Showing posts with label Cupcake Classic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cupcake Classic. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Race Recap: The Cupcake Classic 2012

I ran for my cupcake in 28:58
The only way to recap this one is... YOU ARE ALL AWESOME! Over 1000 people across the world (yes, it went international!) finished the the 2012 Cupcake Classic. Some of you ran solo in the darkness of morning or on the treadmill.  Many of you grabbed friends, children, and husbands to organize local group runs. I love to see YOU inspiring others in your life to become active, especially the kids.  It's like this big chain reaction... I tempt you with the idea of cupcakes and in turn, you motivate others to get moving too. <big smiles>  Thank you for participating in such a huge huge way!


THE PEORIA EVENT
Personally, my local Cupcake Classic in Peoria was a bit of a letdown. The original scheduled date was postponed due to looming thunderstorms. On the raindate several days later... it didn't just rained, it poured! The group was much smaller than originally planned (schedule conflicts with new date and inclement weather). But the Sole Sisters that showed up splashed through the rain and made fun of the situation. Coincidentally, I had just enough goodies that everyone walked away with a cupcake and a prize! I'm so proud of the women who ran through the dark and rain with me last Wednesday. You are all Tough Chiks in my book!




THE VIRTUAL RACE
Thankfully, I use random.org to pick for prizes... because you are all WINNERS in my book. From the speedy runners to the walkers to the those completing 3.1 miles for the first time, congratulations on your finish line!  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your stories and smiling at your photos.  Below are some of my favorites...



THE PRIZE WINNERS!
Events like this wouldn't be nearly as much fun without prizes from the generous sponsors who support the running community. Each company's name is highlighted with a link to their website. Please visit their websites and create your holiday wish list (or do a little pre-shopping for yourself!).

Milestone Jewelry (run happy hoodie) - Tonya Klausing-Kuzmik

Parsecent (heart rate monitor watch) - Abby Drinka

CLICK Espresso Protein Drink (deluxe prize pack) - Micky Schembri

Aquaphor (deluxe prize pack) - Noelle Evans

Tribute Sports (necklace) - Pamela Weston

Pro Compression (compression socks) - Abagael Shrader, Jacie Crawford

Endorphin Warrior (training bracelet) - Jaleesa Haynes

Injinji (toe socks) - Stephanie Williams, Stacy Jensen, Jennifer Morrison

GU Energy (strawberry lemonade electrolyte brew) - Penny Long

Road ID (gift certificate) - Tina Pratt, Bree McGuire

Hydrapak (sports bottle) - Crystal Raines  (soft flask) - Alice Girton

RunnerDecals (custom drink tumbler) - Carrie Miller  (will run for cupcakes decal) - Sheila Achey, Anitra DumlaoThompson, Kristi Cleary, Angela Green

Perfectly Posh (Rubby Scrubby foot treatment) - Libby Dillard

LockLaces (elastic shoelaces) - Lorena Stuart, Amy Sue Hasselbaum, Becky Joy, Jennifer Roberts

Tough Chik (shirt) - Kacie Williams

Quad Cities Marathon (shirt) - Terese Howell

I have all of your addresses already from when you submitted your times, so let a YaHoo! and then sit back and await your prize arrival.

Thank you everyone for making the 2nd annual Cupcake Classic a huge success!
Keep On Running...



Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Cupcake Classic 2012

Virtual 5k Fun Run!
FREE to participate!

The Cupcake Classic is a fun run for women of all fitness levels. There are no awards, as fitness offers its own rewards! You can run, jog or walk. As sisters, moms, daughters, friends, we make choices every day to lead our families and communities towards a healthier life. The Cupcake Classic celebrates those daily efforts.  Gather up your friends, go for a run and then treat yourselves with a cupcake... because the FIT LIFE IS SO SO SWEET!

WHAT: A virtual race is running a specified distance, timing yourself, without actually being present in a race location. A 5k equals 3.1 miles.

WHEN: October 14 - 21, 2012

WHERE: Pick your favorite local route or jump on the treadmill.

WHY: Fun, Fitness, Friendship... and PRIZES!

HOW: Late registration? No problem... click HERE for the virtual race packet.

IMPORTANT LINKS
Print Race Bib HERE.
Report finish time HERE (earn 1 entry into the prize drawing)
E-Mail a photo from your Cupcake run (earn a bonus entry into prize drawing)



Like me on Facebook for Event Updates


DO YOU LIVE NEAR PEORIA, IL?
Come run with me on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m. to kick off the Cupcake Classic.
I will supply scrumptious cupcakes at the finish line! 
**Raindate is in effect: Wed, Oct. 16 at 6:00pm at Midstate College



* SPARKLY ADD-ONS *
Make your Cupcake Classic spectacular!
Deluxe Finisher's Medal featuring a glimmer pink sparkle around the edge of a 2.5" high quality gold medallion that dangles from a pink neck ribbon. Serious bling.  Limited quantities.
** MEDALS ARE SOLD OUT **
Sorry, no extras available.


Cupcake Shirt featuring a fun cupcake design printed in pink on a classic black runner's shirt... moisture-management 100% polyester fabric.
Womens sizes XS-2XL. Size chart here.
**ORDER CLOSED**
Please note that the 2nd printing will ship at the END OF OCTOBER.
Thank you!



* PRIZES *
After the race, there is a random prize drawing for finishers to win awesome prizes from the great sponsors listed below. Photo updates of prizes will be posted on my Facebook page.  Winners announced Oct. 23.

These companies support the running community... Let's support them! 
www.milestonessportsjewelry.com
www.drinkclick.com
www.tributesport.com
www.endorphinwarrior.com
www.qcmarathon.org
www.injinji.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Race Recap: The Cupcake Classic

In the beginning of summer, my mind started reeling.  My birthday landed on a Saturday this year.  Instantly, I knew I wanted to celebrate with a race.  I scoured the race calendars everywhere and just couldn't find the perfect course/location that was worthy of my "birthday run."  Hence... The Cupcake Classic was born!

I've always been a natural event-planner.  In fact, many of my previous jobs paid me to plan events... on a baseball field, in a large expo center and even in a bar.  Event planning is something that I've always enjoyed, so to create my own race seemed like a no-brainer.  When I signed up for the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation team, it served as the perfect charity tie-in.  Donations are still accepted {here}

This past Saturday, October 22, was the local Cupcake Classic fun run in East Peoria, IL.  (See {here} for the recap of the virtual race.)  With the help of sponsors, I kept the event free for women in the area to participate.  The objective was simple... Celebrate the Fit Life!  It was my 37th birthday. Yet each year that I run, I feel younger and younger.  Alas... the magical powers of running!  Once you feel that magic, you can't help but want everyone around you to feel it too.

It was a beautiful sunny fall morning, I couldn't ask for more!  My hubby and I got out to the trail about 7:00am to set up the water station and post mile markers (nice warmup run before the race!).  Ladies started arriving quickly as we set up the start/finish line area. I gave a brief welcome, which was interrupted when the group of 70+ women started singing Happy Birthday to me (Awwww!).  My Big Girl has been learning the National Anthem in kindergarten music class, so she made her debut over the loudspeaker and did great!!

The 3.7 mile fun run was so much fun!  We talked, we laughed, we gave high fives and hugs, and the smiles were abundant.  Not a celebration of the 37 years I've already lived... but for the years that lie ahead.  I'm so blessed to have these wonderful supportive women in my life.  In my heart, I truly believe the best years of my life are yet to come...

I am now 37 years young!

Oh-yeah... my official time was 34:24 (9:17 pace). 
My hubby said I finished in 6th place! 
(Note to self - Don't invite anyone faster than me next year! HA!)

Please enjoy the slideshow below for a photo recap of local Cupcake Classic...

Thank you again to everyone (local and virtual) 
for helping celebrate my birthday this year!  

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Cupcake Classic virtual race winners!


Thank you so much for participating in The Cupcake Classic 3.7 virtual race!  You all made me feel so special by your nice messages and photos during my birthday week.  Furthermore, your generous donations put me over the top in my fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society, raising $670.00 for my DetermiNation team.  (Help me top it off at $700 by donating here.)


Most of all, I just love to see women uniting under the fitness umbrella, running together and having fun.  I think we achieved that!  Over 100 women participated in the virtual run and agreed... "I WILL RUN FOR CUPCAKES!!"  Although some have better will power than me and choose a healthy muffin!


It fills me with glee when you bring the "gang" together for a run...


Happy to see the official Cupcake shirts look so good on you!
Shirt proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society.



And of course I like special birthday signs made just for me!


I was blown away by the unique 3.7 route that Lauren designed to run!
Is that cool or what?!?!



THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!
FOR CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY WITH ME!


And now for the Prize Winners...
In true birthday fashion, your prize will come as a wrapped present.
So you'll have to wait until you open it to find out what it is!  :)

Stephanie Anne #37084
Kimert  #37054
Suzi  #37087
Laura C.  #37111
Suegene W.  #37086
Danielle C.  #37026
Alma F.  #37002
Renee V.  #37125
Nancy C.  #37074
Jen  #37037
Wendy  #37093
AnnaMarie  #37009
Karyn H.  #37047
Shannon M.  #37082
Christa H.  #37018

Email your mailing address to runwithjess@comcast.net

Monday, October 17, 2011

It's my birthday week and you get all the presents!!

The Cupcake Classic virtual race starts today!  There is still time to register and get in on the fun (here). You can complete your race anytime between today and Sunday, Oct. 23.  Times are due back by 11:00am on Mon, Oct. 24.

Why run The Cupcake Classic?
First and foremost, it's my birthday week!!  I turn 37 on Saturday... and am not blinking an eye about it.  I seriously don't feel that old age.  In fact, since running entered my life, I feel like I'm getting YOUNGER!!  And that, my friends, is a fabulous feeling!

Secondly, it's a chance to score a new PR.  Seriously, have you ever run a 3.7 mile race before?!  Probably not, so here's a chance to PR by just participating!

It's all about having FUN on the RUN.  Get a group of friends to run with you.  Bake cupcakes and splurge on the delicious treats after your run!  (Feel free to sing Happy Birthday to me as you celebrate your run...)  Don't forget to take a fun picture!

Run for a good cause.  Through the Cupcake Classic event, I've managed to raise over $500 for the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of MORE BIRTHDAYS and LESS CANCER.  On Nov. 5, I run on the ACS's DetermiNation team in Indianapolis to kill cancer.  Thank you so much for your support!  Donations can be made (here).

Now for the good stuff... Run for the PRIZES!!  Below is the collection of prizes that our generous sponsors have donated to the The Cupcake Classic.  You receive 1 entry just for participating, however you can earn bonus entries by submitting photos, eating cupcakes and making a donation to the American Cancer Society.  See complete details (here).  The random-drawing winners will be announced on Tues, Oct. 25.

A pink sparkle skirt from Team Sparkle!  Check out my review of this fine fashion here.

Join this hip new online running club here.  You'll find fun, entertaining, sexy tips in the free newsletter to help you achieve your goals.  Watch this winter... they are bursting onto the market with a new line of active wear for the woman size 8 and up.  Be sure to check out the Training Guides tab on their website (very helpful info).  Local Cupcake racers will all receive a complimentary water bottle from the Sexy Mom's Running Club at the finish line! We'll even save a couple for the virtual racers too!  Join SMRC today to receive the free gift of a 60-day Journal!

How adorable are these "will run for cupcakes" necklaces?  Jessica's Gifts was nice to donate two - one for the local race and one for the virtual race.  Check out the Jessica's Gifts website for a large assortment of runner's jewelry, including items for the tri-athlete.  Super, super cute stuff!!

Stock up on some GU energy gels for your winter long runs!  And not just any flavor... how about Chocolate Raspberry?!?!  What woman doesn't like chocolate?  GU is my mid-run fuel of choice when I'm training for a half or full marathon.  Check the full array of flavors available here.

My favorite pair of runner's sunglasses... Ryders Eyewear Hex!  Check out my review of these glasses here from a previous post this past spring.  These are the best pair of sunglasses for running ever!!  I even wear them in winter to protect my eyes from the wind and cold.

The Quad Cities Marathon, home of my first marathon (race recap here), has also sent a generous supply of gear that will be split up between the Cupcake's local and virtual races as prizes.  The QCM is a great racing event along the borders of Illinois and Iowa with the beauty of the Mississippi River always in sight.

I rarely ever run without a BondiBand on my head, and now you can try one out too!  I've got an assortment of BondiBand headbands for the Cupcake winners.  Check out my review of BondiBand products (here) from this past spring.  They are truly fantastic!!  No slip, no drip!

The folks at Build-A-Sign were generous enough to donate a huge supply of Cupcake bumper stickers to the event!  Everyone who ordered one of the official Cupcake shirts got a surprise in their delivery... a free bumper sticker as a thank you for helping me raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  Check out Build-A-Sign's website, where you can design your own bumper stickers online!!

It's getting cold out there... so you're gonna want these essentials from Pearl Izumi.  The moisture-wicking hat in bright pink will keep your head warm.  Have you tried out arm warmers yet?  These are great for the versatile seasons of spring/fall when it's cold at the start of your run.  As you warm up mid-run, they are so easy to roll down to your wrists.  Pearl Izumi has top of the line active gear for the runner, cyclist or tri-athlete.  You simply can't go wrong with a Pearl Izumi product!

If you're making the trip to East Peoria this Saturday morning to run the local race with me (details here), there are even more prizes and goodies in store for you... how about a new pair of Saucony running shoes?!?!  or an upgraded overnight stay at the Mark Twain hotel with drinks & breakfast included?!?!   And of course my fantastic homemade finisher's medals!


Holy crap!  That's a lot of cool prizes, huh?
Sign up to run The Cupcake Classic virtual race {here}.
I'll email you the race bib right away!

Earn extra entries into the prize drawing by making a donation
to DetermiNation-American Cancer Society {here}

  Donations need to be made by October 24 in order to be entered into prize drawing.