Raffle Winners!!

Thank you SO much to everyone that donated during my raffle! I am a bit more than halfway to my fundraising goal, and of course, if you can, donations will be accepted HERE.

Random.org picked the winners:

Pro Compression socks -Suzanne Westenhofer
Pro Compression socks - Heather Gonzalez
Nuun (2 tubes) - Suzanne Westenhofer
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Renee Taylor
Black Newton Visor - Alex Dietrich
Yellow Newton Visor - Sarah Jordan
$25 INKnBURN Gift Card - Lisa Jameson


Email me ASAP with your name, mailing address and phone number to squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com and I will get your prizes sent out.

Again, thank you so much to everyone, especially Pro Compression and Newton that donated the goods for my raffle.

(Speaking of Pro Compression, the "sock of the month" is YELLOW - which is AWESOME, and you can pick them up for 40% off using the code SOM5).

Three Things Thursday

1. I have my "redemption" race this weekend. The only state I do not have bling from is New Mexico! I leave tomorrow afternoon to run the Albuquerque half marathon with BOTH of my sisters AND Kim. Should be fun. Well, as fun as New Mexico can be.

Challenge - pack everything I need for the weekend in the above bag.

2. I've been really crappy about updating on my raffle (that is ALMOST over). We are now at the $300+ tier, and I think we are very close to being at the $400+ tier (which means LOTS of prizes for those of you that can donate). Also, I'm only $19 away from hitting $500 total raised, so kick in a buck or two if you can!

Edit: I have been pushed over $500! I have updated all the information on the raffle - thank so you so much to everyone that has donated. Two weeks left!!

3. It has been snowing here ALL WEEK. Which means, even though I quit the treadmill... I've had to run on it. Even less productive than walking pace running? Walking pace cautious "running" on ice.

SPRING SPRING SPRING, WHERE ARE YOU???

Three Things Thursday (FLASH GIVEAWAY!)

1. FLASH giveaway time again!!

Anyone that donates between NOW and NOON (mst) TOMORROW is automatically entered to win. There is NO minimum donation requirement, and you get ONE entry into the FLASH giveaway for every dollar donated.

Prizes are - 3 people will win a Newton visor, 1 person will win an ultimate direction running/race belt.

*IF* $100 is raised between now and NOON tomorrow, I will ADD a pair of INKnBURN arm sleeves to the prize list.

Keep in mind if you donate $10, you will also be entered in my raffle which will continue for another month - GREAT prizes.

Information on raffle is HERE.

You can donate HERE.

2. I ran this morning before work. It was pretty chilly and DARK (who knew, at 5:00 am, that it would be DARK). The first half was completely miserable. Tired and tight legs and stomach issues. Bathroom at the halfway point and then I was a new person. 

What.

3. I would LOVE to find a running partner/friend for early morning Saturday or Sundays. Or maybe even during the week. North Denver metro? If you are someone, or know someone, send them my way. Someone slow like me - 11:00ish pace for an overall average...

February Rewind

All in all, I'd say I had a pretty "decent" month. Ever since I had that epiphany about rebuilding my base, I've really been working at doing a better job of logging more substantial training runs. Shorter runs a bit faster, and adding in runs over 6 miles again. I know, this is not rocket science, and yet... sometimes it seems like I make it just.that.complicated.

Miles - 105.31

Races - 2 half marathons (Super half and Ralston Creek), 1 marathon (IMS AZ)

Current aches - wah. The calves have gotten a lot worse, and I was having (right) hip issues during the last 10k or so of IMS AZ. I've been getting some deep tissue massage and trying to be a lot better about stretching. We'll see if this gets anything better in the long run.

Current goals:

• So hey, I'm apparently going back to Moab in three short weeks. If I didn't already mention it, I signed up for the 24 hour division. Certainly will be slower and probably more painful than last year since I'm WAY less train for it. Goal is to complete at least 50 miles. Last year I did about 100K (64.5ish) and of course I would like to do more than that, but probably not feasible. I *did* purchase a better headlamp, so hopefully I can move a bit faster in the dark. I'm REALLY excited for it this year - especially since I know a bit better what to expect. 
• Have a good race on Sunday at Little Rock. My last few marathons have been pretty blah - I'm hoping to get done with this one and be ok. Plus, I'd really love to be in "sub 5" shape for Eugene.
• I have ZERO half marathons in March (what??).
• Be more diligent with my training - really do some speed work (I did do 1.5 speed sessions - but I'd like to get that up to once a week.
• At LEAST one 7-8 mile run (non-racing) a week. After Eugene (end of April) and Big Horn (mid June), I am marathon/ultra-less until probably the end of September. I need to accept the fact that since I am not fast, my strong "base" is what makes me a better and more consistent runner. So yeah.

Current Obsession - You mean, BESIDES INKnBURN (use code BeckaToldMe for 15% off)??? These socks that I just ordered from Pro Compression - use code SOM3 - but if you are on the fence, order NOW, rumor has it they will sell out ASAP.

Don't forget about my raffle!!
(^^ new prizes added!)
ps - I have the Instagram now (squirrelgirl44)

Three Things Thursday

Before I get to the list - I must apologize for being the laziest blogger ever. I've been super busy at work, mostly thanks to doing the work of THREE people (have I mentioned that enough yet?) and I've been going to bed "old lady" early. Plus, I haven't really had anything to blog about.

1. Have you entered in my RAFFLE yet??
2. I had a pretty successful 7 mile run before work this morning (my alarm went off at 4:23 am), which is GREAT since this weekend is one of my last remaining marathons - the Little Rock marathon. I signed up opening day (August 1) because I want one of those GIGANTIC medals. This is also the beginning of the end of my travel days, as starting in May, we are really focusing on the local races.
3. Speaking of local races... 100k? Yes?

It's a Raffle!!

I am doing something different this time!

As you know, I am fundraising for Lazarex, for entry into the Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare Challenge in September.

To kick-start donations, I am going to toss in some of my own money as incentive!

Rules:

1. Obviously any donation, no matter the size, is appreciated! However, for the raffle, a minimum $10 donation is required.

2. 1 entry per $5 donated. So if you donate the minimum $10 - you get two entries! Donate $25? Get 5 entries. Easy peazy!

3.  What do you GET?? I'm doing tiered giveaways based on OVERALL donations! The prizes are cumulative, so at every new level, just add it to the list of stuff I'm giving away. NEW PRIZES TO BE ADDED, THE LIST WILL JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER!

$10+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks

$100+(This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks
• TWO tubes of Nuun (to one winner)

$200+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card
• 1 black Newton visor
• 1 yellow Newton visor

$300+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

 $400+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$500+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$750+

• $25 Lululemon gift card

FUNDRAISING GOAL MET+

• $100 Runningwarehouse.com gift card

4. Since I'm an INKnBURN ambassador, I would love for my readers to get a shot at trying out the brand. If my 15% off code BeckaToldMe isn't enough, stack $25 free money on top of that and you'll be on your way to getting a great deal on the most stylish and unique gear out there! (To be clear, I am buying these out of pocket, these are not being provided by INKnBURN for this raffle - I love the brand THAT much that I want others to love it too!)

Also up for grabs - marathon socks from Pro Compression!! Two pairs are available for two winners!! (Even if you don't win - you should check them out! They consistently have GREAT deals!)

If I raise enough, I added in a gift card to Lululemon. Everyone should have ruffles on their skirt (or, if you are a guy, it looks like their non-ruffly men's stuff is also pretty sweet.)

Source

I also thought about just giving away a pair of shoes, but people are so picky about their shoe choices. INSTEAD... I am going to throw in a $100 gift card to runingwarehouse.com - That's enough either for a pair of shoes or a large chunk of a pair. If you have never bought from them, they ship SECOND DAY AIR FOR NO SHIPPING COST. I've bought from them for years and they are top notch.

5. From now until May 1, donate for a chance to win! NEW donations from today, February 22 through May 1 are eligible for entry in the raffle. (Raffle extended - March 1)

6. This is a great opportunity for BOTH males and females!!

7. I will post weekly occasional updates with donations received for reference.

• As of February 28 - $25 in total donations
• As of March 6 - $25 in total donations 
• As of March 20 - $230 in total donations
• As of April 18 - $355 in total donations

8. Please be sure to leave me a comment on this post that you have donated so I can track. Thank you!

9. Winners must notify me via email - squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com by MONDAY, MAY 6 to claim their prizes! I will then get your gift card emailed to you within 48 hours OR your prize mailed to you (if applicable).

Why wait... start now! Donate HERE. 

•  Remember, your donation is tax deductible.
• The service budget for Lazarex is 83% (or $0.83 of every dollar) and annual operating expenses are 17%. Since Lazarex founders cover the cost of annual operating expenses, 100% of each dollar you raise or donate goes directly to our patient program services.
•  Lazarex Cancer Foundation builds a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families. 
• They provide financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials.
• They help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services.
• They provide resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now.