Thursday, February 13, 2014

Jost Running Virtual Race Entry GIVEAWAY

I'm sure I've said this before (probably many-o-times), but I <3 LOVE <3 the running community. I've never been part of a group that is so encouraging to one another (yes, I know there are exceptions to the rules - there are still bullies - but for me, I have only had a FABULOUS experience). Whether I am posting about a hard workout I rocked, a personal record in a particular distance, a crappy run I barely finished, a decision to sign up for a specific race, etc - I have only ever received positive feedback, pulling me up out of my failures, spurring me to keep on keepin' on, and celebrating in my successes right along with me. The crazy thing is, the avenue in which I interact with most folks in the running community is VIRTUALLY. Twitter, blogs, Facebook groups, etc are AMAZING places to find runners to connect with.

Not only do I love participating in the virtual running community, I love running in virtual races. Back in August I started working with a SUPER company, Jost Running {feel free to check out the original post I wrote about our relationship here}. They are a virtual racing company.

Source

What I think is TERRIFIC about virtual races is that they tend to keep folks motivated. Have you ever noticed that if you have a race on your schedule you are more likely to get in your workouts? That you tend to run with more purpose? That you are focused on working towards your goal? Virtual races are a wonderful way to keep races on your schedule, but not have to deal with some of the negatives that come along with racing (i.e. large crowds, traveling expenses, extremely early morning wake-up calls, high registration fees, etc).

Although I am BEYOND BLESSED to live in an amazing area where there seems to be a race every weekend (now if only I had a money tree that could fund all of the race registrations), I realize not everyone is lucky enough to live somewhere that races are as plentiful. Jost Running can fill that gap for folks that don't live in an area with a large number of races, because you can run your race ANYWHERE!

I was lucky enough to run 4 virtual races with Jost Running in 2013 - the Home Run 5k, the Home Run Half Marathon, the September Soaring 5K, and the Oktoberfest 5K. And now YOU have the opportunity to be LUCKY as well!!

The LOVELY LADIES over at Jost Running have offered up a FREE REGISTRATION for one of their March Races! The theme will be "Spring Forward". I know, I know, many of you are struggling through the grasps of another Polar Vortex, but I promise SPRING IS COMING!

A rendering of the BLING you will receive. The 5K/ 10K medal on the left and the Half/ Full Marathon medal on the right. 

Jost Running is GREAT about giving back. Each month they try to team up to benefit a different charity. March's charity will be Achilles International.

Source

The dates for the March races are: 5K March 2-8, Half Marathon March 9-15, 10K March 16-22, and Full Marathon March 23-29. If something comes up and you aren't able to complete the race within the specified week, they will still honor your time as long as it is completed within March.

Jost Running just recently updated their website so that now you are able to create your own runner profile, print your own (personalized) bib, and record your race results all in one place! HOW AWESOME! I actually just went through the process and thought it was super easy and straight forward {FYI - It did take about 10 minutes to receive the confirmation link, so if it isn't there right away don't fret}! This blog post walks you through the step-by-step process of how to set up a new user.

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for, THE GIVEAWAY FOR ONE OF THE MARCH RACES!! If you win, you will be able to select any of the March distances (5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon), you will be provided a personalized bib, and OF COURSE, be mailed your BLING once you ROCK YOUR RACE (cause I know you will).

Make sure to enter (some of the entries can be done DAILY for additional chances to win) and enter often! AND DON'T FORGET TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS, 'CUZ FRIENDS THAT RUN TOGETHER STAY TOGETHER (or something like that...)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

31 comments:

Desi said...

I haven't, just because I've never gotten around to signing up!

Erin said...

I've never entered into virtual races before! A great incentive while training for those big ones!

Crystal Duff said...

I've done a few virtual races. I like when you get a medal for them. It's nice to keep me motivated through training, but I definitely prefer actual races. Thank you for the giveaway!

Heidi said...

Never done a virtual race. I never knew they existed. I am intrigued. It would be fun to do one with a friend who lived in a different state.

Lisa said...

I haven't yet because of the cost but I love to do one. I've been looking at a lot that I might be able to do.

Kstp said...

I did a lot last year as part of my training runs. Gives me more motivation when outside accountability is involved. Www.disneykatie.com

benj13blue said...

I've never done a virtual race, but I've thought about doing a couple. This would be a good way for me to try them out.

Unknown said...

I ran the JostRunning February 5k and it was an awesome experience for me! Really good timing too, as it motivated me to run on my treadmill for all of January to get ready for it and I got a perfect 48 degree day on Feb 2nd so I could run the race outside in my neighborhood.

Kim said...

I've done a few, half marathons mostly.

Unknown said...

I have yet to do a virtual race, mostly, because I think that I find so many in my area that I like to participate in and I like the community feel of meeting up and participating. But I'm interested in seeing what virtual race has to offer!

Carrie said...

I've done a few virtuals. They are convenient and easy to do and I love that they are charity races!

Ramona S said...

I have. I actually really liked doing the virtual.

Unknown said...

I've done two virtual races. I have done one by myself and another with my running group. We organized our own run. It's a really neat idea if you are a bling fanatic.

bookgirl said...

I just ran a Doctor Who half marathon virtual Run!

Chrissy Carroll said...

I have - I did one a few years ago for charity! Fun experience.

Tami said...

I've never done a virtual race. Had never heard of it but think its a great way to stay motivated in these cold months of training! Thanks!!

Laura H. said...

I have never entered a virtual race, but I love the spring theme....I am very ready for spring. I think a virtual race would be fun to try!

Unknown said...

I did the Joggermom virtual marathon last year and my husband did the Jedi virtual run. It's a great way to keep training exciting!

Dee said...

I've never heard of a virtual race. sounds cool.

Kishna said...

I belong to a FB group of virtual runner and race organizers. I did a Star Wars themed Jedi run last year. Cool medal. Neat concept.

ilovetorun131 said...

I have done a ton of virtual races. I live in an area where there aren't many races so this helps me get some bling throughout the year.

Tracy Bryngelson said...

I have done two virtual races, both with Jost Running! Such a great experience!

billb said...

Love the Oct 5k: ) great time great company:)

Anonymous said...

Loved the Oct. metal!

Four Paw Savings said...

I've never done one, but am excited to try.

nevie said...

love jost. i did their october 2013 and their december 2013. reasonable pricing, helps me get through a training run at home when i feel less motivation to run on a given night that week.

Unknown said...

Jost is a great company to do a virtual run with. I did the October 2013 virtual run, they had a great medal & good pricing.

Unknown said...

I just found Jost Running at the end of 2013 and have sincerely enjoyed running them. They are great motivation for me to keep running my best between the live runs that I can fit into my schedule. Their medals are fabulous and I absolutely love the handwritten notes that the ladies send with each medal. They actually inspired my other half to start doing virtual runs with me! That was a pretty amazing feat. ;)

catstimesten said...
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Unknown said...

I haven't run a virtual race before mostly because its more fun to go run with a group. That being said, I think a virtual race with a group of friends would be awesome! I'm trying to run 14 races in 2014 so to meet my goal I probably am going to need to pick up a few virtual races :-)

Unknown said...

I've done a few virtual races that bloggers have organized for free. I've never done one that I got bling for.