BOB(s) Find a Home

Yesterday, 45-50 Stroller Warriors and probably twice as many Mini Warriors gathered for our Tuesday workout. But this was no ordinary Tuesday. This was a workout to remember. We gathered to receive instructions from our group leader, Stephanie, and then set out on a 36 minute Fartlek. It was a good run and naturally, I partnered with Jill. We got in some good intervals and hit the timing perfectly. And while it was a good run, that is NOT what I'm referring to when I tell you this workout was EPIC!

Let me get to the point. A while ago, Military Spouse of the Year, Jeremy Hilton, donated a BOB Revolution SE single stroller to the Stroller Warriors of Camp Lejeune. In order to be fair about who received the stroller, Stephanie created a format where we could submit our nomination and the names would be placed in a bowl for a random drawing.

Source

BOB Revolution SE

For two weeks, we waited in rapt anticipation of who would receive this coveted gift! After our run, we gathered once again and Stephanie held out the oldest Tupperware container I've ever seen and had one of our Mini Warriors draw a name. The name pulled was Nicole Berg, an amazing mother of four who gave up smoking a few years ago and found her love of running. This Warrior wakes up at 4 to log miles before her kiddos arise and then goes out again with one, two, three, or even all four of her kiddos in tow. She was running with a decent jogger, but was in desperate need of a BOB. Needless to say, she was overwhelmed to hear her name called:

Picture courtesy of Elizabeth Harlow

Jacob, her youngest, LOVES his new wheels!

Nicole was so grateful she posted this on FB:

"I cannot even begin to tell you guys how blessed I am to have won this!!! I cannot stop looking at it or pushing it around!! I am truly Over the Moon!! I couldn't wait to get home and give it a spin. So we jumped out of the truck and headed out for a little 2 mile jog! Jacob adores his new 'ride'! He did not want out at all and screamed for about 10 minutes when I made him come in!! All of the kids have taken turns pushing it and Bryce my oldest said it best! "It's Perfect Mom!" And it Truly is!!! I get tearey eyed every time I think about it!! Thank you!! Stroller Warriors Rocks!! 
I thought I had posted this here but it was on my page!!! And HUGE thanks to the HiltonFamily!!!!!"

After a very emotional response, we settled down to hear Stephanie say, "Well, we have a couple more prizes to give away, so let's pick another name." Our Mini Warrior complied and selected none other than her own mom's name!!! Amanda Courtney was happy to hear her name called, but she was floored when Stephanie opened up the trunk to reveal yet another BOB! Yes, we had not one, but two to give away.

Picture courtesy of Elizabeth Harlow

Amanda, a professional photographer, has been a quiet, but dedicated member of Stroller Warriors for over two years. She lends a unique dynamic to the club with her quiet presence, making other SWs feel welcome on a personal level.

Here are Amanda's words from FB:

"I don't even know how to express in words how thankful I am and how excited I was to see that BOB this morning!!! All I know is this club has been my saving grace for the past 2+ years, and this just makes me realize how much I NEED you all..I know I'm not much of a talker at runs, and don't really reach out to anyone, but, please know that I LOVE all you girls and I look forward to SW each and every week. 
I can't wait to take my new stroller out for a run tomorrow morning!!! I have my alarm set for an early wakeup call even though I'm shooting a midnight homecoming tonight!!! Who needs sleep when you can run, right?!?!"

As if that wasn't enough excitement, Stephanie revealed that we had yet ANOTHER BOB to give away. This one was not randomly selected, but given to a SW who received 7 nominations! She has been raising two children while dealing with a deployed husband who is with MARSOC and actively participating in Stroller Warriors since joining earlier this year. She has definitely impacted nearly every member of the club in one way or another.

Shannon Reynolds is such a deserving candidate that no one thought twice about Stephanie's decision to give her the third BOB. 

Shannon shared this with the club on FB:

"It's about time for me to go to bed and Im still in awe of what happened this morning! It took me a while to even post on fb today I couldn't wait for a phone call from Afghan land to tell my husband what this amazing group has given me! I talk to him all the time how I'm doing something for myself and couldn't have done this without you ladies! I joined Stroller Warriors as soon as my husband left in January and this group has helped me keep my sanity through this deployment! I would be totally bored and out of mind with out you ladies. Thank you so much for Always being there no matter what, just the extra push or seeing a smiling face on run mornings help me push through this deployment.
Thankyou for the greatest gift I have ever received my first BOB and I didn't plan on running with a stroller at this Saturdays race and now I'm pushing a beautiful BOB stroller across the finish line Saturday morning and I couldn't be more thrilled!
Thank you so much ladies!"

Now you see why I'm calling this workout EPIC! Here are a couple more pictures from a great day:

The new BOB recipients!

The bottom photo is a group shot with all the BOB strollers we run with! Now all we need is a sponsorship deal with BOB to make this a yearly give away! 

And to Jeremy Hilton and his family:

There are no words to express our gratitude for your generous donation to Stroller Warriors. You have truly changed the lives of these three mother runners and they will be forever grateful. This is just one more reason why I KNOW in my heart that you were the right selection for Military Spouse of the Year! Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do, not just for Stroller Warriors, but for the military community at large. You inspire me.

Hooray for Holiday Giveaways!

Nope, this is not a giveaway from I RUN, THEREFORE, I AM...but it is an awesome chance to win a Garmin Forerunner 405!!

This sweet piece of flare will give you accurate readings on distance, pace, calories burned, and elevation...and so much more!  I'm hoping to win because right now, I just tote my iPhone along on every run to use the free RunKeeper app. And while it provides me with great running log info, it's not exactly the best piece of gear to have to carry while on the move.  

So, what are you waiting for, go here and sign up!

San Diego Running Institute (Giveaway!!!)

For those lucky enough to live in Southern California, you know how huge the running community is here!  There are tons of groups for runners to join and stores that cater to runners needs.  One organization is the San Diego Running Institute.  SDRI is owned by Dr. Runco, who is a U.S. Navy and Gulf War Veteran, who is a Doctor of Chiropractic here in San Diego.  He also happens to be a phenomenal endurance athlete - he's completed six 50 mile ultramarathons and 14 marathons in 14 states.  He is currently training for the Quad Cities Marathon, Columbia River Gorge Marathon and the Valley of the Presidents 12 Hour Race.  In addition to the owner, the store is staffed by some amazing runners who are passionate about what they do: Paul Jesse, Dr. Dean Silvestre, Heather, and Emily!  

<------- Paul Jesse (who generously offered to sponsor our giveaway!)

Now I cannot mention SDRI without mentioning their official shop dog, Rio!  He's a huge fan of running and loves to socialize with the customers (he even helps them pick out shoes!).    


SDRI focuses on what runners actually NEED to perform, vice trying to sell them fancy gadgets that will make them look cool!  Their website has a wealth of information, so make sure you check it out!

Now on to the giveaway...which is why you are really reading this!!!  Paul Jesse, who helped organize the Dirt Devil Racing Series, has offered to give away an SDRI visor and a box of Nuun!  In order to enter, do any of the following things:

(1 entry per comment)
1) Follow our blog. - Leave a comment
2) Follow us on Twitter (@irunthere4iam). - Leave a comment
3) Like San Diego Running Institute on Facebook. - Leave a comment.
4) Follow SDRI on Twitter (@RunInstitute) - Leave a comment.
5) Tell us why you love Nuun!

IMPORTANT: If you post, please leave us a way to contact you - twitter name, e-mail address, blog site, etc.  That way we can let you know you WON!

Winner will be announced Wednesday, 23 November!!!!

RazzyRoo Headband Giveaway

There are hundreds of types of headbands out there for runners, and we’ve tried them all.  Unfortunately, that’s a lot of money down the toilet testing products.  But we’re here to save you the trouble and some money!  Mentioned in a previous post, the RazzyRoo headbands are not only effective, but they are also stylish!  And we have linked up with RazzyRoo to giveaway two free headbands!!  Enter our giveaway and we promise you will NOT be disappointed.  In fact, we believe you’ll start spreading the word about how great this product is!

(Photos courtesy of RazzyRoo.com)

How to enter: (one entry per requirement met)

1)  Follow our blog and leave a comment. (REQUIRED) 

2) Go to the RazzyRoo Facebook page and like (http://www.facebook.com/pages/RazzyRoo-Headbands/144809755566808)  (REQUIRED) 

3)Follow us on twitter @irunthere4iam 

4)Tell us what your favorite running gadget is.

We will select TWO individual winners to receive 1 RazzyRoo headband each.  Giveaway ends 10/24.

Giveaway

I follow a hilarious blog that often posts giveaways. Today's post is for a Champion Eco Fleece hoodie and sweatpants set (one each for men and women!). The gear looks super comfy and who doesn't love free stuff. Just go to her blog and follow the instructions. Here's a preview of the loot: