Tag Archives: Giveaway

GIVEAWAY For ANY 2014 Spartan Race!

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As more and more obstacle course races (OCRs) are popping up throughout the country there are certainly a few that have managed to stand out among the crowd and create an amazing reputation for themselves.  The Spartan Race is one such OCR which delivers an amazing experience each and every time, regardless of the location.

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This race series was voted #1 Obstacle Race by Outside Magazine in 2012 and according to the website:

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.
Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race.

With venues in various locations throughout the US, the Spartan Race is becoming more popular each year. 

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The addition of races of varied difficulty have made this series one for the beginner as well as the serious athlete.  Go have fun with your friends or qualify for one of the elite heats and try for the win!  Regardless of your skill level, there is an event for you.  And it just looks fun!  Photos below from the Spartan Photo Gallery.

spartan fire jump  spartan rope climb

Afterward, sit, relax, listen to the live music and eat some real food!

Now the good stuff!  Let’s give a race entry away!!  The giveaway is good for any Spartan Race in the United States.    If you are in the Midwest, there is one in Indiana this month (April 26th), one in IL – Chicagoland – on 9/26 and one in Wisconsin on 11/1.  Lots of options!!  To be eligible for the giveaway you must make a comment below and tell me which race you would pick:  1)  Spartan Sprint – 3+ miles/15+ Obstacles, 2)  Super Spartan – 8+ miles/20+ Obstacles or 3)  Spartan Beast – 12+ miles/25+ Obstacles!

I will select one winner via a random number generator on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.  Giveaway starts NOW!!! 

If you want to register now, we have a 15% off code which is good for any Spartan Race.  Go HERE to activate the 15% off code and register for the event of your choosing!

** Athletes Run & Climb & Jump & TOTALLY ROCK ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Happy Friday GIVEAWAY for the Michelob Ultra Chicago 13.1

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

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

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

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

13.1 Chicago_me running

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

13.1 Chicago map

  • After race BEACH PARTY! 

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

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

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

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winner!! Sunburst Marathon Giveaway…

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

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

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Number 37 is rl262 

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

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

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

Sunburst

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Corn Fed Crucible Race Experience Giveaway!

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

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

CF Cruicible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Injinji Socks Review & Giveaway ……

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

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

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

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

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

ToeProtectors_NEW feet w toe protectorsInjinji_road2 

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

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

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

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

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

Tough Chik Fleece Sweatshirt Review & Giveaway

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One of my favorite retailers, Tough Chik, has brought out a few new things for the holiday season.  If you live in a climate with seasonal changes, you may be struggling to adjust to the colder temps like myself.  I’ve been cold a lot.  I’ve been shivering a lot.  And I struggle finding warmer clothing items which are cute, warm and snuggly!  I’m very picky about sweaters and sweatshirts.  If I’m cold enough to put one on then I want it to look AND feel good.  The softer the better.  Enter the Tough Chik fleece, hooded sweatshirt.  Retail $40.

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This fleece arrived in the mail this weekend and I had to pry it out of Aby’s hands haven’t taken it off since.  It’s a nice aqua color which is girly but not too over the top.  I like that.  The back has the phrase that Tough Chik coined, “THIS IS WHAT TOUGH LOOKS LIKE”, which is one of my favorite things about Tough Chik!!  The outside is normal sweatshirt material and the inside is a butter soft fleece.  I LOVE that!  I mean, I REALLY love that.  Nothing makes me feel better than slipping on something that is warm and snuggly.  Mr. Michael and I are big “snugglers” and we like to be warm.  Obviously we can’t sit and snuggle in the rocker 24/7, much to our dismay, so it’s nice to have a sweatshirt which makes me feel happy and warm!  Yes, it really is  possible to have clothing which makes you FEEL happy.  Smile

This fleece is unisex sizing, so runs big.  Normally for unisex sizing, I go down one size and end up with an item that is too big, so if you like a form fitted piece then I really recommend going down 2 sizes.  If you like a baggier fit so that you can layer underneath, then go down 1 size from what you would normally order in a ladies item.  For example, I’m a large in Nike clothing but would order a small in this for a “fitted” look or  a medium for a baggier look where I could layer up underneath.  Hope that helps.  I know fitting is hard for us ladies and I want you to look and feel good about your clothes!!!

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I really love this piece and if I didn’t already I own it, I’d beg mom to buy it for me add it to my Christmas list.  In fact, I loved it so much that I’ve already ordered 2 more for Christmas gifts {please don’t tell Aby!}.

Tough Chik has generously agreed to give one of you this amazing fleece for FREE!  If you would like to win a special Christmas present directly from the Original Tough Chik herself, please comment below and tell us if you own an item of clothing that makes you FEEL happy {and I really hope that you do!}   You will be eligible for a second entry into the giveaway if you go “like” the Tough Chik Facebook page HERE.  And you can get a third entry if you share this giveaway via any social media outlet of your choosing.  Just let me know what you did in the comments section below so that I can get you registered with the appropriate number of entries!  Three total entries possible per person.  Giveaway starts NOW and runs til Monday, December 9th at 9am.  Winner will be selected via a random number generator and announced on Monday.  GOOD LUCK!!

If you can’t wait to win, feel free to go shopping NOW.  Tough Chik is offering free shipping until tonight (Wednesday, December 4th) at midnight with the code:  TOUGHCHIKTUESDAY.

For all things Tough Chik, please follow on Twitter HERE and on Instagram HERE.

I wish you a warm and cozy holiday season! ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Balega Sock Giveaway x6

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I haven’t done a lot of giveaways this year.  Because I’m picky.  Because I won’t be giving away anything that I don’t LOVE .  Because I’m a creature of habit.  Because I’m not usually always willing to try something new even if it’s free.  Sooooo, when an incognito Balega rep found me at an expo this summer and so nonchalantly asked, “what kind of socks do you wear?”, I suspiciously politely smiled and said, “Why do you ask?”

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Years ago, I tried Balega but we did not become fast friends.  I either purchased the wrong size or maybe they just didn’t fit my foot properly.  Not sure which.  However, those socks quickly went from too big to gigantic as they stretched out over a period of time.  They did not get donated to a good cause but eventually “recycled”.  That was the year that Michael was born, so 2009.  I haven’t owned a pair of Balega’s since.

After the Balega rep identified herself, she assured me that the Balega’s NOW boasted to be the best running socks in the industry.  She suggested I try a pair.  I stared at her.  Unsure.  So long story short, she sent me a two pair in the mail.

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One padded, the PINK Hidden Contours and then an Ultra Light blue/grey pair.  I’m not going to lie the first thing that caught my attention was that pretty pink color, then I  immediately noticed the socks were padded.  I LOVE padded socks.

imageI’m on the run a lot both in “real life” and in my trainers and I will ALWAYS grab a pair of cushioned socks first unless I need compression.  So I tried the hidden contours the same day they arrived on a fast and furious treadmill run.  LOVED them.  In fact, I loved them so much that I didn’t throw them in the wash even though they were a tad bit schweaty.  🙂  But instead, I recycled them for a second run.

The ultra lights are really nice too but very thin material that is described as “second skin”.  Perfect fit.  Just like second skin.  They don’t move.  As a runner, I have a “few” pair of socks.  I like different socks for different types of runs.  Is that strange?  Absolutely not!  I’m totally normal.  My preference for speed workouts and speedy races fall to light shoes and lightweight socks.  These ultra lights found a special spot in my heart fast as I normally pound out one speed workout every week and I found myself constantly grabbing for these when I saw them in the drawer.   That’s a win in my world!

I’m not going to get into all the technology behind these socks cuz who really cares you can read about it on their website but I will tell you that I not only like the socks but would buy more.  So there you have it. I’d spend my hard earned $$ on these babies and then hide them in my drawer so that Aby doesn’t steal them even planned to buy the October Breast Cancer Awareness limited edition Balegas at the Chicago Marathon expo but couldn’t find any.

You may wonder why I’ve had these socks since summer and not posted about them?  Well, truth be told, I was waiting to see how they were going to “wear”.  My 2009 Balegas didn’t  make it long before they stretched out to the point where I wouldn’t wear them.  So I’ve been wearing, washing, wearing, washing and then wearing and washing these Balegas a lot.  And they are still the same as when they arrived.  Same level of cushion.  Same shape.  Same size.  Same socks …… that have just been washed 20 or so times now.  🙂  Grabbed them out of my drawer just to show you.  They look and feel perfect.  Thanks, Balega!!

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Balega has very generously agreed to give away 6 pairs of socks!!  If you would like to win a pair, please comment below and tell us which running socks are your absolute favorite.  And when I mean favorite, I’m saying if you could only have one pair to run in for the REST OF YOUR LIFE, which ones would you keep?  You can grab a second entry by heading over to the Balega Facebook page HERE and giving them a “like”.  And lastly, you can garner a third entry if you actually leave a message on their wall and tell them, “I want to win a pair of Balega socks from the TooTallFritz.com giveaway!”.  Or something like that.  🙂  Just make sure that you tell me {in the comments section below} which of the above you did so that I give you the proper amount of entries!

Six winners will be chosen by a random number generator on WED, November 20th at 9am.  Good luck!  Go enter the giveaway NOW!

** Love Me A Good Giveaway ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

SLS3 Compression Socks Review & Giveaway

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If you know me, or have been reading for awhile, you already know that I love, Love, LOVE compression.  I wear compression multiple times a week for workouts, recovery and {gasp} fashion.   I’ve said it before, I think compression is a game changer.  It helps “normal” people perform better in endurance activities because we are able to recover faster.  Game changer.  For people like me who don’t have a full time masseuse & chiropractor & trainer on hand to take care of my everyday aches and pains this is important.  It’s a game changer for me personally. So when SLS TRI contacted me about possibly doing a review on their compression socks, it made me think.  Did I want to or not?  I’m pretty brand loyal and 99% of my compression socks are from one company.  I like that company,  plus they have helped and supported me in the past.  What to do?  I clicked on the SLS TRI website to browse around before I responded.  I was shocked to see that they had a full line of not only compression socks but also compression TRI wear.   I’ve been wanting to try a pair of compression TRI shorts for a long time so I figured I would start with the socks and venture out from there.

SLS TRI sent me these awesome compression socks:

SLS3_compression socks_pink   SLS3_compression socks_pink_back

If we go on looks alone, apparently we have a BIG winner!  These are the cutest compression socks ever!  They even have decorative butterflies!

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But we can’t go on looks alone because that doesn’t help us us physically feel better. I first wore them to CrossFit.  I wear compression socks (and compression shorts) to CrossFit almost every time I go, which is 2x a week.  Why?  Because CrossFit has a way of just kicking my ass stressing my muscles.  The only time I didn’t wear compression, I showed up to a 1/2 Murph WOD and was sore for a week.  OUCH.  Lesson learned. The compression socks worked great for Crossfit.  On first wear, I was particularly happy that they were long enough to cover my entire calf, up to my knee.  This is an issue with some brands.  I ordered from the sizing chart specifications below and was very happy with the fit which put me in a size M/L.

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They were very breathable and I didn’t get overheated, even though I sweat like a pig the “box” can get a little steamy at times.  The socks compressed well without being overly tight and they didn’t slip, slide or fall down.  Win!  Oh, and they looked cute and I got multiple compliments. Since they passed the CrossFit test, next up was the run test.  I must admit that I opted out of wearing them on the day that it was 98 degrees.  Although, I am definitely getting used to wearing compression knee socks on warm days, I’m not crazy that brave.  I actually waited for the run test until last week when the temps dropped back into the 70s and it was a real joy to wear them.  When I try something different, I don’t want to know that I’m wearing anything new.  If I can “feel” something different then that “something” usually doesn’t reappear in my lineup.  I was very happy at the end of my 4 miler, in reasonably warm conditions, when I realized that I hadn’t noticed them at all during the run.  Love that!  I plan to wear them again this weekend on my 15 miler. I have since worn these socks to work for recovery after the Ironman 70.3 Racine race last week.  I’ve also purchased the other two colors (purple and azure blue) and started wearing those too (the blue ones to CrossFit this morn!).   Yep, I like them a lot!

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Want to try them?  I have a pair for you too!  I have one pair of the pink butterfly compression socks, size S/M for you to win!!!  This is a $54.90 value!  In order to be entered into the drawing, please go to Facebook and like the SLS TRI Facebook page.  I’ll give you a second entry to the drawing if you also take a minute to write a note on their wall telling them that you want to win a FREE pair of compression socks from the TooTallFritz  giveaway!  Don’t forget to comment below, telling me that you “liked” them on FB and if you wrote on their wall. Winner will be chosen via a random number generator on Tuesday, August 6th at 9am.  Good luck! If you are too excited to wait for the giveaway, I certainly understand.  You can shop HERE using the 15% off discount code:  TRI15 for anything in the SLS TRI store.   I personally am going to try the Compression TRI Race Shorts next!!

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** Compression Works ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Strike Out ALS 5K Free Entry GIVEAWAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flip Belt Review & Giveaway…..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Instagram & Tweet from 3/10/13

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

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

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

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