Thursday, August 8, 2013

Three Things Thursday: AMR party

 photo null_zps5888e340.jpg

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.

 photo null_zps49937561.jpg

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.

 photo null_zps75de12d5.jpg

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.

14 comments:

  1. You are FAST.

    I had so much fun! We forgot to wear our buffs on the way home. I could have perfected the pirate look. #missedopportunity #nexttime

    LOVED the time with you!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I drove about 2.5 hours to see Sarah and Dimity in Albany, NY. I was not the one who traveled the furthest. Amazing! Hope you had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There was someone from Atlanta there last night, making us practically local!

      Delete
  3. Looks like you had a fun time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome! I had the pleasure of meeting Dimity at her house when I was in Denver a couple of years ago. (and yes, holy shortness Batman!) Met them both again at Zooma last fall. Seriously, S&D's "marathon moms" serious in RW years ago is what got me into running long.

    ReplyDelete
  5. One of my very favorite parts of being a ZOOMA ambassador last fall was meeting these 2 fab ladies (and even sneaking onto the video haha! Bobbi = FAMOUS).

    So glad you got to go. They will be here soon, but I cannot make it. Sad face!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember that video. And you are famous. In my heart. Forever.

      Delete
  6. YAY!!! looks like so much fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds like fun! Definitely some nice swag! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. How fun! I am so happy you and Kim went to this event! I also met this two at ZOOMA last year (with Bobbi). I bought their books (and had them signed) for my new mom friend who was getting in to running.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a very nice friend to buy books and have them signed.

      Delete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. How much fun is that?! Excited that you were able to be there!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Insanely jealous of you. Your blog/tweets led me to AMR a few months ago, and I have been hooked since. Thinking I might order a BAMR shirt for my first half.

    ReplyDelete