In Training, Ragnar Style….

Posted on December 6, 2012 by tootallfritz

Twenty nine days until I kickoff the Ragnar FL Keys relay for my team, 2 Bros & 10 Does. I knew it would come fast with the holidays preceding the race but the time for training is almost gone. I wish I were ~~faster~~ stronger at this stage of the game but I’m not. I’ve come leaps and bounds from my “season of injury” and look forward to 2013 and making new memories.

Ragnar FL starts on Jan 4th and will be an amazing kick off to the new year! In preparation, I have been building my miles. Its been a very cautious process with the main focus on healthy running rather than just racking up miles ~~much to my dismay~~. I’m on a 12 person team so the mileage requirements are not excessive and I just need to focus on running 3 legs as well as I am able. The total mileage for those three legs will be approximately 17.5 miles (mileage totals vary per runner).

If you don’t know much about the Ragnar Relays, here are a few details.

Race starts in one location and finishes approximately 200 miles away
12 person teams are the norm
2 vans will carry 6 team members each
A 12 person team will require each runner to run 3 different legs
No substitute/alternate runners after the race start
If a runner gets injured/sick, the vanmates need to absorb the extra miles
Runners need to maintain an 11 minute mile pace
Race is nonstop day, night and into the next day
Reflective vest are cool, required and save lives
Teams support themselves with food/water/supplies
Port-O-Pots run out of toilet paper
Poor navigation resulting in lost runners/vans is the norm
Vans smell bad with nasty runner funk – STAY AWAY
Runners will turn on each other from lack of sleep & exhaustion
Sleep is off/on or non-existant
Showers are improbable
Fast teams finish in the 24 hour range
Normal/Slower teams finish upwards of 30 to 36 hours

Sounds exciting, right? Absolutely! Let’s do it!

In order to train for this event, I am in a different boat than most as I’m still “base building”. I can’t use an official training plan ~~but wouldn’t anyhow~~ so I’m focused building my base, making sure I can run up to 10 miles at a time since my longest run will be just under 9 miles. I’m not ~~very~~ concerned about speed as my team is very low key and friendly about pace and I don’t need to worry about blowing the big win for anyone. I’m just running.

I’m also very focused on running on tired legs. I’ve been trying to run a little bit, as much as possible, even when I’m tired. Last week was the first week I added doubles to my routine where I’m running 2x in less than 24 hours. I only have one weekly double at this point, a WED evening (5pm) run followed by a THUR morn (4am) run but will add in a second double next week. My rest days will also decrease over the next 3 weeks. I will have very tired/heavy legs on New Year’s Eve and then the real “party” will begin and I will do basically nothing on Jan 1, 2 & 3. Then watch me fly off the start line on Jan 4th.

In order to prepare for a race where you need to give more than the norm, you have to be ready. You have to be confident you can run hard even when you are tired. You also have to know your body. You have to know your recovery interval. I know that it takes me longer that the young 20 something to recover. I know that most people would never take almost 3 days off before a race. I know that this actually works for me and there is nothing that I love better than to be able to start a race, push the limits and not have fatigued legs pushing back. It’s almost like flying but of course, I had to learn the hard way. 🙂

Do you ever run “doubles” when training for a taxing event? What is your ideal amount of time for recovery?

Please note that I’m not a certified running coach, I just try to listen to my body and learn from previous mistakes made by myself and others. If you need to talk to a certified running coach then please search the Road Runners Club of America “Find A Coach” section HERE. If you are local, then I know a few in Chicagoland.

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

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts Giveaway

Posted on December 5, 2012 by tootallfritz

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.

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! 🙂

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

FNRC Group Run

Quad Cities Marathon Weekend

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 **

By the Light of the Moon….

Posted on November 29, 2012 by tootallfritz

It’s no secret the Wednesday nights are my favorite because I get to run with the F’N Running Club. It is frequently the only club run I can work into the family schedule so I look forward to it each ~~and every~~ week. It’s also no secret that I LOVE to run outdoors regardless of the weather. What could make a WED night outdoor run even better? Christmas Lights & a Full Moon!

My favorite WED night, photo spot is back in operation! The Frankfort Station pavilion beside the Grainery. Christmas Lights are up, check! Runners are in place (above) with a smile, check! Left Back: Ken, Dawn, April, Lynn, Susan & Nicki. Left Front: Diane, Betsy & Aby.

Plus the temps were mild and the Full Moon was breathtaking ~~even though my photog skills leave a bit to be desired~~!

I was so enthralled by the full moon that I went back out this morning to get a short run in before work.

No KnuckleLights needed this morning. The moon lit the way perfectly. A few twinkling stars added to the fun and it was a great start to my morning.

What makes a great run, just a bit more “perfect” for you?

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

Under Armour Divide Hoody Giveaway

Posted on November 28, 2012 by tootallfritz

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Okay, let’s do this! The response has been great on the Divide Hoody review! Everyone is loving the Under Armour Hoodies!

We are giving away 1 purple Divide Hoody to a lucky winner!

To be eligible to win, you need to comment below and tell me which UA hoody you would most like to try. The link to all the ladies hoodies can be found HERE. Mens hoodies HERE.

Bonus point #1: Like the UA Facebook page HERE so that you will be up to speed on their newest specials! Leave a separate comment below telling me that you “liked” them on Facebook and leave me your FB name so that I can verify if you happen win via that avenue.

Bonus point #2: Follow me on Instagram cuz what fun is it when I only have 2 friendly followers? Not fun. The new TooTallFritz Instagram link is HERE. Please leave a separate comment below stating that you are my new Instagram BFF!

That gives you 3 possible ways to win. Separate comments for each entry, please. I will select a winner via a random number generator on Monday, December 3rd at 9am. Good luck!!

** Happy Winning ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Under Armour Divide Hoody Review

Posted on November 27, 2012 by tootallfritz

There is a bit of hoody mania going on over at Under Armour! They have hoodies in every color imaginable and recently had them on sale for 25% off!

One of the newest additions to the UA hoody lineup is the fleece Divide Hoody. See the Under Armour description of the Divide Hoody below:

We took your favorite performance hoody, added a little subtle color blocking, and lightened it up for the perfect amount of protection. Not too heavy but not paper thin either. And if you need to up the warmth factor, the slick exterior makes laying super easy—no struggling or stuffing necessary. And, of course, the soft, brushed underside circulates your body heat for lasting warmth even on its own.

The fundamentals

Super-lightweight Armour® Fleece fabric is smooth outside and brushed on the inside

Soft, brushed inner layer traps heat for all-day warmth and comfort

Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat so it dries faster

Lightweight stretch construction improves mobility for full range of motion

Two-piece hood with matching drawcords

Princess seams create a slimmer, more streamlined silhouette

Exaggerated ribbed cuffs and hem

Side hand pockets

195g Polyester

Imported

I managed to score one of these babies in purple and tried it out yesterday on my 6 mile run at Yankee Woods.

Although I see people wearing hoodies all the time, they are not a normal “go to” cold weather item for me. I prefer a more fitted layering system and in the past that was not the hoody design. However, over the last several years, Under Armour has developed a line of hoodies for women that are both technical and fitted. The hoody no longer represents a sloppy, ill-fitting “sweatshirt” but is now considered a fitted piece of technical clothing!

I quickly found my favorite aspect of running in a hoody …… the amazing pocket!

I was able to fit both knuckle lights and my gloves in that amazing pocket! I feel like hoody wearers have conspired to keep this valuable bit of info from me! Is this a secret amongst the hoody wearing community? The best part is that I could have fit much, much more into that pocket had I wanted/needed to do it. For a mom who travels with everything, including the kitchen sink and pepper spray, this was a major score in my opinion!

The hoodie kept me super warm and I was actually sweating within the first few miles of the run. Plus all the stuff in my pocket didn’t bounce or drive me crazy. Win, Win!!!

I did get this hoodie in a size large, which is bigger than I need, but on the same hand it doesn’t look bad.

Since I don’t own any other hoodies, I just went with the size I would normally wear in most fitness clothing. As I look back at the order of my beloved UA Base 3.0 1/4 zip (in black on the left and in blue with Joe & Julie on a wintery run on the right), I see that I’m a medium in UA.

Oppps! Use the size chart so you don’t make the same mistake.

I like my winter layers to be tight against my core so that heat doesn’t escape. I didn’t have an issue with air getting in or my heat escaping the Divide Hoody but would probably size down for my next one for a more snug fit. I love the pink and the yellow; I can’t decide, look at these amazing colors!

You might want to go over to the Under Armour site and browse around because we “might” be doing a giveaway soon. 🙂

** Happy Cold Weather Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Thanksgiving Traditions…..

Posted on November 26, 2012 by tootallfritz

I’ve lived in Illinois now for ~~way too long~~ 14 years. It doesn’t really seem like that long but on the same hand it feels like forever. It’s not where my heart is but I’ve learned to develop some traditions ~~for me~~ in an attempt to stay sane without my family down the road for back up/support. In 2006, I ran a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. That first year, I just went where a friend went and had to drive forever, then showed up and found out it was an untimed “fun” run. Hmmmm…… not my thing but it was fun. Plus it made me realize that was how I wanted to start my Thanksgiving mornings for as many years into the future as possible. The following year (2007), I ran the Running For Kicks 4 mile Turkey Trot in Palos Hills and I’ve done the same each year thereafter, except for the year I had Michael. The route is not easy but its close to home and it definitely makes me feel as if I earned my Thanksgiving Dinner!

I looked back at my times today for a giggle, thinking about each year and how I handled the hilly route on that particular year. I had anticipated 2012 being my worse year but I was better than that first year where the course filled with hills was a total ~~shock~~ surprise.

2007 – 34:21 – Holy Hills
2008 – 32:33
2009 – Mr. Michael arrived
2010 – 31:53
2011 – 31:55
2012 – 33:58 (6 months post injury)

So the Turkey Trot is a wonderful tradition which I’ve had on the schedule for many years now and its absolutely one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s short, fast and ~~not too painful~~ a great start to the day. I normally take as many people from my neighborhood as I can ~~strong-arm into running~~ fit in my car. Plus, I’m now part of an amazing group of runners, the Frankfort New Lenox Running Club (AKA – The F’N Runners) and I can always count on a few members to show up to enjoy the fun.

The additional friendly faces make the race that much more fun! Then I go home to a turkey already cooking in the roaster, courtesy of hubby and Mr. Michael, and I cook & clean for an IL family dinner which includes anyone and everyone who would like to come. YUMMMMM….

A new tradition, which I just started last year, is hosting a run at a local trail on Black Friday. I don’t recall ever having gone Black Friday shopping and I have zero interest to do it now. It happens to be a day that many of my run friends have off, so the idea was to start an “all inclusive” run that would include as many people from different running groups as possible. Last year was a success so despite my recent return to running, I decided to set it up again. Here is the 2nd Annual Black Friday Runners at Waterfall Glen in Darien, IL!

Please note that despite the fact that these lovely people could have been shopping Black Friday sales, it would have been perfectly understandable if they had just wanted to stay in bed. The temp was barely 30 degrees and the wind was CRAZY. It was very cold. We didn’t do much lollygagging but just made short introductions, took the photo and ran! We had people in this group from as far south as Monee/Peotone, as far north as Addison, as far west as Manhattan & as far east as Lansing, IN! Very diverse group of people from all over. I was super proud that they all came out and I know these specialty Friday runs will continue to grow! Next Waterfall Glen Run – Good Friday (2013).

I love the idea of traditions and keeping a little bit of routine in our crazy lives but I also love the idea of spending time with as many different people as possible. There are sooooo many amazing runners in our area and I’d honestly like to know them all by name! So I float around a lot, running new trails and meeting new people. Making memories and doing what I love…….RUNNING. Therefore, many of my traditions are running related.

Do you have any Running Traditions?

** Making Memories thru Tradition ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Beyond Thankful…..

Posted on November 25, 2012 by tootallfritz

As we close out Thanksgiving for 2012, I look back at what the year has brought us. It hasn’t been easy ~~and I’ve wanted to jump off the roof to avoid the noise of screaming/fighting children multiple times~~ but it always seems a little better in hindsight and I am always thankful. I’m thankful for the health of our “little” ones. I’m thankful hubby and I both have jobs. I’m thankful hubby and I haven’t killed each other ~~because of those little screaming/fighting angels~~ in stressed out states of mind. I’m thankful the holidays are upon us so that we can CELEBRATE the ~~close of 2012~~ glory of the season.

For me, the best part of 2012 has been watching Aby come into her own as a runner. Watching her on the Cross Country course, really running, in a strong way I had never seen before this year. Watching her at races, as I trailed behind her knowing that forevermore, she will be the fastest runner in the house.

Running side by side with her on the trail and in weekend runs when she opted to stay with me rather than running ahead.

Taking her to races that she has never been able to run before because I now know that she can hold her own and is mature enough to handle real races and tough terrain.

Watching her collect some serious hardware along the way.

It really has been an amazing year! The Thanksgiving Holiday brings most of us a 4 day weekend and plenty of time to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. It is by far my favorite weekend of the year and the only one where I can expect 4 days off work in a row. The only one we automatically know on which day of the week the holiday will fall. Definitely the easiest one to plan and the easiest to set up annual traditions. I’ve been trying to become more traditional over the last few years, trying to keep at least a few things the same from year to year in both family and life so that on occasion we can step away from the chaos for just a minute and KNOW what to expect. During a time where we are taught to expect the unexpected, it’s comforting to make, and then hang onto, a few traditions.

Which holiday is easiest for you? Which holds the most “traditions” for you and your family? More up on our Thanksgiving traditions tomorrow!

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

Thanksgiving & Black Friday Deal Roundup

Posted on November 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

Since I plan to be MIA for the rest of the week, I thought I would do a roundup today of all the cool discounts that I know of at this time. I know more are out there that I have yet to come across so please feel free to comment below to share the discount love!

Personal Savers – Pepper Spray – Buy Any 2 Personal Saver products & Get a 3rd Free with Discount Code: THANKS

ShowerPill – Athletic Wipes – Buy 2, Get 3rd Free (only on Amazon) with Discount Code: SPFRIDAY

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – Compression shorts. $20 off with Discount Code: RAGNAR20

Whooha Gear – Inspirational Athletic Wear – 10% off with Discount Code: TTFWHOOHA (good thru Jan 1) & additional Black Friday specials to be announced via their Facebook page on Friday.

Oiselle – Running Apparel – 10% off First Time orders with Discount Code: RUNTODAY

Tough Chik is starting Tough Chik Tuesday. This will begin next Tuesday (11/27/12) and they will announce a “killer deal” that will be available for a short 48 hour period. You can capitalize on Tough Chik Tuesday EVERY week until Christmas. Watch the Tough Chik website and Facebook page for specials on their already amazingly low priced items. I see one of my favorite i run tanks is already on sale for $24!

Pro Compression – Compression socks & sleeves, definitely one of the best compression products on the market today. Black Friday deal – 20% off the trainer low socks with Discount Code: TL20, plus free shipping. Site wide sale (no discount code needed from Friday – Monday) will mark down the marathon compression socks & marathon calf sleeves to $30 with free shipping. Cyber Monday deal will be offered via the new discount site: Gear Up (AKA: Active Swaggle) for their marathon compression socks.

Sweaty Bands – 20% off order from today until December 10th with Discount Code: STUFFER, free shipping on Black Friday.

Bondi Band – Buy 3 Get 1 Free using Discount Code: ONE or Buy 5 for $25 using Discount Code: FIVE

RunningSkirts.com – Discounted skirt prices up to 50% off, 25% off Gift Cards and double reward points!

JoggerMom.com – 10% off entire purchase using Discount Code: NoTurkey

SwimOutlet.com – Free Shipping on $49+ purchase. Black Friday Doorbuster Sale items HERE. Some of these amazing deals include goggles starting at $5.95 & 2XU TRI separates between $39 & $45!

Women’s Running Magazine will be offering a “very” special Black Friday subscription deal. This is my favorite running magazine. You can find details on their Facebook page.

Photo: Do you want more Women's Running? Check back on Friday for a very special Black Friday subscription deal.

Road Runner Sports – This is fast becoming my favorite online retailers for running items. Santa has already done some shopping for certain members of the family here thru the random email specials they frequently send. For $1.99, you can become a VIP and receive 10% off all purchase, plus free shipping. They are currently running a VIP exclusive sale for 20% off your entire IN STORE purchase. I expect a similar sale to come flying into our inboxes very soon for either Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping. Watch their Facebook page for details.

Running for Kicks in Palos, my favorite IN REAL LIFE running store, will have their Black Friday sale beginning at 10am on Friday. They will have $15 off all shoes and 20% off running apparel.

iFitness – 15% off with Discount Code: Holiday

MapMyFitness – 25% off with Discount Code: BlackFriday

Happy Shopping all! And if you plan to skip the shopping and want to run a few miles, you can find me at Waterfall Glen with a crew at 8am. Northgate Road entrance.

** Always Looking for a Deal ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Slow Times in the City….

Posted on November 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

As with everywhere, even the city of Chicago becomes slow and almost desolate at times. Yesterday and today are such days as the workers/commuters are finishing things up before the holiday with many already on vacation. We are suspended somewhere between the normal hustle & bustle of city life and the approach of the holiday. Most take delight in this short, temporary lull which precedes the Black Friday rush. Things are good. Quiet. The streets are empty with few to be seen. The trains carry only a scattering of commuters, all with the same sole desire to go back home to their family for the upcoming holiday. It’s a tranquil time, even in Chicago. The fog veiling the city just adds to the desolate feel.

It’s cool but not cold.

Gloomy but not rainy.

Quiet but not silent.

Calm but not motionless.

Its a great time to be a runner in the city. Easy to take a few steps and be at peace in the surroundings that are normally alive with constant activity.

I’m wishing you a very happy holiday with lots of happiness, laughter and maybe a long peaceful run (or two) where you can reconnect with yourself and have a minute to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.

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

Best SWAG Award for 2012

Posted on November 20, 2012 by tootallfritz

It’s certainly no secret that runners and triathlete’s love free SWAG. However, the majority of the time, the items in the SWAG bag don’t elicit much excitement from me because 1) the items rarely fit (unisex sizing) or 2) the items are not technical or 3) the items are FUGLY. However, on ~~a rare~~ occasion even I get a SWAG bag that is exciting.

For all intents and purposes, I consider myself a SWAG expert due to the numerous races I run annually. 🙂 Last year, my favorite SWAG item ~~from the Hot Chocolate Race~~ quickly turned to crap as all the print started rubbing off the windbreaker within weeks of receiving the item. Oh yeah, and the sleeves were about 4 inches too short for Ms. TooTall but I know I’m not a “normal” size so no real complaints in that area. This year, I’ve received some cool things but nothing I loved…… until today. My friend Pam picked up the Running For Kicks Turkey Trot packets last night and delivered them to me today. As you probably already know, I’m a huge supporter of Mel and the Running for Kicks team. They are a major force in our running community supporting everyone who moves from walkers to runners alike. They also support many local charities and each race they direct brings additional charity monies to our local community. I’d run the Running for Kicks races with or without a good SWAG bag just because I like Mel, the store, the staff and the charity component. However, this year, I would definitely award them with the TTF Best SWAG Award for 2012!

Sport Tek Half Zip lined with fleece (with thumb holes) – SUPER snuggly!!!
Feetures No Show Socks
GU Chompls
Sport Wash
$15 off coupon for Running For Kicks
Chip Timed Race on Thanksgiving Day

I register for the races that I want to run, regardless of the price ~~which is evident since I even sprung for an Ironman brand race this year~~. I will pay more for a race that is in my backyard where I don’t have to travel too far because it reduces the stress on my family. When registration became available for this year’s 4 mile Running For Kicks Turkey Trot I heard nothing but ~~bitching about the price verses the mere 4 mile distance~~ complaints on the cost. The registration fee was $55 for a chip timed race on Thanksgiving morning. The SWAG, which was previously announced, is the best I’ve received all year and is equivalent to the registration fee in my opinion. Plus the race donates money to local charities and collects food for the Worth Food Pantry. There may not be a band along route but you will have friends and family cheering for you who actually know you by name. You will be eligible to win a multitude of raffle prizes and you will get more than what you pay for in hospitality, plus you will be supporting the local community in a magnitude of ways.

I always stay local if possible and I am thankful for great races like this one. This amazing half zip is just a bonus!

That’s an embroidered logo….guessing that won’t “rub” off anytime soon. Plus its a ladies cut. Super score! And thanks, Mel for keeping that turkey logo a reasonable size so that I’ll actually wear this thing. 🙂

Do you want to run the cheapest race around to save some cash or are you willing to spend a bit more for a good cause or even a specialty theme? I certainly love the cheap races but also like to go where my friends go and sometimes that means that my friends are the organizers. I like to support the people who support me, my run friends and my community on a daily basis and yes, I don’t mind paying a little extra for that.

Tell me which race would win the Best 2012 SWAG award in your opinion.

** Happy Turkey Trotting ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

TooTallFritz

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

Category Archives: Running

In Training, Ragnar Style….

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts Giveaway

By the Light of the Moon….

Under Armour Divide Hoody Giveaway

Under Armour Divide Hoody Review

The fundamentals

Thanksgiving Traditions…..

Beyond Thankful…..

Thanksgiving & Black Friday Deal Roundup

Slow Times in the City….

Best SWAG Award for 2012

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