This whole blogging thing is a bit of a parasitic relationship: I, as the blogger, situate myself on a digital soapbox and you, as the reader, are forced to read my narcissistic ramblings/unsuspectingly click on dangerously adorable photos.
But the time has come to change all that. In an attempt to enter a more symbiotic era, I’m going to use this space today to give one lucky reader something slightly more tangible than unsolicited running advice (and significantly less tangible than a bar of gold.)
I’m giving away a Golden Ticket into the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon.
Don’t fret – I haven’t backtracked on my previously announced plans to log 26.2 miles this October in my first-ever marathon. Indeed, within minutes of returning to my parents’ house after securing my own Golden Ticket on March 17, Ethan Hunt and I hijacked a laptop and used my secret entry code to register for the sold-out race. (Too obscure of a reference? No? Good.)
But I wasn’t the only member of my immediate family to cross that 10K finish line and land a coveted Golden Ticket entry code: my sweatily wonderful mother was along for the ride, too.
And despite her clearly non-hereditary affinity for 5 a.m. Body Pump classes, she’s decided a marathon isn’t in the cards for her this busy year, giving me the opportunity to offer her entry code to one lucky reader: YOU. (Or maybe someone else.)
The daughter of lawyers, I should probably mention that winning this code doesn’t offer free entry into the race, but it does give you one of a handful of remaining $92 slots in this highly sought-after event. Golden Ticket registration only lasts through March 31, so let’s get started.
Here’s how this works. There are three ways to enter, and feel free to do all three for three chances:
- Leave a comment with a question you want me to answer in an upcoming blog entry (yes, I am actively looking for new ideas. No, I’m not ashamed.)
- Tweet this: “@rileduprunner is giving away a Golden Ticket to the sold-out Marine Corps Marathon!” And then leave me a comment telling me you shared it. (Yes, I am on Twitter. Yes, I am ashamed).
- Bake me a pie. And then leave me a comment telling me you did it. And then deliver said pie to my inbox (i.e. mouth).
I’ll use a random number generator to select the winning commenter at 5 p.m. Friday. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Riled Up Runner 
I would not like your golden ticket, but I would like a row of husky puppies. If I bake you a pie, can I win one of those?
Hey! I came across your blog on WordPress and enjoyed reading it! I have a blog, a running project called agoodrun.com. I’d love to feature you. I’m in search of 52 runners (one for each week) to feature. The blog allows runners across the world to show off their city, thank others through thank you signs along the run in front of landmarks and promote a cause that means something to you. Check out the blog (specifically the Join Us tab at the top) and let me know if you’re interested.
Steve Good
I can’t handle the golden ticket either, but I have a few ideas for blog entries:
1. Dealing with the inevitable aches and pains that you get when you’re running (i.e., pounding your knees into pavement) regularly.
2. Your running apparel of choice (for instance, what’s your take on running skirts? I’m told my sister likes them, but they seem a little funny to me)
3. Running routes in Ithaca, NY. I propose you take a trip to see what you’re missing over here!
Keep writing! I love reading 🙂
That’s one sweet ticket! You should have a weekly post on how you prepare for the MCM. Share some of your mental preparation and maybe how you adjust your hydration and eating. Good luck! 🙂
Are you throwing your hat in the ring? 🙂
I really want to, but I don’t think it would be smart this year! So, no.
Hullo! I tweeted! (http://is.gd/crMl12) What wrong with being on Twitter?
Nothing at all! I’m just really, really bad at it, ha. So far, you’re the only one in the running for this spot. Good odds!
I have been looking for a reason to register for a marathon. I would like to think that I could actually do it. And… you should talk about all the CW runners that you know, or don’t know. I feel like everybody is running these days. 🙂
also, am I wayyyy too late for this? haha! I love reading about your running, Anne!
Unfortunately, you’re too late for this specific race — registration for the Marine Corps Marathon ended March 31. That said, if you still want to be part of the day’s activities, there is a MCM 10K that morning along the same route: http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=1971921
Plus there are about a billion other marathons in and around the East Coast in the months ahead. I dare you to register for one!