Tinker Bell Half & falling in Love with runDisney!

It seems like this past weekend was forever in the making, and while it was at times stressful with all the crafting, home shows, virtual run and overall fundraising, it was so worth it. I have so much to say, but I'm afraid you'll stop reading if I mention every detail I can remember... but that's ok, I will break it into sections so if you just want to skip to the end, you can, I'll understand...

Getting to California, by plane, can be interesting to say the least! Actually all my flights had something interesting or disgusting on them, maybe it's just me? I find people interesting in general - I am a people watcher in my spare time (which right now is none but beach season is coming so I will catch up). Airports are great places to watch people, and with 3 hr layovers in Atlanta, well, a girl can watch some people!

Flight One - Myrtle Beach to Atlanta
I must have been feeling giddy because I was all smiles and humor. After waiting about 10 minutes for quite possibly the worst cup of coffee, I sat at my gate. Unbeknown to the dude who returned to his unattended baggage (shhh) I felt chatty... I don't know if I just was excited or why I felt the need to be friendly but I started asking him if he liked his iPad (not that I really cared). I eventually boarded my plane and was seated to the rear of a small business plane (like 48 seats total). I came to my seat, looked at the old guy sitting by the window, and blurted out "It's your LUCKY day! I'm sitting here"... again, not sure what had come over me. Others laughed as I took my seat. He said, "I'd been lucky if you brought me coffee", I replied "Don't feel bad, it tastes like shit!"...seriously, on a roll... and for 545am, that wasn't too bad. The flight took some bumps, and it reminded me that I hate smaller planes. The turbulence must have knocked something loose for this old guy in the front, he made his way back to the bathroom and then completely destroyed it (along with our air quality, and almost my will to live!) - all I could think was "Seriously? You couldn't wait 10 minutes?"

Anyway, we landed, and I got out of the green fog as soon as possible, thanks dude. I then had 3 hours to wait. It's fine, $10 in Starbucks and an outlet for my laptop, I am all set. Then I find out - there is NO free WiFi!!! Ugh, really??? So I anti up the $9.95 for a 30-day hot spot service, which is spotty at best. Great.

Flight Two - Atlanta to Orange County
Finally we board, and it kills me how they announce pre-boarding and everyone and their uncle stands just to wait. I get on, and find my seat. An aisle, yes perfect for the 5hr flight! Then a woman asks me if I'd change seats with her so she could sit next to her daughter (who was like 3) and of course I oblige, it's the right thing to do.  Little did I know what I was in for, and in this case karma was not working with me. As I snuggled into my middle seat, I found myself wedged between a rather large man (whose back rolls were infringing on my arm rest) and a woman who obviously had a hard night out reeking of booze and yes, sweaty feet (she must have thought she was home and took her boots off - yuck!)... She went on to order 3 bottles of Merlot and dominate the row with her abundance of electronic devices. After hour 3, I had no choice but to interrupt her work to use the bathroom...this would be the longest flight ever...

Finally the flight from hell concluded and I checked my phone - Heather was waiting at my gate! As I came through the door I scanned the crowd for my running PIC - there she was, as happy as can be - all smiles... we have arrived. We quickly looked for the exit and headed to our hotel. We checked into our hotel, found our room and then shortly after, meet up with our TNT Flex team in the lobby. They were heading to the expo, but Heather & I were doing that Saturday since we had plans to meet up with a running mom friend... instead we hit the bar to relax... after a little while we got our second wind and decided to head for Downtown Disney! We were starving, and began our carbo loading with Mexican food... oh I love Mexican food! The only negative about Tortilla Jo's was that they took Queso off the menu!!! Who does that? Everything else was fabulous! After gorging ourselves, we decided to hit a few stores and potentially cause a scene with our shenanigans and what not. I am a dork, and so is Heather - so this was pretty fun.

Saturday morning we met up with our Flex team and just did a quick run, about 2 miles out and back... This was my first exposure to the hills I had not been expecting... Seeing the start line really made it all sink in, tomorrow I will be running 13.1 miles...eek!

After the warm up we had our team breakfast, we met Ivy, our team inspiration, it sucks to see cancer effecting children. We all signed her Tinker Bell wings and heard from another member whose son was undergoing a treatment the next day, it is really so unfair and it makes me think about my own kids and their health. There were also a few survivors running on our team, and more with family connections. I found myself almost out of place since I didn't have a direct connection to blood cancer, I mean cancer yes, prostate and breast cancer, but nothing to share about this form... not that I am complaining, seriously, I feel blessed - it just separated me (or at least that is how I felt) from everyone else.

The Expo - time to pick up the packet!  

After the breakfast, Heather and I headed to the Expo to pick up our race packets and do some shopping (oh man alive did I do some shopping!)...  
We walked there from our hotel, it wasn't terribly far, maybe 15 minutes or so. It kept getting more real. I had never been to Disneyland, and I had only ever run one half marathon, I was nervous and giddy at the same time! We made our way through the masses and scored our bibs... next stop, shirts! I can't tell you how awesome this expo was, tons of vendors, tons of shopping, tons of people! I must have held a few things before I would say, "Maybe I'll come back for that", which I'd get so caught up in something else, I didn't... which was a bummer because I wanted a sparkly headband and an iFitness belt!

Where I did stop (twice no less) was RunningSkirts! Heather and I had ordered our matching outfits prior to the expo but thought maybe we should get some sleeves, and then I later thought I should get my Belle outfit for The Princess Half (2/27)... I won't say what I spent, but it was more than I should have... I do love these running skirts, I get the athletic ones (and the ultra in yellow with the shorts) because my thighs have a love/hate relationship - they love to rub and I hate the chaffing! I also picked up a skirt for the Myrtle Beach Half (2/18)... I found another obsession, luckily it coordinates with my running shoe fetish! It wasn't long until we found ourselves hungry, tired and ready to relax... back to the hotel (after a pitstop at the gas station for snacks) to watch some t.v. and prepare for the Inspiration Dinner.

The Inspiration Dinner!

It's hard to believe how much good people can do collectively. I know there are some skeptics out there, who don't believe in donating because they feel the money won't go to what it should. I am not a skeptic, and I am proud to be a part of a Flex Team, one that collectively raised $100k, and part of all the TNT Teams, which collectively raised over 1 million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is amazing, the human race can do wonderful, generous, and astounding things, accomplish so much good, simply by working together (Congress, you could learn something here) for the benefit of others. Albeit my dress is not the most flattering, and oddly Heather & I coordinate (which was not planned btw), this night was filled with touching stories of survivors, as well as those who put up the fight of their lives, but couldn't win. Of course my heart aches for all, but every picture of a child with cancer fills my eyes to the brim. While I don't have a personal story, it's the mom in me that made this journey important, for every mom who watched their own child fight for their lives before they even got a chance to really live it - that is where I came from - not even being able to imagine walking one step in their shoes and praying I will never have to.

After the Inspriration Dinner, we headed to the lobby with our shirts for a decorating party with the team. Heather & I have a special woman in our Running Moms group who inspires us all. Denise "Da Diva" Carter. She is a survivor, and recently found out that the cancer is back. So to honor her, for her strength, her tenacity, and her pure Diva'nass, we dedicated our shirts and our booties to her! She is a fighter, she is a marathoner even while on her "glow in the darks", she is outwardly positive, and I'd run 1000 miles if she never again had to worry about WBC counts, or chemo, or anything but shoes and sunshine.

The Race!!!
After completing our outfits the best we could, still being on east coast time, oh and having to be in the lobby by 4:15am, we headed to our room to layout our gear for the 3:45am wake up... damn that's early! Of course genius here (me) couldn't figure out how to get my iPhone to PST, so my alarm went off at 12:45am instead of 3:45, talk about feeling sick all of a sudden... I'd finally get it straight, the day before we were leaving. Anyway, the morning came quickly and it was time, the moment we'd been working for, training for (well sorta), waiting for, and were beyond excited about... Off to the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon! I was exhausted yet excited... this was it!

We were lucky enough to meet up with another Running Mom, Bethany! It was such a blast running through Disneyland (which I had yet to see in the daytime) and then through the city and finishing through California Adventure... I felt awesome (even with the hills!) throughout the race, stopping for photo ops with various characters (most of my pics are blurry...boooo!) - we walked through most of the water stations, and stopped at about 4 porta johns. This was never a race for time, it was a race for fun! Although around mid-way Heather stated that she wouldn't own up to a 3hr Half so we needed to get moving (it's ok we still love you) - Our pace picked up with the shear fact that we were out of the narrowed paths of Disney and into the streets. We weren't stopping for pictures, just hearing the cheers from all of those who came to clap and yell from the curbs... it was quite motivating actually! If I could get them to do that for my long runs, long runs may actually happen more often...

Some of the pictures taken along the way... 

and some after we completed the half, meeting up with another Running Mom, MC (center) and on the right, fellow TNT Flexer Run Kat who is a survivor - you go girl!!!

I'm going to Disneyland!!!
After completing one of the most exciting races I've ever been in, it was off to the showers, and then Disneyland!!! Have I mentioned I had never been to any Disney before? I know it's crazy! 36 years old and FINALLY I'm seeing the happiest place on earth! Apparently there is no alcohol being sold there, which I asked Heather how is that possible? Parents are stressed, kids are crying and there is no alcohol - Happiest? Really? Huh.

I mean I was happy, I was taking it all in, riding rides, being reminded that there is no flash photography allowed in the Pirates ride by some snarky voice somewhere in the darkness... I even splurged for the souvenir cup, which I was reminded there were no free refills with this purchase (I mean, for $6.95 the least you could do is refill!) which is fine, I wasn't getting through it all anyway! This cup would be the bain of my existence as I struggled to find room in my suitcase for all I had purchased! I had a blast even though rides that someone (Heather) had told me I wouldn't get wet riding, I came out soaked... It was a pretty fabulous time.

Unfortunately, at some point it had to end... I was missing my family as was Heather... and while parting is such sweet sorrow - we will be seeing each other in a few weeks! Heather is coming to town and pacing me for the Myrtle Beach Half (even though I told her to just run it for herself!). I guess my goal is 2:20 or less... sounds feasible. Anyway, we took our last airport photo and she went on to board her flight. I gathered my belongings and transitioned from Gate 2 to Gate 3... Until we run again my dear friend...

Flight Three - Orange County to Atlanta

I boarded my flight (which was only a respectable 10 minutes behind schedule) to find a gentleman warming up my seat. He said, "I knew this would happen" - my immediate thought on this overbooked flight was "Damn, they sold the same seat to him, he is going to have to sit on the flight attendants lap or something!" but it wasn't that serious. Apparently, a rather self entitled man decided to take his seat because as he stated "I am traveling with her (referencing the frizzy haired woman to his right)" to which I wanted to reply, "And so travel in your own seat! Oh and Ward Cleaver called, he wants his tweed jacket back..." but it was not my fight, I just wanted my seat. Then the chick behind me was pushing to move forward while the guy was trying to get out of my seat, so I slipped out of the way so she could pass - she got snarky with me (bad idea FYI) and informed me that I was in HER row... Why people got right to bitch mode is beyond me. Anyway, we got that cluster straight and prepared for take off.

The girl next to me was about to laugh her ass out of the seat. Of course I had to know "What the hell are you reading?" - Chelsea Handler, My Horizontal Life... Carry on! I love that book, and all her books actually. She later went to show me a picture on her cell, it was a Starbucks cup in the toilet of the airport bathroom, interesting but even more interesting were the pictures of what I assume is her tatas... I wanted to compliment her, I, being a member of the IBTC, found myself slightly jealous... but I thought it might make it awkward, so I held back... I shouldn't have, WWCD?

Flight Four - Atlanta to Myrtle Beach

Seat 7D....We can see you!

It was my last leg, I was so tired... I just want to crawl into my own bed, next to my hubby and visit snoozeville! I suppose this flight provided the most unbelievable passenger tale of the whole trip, yes, more amazing than the boozer with stank feet or the geriatric lavatory destroyer, it was - wait for it - the Chronic Nose Picker!!! Yeah, a grown ass man digging deep into not one but both nasal passages. Some endeavors proved fruitful as he examined (briefly) each find, and depending on his internal criteria (I didn't ask for details) would either be consumed or discarded to his shirt sleeve. I was, as you can imagine, dumbfounded, appalled, and honestly, horrified. No mam, I cannot hand you his cup when you are clearing the service items... I KNOW where his fingers have been - I don't want no part of that Dewey!

Needless to say, it was an awesome experience, and I am happy to have been a part of Team in Training, the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and most of all, happy to be home with my family. Of course the baby was up at 2:45am, and 3:45am, but I was okay with that, I got to snuggle with her... I missed her and I am looking forward to some serious quality time this weekend... If ever you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself, volunteer to fundraise with Team in Training, it will be an experience of a lifetime...

TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk 12/17!

Are you over all the Team in Training posts yet? I know, I know… it seems like that is ALL I ever talk about these days, but I can't apologize…nor will I. When I decided to take on this challenge of raising $3800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I thought it was impossible. Seriously? I can't imagine raising that kind of money! Then Heather and I were talking about it, and rationalizing it, and it seemed we could do it, if for no other reason, barring all logic, we had it in our hearts to accomplish it. 

Has it been easy? No… there has been a lot of lost sleep Crafting for a Cure (which you read previously hasn't been the most successful of ideas) and selling Bondi Bands, and of course planning events…That is what brings me to the right now… 

Announcing

The TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk! Of course this is a no frills event which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! How it works is like this, you Register for it, then on December 17th, you run or walk wherever YOU want! There are no timing chips, no bibs, no waiting in line at a porta-john (wondering why you thought it was a good idea to eat/drink whatever you did), no age group awards, or fruit/bagels/water waiting for you at the finish (well unless you ask your friends & family)…So I know, it doesn't sound like you get a lot for your $20 donation right? WELL, just hold your horses, because you do get something… besides knowing you are helping those with blood cancer (which may just be enough for you) - You are going to earn yourself a lousy medal!

Be forewarned, I am not going to reveal this lousy medal, but it's not going to be all that lousy because I love race bling just as much as the next girl… I think you will be pretty proud to have this shiny momento… but yes, it will not be pictured until after they are mailed, post event. It's going to be killing me not to share it with you but I think it will add to the suspense and after all, it's about charity not bling…ok a little about bling too but like 99.98% about charity!

So I hope that regardless of your athletic talents, you will take part in the TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk… I would love to see some pictures, maybe local groups will go out together and run or walk it… Oh dare to dream… I would love for everyone to share the link, lousyrunner.com and see just how many people we can get to support the LLS Team in Training!

p.s. Did I mention there is a prize package in the works? Yup, you return to the site and leave a comment that you finished and you will be entered into the random drawing!!! 

Getting Crafty... or at least I thought!

Ok, so let me first start off by saying, I would never have called myself crafty, not in the tricky, cunning way and certainly not in the glue gun and ribbon way, but when I started on this mission to raise money with Team in Training, I found myself the later of the two crafty's - or at least I thought!

I have been painting, hot gluing and making more bows then I would have ever imagined in the past month or so... I am not sure how it started really...oh right, Pinterest. I was turned onto this site where people from all over are just a smidgen into a whole world of boards and pins... I was suckered into this vortex by my loving mother in law, thanks GiGi! It all started with the googly eye frame for Halloween...

Ah yah, my frames were AWESOME (if I do say so myself!) and then that lead to the, "I bet I could sell these and raise some money for LLS" thought... next thing you know I am spending my Friday and Saturday nights (yes, way different than the weekends of the early 90's) designing, painting and creating these little pieces of handcrafted art decor. I also began making lit cubes, which are made to look like little presents... I made one for Halloween & I have made more than a dozen for the holiday season... I love these things, they are SO pretty & they make great little night lights!
 
Well this past Saturday was the big craft show where I was going to sell out of all my frames, cubes and bows, where I would easily be able to hit my 50% mark in my fundraising efforts, and undoubtedly be taking orders for customized creations (I even had the carbon copy invoice papers to do it!) - Oh yes, this event had me up near midnight for days, preparing for what would be a glorious day in my TNT journey. I just knew it would be worth it...

Look at me, so excited & hopeful... such a shame...lol

We arrive right on time, GiGi was so fabulous to come help me! We got our cramped little table set up, albeit my marketing skills kinda blew on this one, I didn't make price signs, and apparently (I learned later on) people need to see how they could use a bow, like I should have taken pictures of how I use bows in my decorating... Honestly, I just thought it would sell itself because it's a bow - not a juicer, but I guess I was wrong.

It started off slow, but it was cold out... after the first 15 minutes I had texted Stephen that we'd had a few lookers but nothing sold yet. After an hour and a half, my next text simply said "This sucks." - I know I am an overachiever and perhaps expected too much, but when it came to be 1:30pm (4.5 hours into the 6 hour event) and I had sold 1 cube and 1 frame, and I had already cried 3 times... I was exhausted, I was disappointed and I just couldn't understand why people wouldn't love my work... especially since it was all going to charity!!!

The next hour and a half was slow and painful, as people were obvious in their attempts to not make eye contact, walk by quickly saying "Pretty, Pretty" (yeah blue hair, I heard you!) and when I finally decided to take a few minutes away to catch the end of the first half of the Gamecocks game, I returned to see GiGi had sold another frame... I contemplated the notion that perhaps I needed to watch the rest of the game and let her handle the table but I didn't...

The only other thing we sold was another cube, the to the Partylite Consultant at the table next to ours. So 6 hours, 3 full on tearfeasts, 2 fight hard to hold back tears, and 1 pathetic attempt to raise money... we sold 2 cubes and 2 frames. So, between the cost of the table and lunch, I am down $70 and raised a whopping $44 for TNT. Not exactly the all out, balls to the walls event I had in my mind, imagined.

I guess I must have sounded so down my darling hubby arranged for GiGi to keep Gabby so we could go out to dinner, I could have those drinks and then get a full, uninterrupted nights sleep... yeah, he's a keeper :)  So after the Great Craft debacle of 2011, I arrived home to see my angel and hubby waiting to greet me in the driveway. Nothing like a nice family hug to melt away all the bad of the day. Gabby now gives kisses, which is so adorable and makes my heart smile. Stephen and I did have an awesome dinner out, I had a few Cosmos (made it for happy hour too which is bonus!) and of course we did partake in a caffeinated (loving the Pumpkin Spice coffee or latte or whatever it is!) stroll through Barnes & Noble... then home where I slept so soundly, it was pure bliss...

As far as Crafting for a Cure, crashing and burning, I won't allow myself to get too discouraged, just know that I don't fail...  While this was an unexpected set back, I am moving forward. I have about a dozen custom frames that I need to do for some awesome peeps... and I know that the next show will be great...it has to be! (I've warned my relatives that if I don't sell this stuff they are all getting a frame and cube for Christmas and my tree will be covered in just bows!!!)

Just a few of my little frames!

I will also post pictures of my little masterpieces on my facebook page...ya know, in case you want one...lol (hey, I am not giving up!)

Bondi Band Fundraiser!

So what is something every runner needs? Perhaps a sweat wicking head band? I have to tell you, I wore my Bondi Band for my first 1/2 last weekend and it was awesome! It did not slip, it did not slide, and it kept my ears warm since it was 50 degrees out at the start.

I am selling this as part of a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training Fundraiser. Basically you shoot me an email at TeamEpton dot com. You tell me which one(s) you like and include your address. I'll send you the info for paypal and VIOLA! You will get your band(s) in the mail in a few days AND you will be helping raise money for the LLS… Sounds pretty awesome right?

So this is the breakdown
They are $10 each (which includes shipping).
If you want to get multiple, then 2 for $18, 3 for $25
If you want more than that, email me - we'll work something out :)

So there are two types, one kind is a Lycra headband, it's not technical wicking material but they do dry fast. They are more like fashion ones, but if you're doing a lighter workout - they are great. Then the thicker ones are for heavy sweat wicking.

<---- These are the fashion bands.
No Longer Available: Black & White Polka Dot, Flower (2nd from Right), Red Shiny Paisley (Upper Left), Blue Floral (Top, 3rd from Left), Crazy Swirl, Blue Shiny, Blue & Yellow Floral


Even if you don't wear bands while working out, these are so bright and fun - maybe you just want a funky fresh headband?

The heavy wicking bands, are great for harder workouts, like I said, I did a 1/2 and never had to adjust these!

All Gone!	All Gone!
Only the 6th "I am a Warrior"  remain	All Available (I have multiples)
For the Fashion bands and the bands with sayings, what you see if what I have. For the Team in Training bands, I have about 50 of the assorted colors, so order away! No Longer Available: You don't smell like a princess anymore (black, lime green, navy), In it for the bling (blue, green), Runner chick (black), Some girls chase boys (gray, navy), Run Like a Girl (pink, lime green, blue, red), Princess (black, orange), Tiara (black, pink, orange), Runner Girl (orange)

Parties of the House Kind!

As a chug along, raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a Team in Training member, I have found some awesome consultants to work with. Now, I love a party, and I love to entertain, but I will admit, since having my little angel, working full time, attending college part time, keeping a house, and everything else related to life, I just don't have it in me… did I mention my first 1/2 is on Oct 23rd? The other half of the truth is I can't keep up with laundry or clean the house every weekend to be fit for company (you know when you were growing up your mom would be running around frantically "cleaning" for company & you didn't understand it, well I get it now...) Right now, the prep for parties is KILLER, it hasn't always been that way, I am sure I won't feel that way in another year (or less, I'll be done with school in May!!!) but right now, I have just a few things going...

My solution, use the power of the internet for the greater good! So, here is what we have to offer!

Pampered Chef - Enjoy 20% off unglazed stoneware! Click here to go to the party, select shop online and then enter Hope Epton as the hostess with the mostess…Sarah is donating a % of sales to the cause. Party closes by October 18th.

Scentsy - Christie is donating 100% of her commission to the cause, and if you are local to the Myrtle Beach Area, you can also contact Christie to get free shipping, (call 843.997.2629, or email cmills at grandstrandkids.com). Want to help by hosting? Commission earned from shows booked from this one, will also be donated!!! Click here to check out all the wonderful products Scentsy has to offer!  This show runs until Jan, but orders are filled immediately!

and last but not least…
31 Gifts - Courtney is also donating 100% of her commission to the cause! This months special rocks, for every $31 you spend, you can order an organizing utility tote for $7, and these things are awesome! Click here to take a look at all 31 has to offer… I love this stuff! Show will close by October 28th.

So there you have it! Get a jump start on that holiday shopping, while making a difference in the lives of so many who endure treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. It's really quite awesome what these ladies are doing, and I hope you will consider being a part of this effort while bringing joy to your own home and loved ones…

My Winners...

I know, there are so many people on my facebook and Twitter feeling a sense of relief... the raffle is over, winners have been contacted, and the posts just about begging them to enter has come to an end... I am sure I have lost some followers due to my incessant postings about helping save lives, asking for donations, seeking support for the cause - but seriously, if I've been blocked, hidden, unfriended or unfollowed - buh-bye, no big loss...

I pride myself on supporting others, and I am a sucker for a cause. St Judes, Make a Wish, AHA, Cancer anything, really if someone is running a virtual race, posting a raffle, whatever - if I can I will, and if I can't, I will tell them, I wish I could - maybe next time... What I won't do is dump them, it's just not cool.

Anyway, I don't want to be a buzz kill because I am super stoked for all the winners of my Team in Training, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Raffle!

So without further delay… announcing in reverse order so that the Grand Prize Winner is at the end…suspenseful - I know.

The Lucky 7 Prize Package:

TWO pair of iBungee Laces, RoadID Gift Card for $15.00, Three random packages of GU, and a Custom made TAM Band

 ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $30! ~*~



Ceci!



Erica Tyler, Leia Ritt, Holly Richrath, Bethany Becker, Cheryl Holsberry, Ceci Mains and Mary Beyrau!

Thanks Ceci for your "I can't believe I won!" picture! (I love when people play along..lol)

The Second Runner Up Package:

TWO pair of iBungee Laces, A bondi Band fit for a Princess wicking headband, Moving Comfort "Support Your Girls" t-shirt (size Medium) 

~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $50! ~*~ 

DENISE "DA DIVA" CARTER

 p.s. Denise assures me this shirt will be worn well... You go girl!

The First Runner Up Package:

TWO pair of iBungee Laces, A Bondi Band 'Run like a girl' wicking headband, A Running girl car magnet, A 31 Gifts Lunch Tote personalized as "Snacks" AND The Tiara Medal Hanger

 ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $85! ~*~

NANETTE VOLGER

 ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

and the GRAND PRIZE WINNER IS….. 

TWO pair of iBungee Laces, Run Like a Girl Necklace, a Running Princess Visor AND The Running Girl Medal Hanger

~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $100! ~*~

DENISE KREBS

~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

For those who read through the entire blog
& loved the Tinker Bell Bow 
the winner is….

SUZANNE WESTENHOFER

[not the comedian, apparently in my fb tagging frenzy, there are more than 1 (crazy huh?) and so if Suzanne the comedian is expecting this bow, my apologies for the confusion!]

Congratulations to all of you who participated, you are all winners to me

& together we raised a little over $550!

The Raffle You've Been Waiting For!

Just the idea of a child, teenager, adult or elder being diagnosed with cancer is horrible, but imagine yourself hearing those 3 words, "[Insert Loved ones name] has Cancer" ...simply devastating. I am sure we would be hard pressed to find someone who's life has not been touched by cancer, whatever form it comes in. For me personally, I lost my grandfather to prostate cancer (which spread throughout his body), I had a great aunt who had breast cancer, twice. My good friend Judy had cancer, luckily she is a survivor (we are so blessed because she is such an awesome woman). There is also Yano Pournaras, who is just a little guy, also a survivor, which gives us hope because he defied the odds. You can read about his story in my previous post, it also tells how my journey began & why this is important to me! I couldn't imagine my baby girl being ill, and I don't want to think about anyone's loved ones getting ill either... We need to find a cure! So with Team in Training, I have pledged to raise a hefty sum of coin...*ahem* This is where you come in... I have been met with great support from a few businesses as well as individuals who think this is a great cause and were eager to be a sponsor. This of course fills my heart, sometimes I find myself passionate about things others could seemingly care less about. I also have found, those who have less, tend to give more, which is ironic, but true (probably everywhere - not just on requests for product donations). I wholeheartedly appreciate every single person who responded to my inquiry with a YES! We would love to be a part of this! Honestly, I am so excited to be able to offer this raffle and know that all of my emails, and lists, and what not will be doing so much good. ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ It's easy to enter just Donate Here, and then comment below that you did! ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ So without further ado...the 10 (yes TEN) prize packages, which means 10 Winners! I don't know where to start... First, let me put out some information on each item, then I can show you how I have put them together! iBungee Stretch Laces: iBungee laces flex with the motion of your foot for plush comfort. Turns any shoe into a slip-on that goes on and off effortlessly. Great for sensitive feet. This item was donated by Speedlaces.com and they have a variety of colors and sizes so definitely check them out! The RUN LIKE A GIRL features a 3/4 inch wide by 1 inch long hand hammered nickel silver pendant hand stamped with RUN LIKE A GIRL and hangs from an 18 inch gunmetal chain as shown. This item was graciously donated by TheRunHome.com - be sure to check out all of the inspirational products - to include many milestone pieces! The RunningPrincess.com donated this awesome and super cute Princess Visor, great for those of us girls who may *Glow* a bit, it will keep our moisture out of our eyes, while looking ever so stylish! This racing visor is 100% CoolMax® Polyester Fabric for wrap around wicking. If you don't win it, you can order one, and customize your visor with a choice of  colored rhinestones, the one here has the Rose ones, which I think is fabulous! Of course there are other options so definitely check out the site! Moving Comfort sent me a 'Support Your Girls' t-shirt - how fun is that?!? There are a few different styles and colors, but the Pink is perfect! Moving Comfort is known for great support of the tatas for all of us who tend to bounce when we are on the move! Keep them strapped down ladies (yes, even my fellow members of the IBTC - its important!) Princess design is on the end on the Right Terry from TAM (The Active Miss) hand crafts these sporty headbands. She is donating 7 custom made bands to this raffle! Now, I know we have some Princess 1/2 Runners in the mix so keep that in mind! I'm thinking I might like a Green & Yellow Polka Dot one...it's kinda TinkerBellish! The road may always be open, but sometimes drivers eyes aren't - so we need to be careful & if something should happen (God forbid) it is so important that an emergency contact can be reached. Just this week I have heard of multiple incidences of runners being struck by vehicles. I am so happy to be able to offer $15 Gift Certificates from RoadID! Bondi Band has donated 2 wicking headbands and a Runner Girl car magnet, YAY! We are definitely sticking to a running girl / princess theme here, and couldn't be happier to get these in the mix... I also received a über cute 31 Gifts lunch tote from a fellow running mom, Courtney. I have a 31 Lunch tote and it is awesome! She has also offered to help our cause by conducting an online show, donating her commission to the cause - more details will follow! And for the Grand Finale, something I have on my own *wishlist* (hint, hint, you know who you are), those awesome medals you've trained so hard for, through blood, sweat, tears, and even a random moment of incontinence (don't judge!), NEEDS to be put on DISPLAY! You should be so proud of all your medals, (mine are hanging from a plant stand, pitiful I know!) and heck, you earned them & have every right to show them off! Allied Medal Displays are the ORIGINAL and BEST medal hangers on the market.  Their quality and customer service are absolutely top notch.  They do custom displays as well so your display can be as unique as you are! Allied Medal Displays has very generously donated a Large silver tiara and a "Runner girl" hanger! * GU never did respond, but I had a bag of them, so I decided to throw some in the mix... Ok, having covered all of that... There are 10 prize packages in total, ranging in value from $30 to $100! DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!  [insert sound of a dozen Lars Ulrich's] This GRAND PRIZE Package Grand Prize Package In this spectacular package you will find: + TWO pair of iBungee Laces, + Run Like a Girl Necklace, + Running Princess Visor  + The Running Girl Medal Hanger ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $100! ~*~ The First Runner Up Package First Runner Up Package The fabulous package offers: + TWO pair of iBungee Laces, + A Bondi Band 'Run like a girl' wicking headband + A Running girl car magnet + A 31 Gifts Lunch Tote personalized as "Snacks" + The Tiara Medal Hanger ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $85! ~*~ The Second Runner Up Package Second Runner Up Package The Stylish package offers: + TWO pair of iBungee Laces, + A bondi Band fit for a Princess wicking headband + Moving Comfort "Support Your Girls" t-shirt (size Medium) ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $50! ~*~ Last but certainly not least... The Lucky 7 Package (why 7? Because 7 people will win one!) Lucky 7 Package This clever package offers: + TWO pair of iBungee Laces, + RoadID Gift Card for $15.00 + Three random packages of GU + Custom made TAM Band  ~*~ A prize package worth ≈ $30! ~*~ ** TAM Band is not shown because it will be custom to you! ** "So Hope, what kind of hoops are we going to have to jump through  for our chance to win all of this crazy awesome loot?!?! " ...Glad you asked.... Now, you know there is always just ONE thing you HAVE to do to win... Simply make a donation and you are in! Let me explain how this will work... 1) Make a tax deductible donation to my Team in Training efforts here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/tinkerb12/teamepton $5 = one entry $10= 2 entries $15 = 3 entries $20 = 4 entries Going Above & Beyond? Donate any amount between $25 - $99 , you receive matching entries per dollar donation!!! That's right, for $25 you get 25 entries, $99 is 99 entries (but if you go to $99, you might consider being an overachiever!). Where's my Overachievers At? Donate $100 or above, you get DOUBLE entries! $100 = 200 entries, $125 = 250 entries, you get it... NOW, Are you sitting there thinking, "But Hope - I already donated! No FAIR!"... Don't fret! If you feel like you've jumped the gun, but still want in on the fun, donate 1 more time (any amount) and you get matching entries for THIS donation + your previous donation. Score! (you honestly could not, in a million years, have thought I would not reward the forward thinker, right?) 2) BONUS ENTRIES! (because I adore my fellow super overacheiving, go getting, gotta win this peeps!!!) SHARE this giveaway! Twitter, facebook, your blog, dailymile, linkedIn, etc etc. Every time you share, leave a NEW (and yes that means SEPARATE) comment and you will get an extra entry. This raffle will RUN (puns are fun!) for 2 weeks. Entries will be accepted until midnight on September 30th, and winner will be announced October 1st. All "tickets" will be entered in order that they are received (and I am a master with the spreadsheet so have no fear!), and winners (all 10 of you!) will be drawn by random.org and notified immediately, through email or facebook and of course a Grand Announcement on the blog (to make it more fun, if you win, send me an ecstatic looking pic to show your excitement and I will put in on my blog announcement!). *** Share the love & accept that one prize package per person is really a cool way to be! *** Remember, this is all for charity and supports an awesome cause! Imagine what a great impact we can make if we come together to find a cure. As the race for a cure continues, your donations are being used to help fund research, and develop better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well. We can all pray that someday, there won't be a need for fundraising, that cancer taking lives of loved ones will be a thing of the past! One last thing, a reward for those of you who actually read the whole blog, if you want to be entered into a special drawing for this handmade Tinkerbell Bow (purchased from Lexies Playhouse Bowtique) - simply leave a comment here that says, "I'm saving someone special!" (of course this is only open to those who donate). I will be wearing a similar one (it's being made for me) to the Inspiration Dinner... As always, I thank you from the bottom of my heart (and it's a lot deeper a drop than it used to be, kinda like the Grinch…lol) * All items featured were graciously donated, each company/individual was recognized for assisting in my philanthropy efforts. If you have a product you would like to donate for future fundraising, I would like to hear from you! Send me an email at teamepton at yahoo.com!