after being out for days with some sort of nasty cold/respiratory flu.  No idea what it was but my ears are still ringing, my head is still pounding and my throat is still raw.  It is now pretty clear as to why my Sunday afternoon run was so craptastic.   A six miler is just about the perfect distance, not too long and not too short.  However on Sunday, I spent more time walking my country roads hoping my friend Nicki would drive by and pick my up then I did running.  I thought I was exhausted from too much traveling but within an hour of hauling my ass getting home from the “run”, I was very sick and in bed. 

I’m better now and it’s back to business.  What’s up on the agenda?  Another giveaway!  It’s no secret that Aspaeris Pivot Shorts are one of my favorite things.  I wear them a lot for running, working out, and even to bed around the house on those days where I feel like my quads are trashed.  My quads “feel the burn” more than the rest of my body when my miles climb,  I have to really pay attention to recovery.  I’ve found that the best way for me to recover is to use Aspaeris Pivot Shorts. 

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This is why when I joined the ultra team for Ragnar Chicago earlier this year, Aspaeris was the FIRST company I contacted for sponsorship because I knew that I would need help recovering between legs in order to perform to the best of my ability.  Although my Ragnar dreams fell short for Chicago, I’m going to give it another go in Miami next month for the Ragnar Miami to Key West event.  My team, 2 Bros and 10 Does, will be running and recovering in Aspaeris.  Look for us in this kick ass Jeni Healy design below (printed by Family Fan Club)  along with the red Aspaeris Pivot Shorts.   I think we should be easy to spot!  🙂

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For those of you who are new to Aspaeris, these shorts are billed as compression shorts.  While they work like normal compression shorts by compressing the legs/hips/glute muscles to keep the blood flowing for better performance and recovery, these shorts also have an added layer to guide muscles to help prevent injuries.  The official description is below:

Aspaeris Pivot Short™

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts™ are actually two pairs of shorts bonded together. The Outer Short is a high performance compression short designed to support your muscles. The Inner Short features our breakthrough, Dual Sensory Compression Bands™.

These cross-knit bands guide your muscles into the proper position, thereby improving your pivot performance, which helps prevent ACL and hip injuries.

The Aspaeris Pivot Short™ is not an ordinary compression short. Athletes who try the APS™ report feeling more confident in their ‘pivot moves’ and almost all feel more in control without being restricted.

They currently sell for $60 and are available in red, navy & black.  However, the word on the street is that 2013 will bring about some amazing changes for us Aspaeris lovers in the release of Gen2 short.  The Gen2 promises to deliver a better short with “enhanced fabric, fit and compression features”….. see the  excerpt from the press release below: 

The new APS Gen2™ boasts an improved fabric weave with reinforced seams that will extend the compression life of the short, as well as a stylish, colorblock logo. Additional features include a newly designed crotch, comfort waistband, and adjustability of the dual layers at the leg opening. Like the original Pivot Short, the Gen2 has an inner short with Dual Sensory Compression Bands™ that help guide the athlete into proper position while she pivots and runs, which powers performance, speeds recovery, and prevents injuries. The APS Gen2™ will be available in the New Year and will come in black and a newly-released Aspaeris pink. Aspaeris will also offer a special gift certificate for the Gen2 to current Pivot Short users.

So while all of you are whooooooping it up on New Year’s Eve, I’ll be sitting at my computer hoping they launch these shorts so I can get the new generation ASAP.  And yes, I already emailed them and begged them to send me some a “little” early but it was a no go.  Seems like those smarties only have the prototype on hand and its in nude to avoid people like me trying to get a pair early.  Aspaeris Design Team – 1, TTF – 0.  Well played Aspaeris!

If there is any doubt that I absolutely love these shorts then you haven’t been reading long.  I’ve  been EVERYWHERE in these shorts this year.  One of my favorite ways to wear them is under a Team Sparkle skirt!

      2012 Shamrock Shuffle                                 Running For Kicks Fun Run

Maggie Kelly Me                              RFK Winnings

         FNRC Group Run

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         Quad Cities Marathon Weekend           QuadCities_2012 girls 

I’m super excited about the Aspaeris Gen2 release because I really love the first generation and know that they have really listened to what the customers are looking for:  better wear/tear & more ventilation.  They are taking these shorts to the next level.  I will certainly be ordering the Gen2s as soon as they are available!

For now, we are offering a pair of the current Aspaeris Pivot Shorts in the color and size of your choice for this giveaway.  What do you need to do?  Comment below and you’ll be entered in the giveaway but if I were you, I would also go “like” them on  Facebook HERE so that you can be up to date on the latest news and specials.

If you don’t want to wait for the drawing, then feel free to use the discount code RAGNAR20 for $20 off a pair of these shorts.  Don’t forget to tell Santa, he likes to save a few $$ too!

I will pick a winner via a random number generator on Monday, December 10th at 9am.  Good luck!

** Happy Compression Wearing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **