America Runs Virtual 5K SWAG Breakdown

I received entry into the America Runs Virtual 5K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

On September 3rd, I ran the America Runs Virtual 5K. (You can read all about it here if you haven't yet: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-post-surgery-comeback-5k-america.html) The race dates were between July 27th and September 30th, and usually, when it comes to Virtual Races, I usually wait a bit closer to the end so I do not have to wait for the SWAG after I have already run (instant gratification, yo) but since I was specifically celebrating a milestone (12 weeks post surgery) I had a short wait to receive my goodies. 

Well, this weekend, everything came, and all I can say was it was worth the wait. Check out these awesome goodies! 

*Note, I shot an amazing video where I opened my package and showed off each piece, but of course, with my luck there was no audio on the video. So, since I am not sure how well you all are at reading lips, I decided to break down the goodies with images instead. 

Here is what I got:

Personalized Bib. It's a small thing, but thought it was really nice to have a Bib with my name on it and a specific number instead of a generic bib like many Virtual races do. Seemed more special.  

Super soft gender-specific shirt. Seriously, I wish you could feel this shirt. It is fitted and really nice. Not your run of the mill basic cotton-race tee.

Distressed Trucker Hat. Who doesn't love a cute hat? Especially this time of year when I am transitioning from visor to hats when running. 

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle. I've had this for 3 days and I have used it all 3 days now. I love it! I am a sucker for a good water bottle. I especially love the tight seal in that I can throw it in my gym bag and not worry about any leakage since my gym in BYOB now (water fountains off limits). 

Product Samples. So one thing I miss with Virtual Races vs Live Races is the fun of going to the Expo and trying out sponsor samples. So it was awesome to get this Sacred CBD lotion and GU Stroopwafel. (Full disclosure, I have already consumed my Stroopwafel. In my defense it was Coconut).

And of course, the main event. THE BLING! The medal is simply beautiful. Solid, colorful and has a custom 2020 finisher ribbon. 

And an added extra fun thing you can log into your registration account and log your time to download a custom finisher's certificate. And while this was literally my SLOOOOOOWEST recorded 5K, I am proud of this race accomplishment and what it symbolized in terms of my recovery. 

Want to earn your own amazing SWAG? You you have until the end of September to do register. Register here - https://americaruns.com/

My Post Surgery Comeback 5K - America Runs Virtual 5K

 I received entry into the America Runs Virtual 5K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

On June 11th, I had a lot of knee surgery. If you're a frequent reader of my blog, then you've heard me go on about it for the last 3 months since. If you are new, or somehow missed seeing me post about what exactly they did, you can catch up here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/07/current-status-broken-but-not-beaten.html

Long story short: I've been a pretty unhappy camper about the whole thing. I went 11 full weeks without running pretty much a single step. The first 4 weeks I couldn't even walk. 

But all the while during the waiting, I held tight to the original number that the surgeon had given me. 12 weeks. I would have to go 12 weeks without running. I knew when I was finally able to get back on the road, I wanted to celebrate with a race. But yeah, ummm... 2020 yo. No races.

Enter the America Runs Virtual 5K. The race dates were between August 1st and September 30th, the perfect time frame as my 12th week surgery anniversary was September 3rd. The SWAG was crazy sweet, consisting of a Finisher Medal, Ultra-soft T-Shirt, Distressed Trucker Hat, and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. And also, the America Runs Virtual 5K partnered up with the Gannett Foundation to donate to local COVID-19 recovery funds with a goal raising $1 Million in donations. The Gannett Foundation will disperse 100% of all money raised and donated to COVID-19 recovery state funds. It sounded perfect across the board, so I decided to make it my official Comeback Race!

I had spoken to my PT and the surgeon both on when to expect to get to run again. Nearish the end of August, both were pretty much saying the same thing, at my PT session the first week of Sept, I would give running a go. It was cutting it close, but I figured as long as I was officially cleared to run, I could struggle through a 5K. 

Lo and behold, on August 25th, I was surprised when my PT told me to get on the treadmill to see how a running attempt felt. Turns out, not great. But after adjusting a bit and going outside where I am much less awkward, I was given the green light to go ahead and start easing back into running. This gave me another week to work my way up to a 5K by the official 12-week post-surgery date. And boy did I need it. (Check out my previous blog post about staring running again here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/09/itll-come-back.html).

Feeling super meh about my first attempts to run

So after a few test runs where frankly, I sucked and couldn't keep a solid pace nor distance, all I really wanted to do was to run the 5K without stopping. Whatever the pace I hit, would be what it was, but I was determined to not stop. 

September 3rd came and I was ready as I was going to be. I laid out all of my gear the night before like a proper race and psyched myself up mentally. 

These are a few of my favorite things... 

I set out for my 5K, determined. Yes, I was slow, but I was steady. I had a familiar route around my immediate neighborhood that was mostly flat. And you know what, I did it. I ran my complete 5K with no stopping. And a bit more importantly, I ran it with no pain. I mean at least in my knee. Which I kept reminding myself was a pretty big accomplishment for being 12 weeks out of pretty major knee surgery. I'm glad that I was able to celebrate this milestone with an awesome race. When my packet with my bling and SWAG arrive, I will forever have a memento of the time I ran a 5K 12 weeks post-surgery. And the race experience itself was great for a Virtual, they sent lots of messages and kept runners excited about the event throughout. 

And while I have already done my race, if you are interested in running the America Runs Virtual 5K also to take advantage of the awesome SWAG, to donate to local Covid 19 charities and/or to celebrate your own running milestone, you have until the end of September to do so. Register here - https://americaruns.com/

And stay tuned. I cannot wait to show you my SWAG. I got a notification yesterday that it is on it's way to me! 

America Runs 5K, and I Plan to Run Too

I received entry into the America Runs Virtual 5K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

It's official! I have a Comeback Goal Race on the books. I am officially registered for the Inaugural America Runs Virtual 5K! My plan (as of right now) is to run my race on September 3rd, exactly 12 weeks after my knee surgery. Squeee!

This is going to be a really cool virtual race that you are gonna want to join me for.

Runners have from between now and September 30th to run their 5K. After you run it, log your results to add your name on the Leaderboard and download a personalized Finisher’s Certificate. You can also upload any photos and add overlays to download as a keepsake. 

And let me tell you about the swag. I have found over the years that EnMotive races have some of the best gear there is (hello, Hot Chocolate and DC Wonder Woman Run Series). I am oohing and ahhing over this amazing swag package. 

• Finisher Medal
• Ultra-soft T-Shirt
• Distressed Trucker Hat
• Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Products and Coupons from some of your favorite running brands and future events

Swag packages will begin shipping on August 17th.

Another really cool thing is that the folks at the America Runs Virtual 5K have partnered up with the Gannett Foundation to donate to local COVID-19 recovery funds with a goal raising $1 Million in donations. The Gannett Foundation will disperse 100% of all money raised and donated to COVID-19 recovery state funds. So not only will your registration fee go towards some pretty great swag, but also a portion will be going to make a pretty big difference in the fight against COVID-19. When your register, you choose your state so your money stays local.

The race has already started, so you can go ahead an register and run your 5K right away. Register here - https://americaruns.com/

As for me, I will still have to wait a bit longer, until I get the go ahead to start running again. I am just over halfway through my anticipated 12 week recovery period, so in just a few short weeks, I will (hopefully) be posting my time and seeing my name up on the leaderboard. I cannot wait!