warm 1600's and GIVEAWAY!

I am not ready for this warmer weather. Lucky for me it should be cooling off around these parts starting Thursday. Fingers crossed it stays cooler on through May 16th. Unfortunately I had some much disliked 1600 intervals on the schedule tonight. Only 3 but it felt oh so much worse. After the 2nd interval I took a little longer recovery in between and almost didn't start the 3rd. I had a brief bargaining session and then proceeded to run like someone in quicksand. Even though it felt like I wasn't moving I squeezed out my desired time of a sub-8 for all 3 intervals. So even though I felt a bit like what I assume death to feel like I made it through!

Onto the GIVEAWAY!

3 lucky readers will have the chance to receive their own copy of this fantastic, motivating book!

How you ask? Leave me comment... For each one you'll be entered into the hat!

1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know you already are a follower
2. Like the Ultimate Runner on Facebook
3. Like the Runners Lounge on Facebook or let me know you already do
4. Post this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter and let me know for each place you post.

Enter now through Sunday, May 9th. I will announce the winners on Monday, May 10th.

The Ultimate Runner Book Review

You may have heard about Tom and Amy the fabulous runners from Des Moines who created Runners' Lounge recent book release - The Ultimate Runner. I was lucky enough to receive a copy early this past weekend to check out. I love a good book. I especially love a motivating and inspiring running book. And really who of us doesn't?

If you haven't heard about The Ultimate Runner is a collection of short stories celebrating runners and their achievements and experiences. This is not from only elites and coaches, no it's also by some "regular" runners too. And let me say how wonderfully refreshing! There are are over 40 contributors (you can find the list of these peeps here) that includes some bloggers showcased on Runners Lounge blog previously. Always exciting to read stories from people you may "know"!

The book is separated into 7 sections that include stories, tips from the experts, and pictures. The first 6 sections include short stories on transformations, insights, the social side of running, memorable races, off the beaten path, and charitable causes stories. The last section is saved for the experts. While more seasoned runners may find some of this information in this last section repetitive there are good tips and reminders for us all.

Really The Ultimate Runner something for everyone. If you can not find a story in here to relate to in some way I would be very surprised. I found myself being able to identify with (because I too had experienced that! crazy I thought I was the only one ;)) or be motivated and inspired by nearly every single person who contributed. From those who were the casual runner or just starting out to the seasoned endurance athletes and everyone in betweeen these runners had me laughing out loud, shaking my head in disbelief and awe, and choking up a little bit... okay a lot but I am kind of an emotional freak :) When I was done it had me not only itching to lace up the shoes but also reflecting on what my story would be.

Thank you to Tom and Amy for putting together such a wonderful collection of stories for us regular runners! And for the copy of the book sent ahead of schedule ;) I hope there are many more collections to come in the future.

I highly recommend this book and if you want to grab your copy you can go to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Borders - it's available now! Added bonus... it's in paperback which means it's easy to travel with. Very important to this girl ;)