Tag Archives: giveaway

HGtv for Runners (a Giveaway)

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We’ve moved quite a few times in the last few years. Like, 4x in 4 years, and each time I’m all hell-bent on “making THIS place feel like home!” A massive trip to Ikea ensues, and either the $100+ of knicknacks and tea towels don’t make the immediate transformation I imagined while drunk on Sweedish agoraphobia or I let the projects gather dust for months years before actually letting them do any work.

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bedroom wedding collage – bought the frames a week after moving to the place before where we live now

The next few months are always a blur of aimless ventures to TJ Homegoods and World Market, and lofty plans to “go thrifting” (which I’ve never actually done) to finish the homey mission. And before I know it we’re packing again and the place looks just like it did when we moved in.

In an effort to reign in some unnecessary stress in the throw pillow aisle, this time we moved – ahem, 9 months ago - I coined a “theme” to each room. This is undoubtedly not a breakthrough method to interior decorating, but I admittedly am not much of an HGtv’er and probably carry more Y chromosomes than your typical froufrou female.

I’ve been wanting to make a change to the guest room/office for a while, and knew running needed a little more of a shoutout than it was getting. But with limited space and a pretty adamant case against clutter and lots of color, I wanted something other than your traditional medal hanger or shadow box collage.

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race clutter currently haunting my dreams from two rooms over. I’m the messiest clutter-hater in all the land.

When I found RACER frames I knew they’d be perfect for what I was looking for – simple yet interesting design, easy to swap/update with new “BEST RACE EVERRRR” memories, and no-husband-required mounting.

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better quality B&W prints are in the mail to swap out, but it’s pretty sweet if I do say so myself.

Maybe you want/need to do some redecorating yourself? Let your Runnerd Design Star shine? Finally do something with that stack of bibs you swore you’d do something with a year ago?

Let me help.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Option 1 : Enter to win my giveaway for one RACER Wall Frame

(one entry for each – MUST leave a separate comments to count)

  • Comment with your favorite race/memory that you’ll feature in your frame. (mandatory) 
  • Tweet (optional)- must include me (@SarahOUaL) and #artofracing (remember not to lead off with an @ – otherwise your followers won’t see unless they follow that person as well!)
  • Facebook (optional)- tag RACER (+myracer)

Option 2 : Use code “ARTOFRACING” for 25% off your entire RACER order at checkout

AND THE RADDEST PART…

Option 2 BONUS : Every order placed using the “artofracing” code will be entered into a drawing for a FREE RACE ENTRY of the winner’s choice! (up to $200 value)

!!!

So there you go. A chance for a free wall frame, a killer discount code, and a drawing for a free race of your choice. Saddle up – race season is among us!

Sarah OUaL

Winner of the frame will be chosen at random on Friday 3/8 at noon PST. Discount code good through 3/15. Free race winner will be announced 3/22.

5 Days of Taper Giveaway – Oiselle

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I can’t believe it’s the last day of taper. Or that I actually managed to get all these posts up and on time. This has been super fun and I’m sad it’s over – mostly because that means race weekend is here and I’m simultaneously scared shitless and ready to freaking run 26.2 miles.

Anyway, my newest superbly-hydrated friend is…

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Congrats Jennie! I’ll email you with details on how to claim your Nuun gift set and also the details for my flight to SLC because holy crap that sounds so good. See you soon.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And on the last day of taper, OUaL (with the help of some birds) put an end to poofy diaper butt.

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the running shorts metamorphisis

I really didn’t expect the Rogas to have such an effect on the way I looked at running clothes. I was perfectly content with my brand medley of clearance rack finds – purchased solely on color or discount, with no thought to fit, functionality, or durability.

But then I got a peak of them at the Marathon Trials.

I knew nothing about them other than how great they looked. No idea about the fit, material, or that the woman running in them was actually the one who designed them. All I knew was they were like no other running short I’d seen, and I wanted them.

So I badgered @Oiselle pretty much daily begging to know when “the awesome pink shorts from Houston” would be available. $44 was more than I’d ever spent on non-shoe running gear, but once I got those Violet Rogas in my hands I knew the splurge was a worthy investment.

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Insta-obsession

It was love at first touch, first wear, first debut run. I was a goner – officially on the Roga Revolution and never looking back.

The fit is super flattering – a slim cut that is somehow neither too-tight nor too-baggy – and the material is tissue’y soft with just the right amount of stretch. The yoga-style waistband adds detail and eases even the most paranoid of muffin-top fears.

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I was a little self-conscious of the more figure-hugging cut at first – I never ran XC or track and the thought of “shorties” or “bun huggers” or spandex in general makes me a little nervous. Not that the Rogas are anywhere near that level of skimpiness, I was just “aware” of the missing extra material swishing around I was used to. (Oiselle does have a Long Roga if you prefer extra coverage)

That didn’t last long.

They come in great color combos, and I’ve got it on the inside track that Spring13 has some incredible new colors and PATTERNS in store…

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from Oiselle’s FB

Plus, on top of everything else, I swear to Runner’s World these things don’t ride. No more tugging material out of your crotch mid-run!

Looks AND functionality? Major win-win.

As far as sizing/fit goes, I’m a universal Medium in pretty much all brands/styles, and the Roga is no different. (Keep in mind I’m 5’9”, so everything gets a little extra leg and seems a little shorter than normal.)

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In medium Nike Tempos for size comparison

Every one I’ve seen in them (and after Totally Trials, I’ve seen a lot of roga’d booties) looks incredible. Regardless of how firm or flat, how Shakira hip’y, or how much space there is (or isn’t) between your thighs. Whether your main race concern is chub rub or catching the lead pack, you’ll love these shorts.

They’re magic. I want you to see for yourself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yup, up for grabs for the final 5 Days of Taper is a pair of Oiselle Roga Shorts. AND, because Oiselle is awesome and always looking out for their fellow runners, they’re going to throw in a matching tee to go with them!

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Here’s how to enter :

  • I want to hear your MOST EMBARASSING run story. Wardrobe malfunction? Portapotty faux pas? Snot Rocket gone awry? Spill it. (if you’ve got too much good juju to have a story, just make one up)

I had a portapotty opened on me at HTC, have let out seemingly-silent farts on the gym treadmill, and took a tree branch to the face while turning to wave to a friend. But popping a pull-the-spandex-to-the-side squat at Eugene (so ladylike) and being “congratulated” at the finish by two dudes that passed me during it takes the cake. Not that I had any energy to care or be embarrassed at the time.

*** Update *** Now everyone can be saved from the diaper butt! Oiselle is offering 15% off any Roga (long or short) order with code “ROGAREV” now through Race Day (12/2). Booyah, saggy ass.

Sarah OUaL

5 Days of Taper Giveaway – Road Runner Sports

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And just like that we’re at Taper Hump Day! Thank god. The Taperworm is eating me alive.

The winner of yesterday’s Pro Compression socks & sleeves giveaway is (ps I’ll be sending a formal req for all your awesome color/style suggestions)…

Free leg hugs for you, Amanda Mae! I’ll be emailing you. Don’t spam me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Road Runner Sports used to be the convenient on-the-way-home running store I’d pop into every time I was low on Gu or needed a fresh pair of sneaks on the fly.

And they still are. The in-person stores and omg-they-have-everything web store get regular swipes from my credit card. With the 10% VIP discount (and 20% specials), fully-stocked shelves, and fast&free shipping, it makes it an easy choice.

* ps – anybody can be a VIP. I’m not actually important at all. It’s only $1.99 for the year right now (normally $24.99) so be responsible and sign up *

But RRS has become more than just a goods-provider – They’re like the neighborhood running community social committee. Fostering the sport, bringing runners together, and serving beer and treats at all their events.

Pleading the 5th on how crucial that last point is when deciding what gets penned into my calendar…

Girls Night Out

Champagne, cupcakes, bra fittings, raffles, new & old girlfriends

Adventure Run

Running treasure hunt with prizes, raffles, and legit good beer at the finish

If there’s an RRS near you I strongly urge you to check out one of their events. Seriously they raffled off like 7 pairs of Asics and a Garmin at the Adventure Run. Not to mention everyone’s so nice and it’s a great way to meet new running/drinking friends.

And if you can’t make an event or are too socially nervous to go without a friend bossily dragging you along (thanks, Sheila) then at least pop into the store to check out the racks, get your gait analyzed by a Shoe Dog tech, or get YOUR rack fitted for a new sports bra.

Yup I went there. Let this VS-worthy photo distract you from my sad 11pm puns.

they’ll “fit” you better than this. I was politely asked to step away from the Moving Comfort shortly after…

Don’t have a store near you? NIGHTMARE. You should move. Just kidding. It’s fine because this giveaway is made for EVERYONE, even the unfortunate souls in RRS-deadzones…

(but really you should consider moving)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For a $50 Roadrunner Sports gift card – usable in-store or online for anything your little heart desires, or to re-gift to a deserving run friend you don’t know what to buy for – answer this question :

  • You get one MAGIC RUNNER GENIE WISH – blister-free for life, never-dead electronics, picturesque race photos (in honor of Ms Painface), mandatory race day packet pick up, WHATEVER YOU WANT. What is it???

I choose an end to in-shower, surprise chafe marks. I can deal with a battle wound if I know it’s there, but that take-your-breath-away (not in a good way) pain of water hitting a hidden raw patch is a torture I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

Sarah OUaL

* Comments close 11/28 at Midnight PST. Winner will be randomly chosen and another new giveaway posted tomorrow. *