Summer Run Challenge

If you're like me, the thought of running a fall race sounded delightful... cool morning air with colorful scenery as the leaves changes colors. It sucked me in and I registered for the "perfect course" in a flash. Months have ticked away since that fateful registration day and now it's time to train.  Summer has officially started!  I am now reminded that all the training for that dreamy fall marathon will take place in the hot humidity of summer. Oh dear, what was I thinking?

Perhaps you're also training for a big fall race? or just need a little extra motivation to keep up your daily runs? or just like to win prizes?  Whatever your situation, I invite you to join me in the Summer Run Challenge!  My Winter Miles Challenge was such a huge success and motivator for people that I wanted to offer the same encouragement over the trying summer months.  The Summer Run Challenge is FREE to participate, and you receive...

• Accountability: weekly reporting of your mileage
• Helpful tips and advice via a weekly e-newsletter
• Weekly chances to win prizes!
• Encouragement and support from others
• A fun virtual race to test your speed
• Templates for tracking your progress and training tools 

June 30 - August 10, 2014

FREE Participation!

The Summer Run Challenge is about keeping yourself accountable to your weekly goals and overall training. At the end of every week, you will report back your completed mileage. If you hit your weekly goal, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawing. It's that simple! This is about keeping youself motivated - saying "YES, I DID IT!" at the end of every week.

HOW IT WORKS

The Summer Run Challenge is six weeks long. Participants accumulate miles (run or walk) Monday through Sunday, and report back their completed miles each week. Every week you hit your goal, you receive one entry into the weekly prize drawing...

{1}  June 30-July 6   -  2 Toms Prize Pack for blister, chafing & odor prevention

{2}  July 7-13  -  Block Island Organics Prize Pack for skincare in the summer sun

{3}  July 14-20  -  ProCompression marathon socks for ultimate muscle recovery

{4}  July 21-27  -  GU Energy Prize Pack for fueling and hydration on the run

{5}  July 28-Aug. 3  -  Workout DVDs for the cross-training and "it's just too hot" days

{6}  August 4-10 -  NINE different prizes in combination with the WatermelonRun

READY TO START?

• Follow RunWithJess HERE on Facebook for challenge updates, prize winners and daily motivation.

• Join the SRC Facebook Event here to meet and motivate other participants. I encourage you to post pictures and success stories within the event. Invite your friends to join in the fun!

• Set your weekly goal... 10, 20, 35, 50... as far as your legs will take you! The number will no doubt vary each week based on your training plan and racing schedule. You don't have to tell me your individual goal; however, I encourage you to make it public on social media or your blog "My goal this week is to run xx miles in training for the XXX Marathon."  Putting it out there will give you added encouragement to get it done.

• RUN!  Track your mileage Monday through Sunday.  Use a notebook, Daily Mile or my weekly tracking template. I highly encourage you to journal your pre-run meals, what you use for you on-the-run fuel, and how you felt. This is essential for successful training - to ensure a foolproof plan on race day.

• Report back your weekly miles HERE once your final run of the week is done.  In order to earn an entry into the weekly prize drawing, you must report in each Monday before 12:00noon. Weekly prize winners will be announced every Monday evening, starting July 7th.

That's it... SIMPLE. Now repeat for six weeks! 

SPECIAL EDITION 

SUMMER TRAINING TANK

This special edition tank is 100% polyester Xtreme Tek moisture-management fabric that is breathable in the summer heat. UV protection built-in with anti-bacterial treatment.  Racerback Style.

Limited SIZES still available... Please check the size charts before ordering:  Ladies size chart  |  Mens size chart. For whatever reason, the gold seems be a more relaxed fit and the black runs a bit smaller.

The Summer Tank features the popular African saying:  “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle... when the sun comes up, you better be running.”

Choice of colors: 
GOLD/ORANGE
Fabric is gold; design printed in dark orange.
BLACK/YELLOW
Fabric is black; design printed in yellow. 

See shop for available sizes.

** VIRTUAL RACE **

One of my favorite things about summer is WATERMELON. The fruit itself is so refreshing after a hot summer run... and unlike my other post-run cravings, it's healthy!  National Watermelon Day is August 3 in 2014.  Let's celebrate the final week of the Summer Run Challenge (SRC) with a virtual race!  See what your training has done so far and test your speed. Plus, you will earn bonus entries into the SRC weekly prize drawing. We're ending SRC with a bang - there will be a bunch of ADDITIONAL PRIZES in week six!

How The Watermelon Run works...

Invite your friends for a run/walk. 

Buy a big ripe watermelon. 

Run/walk a 5K (3.1 miles) in your favorite location (Aug. 3-10) 

At the finish line, reward yourself with Watermelon Bling (order below). 

Cut up that watermelon in big chunks and enjoy the juicy fruit of summer! 

Don't forget to take pictures!

Report back your finish time for a chance to WIN PRIZES!

Crown yourself with BLING after your Watermelon Run. This 2 1/4" finisher's medal has a gold finish and red ribbon.  Limited quantities, so order quickly!

SOLD OUT

Please invite your running friends to join the challenge!

It's going to be a great summer, and I'm delighted to have you along 

as a virtual training buddy. Good luck on your summer goals!  

Many happy miles... ~Jess