Wednesday, December 15, 2010

'Tis the Season for Shirts!

Official Blog gift exchange business first:
One week down since I sent all 81 of you your secret blog exchange buddy; I trust all is going smoothly - the perfect gift is thoroughly thought out and wrapped in the most gorgeous, sparkly, festive holiday paper with matching metallicy cheery bow!  Let's not forget the bow people, my most favorite part!
 If you haven't gotten your gift yet (ahem, Jillian!) then it's time to get busy.  Time's a ticking!

Many of you ordered online and had gift sent directly to your blog buddy.  Clever!!!
A few emails have popped into my mailbox inquiring whether we are suppose to expose our self (and not in a naked sort of way, Adam - sorry) to our blog buddy when you mail the package.  My vote would be yes, I would want to know, as I'm sure you would, too.  I won't name names (Katie A) but I know at least one package went out with no identification.  Your blog bud is going to have fun thanking you!  :)
Also a few emails from those of you who are not direction followers and introduced yourself to your blog buddy before sending the gift.  Ok, it's your blog buddy, you do what works best for you.  I can just tell when you guys were little and knew a secret, the whole neighborhood knew within an hour.  Just sayin'.

Ah, all is good and I'm just yanking some chains. This is just for fun and fun it needs to be so however you want to do it is good.  Just please don't forget!!  Blog exchange biz over - I am looking forward to reading blogs soon and checking out what everyone got - I know what several of ya got already and I'll just say - though my gift wasn't pink or glittery, it was pretty dang awesome.  Thanks blog buddy (below).

So Chris of BQ or Die was in town this past weekend, he was attending a seminar by his coach and then getting some running analysis done.  Of course Chris was dying to see yours truly while here, and who am I to deny anyone my presence, so despite a very long flight delay we were finally able to hook up downtown for some dinner and a couple beers - and later, wandered around the beautiful festively lite 16th Street.  If you want to see a picture of downtown Denver 16th Street, look at the picture on my blog header.  Pretty cool, huh?  And a HUGE thanks to Matty B, who photo-shopped the gold on the state capital (thanks, Matty B).  When I stole found that pic of off some website, the first thing that popped into my head was how cool it would be if that dome were gold amongst a sea of black and grays.  And there it is, in all it's glory.  Gold!  I love it!!!!

So Chris, the Southern Cali cold weather wimp he is, was whining about lack of proper cold weather running attire the entire time we walked down the mile-long street to look at the capital and the Civic Center building, which is simply amazing:
when low and behold, Niketown store was actually open so in we popped.  I'm certain they cringed as we came in as it was microseconds until close-time but whatever, I thought this would be a quick in and out.

Not so much.

It appears Chris isn't a speedy shopper, and has a phobia for color; despite my pleading for him to get this awesome lime-green shirt:


We had to get the oh-so-boring black instead:


You have fun with that blah black shirt, Chris.  Oh and did I mention that all 5 times I BQ'd I was wearing lime green?

Someone obviously runs in warmth in December;
while some of us get to be pasty-white.
But a nice time had by all.  Thanks, Chris!
But 'Tis the season for the shirt theme cuz the other day my pal, Ron, from Punk Rock Racing, sent me this little gem:
It may not be black like the rest of the gang, I prefer pink (this must make me the leader of the pack?: Beth, Emz, Hot Legs, and Jason and his wife) - but eat your heart out, Q!!!  We Rock these shirts!
(um, why yes, that's is a failed attempt at a painted ocean scene on my bathroom wall.  I love the beach!)

As I'm all smug with my new, pink Runner Runner shirt, I open my mailbox yesterday and LOOK what was inside, KOVAS!!!!
Is this the shirt you've been waiting so long for?  I didn't even have to beg, it was just anxiously waiting for me in my mailbox. Oh man, it's is the softest piece of fabric I have ever had on the bod - wore it to the gym tonight (post gym pic - sorry Q, I'm not looking my best here) and was I ever the eye of envy; people were staring at me like I was some rock star - I'm sure your phone's going to be ringing off the hook for these, Emz. 

So just when I'm thinking I'm all set for the season with my new t-shirt digs, NOPE - I got another!! 

Let's have a bit of a closer look at that little saying, shall we???


Awwwwww, my blogger gift exchange buddy knows me so very well! 
I
Love
IT
!!!!!

I don't want to revel who my secret blog buddy is yet as not all of you have received your gifts (has anyone besides me?), but I will.

Thanks blog buddy!  It may not have come all wrapped in a festively decorated package, but the white box was awesome just the same!

Before I wrap this post up, if you haven't already checked and joined out Patrick's  new project (click on Patrick's name for his cool blog), a Facebook-like social outlet for endurance junkies, please click on the link on my sidebar, or right here: Endurance Athletes Project - it'll pop ya right on over.  All the cool people are there so get on board.  No membership fees...but I'm thinking Patrick wants to give me a EAP t-shirt for my referrals.  Patrick, I love pink!

Happy miles, people!!  And don't forget to get those packages out SOON!!!  If you're still stewing with what to get, can everyone say SHIRTS??  

61 comments:

Amanda@runninghood said...

Nice blog post to read right before I got to bed. I was just flipping through the Brain Training Running book you told me to get...I think I'm going to like it! Thanks again. I actually got a huge box of running books from Amazon today so my work is cut out for me.

Love the pic of you and Chris. And lucky you, people just sending you stuff in the mail. Nice! :) I've seen Emily's EMZ shirt on a few bloggers recently. You're making me want one too.

Hey now, I just stuffed my gift in an envelope...I'm not one for pretty wrapping so much...but I included a colorful card so hopefully that makes up for it. ;) But really, you're laying the guilt on thick Jill!

Nice to read a recent post! Being on the west coast, I am often one of the first to comment on these blogs posted so late. :)

Amanda@runninghood said...

Oh, and I made my comment so long just since you always leave long comments on mine. :) I thought of just saying "cool post Jill. Loved it"

Chris K said...

Yes! I get to write the first comment. I just want to say that I LOVE my black long-sleeve shirt. I could NOT be happier. So, Jill, you were not able to trick me after all. Boring Geeky Guys Unite! As far as the Gift Exchange, I soooo win for best present.

Char said...

What a dilemma! You're going to have to CHOOSE which tshirt to wear. They all look great.

KovasP said...

Bummer about lack of wrapping or bows on the secret santa gift, your blog buddy was probably a man. Typical. Since the Run EMZ shirts are so 5 minutes ago, I'm okay with not having one.

LMC said...

Fun post Jill! I do love your header pic, the gold is pretty cool. Of course, you look great in all the shirts!

Terri said...

Great post! I thunk your beach scene looks perfectly nice, and I LOVE the t-shirt! Great for folks who say, "How long is THAT marathon?" :)

Teamarcia said...

I hate to say this especially so close to my birthday, but I think I have to go with Chris on the shirt color issue. That green is a little avacado-ish for my taste (shudder).

Look at you resplendent in all your awesome shirts!

And finally crap--we have to wrap?

Jennifer said...

Shopping! I love it just long as it is not at the mall. I vote for the green shirt for Chris K. the color looks great on him. I am bad have yet to send out my gift, yikes it is going out today, I am having such a hard time choosing what to give, but now it is all settled...Thanks Jill for putting this all together!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Ohhhhh Chris, should got the lime green then get the lime green CEP socks!! Black is totally the "guy" goto color for racing, we want to "look cool" and "mean" My tri kit, top to bottom is black, My favorite Team Roll Cycing Kit is black, but I also have a lime green Team Roll Jersey, when they kick me off the team finally, you can have it

Anonymous said...

I got my gift yesterday and I have not opened it. I don't feel right opening it until I at least send mine. And I want to open it so bad. I cannot wait to post all about it!!!!

Christi said...

Great post! I really thing Chris should go with the lime green but then I am also a color fan!

Beth said...

Wow, great stuff! At least there is some pay off for all that work you did. I am now stocking my buddy's blog waiting for "them" to get their gift, I can't wait =)

Emz said...

Kovas - bite me. you are a grinch.
Jill you rock the "so 5 minutes ago shirt".

You are killing it, actually. And I have that pink runner X6 too. I love it in pink. awesome. Ron-----the man, is great.

YAY YOU!!

Anonymous said...

Please inform Chris K in the nicest terms possible he is a "loser" with a capital "L" - the green was so much better - especially for a guy who runs in the dark...

Heather said...

Nice new wardrobe!

Quinton J said...

Shame...Chris K...the green one brought out your eyes. I'm not hittin' on you...I'm jus' sayin'.

I SO wish I could go back 5 minutes.

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

Fun post - thanks for sharing!

Jason said...

Pink is in and that does bump you to the leader of the Runner X6 Pack. Just wait to people say to you....so 'you are a runner?' and you can say 'yes, how did you know?'

And even better would be to wear the marathon shirt under it and then respond with:
'yes, how did you know?' did you see my 'marathon shirt and figure it out'

Wife's name is Karen. Just sayin'

Anonymous said...

awesome post! and i need to get my blog buddy's present out in the mail. thanks for the kick in the butt ;)

Katie A. said...

Thanks for throwing me under the bus like that! Sheesh! LOL!
Can we say I'm jealous! YES! I have the black runner shirt, now I have to beg Ron for the pink - to be just like you of course. And that RUN EMZ shirt is awesome! Man, I want to grow up and be just like you! Wait, I already said that, can we say, "stalker?" LOL!
Miss ya! love ya! Talk to you soon! Happy almost vacation!

Runners Fuel said...

Love all the shirts!

funderson said...

Denver looks SO pretty all Christmased up. I'm going to have to come check it out this time of year. We ARE considering replacing our annual trip hot spring trip to Ouray with a Denver trip to see the Avalanche play.. Anywhooo, I somewhat sucessfully mailed my present yesterday!!

Raegun said...

I have to say...the lime green looks better on you, Chris! :)
Those are fantastic shirts, Jill. I received my blog buddy gift yesterday....it is still a mystery! Please pop by my blog to reveal yourself, Secret Santa!!

Heather said...

Nice t-shirts! Is that the Civic Center building with all the different colored lights? that is pretty amazing. Darn, I didn't put a bow on the blogger gift I sent out...hope my gift makes up for it...

Johann said...

Some great shirts there! I have a secret...170 race t-shirts still sealed in plastic. Well, after 1244 races over 29 years it just happened. I've given dozens and dozens away but some you just have to keep.

Molly said...

you lucked out in the shirt department!

I sent my gift to my buddy, but I forgot the bow, but I figured it would have gotten crushed anyway. Now I'm looking at my mailbox, wonder if it's like that boiling water saying....hope I get my surprise soon! : )

Andrew Opala said...

"so 5 minutes ago"!

yowzer, my blog buddy ain't goin' to be happy with my gift ... it was a little silly ... actually a lot of silly things ... anyway since I'm in the great white north I mailed it last week by express delivery ... so the person should receive it some time before next Christmas! No time to change it now!

What size are you Jill - petite XS?

Marlene said...

The new blog header is stunning!

Score on all the t-shirts, and I kind of like your faux beach scene. :)

P.S. thanks for the nudge... 2010 miles WILL be run in your honor.

Jenn said...

The gift is in the mail and just to reward myself for being so prompt and getting it there in time I also bought myself a gift.....

I want one of those runner runner shirts. Dang-I don't have any friends named Ron.

Kovas-ha!

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

I'm always on the lookout for a good running shirt. It makes sense for your marathon shirt to spell out how far one is... Most people don't have a clue how long a marathon is.

Unknown said...

GREAT shirts you got there, love the pink one! Yikes, I haven't sent my gift to my secret blogger but I did buy it. I'll do it tomorrow!
How fun that you met Kris, I need to boogie on down the road and meet up with him.
Happy Friday!!

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

Great shirt. You do have to tell people because most don't know the distance. :)

Lindsay said...

patrick was supposedly mailing out The Road t's but i never got mine. i think maybe he doesn't like me anymore :(

that is lame that people are buying online and direct shipping! borrrringggg snoring. course at least they would get it on time haha.

i am officially in "step 2" of my SS gift. (step 1 - purchase; step 2 - outsource; step 3 - get creative; step 4 - package; step 5 - actually go to the post office). steps 2 and 3 can be done at the same time but i haven't quite started step 3 yet.

how was yours a secret if you were flippin' pickin names? cheater.

DRog said...

A bow was required?
ooooops
but its off safely AND wrapped :)

nice shirts!

Aimee said...

I sent my blogger gift out...yay! And, I got my gift today! It was awesome! I can't wait to post about it! :)

I LOVE you shirts...they are all awesome! I totally want one of those "runner" ones!

Sherri said...

I am sending it today!
Your shirts ROCK!!!
Have a great day!

Anne said...

You certainly sound like you're in a good mood these days. Must be the power of the shirts.

I'm prepping my surprise gift as I type. I hope this person likes it.

Tim Wilson said...

I received my gift in the mail yesterday (read about it here) and also shipped the one for the blogger on my list out as well. Sorry, mine will be pretty boring when it arrives because it will not be gift-wrapped or have a bow..... it is coming from a guy for goodness sake.... I don't even wrap gifts for my wife!!

HappyTrails said...

Great new holiday wardrobe. Black top is BORING and not photogenic - he missed out! Have a Merry Christmas - great lights up in Denver Capital area, eh??

Caratunk Girl said...

I am all for boring black...it drives my friends nuts. YEAH I got my blogger buddy present!! :):):)

Nitmos said...

Cool shirt!

RunToTheFinish said...

my bloggie received their gift, so I can't wait to get mine wohooo...love secret santa! thanks for taking the time to organize

Rad Runner said...

Cheezit! you really scored! I way favor the lime green on Chris!
The pink shirt makes you look like a lil' running doll :)

Matthew Bradford said...

Your EMZ shirt is badas$! I'm also way with you on the lime-green. It's awesome and he has no idea how much of a downer black is to look at over green.

Also, the gift trade event sounds like it went fantastically well! Congratulations and awesome job bringing so much cheer to bloggers' lives!

Have a great weekend!

ajh said...

What fun getting all those new shirts! Did you rig the contest and have many people get your name?

Julie said...

Hi Jill,
Can we say holy running shirts!!! Very cool to get those all in the mail! Do you feel loved? You should because you are:) Chris, wouldn't cave under the pressure of Jill's gentle suggestions....no green shirt this time. Maybe next year:)

Have a fantastic weekend Jill! Hugs:)

Trish said...

Love the shirts!! Just sent my bloggy gift off! Due to arrive 12/21 or 12/22 (what can I say, at least it's before Christmas :)

Felice Devine said...

Love the shirts!
The pink tee is super cute.

One Crazy Penguin said...

Ugh. Next time you see mr. speedy going at a 30% incline and a 6:49 pace, call me. I'll be right over and I'll trip him :p Hate people like that!

Running and living said...

OK, v jealous here! Noone is sending me shirts! Hmmm..I must be doing something wrong!

Sarah Mann Willcox said...

Hi Jill! LOVE the shirts! Time to get in some online shopping...
I sent my gift off on Thursday. Nothing in the mail yet, but I run to the mailbox in anticipation every day... so fun!

Anne said...

Me again ... I hope you got my email. My window to mail my gift is closing, and I don't want to get on Jill's Naughty List!

Heather said...

Great shirts. I like the green one. And I like the ocean scene too!!

The Green Girl said...

That Civic Center is amazing - I love it!

Johann said...

Yes, I did take a dip in the pool after my run. I hope you noticed the color of my shirt... Have a great week!

Irene said...

The gift exchange was fun!

I think Chris should have gone for the green. We could have found him in the sea of marathon runners, ya know?

I think you could have a career as a t-shirt model. :) Great t shirts!

Black Knight said...

Black-black-black and black again!!!!!
However I like your t-shirts.
Thanks for the Blog Gift Exchange idea.
Beautiful pictures and ... Chris looks better in black....

Southbaygirl said...

I have been such a bad blogger I missed the blogger secret santa! Oh well, hopefully next year!!

Happy Holidays!

TX Runner Mom said...

Love, love, love the pink shirt! Dang, I missed the blog gift exchange...that's what I get for taking such a long blog hiatus. Happy holidays!

The Boring Runner said...

So cool that you got to meet Chris. Although, I might have to admit with him that Black does seem to suit him better than neon green. ;) But, who is to argue with a BQ color?

LOVE all of the shirts. You scored!