Building My Race Outfit **GIVEAWAY**

On Friday, I'm leaving on a seven hour road trip with my run buddy Anna. The destination is Lincoln, Nebraska, where we will be running the Lincoln National Guard Half Marathon. It also represents state #21 in my quest to Race All 50. As race week ticks away, I have gradually began my packing... aka throwing stuff on a pile on my bedroom floor. When traveling to run, the 'race outfit' is most important.

At this point, I know I'm wearing PURPLE. Odds are likely you already know it's my favorite color. (I fondly call it PR Purple!)  This weekend, the color purple has more meaning. My friend Bry is running the Lincoln Half as a member of Project Purple - a charity team running to beat pancreatic cancer. If you feel inclined to help out her fundraising, click here.  This Sunday, I will lace up my purple Asics and run to support her.

In preparation for Sunday's half marathon, I pulled out my purple ProCompression socks. I'm still weather-stalking, so undecided yet on the low trainers or the knee-high marathon socks. Lucky me, I have them both!

ProCompression socks - in PURPLE!

ProCompression socks are both functional - and fashionable!  I have nearly every color!

I wear ProCompression socks for nearly every important run. Whether I'm running long or racing hard, my feet and calves love the added squeeze that compression socks provide. I've been a long-standing fan of this particular brand because of their fit and weight. I have short legs and other brands tend to bunch up behind my knee, which causes extra sweat and chaffing. The ProCompression marathon socks in XS size have proven to be the perfect fit for my size 9 feet and short thick calves. Plus, I like how lightweight these socks feel on my legs.  I'm also a big fan that they are made in the USA. That always makes me happy to support a brand.

Sock of the Month
Low and behold, the purple marathon sock is part of April's Sock of the Month. Each month, ProCompression features a different sock design. Some styles are limited and only available that month (like the Shamrock socks). In April, ProCompression offered their purple and powder blue socks on sale - with a portion of the SOM sales benefitting charities Team In Training (purple) and Train 4 Autism (powder blue).  You can sign up on the ProCompression website to receive monthly e-mails on their SOM special.

As a ProCompression Ambassador, I'm pleased to offer you an every day discount...

Use code BLG14 for 40% Off 

Marathon Socks and Arm Sleeves

at www.ProCompression.com

**GIVEAWAY**

Now let's have some giveaway fun! Here's your chance to WIN a pair of ProCompression Marathon Socks or Arm Sleeves (your choice!). Enter before 6:00am on May 4 via the Rafflecopter app below.

In addition to the ProCompression socks/sleeves, I'm adding a second (just for fun) prize - one of my RunHappy bracelets - to the person who comes closest to guessing my finish time in the Lincoln Half Marathon this Sunday.  To give you some guidance in your guessing...
• My slowest half-marathon time was 2:33:46 four years ago.
• My fastest PR time was 1:56:44 two years ago.
• My most recent times are 2:07:40 and 2:09:46 in the past two months

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to Kathryn, who came the closest 

in guessing my race time (2:06:27). She was just one second off!

Runner's Holiday Gift Guide

My Christmas tree has been filled with "running stuff" for several years now. It's my obsession; my hobby... and my family knows it. Besides, who really wants a new vacuum for Christmas? Yes, I need one but that's not much fun, is it? Not everyone in my family is a runner, so sometimes I need to give a little guidance... aka the wish list. Sound familiar? Check out the items below for some great ideas this holiday season. And by all means, share this post with your family to drop some hints!

Marathon Sock by ProCompression
For the distance runner, a good compression sock is an important tool for endurance, recovery and travel. The Marathon is a full-length, graduated compression sock. Using compression technology, the Marathon sock helps to improve blood flow, resulting in better, more consistent performance with less fatigue and faster, more efficient recovery. They also provide support to critical muscles and tendons, helping to reduce inflammation and soreness. If 26.2 is on your agenda this year, the Marathon Sock needs to be on your wish list. Shop here. Use discount code BLG13 for 40% off your order.

Running Beads from Milestones Jewelry
For the runner who likes to fashion her sport well after the workout is done, a shiny piece of jewelry will make her stocking sparkle! These beautiful European style beads are custom designed especially for Milestones. Featuring solid sterling silver, they beads are compatible with the ever-so-popular Pandora, Zable, Troll, Chamilia, Biagi bracelets and necklaces. Shop here.

CX3 Neopop Socks from Fitsok
Keep your runner feet looking as fast as they feel with the new CX3 Neopop sock. These colorful low-profile socks are constructed with Coolmax® to provide paramount moisture wicking and cooling technology. Built as a lightweight compression sock, the CX3 sock ensures an anatomically snug fit while spun Coolmax offers a super-soft hand to promote comfort. Each three-pack comes with an assortment of neon yellow, orange and green.  Shop here. Use discount code THEBESTTHINGSINLIFE in the Fitsok Shop to receive 15% off!

SoftFlask from Hydrapak
The new 12 oz, 17 oz and 25 oz SoftFlasks are an ideal gift choice for the outdoor enthusiast and traveling runner. Unlike a bulky bottle, the SoftFlask's durable and flexible RF welded polyurethane material allows it to be easily collapsed, rolled up and stashed. The versatile, easily-compressed and stored SoftFlask is perfect for multi-sport users - from runners, hikers and all the winter sports. These SoftFlask bottles make it convenient to travel and hydrate for a race. Shop here.

Protein Pancake Mix from FlapJacked
For the foodie runner on your list, FlapJacked pancakes mixes are the perfect breakfast before or after a big training run. Ingredients are 100% natural - no GMO, no preservatives, no artificial color or flavoring - just the finest whole grains like quinoa, whole oats and cinnamon to name a few. These pancakes are sure to refuel a runner's body with proper carbs to stay healthy and feeling great on the run. Just 200 calories with 15-17g protein, 4-7g fiber and 21g net carbs in three delicious flavors - Banana Hazelnut, Buttermilk, and Apple Cinnamon! Shop here.

Flat Out Sox from 110% Play Harder
The Flat Out Sox boost circulation and stabilize muscles for optimal performance and maximum recovery. The bold graphics create compression zones for extra stability during tough workouts. Outrageously comfortable, Flat Out Sox deliver the benefits of kinesiology tape without the hassle in a compression sock that looks as good as it feels. Shop here.

Sparkle Skirt by SparkleSkirts.com
Sparkle up your races and events with "the most comfortable athletic skirt in the world," (according to customers!)  SparkleTech skirts feature guaranteed anti-ride undershorts with longer inseams than most athletic skirts, and three HUGE pockets to carry your gear. Dozens of styles, (sparkly or non-sparkly) and sizes XS to 3XL (with 4XL by special order.)  Made in the USA! Shop here.

What's on YOUR holiday wish list this year?

COMING SOON

• • • 12 Days of Christmas Gifts : Dec. 12-23 • • •
• • •  Winter Miles Challenge : Jan.6 - Mar.2  • • •

Injinji Toesocks: Review & Giveaway

I rolled out of bed this morning at 5am (really 6am, thank you Daylight Savings Time) to squeeze in my run before my hubby left for work. The morning temps in Illinois have dropped into the low 30's now, so I've had to dig out the "winter run gear" box. This year's newest addition to that box is Injinji toesocks.

Injinji kindly jumped on board to sponsor this year's Cupcake Classic virtual race. While sending a generous supply of prizes, they also provided me with a couple pair of toesocks to review. Now I gotta tell you, I was suspicious about these odd looking socks. I thought surely they'd be uncomfortable and/or itchy around my toes... Boy, was I proven wrong and now I'm simply in love with my Injinji toesocks!

The PINK are definitely my favorites!

The first pair of Injinji that I tried (lightweight crew style) was during my "comeback" from a broken little toe. I thought the fabric encompassing my toe would provide a bit more structure to hold the lil toe in place. I carefully wiggled my toes into the sock. It felt weird at first, but once I slipped on my running shoes, I completely forgot about the socks. That was over a month ago and the weather was still warm. I ran 6 miles that day and was pleasantly happy with debut of Injinji toesocks into my wardrobe.

Since then, I've worn the toesocks on long runs, short runs, and in both hot and cold temperatures. Injinji's Performance Series is constructed with 75% CoolMax, 22% Nylon and 3% Lycra to help keep feet dry, cool and comfortable, available in both lightweight and original interfaces.

In Injinji's Outdoor Series, the CoolMax is replaced with NuWool to better control temperature. NuWool adds an ultra fine trans-seasonal yarn that keeps your skin temperature cool in summer and warm in winter.

I've been extremely lucky in my running career with my feet. I've never lost a toenail. I've never had a black toenail. And I don't get blisters. Seriously, I log a lot of miles, but my feet are tough.  There have only been a couple times (scorching hot or soaking wet) when my feet have overheated on a long run and I ended up with a couple tiny blisters in between my toes. I have been told by others that these toesocks are the cure for that. So now whenever I expect my feet to get wet (like my recent 20 miler in the rain), I wear my Injinji toesocks and come away with blister-less toes. Proven. I'm a believer.

And I love all the different colors to choose from...

Shop Injini's Basement Shop through Monday, November 5th and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. There are some great deals here... including my favorite pink toesocks for only $6 each!

You want to give Injinji toesocks a trial run??

Enter below to win a pair!

I have THREE extra pair to giveaway!
Winner will be announced on Wed, Nov. 14

a Rafflecopter giveaway