National Running Day and a Giveaway

It’s National Running Day, friends!  What is NRD anyway? Basically it’s a way to make love to running all over again (by getting out on your favorite route and moaning with joy). Or, if you are not a runner, start doing it because it’s the best thing ever and your life will change. Sue me if it doesn’t.

In celebration of NRD, I’ve got a couple of running related suggestions for you.

I was sent the new movie McFarland USA (DVD) to watch and review. Not going to lie, I am a sucker for 1) true stories, and 2) stories about people beating the odds and overcoming obstacles. This movie encompasses both Thing #1 and Thing #2, so I was excited. Plus, I will watch any movie about running. Duh.

Runner + Social Worker = someone likely to enjoy this movie. < this is about as mathematical as I get.


I told the family we were eating pizza and having movie night. I am bossy like that. Being ages 14 and 17, my kids think they are a bit too cool and advanced for a PG movie (what? no foul language? no violence? no butt cracks?). But, the four of us watched it….and the four of us really enjoyed it (not just speaking for myself,…I don't think…although Ken might have wanted more nudity).
Here’s what I loved about the movie:

• Naturally talented runners doing what they do best
• Getting more of an insight into Hispanic culture and familial expectations.
• Tamales
• The fact that merely by participating in cross country these kids became motivated to do better in school and became more connected to their education. Many of them became the first ever in their families to graduate from high school. Many also went on to college and ran track there, later becoming teachers and coaches.
• The filming/photography. McFarland is certainly not the most scenic of areas, but I thought there was some amazing running footage.  Just wait until you see how they train on hills by running on mounds of almonds.

This movie came out on DVD and Blue Ray yesterday and retails for about $18.00. But…you can win a copy here by entering below! (click on Rafflecopter link if you don't see the image).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And…one last thing to support your love of running and reading about running (especially if you have a vagina). You can now get a subscription (6 months) to Women’s Running for just $5. But,  just for today. Insane. Go HERE.

SUAR

The DVD and giveaway item were sent to me for free. All opinions are of course my own.