Three Things Thursday: AMR party

To say I'm a fan girl of SBS and Dimity, the writers/runners/mothers behind the Run Like a Mother community, might be the understatement of the day. I have read both their books, follow the blog and subscribe to the podcasts. I tweet them and like their Facebook page, regularly commenting on the status updates. I've found them to be a wealth of information but, more than that, to be the cultivators of a sisterhood that I'm glad to be a part of.

And so when I heard they would be hosting one of their infamous parties in my neck of the woods - or as close as they were ever going to get to northeast Indiana - I twisted the arm of one of my favorite mother runners, Kim, and made the trek to Fleet Feet Lewis Center in Columbus to meet my sole sisters.

1. Fleet Feet was busting at the joists with mother runners when Kim and I arrived fashionably late. It was a bit overwhelming for this slightly shy girl, and I was never so happy to have a friend with me. In fact, Kim and I spent the first 20 minutes discussing the socially awkward things we were/could do at the party. One of which included me creepily waiting for SBS to sign my dog-eared copy of "Train Like a Mother" and then telling her that I've slept with the book under my pillow. It's true but slightly awkward. Or very awkward.

Note: I have to give mad props to SBS and Dimity, who both made an effort to engage the mother runners who were asking them to sign books. It wasn't a sign and shuffle aside, the way I felt like it was with Hal Higdon at the Run the Bluegrass expo. I've also never felt so short in my life.

2. The main event of the party was a reading and the giveaways. They had some seriously awesome prizes - a voucher for free Saucony item, 110% Play Harder gift cards, Nuun and a 24-pack of salted caramel Gu - none of which Kim and I won. I might have been very sad about the Gu.

It was really fun to listen to them read and banter in a way that only good friends can.

3. When I inquired via Twitter whether it was worth the 2.5-hour drive, one of the things I heard was that the swag more than made up for any travel.

People did not lie.

There was a full jar of Nuttzo (which I've been dying to try but too cheap to buy); a 3-pack of Sof Sole socks (awesome since I haven't worn a matching pair of socks in 6 weeks); Skinfare balm; Nuun; Gu; a 110% buff (which I'm wearing right now like I'm on "Survivor"); and full-size Hyland's homeopathic products.

Of course, the best part was road tripping/hanging out with Kim and spending hours chatting about running, children and life.

And being awkward, because that's always fun.