Unplugged Virtual 5K!

Disclaimer: I am a Jost Running Blogger. I have been given free entry into the virtual races. I have received no other compensation. All the opinions are mine and mine alone. 

I received quite a surprise this month! I thought my time was up being a Jost Running Blogger. But I was given the opportunity to run April's race! I can't express how awesome Jost Running is! I love how the races benefit a different charity each month. And the bling is just amazing! 

April's race is called "Unplugged." It benefits Best Buddies International. The idea is that running is when a lot of us unplug from our daily lives. It is a time to clear our heads and a stress reliever. This month Jost Running wants us to take it a step further and also unplug from any other distractions during our run like our music. They want us to run to our own rhythm. 

So that was my plan! I didn't listen to music. I tried to just feel the run. To enjoy my surroundings. And to be thankful that I could run. 

The first few miles were tough like always. And it was hot. But I persevered and finished the run! 

And look at the amazing bling I earned!

Next month's race is called "Brave New Route." This one will benefit the ALS Association which is near and dear to my heart as I have a friend whose husband is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. I hope you will register to run this one!

QOTD: Do you ever run virtual runs?

Spring Forward Virtual 5K!

Disclaimer: I am a Jost Running Blogger. I have been given free entry into the virtual races. I have received no other compensation. All the opinions are mine and mine alone!

First of all I want to say that I have greatly enjoyed being a Jost Running Blogger the past few months! These virtual races have been so much fun! And the bling is just amazing! If you're ever looking for an awesome virtual race (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon distances) with great bling and that benefit some awesome charities, be sure to check out Jost Running!

This month's virtual race is called "Spring Forward!" I decided to run the 5K again.

I ran this race right after work one afternoon...but before my boys got off the school bus. So I was once again racing the bus! I wasn't sure how this run would go. It was the first run since that horrible long run.

But I laced up my shoes anyway and headed out the door hoping for a good run. I didn't have too much time to think about it because I had to get going before my boys made it home.

The first mile or so was tough but then I really got into my groove! It was surprisingly early for me...I usually don't get into my groove until mile 3 or 4!

This run was amazing! I felt great the entire time! And I was running fast...for me at least!

Did I beat the bus? Let's say we tied! I was turning back into my neighborhood when I saw my boys getting off the bus. I made it!

Next month's race is called "Unplugged." It's all about clearing your head during the run. Jost Running wants you to take it a step further and unplug from your music and any other distractions so that you can really feel the run! I love this! I hope you will register for this one!

QOTD: Is is starting to feel like spring where you live?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a Gone For A Run Gift Card!!!

We Go Together Virtual 5K!

Disclaimer: I am a Jost Running Blogger. I have been given free entry into the virtual races. I have received no other compensation. All the opinions are mine and mine alone!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you are able to spend today with someone you love!

This month's Jost Running virtual race is called "We Go Together!" The medals have a salt and pepper shaker on them...super cute! Again I decided to run the 5K!

I ran this race on a Friday afternoon after work. My husband gets off early on Fridays so I knew I wouldn't have to rush because he would be home in time to get the boys off the bus. 

The weather was perfect for running! The temperatures were in the 50's and it was sunny! It made it the perfect chance to wear my new pink Tommie Copper capris that Sarah had given me in New Orleans! 

I know...no skirt? It was tough to not wear a skirt but I managed lol!

The first part of the run was tough as always. It always takes me a few miles to get warmed up and in my groove. But once I was warmed up the run was great! That last mile is always wonderful for me in a 5K!

I love that Jost Running gives you a bib with your name on it! And like I've mentioned before, the medals are just amazing! 

Next month's virtual race is all about springing forward to the new season and a new you! It's called Spring Forward and will benefit Achilles International! I hope you will register to run the 5K, 10K, Half, or Full!

QOTD: What is your favorite part of a virtual race?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a Runningluv!

In With the New Year 5K Virtual Race!

Disclaimer: I am a Jost Running Blogger. I have been given free entry into the virtual races. I have received no other compensation. All the opinions are mine and mine alone!

This month's Jost Running virtual race is called "In With the New Year!" I decided to run the 5K race this time. 

For this race I ran right after work. I knew I was going to have to run pretty fast because I had to be done by the time my boys got home from school. So I was basically trying to beat the school bus lol!

It's no secret that 5K's are not my favorite. I would rather run long and slow than fast and short. But this was the only time I had to get it done. So I was determined.

Luckily the weather was cool outside so running in the afternoon wasn't a big deal. It wasn't too hot. The first mile was yucky like always. It's always hard for me to get in the groove. But finally around mile 2 I did! And the run was great!

At mile 2.5 I knew I was going to make it back home just in time for the bus! I made my turn to head back into my neighborhood....and I TRIPPED! I'm talking I almost landed right on my face! And all these cars were going by at the time too. Luckily though....I caught myself before I hit the ground. Whew! That would have been bad. And how embarrassing too....I KNOW those cars saw me.

I had just finished my run when the bus came! I made it!

I hugged my boys and went inside with them. I took a shower and then grabbed my medal. I will say that the medals from Jost Running are AWESOME!!!!! 

Next month's race is all about love! It's called "We Go Together" and the medal has a salt and pepper shaker on it! So cute! I hope you will register to run the 5K, 10K, half, or full! 

QOTD: Do you like virtual races?

Virtual Races for Everyone!

Disclaimer: I am a Jost Running Blogger. I have been given free entry into the virtual races. I have received no other compensation. All the opinions are mine and mine alone!

Do you like to run like me? Do you like to race but are too busy or the races don't ever fit your schedule? Well I have the perfect solution for you....Jost Running Virtual Races!

What exactly is a virtual race? Cynthia, one of the founders of Jost Running sums it up below:

"A virtual race is a race that runners, or walkers, can participate in no matter where they are located on the globe. The way it works is that each runner registers at www.JostRunning.com, we email them a custom racing bib, he/she runs during their selected race week, emails us their finish time, and we send them a finishers medal in the mail.What sets us apart from other virtual races is that everyone who submits a time to us will see that time represented on the results page of our website where they can check their ranking if the competition aspect is important to them, or feel a sense of community from their solo run by seeing the other runners names and times."

Since I've been dealing with a knee and hip injury the past 2 months, I've really missed racing. Virtual races are awesome for those recovering from injury but not ready to enter the racing scene quite yet. They can also be used in training to challenge yourself with a certain distance.

Another great aspect of virtual racing is that they can be run any time at any location. My friend Stephanie moved to the other side of the United States from me and I miss racing with her. But...we can sign up for a virtual race, run it at the same time in our different locations, and it can feel like we are doing it together!

When you sign up you even get your own personalized race bib!

The best part of Jost Running Virtual Races is the BLING!!! Just look at these medals for the Running is a Winter Sport Race that is going on this month! These medals are heavy and high quality!

Every Jost Running Virtual Race is run for a good cause. This month the race benefits the Central Virginia Food Bank. Next month's race benefits The Disabled Athlete Sports Association.

I hope you will join me in some of these virtual races! These races are really going to help me with my running goal to run 14 races in 2014!

You can still register for the Running is a Winter Sport race.

Or you can register for January's virtual race...In With the New Year! What better way to start off the New Year than with a virtual race? Use the coupon code COUNTDOWN to receive 10% off any of the In With the New Year races!

QOTD: Do you ever run virtual races?