Tuesday, June 2, 2015

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.

81 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to watch that movie!

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  2. I love to find movies that we can watch with all three of our kids (10, 7, and 4).

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  3. My hubby is a non-runner, so didn't want to see this in the theater. It's on my "To Watch" list for when he's working nights, so it'd be super to have a copy to watch!

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  4. I do want to see this movie. I've been so sentimental lately...I hope I don't cry.

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  5. I love a feel-good movie that I can watch with my kids.
    Karen d8t8k at aol dot com

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  6. I want to see this movie because I'm a sucker for true stories as well. My favorite running movie is Spirit of the Marathon. I cry throughout the movie. I cry when Deena wins, I cry when that lady has a hard race, I cry when Hal Higdon talks. I swear I don't cry at that many other movies.

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    1. Me too! I LOVE running movies. And I loved this one too!

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  8. I love watching inspirational movies with my family, and we are all runners which would make it even better!

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  9. Before my very first marathon David and I watched Chariots of Fire! His idea!

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    1. Hah! I feel like I need to go back and watch that movie again.

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  10. If I don't win this movie, I'll have to get it from redbox. My husband loves motivational sports movies and we could all use some running motivation.

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  11. Sucker for these movies! And a sucker for anything bringing my latin roots together with my running love!

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  12. I want to win this movie as I wanted to see if in the theatre but didn't make it. I think my kids will enjoy watching it with me- well as much as teenagers enjoy doing anything with their mom.

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  13. I want a copy so that I can show it to my middle school cross country team. It's hot here in East TN, and my team will need some motivation to get out and run in the heat when school starts!

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  14. My oldest is doing a cross county camp and will run cross country in the fall. I can't wait and I hope he loves it! Our family would like this movie since it is based on a true story and family friendly.

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  15. We saw this and it actually made my husband cry since he works in an inner city school. Loved it! Would love to add it to our collection!

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  16. My upcoming 7th grader wants to run cross country! I hope this will inspire him more!!

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    1. My upcoming 7th grader wants to run cross country! I hope this will inspire him more!!

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    2. So nice I wrote it twice

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  17. I wanted to see this when it was in the theaters, but missed it. I would love to be the winner!

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  18. I definitely want to see the movie! That sounds great. I get so frustrated with women's running magazines, or women's fitness magazines... they ALWAYS have titles on the front like "GET GREAT ABS!" or "Exercises to lose that jiggle!" and things like that. I hate it. Stop tell me how to lose weight, and instead tell me the best anti chafing stick. or maybe the best new races. or aaannything other than how to look good. I don't look good running, i'm not worrying about it. /off my soapbox.

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  19. I love any running movie and love to add to my collection :)

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  20. i LOVE running movies - was actually disappointed with Unbroken because there wasn't enough running. phooey. my favorite? i'm an old, old runner- Chariots of Fire man. the first and still the best.

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  21. I love movies like this, especially if they're related to running. I'd love a copy just to add to my DVD collection! Then I can force my husband to watch it with me, since he wouldn't go see it at the theater when it was out.

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  22. Spirit of the Marathon is great, super inspirational to hear all the stories! My husband and I both have been wanting to see this one!

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  23. Love watching inspiring movies - if it is a running movie that is a bonus!!
    Just watched one of the Prefontaine movie last month

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  24. I've only been running on and off for a few years and this time around I much more passionate and serious aka addicted and crazy about it. I have to admit I've never watched a running movie so winning this would break my virginity :)

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  25. Spirit of the Marathon is my fave - I watched it right before my first full, and it gave me a whole new sense of pride. LOVE. And I've been wanting to see McFarland USA!

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  26. The link for the magazine subscription gives me an error message. Can you tell me where I can find the deal?
    Thanks :)

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    1. You can just go to the magazine website but I'll try to fix the link

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  27. I went to the movie theater by myself to watch this movie, and I loved it!

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  28. I want to see this movie!
    :-)

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  29. Everyone I know that's seen this movie has loved it! I loved both Spirit of the Marathon movies. Also really enjoyed the Prefontaine movie with Jared Leto.

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  30. I would love to see this movie. My favorite running movie has got to be Dean Karnazes' Ultramarathon Man. It makes me want to run. :)

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  31. i've been wanting to see this movie but missed it in theaters this spring. i've heard it's great!

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  32. This looks like a great movie and I would love to see it with my family.

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  33. I've been wanting to see this but I'm the only runner in my family so I haven't been able to watch it. My favorite running movie is Spirit of the Marathon...love it!!

    Thank you for the opportunity!!

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  34. I have heard so many great things about this movie. I can't to watch It. Love to win a copy.

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  35. Loved this movie! Went to see it with my running group.

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  36. Forrest Gump! Seriously, I don't get out to the movies much. I'm always looking for a good movie to watch at home and an inspirational one is even better.

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  37. i've heard good stuff about the movie and i love tamales!

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  38. Forrest Gump and the PRE movie with Jarred Letto. My son is super interested in running and ran track so this would be great to own this movie and be able to watch it and be inspired whenever we want :)

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  39. I want a copy because the only running movie I have ever watched is Forrest Gump, and I'm not sure that counts.

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  40. I tried to buy this movie just last week, but sadly it wasn't out yet! I read more running books than running movies, but I really liked Marathon.

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  41. I live inspirational movies. This one sounds real good.

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  42. Favorite running movie: Running Brave. "Are you going to the Olympics, Billy?"

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  43. Would love to watch this movie!

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  44. Unbroken is my fav running movie!

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  45. I am also a sucker for true stories and running movies. It sounds like this one is a winner.

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  46. I want a copy because it looks like a great movie! Plus, as a runner I feel compelled to watch/read all things running. As for other running movies, "Spirit of the Marathon" was inspiring.

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  47. I'd love to win a copy. It sounds like a good, inspirational movie. I like Chariots of Fire.

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  48. I'd love to win since I can't really think of any running movies besides Chariots of Fire. I saw that when I was a kid and not a runner.

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  49. I have been wanting to see this movie. I think I'm hold #33 out of 50 at the library. Don't make me wait that long! ;)

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  50. My favorite running movie is Prefontaine! "You're too small, Pre. You're not fast enough, Pre. Give up your foolish dreams, Steve!" I love it!

    And I'd totally make the tamales because I love to cook!!! Tamales have been on my list for a long time! YUM!

    PS....I skipped actually RUNNING on NRD. Instead, I had a mutual brag session with my running friends about our marathon last year and then went to a movie with my family. :)

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  51. I want to share my love of running with my 5 year old chid and a movie is a great way to help her see people enjoy running. I enjoy both Steve Prefontaine movies- Without Limits and Prefontaine.

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  52. I love running movies and find them so motivating! Some favorites are spirit of the marathon and Saint Ralph.

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  53. I have been meaning to watch this!! I remember seeing the previews for it and thinking it looked awesome!!

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  54. I would love to watch this with my 8 yr old. He enjoys running with me and I like showing him more of the "running world" whenever I can. I would also do a screening with my Moms Run This Town chapter :)

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  55. I've been wanting to see this movie...but I read: "Runner + Social Worker = someone likely to enjoy this movie" so I'm sold even more.

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  56. I love running movies and I really love movies that have a good message :)

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  57. I love inspirational true story movies, and for running movies I like...... Forest Gump..that counts right?? " I just kept running"

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  58. one of my favorite movies of all time!

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  59. i am complete sucker/sap for running movies,especialy true stories! would love a copy of one I can watch with my kiddos
    my favorite running movie has to be Prefontaine.....

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  60. Loved Prefontaine! We struggle to find movies that are appropriate for the family to watch together with teens/tweens. Would love to see this movie!

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  61. Finally a movie that combines tamales and cross country. It's about time.

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  62. I don't have a favourite running movie. Yet. It could be McFarland! I want to see Unbroken, but I haven't had a chance. I also loved Seabiscuit.

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  63. saw this in the theater. my 13 yr old didn't want to see it, but i made him go anyway and he loved it too. it was great! very moving and inspiring. i loved it!

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  64. I don't need to win a movie and I don't need a subscription but I really want to watch it. I've been wanting to forever. I just knew it would be good. And I love clean movies. I know...I'm a little bit old school. I'll watch it if it's rated R but if it's clean it's so much less painful on my ears. LOL

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  65. I'm a sucker for an inspiring movie, and well, Kevin Costner. That's reason enough for me.

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  66. Unbreakable: The Western States 100 is my current favorite.

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