Team Gab Virtual Race Giveaway - Winners (finally)! Also, PFTW

I know, I know, I'm so far behind on this, it's kind of ridiculous.

Medals are packaged up and will be mailed out this week, and - without further ado - giveaway winners!

Traci @tracispaci
Jennifer @ Running Moves Me
Linda, one of my PCRF teammates
Pam, the master comment-er :)
Alene at Journey to Badwater
EMZ
Lovely Renee at The Solitary Road
Elizabeth from Running for Bling

Congratulations, you guys! I'll send out a separate email, but in the meantime, take a look at the giveaway items HERE, and send me your top 3 picks - first come, first served!

I want to thank everyone, again, for your generosity in supporting a cause that is just so important to me.

I am, as always, still fundraising for PCRF, and if you are so inclined, donations can be made HERE.

And of course, a huge thank you to Nuun, PRO Compression, Aspaeris, BIC Bands, Team Sparkle, and Allied Medal Hangers. These companies - in addition to being incredibly supportive to Team Gab and my fundraising - all sell products that I use, pay for out of pocket, and believe in.

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Plan for the week!

Last week:
Monday: 13 miles (um)
Tuesday:  rest
Wednesday: 5 untimed miles with a friend
Thursday: 5 easy
Friday: rest
Saturday: 20 easy
Sunday: rest

So, turns out if I run, I don't do anything else. There was no cross training, no yoga, nada.

But, I guess since I'm running a marathon in TWELVE DAYS, running is kind of important?

Monday's 13 was pretty easy, and everything felt good. Saturday's long run.... well, I didn't die.

I did the first 9 on the treadmill, watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (and goodness, thank the stars RHOC is back!), and the last 11 with PCRF. The weather all weekend was runners paradise...

Mostly flat, some hills, and somehow, I managed to sneak in the last two miles at 10:33, 9:55 - which is CRAZY fast for a long run for me. Huh.

And then I refueled.

I am slightly concerned about the right quad/IT band situation, still, so that's being closely monitored. It didn't hurt enough to stop, but it is still pretty touchy, and uncomfortable at times.

I'm trying to not freak out, and just take things light and easy with Ragnar this weekend. I ended up with some fairly hilly legs, which is a bummer for the rest of my team, because I'm not just regular slow, I'm EXTRA slow when hills get involved.

Anyway.

PFTW....
Monday: yoga
Tuesday: 6-7 easy
Wednesday: yoga
Thursday: 6 speed
Friday/Saturday: Ragnar
Sunday: Sleep/eat

Friday Five

1. #TeamGab not-so-Virtual Race planning has taken over my life. I am carrying around table plans, and shopping lists, and to-do lists, and I googled a T-Rex stencil this morning. I barely even recognize myself.

(You can check out the SoCal fun run/picnic HERE. Have you registered for the Virtual Race? You can do that, HERE.)


2. BIC Bands has been an amazing partner in my fundraising for PCRF, and I'm excited to partner up with them again for March, in celebration of Gabby being cancer free (in 8 days, not that I'm counting)! You can shop online here, and BIC Bands will donate $1 of every band sold to PCRF and Team Gab.

All purple bands on sale for March (purple is Gabby's favorite), and they've got some great new bands available - the purple chevron print is making it's way to my shopping cart ASAP. I've also been using their new sparkle hair ties a ton lately, and they are phenomenal. They don't budge. At all. 

3. I've been working on convincing The H to take a trip together this summer. We're considering sending the kids to Florida, which would give us an opportunity to... vacation. Together. As grown ups. Without characters. Plus, our 15th anniversary is this summer, which sounds like as good a reason as any. 

I tried convincing him we should buy a Tahiti Groupon deal I saw, but that got shot down fast. Rude.

Any suggestions?

4. I've added a page ^^ up there, with a list of races on my List. For me, traveling for a race is a big deal - it takes time away from my kids, from work, the H, costs a lot, etc etc. Hopefully this list will help me curb some of the questionable race envy that pulls me into registering for races due to peer pressure? 

/#runalltheraces

5. Can we talk about this new "food" at McDonalds?

source

 Fish McBites. What. 

I mean. I'm certainly not above McDonalds. Their fries are salty, delicious, and perfect. And the sweet tea is glorious. And only $1! 

But Fish. McBites. What. 

Ick.

Bullets!

• I ran last night, and I didn't die. I almost didn't even bother, and then, once I convinced myself I would, in fact, run, I almost passed on the speed work I was going to do (3x1600 gross). I thought FOR SURE my lazy January/semi-injured-ish February would have rendered me useless.

• Turns out, I CAN still run semi-fastish (for me), and not die. It felt WEIRD, though, like my legs were not quite sure what was happening, and if they were going to be participating. Bizarre. Or totally normal for doing next to nothing for 2 months.

• Seriously, NEXT TO NOTHING. January mileage was 85 - 53 of those miles were Disney miles, so they don't even count. I'm going to close out February with a sad, sad 71 miles. Lame, me.

• Shameless plug: I normally avoid "VOTE FOR ME!" things, but I'm a sucker for Disney, so when I saw the contest asking for a Magical Memory, I just happened to have a TON of them tucked away from Gabby's Make a Wish trip last summer. So, if you have a minute and Facebook, if you could click here: Contest LINK, then like the app, and vote for this picture....

I'd appreciate it! :)

• Wednesday morning PCRF cross training is BACK. Phew. Turns out, when I have people to meet, I do things. Unlike when I'm working out by myself. Then I do none of the things.

• We met at 6am at a local high school, for some drills, and stairs, and core, and it was kind of fun, but kind of early, and cold, and tough after last night's repeats.

brrrrrrrr

• I'll probably be back. I think I said all of these same things last February when the cross training class started then, too. Plus, the view this time is WAY better than that boring 24 Hour Fitness room....

sometimes, I have to remind myself, I LIVE HERE THIS IS REAL LIFE.

• The Team Gab (not) Virtual Race planning is going along swimmingly. I panicked a little the other day, because I'm not a party-thrower kind of person, but with some help from the internet machine, and very patient people, I was talked down from the ledge, and have a to do list that I can tackle. Give me things to do, I'm all over it. Give me ideas to implement, and I'll stare at you.

• At least I got one item checked off my to-do list...

• If you're in SoCal, I'd love to see you on March 9th!! Check the link for details, and let me know!!

Three Things Thursday

1. I went to the chiropractor on Tuesday, and had my neck adjusted. I thought I was GOING TO DIE, it hurt so much. But then, a few hours later, the hurt cleared up, and then it wasn't so bad. Yesterday, it was a little stiff - I can't look left or right very well, and no looking up at all, but at least I'm not in pain. Went back last night for some more adjusting and massaging, and was even able to sleep in bed last night.

Improving, but still no running. I'm having some doubts about Eugene being all magic and unicorns....

source

2. Have you signed up for the Team Gab Virtual Race yet?? Link HERE. Giveaways provided by Nuun, Aspaeris, PRO Compression, Allied Medal Hangers, and Team Sparkle - and, of course, you're helping a GREAT cause.

Not interested in running, biking, swimming, or general sweatiness, I'll still happily take your donation HERE :).

In addition to these great prizes, this year all participants (both in real life and virtually) will receive MEDALS. I know, that's exciting, right??

So, listen, I am NOT a crafty person. I don't even really like pinterest. But The H dutifully followed me around multiple craft stores last weekend while I wandered aimlessly hoping to find what I needed (made exponentially harder when you don't understand the context of the item and where to find it in the store), and then proceeded to buy all of this item I could find in the Irvine/Tustin area. Sorry if you're looking for this thing, I have them all on my dining room table.

But I think the medals will be the cutest ever, and I'm so excited to share them.

Source

3. Something I can share RIGHT NOW? These amazing bibs, designed by Deidre at Oh Well Whatever.

Download link HERE. Cutest EVER, right?

Team Gab Virtual Race - SoCal Edition

 

Details!

On Saturday, March 9th, I'll be hosting a picnic preceded by a fun-run through Mason Regional Park in Irvine.

"Registration" donation:
5k - $10
10k - $15
Half Marathon - $25
Marathon - $40

Donations can be made online HERE, or in person via check (payable to PCRF) or cash.

Included with your donation:

• Your choice of a marked, 1 mile loop in the park (a la the Operation Jack Richard Leary 6 Hour Challenge from October 2011), or I will provide a map of local routes if you prefer to set out on your own (hills, trails, fairly flat bike path - all available).
•  Water, Nuun, GU, and other fuel will be available at the staging area.
• "Race" bibs, and medals for everyone.
• Staging area will be ready by 8am.

I dare you to find a funner bib picture.

Delicious food provided at the finish area post-run.

There are plenty of bathrooms in the park, and a playground if you'd like to bring your kids to play.

This is an OPEN INVITATION! Please RSVP so I have an accurate head count :)

Link HERE to the evite - share it!

Not in SoCal on March 9th, or can't make it? Join us virtually! CLICK HERE.


Do I need a disclaimer here? This is not an actual, timed race. Just some people, hanging out at the park, and some running. I'm not a professional.

Three Things Thursday

1. I ran this morning, AGAIN. And, I don't know that I've given it enough of an opportunity, but I certainly don't like it any better than I did the first time. I don't like how cold it is (shut up, I KNOW 42* isn't THAT cold), I don't like that it's dark, I don't like that I'm exhausted all day, I don't like that I'm hungry all day. I just don't like it.

I tried during my run to think of anything positive that was coming out of this experiment. And I just can't think of anything. I don't know.

I guess it's nice that I don't have to run after work, BUT I don't mind running in the evening.

I guess if I practiced this more, I would get the timing down better, and stop needing to cut the morning runs short of my intended mileage. BUT, I never cut out early on an after-work run. So I'm cheating myself in my mileage.

I don't know. I guess I'll keep trying for another week, and try to keep an open mind. But overall? It's just not my cup of tea.

2. Have you entered the Team Gab Virtual Race yet?? Great prizes up for grabs, and so far, not a ton of entries, so your odds are GOOD. Click HERE to enter!

3. Dude, did you see this story about Pistorious??? CRAZY. Obviously, with the media, you only get the story that they want you to get, but he certainly seemed like a nice enough guy. Huh.

BONUS!

Have you seen Rose's new tumblr?? HILARIOUS. She's the funniest person alive.

credit: Positively Radishing. HA.

Team Gab Second Annual Virtual Race!!

Can you call something "annual" if it's in its second year?



I am SO excited for this year's virtual race, you guys.

I'm doing things a little differently than last year, and I hope the changes are good ones.

If you're new here, Gabby, the cute kidlet in that picture up there, is my 6 year old daughter. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I run for to raise funds for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, in hopes of a better treatment, better cure for kids in the future.

If you're in SoCal, I'd love to see you on May 4th for the Bike tour, or May 5th at the Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. I'd really, REALLY love to see you join the VIP training group and be part of the fundraising team - click HERE for info on the VIP program (or email me!).

You can click on the "Team Gab" tab up top to read more about her diagnosis, what her treatment has been like, and where we are now.

Team Gab Virtual Race Details!

DONATION LINK HERE

Registration 
Begins February 1-March 9.

Date
You can run your Virtual Race any time, any where!
However, I will be running my race on March 9th, the date of Gabby's last chemo treatment, and I'd love for you to join me - virtually for my internet friends, and maybe for real, in person if you're local! - on March 9th to celebrate her end of treatment.

CLICK HERE for SoCal "Race" Details!

Events, Donations, and Giveaway Entries
STEP 1 - Click HERE to make your donation to PCRF.

5K = $10 donation = 1 entry
10K = $15 donation = 2 entries
Half Marathon = $25 donation = 5 entries
Marathon = $40 donation = 10 entries

Want to donate more than the above? That's awesome, and you rock. I'll throw in 5 extra entries if you donate beyond the amount of your registration. For example, say you want to run the 5k option, and donate $17 - you'll receive 1 entry for the 5k donation, and another 5 entries for the donation beyond the registration = total of 6 entries. 

After you've made your donation, please comment on this post, and if you'd really like to make things easier, tell me how many entries you qualified for (otherwise I'll have to match up donations to names) (which I will, but it'll be awesome if you just tell me).


Bib, Race Reports, and Pictures
A bib will be posted mid-February, for you to print at home, if you'd like.
Once your race has been run, email me (hmgiraffy @ the gmail) with a link to your race report, and note that I may use your pictures in a report round up :D


What do YOU get?
This year, in addition to warm and fuzzy feelings for donating to an excellent cause, you will also get a hand-drawn medal (designs courtesy of the 6 year old).

You'll also have a chance to win some excellent things from these generous sponsors. I only sought out donations from companies that I personally use and love.

Nuun has donated 2 gift packs (each containing a pint glass, a water bottle, and a 4-pack). Nuun is a lifesaver for me - I'm a salty sweater, and I drink this stuff like mad during marathon training.

A medal display hanger from Allied Medal. I have two of these (you can see one in action here) and they are GREAT. They'll also customize hangers, if you can't find what you need!)

1 pair of Magic Pants from Aspaeris. I wear these for long runs, and recovery, and I swear they are like a hug for you bottom. Magic.

A set of BIC Bands. BIC Bands is an amazing company - $1 from every sale is donated to charity. I love these bands - they tame my hair like no other, and they're the only band that stays put on my weird head.

TWO winners can select a pair of compression socks from PRO Compression. I LOVE PRO Compression - they're my favorite sock, and they have a fabulous selection of colors (I own the neon yellow, orange, baby blue, and black).

Race legs and a sparkle skirt from Team Sparkle. I wear my Team Sparkle gear in almost every race - most recently, you can see my red, black, and turquoise skirts in action during Goofy Challenge and Tink Half the following weekend. That's 52.6 miles of SPARKLE.


How the prize drawings will work:
Instead of the normal, boring weekly drawings, I'm hand picking a couple finalists in some specific categories (including, but not limited to, best dressed {duh}, funniest, most creative use of the word amok, the report Gabby points at, or whatever else I find interesting when I'm putting the reports together). Once the finalists are selected, I'll put their reports up for a vote. Make sure you submit your link to me by March 10th to be considered for the voting!

The remainder of the prizes will be selected via random.org using the number of entries as calculated above. Race closes March 10th, and drawing will be done that week.

I hope that makes sense, if it doesn't, please ask, because honestly, it's been a long day and I may be confused :D.

Bottom line: Some winners selected by vote, some via random, if you're sending a report for voting consideration, do so by March 10th. Every participant will receive a medal designed and colored by Gabby. Please donate, if you can. 


As always, I truly, beyond words, appreciate your support of this cause.