Showing posts with label fundraising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fundraising. Show all posts

Fundraising for a great cause!

Remember earlier when Jackie wrote a guest post about Team Determination?


Elizabeth @ Just Me & My Running Shoes has run with them before, and is doing it again, for her 3rd full marathon! Next up is the Rock N Roll Mardi Gras Marathon March 4th!

Her raffle includes great prizes like Yurbuds, Allied Steel displays, Go Girl Sport wear, Spibelts, Road IDs and more!!

And its for an awesome cause to raise money for the American Cancer Society. So I highly recommend you check it out, HERE!

>>>READ MORE

Guest Post... Running with Determination!

Cancer Charity Marathons Offer Runners New Motivation and Support
By: Jackie Clark

Do you already enjoy marathon running? Or are you a runner who has thought for some time about entering a marathon but are still daunted by the prospect? In either case, the American Cancer Society offers a program to help committed marathoners bring new meaning to their running and to give less experienced or first-time marathoners new motivation and support to sign up for an event.

The American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program offers runners training assistance and other perks in exchange for their commitment to go the 26.2-mile distance to raise money for research in the fight against cancer, including mesothelioma.



Numerous marathons and other endurance events, including half marathons and triathlons, qualify for the DetermiNation program. You can find participating events near you, or at destinations you’d like to visit, at determination.acsevents.org.

By competing and raising funds in these events runners can help fund research to find a cure for various forms of cancer and a better prognosis and improved life expectancy for those who do receive a cancer diagnosis.

Fund-raising marathons offer runners a higher level of motivation, purpose and sense of accountability to encourage them to put in the training miles necessary to prepare for a marathon. As you raise funds for the fight against cancer, you can receive further motivation when you choose to run in tribute or memory of a family member or friend who has fought the battle against cancer.

By signing up to participate in a DetermiNation event you can receive a variety of benefits to help you prepare and enjoy the event. These benefits include:
• Free team training, which can be adapted to your beginning fitness level, schedule and lifestyle
• Online tools that help you achieve your fundraising goals by making it convenient for friends and family to pledge their financial support
• Invitations to social events open only to Determination registrants
• A special DetermiNation racing shirt
• Mentoring and encouragement from coaches and team members
• VIP amenities available only to DetermiNation team members during race weekend – such as access to an American Cancer Society tent, massages, changing areas, a place to check your gear, and more

Through fund-raising efforts such as DetermiNation, runners can find new reason and purpose in training for and crossing the finish line of a marathon. Learn more HERE.



Personally, I think fundraising for a race is AWESOME when your passionate about the cause. Maybe team determination, Team in Training, or Train to End Stroke is for you! 
Have you ever ran with a charity?


>>>READ MORE

Boston?

Today I've been reading a lot of Boston Marathon Race recaps

Mel @ Tall Mom HERE
Katye @ Longs Legs On the Loose HERE
Beth @ SUAR Part 1, Part 2
Dorothy @ Mile Posts HERE

I don't live far from Boston, 1.5 hours at most. I've never had a desire to run it before. My friend Speedy trooper runs it every year with the rest of his state trooper buddies, and I always track his results. My brother, who lives in Boston, volunteers every year, and ran the 5K this year. When I told Speedy trooper that I would be doing the Disney marathon, he said "Why don't you do a real marathon like Boston or Chicago?" To me, a marathon is still a marathon, but WOW how amazing does Boston seem after reading all these race reports!

Now clearly I am a slow runner. I will never BQ. A 3:40 marathon is probably well over an hour past my reach. I am passionate about Stroke research and education, having done the Kona Half with Train to End Stroke in 2008. I vaguely remembered "Tedy's Team", Patriot's player Tedy Bruschi's team for the Boston Marathon that raises funds for the American Stroke Association. Maybe this will be in my future someday soon? Having the inspiration of my stroke patients I work with daily are enough to get me through anything. 


Today I managed a run. A short run. My back was achy, I haven't stretched in probably a week, and I just wasn't really feeling it. After 2 miles, I called it quits and stretched for a good 20 minutes. Tomorrow is a scheduled swim & strength day, I am crossing my fingers my lazy butt will wake up for it. 

Have you checked out my Run to Home Base Raffle yet?? All donations benefit injured war vets & there are some fabulous prizes to win! Please help me reach my goal (I have over $200 to reach my goal!). Visit HERE!

Don't forget my Optimal Nutrition giveaway HERE!


>>>READ MORE

I've found it! (plus giveaways & winners!)

Saturday was my St. Pattys day 10K complete with the Tutu (race recap eventually).  After the race, I seriously thought about how I need to stay focused with my nutrition and really follow weight watchers to lose some of this weight. So sunday I had an awesome 80 min trainer ride while watching Jersey Shore, and today I spent the morning working on total immersion techniques at the pool & lifting. Then tonight, I pumped out another 58 min trainer ride while watching gossip girl. To top it off, my nutrition has been great all day, and I'm feeling really positive about staying on track this week!

In case you haven't noticed, I have a TON of giveaways going on right now!


1. My Fundraising Raffle for the Run to Home Base HERE. I am still over $500 from my goal. I challenge you to tell people this week about the Run to Home Base program. If you can get 10 people to donate $1 to you, then you have yourself a donation & raffle entry! Not only will you earn your raffle entries by posting HERE, but reply to this post with the word 'BONUS' after your 'spread the word' donation and get an extra 5 entries past what you've already earned.



2. My Moving Comfort Bra giveaway HERE. Enter by 3/28!

The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete

3. My pay it forward book giveaway for the Long Run & 17 Hours to Glory HERE, ends 3/26!



4. My Gone for a Run giftcard giveaway HERE, ends 3/31!

And.... I just realized I never picked a winner for my arctic ease giveaway!




Off to track my food & plan for tomorrow!


>>>READ MORE

germs, vegas, and prizes!

I hate that just as I start to get my workout mojo back, I start to get sick. I'm thinking lack of sleep over the weekend, a crappy diet the last week, and everyone sick at work are to blame. Tuesday night I guzzled 3 cups of green tea, and wednesday morning I had DayQuil, Airborne, and green tea before heading to work. Today though, I'm feeling stuffy, headachy, exhausted, and have a sore throat. I'm skipping work in favor of more rest and healing. Mayyyybe I'll see if I feel up the gym later. But for now, after I get things straightened out, its back to bed. Then maybe I'll have some time to clean my bathroom and work on my tri training schedule.

Aimee @ I Tri to Be Me suggested I try following an Olympic training plan to keep my mileage base up. So I've searching around online for ideas on one I like. So far what I'm not liking is longer than an hour in the pool! I don't think I've ever swam for that long! I'll need to get the waterproof Ipod case just to keep me occupied. I am excited to use my new swim cap from REI though!


Guess what came in my email...


Shelley was already begging me to do this race, but it being so close to Disney 2012, I'm not sure if it will be a smart financial decision. My credit card is still hurting & waiting for my tax return to settle last vacations bills. I am reasoning with myself saying they are a month apart, and I have a coupon code for Disney & could probably find one for Vegas or wait to sign up till I'm at RnR Providence. I just think it would be extra awesome to run the beautiful strip at night!

I also got an email about the Danskin Tri in Webster. It is now scheduled for July 24, which may make it warm enough to go without the wetsuit!

In other news.... like my Power Balance giveaway!


We had 71 entries all together (with the bonus entries from my raffle donations), with the winner being Miss Zippy! Maybe the power balance mojo will help Miss Zippy get rid of her injuries and run happy again!
email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize by saturday.

Another BIG Thank you to all of you who have donated to my Run to Home Base Fundraising Raffle!
So far I have raised $205 through the raffle to help support injured vets of war. Thank you to each & every one of you who have donated.
This past friday, Elizabeth @ Canyon Cairns won herself a pair of CEP compression shorts!
You can win some fabulous prizes and support a great cause by checking it out HERE!
The next winner will be chosen tomorrow.

I also noticed that I am over 200 followers!! Welcome to all new followers and thank you to everyone new and old for following. Knowing I have you all to keep me accountable and to support me, help me get better and stronger all the time. Thanks for reading, now back to bed for me!

>>>READ MORE

Disney Sneak Peak!

I'm back from Disney!

What a fabulous weekend, we had an amazing time, despite my friend A's ride to the medical tent with a DNF (more on that later). Gorgeous weather, a little sunburn, and some fabulous food and bling rounded out the weekend.

Here's a sneak peak....




A slow (but fun!) finish of 2:58:00!

I promise to post a vacay recap and race report very soon!

Please please please
Don't forget to enter my Run to Home Base Fundraising Raffle HERE!
I haven't had any donations since the first week, so lets keep them coming!
Remember you can win some fabulous prizes like CEP socks/shorts, Allied Steel Displays, Inperspire towels, iFitness belts and more by making a donation to help injured war vets!

Also check me out HERE, I'm Run Courtney Run's Runner of the week!



>>>READ MORE

Home Base Raffle

On May 22, 2011 I will be running a 9K at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox!
This is a run put on by the Red Sox Foundation & Massachusetts General Hospital to help raise money to help treat veterans of war, specifically with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & traumatic brain injury (TBI). I am running with my brother in honor of Sgt. Mark Ecker, a soldier from my home town who lost both his legs in afghanistan, and later died in a car accident. I am also running with my friend Lindsey who is currently serving in the airforce over in afghanistan.

I have committed to raising at least $1,000, and would appreciate your help to meet that goal HERE!
I am holding a MAJOR fundraising raffle with some fabulous prizes from some amazing, generous companies that want to help me make a difference!

The Fabulous Prizes.... 


1. Allied Steel Medal Display of choice Won by Kayla!
"Mounting hardware and instructions are included with each display! They are cut from heavy gauge stainless steel for a smooth, grained finish." The perfect way to display your race bling!

2. Prize pack (3 winners) featuring:   all 3 won!
An Inperspire Fitness Towel 

"When you make time to go to the gym, go for a run, or exercise at home we want your workouts to be nothing less than inspired. That is why we came up with the idea of high quality inspirational fitness towels.Our philosophy is that everyone can be healthy... sometimes we just need a little motivation to help us along the way."



















"The simple premise of Bondi Bands is to offer comfy, colorful, and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality." 

1 pair of Chrissy's Knee high socks

"Let’s face it, if you are going to wear socks, why not wear ones that are stylish, fashionable or sexy!"


3. Punk Rock Racing T & Running Training LogWon by Jill
choose your own size & color!
"Because we just can’t bring ourselves to wear a “Will Run for Beer” shirt, Punk Rock Racing has created another way to pledge your allegiance to the art-of-movement while offering a tip-of-the-hat to one of the coolest pop-rock bands ever. Just like all the other shirts, it is cotton and offered in a unisex and girl cut option."

Training Log was donated by Whitney @ Running with Whit

4. CEP compression Shorts Won by Elizabeth
"The CEP Compression Tri Shorts represents a unique new version of what you've known as triathlon racing apparel. The shorts feature a compressive knit in the leg section which absorbs less than 3% moisture and dries very quickly. Constructed with an upper and lower section, the compression Tri shorts offer an incredible amount of compression for the quads and hamstrings for a truly new experience in muscle oscillation dampening." 

5. CEP compression sleeves or socks Won by Jess!


"The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance."

6. $30 Gift certificate to Silver Maple Jewelry & 1 Sweaty Band Won by Jess
"We use sterling silver and copper in our creations. Many of our pieces are hand-cut and filed from a sheet of metal, allowing us to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. By hand, we stamp, distress, brush, and polish each piece to provide a vintage-inspired look. The meaning is special and the look is subtle but beautiful."

"We’ve turned perspiration into a fashion sensation! Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while! Slip into one today and become a Sweaty Bands believer."

7. Road ID Prizepack contains: Won by Karen
  • ecard
  • hat
  • socks


"If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just a person who doesn't sit on the couch all day, Road ID is for you. This awesome piece of gear not only looks good but it could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 6 different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."

8. GU Sampler Pack won by Sara
GU Energy Gels - includes each flavor of the workhorse of endurance nutrition Roctane Gels - when you really need to dig deep on that long training run, ride or race Chomps Packets - mix things up a bit with this delicious and chewable form of energyGU Electrolyte Brew Packets - a great tasting, balanced electrolyte mix to improve hydration GU Recovery Brew Packet - use after workouts to recover faster and perform better the next time out 

9. Run Naked giftcard Won by Lesley
"When you are running in low light conditions, bits of reflection on your shoes usually doesn’t cut it. Reflector vests can seem like a punishment of discomfort. Reflection will only protect us if we wear it. Run Naked Sports is making reflection fun."

10. iFitness Neoprene Hydration Belt in black won by Sara
  • Water resistant pouch, stretchy and sturdy, made of neoprene will keep your cell phone or iPod (any size) dry. 
  • Two 6oz  bottles (BPA free)
  • elastic slots will hold your gels on your belt, for easy access.
  • A special inner pocket will keep your ID/credit cards or room key securely.
  • Comes with two reflector strips in the front and one in the back, for night time safety.
  • Also featured are two toggles to hold your race number, under the pouch


11. iFitness mini sport belt in military green won by Mary



















  • This unique Mini Sport Belt™ was designed to fit all your essentials. It will hold a BlackBerry/iPhone and 3-4 GU's.
  •  Stretchable and strong pouch will hold your items close to your body comfortably, without bouncing or riding up.
  • One size fits all (adjustable)
  • Special inner pocket will keep your ID/credit cards in place.
  • Can be used as a race number belt – just pin your race bib.
  • Machine washable – cold, dry flat.


12. iFitness Arm Gel Holder in grey
(plus a special collection of Gu from me!)
13. Laura Elaine designs Race Bib Book  won by Jess
"Looking for a great way to store your race bibs? The Runner's Race Bib Book is for you! It measures 8" by 11" in landscape orientation, will hold up to 10 of your race bibs, and is decorated with scrapbook paper, cardstock, die-cuts, and stickers." You can work with Laura to design an album of your choice!

14. Vera Bradley 2011 Organizer in Night & Day & Lunch bag in Blue Rhapsody
"Keep a date with style! This bright and beautiful planner makes staying on track easy. Tabs separate calendar months (August 2010-December 2011) and sections. Includes 164 pages with lists, two built-in pockets, bookmark and sticker sheet. Updated for more flexibility--Mini Notebook pages now fit this planner's three-ring binder design."


"Make lunch a real treat with our new lunch bag. Designed to hold most pre-packaged frozen meals or a thermos, it's lined in a new vinyl-backed taffeta with a slip pocket and a large zippered opening for easy access. We also added an ID window on the side to eliminate any mix-ups in the lunch room or cafeteria."

15. Under Armour Recharge Recovery Shirt (size Med)
“UA compression gets your muscles back to full strength faster. Strategic compression promotes muscle repair and decreases the amount of time your muscles are sore. It helps to reduce swelling caused by exertion and impact. Anti-odour technology is used and UPF.” Women’s sz. Medium

Overall, there will be 17 winners!
(maybe more if I get more donations)

How to Win
Mandatory:
Make a Donation HERE to my fundraising page
leave me a comment that you did!
$10 = 5 entries
$25 = 15 entries
$30 = 25 entries
$40 or > = 2x the dollar amount

Bonus entries:
(please leave a comment for each)
1. Share the news! Post to facebook, twitter or your blog (+1 for each)
2. Have a special blog post dedicated to this raffle (+2)
3. Donate within the first week (+1)

There will be more bonus entries announced as the raffle progresses

A new winner will be chosen each friday, until all prizes are won.
When you are chosen as a winner, email me with your prize choice!
Yes, that means you pick your own prize!

Please help me support our veterans and win some great stuff in the process!
From the Run to Home Base website: 
"In New England, an estimated 50,000 veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are affected by TBI and/or combat stress. These invisible wounds of war are extremely complex, highly individualized and extraordinarily difficult for all those affected. Families of veterans suffering from combat stress and/or traumatic brain injury often need support and guidance as they seek ways to better understand and support their loved veteran. Many veterans struggle with the stigma associated with these injuries and the so called "invisible wounds" caused by battlefield experiences. While anxiety and distress may not be as obvious as the physical wounds of war, the scars are just as painful and deep. Such injuries require attention and treatment by a team of providers who are familiar with and experienced in the complexities of combat stress and traumatic brain injury." 

You can find more information on the program at HERE 
Thanks in advance for your help to help me support a great cause!

>>>READ MORE

weekend plans & Gu winner!

Even though I'm back from NOLA, I've been having trouble getting on track with eating. My goal for the weekend is to get back to my weight watchers tracking. At least until leaving for Disney, then I'll allow myself a break. 

As far as running? I was so sore after RnR, I thought Disney would be a fun race with lots of walking & pictures for sure. Now my legs have recovered & I'm feeling pretty good, like maybe I'll actually be able to run a good portion of the race! I still plan on this being a fun race though and stopping for pictures and whatnots along the way!I have an 8 miler scheduled with Shelley on sunday, and I have a massage today. All to prep me for next weekend. I have been craving to ride my bike, but the trainer will have to do for today.


Later today, I'm heading out with my mom to go car shopping. She wants a new Ford Escape, and I want a new car too, but I won't be getting a new one right now. A friend of mine works for Ford and is signing my mom up for his friends and family discount, sweet! Plus we have red sox/yankee tickets to buy today! We won the lottery and will hopefully be able to get a 4 pack to  a weekend game. Taxes are on my agenda for later today or tomorrow as well, how fun haha

oh ya......


Gu Winner?
Elizabeth @ Canyon Carins!
She's currently mapping out her triathlon race schedule for the summer (something I need to focus on!)

congrats & email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com so I can get your info to Scott for your prize!

Lastly, I will be posting my BIG fundraising raffle TODAY!!
I have a couple more prizes on the way, but the complete list won't be needed until we start getting some winners, so lets get some entries! I am so excited for this, and I hope you are too! Check it out later today!

>>>READ MORE