The Race Shirts That Will Keep You Warm ( and a Discount Code)

If you are like me and have been running for awhile, you have these shirts that you get when you register for a race. Over the last few years they had started cluttering up my closet, but I didn't want to give them away as each represented a part of my running career.
One day while reading Runner's World, I saw an ad in the back advertising making race shirts into quilts. I quickly jumped online to look at the details only to find out that it was so very expensive. I was disappointed because I love blankets and this was the perfect thing to do with all of my shirts.

  A few weeks later I saw a Groupon for Project Repat. I was a little hesitant as their prices were far below any other company I have seen and I was worried about being ripped off. I did some research and found out more about the company. At first, I thought the Project Repat name was a little weird and kept wanting to call it Project Repeat. But Repat is short for repatriating textile jobs back to the US. They used to be in the t-shirt making business, but cheap oversea labor took those jobs away. Today they want to take those same shirts that they used to make and create blankets out of them. They are environmentally friendly and everything about the blanket is made in the USA. I found out that their blankets are so much cheaper because they are not actually quilting the blankets, but sewing the shirts together and adding a fleece back. I wasn't looking for any special quilting done for this blanket so I bought the Groupon. Looking at the different blanket sizes they offer and how many shirts make up each, I decided to get the full, which used 30 shirts. Their instructions stated that I was to cut up the shirts and only send them the side that I wanted on the blanket. That made sense so there was no confusion on what side to use and less to ship, cutting costs, but I was terrified to cut them up. I was so scared that the blanket would turn out horrible and I just ruined all my memories. I had a small panic attack cutting up each shirt, but made it through all 30 of them. In the end, I actually only had 28 shirts, so I sent in a couple of backs that were blank to fill up the last 2 spots. As for the design, you have a choice to place the shirts in a certain order or have the company choose what shirts go where. Since I didn't have a date order, a color scheme, or anything special in mind, I chose to let them place the shirts where they thought they looked good. I packed them up and sent them on their way.

In less then 2 weeks I had a package waiting for me on my porch. I was so excited that I tore it right open and found the most beautiful blanket I had ever seen. All 30 shirts were put together with a very warm and soft fleece back. I was so excited that I shared a photo of it with everyone I knew. So many people have commented on how stunning it was and what a great way to keep all those shirts. I use it all of the time while watching TV on the couch because it is just so soft and warm!

I plan on doing this again, but I have to collect more shirts first!  Just one more reason to keep on running.  Not only do I look forward to the medal I will collect, but the shirt that one day will make another blanket for me.  I want to do all of the runDisney events and eventually make a blanket with all of the shirts collected from those events.

I was so happy with my purchase that I contacted Project Repat and they have offered all of you readers a 15% discount on any blanket you purchase, just enter the code fairytales when you checkout.  This would be perfect for not only race shirts, but really anything.  If you have shirts hanging around that you just can't seem to let go of, this is the perfect way to put them to good use.  Your cherished memories from college, your favorite sports team, sorority/fraternity shirts, trip mementos (like Disney!), or even all those shirts your kids are too big for.  This also would make a great Christmas gift for someone and if you order now and get the shirts to them by November 15th, they will ship to you in time to put it under the Christmas Tree.

I look forward to collecting more shirts for my next blanket.  But for now I will snuggle under the one I have and remember everything that I have accomplished.

This post was brought to you by our Running Friend Heather. You can follow Heather on Twitter @Heatherlas

 

Thankful For Our Readers Giveaway

Happy Monday Folks! We'll cut right to the chase today and let you know that we are participating in a Giveaway Blog Hop with Kristy from Runaway Bridal Planner.

The theme is " We are Thankful for our readers".  And that is true, we  are thankful for each and every one of you who take the time out of your day to read what we write.

The product we are giving away for this blog hop is a medal display from Allied Medal Displays.

We love finding new ways to display our medals and with each of us collecting more medals over the past few months, we can never have too many displays. The people at Allied Medal Displays thought our readers would love their new "magical" designs!

Allied Medal Displays sent me this lovely display that says "Coast to Coast and Everywhere in Between".  I thought this would be perfect since I will be working on getting my Disney Coast to Coast Medal.

The display pictured is stainless steel. It is a 30" display and will hold approximately 25 medals. The great things about these displays is that if I wanted to add more medals to it, I can purchase an additional bar for a reasonable price and it will attach right to my display.  I haven't found a good spot for my display yet but when I do, I'll show another photo of it all set up.

Also, you can customize your own medal display. You pick the font, the graphic, and how many rows you want. You could make something personalized like this.

 
 

This of course is just a simple customization, if you have something more creative in mind, they can probably design that for you too.  Allied Medal Displays also have some designs that are powder coated in pink and in black.

 

 For all our Disney Running friends, here are a few other "magical" designs you might like.

 

 

 In addition to this, there are many more magical sayings, including Magical Miles. Allied also makes medal displays for other races as well. They make some great cityscape displays, displays for Ironman, for Half fanatics, and Marathon Maniacs.

 

These are the 2 cityscapes that I really liked. There seems to be lots of races in the D.C area, so I thought maybe our readers would like that one.

 

There is pretty much nothing Allied Medal Displays can't make.  For that reason, Allied Medal Displays is going to give one lucky reader a $75 gift certificate so they can choose a medal design that they like or create one of their own.

 

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway. In the comments, let us know what medal display you would buy if you won.

 

 

A big thanks to Kristy for hosting this Giveaway hop. Please be sure to check out all the other awesome products the other bloggers are giving away.  

A Peek in Our Week

Welcome to another edition of A peek in Our Week. This is where we recap some of the things we've done the previous week and how our training has been going. I have to tell ya that this week has been pretty quiet

* I pretty much did nothing but relax this past week after MCM Marathon. ~L

* I did go get a relaxing massage.~L

* I went to funeral. ~L

* I went to a wedding. ~L  ( Yes the funeral and wedding were on the same day)

* I did get my re-certification for my ACE Personal Trainer. I've had my certificate since 2010 but you do have to be re-certified every 2 years.  ~L

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* To stick to my training schedule I did some short runs during the week and then did a 13.1 miler on Friday. I was feeling a little under the weather so I did a walk- run-walk the whole way, but I got it done. ~M

*Saturday I planned to do another long run but I just couldn't make myself do it. I was feeling worse and I had to go to an event for work for a bit and then get ready for a wedding. I just didn't feel like I would be able to fit it all in.  ~M

* A nice reader of ours recommended a product to me called "Halo".  It's a throat spray. I bought it at CVS for $13.95 and it seemed to do the job. After the first few squirts, I no longer had a sore/scratchy throat. Although now I have a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. I don't know if the "Halo" really was effected or if the sore throat for a day or 2 and then a stuffy nose and head is just the natural progression of things. ~M

* I stayed home this morning and cleaned out my walk in closet.  Instead of "spring cleaning", I kind of got into "Fall Re-Organizing".  I started some Christmas shopping last week so I felt I needed some space to hide my gifts!  ~M

* I'm hoping to visit with my sister this after noon and give her some birthday gifts I got her. I won't see her again until we are both in Las Vegas in a few days and I didn't want to take more stuff than I have to on the plane. ~M

* L and I are going to a Masquerade party in a few weeks so we are hoping to hit up some local store this evening for some masks. Since it is after Halloween, I'm hoping we can find some deals.

* Speaking of Halloween, I want to give a shout out to our friend "J", who won first place at a Costume contest last night with his "Service Dog" costume.  That's right, He dressed up as a dog!

Oh, and one more thing.  As a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who take the time to read what we write, we are participating in another Give Away Hop with Kristy from Runaway Bridal Planner and it starts TOMORROW!   Be sure to stop back to see what you can win!

That's it folks. We hop you had a great weekend!

What was the best Halloween costume you've seen this weekend?

Some Spoooktacular Savings!

Happy Halloween Folks! 
So since it's Halloween I'd like to share something I saw earlier this week. I had just checked out at the store and pulled my cart off to the side to review my receipt. While I was looking at it I overheard the lady behind me at the register saying, "I saw all that yummy candy in the aisle but I'll be good and just take these instead."  Well being the nosey person I am of course I was wondering what she chose instead so I turned around and saw it was two packs of cigarettes.  I mean really???!!!! That is you trying to be good. I know Halloween is a tough time to be good with all the tempting yummy candy that is all around us but I am pretty sure that any bag of candy is better than a pack of cigarettes.  I so wanted to say something but of course I just bit my tongue and walked out of the store before I did.

We have been asked to review some products for Sports unlimited and while we were shopping online to see what products we might like, we came across some products that are AMAZING deals.  We thought we would share those here with you as a little Halloween Treat ( and you don't have to worry about being "Good" because you will be saving a LOT.

1. Who wouldn't want a pair of Asics Printed Calf Sleeves for $8.95?

2. How about some plain black compression Sleeves for $4.99 ( The pink ones are only .99, That's right, .99 CENTS)

3. Need some new running shirts? These Merrell Tech shirts are only $5.99.

4. You can also get these Merrell Tech running tanks for  only $5.95.

5. Sports Unlimited has these running shorts for only $7.95 ( originally $37.95)

So those are our 5 treats to you! A lot of these items offer Free Shipping too! Even though we were asked to review products from Sports Unlimited, we were not asked to write this post featuring these products. We just thought that these were some amazing prices and wanted to share.

Oh, and if you like FREE stuff, check back on Monday. We have a giveaway coming up!

So what are your Halloween plans?
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NEW: Now your Disney Photos are linked to your Magic Bands!

When you plan a trip to Disney, you more then likely will log on to My Disney Experience and you will more than likely get your self a Magic Band.

Disney has announced that all guest who were active Magic bands can now have  Attraction Photos associated to their My Disney Experience account. All attraction photos that were taken in a 45 day time frame will be included.

If you don't have a magic band, no problem, you can still have your attraction pictures associated to your MDE account via your park ticket ( or memory maker card if you should have one) and a new touch point photo preview wall.

This function is currently available at the following attractions:

*Buzz Lightyear's Space ranger spin
*Space Mountain
*Splash Mountain
*Rock n Roller Coaster
*Tower of Terror

By mid November Disney hopes to implement this functionality at the following attractions:
*Test Track
*Dinosaur
*Expedition Everest

Not only will you be able to see attraction pictures on your MDE, you will now be able to see videos that previously only guests who purchased the Memory Maker package would see.  Attraction Videos are now available for:
*Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
*Tower of Terror

of course all those "Magic Shots"  ( you know those ones that photo pass photographers take and then but an overlay on it), will also be included on your MDE.

Two New Restaurants Come to Disney

Happy Thursday Folks!  We have some excited things to share with you on the Disney If you are a Disney fan, I am sure that you've head about the expansion/reconstruction of the Downtown Disney area at Disney World that will be called Disney Springs! The section that was formerly called "Pleasure Island" will be called "The Landing".

On our most recent trip, we noticed some construction going on near that area, but our visit to the downtown area was a quick one so I didn't really get to see too much of what was going on.

I can now announce two new restaurants that will be constructed in The Landing.

Artist depiction of Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

Are you a fan of "Iron Chef America"?  If so, you will want to check out  Morimoto Asia brought to you by Chef Masaharu ( from Iron Chef America).  This is a pan-Asian restaurant will offer waterside seating, a grand hall, and cocktail lounge.  Morimoto Asia is scheduled to open Summer of 2015.

The second new restaurant being constructed in that area is called The Boathouse. When I heard of this I instantly thought of the Boathouse in NYC.   Sure enough, this will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience that will feature steak, chops, seafood and a raw bar.  Not only will you be able to dine here, but you will be able to enjoy live music, and take a guided tour aboard the Captain's piloted 40 foot Italian Water Taxi that will serve Champaign and chocolate covered strawberries! I see this being a very popular attraction for honeymooners and those celebrating an anniversary or special occasion. What do you think?

Artist depiction of the Boathouse at Disney Springs

In addition to the water taxi, you can choose to take an Amphicar ride that will launch from the land, take you into the water and then take you on a 20 minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. Wow, I'm thinking this Disney Springs must really be something if they are going to offer tours of it!  The Boathouse is set to open spring of 2015.

I am definitely looking forward to visiting the Boathouse! 
Have you ever been to the Boathouse in NYC? What other type of restaurant would you like to see at Disney?

*Images were provided to me by DTN

Marine Corps Marathon : From My Point of View

I arrived in D.C. Saturday morning. I was so surprised I didn't hit any traffic on the way down from Philadelphia. It was perfect timing. I was just pulling into the parking garage when I saw one of the ladies I was meeting. We walked down the street to get on the metro to go to the Expo. I heard from many people that this Expo is quite the process between all the lines and the security you have to go through. Well they were not kidding. The line was wrapped all the way around the block to get into the Expo. Luckily about half way up there was a separate line that we were able to go through since my friend's husband was retired military and he had his card.

The Expo was a pretty good size and well organized. Downstairs was where you received your bib and upstairs was where all the vendors were. There wasn't any special vendors that I hadn't seen before at any other expo, besides this.

 

 These were service dogs that helped with wounded warriors. How adorable!

 

 

My expo finds

 

Before picking up my bib I went to the Merchandise area because I wanted to get a jacket before they sold out. I picked that up as well as a magnet and sticker. The line wasn't too bad for the merchandise. It actually went pretty quick (faster than waiting in line to get into the expo). I purchased some more Nuun. And they usually have the sale if you buy two Nuun you receive a free water bottle. Well the bottle was just not the usual blue one you may have seen in the past. It had Run Washington 2014 on it, which was appropriate for the race.

After I picked up my bib I went back to the hotel to get off my feet and relax for the evening. Our hotel was having a special for the marathon. All you can eat soup, salad, pasta, and bread. I was so hungry because I hadn't really ate all day.

When I woke up my leg was feeling a little tight. I was having IT band issues earlier in the week. I was hoping it wasn't going to give me any problems during the race. I even brought my foam roller so I was doing that the night before and in the morning while I was getting ready. 

 

I am always so undecided on what to wear for race day. I had brought a t-shirt and a tank top with my arm sleeves depending on how the weather was. When I stepped out on out balcony that morning it was beautiful! Decision made, tank top without arm sleeves. It was soon time to walk to the start. Our hotel was about a mile away from start, which was fine since it was right next to the finish. It really worked out well. After getting through security, stopping at the porta potty, and getting to the start, the National Anthem was just starting.

I met my friend in the corral as we watched the wounded warriors parasail down to the starting line. Soon enough it was our time to start. My friend said she wasn't really going for specific time since she was doing a 50k in two months so she would run with me. I know she is much faster than me but I did want to keep up with her. I told her that I was having IT issues the other week so I wasn't sure how I'd do. 

I admit I do not study the course before races. I kind of like not knowing what's coming. I did read some reviews about this race and read the program you receive, but still you don't fully understand it until you are actually on the course running it.

The first couple miles I was surprised how many hills there were. I thought to myself if this is how the whole course is going to be then I am in trouble. It soon flattened out which made me very happy. There were some parts of the race that became very narrow and congested at times. Especially between miles 6-9. There are nothing but runners on each side. When we were just approaching mile 6 there were a few runners on the opposite side. Those elites were really moving! I couldn't believe they were almost at mile 9.5. Approaching mile ten where the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial are,  I was still feeling pretty good. It wasn't until mile 12 that I lost track of my friend, which was fine. I knew it would happen at some point. I didn't mind at all.  I was still feeling good, I just couldn't keep up with her pace. It was then where I decided to put my headphones in and find a comfortable pace. 

 

 

At mile 15 is the Jefferson and the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. I kept thinking to myself well this is the longest run I did in my marathon training cycle this time. I wonder how the rest of the race will go. By mile 16 there were a ton of spectators that kept me going passing the many other Memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial. Then it was seeing the Washington Monument at mile 17 and the U.S. Capitol at 18. 

I have heard many reviews about the dreaded mile 20. I thought it was only because at mile 20 that is when runners hit the wall. But I found it was called Beat the Bridge. If you are not there by a certain time, you are able to get swept up along the course and not be able to finish. In addition to that,  people think that is a tough spot in the course because of some of the inclines and little spectators. Like I said, I don't read too much about the course but I did hear about this part, so I was expecting so much worse. And for me, honestly I didn't think it was that bad. I think for me the hardest was the last three miles. I think it was the end of mile 22 where there was a sprinkler hitting the runners. In addition to that it became windy too. It was a beautiful day, but not hot enough to have a sprinkler going. After that I was a bit chilly for awhile. Then I approached the munchkin aid station. Of course I couldn't imagine eating something that sweet right then. I have been having a sweet taste in my mouth during the whole race between eating my GU and drinking my Nuun. I was so thirsty for water that I actually stopped at two of the water stops and chugged water.

The last two miles felt like they were never going to end. I felt like I could have been going my fastest, then I look down at my pace and think that's all the faster I am going? I really felt like I was in slow motion towards the end. I remember hearing this spectator at mile 25 saying You guys are doing well. Almost done, just push a little more. I knew he was cheering us on, but all I could think to myself is Buddy we can't push anymore. You know we have already ran 24 miles. Anyways, I kept pushing and finally I knew I was almost there when I saw that last brutal hill at .2 towards the finish line. After getting up that hill, I sprinted of course to the finish line, which I always do no matter how I feel. Those last couple miles I was getting through but was thinking is this over yet? But then after I crossed the finish line I told myself well it wasn't that bad. I was so happy that my IT band didn't act up during the race, just after. I have been rolling it, sitting in my massager, and taking epsom salt baths. I hope soon enough I am feeling back to normal to get a few more longer runs in before Vegas. 

Marine Corps Marathon medal and shirt

 

If you read to the end of this I Thank You!  I know this was a longer post then usual.  ~L

 

Do you study the course map or do you like to be surprised?