A Spartan Giveaway for My 1400 Fans!

June 18, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

I’m really excited about all of the mud races, obstacle races, theme races and exciting challenges that runners (or even non-runners!) can participate in. And I am really excited that my Facebook Page, that started out with a mere six or seven likes, now has 1400! In honor of summer, racing fun and all of YOU (because without your support, my blog wouldn’t continue to grow like it has), I am hosting a giveaway. A Spartan giveaway for my 1400 fans to be exact.

Want to know more?

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.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

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.

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor.

– http://www.spartanrace.com

How would you like to win a free entry to a Spartan Race? Check out the event listing to make sure there is one near you (or one that you are willing/able to to travel to) before you enter.

The Reebok Spartan Race was voted Best Obstacle Race by Outdoor Magazine in 2012. You can also find out more at the Spartan Race Website and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Ready for your chance to win? The giveaway for any open heat in any Spartan Race in the continental US will run from midnight on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 through midnight on Friday, June 28, 2013. Spread the word and see the details through Rafflecopter below-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don’t want to wait for your chance to win a free entry, please visit http://spartanracemedia.com/ for 15% off any Spartan Race.

Good luck and thank you for all of your support!

Until the next mile marker,

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Shubeez Giveaway: It’s Finally Here!

March 25, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

You’ve heard about it and maybe even took advantage of a previous Shubeez special. NOW HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WITH MY SHUBEEZ GIVEAWAY!

Shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic footwear. They have 13.1, 26.2, Bee pink (breast cancer awareness) and customizable options too.

I think we all run for a reason. We all have a cause, a goal, a mission in life: in order to make progress you must begin to taking steps toward your desired result. I believe that everyone has the power to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Whether you are running a race, playing a game of basketball or shopping downtown, a Shubeez shoe tag lets everyone know you are supporting your cause and achieving your dreams as a part of a community that cares. The mission of Shubeez is near and dear to my heart:

Shubeez was kind enough to send me Shoe tags to review. And, I was so excited to put one on my new shoes. Here it is-

What I like most about Shubeez is it does not slide, move, twist, turn, flap, jingle or move on my laces. To put the tag on, you actually have to unlace the shoe (to where you want to place it) and thread the lace through the tag. It may take an extra minute to get it where you want it (because you have to unlace and then lace your shoe again), but it doesn’t budge. I like the color contrast because it stands out on any shoe or lace color and the print is large enough that it can be seen by others who are standing or running beside you. It is about the size of a dime, which is just perfect for me. You can wear Shubeez on any footwear that has laces, the tag does not clip so it has to be able to slide onto a shoelace. Shubeez currently comes in 13.1, 26.2 and Bee Pink. You can visit the shop to find out more, including information about customizable options and forthcoming designs. If you can’t wait to get your own Shubeez, you can order today and please be sure to select Words to Run By from the drop down partner menu.

THE GIVEAWAY

I have two shoe tags (one 13.1 and one 26.2) to give away so there will be TWO winners. Winners will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter.com and shoe tag distance preference will be given to the first winner chosen.

Please follow the guidelines below- a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway runs from now through Midnight EST on April 01, 2013. Winners will be announced via Rafflecopter.com shortly thereafter and notified by email. Thank you to Shubeez for supplying me with the tags for review.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Until the next mile marker,

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My Under Armour Spine Review, Plus a Little Something For YOU!

March 8, 2013 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

At the end of last year, I was contacted by Under Armour (eeek!) to review their Women’s Spine RPM Running Shoe.

(I know, I know, don’t judge a book by it’s ~~cover~~ color) I was in love from the start when I excitedly opened the box delivered promptly to my doorstop and saw these beauties-

I have always wanted a pair of brightly colored shoes so I was excited from the start to try the Spine, which also includes these awesome Under Armour features:

Built to log some serious miles
Lightweight, seamless upper delivers support at mid and forefoot for unrivaled comfort
Unique UA Spine chassis delivers the ultimate in lightweight structure mile after mile
Ultra-lightweight Micro G® foam midsole turns cushioned landings into explosive takeoffs
Full length molded sockliner and collar conform to your foot for customized fit
Provides cushioned comfort and is lightweight at only 7.375 oz.

I was hesitant about these shoes at first because they indeed felt like next to nothing on my feet-

I ran a few 3-4 mile runs in these shoes and really liked the way they felt on my foot. They were lightweight and ultra comfortable. I found my foot was fully supported and I have to admit, I felt fast in the Spine (it must be the color because I am all but fast). The only trouble I had with them was keeping the laces tied because they are kind of silky, and I eventually double-knotted them to keep them tied so if that bothers you, you may want to change the laces or tie them a different way.

I will also say this shoe seems to run a little large. I usually wear a size 9.5 in running shoes and actually ordered the same size, but ended up exchanging them for a smaller size (9). I was impressed with Under Armour’s customer service, they were helpful when I called to check on the status of my return and I did not have to wait on hold at all. They emailed me once the return was processed and when it shipped again.

I normally would not think of Under Armour for running shoes, but after wearing the Women’s Spine, they are a top contender in my book. I would purchase and wear their shoes again. Since I have heard you should have training shoes and racing shoes, I think I will keep the Spine for racing since I like the color (and don’t want to get it too dirty in the winter slush) and the speed (although it may be perceived) that comes with them! Overall, I really like this shoe.

After processing my return, Under Armour was kind enough to send me a gift card for the difference in price from the time they were ordered. I am passing that on to you! The card totals $21.35 and is redeemable online at http://underarmour.com and at any of the Under Armour Factory House or Under Armour Owned Specialty Store locations. All of the store locations can be found HERE.

Be sure to enter by March 17, 2013 when the giveaway ends and the winner will be announced here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until the next mile marker,

Thank you to Under Armour for providing me with a pair of the Women’s Spine RPM Running Shoe for review in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not compensated for this review or giveaway. I was given a gift card by Under Armour after making an exchange in shoe sizes and have chosen to give the gift card away to one of my readers. Winner will be announced via Rafflecopter at the time this giveaway closes. Thank you for entering!

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

Stuff Your Stocking with OrthoLite Fusion Insoles GIVEAWAY!

December 9, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

I have a love-hate relationship with running shoes. I think a lot of runners – new ones especially – don’t fully understand the importance of having a running shoe that is specifically designed to fit your foot. I know I didn’t at first. I began running in a pretty generic shoe that is great for working out or standing on my feet all day, but not so great once I got into the long training miles. It wasn’t until I had shin splints and later knee problems, that I got fitted for shoes that greatly helped reduce the stress on my knees.

But, I hate buying shoes. Just about as much as a million and one dollar sports bra. They tend to be more expensive and only last so long (about 300-500 miles depending on your form, the shoe and your feet) before they start to wear down and no longer provide the support your foot needs. I feel like mine wear out even faster. I love the feeling of brand new shoes, especially after they are broken in with a long run or two, but then hate them pretty shortly afterwards when they lose their new cushiony feeling. Not to mention, if you are like me, you have more than one pair that you rotate, and they seem to always need replaced at the same time.

I wish I could keep that cushiony feeling longer in my favorite shoes, before the padding starts to wear out. Especially right now, since I don’t feel I am running enough to purchase a new pair of shoes, but still want to take care of my feel until I get back into training. That is why I was excited to be given the opportunity to review OrthoLite Fusion Insoles.

Many runners, specialty shoe stores and even podiatrist recommend the use of custom insoles to keep your feet comfortable, ease aching joints and increase stability, but the problem is a good pair can cost upwards of a hundred dollars or more and when you are already spending a lot of money on shoes and other gear, that can be pricy.

OrthoLite Fusion Insoles provide that comfortable new-shoe feeling and support without the high price tag, which is why I like them so much. They are available in sizes 5-13 and you can trim them to fit your exact foot and OrthoLite provides simple instructions on how to do so. These insoles use special foam that is lightweight, fights odors and stays springy and supportive for an extended period of time. OrthoLite Insoles are used by many of the world’s top endurance athletes and OrthoLite partners with many renowned brands such as Nike, New Balance, UnderArmour, Merrell to create products that are superior in design, comfort and breathability. Plus, it is the easiest way to upgrade and extend the life of your footwear. Now, they are available to consumers at ortholite.com or amazon.com for only $19.99. They make a great stocking stuffer for you or athletes in your life! Plus, in the spirit of giving, $1 from each purchase goes to directly to the Level Field Fund, OrthoLite’s grant-giving program that strives to bridge the gap in funding to uniquely talented athletes.

OrthoLite Fusion Insoles Features to Keep You Running Strong:

From ortholite.com

Designed to fit all athletic and outdoor shoes or boots.
Made with open-cell foam, allowing air to circulate around the foot, keeping it cooler and drier inside the shoe.
Wicks moisture away from your foot leaving your foot cooler and drier.
Unique spring-back technology ensures that your insole won’t flatten out and it will retain over 95% of its thickness over time.
Patented anti-microbial formulation (approved by EPA and FDA) fights fungus, bacteria and shoe odor.
Lightweight and fully washable.

I have been wearing my insoles to work on a daily basis since I spend so much time on my feet. They have really helped give my [entirely too old] work shoes a new boost and I am looking forward to trying them out in a pair of running shoes this spring. I notice my foot feels supported and also padded, which is perfect for standing or walking for long hours. If you’re a runner, athlete or person with shoes who is looking to try custom insoles without the custom, price tag, OrthoLite Fusion Insoles may be the perfect fit for you.

Want to win your own? Enter my giveaway to Stuff Your Stocking with OrthoLite Fusion Insoles this Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until the next miler marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

Winner Announced and Other Blogging Miscellany!

October 1, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

Thank you to everyone who entered my iChameleons giveaway and thank you to iChameleons for sponsoring my giveaway. In case you missed my review, you can read it here.