Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/11-17/13)

Boston Marathon week ... Ahhh!!!

Thursday, April 11: 2 Mile Run

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Friday, April 12: Rest Day/Walking Around Boston Marathon Expo

Saturday, April 13: 2.5 Mile Shakeout Run with Runner's World

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april 13

Sunday, April 14: BAA 5k

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Monday, April 15: Boston Marathon

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Tuesday, April 16: 2.62 Mile Walk in Honor of Marathon Bombing Victims

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april 16

Wednesday, April 17: Rest Day

The Aftermath Of Marathon Monday

On what should have been one of the happiest days of my life, my accomplishment of completing the Boston Marathon is marked with a smoky-fiery injury/death-filled asterisk. This isn't a race recap post. I'm not at a place to write that yet.

This will be a space for me to work through the myriad of emotions I felt on Monday.

Joy - however fleeting it was. It was there: as I waved to Tedy Bruschi & the rest of Tedy's Team cheering me on from the windows of The Lenox Hotel after passing Mile 26, as I caught a glimpse on my left of my wife and dad just before I crossed the Finish Line, as I actually stepped over that glorious yellow Finish Line and finally as I found my Mom on the other side of the Line.

Confusion - what was the noise (as my back was to the Line as I caught my breath)? Was it a celebratory cannon? I hadn’t been at the Finish Line since my dad ran 17 years ago.

Fear - as the explosions hit just a minute after I crossed that Finish Line, I immediately thought of my wife and dad ... Were they okay? Were they standing where it went off?

Anger - as people tried to flee the scene, they pushed past and over my Mom who was trying to walk with her cane to safety. I just started yelling at people to stop shoving and to be careful.

Relief - after a text from my wife saying she and my dad were okay and after a phone call to my dad telling him to collect my mom where I safely left her and we would all meet near the Commons.

Despair - as my phone died and I was wandering around Boylston St trying to figure out how I was going to reconnect with my family since we weren't able to find an exact meeting location.

Solace - in the sheer volume of first responders who whizzed past me on Boylston St (fire engines, police, etc) and in the volunteers that hugged me and let me borrow their cell phone to try and call my dad again.

(Also thank goodness I had my GoSportID bracelet on with his phone number on it!!) Panic - as I wandered down Newbury, alone and with no idea what would happen next. I also was starting to feel faint since I had nothing in my system besides Sport Beans and Swedish Fish.

Relief (again) - when I somehow ran into my friend Robin (who had finished the race 20 min before me) with her husband and friend. They were my beacon of hope. We found a set of stairs to sit on and Robin's husband found me snacks to eat (a Clif bar never tasted so good), Robin was able to text my wife our location and they stayed with me as we waited ... for what felt like years until my dad arrived!

Jubilation - at seeing and hugging my dad. As he helped me limp to meet my mom and wife, I just couldn't stop playing it over and over in my head. But then a huge teary-eyed hug from the wife was the best feeling. All 4 of us were safe and sound. Phew!

My panic level could finally start to drop!

But now 2 days later, I sit with the biggest emotion of all ...

GUILT!

It's because of me my wife had to write these blog posts (one & two).

It's because of me my family members are scarred by this too close experience of a terror attack.

It's because of me they were where they were.

How could I not feel that burden or carry that feeling?

The Night Before The Boston Marathon...

... is FULL of emotions! I don't even really know how to put them all into words.

***

I am excited.

I am nervous.

I am ready to throw up.

I am pumped.

I am honored.

I am doubtful.

I am questioning.

I am breathing.

***

With less than 17 hours til Tedy's Team crossed the Start Line (10:40am), it is finally sinking in that this whole running The Boston Marathon thing is really happening.

I mean Yes I knew it was coming, but with a full weekend of festivities - I was distracted for a while. Until I crossed the finish line of the BAA 5k this morning and realized ... it's time for THE BIG SHOW now.

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I sit here hugging my foam roller and Marathon Stick wondering what I got myself into. But, WHY do I keep questioning myself. I've done this whole running a marathon before. I've done all of the training since Tedy's Team kicked off the season December 1.

Why start doubting myself now?

Well, maybe it's after a weekend of being asked: "oh, where do you qualify?" Nope, nope not a qualifier. As soon as anyone asked if I was running Monday, I would immediately say: "Yes, as a charity runner" to avoid the qualifying question. For some reason it made me feel as if I wasn't worthy to be in the same room with all of the other people doing their shakeout runs or picking up their bibs.

Then last night whipped me back into shape. Last night, we attended the Tedy's Team Pasta Dinner. Sitting in the room with my 45 teammates, hearing people's stories, celebrating that the team has raised over $300,000 for Stroke Awareness - THAT made me remember why I was doing this whole thing and why I DID deserve to be running in the Boston Marathon.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow I run tomorrow, what matters is the singlet I will be wearing ... what matters is the reason WHY I am running.

26 -

Tomorrow I run for my grandparents, for Tedy Bruschi, for all Stroke Victims, for my family, for my friends and for all of you - my supporters!

I thank you all for joining me on this journey. The countless training posts, the fundraising posts and offering up encouragement when I doubted myself.

The girl that weighed 235 lbs at one time will be toeing the line tomorrow to finish the most famous marathon in the world. I didn't qualify. But I had the honor to raise awareness and money for Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association, which is more important than any qualifying time.

This one time obese girl will be putting on that Tedy's Team singlet and representing her grandparents to the best of her abilities. I will give it my all tomorrow. No matter the outcome I know they are proud of me.

OKAY NOW I'M PUMPED!!!

---

But since I'm me and need a goal.

What do I hope to accomplish tomorrow?

1) Finish. Seems like a simple request, but you really never know what can happen during a given race so I want to remain healthy enough to complete the 26.2 mile crusade.

2) Post a time sub 4 hours. This was my goal for the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon in November 2012 (my 2nd marathon) and I accomplished it then (3:58:49) so I would like to do that again if I can.

3) PR - 3:55. This is a dream, but keeping it as a possibility based on my previous training runs. If I could keep a steady 9:00 min/mile pace, I would post a 3:55:48, which would be a 3 minute PR. I would take that for sure!!

4) PR - 3:51. I could attain this if I kept an average pace of 8:50. Definitely a possibility if I find people with a similar pace to mine. I always run better when I have a partner who is faster they I am. Why? Well I always doubt my speed and having someone with me pushes me.

5) PR - 3:50 or less. A girl can Wish Upon A Star, ya know?

---

Now that I have released the thoughts swimming around my head, I can get back to relaxing, having a yummy dinner (mmm carbs!) and head to bed early. How can I sleep on a night like this? My sweet little friend Tylenol PM. I need a full night sleep so I will be trying to dose off by 8/9.

So thank you again for being a part of my journey. I cannot believe it all culminates tomorrow. But, I know you will all be with me every step of the way!!

I leave you with Flat Dani, who is ready to Sparkle her way through The Boston Marathon!

2013-04-14 18.11.15

Boston Marathon Weekend Festivities

Just thinking about the next five days is making me tired. But for ALL good reasons.

I mean yes there is the little thing of The actual Boston Marathon taking place on Monday, but there is SOOOO much more happening before then.

***

Let's see what's on the 'ol docket:

Friday

After finishing the work week at 12:15, I will be heading home, getting a good reliable backpack and heading to the Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. The expo kicks off at 2pm and I think my friend Sarah and I will be there pretty much at the start. ;)

Why you may ask?

Well, I am REALLY hoping I can snag a pair of the exclusive New Balance Boston Marathon sneakers, which are only sold at the Expo. So trying to get there as early as possible will help my chances. *Fingers Crossed*

Aren't they amazing???

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(I missed out on the exclusive Run Disney sneakers because we got there too late)

Additionally, I am picking up my bib for the BAA 5k AND the Boston Marathon so lots to get done.

Plus, I have a ton of booths I want to hit up ... the high priority? Meeting the ladies behind the amazing Sparkly Soul headbands. :)

***

Saturday

I had the honor of being invited to a special Runner's World Shakeout Run with Bart Yasso, which takes place Saturday morning at 7:30am. I am wicked excited to be meeting up with so many of my fellow bloggers and some of my running idols.

Around lunchtime, I will me joining some of my local Twitter/Facebook friends for lunch before they head into the Expo (and maybe I go back ;)). I will definitely be seeing Sam from Running and Cupcakes and Colleen from The Fit Bee and hopefully some others!!

As if that wasn't an exciting day already, the wife & I have the Tedy's Team Pasta Dinner that night 6-9 at the Lenox Hotel. If we are still functioning, we will end the night with the Runner's World party, which is located close by. I want to take advantage of as many chances as possible to meet some of my running and blogging idols.

***

Sunday

And on the day before the Marathon, I decided to sign up for the BAA 5k (8am) with my best friend Sarah. Sarah is turning the Big 3-0 on Monday and since I will be busy running ;) I told her we could run the 5k together the day before as a shakeout run for me.

The biggest hurdle? Holding myself back from race pace.

Thankfully I will have Sarah there to reel me in and keep me in check. Since the BIG SHOW is on Monday!

The rest of the day will be spent relaxing at home and making sure everything I need for Monday is laid out in advance.

***

Monday

The Big Show! :)

Nerves will be setting in. Nervousness will be in full effect. Excitement will be seeping from all parts of my body.

I need to be at the Boston Commons by 7am to take the bus to the Start Line.

Once there, we have a place where all Tedy's Team members can hang out - out of the elements - before the Start.

My wave is set to start around 10:40am.

Then it's GAME TIME baby!

After finishing (assuming I do :P), I will meet my family and the rest of the team at the after spot at a nearby hotel.

I can't wait to see everyone after they Finish, especially my family.

***

Tuesday

My treat day!

Hey, I deserve a day off from work after the Marathon so I took one. :)

I am meeting my friend Abby for mani-pedis around 11am then followed by lunch/drinks in Davis Square.

I will then putter around until a 90-minute (yup I went there!) massage at Massage Therapy Works.

Once the wife gets out of work, I hope to meet up with her for dinner and possibly getting my 6th tattoo.

I am looking to get the phrase "One Step At A Time" with "13.1" and "26.2" on either side. I need to check with Painted Bird Tattoo parlor to see if they have time.

***

Now doesn't that sound like one exhausting, amazing and life-changing weekend???

I am smiling, crying and feeling tired all at the same time. :)

But, I feel blessed and can't wait to share all the memories with you all.

Will I see any of you over the next 5 days? Maybe grabbing a beer to celebrate?

Fierce Forward Limitless Collection Bracelet *WINNER ANNOUNCED*

Annddddd the winner IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to Fierce Forward for sharing her beautiful bracelet with us!!!

***

I am not a HUGE jewelry person. I usually keep it pretty simple - a couple bangles and my Tedy's Team plastic bracelet are really all I need.

But, I love a company with a purpose - especially when it is to motivate and inspire women.

Enter Fierce Forward ... a company "driven by purpose and moved by passion, you break down barriers and move Fiercely Forward."

Ashley Johns is a personal trainer, a fitness model, an athlete, an author, a life coach and a jewelry designer.

She created the Limitless Collection, which features such motivating designs as Purpose, Commitment, Energy, Passion, Growth, Grounded and Strength. Each bracelet holds a powerful and empowering message.

The collection got the game because Ashley writes "each bracelet is handmade to arm you with the intention to be limitless."

A positive message I can get after.

After connecting with Ashley on Twitter, she was gracious enough to offer myself as well as a blog reader a Less Sugar Bracelet.

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Photo Courtesy of Fierce Forward 

Ashley describes the beautiful Less Sugar Bracelet as:

A petite bracelet hand made by me using only the finest African Trade Beads. Come with a Fierce Forward logo Stainless Steel Charm that freely moves around the bracelet. This "candy bracelet" is to remind you to eat less sugar and be mindful of what you put in your body. Moderation is key! This is life, you must enjoy the fine things in it and enjoy them richly. Enjoying something richly is not having it every day but waiting for it in moderation and then truly being able to appreciate it.

candy

Photo Courtesy of Fierce Forward 

Since starting Weight Watchers in November 2009, I've used a lot of visual cues - notes on my hand, post-it notes, etc - as a way to remind myself to pick the healthy option. But Ashley has created a much cuter way to cue myself to pick the water and not the soda. (I am currently 856 days soda free).

This is not just for someone with Diabetes watching their sugar intake but for ANYONE. We should all take more care in what we put in our bodies. You start reaching for that Mountain Dew in the fridge and see your Less Sugar Candy Bracelet and remember that you don't NEED that. Reach for water instead. I create these bracelets to mean something to YOU. You will have your own individual need for your bracelet and it will connect with you on your level:)

What will my bracelet remind me to do? Grab the water before a snack. Our bodies don't know the difference between hunger and thirst signals SO when I grab for food my bracelet on my left wrist will remind me to drink some water first. Thanks Ashley!

So who's ready for the giveaway??

Here’s how to enter:

Giveaway is open from 8am April 10 (Wednesday) through 9am April 12 (Friday)!!

The winner will be announced on Friday!!

Breakin' Down My RunnerBox

I blame Facebook. Haha.

Do you need more explanation?

I blame Facebook for opening my eyes to new addictions.

The latest.

RunnerBox.

RunnerBox's website describes the service as:

RunnerBox is a subscription based box for runners, triathletes and other active people. It is a mini shoebox filled with running products, mailed to your front door. It has everything from energy products, gels, chews, protein shakes/supplements, nutrition bars, skincare, and other accessories! Some products will be brand new (but personally tested) on the market, and some will be tried and true favorites. With so many products coming out on the market, leave the trials and testing to us, we’ll search out the best and send them to you!

How could I NOT sign up for it after reading that description?

Right?

I mean seriously.

RunnerBox offers a few different subscriptions for varying prices - one box: every month, every other month, every six months or you can give one box as a gift.

Same options are available for the Tribox - a box clearly geared towards triathletes! ;)

So I made and account, signed up on Friday (April 5) for $15.70 a month (which is one box a month) and received my first box in the mail on Monday (April 8)!

(Note: I was contacted by RunnerBox letting me know they actually mailed me the bi-monthly subscription box - which retails for $25.70 per order. They will be mailing me out the correct box for the $15.70 subscription soon. SOOO the info below is for the $25.70 box that you would receive every other month.)

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Do you want to know what was inside?

Well of course you do. That was a dumb question. ;)

It started with a kick ass quote...

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... and turned into Christmas!

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:)

So what exactly did the RunnerBox include...

(Descriptions from the neon green sheet in the picture above ... disclaimer: RunnerBox discounts removed from the descriptions since they were given to RunnerBox subscribers)

Injinji Socks: The original performance lightweight performance series toesock = no blisters

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SiMbi hair-bracelets: beautiful, functional, and each SiMbi sold purifies 1 gallon of water a day and creates jobs for the people of Haiti. Excellent.

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Win Detergent: for tech fabrics making garments last longer, smell fresher and perform better.

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Clif ShotBlocks Energy Chews: Semi-solid easy to chew sources of carbs and electrolytes that taste great!

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Energybits: 100% natural organic spirulina tablets.

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Slik Skin Strong: Prevents chafing and more in a convenient spray.

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Chocolate #9 Gel: Tastes so good you'll want to run just so you can eat it.

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Recover Bars: All natural bar designed to replenish depleted muscle glycogen stores for faster recovery

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Huma Gel: An all natural chia seed based gel with Omega 3's and gluten free.

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Cytomax Sports Drink packs: lowers acid level during and after training.

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Skora Shoes: *product discount coupon only*

Zensah Compression: *product discount coupon only*

 

I would say that is one sweet haul for $25.70 don't you?

The only product I have tried so far were the Energy bits, but I had been sent a free sample of their product BEFORE my RunnerBox arrived.

Besides Energybits, I have yet to have time to try any of the other products as I finish prepping for Monday's Boston Marathon. But I will make sure to do so afterwards. I don't want to try anything new this close to the race.

I can't wait to see what May has to offer!! :)

***

Has anyone else ordered a RunnerBox? Have you participated in another monthly subscription program?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/4-10/13)

As you can see the tapering has begun... :( It is an evil necessity! :P

Thursday, April 4: Rest Day

Friday, April 5: Rest Day (knee pain emerged and I wasn't about to risk injury)

Saturday, April 6: 3.51 Mile Run

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saturday

Sunday, April 7: 5.49 Mile Run

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sunday

Monday, April 8: Rest Day

Tuesday, April 9: 4 Mile Run

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Wednesday, April 10: 3.3 Mile Walk With The Pups

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weds

And Monday is the BIG DAY BABY ... The Boston Marathon!!

I'm Dopey!

I'm far beyond crazy that I've actually gone DOPEY!!

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dopey

On April 2 - yes one week ago - I registered for the Run Disney Dopey Challenge.

What is that you may ask?

Oh just this little thing the great minds at Run Disney created where you compete in four races over four days:

January 9 (Thursday) - Disney Family Fun Run 5k - 6:15 a.m. ET - EPCOT

January 10 (Friday) - Walt Disney World 10k - 5:30 a.m. ET - EPCOT

January 11 (Saturday) - Walt Disney World Half Marathon - 5:30 a.m. ET - Start/Finish: EPCOT

January 12 (Sunday) - Walt Disney World Marathon - 5:30 a.m. ET - Start/Finish: EPCOT

Thankfully I was a math major so I can quickly add that up for you! That is 48.6 miles in a four-day span.

Saaayyy wwhhhaaa???

I somehow have lost my mind and think this is a totally okay thing to sign up for. Let's also place some of the blame on my dear wife who okayed the $495 charge that the Dopey Challenge runs. Ouch!

BUT there are SIX medals. SIX! How amazing is that?

We all know I love my race bling. ;)

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bling

After running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on January 12, 2013 (recap), I knew I wanted to give the Goofy Challenge (Half Marathon on Saturday and Full Marathon on Sunday) down the road. Originally I had planned on tackling that feat in 2015, which is the 10-year anniversary of the Goofy Challenge.

I think the Run Disney folks figured out that a TON of people would be doing the same thing - skipping 2014 to wait for 2015 - so there came the Dopey Challenge this year.

Once the news broke, the wheels started turning in my head. Maybe I could do it? No, that's crazy. Who do I think I am? I can't run that type of distance in four days and for that much money.

But, then I remembered. I am capable of much more than I think I can so the more I thought about registering for the Dopey Challenge the more I wanted to do it.

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jessie

Can you tell I had fun during the race?

So last Tuesday, April 2, I saw there was an early opening to register for the Dopey Challenge and all of a sudden I was signed up. (Proof at the top of the post) So the wife and I will head back to Disney in January 2014 as our big racecation for the year.

Now that the registration is complete, what's the next step?

Well, figuring out my 4 costumes of course. I think Jessie will have to make a return appearance!

cow
cow

***

Are you going Dopey as well? Have you ever participated in a Run Disney race?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (3/28-4/3/13)

Another week of marathon prep in the books... :)  

Thursday, March 28: 4.5 Mile Run

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thursday

Friday, March 29: 4.5 Mile Run

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friday

Saturday, March 30: 10.1 Mile Run

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saturday

Sunday, March 31: 2.5 Mile Run, 30 Min Stairmaster, 30 Min Elliptical, 12 Min Walk Home From Gym & Family Walk

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sun-2

Monday, April 1: 4 Mile Run & 50 Min Spinning

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Tuesday, April 2: 30 Min Run (3.63 miles)

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tues

Wednesday, April 3: 5k Run

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weds

 Artwork in final collage from Chronic Positivity Project

T-minus 12 days til The Boston Marathon!!!

3k Twitter Follower Giveaway WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize Pack 1: @2thfairyRDH - Marianne Elizabeth Williams

Prize Pack 2: @darciegagne13 - Darcie Gagne

Prize Pack 3: @divaonadiet - Alexis Atwood

CONGRATS!!!! I will be in touch to help you collect your prizes!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to all the Sponsors!!!

**********

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I never imagined I would be doing a giveaway for reaching 3,000 Twitter followers.

So thank you for humoring my posts and following my path to The Boston Marathon … and beyond!

I love Twitter for so many reasons, but really it allows me to connect with so many amazing, inspiring, motivating people that push me to be a better human being and athlete. Can I call myself an athlete? That allowed. Eh, I’m going with it. So there. :P

But I know you aren’t all here to listen to me rambling on about how much I appreciate you all and love interacting with you.

You are here for the SWAG!!

Well, let’s get right down to it shall we.

Thanks to amazing companies and sponsors I have three amazing Giveaway packages for you all to enjoy.

And here they are:

Prize Pack One

Sample of ENERGYBits

Pair of PRO Compression Socks

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Gear

Sparkly Soul Wide Gold Headban

Same pack of Vitalicious Vitatops

**

Prize Pack Two

Sample of ENERGYBits

Pair of Lock Laces

Marathon Sports $50 Gift Certificate

Perform Pain Reliever Recovery Kit

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Gear

**

Prize Pack Three

Bulu Box March Box and T-shirt

Sample of ENERGYBits

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Gear

Pair of X-1 Momentum Headphones

Pair of ZENSAH Neon Compression Socks

Giveaway is open from March 28 (today) through Midnight on April 2!!

Here’s how to enter:

The three winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 3!!

Please be sure to show some appreciation to these amazing sponsors by tweeting them some love...