#JellyBean Race Wrap-Up

Last week was the fourth annual running of the Jelly Bean Virtual Race. Like every other year, there was amazing participation from all over the country world!  As always, my virtual races are free to participate in... with the opportunity to win cool prizes. My hope is that my virtual races are a push out the door and extra incentive for your friends and family to gather together, combining fitness and fun.

This year, there was an optional finisher's medal, which proceeds benefitted the St Jude Children's Hospital. Because of you, St Jude received a whopping $500 donation - just from this virtual race. Thank you! If you missed out on the medals, it's not too late to make a donation (here).

On Opening Day of the Jelly Bean Race (April 13), I ran the 5K with this fine looking group above. Sporting my bunny ears, I ran the first mile with my two girls, who are racking up the miles for the Peoria Kids Marathon. Then I headed back out for the remaining mileage. The best part... my last mile split was an 8:49! That's what happens when you get dumped on...

You see, Mother Nature tricked us again. With storms forecasted for the afternoon, we moved our run up a couple hours earlier to avoid the rain. Well, halfway through our run, the clouds opened up on us. We all got very wet. Of course, it was dry the rest of the afternoon. Sigh. I've had really bad weather luck with my fun runs lately.

Now for the important news... the PRIZE WINNERS from the virtual race!  

I have your mailing address and will get the goodies in the mail to you next week.

Beth Peralta (IL) - Advocare pack

Heidi Sebastian (IN) - water bottle with phone compartment

Genevieve Roestel (CA) - Subway gift card

Diane Rock (IL) - Swiftwick socks

Terri Brown (TX) - tube of Nuun hydration tablets

Laura Pyne (PA) - Headsweats beanie

Lisa Elder (IN) - You Just Got Chicked headband

Sarah Blissett (IL) - GU Energy variety pack

Stacey Kirk (NC) - 2pk of LockLaces

There were so so many great photos submitted from your virtual races. They made me SMILE all week long. My favorite was from Kimberly Merrifield. They dressed up as a bunch of jelly beans and ran their 10K this way! I just love the enthusiasm and silliness of it. Congrats Kimberly, you've won a Run & Eat Cupcakes shirt from me. Please e-mail me with your shirt size and mailing address.

THANK YOU and CONGRATS 

to everyone who ran and/or walked 

in the 4th annual Jelly Bean virtual race!  

That's a wrap... Come on back next year!

Three Things Thursday

ONE
I went a little crazy on Tuesday and did back-to-back treadmill RUN + INSANITY class + TRX Bootcamp. (Read more about it here) A couple hours later, I returned to the gym to teach SPINNING class. Umm, yeah... Evidently, that was a bit much for this gal. My booty has been aching like there's knives twisting in my glutes with every step. The only relief is sleeping with my ars on a heating pad. I love working out everyday. It just makes me happy to sweat out the day's stresses. So when I have to rest because I overpushed... well, I'm just crabby... and disappointed. Disappointed with myself because I know better.  Today, I did light yoga and it felt good to stretch things out. Tomorrow, I hope to be back running.

TWO
Every August, my city (Peoria, IL) hosts the St. Jude Runs, raising millions of dollars for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Over the years, I've donated a lot to my runner friends who were involved, but this year I've decided to run as part of the Bartonville-to-Peoria team. With that being said, St. Jude will be the official charity beneficiary of this year's Jelly Bean Virtual Race (back for its 4th year during Easter week).  I select my charities carefully each year and am excited to support St. Jude. I also hope to run the St. Jude Marathon (Dec) for Tennessee in my #RaceAll50 quest.

THREE
The Snowball Shuffle virtual race is going in full effect across the country! I love seeing all your pictures. Anyone can still join the fun (details here). You have until Sunday, 2/2 to finish the 8K distance. All finishers are entered into a prize drawing to win a heart rate watch! Winner will be announced on Tuesday, 2/4.

THREE & A HALF
I would remiss if I didn't remind you to VOTE HERE today in the ZOOMA Run-to-Napa contest. If I win, I also get a trip to giveaway here for you. Thank you so much for supporting me every day. I just love you guys!