Let The Good Times Roll {A Three Things Thursday Post}

"Do you want the good news or the bad news?" Cap'n asked.

The news. I want the news – no games, I replied. It's mean to play games with me.

And so, he gave me the news.

1. We won the lottery! Well, the lottery for the 2015 Bourbon Chase. Most of my team, the Pirates of the Bourbon Trail, is reuniting to take on the 200-mile course that winds through the Kentucky countryside and bourbon distilleries. I had such a blast last year that I'm excited to get to do it all over again – even if the hills made me curse like none other.

We are floating the idea of trying to qualify, for lack of a better term, as a charity team so that we can spread the joy we have on the experience to one of three organizations – Alzheimer's Association, CASA and Leukemia Lymphoma Society – that partner with the race. We haven't settled on this road nor an organization but Alzheimer's is a cause particularly close to my heart.

It would be a large undertaking, requiring us to raise $7,000 as a team but one that would be worth it. I did the math one night, and it would break down to less than $600 a person or each of us netting 24 donations of $25. It seems feasible when I look at it like this.

If anyone has any tips for fundraising, let me know so I can share it with the team!

2. You're in! I recently found out that I was again selected as an ambassador for Pro Compression. (I also continue my role as a Nuun ambassador.) The program was new last year, and the company is really looking toward making it gang busters for 2015. I was completely uncertain as to whether I'd get selected (I had to reapply) but I'm honored to be a part of the group.

And, in case you haven't seen it, I thought I'd share the February sock of the month – Pink Hearts. I think they are adorable! I bought a pair the day they came out. Yes, they are great for Valentine's but I think they will look be cute for races that raise awareness for breast cancer. Use code HEART to save 40 percent on all pink socks and sleeves.

3. It's back!

The mid-season premiere of "The Walking Dead" is Sunday night, and I'm so excited to have some good TV to watch. Mark and I have been settling on episodes of "Mountain Men" and "The Incredible Dr. Pol" on Netflix for weeknight entertainment. It will be nice to have something to watch besides prolapsed uteri and cow-killing wolves.

I also heard that the third season of "House of Cards" will be released this month (Feb. 27) on Netflix. It should be just enough to get me through till maternity leave, when I plan to re-watch/catch up on "Parenthood."

Anything good happening in your neighborhood?

The Cost of Being an Ambassador

$100.

That was the price tag for Oiselle fangirls to join the flock and serve as a bottom-tier representative for the women's running brand. With the $100 cost, a flock member would receive a specially designed singlet, free shipping for a year and some other discounts.

If you are into gossip, it made for quite the story. After all, who is Oiselle to charge people to represent them? Shouldn't a company pay a person to spread enthusiasm for the brand?

As most of you know, I am an ambassador for the electrolyte drink Nuun and PRO Compression, the maker of performance socks and now leggings. I sought out these roles, applying during particular periods and promoting the brand on social media.

Why?

The reason is multi-faceted. First and foremost, the companies are ones in which I believe. They are smaller, athlete-driven businesses and products are made in the United States. Secondly, I was looking to connect with other bloggers and thought that participating in the programs would generate at least some traffic to this here blog.

Then, let's be honest, there's discounted and/or free product. As part of Nuun's program, ambassadors receive a blanket discount on products and some merchandise. I have received free product but only upon acceptance into the program and when something launches, like the Nuun Energy line. PRO Compression's program is structured differently, with all ambassadors receiving a discount twice a year and special codes for new product launches. There has been some free gear but I don't get a free sock of the month each time the calendar flips.

In fact, more often than not, I have to make my own decision as to whether to buy it. And that's where being an ambassador has a price. It's not as blatant or steep as, let's say Oiselle, but it is there and worth noting.

 
Represent! As an ambassador, it is expected for you to be an enthusiastic representative of the brand. It includes talking about it to friends and sharing products on social media. It's also about displaying it, in public, where runners are. For me, it means wearing a Nuun tattoo (or several) and/or a Nuun hat like I did for ZOOMA Napa Valley, as well as sipping it mid-race, bringing it to a group run or gifting single-serve tabs to friends. I show my love for PRO Compression by wearing socks, usually the over-the-knee marathon.

The tattoos, the hats, the tabs, the socks - these things cost money. While most of them are things I'd buy regardless, it is safe to say that I have spent more on each brand than I would have otherwise. In large part, it's because my enthusiasm grows the more I learn about a company but it's also a feeling of obligation. I am not going to encourage you to spend $50 on a pair of socks if I'm not going to as well.

Closet case. It's all about being the real deal as an ambassador, as far as I'm concerned. If I'm going to boast about Nuun and PRO Compression, I need to not only believe what I'm saying but practice what I preach. You will not see me drink Gatorade at a race (part ambassador wise, part I'd shit my pants), and I will be wearing PRO socks at events. But ...I do have drawers full of competing products. Good, quality stuff.

While neither of my agreements do not require exclusivity, there is an expectation that I will not promote or share competing brands on social media. So old stuff isn't worn when I'm doing something I'll be blogging about, and I do need things to replace them. It's never been an issue or even a concern save for a buff that I got in a goodie bag and loved for a brand that will not be named. Now, no buff for me.

Readers. While a part of me hoped that I'd gain readers through the programs, the truth is that I've probably lost some or at least put some off. Whether it's based on personal ideals, a loss of interest or jealousy, some people do not like it when bloggers take advantage of the programs.

And, I'll be honest, it bothers me because I'm a people pleaser. I want to blog about things I like but I want you to like them, too. It's a Catch-22.

But, obviously, I've been willing to pay the price - and I'm happy to. Being an ambassador isn't just about getting something material, it's about doing something bigger and better. The ambassadorships that I've taken on have helped me to feel connected to the larger community; introduced me to some of the coolest runners on the planet, people whose names won't be in Runners World; and kept the fire burning for the sport by finding companies that are for the athlete, by the athlete.

Sock it to me

... Otherwise known as the post where I make an announcement where you might want to, quite literally, sock it to me.

I've been selected as a PRO Compression ambassador for 2014.

For the uninitiated (and, maybe, socially media unaware), PRO Compression is a maker of compression socks, compression sleeves and low-cut trainer socks for athletes and everyday folks. The company was created by Eric Smith, who was a participant in endurance sports (triathlons and marathons) and golf, when he had the idea to create a compression sock for everyday life. PRO Compression's socks are functional and fun - sporting bright and seasonal designs.

Sporting PRO Compression Marathon socks for Hood to Coast

I'm sure you are thinking: Ugh. Who cares? More product placement. Good. For. Her.

And, yes, PRO Compression will be mentioned on the blog on a regular basis - think monthly - as I share the company's sock of the month design, discounts and other news. There is something in it for you, though; chances for you to try the socks for yourselves through semi-regular giveaways.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I will get free products, too, and I'm excited for it. However, I wouldn't have applied for nor accepted the opportunity had I not already been a fan of the product and the company. I wear - and have worn - compression socks for recovery since my second half marathon in 2010 and find them to be a critical piece of gear to my running success (with success being a loose term).

I do promise to you, my lovelies, that I will do my best to be authentic. I know no other way.

Discount: And because I couldn't post this without a discount, use code "FEB14" for free shipping and 40 percent off compression socks and calf sleeves.