2nd Blog-o-versary Giveaway

January 9, 2011

The day Run With Jess was born!

The day I took my runs, my opinions and training into the blog world!

I thought for weeks on what to call my running blog. Without anything creative (so unlike me), I settled on Run With Jess.  As a young mother who had found running once again, I was eager to connect with other women like me. Plus I loved entering blog giveaways (hey, like this one!).  I really had no idea how many people would read. As I enter my third year of blogging, I'm thrilled with how many friendships I've made throughout the country.

I try my best to keep it real here... an honest account of my running adventures and weight struggles. The victories with the disappointments as I try to be the best version of me. Blogging has been fun... I get to write about running when I'm not running! Does it get any better?

I like trying new products, but also feel a responsibility in keeping true to myself. I get a lot of offers to review products or to be an ambassador for this brand or that. However, if it's not something that "fits" my lifestyle or fitness objectives, I decline. My blog won't be overwritten with product ads and endorsements. Nor am I defined by numbers.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. It's easy to get sucked up into that game. Run With Jess is mine and the content will always be what I envision. Having said that, you should know that the products I do mention, it's because I use them. I endorse them because it works for me, not because I'm getting paid to give a plug. (More power to you if your blog is an income generator; it's just not what I write for.)

I hope you continue to follow my run journey in 2013. Whether my words motivate you or just entertain you, thank you so much for reading and your daily encouragement. I promise to keep it real and hopefully exciting... RuN HaPpY my friends!

~ Blog-o-versary Giveaway ~

Enter below to win MY FAVORITE THINGS!

Canister of CLICK - I love this espresso protein drink. It tastes great in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. I use it mainly as a breakfast replacement, post-workout refueling or a treat in the afternoon to control my chocolate cravings!  Use discount code RWJ to receive 10% off a canister + free shipping at www.drinkclick.com.

Box of ShowerPill - I squeeze in workouts and runs whenever I can. Often it's just a two hour window while my baby girl is at preschool. I maximize every single minute of that free time... just one more mile. These athletic body wipes come in extremely handy so that I'm not the stinky one in line at the preschool pickup. Seriously, I keep a box of ShowerPill in my car at all times. Who has TIME for a shower??

Pair of pink LOCKLACES - I love these elastic shoelaces. Slowly, I've been installing them in all my shoes. With Spinning as my favorite cross train, I'm constantly slipping in and out of my shoes at the gym. I can't imagine my gym shoes without these bad boys. If you're a triathlete, these are an absolute must. My "best find" of 2012.

Injinji toe socks - These socks surprised me. When I broke my toe last fall, I honestly think these socks helped me on my comeback (or else that was just mental). I love the comfort and support in these cozy socks.

GU Energy  - Winner will receive a collection of energy gels, chomps and electrolyte tabs. GU has been my go-to brand since the very beginning. It's worked so well, why change?

BondiBand - If you've read my blog for any period of time, you know I love headbands! BondiBand is my favorite for their moisture-wicking material... and the fact that they stay on my head. I have over 50 BondiBands in my collection. That should speak margins of what I think of the brand.

I Run For Cupcakes decal - I love the fun creations available at RunnerDecals.com. They will also make a custom decals. This past year, RunnerDecals personalized a Run With Jess decal for the back of my van... and made some neat personalized tumblers for a few of my friends that ran their first marathon. Cool stuff.

13.1 sticker - I love stickers and the Half is by far my favorite distance to run. This custom sticker came from Family Fan Club - who made my Ragnar team some snazzy matching shirts for our relay race this past year.

Luna nutrition bar - These are my favorite nutrition bars. Many times it's all I eat before an early morning run. Vanilla Almond and Chocolate Peppermint are my favorite flavors.

Lastly, I threw in a couple of my Run With Jess RUN HAPPY bracelets. One for you and one for a friend!

HOW TO WIN - It's So Easy!

(ONE WINNER)

Leave a comment below telling me how great I am what you'd like to see more of in Year Three.  Get an extra bonus entry if you share Run With Jess with your friends on Facebook and/or Twitter. (Leave a comment for each please). 

Good Luck!  Winner announced on Friday, January 18.