Tag Archives: Giveaway

180s Quantum Cool Training Visor Winners

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We have winners!  I drew one ladies name and one men’s name from the list of entrants who “liked” 180s on Facebook.  Even if you didn’t enter today, you might want to go now and like 180s on Facebook because they give away cool stuff all the time!  If you are REALLY, REALLY interested in winning 180s gear, then I would recommend also going HERE to fill out the form to be on their mailing list and you, like me, may just get an email that you won a free visor too!  Super cool, right? 

WINNERS:

Ladies – #5 – April Weber

Men’s – #6 – Brian Parker

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April & Brian – please email your addresses to me at amanda@tootallfritz.com.

If you didn’t win, don’t forget that you can get 25% off the training visors between now and September 7th by using the coupon code:  TOOTALL

Men’s 180s Quantum Cool Training Visor

Women’s 180s Quantum Cool Training Visor

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

Middle of the Road….. & Quick Giveaway

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The great thing about living in the middle of nowhere country is that at 4am, traffic is non-existent and it’s just me and the coyotes open road.  Since I am bouncing back from the torn tendon in my foot, I am slightly cautious about footing.  This morning, I took the flattest/smoothest section and ran down the middle of the road with my Knuckle Lights shining a bright path in the darkness.  Here is the road I ran this morning but in the light, at 5:45 am.  Still not “too” busy.Country RoadsI know all of you have been battling the heat and humidity for marathon training while I have been rehabbing my injury.  Inside.  In an air conditioned, zero humidity environment.  Today was my first hot run and let’s just say, I need to adjust quickly.  It was 83 degrees at 4:30 am with a feels like temp of 87.  It was not only warm but very humid as the rainstorms were still miles away.  I only ran 2 miles, at a very relaxed 9:19 pace but it was stifling.

Aby, my soon to be 11 year old, has been running in the heat all summer.  She has raced several 5Ks, is running 2x a week at Cross Country Camp and basically suffering thru the miserable heat & humidity just like all of you. Courthouse Classic Aby2_2012 She may be young but has figured out a few great ways to stay cool while running.

1)  She freezes her water bottles and takes them to Cross Country Camp frozen so that they will still be cold when she needs them.  In fact, we just picked up this Nathan Thermal QuickShot Handheld for her at the Sports Authority booth of the Rock N Roll expo.  We paid $11 but Running Warehouse looks about the cheapest online for $16.95.  I hope she’ll let me borrow this sometime.

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2)  She also found a 180s Quantum Cooling headband ($15 online, $12 expo) that is activated by sweat and/or water to continuously cool her head.  It also has a slot for ponytails, which made her squeal with delight.

Cooling Headband

3) She has also stolen borrowed my new Mission Athletecare EnduraCool Towel.  The towel that Mission just sent me last week.  The towel that I only have used one time.  The towel that stayed cool for hours, even hanging on the chair to dry.  The towel that I should have had on my run this morning.  The towel that is hidden away in her Cross Country bag.  I’m going to get this one back unlike my gps watch which she has commandeered.  Is it over-the-top to give a gps watch as a birthday present to an 11 year old?

               EnduraCool            EnduraCool_me

I hope all of you have also figured out a few unconventional ways to keep cool during these sweltering summer runs!    In case you haven’t I’m going to do a fast giveaway to get one EnduraCool Towel into somebody’s hands in time for this weekend’s long run.  So if you want an EnduraCool Towel, then put on your creative hat!  This needs to stay PG because I’m going to let Aby pick the winner at 8pm tonight (winner to be announced tomorrow morning).   

Please make a suggestion for Aby (age 11 – 6th grade) of a crazy/funny way to stay cool this summer.  Ideas can relate to being “on the run”, cooling off post run, or dealing with the heat in “real life”.  In order to respect the laws of creativity, it does not have to be something which is actually feasible or even something which we could implement.  We just want to make her giggle.  Think/Create an idea & comment below!  Good luck!

Info on EnduraCool Towel from Mission’s Website:

Mission’s™ Enduracool™ is made from a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools when wet with water or sweat, wrung out and snapped in the air to activate the sustained cooling properties. Use during or after competition to provide sustained cooling on your neck, head or other hot zones.

How It Works: A revolution in cooling, this performance fabric absorbs and retains sweat and water, circulating the molecules while regulating the rate of evaporation to ensure an instant cooling effect against the skin for hours, without feeling wet.

Towel Dimensions: 12.25″ x 33″

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

Giveaway for Chicago Half Marathon

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You may have seen one or two bloggers giving away entries to the Chicago Half Marathon on September 9, 2012.  If you haven’t yet won, then here is YOUR shot!  This race is actually filling up faster than ever before so time to either win a freebie or register so you can be on the start line September 9th!

I have fond memories of this race.  First, I love racing in September because the height of both marathon training and TRI season is in the done column.  The September, October and November races fly.  Or more importantly YOU will fly from killing it during summer training and racing.  All the hard work pays off in the fall.  I always run my fastest races of the year at that point and really just love the sport of running and racing so I am thrilled to be able to giveaway an entry to one of my favorite races.

The best part of this Chicago Half is the lengthy amount of time you spend on Lake Shore Drive.  The good, you get to see the elites and fasties barreling back at you on the opposite side of The Drive while you are just settling in and getting started.  The best, the views from The Drive of Lake Michigan and its amazing surroundings. 

Here are a few notes from the race I did in 2008, yes, even back then I was full  of tips and stories…….lots & lots of stories!

The Chicago ½ Marathon (9/14/08)……. Yes, it was raining. Yes, it rained the entire way. Yes, it just kept raining harder. Yes, we were dodging puddles (if you want to call them that) and officials even had to reroute the course due to flooding.

That being said it was a great race. The harder it rained, the further I pulled my hat down to keep my eyes shielded from the pelting rain. I just focused on running rather than the conditions. I don’t mind the rain, actually I prefer it to the heat.  Last year (2007) was so hot that I thought I wouldn’t finish, once I did finish I didn’t feel any better (actually felt really horrible) and wanted to give my running shoes to the first homeless person I saw because I was confident that I wouldn’t be needing them anymore. So bring on the cool rain any day!!

Race tips:
1) Don’t worry that the first several miles of a large race are so slow because of traffic, it will thin out and you will be better prepared to cope with the later miles because of the slow warm up.
2) Figure out some sort of race plan and try to stick to it.
3) Don’t let your friends pull you along at a faster pace than you want to run. I heard a guy trying to talk his friends into speeding up before we even got to Lake Shore Drive (LSD) around mile 4. Well, there are at least 3 miles, if not more, on LSD going north then a turn around to go back south to the finish. LSD is full sun/wind or whatever condition are available for the day.

image If you aren’t familiar with the course then try to keep it relaxed until after the half way mark, then evaluate your situation and speed up if you can. Running a faster 2nd half is always better than running fast out of the gate and dying.
4) Try to enjoy yourself! Race = Reward.

I have wonderful memories of this race, I hope you run this year and make your own!

In order to enter this giveaway for a FREE entry into the Chicago Half Marathon on September 9, 2012 ($85 value), make a comment below (+1).  If you opt to share this giveaway via Twitter (+1), Facebook (+1) or your Blog (+2) let me know when you comment.    Go, Share, Win!

Good luck all!  Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen via a random number generator on Thursday, July 19th at 9am! 

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

 

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Favorite Training Items Giveaway

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This giveaway is from me to you as a way to say THANK YOU for your continued support.  Thank you for “liking” me on Facebook.  Thank you for “following” me on Twitter.  Thank you for following this blog.    If you aren’t a blogger then you may not understand how important it is to actually click on the follow button, or “like” me on Facebook but it is actually really important.  Each time I send out a request for a giveaway or a sponsor they come right here to look at my numbers to determine if it is worth their time to be part of this venture.  So thanks for helping!

Thank You

Since June kicks off training for the Chicago Marathon, I thought it would be a good time to concentrate on  a few of my favorite go to items for training.  Even if you are not a marathoner, you can still benefit from this goodie bag!  Promise!  Favorite Things GiveawayLet’s knock this out right now:  Yes, this goodie bag contains some AdvoCare products.  Yes, I’m an AdvoCare distributor.  Yes, I think AdvoCare has the best products for nutrition, energy & recovery.  Yes, if you click on one of these links and purchase something, I will profit. 

CONTENTS OF GOODIE BAG FOR GIVEAWAY ($75 Value):

  1. Personal Saver Pepper Spray – Safety First, Second & Third…..right?!?!  I have several of these.  I prefer the Wrist Saverbut also have a Personal Saver like this to attach to my water belt or onto my skirt for immediate access while running.   I had a coupon code, not sure if it’s still active but if you purchase one, try the code:  TTF for $1.50 off.
  2. Toe Protectors (2 protectors) – I use these for EVERYrun.  I loose my toe nails regardless of the type or size of shoe I wear.  It’s just my thing and I’ve mentioned it previously.  Therefore, I always wear a gel toe protector on my second & third toe (right foot) and then use more if my other toe nails are sore.  These REALLY help!  You can find them at Walgreens or CVS in the foot care aisle.  
  3. AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink (3 packets) – I drink this before every long run.  I roll out of bed, drink this first, then go about my routine.  This not only helps me wake up but also gets the bodily functions moving BEFORE I hit the trail for my long run.   Sugar free, caffeine equivalent of 1 cup of coffee, 21 vitamins, minerals, nutrients.  45 calories.  My favorite flavor in the Mango Strawberry!
  4. AdvoCare Rehydrate Drink (3 packets) – I keep these packets in my purse, in my gym bag and Aby carries them in her track/cross country bag.  We dump this in a bottle of water for an on the go rehydrate product with a 1:1 ratio of sodium to potassium and only 40 calories.  My favorite flavor in the Mango Pineapple(Do you see a mango theme here?)
  5. AdvoCare  Rehydrate Gel (3 pouches) – I use these gels during long runs and long bike rides.  They are easy to carry and the gel is thinner than some of the leading brands.  The lemon flavor actually tastes good and I don’t cringe when it hits my mouth.  I must say that after years of using various products for refueling “on the run”, this is my favorite by far.  I’m VERY happy with this product!  Potassium, sodium & 21 grams carbs wrapped up in 80 calories.
  6. AdvoCare Post Workout Recovery Drink (3 packets) – I use this after every long run, long bike, and some random workouts that leave me zapped.  No exception.  I never use any other recovery product, ever.     This is the product that sold me on AdvoCare.  It works.  It takes the guess work out of recovery and what you need to eat to repair and recover.  I always knew that I needed a 4:1 carb to protein ratio for recovery but I’m not big on counting.  I just drink this on my ride home and then eat normal food the rest of the day.  I don’t need to worry about refrigerating it, just leave it in my shaker in the car and drink when I finish my run or bike.  It takes the thinking out of my recovery.
  7. AdvoCare Shaker/Blender Bottle – I mix everything in this.  If you use protein powders or any drink powders then you already know that chunks happen but this breaks up most of the chunks for a smoother drink content.  I keep one in my workout bag, one in my desk at work, one at the lake, two at home.  I almost always have one.
  8. Mission Athletecare Pomegranate Lip Balm with SPF +15 – This is by far my favorite lip balm for running, biking, workouts, life.  It’s the perfect consistency and stays on for a very long time.  It comes in lots of flavors but I prefer the pomegranate & mint.  It’s also Paraben Free and after reading Bridgett’s Beauty Blog, I’ve learned this a really big deal……although I can’t say I remember why.  🙂  You can buy certain Mission Athletecare items at CVS (in Illinois) but they are usually stuck in a corner somewhere, so you may have to ask where they are located.
  9. Mission Athletecare Max Muscle Rehab– Roll on gel for muscle soreness.  Feels good but since the scent vanishes quickly, everyone else doesn’t have to know you trashed your quads on the hills. 
  10. Mission Athletecare AntiFriction Cream  (2 sample packs) – I have used several Mission products in the anti-friction & anti-chafing line.  I like them, particularly for my feet and where my shoes (sandals too!) rub.

I have a ton of favorite products but these are things I use on a regular basis.  The total of this Goodie Bag is $75.  If you would like to enter the giveaway, please do one or all of the following and make a comment below as to what you have done: Make a comment below as to which of these products you are most excited to try (+1), Follow this blog (+2), Follow TooTallFritz on Facebook (+2), Follow @TooTallFritz on Twitter (+2), Share the giveaway via FB, Twitter, your blog, etc. (+2 for each share). 

The giveaway runs from now until 9am CST on July 3rd.  One winner will be selected via a random number generator. Good luck and spread the word!

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

PunkeeLove Headband Giveaway!

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Today is a good day because the weather totally rocks I have a great product to give to you for free!   You already know that I fell in love with the PunkeeLove Headbands I picked up at the Shamrock Shuffle Expo.  I wore the green sparkly “twice as nice” headband for the Shamrock Shuffle and pretty much every day since and my girl Kristina shamROCKED in the twice as nice silver.

The headband not only stayed in my hair while I was racing the streets of Chicago but also when I took a major tumble on the lake front path a few days later.  The photo below was taken about 15 minutes before I kissed the ground. I promise I was not running and taking a photo of myself when I fell but the fall did work out since I didn’t get hurt to prove the AWESOMENESS of these headbands.

Ran in the headband all weekend too, here is a photo after my Sunday “Birthday” Run.  Michael is singing Happy Birthday to me: 

Punkee Love has sent 5 headbands for me to give away.  I am so excited for you and a bit jealous, can I enter my own giveaway? and have decided to give these out to 5 different individuals so we can spread the Punkee LOVE as far as possible. 

Know that you are totally a star if you are rocking one of the PunkeeLove Headbands because they will be included in the 33rd Annual Sports Emmy Award gift bags for the airing of the April 30th awards ceremony in New York City!  Below are the pics of the 5 headbands to be given away.  There is a wide variety of the styles that PunkeeLove offers and here is nice sampling.  These 3 are a few of the thicker style bands and include from left:  Sargent Pinkie, Cleopatra 1.5″, & Love Running 1″.

Love Running 1″

Then we also have 2 of the Twice as Nice headbands in the blue & silver.  Please notice that each band is adjustable to fit your head and your daughter’s.  This makes these headbands unique to other big name bands and also easy to share. 

So if you would like a chance to win a free PunkeeLove Headband, a $14-$16 value, you probably already know what to do but here are the hoops through which you will need to jump:

Mandatory

  • Become a Facebook fan of PunkeeLove Headbands & write on their wall that TooTallFritz.com sent you for the giveaway (requested by Punkee Love!) – 3 entries

Optional

  • Become a follower of this blog  – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of TooTallFritz – 1 entry
  • Link this post up to your Facebook page & announce the giveaway to your friends – 3 entries
  • Link up this post up to your blog and announce the giveaway to your followers – 5 entries
  • Tell me which band you would prefer if you win (not guaranteed but I will take this into account during the distribution) – 2 entries

Max entries will be 15 per person, please leave a comment below for the things which you have done and how many entries to assign you.  As always, if you are already following me, that is not a punishment, just make a comment below stating the same.  Only one band per winner.  I will randomly select 5 winners via a random number generator at 9am on Monday, April 9th.

If you want to make an order now, like me, then you may use the 20% off ONE TIME PER CUSTOMER coupon code:  tootall20      Make sure you get what you want when you place the order as it’s a single use code.

Good luck, now go tell ALL your friends about this giveaway and bombard the PunkeeLove Facebook page with some serious LOVE and appreciation for donating these bands. 

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                            amanda@tootallfritz.com

13.1 Chicago – Race Entry Giveaway!

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I am sooo excited to announce that I have free race entry to giveaway for the 13.1 Chicago event on June 9, 2012! 

Coming off the recent 13.1 Miami Beach race (recap HERE) makes this that much more exciting for me and I am super envious that I will not be hitting the pavement with you on June 9th!

This is a very unique race for the CHI as it does not go through the loop or the same tired section of the Lake Front running path that you may have run a million times in recent races.  THIS race according to the website:  starts and finishes at the Historic South Shore Cultural Center (SSCC) on Chicago’s south side. The SSCC offers beautiful views of both Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline and has hosted many notable events, including the wedding reception of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The 13.1 mile course takes you along the Lake front Path past La Rabida Hospital. After passing the hospital, you will run through Jackson Park, home of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Osaka Japanese Garden, a strolling garden on Wooden Island. You will then pass the Museum of Science & Industry, the only original building remaining from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, and one of the largest science museums in the world. You will then head back to the Lakefront Path to almost 35th Street before heading back south, past the 63rd Street Beach House and finishing at the SSCC. This course is 13.1 miles of perfect Windy City experience.

This is a  totally different race experience than what you normally get in Chicago and I will definitely be out there with you next year!

So if you would like a chance to win a free entry to the 13.1 Chicago 2012 race, an $80 value, you probably already know what to do but here are the hoops through which you will need to jump:

  • Become a follower of this blog  (click on the +Follower button at the bottom or top of the page) – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of TooTallFritz – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of 13.1 Marathon Series – 1 entry
  • Link this post up to your Facebook page and announce the giveaway to your friends – 3 entries
  • Link up this post up to your blog and announce the giveaway to your followers – 5 entries
  • Agree to do a Guest Race Review of the 13.1 Chicago for the TooTallFritz blog after the race (if you win the free entry) – 4 entries

After you have done some/all of the above, please leave a comment in the comments section below and tell me what you have done and how many entries to assign you (max of 15).   If you are already a follower and a TooTallFritz Facebook fan, that is 2 free entries for you, just let me know that you would like to be entered in the drawing!  I will randomly generate a winner via a Random Number Generator on Monday, March 26th at 9 am.

And for all of you running the 13.1 Chicago, feel free to enjoy the after party, then head to North Beach to cheer in the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay teams.  That’s where I’ll be….. running it in with the Ultra Team (You Just Got) Chicked!  See you next year, 13.1 Chicago!

Good Luck,                                                                                                               Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                             amanda@tootallfritz.com

I Won & Here’s a Giveaway – Aspaeris Pivot Shorts

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Last night I went to the Running For Kicks Shamrock Fun Run in Palos.  I am coming off some higher miles, at least for me, so it probably wasn’t the smartest move but I wanted to go so that I could wear my green Team Sparkle skirt again!   However, knowing that my legs were extra fatigued, I was smart and grabbed my Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (APS). 

These are the only compression shorts I own and I really like them.  They have two layers, which I initially thought would be awkward but they go on easier than most compression wear, plus they stay in place and don’t move even during hard speed workouts on the treadmill.   I really love the way the compression feels on my hips and legs when I run.  Even though my legs were very fatigued last night, the compression adds just enough pressure to keep the blood flowing and help ease the soreness.  I actually feel pretty decent today.  Now if the shorts could just push me up those Ishnala hills! 

Here is the official description from Aspaeris:

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.

 I ordered a pair of the APS at the beginning of the year and liked them so much that when we were gathering sponsors for our Chicago Ragnar Relay Team (You Just Got) Chicked, I contacted them to see if they would be interested in sponsoring our team.  I got lucky and they said yes!  So this added a few more pair of these babies to my collection.  My first purchase was practical and black in color, then I was a bit more adventurous with the sponsorship and added a pair of red and white.    The white worked out well for the Shamrock Fun Run because I won 2nd in the Most Festive Dressed contest!  Yay!  So nice to look good and feel good!  Thanks Aspaeris!

Through the Aspaeris Sponsorship for the Ragnar Relays, I agreed to tell YOU about these shorts and provide my honest opinion regarding my thoughts on the design and performance, which was easy for me because I already owned a pair and knew what I “thought” about them.  In return for my sharing this information (and YOU reading it), they agreed to give one follower a free pair of shorts in their preferred size and color.  So if you would like a chance to win a free pair of shorts, a $60 value, here are the hoops through which you will need to jump:

  • Become a follower of this blog  (click on the +Follower button at the bottom) – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of TooTallFritz – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – 1 entry
  • Link this post up to your Facebook page and announce the giveaway to your friends – 3 entries
  • Link up this post up to your blog and announce the giveaway to your followers – 5 entries

After you have done some/all of the above, please leave a comment in the comments section below and tell me what you have done and how many entries to assign you (max of 11).   If you are already a follower and a TooTallFritz Facebook fan, that is 2 free entries for you, just let me know that you would like to be entered in the drawing!  I will randomly generate a winner via a Random Number Generator on Monday, March 19th at 9 am.

If you don’t win, or can’t wait to try a pair of these out, then please feel free to use the 25% off coupon code:  PC2012 to get a discount on the Aspaeirs Pivot Shorts now. 

Good Luck,                                                                                                                   Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                               Amanda@tootallfritz.com