-

-

Monday, October 15, 2012

Swagnar: It's all about the Running Gear - Ragnar Relay Series Giveaway

The folks at Ragnar Relay (HERE) have asked me to discuss running gear and some of my favorites.  My pleasure.

I tell all of my Couch to 5K clients at their first meeting -- that it's "all about the running gear".  And as their mind and body transform over that nine week session - I find that this becomes true for many of them.  They may not all wear brightly colored Bondi Bands or invest in hot pink knee-high compression socks.  But, they enjoy telling me about all of their cheap finds on the local running store sales rack, the running shorts they found at the local retail store or the pack of wicking socks that they snagged online.  It's all a great investment in your wardrobe and a great investment in yourself.  You look good -- you feel good -- you motivate yourself to do more.  It's plain and simple.

Other than the need for a great pair of properly fit running shoes ... Here are some of my favorite pieces of running gear .. a must-have for most women of all shapes and sizes.


Sports Bras:  Handful Bras (HERE)

These bras seriously are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  A good sports bra is a necessity for us women.  Another thing that Running Dudes don't need to worry about our invest in.  I hate sports bras with really thick straps and that feel restricting and tight.  These bras are adjustable and even have removable pads.  They help you hold your shape and keep you from bouncing around.  They state that they flatter; not flatten.  I totally admit this.  They are very feminine and come in some great colors.  I wore one at Chicago Marathon earlier this month and didn't even THINK about my bra.

















Headbands:  Bondi Bands (HERE)
 
These headbands keep the sweat out of my eyes.  When I chopped off my hair, back in 2008, I couldn't pull it back.  These were a great alternative to the pony tail at the time.  As my hair has grown out a bit, these have keep my hair out of the way of my workout.  And, they've kept the sweat out of my eyes.  I own dozens and dozens and have one to go with every outfit.  They work great with or without a pony tail.  I'm addicted.  Now, so are you!




















CEP Compression Socks (HERE)

I LOVE compression socks.  They help keep my legs nice and fresh and I really think they have helped my recovery time after long runs marathon events.  They are great for spring and fall, when the weather is a bit in between - and you are ready for running tights or pants.  They are super cute, flirty and come in tons of bright colors.


















NorthFace Running Tights (HERE)

I am not a big fan of running tights.  I run a lot of miles, but still have thighs ... and hips.  I'm cury.  These running tights really hold me in and make me look more slender.  They even stay in place when I am active and the fabric is totally breathable.  They are great, when paired with a running skirt or shorts.  Unfortunately, the cooloer weather is upon us now.  But, I even feel comfortable wearing these solo (gasp!).  Go ahead, check 'em out.





















Amphipod Handheld Water Bottle (HERE)

I love my handheld water bottles.  I run with them all year long.  Even in winter.  I tell all of my new clients about them and they quickly become addicted, too.  I have them in every shape and size.  I use the smaller ones for my 5K runs with clients.  And, I found this Amphipod Handheld water bottle over the summer.  It's been perfect for my long runs.  I even carried it the entire 26.2 miles at Chicago Marathon this month.  I don't need to stop at all of the water stations.  Or I fill it up with water and only pick up sports drink at the water stations.  The curve in the bottle make it really easy to hold ... for 4+ hours.  I also like the pockets these bottles have - easy to store energy gels, bars, change, and a small cell phone.









This summer, I competed in Ragnar Relay (HERE) Chicago.   Twelve of us crazy bloggers ran 200 miles (combined) from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois in June.  Yeah, I know.  Sounds crazy.
 
Ragnar has asked me and some other rock-star bloggers from around the country and Canada to participate in Ragnar Relay in California next spring.  I'm hoping to be able to fly out and participate.

In the meantimem ... they've asked the twelve of us to participate in a virtual relay ... a Swagnar Relay.  You are getting twelve opportunities to WIN cool Ragnar Swag prizes!! 

Check out this cool Ragnar Fitted performance Jacket!!! 
Ragnar Fitted Performance Jacket (HERE)
Estimated Retail Value: $65


Want it??  Want more???
Keep reading ......


















 
*****************************

One lucky winner will win a
Ragnar Fitted Performance Jacket (HERE)
Estimated Retail Value:  $65

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT
 
3 – Visit the Ragnar Relay website HERE and tell me why you want to become a Ragnarian. LEAVE ME A COMMENT
4 – Become a fan of Ragnar Relay on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. (Tweet using the #Swagnar hashtag and including @Ragnarrelay in the Tweet.)  LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.
Enter now - through 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 17th.

Did you enter?  Do you want more cool, Ragnar Swag?!?
Get on with your SWAGNAR bad-self ....









Now - go visit Thad at RunnerDude (HERE), who I’m passing the virtual baton to on October 18th for your chance to win the next prize in the Ragnar Swagnar Relay!
Good luck!

314 comments:

  1. I follow your blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow RDM on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have seriously wanted to do a Ragnar for years. I was jealous of your trip to Chicago. I've considered the Winona one (but it is really hilly!). Some day...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I liked Ragnar on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a stalker! Well, I follow you on FB and your blog....kind of a stalker.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I want to become a ragnarian because I've read all the blogger stories and stories from my friends who have ran it--I think it would be an awesome experience!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I want to do Ragnar because of the team!! How fun to spend ALLL that time with other amazing ladies!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm a blog follower!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I follow Ragnar Relay on FB.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm also a fan on facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have a lot of running buddies that have done Ragnar relays and they rave about it! I told them that I want to do it this next year because they look like so much fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like Ragnar on facebook too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/pace_of_laurel/status/258036862478856192

    ReplyDelete
  14. I want to do a ragnar because it's a once in a lifetime experience!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I want to be a Ragnarian because it looks like an awesome experience! I'm planning to do Madison to Chicago in 2013!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I already liked Ragnar on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  17. I tweeted a link to this post (as @not_margaret)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wanna do a ragnar because it looks like every has so much freakin fun at every race.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I want to run ragnar because I just like to run in general.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Already like you on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Liked you on FB

    ReplyDelete
  23. I know several people who run Ragnar and LOVE it! Someday I want to try!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Liked Ragnar on FB

    ReplyDelete
  25. Posted Giveaway to my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would love to become a Ragnarian! What a fun way to spend time with your friends and meet other runners!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I liked Ragnar Relay on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I shared this giveaway on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I want to become a ragnarian because there's nothing like distance running. I almost got to do it this year, but so very bummed when it didn't work. Can't imagine that accomplishment

    ReplyDelete
  30. gfc eclairre(at)ymail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I want to Ragnar because it sounds like a blast and it would be awesome to run Miami to Key West!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am already a fan of Ragnar on Facebook! That's how I found out about the relay style giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/heelschica07/status/258092436520304640

    ReplyDelete
  34. And it's posted on my blog! http://heelsrunningtheworld.blogspot.de/2012/10/giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a follower of your blog. You may be inspiring me to try a marathon next year. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. My friends and I are considering a ragnar next year. It would be fun to run be part of a team.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I also like Ragnar on facebook. Great resource. Great way to hook up with teams.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I've run one Ragnar and it was a blast, it would be fun to try another one!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm a follower! ANd a Ragnar homie!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm already a Ragnarian but would love to repeat!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have friends who did Ragnar and said it was so much fun

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am a Ragnarian (with you)!! Panty Raiders rule, would love to do it again!

    ReplyDelete
  43. You know I'm already a Ragnarian! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I have ran the NW Passage relay twice with family. It was a great time to spend with family and everyone push their running limits.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Running a Ragnar sounds way more fun than a marathon ...

    ReplyDelete
  46. I will be a Ragnarian in 2013 to challenge myself and make new friends.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like you on Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I visited the Ragnar website. I'm already a Ragnarian and couldn't be happier. My hope is to get my husband on board!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I follow Ragnar on Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. I posted this giveaway on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am already a Ragnarian - I did So Cal 2012 - and it wasn't the greatest experience - extreme heat and a not so fun team. So I am looking forward to my next Ragnar experience in Vegas next month!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Im a follower of your on FB as well!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Just Liked Ragnar Relay on FB! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'll be back for my second shot at Ragnar Chicago in June. I have a bit of unfinished business with that course. :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm a fan of Ragnar Relays on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  56. And I would love to experience a ragnar race. I think it would be a great way to get to know people, but also a great way to have a different race experience from the regular 10ks marathons, etc...

    ReplyDelete
  57. I AM a Ragnarian. I love them and am definitely a fan on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I've ran the Florida Keys, Wasatch Back, and Las Vegas Ragnar. I love being a Ragnarian and I want that jacket so badly!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I follow your blog on my Google Reader.

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Also, I'm a Running Diva Mom facebook fan.

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. And a Ragnar Facebook Fan.

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I want to become a Ragnarian because you are doing the race with friends and you become really close when running and riding in the van together.

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. oooooo radddd I am a blog follower!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to take on the challenge of becoming a Ragnarian

    ReplyDelete
  65. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/WhineLess/status/258295794094977024

    ReplyDelete
  66. I already like you on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I want to be a Ragnarian so bad. I participated in my first relay in August and I'm hooked. I have always wanted to do Ragnar. It's on my bucket list.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I tweeted the giveaway ~ windyrunner

    ReplyDelete
  69. I posted the giveaway on my blog ~ sidebar giveaway section.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I posted the giveaway on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'm a follower of your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. I have run Wasatch Back, running Vegas in a few weeks, and Wasatch Back again next June! I love Ragnar. It's so much fun and such an accomplishment for me. I NEED that jacket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I'm already a HUGE fan of Ragnar Relay on Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. I posted the Ragnar Swagnar on my Facebook! I NEED that jacket !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I am a your newest Facebook fan!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I want to run a ragnar because I know others who have and it seems just crazy enough to be fun!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I tweeted the Ragnar Swagnar Giveaway on Twitter!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I am a Ragnarian and its freakin AWESOME!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I like you and ragnar on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  80. I am really excited that next month I will become a Ragnarian! I want to be a Ragnarian because "all the cool kids are doing it!" haha Ragnar has always been a bucket list run for me!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Following your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I like Ragnar on fb

    ReplyDelete
  83. Ragnar is a blast--I follow on FB, too. And your suggestions on running gear are great, thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Interesting blog. Will participate in my first Ragnar Relay in January, looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I LOVE Ragnar! I like them on facebook and participated in one!
    megsellner@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I am a Ragnarian because it's awesome running at night when you aren't quite sure of where you are going!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I am a follower of your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  88. I follow your blog :) I LOOOOVE Ragnar and I'm running Del Sol in February :)

    ReplyDelete
  89. I am a proud Ragnarian!! - twice over :)

    ReplyDelete
  90. I'm already a fan of Ragnar on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I am a ragnarian and FEB 2012 will be my 2nd ragnar I plan to continue the tradition every year and hopefully can do it in another state as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  92. Running tends to be such a solo sport, but it looks like being a Ragnarian really turns it into a social event. Can't wait to run one!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I'm a fan of the Ragnar Relay on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I am a Ragnarian! Ran the Northwest passage and LOVED it!!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I posted this link on my facebook:)

    ReplyDelete
  96. I shared your link on my FB page!! I would love this jacket, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I'm excited to follow your blog...loving your reviews already!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Great blog, glad I'm now following it!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I follow your blog! Great stuff! Great info!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Now following you on FB...♥ the pictures. Laughed out loud at the hoodie that says "Your workout is my warmup"! That's as good as, "I eat half marathons for breakfast!"

    ReplyDelete
  101. I have never been one that enjoyed running. My husband is a Ragnarian and always has so much fun with the relays...it has given him a passion for running. He signed me up to do the Vegas Ragnar. I am hoping to find that same passion for running!!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I liked the Running Diva Mom Facebook page

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'm following your blog now. I liked you on FB and have liked Ragnar on FB for a long time. My friends and I will be running our first Ragnar in Key West Jan 2013. We are Running Diva Moms!

    ReplyDelete
  104. First Ragnar will be Wasatch Back 2013...have only done 1 mini-relay (4 people - 50 miles) and it left me wanting more. CANNOT wait for June!!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I first heard about the Ragnar Relay through a good friend of mine. I was doubtful at first since I am not a distance runner, however, I saw it as a great and fun challenge. I am a big proponent of "you start something, you finish it, and you damn well finish it good." I see this as a great opportunity to make friends, get fit, build character, and get healthy. How could I not win?

    ReplyDelete
  106. I follow the Ragnar Relay fan page.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I let Ragnar FB know you sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Shared this contest on my FB wall.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Visited the Ragnar site! My first Ragnar was Wasatch Back this summer. I loved it so much that I'm making the trip down to Vegas next month for another!

    ReplyDelete
  110. I tweeted about the competition (twitter handle: @_Nixo)

    ReplyDelete
  111. I commented on facebook and sent a message to you and Ragnar:D Ive been following them for a long time and I also followed you:)

    ReplyDelete