It's Almost Time

Thursday is FAST approaching and that means it's almost time for me to get locked up!

That means time is running out for all of you lovely people out there to participate in my

 "Mystery Loot Giveaway"!

If you remember, my boyfriend and I are being "locked up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's fundraiser, and we need YOUR help to get bailed out.

Click HERE and Donate today!

Originally, I said every $10 would get you one entry, now every $5 donated will equal one entry

(for those who already donated, don't fear, I'm keeping track and your donations will be divided the same).

All I ask is that you please leave a comment on my blog so I know that you donated.

Winner will be randomnly picked on August 25th.

I know times are tough for a lot of us, but please dig deep and consider donating.

If you think about it, you're really only sacrificing maybe one or two Starbuck's beverages, so not only are you doing something super amazing for others, but I'm helping you save some calories too! ;-)

Thanks everyone!!

ING... B-I-N-G-O!

It's Official- I am registered for my 2nd Half Marathon in October.

HOORAY!!

I just sent in my payment and have 66 days to finish my training before I tackle the ING Hartford Half again. I'm actually very excited! I had a blast running the course last year and am very much looking forward to doing so again. I only hope the day will be as gorgeous out as last year.

Today is another long day at work. However, I intend on going to bed as soon as I get home so I can get up and put in some miles tomorrow. My back up plan is to run after work (in case I hit snooze sleep through my alarm clock again). I'm currently about 2 weeks behind on my training, which is okay because I had originally added in 3 extra weeks, just in case. However, I've decided I'm going to increase my short runs to be 3 miles, instead of 2 for twice a week, on top of my long runs. The only thing I'm worried about, with this upcoming race, is that I won't be ready. And, I know, I need to push those thoughts right out of my head otherwise I'm going to self-sabotage.

To keep myself sane, I'm carrying Kara Goucher's book around with me. That way, when I feel the negative thoughts creeping in, I can crack the book open and get some motivation! (It works, I swear!)

On another note, I'm not sure how many of you read my last blog post, but I am doing a "Mystery Loot Give Away". My boyfriend and I are raising money for the Muscular Distrophy Association, and I'm turning to all you lovely people to help us out. For every $10 you donate, you will get an entry into the give away!

Now, you may be asking yourself, "But, Cupcake, why would I donate if I don't know what I might win?"
And to that I would kindly answer, "Because you're such a wonderful, amazing person that it doesn't matter what you might win. You just know that your donation is going on to help millions of people who suffer because of MD." Then, knowing you would probably want a little bit more information, I would continue, "I can't tell you exactly what your prize is- just know it's going to be pretty awesome! There's some pampering stuff, something worth money, and maybe even something for your feet!"

So, once again, I get down on my knees and humbly ask all of you lovely blog followers to please reach down into your pocket/purse/wallet/manbag/backpack/fannypack/Spibelt/piggy bank and please DONATE to a GREAT cause!

I promise, it will be worth your while! 



Check Me Out!

Ok, so I'm no where in that photo. But aren't my models amazing?! 

Virtual round of applause for them, please!

My brother, his girlfriend and my sister were nice enough to model the new shirts that just came in for my fundraising efforts. As you may remember (cause I've mentioned it about 10000000 times) I'm raising money for the National Stroke Association in honor of my mother. She's also the reason that I'm planning on running my first half marathon. So, in order to increase donations, I decided to design and sell tshirts! WOOT!

The tshirts are $15 and half of the proceeds go to the NSA. 

I have included one of the shirts in my fundraising give away HERE which ends Sept. 29th!

TOMORROW IS YOUR LAST DAY TO DONATE AND GET ENTERED TO WIN MY GIVE AWAY

So I'm begging one last time to please please please please find some spare change somewhere and donate to a great cause and get the chance to win some pretty nifty stuff!

On another note, I did another double duty workout today. I went to the gym this morning with Tina again and we both did an hour of cardio. Then I did about 20 minutes of machines for my upper body. I had to run some errands- got my oil changed and brought my tap shoes to get fixed because the sole was separating from the taps. Then, I went to work. When I got home, I headed out to try a new Zumba class with my mom's friend Heather. It was a lot of fun! I've done Zumba before, but this was a different instructor and place. We had more room, louder music and a better atmosphere. I loved it! (I love anything that's like dancing) My back is already starting to hurt though, so I may break out the icy hot in an effort to make sure it doesn't get worse come tomorrow. 

Did anybody else have a rocking workout? Or, better yet, do more than one workout today?

Donation Give Away

Ok, so maybe it's my lack of awesome posting that has everyone missing the fact that 

I'm doing a GIVE AWAY!

That's right folks. This kid got together a bunch of fun stuff and one of you lucky people is going to win it. 

I mean, seriously, check out all this fantastic gear.

 

There's some amazingly fun stuff in there, including: GU Chomps, GU gels, a hydration belt, a foot massager, and a pair of wool running socks (so good for running). I will also be including a pink "Running for Mama" tshirt in honor of the fact that I am running my first half marathon for my mother. 

You may be asking yourself, "What is this 'Running for Mama' business and why do I care?" Well, let me explain (for those who don't know or remember). Back in 2001 my mother had a severe stroke. She was barely able to speak and lost feeling on the entire right side of her body. She persevered through months of rehabilitation (learning to walk, talk, cook, and do every day activities all over again) and finally regained the use of her body to the point where you couldn't even tell she had had a stroke. However, since then, she has had 4 other minor strokes, each taking their toll on her both physically and mentally. My mother has struggled through so much; she can no longer dance or go to the gym, as her right side does not fully cooperate with her. I intend to run (and finish) my first half marathon race in tribute to my mother and all that she has had to combat in her life. All donations raised will go to the NSA in her honor. 

So, how do you get a chance to win this banging collection of loot?

It's EASY!

Go to this page HERE and donate to the National Stroke Association.

For every dollar you donate, you get an entry into the give away!

Therefore, $5 - 5 entries!

See how easy that is? 

And once you have donated, leave me a comment to let me know.

Not only will you get the gratitude from this kid, but there's a good chance you could win the give away!

I am going to extend the give away until Sept. 29th. The winner will be drawn Sept. 30th!

Some Fun Give Aways To Check Out!

A few of my fellow bloggers are doing some awesome Give Aways!

 (Get excited!)

Jaime @ (RDM) Running Diva Mom has FOUR give aways happening! The first is for Bondi Bands. I've never used one but I've read multiple reviews saying that they are fantastic for wicking sweat away from your face and keeping your hair out of your eyes. They also come with different sayings on them, or in solid colors, to match your outfit and personality! There are 3 different headbands that you can receive (I personally like the "I Run Like A Girl" and "Not Fast but Not Last" headbands) Check it out and enter HERE!

Another give away is for some WrightSocks. Jaime was given 4 different styles of athletic socks to try out. The socks have a built-in Anti-Blister System that helps manage moisture and prevent friction (what runner wouldn't love that?!) She is giving away 4 pairs of socks- so check it out HERE!

Her Third Give Away is for Pacific Health Labs sports nutrition pack. A few products she tried and reviewed were Accelerade (sports drink), Accel Gel and Forze GPS Bars. Check it out HERE as two lucky winners are going to get those sports packs chock full of fun (and tasty) stuff!

The Fourth give away that Jaime is doing is for a PINK Air Sports Watch. These watches supposedly improve circulation, boost immunity and speed up your post recovery times. Jaime says they are also easy to set and come in tons of colors (plus, they are super affordable!) Enter HERE and maybe you might win!

Last, but definitely not least, Kim @ (Just) Trying Is For Little Girls is giving away some Chocolate #9! Chocolate #9 is a vegan, organic, agave sweetened energy gel. It is made with Belgium Dark Chocolate and, according to Kim, is one of the best chocolate gels she has tried. Read HERE and enter to win some! (Who doesn't love chocolate?!)