Friday, March 28, 2014

Giveaway: Reebok Spartan Race Registration

**Giveaway Closed! Congratulations to Jane Thompson, winner of the free race registration for any 2014 Reebok Spartan Race in the continental United States! Email me at runlikeabird@gmail.com for your race code, Jane!**

Running just ain't what it used to be.

I imagine the wiry old grandfather types in my running group saying that, sometimes, while we're gaining serious elevation on Cougar Mountain in a downpour. As a fairly new runner, I can't add much to the conversation, but I have to admit that color runs and obstacle courses weren't featured on my Facebook news feed prior to 2010.

Suddenly, photos of my friends in bright shades of faux Ray-Bans with pigmented cornstarch splotches from head to toe were popping up everywhere.

http://www.colormerad.com/photos
Completely ruined running shoes were sodden with mud, and my friends' bloodied knees and fierce poses made epic profile pictures. Running was a-changin'.

http://toughmudder.com/
There's a certain intrigue to running a little different. (Just google "Beat the Blerch"!)

Non-timed color runs (like Color Me Rad) draw in oodles of people who love the idea of a non-competitive fun run. The post-race photo ops make running the 5k seem like a surmountable goal for someone who hasn't attempted a run since the humiliation of the 7th grade fitness test (or is that just me?). Mud runs and obstacle courses take it in a different direction, drawing the daredevils and challenge-seekers who want to be mildly electrocuted while jumping over burning debris and then chased by a moose. I might've added that last one, but moose are freaking scary.

So far in my very short running career, I haven't yet signed up for an obstacle course or mud run. I've said it's because I'm wary of ruining my running shoes (and as a teacher on a budget, I work on making 'em last), but part of me felt like I just wanted to master the basic race before moving onto new challenges.

Well, friends, if you're in the same boat as me, this might be the sign you've been looking for!

In conjunction with the release of their new All-Terrain Series race shoe, Reebok is hosting a tour of Spartan Races across the country. These races come in levels for all athletic abilities, from the Spartan Sprint (3 miles, 10+ obstacles) to their extreme level Death Race. Okay, Reebok. Challenge accepted.


If you've been looking for a nudge to finally sign up for a race that will challenge you physically and perhaps wreck at least one item of your wardrobe, Reebok has generously sent me a giveaway for race registration for any "open heat" (non-confirmed start time) Reebok Spartan Race event in 2014 (in the continental US).

For a list of locations (and the variation of the race hosted at each one), click here.

Want To Win?

All you need to do is comment below with the reason you want to flex your Spartan muscles at a race this year. The winner will be randomly selected from the comments below on Sunday, April 6th (please comment prior to noon, PST). Winner will be posted by 6pm that same day. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Not willing to wait?

Use the code "SpartanST" to get 15% off any qualifying race registration.

24 comments:

  1. These types of races scare me! I want to prove to myself that I am stronger than I think I am.

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    1. Aren't they just a tad intimidating? You can do it, though! Once you hit that first obstacle my guess is you'll have the adrenaline and endorphins to rock it out! Good luck!

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  2. Wow! That's a great picture of you. My race day pictures never turn out that well. I'd love to do a Spartan Race to challenge myself. I'm always trying to bring a new level to my training and I think this would definitely be a big step up! Thank you for the giveaway!

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    1. Hahaha, that one's not me! My blogger profile pic is from a Color Me Rad race, though. :)

      I totally agree; these races look like a definite "step up" from our typical training. Good luck, Crystal!

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    2. Lol. I can't see the picture too well because I'm on my phone and it's super small. ;P

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  3. Love the hunger games reference in there! But I want to complete a spartan race because it's something that no one can take away from you after you finish

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    1. I try to incorporate the wisdom of Effie Trinket in my everyday life. :) And I love your reason; no one can take away your achievements! Good luck, Greg!

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  4. I want to flex my Spartan muscles because last year I came down with a stomach bug and missed the race. I am determined to make it happen this year with my team.

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    1. Oh no! I haven't had the misfortune of missing a race, yet (knock on wood), but I can't imagine how rough that must've been. Good luck, Seth!

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  5. I did my first Spartan last August and fell in love with the culture of Spartan! I am already signed up, but would love to win and bring a friend for added fun (and an extra person to help me over the walls!).

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    1. I totally think these races sound like ones you'd want to have a buddy to bring along! That's a great idea, Kari. Good luck!

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  6. I want to go for the Trifecta this year and winning this would help me accomplish the registering part for the final race. These races are pricey!

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    1. Oh my goodness, that's a lot of Spartan Love! I'm feeling the budget crunch with the races I've registered for so far, this year, too. Good luck, Jane!

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    2. Jane, you're the winner of the race registration! Please shoot me an email (runlikeabird@gmail.com) for your registration code. :)

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  7. Sounds like a great way to redeem myself to myself. I did Warrior Dash a few years ago before I started running and barely finished in under an hour. Now that I'm a runner, I'd love to see how that changes what Ivan accomplish! Oh - and free beer gets me every time!!!

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    1. I totally get the need to redeem myself, but YOU FINISHED! That's something to celebrate, even if it wasn't in the timeframe you'd intended. :) If you end up doing a Spartan Race, visit and share your new time! I'd love to hear how training improves your ability to meet and bust your goals. Good luck! (Beer gets me, too!)

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  8. I want to flex my Spartan muscles because it's so dang fun to get muddy! I also like the challenge and the comradery.

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    1. Hahaha, I feel like it's when you're running in the rain. Once you're soaked (and/or covered in mud) you might as well enjoy the experience! Good luck!

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  9. I saw the Spartan Race video and it looked AMAZING and now I really wanna try it and push myself in one of those Races!! :D

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    1. Don't these races look BOSS? I love that your inclination is to say "HECK YES!" rather than "NO WAY!" after watching. :) Good luck, Sanny!

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  10. I have done two mud obstacle races in the past. I think I have finally gotten all the mud out of my car. Maybe its time to get it covered again! But the mud is a little easier to explain than all the bright colors from the few color runs I have done

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    1. Hahaha, a clean car makes for a boring life. Am I right? Mine looks like I'm living out of it at all times; gym bag, birkenstocks, jacket for random snowstorms, blanket, water bottles... Be prepared! Good luck, Shane, and thanks for visiting, Gametiime buddy!

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  11. I want to flex my Spartan Muscles so that when I finish the Beast this year for my trifecta Metal. I will be looking tough and feeling tough, plus the ole dogs won't be hurting but they will be the best looking feet out there in my new Reebok all terrain's. Good luck to all Spartan new and old. See you on the course.

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    1. WOW, going for a trifecta! That's inspirational, Brandon. Good luck, and have fun in your new shoes!

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