You may think it is pretty obvious, right? Put on your shoes, get out there and run. Well, that is how it started. When I started running in December 2011 I wore a crappy pair of Asics I bought for $20 at Ross (haha – seriously. What the F was I thinking?). That lasted for a month. I then went to a specialty running store to get some running shoes. Those were about $110, I also got a pair of socks which were around $12. Okay. So $120 to start. Not bad. Then I registered for my first half marathon – $60. After 9 months of running I had a few more pairs of running socks, new shoes, running clothes, and I really wanted a watch. I didn’t want to spend too much so I got the Garmin Forerunner 10 – $130.
Fast forward to now – I have run 6 half marathons, 3 marathons, 2 20 mile races, a 10 miler and a handful of 5 & 10k races. I have bought at least 5 pair of shoes, lots of socks, more running clothes and my most recent purchase – a Garmin Forerunner 220 – $250. I needed an upgrade, I swear.
I fell in love with running. Which lead to my love of running in races. I have spent anywhere from $25-$140 for race entry fees. Honestly, I probably spend a few thousand a year on running & running related items. I could add it up but I don’t want to know.
Alright, so I love running. But how can I do this for free? I came up with this idea: asking my family to register me for races as gifts. Birthday, Christmas, job promotion…it is the best gift! That covered some of it. But I knew there had to be other ways to run for free, or at least for a discount. I wish I can remember where I found out about ambassador programs, but I have no idea! I started to research though. There are a ton of races and running/sporting companies that want ambassadors.
Here are some awesome companies that offer ambassador programs:
FYI – I don’t know if these companies are currently looking for ambassadors. You will have to look on their website or contact them. I do know there are things they look for when choosing someone to represent their brand:
- Active on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…)
- Active/healthy life style
- Positive people with a positive message
- Experience in health/fitness
- Passion for sharing information about races, products, fitness to everyone
Again, you will have to contact these companies to know what they want in an ambassador.
I LOVE that these companies (and more!) allow regular people like me to represent their brand. I am currently an ambassador for ZOOMA Napa Valley. I was so excited and grateful that they saw something in me they liked & wanted. As an ambassador I have organized races, given away products from sponsors, and handed out a discount code for the race (which is NAMB6 if there are still spots available). Also, as an ambassador I have gotten some major perks! FREE race entry, Altra running shoes – which are the most amazing running shoes ever & I went out and bought a second pair, running socks, and sports drinks. All of that for free! I review everything I use, and have even given away some products because I like them and want to share them with others.
So if you’re like me you will want to look into these companies. You get major perks & benefits. You also have the opportunity to “work” for races & brands you like. Or find a product you never knew about and really enjoy – like my Altra shoes. I am sorry, but I f-ing love these shoes and won’t stop talking about them! :) I hope this info was useful to some of you! If you have other recommendations please share!
