Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Lace & Race - One Year "Blogiversary" and Giveaway!

Today is Lace & Race's One Year Blogiversary! YAY! I guess that means we have to PARTY!

One year ago - I started this blog with the intention of keeping me accountable with my training after the "slow champ" incident. If you're not familiar, you can get caught up with the Slow Champ story in this post, "In Search of an Impressive Run." 

So - why "Lace & Race" as a name? There's the obvious connection to running - lace up your shoes and get racing, fool! But the name kinda has a double-meaning for me. I've always toed the line between being a girly-girl and a tom-boy. Lace represents the girl in me that likes vintage skirts and rom-coms; Race is the competitive tom-boy instinct that I can't suppress. Hence Lace AND Race because I don't want to choose sides. 

And what about that saying, "You ain't no punk?" Think of it as my version of Nike's "Just do it!" The saying came to me during a particularly challenging half marathon. I was bonking at the bottom of a hill. I looked up at this daunting beast in front of me and thought those words, "You ain't no punk!" And the hill is history. I live my life by that slogan - grab all things by the horns and move forward with purpose. (Fun fact: Kanye West also likes a version of this slogan: "If you ain't no punk holla we want pre-nup!"


The year has been exciting to say the least! If I think back to this time last year, things are so different and a lot of that is because of Lace & Race. 

The biggest difference is in the people that I have met along the way. Between Twitter, Instagram, blog followers and Facebook - I have "met" so many incredible people. It's funny, because I talk to a lot of you more than I talk to my real-life friends and better yet - some of my internet friends are now REAL LIFE FRIENDS! That's so great - it's like if your childhood imaginary friends were suddenly real people. I guess that just shows the strength of the runner, fitness and wellness community. We all have so much in common that we connect in major ways - like we've been living parallel lives, so we already "know" each other pretty well. And - we understand the high level of "crazy" that this runner's life demands.

The support I have received from many of you has been invaluable. I love that I can come to my blog followers and internet friends for advice, for a good rant and especially a laugh. You've also helped me with my training and accountability. I always know I'm going to have to report my performance results to an internet audience - so you guys keep me motivated. Plus - so many of you are inspirational and extremely talented. I have sincerely learned so much from you guys. I'll stop gushing now, but you're pretty neat.

The first year of Lace & Race has been AWESOME. 
I look forward to what the next year has in store!

Here are some bloggy highlights from the last year...and a major giveaway at the bottom!

TOP 5 MOST-READ (Non-Giveaway) POSTS:
1. Runner's Savings Account $$$
2. Running Alone: Stranger Danger
3. This Marathon Will Cost You Five Pounds 
4. GI Distress: The Joys of Runners' Trots
5. 'Twas the Night Before the Marathon

TOP 5 RUNNING ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS YEAR:
1. Ran and BQ'd at my first marathon! (3:18:35)
2. Finished 2013 Boston Marathon (3:21:26)
3. The Journal Times wrote THIS wonderful article
4. Joined founding group of OlallieMKE
5. Became member of Oiselle Volee Team
 
A FEW NOTE-WORTHY & LOYAL NET FRIENDS:
1. Sun* - Eat. Host. Run. Style.
2. Sheila* - sheilawordell/roadrunner
3. Kat* - The Fit Girl's Kitchen
4. Laura* - Backstage Balance
5. Nicole* - More Beets, Please!
6. Cori - OliveToRun
7. Jen - Jen's Best Life
8. Lindsey/Glenn - Out For A Run
9. Kristy - Pittsburgh Runner
10. Lauren - Breathe Deeply and Smile
11. Kristin - Mrs. Miller's Miles 
12. Ashley - Running Bun

*denotes "net friend" turned "real life human friend"

*Disclosure: I was not compensated by any of the companies that have agreed to participate in my Blogiversary Giveaway. Products were donated. Opinions are my own.*

Enough chit-chat! Let's get to the good stuff - the FREE STUFF! I have a pretty great giveaway for you all - filled with products that I personally use and love. It is a winner-takes-all situation, so if the single winner is you, you will get all of the following items as described! Some will come directly from me, some from the generous companies that have offered to participate - so please read carefully. Continental US entries for shipping purposes please! Enter through the Rafflecopter Giveaway below.

1. ONE Sparkly Soul Headband in winner's color of choice

Sparkly Soul headbands are great! Firstly, they're cute - but also functional. These no-slip headbands were designed by athletes for athletes! *Headband will ship from Sparkly Soul.*


2. Bearded Brothers Energy Bars - Variety 4-Pack 
 
Bearded Brothers is one of my favorite up and coming "real food" companies. The Bros make yummy, organic, vegan, mostly raw energy bars - and they try to do it in the most sustainable way possible. I really respect their business and it helps that the bars are fantastic. In their words, they are made "with love and joy." I love the packaging, too. *Bars will ship from Lace & Race*

3. Health Warrior Chia Bars - One box in winner's flavor of choice

Health Warrior Chia Bars are another favorite energy bar of mine! The texture is incredible, if you're a texture eater. I am a huge fan of chia seeds in general - they pack a lot of punch in those little seeds. Health Warrior has several flavors to choose from, but my personal favorite is Coconut. I'm getting hungry thinking about it! *Chia Bars ship from Health Warrior*
4. Lace & Race Coffee Mug 

The winner will get one of the coveted Lace & Race coffee mugs - featuring my slogan "You ain't no punk! Go run!" I hope it will serve as a motivator every day while you sip your morning joe. *Mug ships from Lace & Race*
5. PaperMichelle Stationery  - THREE cards of winner's choosing

Last but not least, the winner will receive three cards of their choosing from my stationery shop, PaperMichelle. I know this is not running related, but I'd love to bring my two worlds together a little bit. I actually do having running cards! But come on - who doesn't like punny greeting cards? *Stationery ships from Lace & Race*



a Rafflecopter giveaway

65 comments:

  1. I've met lots of incredible people, who inspite me each day to become a better version of myself.

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  2. Social media is great! It's allowed me to meet so many other women runners in my area and inspired me start my own running club and start training for a marathon! <3

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  3. I have learned more about proper ways for running and also I have met a lot of great people!!

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  4. I blog now. Follow other blogs & have learned so much from others. I'm definitely healthier & more fit.

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  5. I recently started my blog and social media has contributed to keeping me accountable for my running and overall giving me inspiration and extra motivation when I need it.

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  6. Um thanks for considering me a blogger friend! I'm honored! Congrats on the blogiversary lady-your running inspires me to (try to be) faster!

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  7. I learn so much from social media. Being able to ask forums and bloggers and groups questions and getting a response and or support back fairly quickly is so nice.

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  8. Social media has introduced me to the running communiy, the special needs community, and more. As an older girl, I remember life before social media- before internet even! It has opened the door to so many possibilities!

    Maryalicia Verdecchia
    pegasusrdr@gmail.com

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  9. Happy Anniversary! I love that we found each other through social media even though we grew up in the same general area of Wisconsin! :) xo

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  10. Connecting with other athletes/runners everywhere has been awesome and sharing workouts has been better!

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  11. Well mostly it's just been a time suck, but a wonderful one. :-)

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  12. Social media has helped me develop a support system and community! :D

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  13. I have met some wonderful people from social media.

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  14. Wooohoo Happy blog birthday!
    Social media has introduced me to new friends that became real life friends who will definitely be around for a while!!!

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  15. Social media keeps me motivate to get out there and run!

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  16. Social media has connected me to so many people who have become friends and constantly inspire me on a daily basis.

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  17. I get to keep in touch with lots of friends, and connect with people far away

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  18. Congrats on your one year anniversary!! I agree with the part about meeting amazing people! So glad we've become friends this year and can't wait for future Oiselle and Olallie meetups :)

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  19. Congratulations!! I just recently discovered your blog--most likely through a link from another blog or social media account-- and was drawn to the fact that you are in my local area :)

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  20. Social media keeps me connected to friends all across the world. It's awesome!! And I get to meet new people that have some of the same interests I have! Congrats on your blogeversary!!

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  21. I've made some really great friends through social media.

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  22. Totally know what you mean about the wonderful blog community. Some of my best friends essentially live in my computer, but I'm alright with that! Happy blogiversary!

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  23. Social media has helped me stay connected with family and friends who live in other areas and also meet lots of runners and new friends who don't live near me. It really helps when you have people from all over to encourage you.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

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  24. Hi Michelle! Congrats on your blog anniversary! I am so glad you started this blog and have so loved getting to know you through it. One of these days will have to have a meet up. Thanks for mentioning us! You rock!

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  25. Congrats on the blogiversary!! I've had very similar experiences to you in terms of social media. I love all the connections I've made and how many real life friends I've made through Twitter and blogging!

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  26. Congrats on your blogiversary! I love your reasoning for the name Lace & Race, you have it so spot on. I'm totally a girly-girl with my favorite color being pink and all the cliches that come along with it. However, I also am a bit of a tom-boy as well when it comes to working out and competition. Why discriminate and choose only one side?! Cheers to many more blog years!

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  27. I have met so many wonderful people through social media!

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  28. Social media has given me information, inspiration, and connections. Love the blog community!

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  29. Since I hate the telephone with a fiery passion, social media has made it a lot easier and more fun for me to keep in touch with my friends who are not close enough for frequent visits. Sometimes I hate Facebook but it's really been a blessing for my introverted soul.

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  30. HI Michelle! Congrats on the Blog Anniversary! It is so fun to read your blog and be inspired. I hope you come to NYC someday to race :-)

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  31. Happy Anniversary. Social media has given me another support network from the running community!

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  32. Miss Lace & Race I want that coffee mug! :) your cards r the bomb too!!!!

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  33. Social media has helped me by helping me find people who love running as much as I do and don't get tired talking about it. Happy Anniversary!

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  34. Social Media has given me a network of runners (near and far) to connect with on races, issues, questions, and bragging rights! Wishing you a Happy Blogging Anniversary!! Congrats and many more!

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  35. Social media changed my life b/c I re-met my husband on it! Who knows where I'd be right now or who I'd be with without it.

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  36. Social media has given me a network to connect to other runners with, who share the same goals, struggles, and questions. The support has been something I truly appreciate but never expected!

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  37. Social media has changed my life by allowing me to connect with people I never would have met without it!

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  38. I connected with so many great people from my entire life and have made many great new friends via my blog, too!

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  39. It's been great getting to know you a bit recently. A fellow Wisconsinite! I just laughed hysterically at your runners trots story!! (I have the same issue). Any luck with the salt sticks?!
    Xo!!
    @1943Smith
    Running in the Word

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  40. I have met many great people! Especially runners because I don't know ANY locally!

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  41. I've become more conscious of what I put out there

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  42. I've met a lot of people through run clubs that I had previously met on social media, which has made a big impact given isolation due to grad school, etc.

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  43. Great blog!! I've met so many wonderful people too. I have met one in person, and ran a race with her. I have had many struggles along the way--we all have---and my friends were always there for me. Blogging about running is also a great way to inspire and motivate people. I'll definitely start following yours!

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  44. I'm introverted so I haven't made the connections through social media that others have. But I've learned so much about running and triathlons from reading blogs that has really helped me in training and racing.

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  45. Congrats on 1 year! Loved hearing more about why you picked your blog name and about your slogan...

    I am with ya... the friends I've made through social media has bettered my life! It's amazing!

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  46. Happy 1 year blogiversary! Thanks for the shout out! So glad to have connected with you! Social media has helped me enhance my running and opened me up to a circle of really great people.

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  47. Happy 1 year anniversary. I must admit that I am really loving that coffee mug. I hope I win so I can get one!

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  48. I'm able to connect with friends who live all over the world!

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  49. Totally one of my favorite blogs!

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  50. Happy Blogiversary! You really do have a great blog, love it!

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  51. I never posted Thank you here- this is so exciting to win!!

    Maryalicia

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