Orange-Up Week!

Many runners dream of Boston.
Not me.
I prefer the medium sized city races where registration, hotel, parking and just about everything is a breeze.

The only big race that has ever enticed me is the ING New York City Marathon.  Something about that one calls my name. I promise you someday I will run the Big Apple. It's difficult to guarantee an entry, and even harder to strike the lottery. However, if you're really determined and willing to put in some fundraising work, there is always the charity team option.

One charity that has caught my eye is the ING Run For Something Better, also known as the Orange Laces Nation.  They are tackling childhood obesity by helping kids become fit through free, school-based running fitness programs. As a mom of two little girls, programs like this really touch my heart. How I would love to bring an ING KiDS ROCK event into my town!

As a fun way to celebrate the upcoming ING New York City Marathon (held Sunday, Nov. 4), I invite you to "orange-up" your fitness routine that week before.  By participating, you'll be supporting the 47,000 runners in the ING NYC Marathon, as well as the ING Run for Something Better campaign that creates running programs for kids.  (Make a $10 donation here and you'll be sent a pair of orange shoelaces to show you are "tied" to supporting kids' fitness.)

Plus... it's Halloween week! Orange is definitely the spirit color of the week! So gather up your friends and family, wear something orange and head out for run/walk... Join the ORANGE-UP movement!

** ORANGE-UP WEEK **

Monday, Oct. 29 - Sunday, November 4

It's free and easy to participate! Wear something ORANGE during your run, walk or workout the week of Oct. 29 - Nov. 4.  It can be your shirt, shorts, headband, socks, shoes, or all of it!  Snap a photo of yourself (or your group) wearing ORANGE for a chance to win one of many Orange-Up prize packs that I'm giving away!  It's all about fun on the run...

** ORANGE-UP PRIZE PACK **
ING orange glasses and shoelaces + samples of orange-flavored GU gel and electrolyte brew
(each prize pack may vary)

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO

TO WIN AN ORANGE PRIZE PACK

• Facebook - Post your photo on the ING Runners Nation page (like it while you're there). Include this caption with your photo... I support the ING Runners Nation by wearing orange with RunWithJess.com for the #orange_up.  Feel free to add more to your post, perhaps a hearty good luck to the Class of 2012 runners.

• Twitter - Tweet your photo with this caption... I support @INGRunnerNation @INGNYCMarathon by wearing orange with @RUNwJESS #orange_up 

That's it!  Easy, right?

Your photos must include the caption highlighted in orange above. Maximum of two entries per person (one on FB, one on Twitter). No prior registration necessary, just submit your photo when you're done.  Winners will be selected randomly from all entries on Nov. 5, 2012. However... one prize pack will be awarded to the most creative photo and one for the best group photo (per my discretion). Have fun getting orange!

Good Luck to the Class of 2012 ING NYC Marathon runners!