Disney Princess here I come!

I leave for Disney saturday morning and I couldn't be more excited!



I've been thinking a lot about this race. My legs feel much better after New Orleans than I anticipated they would. I thought to myself, should I push it and try for another PR, or just have fun?

Then I thought about all the fun photo ops I missed last year at Disney as we plowed through the first 9 miles in the sleet and rain, to my brother's almost defeat. I also thought about the last killer hill up to the Disney highway on the stretch back to Epcot. Lesley @ Racing it Off invited me to join her for a 2:20 finish. I would love a 2:20 finish, but 2:25 on a perfectly flat course really pushed me in New Orleans. 

Freezing and almost to the finish, I convinced my bro to stop for 1 pic!


I decided I will have fun.

I will stop at most picture stops.

I will walk through water stops as needed.

I will enjoy myself & cheer others on along the way.

I will look super cute in my race outfit I have planned.

My friend Ash is aiming for a finish under 2 hours, so she may be waiting awhile on me. Hopefully I can keep it under 2:45 or so. This week has been a running wash. I have not gotten in a single mile, maybe I can squeeze in a couple tomorrow morning. Im crossing my fingers to skip out of work early tomorrow to finish packing & running errands, and I'm praying extra hard that the rain/snow scheduled for tomorrow doesn't throw a wrench in my travel plans.

Wish me luck!
Don't forget to Check out my fundraising Raffle to benefit injured war vets HERE
I'll post the first winner tomorrow night!

when boredom strikes...

My long run this week.... nonexistent.

I headed to the gym sunday morning since the wind chill was ridiculous, with a goal of 8 miles. I wasn't feeling it before I even got there. At the gym every TV had either sports or CNN type shows on and a guy watching it intently. I jumped on, and it was sucking. Boredom, and lack of drive were killing me, and my back was bothering me. I said to myself "Ok, screw 8, do between 3-5." What do you think I made it to? 3 of course. Oh well....

Ride on the trainer last night, and a skipped run this morning. My eating has been a little better. I've been tracking with the WW Iphone app the past 2 days. My goal is to keep it up until I leave for Disney!



The Princess Half is almost here!!!

I know Courtney @ RunCourtneyRun is having a blogger meet up, but it is thursday, before I arrive. Does anyone who is going have any interest in a quick meet up at the expo on saturday? Today I picked up my goodwill throwaway clothes in case its chilly! I won't ever make the mistake of leaving those at home after last years marathon weekend.

On an off note from training, my job has been killer lately. We have 1 girl leaving this week, and another leaving in April. Unless we can find ourselves some PTs soon we may be screwed for the summer, which will mess with my vacation & racing plans!! So if you know any physical therapists in the massachusetts area looking for a job, shoot me an email! Another coworker and I have been looking through job listings elsewhere too, we'll see if anything comes of it. 

If you haven't yet checked out my Fundraising Raffle, please do so HERE! 
There are a TON of great prizes up for grabs from some fabulous companies. It was recently pointed out to me that the minimum donation per the website is $10, so I have adjusted the fundraising page. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!



I really hope that you can help me support the troops that defend our lives every day. The ones returning back to us injured especially need our help, so please, check out the raffle HERE & make a donation & win some great prizes in the meantime!

Home Base Raffle

On May 22, 2011 I will be running a 9K at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox!
This is a run put on by the Red Sox Foundation & Massachusetts General Hospital to help raise money to help treat veterans of war, specifically with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & traumatic brain injury (TBI). I am running with my brother in honor of Sgt. Mark Ecker, a soldier from my home town who lost both his legs in afghanistan, and later died in a car accident. I am also running with my friend Lindsey who is currently serving in the airforce over in afghanistan.

I have committed to raising at least $1,000, and would appreciate your help to meet that goal HERE!
I am holding a MAJOR fundraising raffle with some fabulous prizes from some amazing, generous companies that want to help me make a difference!

The Fabulous Prizes.... 


1. Allied Steel Medal Display of choice Won by Kayla!
"Mounting hardware and instructions are included with each display! They are cut from heavy gauge stainless steel for a smooth, grained finish." The perfect way to display your race bling!

2. Prize pack (3 winners) featuring:   all 3 won!
An Inperspire Fitness Towel 

"When you make time to go to the gym, go for a run, or exercise at home we want your workouts to be nothing less than inspired. That is why we came up with the idea of high quality inspirational fitness towels.Our philosophy is that everyone can be healthy... sometimes we just need a little motivation to help us along the way."



















"The simple premise of Bondi Bands is to offer comfy, colorful, and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality." 

1 pair of Chrissy's Knee high socks

"Let’s face it, if you are going to wear socks, why not wear ones that are stylish, fashionable or sexy!"


3. Punk Rock Racing T & Running Training LogWon by Jill
choose your own size & color!
"Because we just can’t bring ourselves to wear a “Will Run for Beer” shirt, Punk Rock Racing has created another way to pledge your allegiance to the art-of-movement while offering a tip-of-the-hat to one of the coolest pop-rock bands ever. Just like all the other shirts, it is cotton and offered in a unisex and girl cut option."

Training Log was donated by Whitney @ Running with Whit

4. CEP compression Shorts Won by Elizabeth
"The CEP Compression Tri Shorts represents a unique new version of what you've known as triathlon racing apparel. The shorts feature a compressive knit in the leg section which absorbs less than 3% moisture and dries very quickly. Constructed with an upper and lower section, the compression Tri shorts offer an incredible amount of compression for the quads and hamstrings for a truly new experience in muscle oscillation dampening." 

5. CEP compression sleeves or socks Won by Jess!


"The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance."

6. $30 Gift certificate to Silver Maple Jewelry & 1 Sweaty Band Won by Jess
"We use sterling silver and copper in our creations. Many of our pieces are hand-cut and filed from a sheet of metal, allowing us to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. By hand, we stamp, distress, brush, and polish each piece to provide a vintage-inspired look. The meaning is special and the look is subtle but beautiful."

"We’ve turned perspiration into a fashion sensation! Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while! Slip into one today and become a Sweaty Bands believer."

7. Road ID Prizepack contains: Won by Karen
  • ecard
  • hat
  • socks


"If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just a person who doesn't sit on the couch all day, Road ID is for you. This awesome piece of gear not only looks good but it could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 6 different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."

8. GU Sampler Pack won by Sara
GU Energy Gels - includes each flavor of the workhorse of endurance nutrition Roctane Gels - when you really need to dig deep on that long training run, ride or race Chomps Packets - mix things up a bit with this delicious and chewable form of energyGU Electrolyte Brew Packets - a great tasting, balanced electrolyte mix to improve hydration GU Recovery Brew Packet - use after workouts to recover faster and perform better the next time out 

9. Run Naked giftcard Won by Lesley
"When you are running in low light conditions, bits of reflection on your shoes usually doesn’t cut it. Reflector vests can seem like a punishment of discomfort. Reflection will only protect us if we wear it. Run Naked Sports is making reflection fun."

10. iFitness Neoprene Hydration Belt in black won by Sara
  • Water resistant pouch, stretchy and sturdy, made of neoprene will keep your cell phone or iPod (any size) dry. 
  • Two 6oz  bottles (BPA free)
  • 2 elastic slots will hold your gels on your belt, for easy access.
  • A special inner pocket will keep your ID/credit cards or room key securely.
  • Comes with two reflector strips in the front and one in the back, for night time safety.
  • Also featured are two toggles to hold your race number, under the pouch


11. iFitness mini sport belt in military green won by Mary



















  • This unique Mini Sport Belt™ was designed to fit all your essentials. It will hold a BlackBerry/iPhone and 3-4 GU's.
  •  Stretchable and strong pouch will hold your items close to your body comfortably, without bouncing or riding up.
  • One size fits all (adjustable)
  • Special inner pocket will keep your ID/credit cards in place.
  • Can be used as a race number belt – just pin your race bib.
  • Machine washable – cold, dry flat.


12. iFitness Arm Gel Holder in grey
(plus a special collection of Gu from me!)
13. Laura Elaine designs Race Bib Book  won by Jess
"Looking for a great way to store your race bibs? The Runner's Race Bib Book is for you! It measures 8" by 11" in landscape orientation, will hold up to 10 of your race bibs, and is decorated with scrapbook paper, cardstock, die-cuts, and stickers." You can work with Laura to design an album of your choice!

14. Vera Bradley 2011 Organizer in Night & Day & Lunch bag in Blue Rhapsody
"Keep a date with style! This bright and beautiful planner makes staying on track easy. Tabs separate calendar months (August 2010-December 2011) and sections. Includes 164 pages with lists, two built-in pockets, bookmark and sticker sheet. Updated for more flexibility--Mini Notebook pages now fit this planner's three-ring binder design."


"Make lunch a real treat with our new lunch bag. Designed to hold most pre-packaged frozen meals or a thermos, it's lined in a new vinyl-backed taffeta with a slip pocket and a large zippered opening for easy access. We also added an ID window on the side to eliminate any mix-ups in the lunch room or cafeteria."

15. Under Armour Recharge Recovery Shirt (size Med)
“UA compression gets your muscles back to full strength faster. Strategic compression promotes muscle repair and decreases the amount of time your muscles are sore. It helps to reduce swelling caused by exertion and impact. Anti-odour technology is used and UPF.” Women’s sz. Medium

Overall, there will be 17 winners!
(maybe more if I get more donations)

How to Win
Mandatory:
Make a Donation HERE to my fundraising page
leave me a comment that you did!
$10 = 5 entries
$25 = 15 entries
$30 = 25 entries
$40 or > = 2x the dollar amount

Bonus entries:
(please leave a comment for each)
1. Share the news! Post to facebook, twitter or your blog (+1 for each)
2. Have a special blog post dedicated to this raffle (+2)
3. Donate within the first week (+1)

There will be more bonus entries announced as the raffle progresses

A new winner will be chosen each friday, until all prizes are won.
When you are chosen as a winner, email me with your prize choice!
Yes, that means you pick your own prize!

Please help me support our veterans and win some great stuff in the process!
From the Run to Home Base website: 
"In New England, an estimated 50,000 veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are affected by TBI and/or combat stress. These invisible wounds of war are extremely complex, highly individualized and extraordinarily difficult for all those affected. Families of veterans suffering from combat stress and/or traumatic brain injury often need support and guidance as they seek ways to better understand and support their loved veteran. Many veterans struggle with the stigma associated with these injuries and the so called "invisible wounds" caused by battlefield experiences. While anxiety and distress may not be as obvious as the physical wounds of war, the scars are just as painful and deep. Such injuries require attention and treatment by a team of providers who are familiar with and experienced in the complexities of combat stress and traumatic brain injury." 

You can find more information on the program at HERE 
Thanks in advance for your help to help me support a great cause!

 
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