How Cool Is Coolmax? 30,001 COOL!!!!

I got my Oct. Runner's World  a couple of weeks ago and keyed right in on the free socks giveaway for Coolmax running socks. I love free stuff, especially when it is mailed to me. And I'm always looking for foot solutions because my feet are a mess with tip blisters (a common ailment on many parts of my body) and black toenails.

Either I didn't read the ad right, or the contest wasn't ready when they published the Oct. RW. After an email or two, the people at Coolmax admitted that the contest wouldn't be ready until Sept. 7. Just then, I read the post by Shut Up and Run and figured out that I was pre-mature (go for it anyone who wants it). I waited and sometime the morning of the 7th I tried, along with 30,000 others, to get my free pair of socks. You guessed it, they ran out. Shut Up and Run figured out a way to get more than one pair, and I'm sure her post helped others, so 30,000 pairs went to less than 30,000 runners. Hmmm. Here was the email from Melanie at Goldtoe:

Casual Day at Gold Toe

"Thank You for your interest in GoldToe.  We will have the link available for you on the website Sept. 7th.  The banner was not placed on the website before the circulation hit the stands.  I apologize for that confusion! 

Thanks Again, and come back to www.powersox.com/coolmax <http://www.powersox.com/coolmax> on Sept. 7th!

Melanie

GoldToeMoretz

On-line Inventory Analyst\"

Apology accepted Melanie. now send me some socks. I gave up and signed up for some counseling so I could move on in life, and last week got this email:

"We did reach our limit on the free pair of Coolmax socks giveaway.  However, due to the fact that you tried and could not access it, we will honor your attempt and send you the free pair anyway.  Please note that the it can take up to 8 to 12 weeks for fulfillment. 

If you did not supply your shipping address, please respond to this email!!

Thank You for your interest in our product!!

Melanie

GoldToeMoretz

On-line Inventory Analyst\"

Thanks Melanie at Gold toe!!! Employee of the year! Hey, I'm a fan already and am looking forward to the free socks. Easy customer service and simply the right thing to do. Look for the product review in 8-12 weeks. What's your latest customer service experience good or bad?

Your Punishment is Over

I decided a few weeks ago to have a blog contest and reward winners with homemade bread. Readers could suggest running workouts for a one week period, and I would complete them. A random selection would choose the winners and everyone would have had fun and liked me. But oh no, you couldn't accommodate-- not even a little.

Only one person responded to the contest and he sent me f'ing sprints! And just days after I bombed at the first ever SYTO 5K. At least he tried and now he's running all around like a maniac. Plus, my local running/swimming/Bikram friends went on jobs and vacations out of state, and I started my job up again at the local schoolhouse. Dark brooding ensued and I decided to punish you all with a strict code of silence.

cue the Sinead music

Meanwhile, I entered and won a blogging contest sponsored by Julie over at Julie's Running Blog. And what a set of prizes!! They came in the mail today: A really nice 18" foam roller (which I highly endorse), a stick of Sun/Sport Glide, 4 Powergel Strawberry/banana gu's, 3 packs of Sport Beans --one is Extreme (will I ever win the Rhoto Ceepo bike  or the Sportbeans bike contest?), a tube of Nuun hydro-tabs, 2 Powerbars, and a Powerbar with extra protein. And a thoughtful card with an airline voucher good for one roundtrip to Minnesota (some restrictions apply). Thanks Julie!! Check out her blog. I also got a new Header for the blog thanks to Runlaur. Pretty snazzy!


This has raised my spirits, and in good cheer, I hereby lift the sanctions. RTP now has 37 followers. I still have no idea how to determine the number of readers if there are any besides the followers. Someone will have to show me how to view the stats. I bet it's a million! I forgive all of you.

Semi-Vicarious Leavened Pseudo-Virtual Run(s) Giveaway

I'm making this up as I go. 

I am hereby challenging my readers to The First Annual Semi-Vicarious Leavened Pseudo-Virtual Run(s). The premise of this contest is that RTP followers will pick one day of the week (and this is for next week  Sunday thru Sat), assign a single running task to me for that day, have your task selected, complete the run you assign to me yourself, and report back to this blog in a daily recap.

There are two ways for a chance to win a loaf of homemade bread

1. Have your task selected

or

2. Join us in at least one of the daily runs and report

For each day next week, I will randomly select one follower's run to complete (if you are the only one who submits an entry for a day, you are automatic). That person has to complete the run also which hopefully prevents the 50 mile assignments from sneaking in. I'll randomly pick one person from the seven to win a loaf of bread.


The rest of you can join in the daily runs, post here your results, follow this blog, and each completed run will earn you a chance to win the SECOND LOAF!

Get it?

WTF???

• Pick one (only 1) day of the week for next week (Sun thru Sat)
• Prescribe a run (be considerate, it's late July in Phoenix and no barefoot shit)
• We both complete the run that day
• Report back on this blog at the end of that day. Remember, we are not time-competing against each other, just trying to complete the run and have some fun.
• Wait for the bread (1 in 7 chance)

To have your run chosen for one of the days, you must follow the above instructions and you must follow this blog. You will get extra chances to be drawn for following any of the blogs I follow (up to 3 extra points, separate comment each). You get an extra chance for

• mentioning this contest on your blog. 
• You can also get an extra point if you follow me on Twitter (jgeyer66) but you will be sorry, my Tweets are flat. 
• Also for retweeting this message "New Contest at Running Through Phoenix --First Annual Semi-Vicarious Leavened Pseudo-Virtual Run(s) --check it out!!"
• Lastly, RTP followers get a point for completing each run, just report your results here. Please list each in a separate comment.

Ready.......  set......... Go! (on Sunday.... go on Sunday)

Melon Patch-icide

Had to pull up the watermelon and cantaloupe plants. They were spreading like wildfire and choking out the other plants, including the precious tomatoes. Can't have that.

Dead watermelon vine.










The vines creep out and wrap little tendrils around the other plants to secure the plant. We thought it would make nice ground cover and give us free food, but we will need to grow a separate patch somewhere else in the yard next spring.

We started this little project back in the March and have had good reaps for the past two months in zucchini, bell peppers, and tomato (4 different varieties). The eggplants are producing fruit but they have not really been edible. They are Japanese and we haven't been able to tell when to pick them.

(the botanical definition of fruit is a ripened seed bearing ovary).

This is a photo of a ripened seed bearing ovary.

Actually, it is Adam the Boring Runner, who is one of the funniest and entertaining bloggers out there -and a hell of a good runner. I urge you to check out his blog. There is a current contest giveaway for compression socks that is worth entering.

And don't forget that Jamoosh's special big boy b-day is this Saturday. He like Transformers, Legos, small-batch 'chewy' beer, and disturbing tattoo/piercing photos.

Black or White

Trying to decide whether to wear my standard white running socks for RnR San Diego or to go with my untested, though I'm sure they are lucky, black running socks.

Ebony or Ivory? Which part of the Zebra will it be? While you contemplate this deep cosmic challenge, also consider entering Adam's contest for some sunscreen. Adam is a really entertaining skinny blogger who sweats like a bad junkie in solitary confinement.

ooops, now I can't stop thinking about Oreos. Did you know that Trader Joes has a Peppermint Oreo? Killer!

and speaking of Thorlo giveaways, check out Jamoosh's blog for a well-designed contest. Oh please, some lime Thorlo socks to end the madness of my digital choice!

Can't figure out where you stand on the sock issue? Wondering who you are in this divinely inspired universe? It would be a lot easier if you simply looked down at your Name/Rank/SSN tattoo on your belly. If you haven't impulsively had that done, you could, instead, enter a contest to win a RoadID The aforementioned Jamoosh is starting a string of contests. He knows who he is, and he knows a LOT about beer. Check him out for more info and a really entertaining, gorgeously designed,  and frequently updated blog.

Ok, a little over one week to decide. I'm not panicking, just a little verklempt. Randy or Simon? Salt or Pepper? Day or Night? Your thoughts?

20th Follower Contest Results!!

The contest was a success! The objective was to gain at least one more follower to take RTP to 20 followers. My blog now has 20 followers, though a couple quit me (I can't quit you!!)

 and 2 added. C'est la vie -- and a boring blog.

In honor of the contest, I ran 20 miles this morning. A first! 34 for the week.

I also took an ice bath afterwards -- another first!! No photos. If you want gratuitous and exhibitionistic photos, go see Steve in a Speedo's blog.

I almost had another first (and would, no doubt, have been the last) along the route but there was a golf course bathroom that came to the rescue.

The run was uneventful. I ran the first 4 miles, then ran/walked the remaining in a .9 run/.1 walk. Around mile 15, I started to walk a bit more and got nervous about my water supply. I did have several sources planned out and they were all available, so no hydration problems. I started at 5:30 am and it quickly became hot. Nice and salty hat!

I was out there almost 4 hours. The salient question in my mind is: Can I extrapolate success for 26.2 from relative success in 20? Answer is yes with lingering doubt. My feet really swelled up in my shoes and two toes took a bad beating, but otherwise I'm 'normally' sore. Cardiovascular stayed strong, form began to break down a bit after 15, and I ran much faster than I planned while walking slower than I planned. The plan calls for 3 runs this coming week and another long run next weekend (22?), then taper and San Diego RnR Marathon on June 6. The fallback plan is to downgrade to the 1/2 and set a PR, though I really want a marathon on the books.

I hear you, I hear you --get to the contest! The winner (randomly selected from a hat by a trustworthy 2 year old)  of the 20th Follower to Running Through Phoenix is..... Runlaur! You most likely know her and her blog, but if you don't, check her out. She is an awesome blogger, and person, and is running in the Bob Potts marathon (her first marathon) this weekend.

That's her on the Phoenix map pin. She wins a $20 GC to Zombie runner and some bragging rights. See ya when you get back Lauren and we will work out the exchange. There were some interesting entries and the contest was more difficult than I expected. I'll re-tool for the next contest. Thanks again to all my followers and have a great running weekend!

20th Follower Contest

"Hey 19" is the only song I can think of with 19 in it.

 RTP has 19 loyal followers and I have no idea why.  And absolutely nothing comes to mind for the number 20. Hence this contest. Two things need to happen for you to be eligible to win this contest: RTP must gain its 20th follower, and you must enter the contest. The winner will receive a $20 GC to Zombie Runner. $20??!!?? What can I get for $20?? Surprisingly, quite a bit.

http://www.zombierunner.com/store/20_30_40_deals/#zombie_20_30_40_deals_20.html

The contest is simple. Post a comment listing your favorite song with the number 20 in the title. If you aren't already following Running Through Phoenix, start following me. I will randomly select a winner and let you all know by the end of this week. If you enter the contest, follow me, and have a photo on your profile, you get two automatic entries into the contest. If your photo is not included in your profile, you will only get one entry. So figure it out!! Un-follow me then follow me again --whatever you need to do to make your photo appear.

Interested in another contest of the peanut butter variety? Are you excited enough to slather yourself in the stuff and rush out onto a basketball court?

http://earlymorningrun.blogspot.com/2010/05/peanut-butter-co-giveaway.html

One last prize for Wifey-poo

Hey what else could she want??

Maybe this could count for Valentines too?? Thanks for following sweetie!

Mel's Prize

Mel, you have done a good job of sending me comments and supporting me thru a phantom injury. I really hope you are able to return to the running Mel of old soon. I am sending her a photo of something not to try. Do not use this device, and you are certain to not be affected by it in a negative way.

Get better soon Mel!

A Prize for Bob

Bob is a new follower to RTP. He has a nice little family with a girl and a boy and a cool dog. He runs in SoCal and had some awesome photos on his site. Glad to have Bob in the NINE. I had trouble thinking of a present for him, but finally decided that he needs a video of some guys catching a huge muskie through the ice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnfxMNaNuU

You won't get that at the beach. Thanks for following Bob!

Rio's Prize

Rio is a really cool runner from here in Phoenix. She is a mom and a dedicated marathon runner. Following her as she trains has been truly inspirational. She is always really busy with kids and running and her job, so I'm giving her a recipe for the slow cooker. This is yummy and easy and the family will be so happy.

Mmmmm..
Thanks Rio!!

A Prize for Jamoosh

Jamoosh lives in Texas --not Dallas! He enjoys beer and is married and loves his wife. He is a marathoner. I'm guessing that Jamoosh likes data, so I'm giving him a list of the most common numbers between 0 and 100. Any of you can feel free to use this grid.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 (71 is almost never used) 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Thanks for following Jamoosh!

Morgan's Prize

I don't know Morgan very well at all. She has red hair and is fast and is pursuing the triathlon. But she took a chance in deciding to follow RTP, and gets a tiger for being brave:

Thanks Morgan!

Adam's Prize

Adam is a hugely funny blogger, a confused heterosexual, and a hell of a runner. He travels a lot and is married and enjoys wine in cans with pop tops. Adam and I share the same sense of humor so I'm giving him a filthy joke: If you are offended by x-rated humor, please do not read the joke:


Knocked-up daughter
A 17 year-old girl tells her Mum that she has missed her period for two months. Very worried, the mother goes to the chemist and buys a pregnancy test. The test is positive. Shouting, swearing, crying, the mother says, "Who was the bastard that did this to you? I want to know!"
The girl picks up the phone and makes a call. Half an hour later a Ferrari stops in front of their house; a mature and distinguished man with grey hair and impeccably dressed in an Armani suit steps out of the Ferrari and enters the house. He sits in the living room with the father and the mother, and the girl and tells them: "Good morning, your daughter has informed me of the problem. I can't marry her because of my personal family situation but I'll take charge. I will pay all costs and provide for your daughter for the rest of her life. Additionally, if a girl is born I will bequeath her 2 retail stores, a townhouse, a beachfront villa and a $2,000,000 bank account."
He continues: "If a boy is born, my legacy will be a couple of factories and a $4,000,000 bank account. If twins, they will receive a factory and $2,000,000 each. However, if there is a miscarriage, what do you suggest I do?"
At this point, the father, who had remained silent, places a hand firmly on the man's shoulder and tells him "You fuck her again..."

Adam is a great guy, thanks Adam!

A Prize for Pat

I don't really know Pat but he's a loyal disciple and has been supportive. All I really know is that Pat is a runner and a Realtor and a blogger. To Pat, the screenshot of my first Garmin "run":

He's going the distance. He's going for speed. All the way to the second mile an and then breakdown baby!

Full disclosure for the court if you please. Thanks Pat!

Runlaur's prize

Gotta get a start on the prize thing because I just know the tenth RTP follower is waiting to see what kind of incentives are out there. Runlaur is my biggest non-family female running inspiration and for that she gets a running haiku:

She's a steady pace

only walks as planned for miles

along the canal

Ok, it can only get better. Thank Lauren!

My Most Loyal Followers

Now there are nine of you and almost all of you have included a photo with your Google account. I'd like to spend some time soon learning how to spruce up the blog. I have a bare bones blog. Anyway, if you have been lurking and thinking about "following" officially, let this induce you:

The tenth follower to RTP will receive a prize and will be included with the first nine in a special blog report.

Went out after work today to get a recovery run in. Wanted 3 miles, but only got about 2 before the skies opened up, and since I was near home and still injury-free, I called it quits. I'll go again Thursday morning. Get this: I built a training log to prep for June 6, and if I do this thing, I will have logged 679.2 miles (marathon included) between now and then. Now I know why they say One Day at a Time.

Thanks for following me!