Become a Swirlgear Brand Ambassador!

A big thank you to Swirlgear for making me one of their Swirlgear Brand Ambassadors! Swirlgear is stylish women's running gear!  I've enjoyed this past week getting to know some of the other Swirlgear Brand Ambassadors from all over. It is truly a great team to be a part and I look forward to share about this amazing small company based out of Chicago.  

Swirlgear will be accepting applications for their Brand Ambassador program through February 7th only, so get your applications turned in ASAP!  Their ambassador team is full of the most amazing group of women runners- whether this is the beginning of your running journey or if you're a seasoned marathoner, this inspiring group is for you. On behalf of swirlgear, I'd like to offer you free shipping on your order. Simply put in the code "swirlon" at checkout! Please feel free to send your story in to Swirlgear at swirlgear.com

Follow swirlgear on facebook too!

#swirlgear
#swirlon
#iloveswirlgear
#swirlgearambassador, fRAN JOHNSON

UPCOMING RACES IN 2014

1. February 15th- Run With The Wind 25K (My 2nd)

2. March 2nd- Little Rock Marathon (Marathon #3)

3. March 29th-Superheroes vs Villains

4. April 27th-Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (Marathon #4 )

5. May 10th- Joplin Memorial Run (half marathon)

6. June-Starry Night (5K)

7. July- Joplin Starry Night 5K & 10K (5K)

8. Aug. Blue Moon 5K & 10K (5K)

9. Aug.- Lamar Free Fair 5K

10. Sept.- Mercy Day Run- (half marathon)

11. Oct.-Kansas City Waddell and Reed Marathon (Marathon)

12. Oct.-Dogwood Canyon 25K Trail Run (1st trail race at that distance)

13. Nov.-Bass Pro Marathon (Half Marathon)

14. Nov.-Route 66 Race Across Kansas (Half Marathon)

15. Nov.-Ultramax Half Marathon Trail Run

16. Dec.-Run For The Ranch Marathon (Marathon)

Tips On Choosing Your Top Races For The New Year!

Happy New Year and greetings from I Run Long!  Thank you Women Races for feature me in your #Pacesetters feature!  Be sure to follow at womenraces.com and on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/womenraces.  I am honored!  My name is fRAN and I am a competitive endurance Masters runner.  Masters runners are those who are in the 40 and up age group.

Let’s talk races/racing!  2013 was a GREAT year for me.  I ran a lot of races…20 of them ranging from 5K’s to marathons!  Because of running 5 half marathons in 63 days in 2013, I became a member of the Half Fanatics group-YAY #6109! 

This girl grew up as a high school sprinter in track and ran cross-country back in the day.  I never thought that I would one day become a marathoner!  I’m really proud of all the new distances I tried this past year.  I was nervous about trying something new, but I did it and you can too!  I ran new distances such as the Pumpkin Run 5-miler, Blue Moon 10K, Big Red Shoe 15K Run With The Wind 25K, AdventureMax Half Marathon Trail race and the OKC Marathon!  Just before the New Year and as I thought about how to choose races for 2014, thought I’d take a look at what I ran in 2013.  I was curious to know how many races I’d ran.  I ran 20 races and how I will determine what races goes on the 2014 list will be to choose my favorite!   

TIP: 

If you’re not sure what to run in 2014, make a list of all the races you did and put a star next to your favorites.  Choose the amount of races you allow yourself.  That should make it easier for you.  You might leave room for a new distance race to try.  If you’ve done all 5K’s, kick it up a notch to the next distance such as a 10K or maybe even a half.  Most training schedules have 10 miles as your longest training run.  If you can run 10 then 3.1 more shouldn’t be that hard for you.  I’ve been there.  You can do it!  If you’ve done several halfs, try mixing in a trail race.  I loved it!  It is really fun mixing things up.  Have faith in yourself and know you can conquer any challenges and obstacles. 

#1 on the list is the first marathon I ever ran and that was the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.  It was supposed to be Little Rock Marathon, but I ended up getting sick and couldn’t run it, so OKC Marathon was a back-up plan, which turned out to be perfect!  It was just over 3 hrs. from my hometown.  I’ve registered for that one as my 1^st year anniversary 26.2 and can’t wait to run it again.  This time without stopping to take photos, LOL!  I loved the whole experience and would suggest that as a first marathon. Little Rock Marathon is on my list and set to run it March 2^nd.

The AdventureMax Trail Half Marathon in Highlandville, MO was a new experience for me, so I will for sure do that race again. It was quite different than everything else I have been running because trails are run on different surfaces.  On part of the race we ran in a single file line, but can pass when you reach a good spot to pass.  I’m a roadrunner and running on rocks, dirt, uneven surface, was quite challenging and you have to watch where you’re stepping.  I about fell five times and was pretty sore when I got home, but it was worth it.  I love challenges!  It was held an hour or so from where I live.  It was a great experience, beautiful scenery along the course, great medals, etc. 

Our local Ronald McDonald House Big Red Shoe 15K in Joplin, MO was challenging because of the hills along the course, but being a part of the first year event and tackling those hills was fun for me.  The final stretch of hills was on Jackson St. and that road is known as “Miss Jackson.”   I accomplished something pretty tough, but most of all, it was for a great cause.

Lastly, any of the local and surrounding area races will be on my list for sure such as the Joplin Memorial Run, Run For The Wind, Bass Pro Conservation weekend races, Run for the Ranch, Joplin Chilly 5K, Joplin Turkey Trot, to name a few, are on the list for 2014.  Three full marathons are on the list and I am already registered for two of them  already.

Logo Shirt & Headband Giveaway from I Run Long on Facebook

Hello, friends!  Enter for a chance to win an I Run Long logo shirt (orange with maroon logo/font).  It's my way of thanking you for being a page follower at I Run Long!

To enter, please put your name in the comment section below and I will draw a name from a jar tomorrow morning.  This giveaway is for today only!

Thank you so much! fRAN

Manduka Giveaway!!

Welcome to my I Run Long blog!  For those who don’t know me, my name is fRAN and I am a Marathoner!  I believe in comfortable, quality gear, that is why I am excited to give away a Manduka PROlite Mat 71” and eQUA Hand Towel to one lucky reader!  I was inspired to check out Manduka after my 'Yoga For Runner’s' Instructor told me about her Manduka mat.  I love the thickness of them and it is very comfortable.  It's perfect for all of your floor exercises when doing yoga, stretching those sore muscles followed by a race,planks, sit-ups, etc.  I love the variety of colors as well.  If you go to the Manduka site, you can save 10% on your next order just by entering your email address.  Look for that info at the top of the page at www.manduka.com

Read The Manduka Story below and under that will be instructions on how to enter.

The Manduka Story

“Sometimes it’s the bumps in the road that end up defining our journey. This is the story of Manduka, a company founded on the simple idea that a better yoga mat could make a world of difference.
In the late 90's, Peter Sterios, an architect turned yogi, discovered a simple, elegantly designed black mat whose combination of firm grip and complete support revolutionized his yoga practice. In honor of the yoga masters who inspired him, he sought to share this amazing product with others.
Peter had always been the beneficiary of great generosity from other yoga teachers. To repay that debt, he sent mats as gifts to many of the teachers he admired including Erich Schiffmann, Rod Stryker, Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten, Rodney Yee, and Shiva Rea. The teachers who inspired Peter were his first customers. And in the great yoga tradition, they shared their mats with their students, and a true yoga company was born. Peter chose the name Manduka in homage to his teacher and mentor, Shandor Remete, whose core practice and teaching always included the ancient Hatha Yoga Pradipika pose, Mandukasana or frog. The first time Peter heard and repeated the name of the pose he experienced a sense of childlike joy and delight as the sound rolled off his tongue. The word and the pose were mirror images, simultaneously playful and profound. The joy of Manduka is now spoken in so many countries, all over the world.
The quality and performance of Manduka mats and yoga accessories are still unmatched in the marketplace. They are still crafted using simple, enduring, natural, and whenever possible, renewable materials and a fine attention to detail. Manduka is a company built by and for yoga teachers and their students. We are still evolving, still introducing new products, and still celebrating the spirit and wisdom of yoga teachers and their students. From the road less traveled, something great and meaningful has arrived.
Manduka: for your practice and for our world. Namaste.”

PROlite Mat 71”

 

To enter; CONTEST STARTS IMMEDIATELY AND ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2013)

1.     Type in “Me” for a chance to win the Manduka PROlite mat 71” in the comment section below

 

2.     Visit www.manduka.com

 

3.     “Like” Manduka facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MandukaYoga?directed_target_id=0

 

4.     Invite friends/family to visit my facebook I Run Long page at https://www.facebook.com/irunlongalways?ref=hl

 

Winner must live in the U.S. and must reply with shipping address within two weeks after I announce the winner.  The items will come from me, not the company, so item may not be returned or exchanged for any other items.

Thank you and good luck!

Words To Sweat By Review & Offer

WORDS TO SWEAT BY REVIEW & OFFER

Thanks to Words To Sweat By for giving me the opportunity to let me review one of many of their fun motivational bracelets!  I LOVE IT! I got to choose what I wanted mine to say so I chose "Run Long" and I got to choose the color jersey knit I wanted, so I chose purple.  They also threw in a black jersey knit as well, so I was extra excited to have a couple of choices!

The bracelet is composed of 3/8" by 1 5/8" textured aluminum charm that is hand stamped with your choice of word strung on a bracelet made of lightweight gray jersey knit. Also included is an additional lightweight jersey knit strand that can be used to make a bracelet/cuff to layer with the charm.

The bracelet is really cute and I really love it and the option of switching out the jersey knit :)  I love the "Run Long" message as it inspires me to "Run Long", of course and it's also is a great conversation piece of jewelry.  I love running in it too! 

You can find this and many other inspirational items at;

 Words to Sweat by shop: http://www.wordstosweatby.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/wordstosweatby.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wordstosweatby
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/wordstosweatby 

Email: www.wordstosweatby.com

OFFER

Words To Sweat By is offering 10% off your entire order with code "irunlong" until 9/15/13.  Offer starts today!  Head on over and have fun shopping and be sure to check them out on facebook!

Thank you, fRAN

www.facebook.com/irunlongalways

This bracelet is composed of a 3/8" by 1 5/8 " textured aluminum charm that is hand stamped with the word "TRANSFORM" strung on a bracelet made of lightweight gray jersey knit. Also included is an additional jersey knit strand that can be used to make a bracelet/cuff to layer with the charm. - See more at: http://www.wordstosweatby.com/details#cid=199114

Fit4ACure GIVEAWAY!!!

Fit4ACure is giving away a Hipssister Fanny Pack!  Hope you saw my review on this hipssister fanny pack the other week :)  If not, go to my home page of my blog and scroll down and you will find it.  Their moisture wicking fanny packs are proudly MADE IN THE USA and patent-pending. Winner will get to choose a color of choice.  Email questions to them at fit4acure@ymail.com

Sizes include:
 Sizing is as follows:
Size A ( is a size 0-8)
Size B (is a size 10 - 16)
Size C (is a size 18 - 24)

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like the Fit4ACure facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sbcfit4acure
2. Type "Enter Me" in the comments of this post with YOUR NAME.
Please only enter if you have not won a prize in the last 30 days.  If you don't claim your prize within 48 hrs., another name will be chosen.  I will draw a name of a winner and post here and on my facebook page.  You will have the 48 hrs to private message me your mailing address on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/irunlongalways.

Giveaway starts immediately and ends September 6th, 2013.  Winner announced on September 7th, 2013.  GOOD LUCK!!!

Photo via Fit4ACure

 THANK YOU!!

HEADS UP BANDS GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello, everyone!

I am doing a giveaway compliments of HEADS UP BANDS!!! TWO people will be chosen to choose not just one, but TWO headbands each of your choice!  How generous is that???  I am excited for YOU!!!  Heads Up Bands has A LOT of awesome headband designs to choose from and are truly Non-Slip!  They are also washable (by hand).  Lots of colors, patterns, glitter bands, sports bands including the NEW styles that kick off tomorrow (see picture below)...SUPER COOL!!  Have a business, team, etc., you can have some bands custom made!!!

These headbands are made from quality fabrics and I own several of the headbands.  I'm a HEADS UP BANDS ADDICT< LOL!  I seriously wear them everyday.  I race and train in them as well :)  I need more colors though and seeing these new headbands in the photo below has me mentally making my order!

Okay, so to enter is simply EASY!  In the comments below on my irunlong.blogspot website, enter your name AND go and "LIKE" Heads Up Bands Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HeadsUpBands?fref=ts.  Also, let them know you were sent by I Run Long so she knows where the headbands giveaway fans are coming from :)

Contest begins today and Ends AUGUST 29th, 2013.  Two names will be drawn and announced on my page Friday, August 30th! 
SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY...POST ON YOUR FACEBOOK WALL TOO!
THANK YOU HEADS UP BANDS & THANK YOU ALL FOR ENTERING!!!!

MapMyRun Review

MAPMYRUN

I love the MapMyRun App!  It is the #1 Running APP and it's FREE!  MapMyRun is a fitness tracking application that enables you to use the built-in GPS of your mobile device to track all of your fitness activities. Record your workout details, including duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation, calories burned, and route traveled on an interactive map. I may sure my location services is on so my husband can track my route, especially for emergency purposes.  I would recommend having this app and having it on even if you use a Garmin.  You can even effortlessly save and upload your workout data to MapMyRun where you can view your route workout data, and comprehensive workout history. I started using the MapMyRun APP in January, 2012.  I found it very easy to use for my running/training.  I've also used it for tracking my bike rides with my family.  I wear my iphone on my arm and turn the volume up and let it talk to me.  It's a lot of fun!  I'm a huge fan of it and I know you'll like it too!  It also tracks other activities such as biking, stairs, walk, race/race event, treadmill and many others.

I set my fitness for "run" and set it to voice feedback and go for my run!  At each mile it tells me my mileage and pace.

Find running maps and map your running route with MapMyRun.com. Whether you are jogging or marathon training, try our online or mobile running apps free.


Settings Include
distance unit
voice feedback
push notifications
record countdown
split distance
auto pause
keep screen on

Social Posting-Twitter & Facebook settings
Equipment-Heart rate & Other Sensors

 Map Your Route

Know where you're going, see where you've been. We have over 70 million routes to chose from - or be bold and create your own.

Track Your Activity

Record activity with our mobile apps, import data from third-party devices, enter workouts manually and never miss a beat.

Log Your Food

Fitness isn't just an activity, it's a lifestyle. Keep track of what you eat alongside your workouts to get a complete picture of your health.

Share with Friends

Add a social twist to your exercise routine. Get extra encouragement, cheer on your buddies or start a little friendly competition.

GIVEAWAY!!!

 I love this shirt and you have a chance to win one!! MapMyRun is giving away a Brooks brand EZ T 11 Tee for guy or lady moisture-wicking EZ T fabric is softer and lighter than cotton, but way more technically advanced. Looks and feels like a comfy t-shirt, but performs like a tech tee.

To enter, "Like" MapMyRun Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mapmyrun

To get your name in for the drawing, let me know in the comment section below here on my website (irunlong.blogspot.com) that you have done so. Tell your friends about this giveaway!!  Feel free to post this link on your wall and invite them to like the MayMyRun facebook page as well.

Winner must provide a U.S. shipping address to receive the mapmyrun shirt.

Winner must private message me your mailing address at my I Run Long facebook page within one week of winning (https://www.facebook.com/irunlongalways?ref=hl)

Giveaway starts Friday, July 19, 2013 and has been extended to Thursday, August 8, 2013

Thank you and good luck!!!

Love 'Heads Up Bands'...the Review

Heads Up Bands Review by I Run Long /facebook.com/irunlongalways

Okay, friends, you are going to LOVE Heads Up Bands (https://www.facebook.com/HeadsUpBands?fref=ts) that I have been anxious to share with you!!!  I would like to thank Heads Up Bands for the beautiful products they make! I had seen them comment on my page and decided to check their page and saw some really cute headbands! After chatting with the owner, she asked me to go to her website and pick a headband.  That was fun and hard at the same time! The selections are amazing, which made it VERY hard for me to choose. I received my first products from Heads Up bands a couple of weeks and let me tell you, the shipping was super fast! It came on a day I least expected them to and I was eager to open the package! When I opened the package, I was impressed with how nice the headbands looked and felt…quality fabric and nothing cheap looking about it! I have some that are skinny and wide and I love how both sizes fit. These headbands are well made and no fraying or loose threads. The under side is a velvety fabric which I love. It is what helps keep the headband on your head, I feel. I loved the cute Heads Up Bands logo stitched on the inside of headband…very cute! I was really surprised to received more than one headband-WOOT WOOT!! It was like Christmas!!! My college age daughter was standing there watching me with excitement as I opened the pack of headbands up! When I did and pulled out the headbands, we both said, “Ooh!” I knew I was going to hide my headbands from my girls or I’d never see them-ha! ha! The headbands were in product packaging and with care instructions. After oohing and awing over the product, I then slipped one on my head, took a few selfies and recruited my son to snap a few photos to show you!  I loved how the headband fit on my head and couldn’t wait to go for a run in them to try them out.
(Thanks to my daughter for modeling the headbands for me in the collage)

 In the last two weeks, I’ve gone on a few runs.  My longest run last week was 7 miles so that would be a pretty good test.  The headbands REALLY did stay on my head and the elastic band in the back did not slide up the back of my head like poor made headbands I’ve purchased in the past have. They are really comfortable to wear and you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing it and just for fun, one night I decided to wear my headband. Okay, I did not want to take it off and just for kicks was curious how well it stay on. I woke up the next morning with my headband still on my head and pretty much in the same place it was the night before, so you can imagine how well they will stay on during your activity during the day! Impressed!  On my longest run, I really did work up a sweat and my hair got really sweaty so the headband did absorb it pretty good, but stayed on my head just fine. The sweat made it loosen just slightly, normal, so no big deal! I decided to wash it so I folded the headband in half and put some mild soap and water on it and gently hand washed it. Keeping it flat, I ran it under the water and laid it on a towel, folding part of the towel over and pressing the water out of it. I let it lay flat to dry and the next day I put it on. It wasn’t stretched out at all and felt like the first day I tried it on! I was so impressed and I went online and ordered my girls their own headband and one for my youngest to sport at her World Series Softball games coming up next week…a sparkly red headband for her to match her jersey.  Heads Up Bands are perfect for not only running in, but for any sport, special occasions or just for everyday!

(Photos taken of me by my daughter.  All other photos and editing by I Run Long)

The headband designs shown on this blog are;
 Zig Zag (black & white...my personal favorite so far)
1 inch gun metal glitter (seen on my head while holding the other bands)
Regal Tapestry Green
Serendipity Green (with the circles)

Heads Up bands can be worn by all ages.  I'm 42 and love the selections available :)

I am so in love with these headbands and I think you will too. The emails back and forth with the owner have been pleasant and I personally felt a friendship connection with them.  They responded to all of my emails promptly which I felt was impressive as well. So, excellent products, fast shipping, quick response to emails and very helpful about future custom orders. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, HEADS UP BANDS!!!

Like them on facebook at facebook.com/headsupbands and let them know I Run Long sent you ;)
Check out their products on their website at www.headsupbands.com to see more of the awesome headbands in thin and wide sizes and tons of cool designs! You can also get custom headbands that they would be happy to help get you started. There's no set-up fee for that! While there, read about the story of how Heads Up Bands was started and check back soon because Heads Up Bands has offered to give two people a chance to win a couple of headbands and what's cool about that, you get to pick your own styles! Thank you!!!

fRAN at I Run Long ,a very happy customer!!!

Deuce Brand Review

DEUCE BRAND REVIEW

A big shout out to Deuce Brand for designing these cool, functional sport wrist watches that are water proof!  As an endurance runner I love wearing this lightweight watch for everyday use. These Deuce Brand watches are super fun!  There are several styles,but this one is a G2 style. I LOVE IT!! They are partners with the NBA, NCAA and are worn on the wrists of athletes across the globe. I also love the cool Deuce Brand see-through boxes they come in with an easy removable lid.  I’m loving the idea of while on my training road runs I don’t need to avoid the water sprinklers or swimming pool areas.  They are fashionable, lightweight and made of silicone.  Mine is hot pink and the one I’ll be giving away to one lucky reader is neon yellow.  They come in different sizes, xs-xl

• 14.5 cm (Kids / Petite Women)
• 16 cm (Standard Women)
• 17 cm (Small male)
• 18 cm (Standard Male)
• 19 cm (Large Male)

The Deuce G2 is designed for the TRUE athlete & trend setter. Not only can you Surf, Hoop, Skate, and Work Out in the G2, but Deuce created this watch to represent! Fresh new colors, custom color-ways and all the same colors that you love in ‘The Original’ Series. The G2 is made with a sporty look and thicker silicone band which can still be worn in a multitude occasions while adding that flavor that you need to complete your outfit.

Please like them on facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/DeuceBrand?fref=ts 

You can check out their Website at www.DeuceBrand.com and on 

TWITTER at https://twitter.com/deucebrand

To be entered for the giveaway

1.   Go and “like” the Deuce Brand facebook page and let them know ‘I Run Long’ sent you and then comment in the comment section below to have your name entered.

2.   For a second entry ‘share’ my review to your wall on facebook and be sure to let me know that as well.

Giveaway starts, July 8, 2013 and ends Monday, July 15th.  The winner must live in the U.S. and must respond with their mailing address within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

Thank you, Deuce Brand!!!
 

fRAN at www.facebook.com/irunlongalways