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 **

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 **

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 **

Cruel Jokes….

Posted on February 26, 2013 by tootallfritz

So maybe the joke’s on me but there are a few things that just aren’t quite right. I was just starting to nail this training plan and as soon as I started to gain a little confidence, life started throwing some curve balls …. Initially kiddos were sick & needed doc visits, dogs need(ed) vet visits for random reasons, other people got sick, cars (all 3) breakdown, evening obligations. So a few scheduled days off turn into a week of no running. No big deal, right? Wrong. Things still aren’t straightened out and “normal” appears to be far off.

One of the few saving graces has been the treadmill. It has given me the freedom to squeeze in miles when they would otherwise be lost. Like at 4am on SAT before a roadtrip. I didn’t make all of the planned 18 miles before our departure but I managed 14. Better than nothing.

Today, I even hit the gym at lunch to try to squeeze in a few miles. I took my iPad in order to link up to Netflix since that seems to be the only way I can tolerate the dreadmill. Newsflash, the iPad wouldn’t link up in the middle of our high-rise office building. Not funny.

Fortunately, the dreadmills in our gym have TVs attached so I was able to hang on for a whole 3 miles. And when I say, “hang on” I seriously mean “hang on”. They rearranged the gym since my last visit. The floor of that office suite for some ~~stupid~~ reason isn’t level. There is a carpeted ramp up to the main section where the cardio machines reside. The floor of the main section is also slanted to some degree which was barely noticeable …… until today. The new location of the treadmills must be on a slope. I began running at 1% incline, which should have been imperceptible; however, I felt like I was going to fall off the back. I was running slow and it wasn’t the feeling of “oh crap, this thing is going to throw me off” but it was a feeling like I was going UP a hill and going to fall backward. So I backed it down to 0.5% and then 0.0% and just “hung on” for 30 minutes (3.25 miles). Not funny.

Unfortunately, the recent travels, additional stress load and my lack of motivation to control my food intake has resulted in a few extra #s. That’s a few extra on top of those I had already gained from being injured this summer. It seems that if I’m not running, or even if I am running and just eat whatever I want, I gain weight. Shocker, huh? Yep. But it’s still not funny. So if you were thinking of a moonshine and chocolate “diet” and don’t expect to gain weight, I hate to break it to you but you won’t be laughing either. So not funny.

Oh yeah, and I haven’t been drinking much of this lately.

Not smart. Not funny.

So I’ve pretty much moved my plan for the Lansing Marathon to “finish it” mode. I need to worry not so much about the training and focus on losing those 8 lbs which I am currently carrying. For me to lose weight, I need to hit double workouts and keep the ~~crap~~ bad stuff out of my mouth. Easier said that done. My legs will be trashed. My attitude will be ~~bitchy~~ poor. But I will show up to the startline at 162 or 163 lbs. Not funny but it’s a fact. I refuse to carry an extra 7 or 8 lbs thru 26.2 miles. Don’t worry, I’m not giving up my training, just revising it to add in a few extra things.

On a positive note, in terms of “Run”way Fashion, I scored a few deals from Saucony this week. They are having a super secret sale HERE. I purchased the Ignite Shimmel tank ($22) and am IN LOVE. I went back and got a different color in my size today. It has a shelf bra, thin material, hugs the body but isn’t tight and also has a small zip pocket in the back.

They also have arm warmers for $10 (hyper lime) or $22 (black compression). This is one of brand of arm warmers that never chafes my underarm flab. I usually buy them off the Last Chance section and pay around $15 for them. Thin. Like second skin. No chafing.

And in other marathon news, I’m in a total panic about my shoes. Saucony changed things up in the toe box with the Guide 6’s and the new version isn’t working for me when I go long. They are light weight and super cute but that doesn’t matter ~~when you don’t have toenails~~ if they don’t feel perfect. I like them for shorter runs but not anything over a 10K. So I’ve tried a couple Brooks Running shoes. The Ravenna 3’s and Adrenaline 13s felt good initially and on short runs but are making my pinky toe sore/blistered with longer miles. Apparently I have a weird foot cuz I’ve heard nothing but great things on all of these shoes. 😦

Guide 6 Ravenna 3 Adrenaline 13

So back to basics. I had six pair of the Guide 5s and never blinked an eye. So I found a pair of 5s on clearance at Road Runner Sports. These babies will be here soon. I expect this to be my spring marathon shoe. Crossing fingers!!

None of this is funny but it’s certainly not the end of the world. I will keep pushing. I will finish the Lansing Marathon. However, I’ll definitely be missing a few toenails on my right foot before I even hit the start. 🙂

** When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Knuckle Lights Review & Giveaway

Posted on February 13, 2013 by tootallfritz

107

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Snow, Snow & More Snow….

Posted on February 4, 2013 by tootallfritz

We knew going into the weekend that there was a possibility of snow and I think we were all ramping up mentally to get our miles in regardless of the weather. For me, I ended up with another split run with 9 miles inside on the treadmill and 9 miles outside in the snow. Due to the family’s current schedule, this will probably be how the majority of my long runs will occur as I train for the Lansing Marathon. It’s different but not necessarily bad. My main complaint not that I have any REAL reason to complain is that it takes so much more time. Normally while marathon training, I would be on the trail by 4:30 or 5 am and even a 20 miler would be over before Mick and Aby most people even have breakfast. Now it seems like it sucks up the majority of the day b/c I’m not just knocking the miles out but also doing other things during and between the indoor/outdoor sessions. Its okay, just different.

Treadmill “Run”Way Fashion – Tough Chik Toughie Half Zip which is super light and my new favorite shirt for bumming around the house. It didn’t even make it on the treadmill cuz I didn’t want to get it “dirty”. I actually ran in the Blood, Sweat, Sparkle shirt I picked up on sale from Team Sparkle. I didn’t love this tank. It was a “little” short on me and it didn’t fully cover my bra, plus was just too narrow up top for me. I think it’s going to Aby’s closet. Then the BIG thing, I tried the Redemption Shorts from Skirt Sports. I have been wanting at least one pair of shorts, particularly now that I’m running on the treadmill more. I don’t always feel like wearing compression shorts and I don’t necessarily want to overdress wear a skirt in my dining room “gym” so when I saw that Skirt Sports dropped a line of shorts, I jumped on board to try them out.

First, that’s obviously not my bum (below). I wasn’t that cute and shapely before children and well, things haven’t “improved” since. But I did like how the shorts fit on me (size medium – I wear an 8-10 in pants) and I was even satisfied with how they looked. When I initially got them, I ran around the dining room & kitchen (yes, we make laps thru the house on a frequent basis) and I was like “NO way”. I didn’t think they would work out. They rode up between my thighs. They were shorts, they “felt” like shorts and well, I don’t like shorts. However, I gave them a run on the treadmill. A decent run, 9 miles. And I didn’t hate them.

Once I warmed up, they stayed in place pretty well. I did still have to use the Mission Athletecare Anti-Chafe but overall, they were okay. I really liked how the spankies didn’t move. I didn’t have to adjust them. I just felt good with the way they “sat”. I did have to adjust the legs of the shorts a few times due the chub rub issue but overall, it was minimal and I didn’t have any real chafing. A little redness on the chub but not the normal “burn” that I remember from shorts. So I now own 2 pair of shorts, the multicolored ones I wore above, and the blue pair that the Skirts Sports model is so fabulously showing off. Not sure you’ll see me wearing them on the trail but maybe once I get used to them a bit. If you are a skirt wearer and hesitant to give them a try, my advice would be to try them. One pair. They aren’t cheap at $50 but I do think they are a good quality and the material is light and airy and won’t result in your having a wad of material squished up above the chub. I’m not sure you will love them but I also don’t think you will hate them. I personally won’t convert FROM the skirt but I like my options and these are super cute, which adds bonus points in my world.

The 9 miles on the treadmill in my Redemption Shorts were accompanied by the documentary, “My Run”. I ran for an hour and twenty five minutes at 6.4 mph (9:22) pace. It was a long time on the treadmill but the movie was a difference maker. If you have to run on the dreadmill and have the option of plugging into a Netflix ready device, it will change the game for you. I promise. The dreadmill and I are not friends. We are however, slowly learning to tolerate one another.

I was very anxious to take the last 9 miles outside, even though by the time I got out there it was blowing and snowing pretty good. The actual temp was 18 and the “feels like” temp was 5. It was cold. I struggled thru the snow. I struggled with the cold. My feet hurt. I was slower than slow. I contemplated going back home to the dreadmill. But I really loved the views.

Then Sunday was for fun. I got to go run with friends, as a light snow was falling. It totally made my day. 4.5 miles of running bliss.

Me, Susan & Nicole on the trail!

How were your weekend miles? Did you get out to play in the snow or stay in on the treadmill?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Ragnar FL Keys …… In Photos

Posted on January 16, 2013 by tootallfritz

2013 Ragnar – Florida Keys – Part III – END

This will be my last Ragnar FL Keys post. I stalled a bit, waiting for everyone to upload their photos, plus work & life, then the stomach flu. Good times. But the last things I wanted to leave with you about Ragnar were some of the images. The good times, tough times, and the beauty all wrapped up on one final post

The Course Map – Miami, FL to the southernmost tip of the US, Keywest, FL

The Start:

So much of the race was cloaked in darkeness and pics were difficult. Or if we did get pics, the photo just shows reflective gear.

The times we weren’t cloaked in darkness, we were riding or waiting in the van. Oh wait, it’s still dark in this one too! Teammate and fellow Team Tough Chik member, Toni & myself.

But there were stolen moments of peace and tranquility just steps away.

New “In Real Life” friendships forged with fellow Team Tough Chik members that are spread throughout the US and world. Photo on the right has 4 Tough Chiks: Myself in my team gear, Kristi (in green), Kim (bottom in yellow) and Toni (in grey).

Lots of bridges, water & palms swaying in the gentle breeze.

One shot of me running in the daylight. Please notice my red Aspaeris Pivot Shorts peaking out from my skirt.

Ragnar Keys_ me hand off

And finally, the finish. By the beach. 200 miles ran. Whatever pace we could manage. Done.

My girl Angela & I at the finish. She’s the reason I went all the way to FL for this adventure. Love you, Ang!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – I heard a million times that the team didn’t think they could have done it without you. Almost everyone acknowledge that you held us together when we didn’t have a lot left in the tank. We ran hard, ran extra miles, gave everything we had and you held us together. Thank you!

ShowerPill – What to say? I have never been so gross and nasty for such a long period in my entire life. After each run, I used a ShowerPill wipe immediately upon finishing to try to wipe away some of the nastiness. Each time, I was happy and soooooo very thankful that you came on board with us. I’ll spare you the nasty photos of the wipes in use cuz they are really nasty but leave you with the knowledge that everyone on the team was thankful for your product! Dear readers, I leave you with a not so subliminal notion that you probably want to go get some of these, right now. Shop HERE:

Family Fan Club – I’m a major fan! They totally hooked us up with shirts and window decals. They made our job so much easier because we only needed to add a few things to our windows and we were ready to run. Lots of vans had fancy art work, etc. that was all washed off during a down pour. Not us. Our decals never moved. They were super easy to apply and then they peeled off easy & clean! Plus my favorite part is that they didn’t obstruct our vision from inside the van. Win, Win!!!

This is the end of my Ragnar FL Keys “saga”. It was an amazing journey with an amazing team!

I look forward to hearing YOUR Ragnar stories in the future.

** Happy Relay Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Run YOUR Way….

Posted on December 27, 2012 by tootallfritz

I leave for Ragnar FL Keys in 7 days!!! One of our sponsors, Family Fan Club has created way more than 7 things for me in the last year.

I first became familiar with them thru their sponsorship of our Ragnar Chicago ultra team, You Just Got Chicked. My teammate & friend, Run with Jess designed a kickaxx shirt and Family Fan Club did everything else.

Shirts:

Chick 3

Headbands

Decals for our van. Shirts for a friend’s Ragnar Chicago Team. The experience was so good, I decided to let them do a quote for our running club. We wanted something that would “pop”, make us recognizable since we were new but growing at an ~~alarming~~ fast rate. We wanted to create a brand that everyone would identify as our running club. So we stuck with the gold because ~~you can see it a mile away~~ it pops. The FNRC brand was born with the help of Jeni H’s awesome designs skills and Family Fan Club chasing down anything and everything GOLD, which is really not an easy task.

Shirts (long sleeve, sleeveless, short sleeve, gender specific, hoodies):

Hats & Visors:

Christmas Ornaments:

iPhone Case:

I can only hope that the FNRC did Family Fan Club proud this year. We wore our colors and FNRC gear everywhere and collected a “few” awards too.

I also utilized them for shirts a few friends wanted made with the “Go Live” theme. It reminds me of the “go big or go home” slogan. Go Live …. if you are going to show up, then be ready to play, run or do WHATEVER at your best.

And last but not least, Family Fan Club is hooking up my newest Ragnar team with shirts, designed by the fabulous Jeni H and decals for our Ragnar vans.

If you want to run YOUR way, whatever way that is, in whatever design you can create, then call Family Fan Club and they can hook you up. This is definitely a “you dream it” …… they can make it type company. Prices are good too. Reasonable and they will work with large groups to get you the best price available. I’m a big “fan” of Family Fan Club!

Thanks for all the support this year, Family Fan Club!

** Run YOUR Way** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

ShowerPill Review & Giveaway….

Posted on December 19, 2012 by tootallfritz

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.

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.

I 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)

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.

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 **

TooTallFritz

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

Category Archives: Product Reviews

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Pro Compression Trainer Low Socks Winner

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Cruel Jokes….

Knuckle Lights Review & Giveaway

Snow, Snow & More Snow….

Ragnar FL Keys …… In Photos

Run YOUR Way….

ShowerPill Review & Giveaway….

ShowerPill™ – A new state of freshness

ShowerPill™ The Athletic Body Wipe™

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ShowerPill™ – A new state of freshness

ShowerPill™ The Athletic Body Wipe™

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