The Color Run: Giveaway & Promo Code! {Closed}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent postings for other great giveaways.

WHAT:   I've got a giveaway for one race entry to The Color Run! "The Color Run™, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community."













HOW:      Run or Walk 3.1 miles and get hit with color packets at every turn.






WHO:      Everyone! Kids ages 6 and older must register and get their own bib. Kids 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register.












WHEN:    Year Round events


WHERE:  The Color Run is international, but this giveaway is valid for US locations only.





WHY:      Let's start with this awesome video...
















DISCOUNT: COLOR5OFF is the promo code to receive $5 off your registration.  Code is valid in any city that is not sold out.  Since The Color Run events are super popular, they DO sell out quickly - so don't wait!


Attire: Wear white, or mostly white.  This will get you the maximum effect from the color blasts. 


Finish Line:    The Color Festival awaits you.


Teams:  Register for a team of 4 or more and save $5 on each registration. Add the Promo Code COLOR5OFF and save $10!


Other questions?:  Check out the FAQs here: http://thecolorrun.com/faqs/




We are planning to run our local Tallahassee race.  
So if you are in North Florida, please join us on September 7th!








Terms of the Giveaway:






1) Giveaway ends August 5th at midnight. Winner will be announced and notified on August 6th.




2) Winner will receive a registration code for 1 (one) entry to The Color Run event of his/her choice.  Please note: Code is only valid for a race with available spots.  This will not get you into a sold-out race, so please check the status of your city on the http://thecolorrun.com/locations page.  No cash value.


3) Enter using the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!










Sign up at www.thecolorun.com





Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  We will each receive ONE race entry from The Color Run in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. All opinions stated are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Drenched 5K Giveaway! {Closed}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent postings for other great giveaways.

WHAT:    I've got two race entries to giveaway burning a hole in my virtual pocket!  That's right!  The newest and wettest summer race series out there.   DRENCHED 5K!

HOW:      Run or Walk from dry to drenched through “hot zones” and drenched zones which may include mist tunnels, foam zones, sprinklers, spectator “sniper” zones, bubbles, fire hoses, and a 100 foot slip n slide. 

WHO:      The whole family! Yes bring the kiddos.  Kids 5 and under run FREE. 12 and under receive a kid's discount.

WHEN:    July through August 2013

WHERE:  Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, LA, DC, Jacksonville, Columbus, Atlanta, Kansas City, Philly and Huntsville, AL. 

WHY:      So many many reasons.... I've split them up!

Costumes: YES, wear them! 

Water Guns:     YES, bring your super-soakers and prepare to battle other teams.

Finish Line:    Summer Dance Party! The world's biggest water balloon fight, music, drinks and dancing. 

Charity:    Drenched 5K benefits local Children's Hospitals and fundraisers for local fire fighters. 

Teams:  Register for a team of 4 or more and save $5 on each registration.

Don't wanna get wet:     Boo! Well, that's okay.  Watch the fun from the free Spectator Zone.  But you are missing out!!!

We haven't decided which one we want to do.  Atlanta and Jacksonville are our nearest races to Tallahassee.  I would love to run this though, as the race looks like so much FUN!

In the meantime, I suppose we could always follow the Drenched 5K Training Plan shown here:

Click here if YouTube vid does not show up in your browser.

Terms of the Giveaway:

1) Giveaway ends July 23 at midnight. Winner will be announced and notified on Wednesday July 24!

2) Winner will receive a registration code for TWO entries to the Drenched 5K of his or her choice.  No cash value.

3) Enter using the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!

Just remember if you don't win, you can still join in the fun with 

this code for $10 off your race entry: DRENCHED2013

Sign up at www.rundrenched.com



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  I will recieve ONE race entry from Drenched 5K, in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. All opinions stated are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Lunatik Athletiks Giveaway Winner

A winner was chosen in our Lunatik Athletiks giveaway! She has been notified.  Thank you everyone who entered!  As you know, we love love love giveaways around here, so stayed tuned for another giveaway coming later this week.  In the meantime, check out my facebook group:  Giveaways for Runners to find great giveaways from other fitness bloggers.

Also if you didn't win, but just gotta have a fun and colorful pair of compression socks, please use this generous discount code for 25% off your Lunatik Athletiks order: LNTK25

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EspritdeShe Twitter Chat on Tuesday July 16th

Ladies! Join me and other @EspritdeShe ambassadors to "Celebrate fitness, sisterhood, and the 'Spirit of Her'" during Esprit de She's debut Twitter chat next Tuesday, July 16 at 9 p.m. EST. 

Esprit de She is an amazing new race series for women.  Pick your poison: Running, Duathlon, and Triathlon.  

Topics include:

• Your "Power to the She" moments
• What keeps you motivated
• Progress on your 2013 goals 

Have other questions?  Please bring them to the twitter chat!

@Athleta will be joining us and giving away awesome fitness prizes to participants.

So mark your calendars and tell your girlfriends! 
Please join in using the following hashtag:  #espritdeshe

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. I have received entry to one Esprit de She event in exchange for my Ambassador duties.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions stated are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Dopey Training: Side Effects May Include...

It sure ain't easy going Dopey.  And it can be even tougher if the Dopey Challenger has a non-Dopey partner or spouse.

Lately, a common theme in the 'Disney Bride and Groom' household is how I (DG) am no fun anymore. Now, both of us run, this is an activity we often try to do together.   But Dopey has had unforeseen sides effect in my marriage.  I'm told I have become a buzzkill by not wanting to register for any more races (big or small) between November and January. I am starting to think that perhaps DB may have underestimated the amount of time that has to be committed to training for Dopey. I am not a fine-tuned endurance athlete. I am an average (at best!) runner who only aspires to complete the Dopey Challenge, then be able to crawl to O'hanas later for a celebratory meal.

So this means that I spend a great deal of time training. As the runs get longer, I find myself wanting to hang out at home watching tv or a movie the nights before long runs. 

Less of this:

And more of this:

Also, I believe as the mileage racks up, and I start with my back-to-back weekend workouts, I won't be wanting to run other races. Now that the Florida summer has reared it ugly, hot, and humid head, races are few and far between. The ones that are scheduled for the summer months are fall short of my necessary training mileage. 

I do like using a race in place of a training run, but I have a really bad habit of starting out too fast.  The more races I do, the better I am getting at pacing myself. But a 5K race is not the same as a 15+ mile run.  

I have two marathons scheduled, Run for the Bay (Apalachicola FL) in October and Space Coast (Cocoa, FL) in early December. These are also My First Ever marathons.  I believe that these two races will go a long way towards teaching me to pace myself at the beginning of a race, and show me that all the training has paid off. But, I am hesitant to schedule any more long distance races from November thru January. As a race is still a race, and I don't want to risk injury in a small local half, and crushing my Dopey Dreams.

However, here in Florida the end of the year is the time where many other beautiful race courses present themselves. There are DOZENS of great races we'd love to do.  Lately, it seems DisneyBride wants to run any and all halfs she can register for.  I am trying to keep my eye on the prize: Runner Bling in the form of 7 medals (yes, SEVEN medals, more on this to come later), 6 awesome tech shirts, feasting at O'hana, and a lifetime of bragging  rights.   

This is how I plan to wear my Dopey medals

In addition to more halfs, DB has suggested adding a few more trail races. While I love running trails, during trail races I tend to allow my competitive side to take over.  Here is where I really worry about an injury that would keep me from my goal of completing Dopey. I have told her to just register herself alone, but I believe that she prefers that I run with her, or at least start with her.  And I keep thinking it is smart of me to not jeopardize all the hard work that I have already put in. 

Falling down on a trail run has become a far too common occurrence. Fortunately, the only damage thus far is my dignity. As charming and handsome as I am, I am pretty clumsy.  

Actual photo of me on a trail run

In my defense, I would like to point out that I've often been the one suggesting that we add a new race to the calendar. So hesitating to add another run is something new. It appears that we have changed places and now DisneyBride is the RacingBeast, whose racing appetite can only be satisfied with more races.

What it boils down to is Respecting the Distance.  I think that I am being prudent in respecting the Dopey Challenge and the training plan I have developed.  One percent of the US population can claim to have completed a marathon.  I hope to be part of a select group of awesomely crazy people who can claim to have completed the Dopey Challenge.  

 However, if marriage has taught me one thing, it is that I am very often wrong. I am not sure I am ready to concede yet. I may just have to wait until Sunday, January 12th, to be proven right.  Look for me at Raglan Road drinking a crisp cold Magner's cider. 

The Jeff Galloway Training plan for Dopey just started this past week.  Many Disney runners are now beginning to adjust to this new schedule and some like me, letting the reality of the required training to sink in.  I wish all Dopey (and non-Dopey) runnners the best of luck with your training.  Remember, it is hot out, keep an eye on your pace, stay hydrated, and remember your sunscreen. 

Are you running many long races right before WDW Marathon Weekend?  

Am I being overly cautious?  

Are Cooke's of Dublin chips with Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip washed down with Magner's the perfect recovery food? 

 -DG

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Lunatik Athletiks Review and Giveaway! {Closed}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent postings for other great giveaways.

What is Lunatik Athletiks? 

Lunatik Athletiks provides funky, fashionable performance gear for the sporty, athletic enthusiast. We hope to motivate individuals to be active by providing them with a good reason to exercise:)

This is a new company, founded and run by Kelly Oprendek.  

She is formerly of Nike Canada and an experienced triathlete.  This gal knows about athletic gear and she certainly understands firsthand the needs of an endurance athlete.  

Lunatik Athletiks is based in Canada, and yes - the stereotype is true.  Canadians are SUPER nice. My *numerous* customer service type questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner.  Even when my package arrived, it was clear that it had been carefully handled, and it contained personal touches.  If you are used to receiving parcels from mega-warehouse retailers, you will see what I mean right away.  Finding a business like this, is a rare and valuable thing.  And it makes me want to come back for more.

Now, onto the review!

DG and I got the opportunity to try both compression socks and sleeves.

First thing you will notice

Identifiable from a distance, Lunatik's trademark is the bright, fun colors and patterns.  And what DG was very excited about: they didn't forget the guys!  Yes, Lunatik has offerings for women and men!

Men's socks from the Lunatik site

DisneyGroom rocking the Men's Sleeves

Why do you want Lunatik compression gear on your feet and/or legs?

Here are some benefits:

•    Improves athletic performance and endurance by reducing muscle vibration.

•    Graduated compression reduces the build up of lactic acid, helps the muscle recover faster.

•    Provides relief from feeling tired and aching legs.

•    Improves blood circulation.

•    Prevents injuries.

•    Elastic top band adjusts to fit leg perfectly without slipping or constricting. (Compression Socks)

•    Special weaving texture protects tibia. (Compression Socks)

Our medical graduated compression stockings are manufactured in conformity with ISO 9001, ISO13485, CE, FDA and GMP graded facilities with recognizable quality assurance certificates and seals.

Lunatik Athletiks is super excited to be carrying a line of branded compression wear. We've done extensive research on materials and brought in some top notch designs to allow our athletes to make a fashion statement while staying fit! 

(from the Lunatik Athletiks site) 

And I agree.  Whether you are a brand new athlete or an experienced one - compression feels great while it is on, and it helps you feel better after you take it off.  Name your sport: running, tri, tennis, soccer, hockey, basketball, cycling, etc...  Recovery from training and competition is key, and many athletes will tell you - compression leaves your legs feeling rested and ready to go again sooner than without.

So, how do you decide: Socks or Sleeves?

Lunatik Athletiks put together a great little comparison here that you should check out.

http://lntk.blogspot.ca/2012/10/compression-socks-or-compression-sleeves.html

Some of you will find, you need BOTH the sleeves AND socks, as you may have multiple needs.

The sleeves are perfect for your long runs of course.  But this being summer, we are in search of cooler temps, and are hitting up many of the wooded trails in our area.  So even on a short run, the sleeves work as a protective layer against branches, roots, and stinging insects.

DisneyGroom feeling good after nine miles in sleeves

I've taken the plunge to train for my first triathlon event, and that meant dusting off my bike.  The sleeves kept my legs feeling fresh for the ride, and protected from gravel and road debris kicking up from my tires.  

Tri training with sleeves

Lunatik's sock line is called ZUZA.  And this has a broader selection of prints and colors available.  There are even some socks that match Lunatik's supercute running skirts!

We both found the socks comfortable and very wearable, offering moderate compression.  I will caveat that with the fact that we are both accustomed to wearing supertight, can-barely-roll-on 'sausage casing-like' compression socks.  So these were smoother going on.  We wore them to sleep, to the movies,  going out to dinner, for long and short runs, to the office (under long pants), around the house, and for running errands.  

In fact, I'd put these on after a long training run or a race and keep them on while you go about your day.  We both agreed that we would recommend these as a first pair of compression socks - due to the versatility and comfort.

Hitting our local trails with Lunatik Athletik's ZUZA socks!

So, are you excited for a pair of socks now?  Because Lunatik Athletiks has generously offered to giveaway a pair of socks to one of our readers!

And if you can't wait for the giveaway to be over, enjoy this generous discount code for 25% off your order:  lntk25

The code is valid through the entire month of July 2013. It can be used towards any purchase from their site: socks, sleeves, or skirts!

Terms of the Giveaway:

1) Giveaway ends July 14th midnight. Winner will be announced and notified on July 15th!

2) Giveaway is open to international participants!  Lunatik has generously agreed to ship the socks to the winner, wherever he or she may be.

3) Enter using the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  DG and I each received socks and sleeves shown above in exchange for this review.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions stated are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Giveaways for Runners

"Hello, my name is Giveaway Junkie."

That statement is true.  I am a complete and utter Giveaway Junkie.  It started with twitter giveaways, then grew to blogs, now pinterest, instagram, and facebook.   In the past eight months, I've won all kinds of running gear, apparel, shoes, bags, fuel, and healthy snacks.  (I tried to make a list, but it was embarrassingly long...) 

And since Running Happily Ever After has recently begun offering giveaways, I want to spread the word and share the giveaway wealth, so to speak.

You may have noticed a new badge on the right side of the blog (also shown below).  I've just started up a new FB group for Running and Fitness Giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/runnergiveaways/  

This group is open to everyone on Facebook.  I especially hope to see other Running and Fitness bloggers join up to share their giveaways and attract new readers to their social media sites.  Readers that are not bloggers are also most welcome to come and enter the current giveaways.

We've got several great ones posted already for this week, so please check us out!  

Edited to Add:  the group has a twitter account as well: https://twitter.com/RunnerGiveaways ~DisneyBride

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It Pays to Be Kind

We are happy to announce that we will be partnering with the recently launched, KindRunner!

I'll be blogging more about Kindrunner in the upcoming weeks and months.
First, a snapshot of this wonderful, new company.  

There is just so much awesome going on at KindRunner.com!  

But let me break it down into 3 main categories.

Expertise - Kind to your body and peace of mind

All Kindrunner staff are passionate runners, with over 40+ years working in the industry.  These folks have seen it all, and really know their stuff.  They handpick the best of the best in running gear for the website, and it shows in the product offerings. Click here to meet the Kindrunner Team.

Every shoe listed, and most accessories and gear on the site feature an expert product review video. Check out this review of Brooks Pure Flow 2.  I like that they not only describe the product in detail, but on the product page you will find comparable alternatives are included.

Custom Fit Process(TM) In-depth gait analysis with free phone consultation is available to get you into the shoes that are perfect for your training needs. 

Free Three Way Shipping! - Kind to Your Wallet

Free Shipping of all the products in your shopping cart to you.

Free Return Shipping of any products you want to return.

Free Shipping of your old shoes in exchange for Kindness Cash Rewards.

Kindness Cash Rewards(TM) - Kind to your Fellow Man, Kind to the Earth

Yes, there are many online running stores, but how many will give you cash credits for your old running shoes?  You send Kindrunner a pair of shoes, and you will receive a credit towards a new shoe purchase.  

The shoes are donated to areas in third-world countries with the greatest need.  

Running shoes will take approximately 90-100 years to biodegrade.
By re-purposing them to those in need,  they stay out of our landfills. 

So, I hope this gets you excited about this terrific new company! More info is coming on the blog soon.  In the meantime, if want to learn more or reach out to them, you can interact with KindRunner through their social media channels here: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kindrunner

Instagram: http://instagram.com/beakindrunner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beAkindrunner

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Kindrunner

Tell us! Will you be sending in your shoes for cash rewards?

~DB

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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