Allied Medal Displays

My medal collection has been growing and grown over the past few years.  While that is a great thing, I was running out of places to put them.  I see my medals as little mementos signifying huge accomplishments!   When I got home from my very first runDisney Princess Half, I draped my medal over my dresser--that way I could see it every day!  Then I did the Diva half and put that medal on the other side of my dresser.  ThenAllied Medal Displays at medalhangers.com.
came the San Diego Rock and Roll....and so on and so on.  To date, I have done 10 halves and countless 10 and 5k that gave out medals.  I needed a nice place to hang my medals.  I treasure them so much--they deserve a place to hang with pride!  Then I found

Allied Medals are simply amazing!  They offer 100's of designs, so they have one perfect for everyone.  They offer Cityscapes (love them), inspirational quotes, Disney inspired hangers, hangers for lots of sports (running, swimming ect).  The possibilities are endless, as they do custom displays too.  I was not sure what

to expect when my medal hanger got to my door.  It is so well made!  They are made of steel and they include everything you need for installation.  In my opinion, they are the best medal displays out there.  They are so sleek and beautiful--a perfect way to display your accomplishments!

Joel from Allied Medal Displays heard I was fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  He wanted to help out, so he donated two medal displays to my runners essentials baskets.  I picked two of my favorites for the raffle.  Please consider entering!  I would like to thank Allied Medal Displays for their support.  Please check them out.  Their medal holders are amazing!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Insanity Week 8

It's been a while since I have written an Insanity update, so I figured I would tell you all how I am doing.  I am in week eight--the third week of the very tough month two.  I have this week and next week left, then I am finished!!!

I knew Insanity was going to be hard, but wow!  Month one was tough, but doable.  Month two is very
tough.  I can not always keep up with the floor work--there is lots of floor work.  I have only lost a few pounds, but I can really see changes in my body, especially my legs.  My legs are a lot more firm and they look so much better.  My legs have always been a part of my body that I have been very self conscious about.   It's my knees--I really hate them!  They dimple...but anyway, I have not worn shorts in public in over ten years.  I am not sure I am quite ready yet, but I am getting much closer.

The time commitment of Insanity has not been that bad.  My longest workout is 59 minutes, but that one is only done four times in the entire program.  Most workouts are around 40 minutes.  The time commitment is very doable, but by the end of a workout I am spent!  I was hoping to do some more running while on the program, but I just can't!  My body is so tired from the Insanity.  I went to a few TEAM runs in the past two months, so I have been keeping up somewhat with that.

 My biggest accomplishment with Insanity so far--I can actually do a push up!  Never in my life have I ever been able to do a real push up--until now!  That may have made doing the program worth while just for that. The thing I like best about Insanity if the confidence it has given me.  I can do so much more than I thought I would be able to when I first started the program.  The floor/upper body work has been my biggest improvement.  No, I can not keep up with the people in the video, but I can do so much more that I ever expected to be able to do by now.  My cardio ability has really improved too.  So far, I am happy with my results.  I can't wait to see how much more I improve in the next two weeks! Next up--Focus T 25!

A dream is a wish..

--Amy

Rock Tape

This past week I was given the chance to try out Rock Tape.  Rock Tape is Kinesio tape the relieves the aches and pains of running and other endurance events.  I have been having some workout related pains lately.  Running and Insanity is hard on the body!  My knee was killing me, and I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis off and on for the past year.  When I heard about Rock Tape, I figured there is no harm in trying it.

Over the past few years, I have seen runners at my various races all taped up.  I was always skeptical--does all the tape really help?  How does it work? This past week I have been wearing tape on my knee, my foot and my neck.  Does it help?  I really think so!  I feel like the tape gives my sore muscles support, but does not restrict them.  I can still move and do all the crazy Insanity moves.  I can still run unrestricted, but I have a little extra cushion.  I am a believer!

My first question--how in the world do I know how to use this stuff?  How do I apply it?  Where do I apply it?  Rock Tape has taken care of all of that for us.  In the box, you get an instruction book.  I learn and understand better by seeing someone else do it--and so do lots of other people.  Rock Tape also has a great web site that with videos that show you exactly how apply it.

Rock Tape heard about my fundraising efforts and they wanted to help!  They sent me a big box of assorted Rock Tape to use as a fundraiser.  I had originally planned to use it as part of my raffle, but that would only give three people the chance to try out this awesome running product--I want more running to try out!  So
here is my offer to you--the first 12 people to help with my fundraisers will get their very own box of Rock Tape (an $18 value).  You can help out in a few ways:

1) Make a donation of $25 or more to my fundraising page.

2) Entry my fundraising raffle at the $25 level or higher.  My raffle has some really cool stuff!  runDisney travel, two Sparkle Skirts, Allied Medal Displays, Sweaty Bands and so much more!

3) Join my virtual race.  You will get a really cute medal!







After you make your donation, email me at amysmith7@comcast.net .  Let me know that you donated and
what color tape you prefer.  I have several colors/designs and I will do my best to accommodate all requests.  Thank you for your support!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

My Biggest Giveaway Ever! Including FREE Disney Travel and a SparkleSkirts!

Hello everyone!  As you know, I am very committed to fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Over the past few months I have been working hard on getting a huge raffle together of some really great running stuff I know you will love!  Most of these products were donated by their respective companies to help me raise money for the LLS.  I have three bags set up for you--all of them awesome! Grand prize and second prize offer FREE Disney Travel! 

Bag 1:  The Ultimate runDisney Prize Pack!  (worth over $380)

This bag includes everything you need to have a  fantastic time at your next runDisney event. This grand prize bag offers--a Disney travel gift voucher for $150!  (not pictured) This $150 voucher may be redeemed ONLY with Amy Smith at Mousekeplanner, LLC. Only the winner of the raffle may use the voucher for their own personal travel.  It may not be given away, traded or sold. To use the voucher, the winner must book and vacation at Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line by the end of 2014.  The voucher may be used on room only reservations or room plus dining  totaling of at least $1000.  The voucher may not be used in whole or any part for park tickets.  Can not be redeemed for cash.  

Next, the winner will get my absolute favorite, must have running product--a SparkleSkirt $50 gift card!  Please read all about SparkleSkirts! here. The SparkleSkirt! tech has legs that are the perfect length and never, ever ride up.  They are also the perfect length--not to short, not to long.  I simply can not run a race without one.  This was donated by me and my blog.  

Also in this prize pack is a two pack of thick  Sweaty Band.  I am in love with Sweaty Bands!  I wear them every day, whether I am working out or not.  They always stay put and look super cute. 

You will also find a Road ID $35 gift card.  Road ID is something you wear on your wrist or shoe while you run in case of an accident.   You choose what info goes on it--name, DOB, emergency contacts.  It is a total must have for any runner. 

Looking for a great way to display all of your race medals?  Check out Allied Medal Displays!  When I first started running, I had no where to hang my medals.  I started to hang them over my dresser mirror--but my beautiful medals deserved something much nicer.  Allied Medals are the perfect way to show off all of your accomplishments.  They offer lots of sassy, fun designs.  Check them out! 

Next in the bag is two tube of Nuun in new, really awesome flavors.  Never heard of Nuun?  It is my preferred electrolyte sports/recovery drink.  It does not contain carbs or sugar.  What I like about Nuun is that it is so portable.  You can take a Nuun tablet anywhere and drop it into your water bottle.  I prefer the light taste over other sweet sports drinks.  Since I also run in alot of Nike Women's Running Events, I had to give Nuun a try--Nuun is there drink of choice on the course.  It is very low in carbs, so it does not upset my tummy while I run. 

The Ultimate runDisney prize pack will come packed in a Mousekeplanner backpack bag!   This is the perfect carry-on to take with you to your next runDisney race!  I carry mine to the expo to pack all my goodies in for easy carrying. I am also throwing in some Honey Stinger gels. 

Ever heard of Bestowed Box?  It's a monthly subscription box of healthy food.  I love mine!  It gives me lots of fun foods to try with little commitment.  The winner of the raffle will receive a one month subscription.  

Right after the tragic in Boston, I donated to One Fund Boston.  They gave me a Runners for Boston shirt as a thank you.  I never wore it and decided to toss it in the giveaway.

The winner will also get a free entry into my virtual race--and earn a medal.  There is still time to enter.  Even if you are not a winner, please considering registering for the race. 



Bag 2:  The Race Day Ready bag  (worth over $240)

In this gift bag you will find a draw Mousekeplanner drawstring backpack.

The highlight of this bag is the second prize--a Disney travel gift voucher for $75 (not pictured)!  This $75 voucher may be redeemed ONLY with Amy Smith at Mousekeplanner, LLC. Only the winner of the raffle may use the voucher for their own personal travel.  It may not be given away, traded or sold. To use the voucher, the winner must book and vacation at Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line by the end of 2014.  The voucher may be used on room only reservations or room plus dining  totaling of at least $500.  The voucher may not be used in whole or any part for park tickets. Not redeemable for cash.

This bag includes everything you need to look fantastic at your next runDisney event.  Next up, the winner will get my absolute favorite, must have running product--a SparkleSkirt $25 gift card!  Please read all about SparkleSkirts! here. The SparkleSkirt! tech has legs that are the perfect length and never, ever ride up.  They are also the perfect length--not to short, not to long.  I simply can not run a race without one.  This was donated by me and my blog.  

You will also find a Road ID $35 gift card.  Road ID is something you wear on your wrist or shoe while you run in case of an accident.   You chose what info goes on it--name, DOB, emergency contacts.  It is a total must have for any runner. 

Looking for a great way to display all of your race medals?  Check out Allied Medal Displays!  When I first started running, I had no where to hang my medals.  I started to hang them over my dresser mirror--but my beautiful medals deserved something much nicer.  Allied Medals are the perfect way to show off all of your accomplishments.  

The winner will also get a Sweaty Band.

Next in the bag is a tube of Nuun.  Never heard of Nuun?  It is my preferred electrolyte sports/recovery drink.  It does not contain carbs or sugar.  What I like about Nuun is that it is so portable.  You can take a Nuun tablet anywhere and drop it into your water bottle.  I prefer the light taste over other sweet sports drinks.  The winner of this prize pack will get two tubes. 

Bag 3:  Girl on the Run bag (worth over $85)

This gift bag starts with a Thirty-one butterfly themed wristlet.  This was the hostess gift from a fundraiser I did in January with my local Thirty-one hostess.   The bag also includes some Nuun, and entry to my virtual race, and some Honey Stingers gels, a sun screen stick, two packs of shoelaces from Sweat Pink, and a running visor from Softcup. 

You will also find  a Sparkly Soul headband!  These headbands are by far my favorite to wear any time of the day.  I am that girl who is always, always, no matter what wearing some type of headband, so I have tried out so many different kinds.  What I like about Sparkly Soul, and what I think makes them different is that they stretch all the way around.  They hold us very well, and they look cute!  

How to enter:

Awesome prizes, right?  I wish I could win!  To entry, all you have to do is click here and donate to Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Make sure you use this link or the link to the upper right on my blog.
Donation of:

$5 gets you 1 entry
$10 gets you 3 entries
$25 gets you 8 entries
$50 gets you 20 entries
$100 gets you 50 entries

This raffle will be open until midnight on Sunday, August 4th. The following day I will randomly choose the winners using random.com and post them to my blog.  If you would like your raffle ticket numbers, please email me at amysmith7@comcast.net.  Good luck everyone!  Please be generous, as the funds go directly to such a wonderful cause.

Thank you!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy