All this week, I’ve been laying groundwork for new standard weekly formats for my blogs. Mondays will be weekend recaps and on Tuesdays, I’ll be discussing something that really matters to me (or telling an anecdote from my past so you can get to know me a little bit better). On Wednesdays, I’ll give a weekly rundown on Operation Jack — upcoming deadlines, special announcements, good news, etc. And since today is Wednesday, I guess it’s time for an Operation Jack update.
For those of you who have never been here, I’m a marathon runner and a father of three. My middle son, 6-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. So, I’m attempting to run 60 marathons this year to help raise money and awareness for a charity called Train 4 Autism. Train 4 Autism helps people train for races and raise money for autism-related charities. I’m trying to get people to jump on the bandwagon with my “stupid-human trick,” hopefully planting seeds for growth in the process.
Shoe Shopping?
I bought two new pairs of shoes yesterday (I’m at about 275 miles on both pairs I’m currently rotating) and I’m hoping some of you are willing to consider taking the same path on your next purchase. The shoes I buy normally cost about $90 plus tax. I got two pairs for about $130 total AND Operation Jack is going to earn $17 from that. Here’s how:
In the navigation at the top, click on “Store” and you’ll see a link to RoadRunner Sports. When you click through to the site from here, Operation Jack earns 13 percent from everything you buy. You get free shipping if you’re a VIP Member, and since VIP membership only costs $1.99 a year, it’s a no-brainer to add that to the cart. They have a sale for the next few days where if you spend $150 or more, you get $40 off your purchase (if you’re a VIP member) if you use the discount code CB10Y43E. Even if you don’t go over that amount, you get 10 percent off.
My shoes are on close-out (I wear Saucony Guide 2s, and they just came out with 3s, but I’m totally fine with the 2s). So my shoes, regularly $90 each, are discounted to $75. I bought two pairs, got my 10 percent and $40 off, which worked out to about $130 with tax. Shipping was free. So there you have it, two pairs of $90 shoes for $130, delivered to my doorstep, and Operation Jack nets $17 out of the deal.
If you know the shoes you’re going to buy and you’re like me and you shop for discounts, take a look and see if it makes sense for you!
Sweatshirts Are In!
If you saw the picture of me in Monday’s blog, you saw that sweatshirts are now in! We’re shipping them out this week to everybody who still needs to receive one, but we still have enough if you want one. Here’s the deal: Go to the Sponsors page and you can see the donation levels to get everything. The sweatshirts are pretty darn comfortable. I like mine and I know Tiff slept in hers last week. She’s a total princess, too, so that says a lot!
Last Call For Napa!
We have a really good arrangement ($45 off the entry fee) if you want to run the full marathon at Napa Valley on March 7. I need to send entries in on Saturday, so if you’re interested, go to the Contact Us page and drop me a line.
Thank You Ben Delaney
A few weeks ago, I wanted to start thanking people in each blog, but I think I’m going to save that for Wednesdays as part of my weekly Operation Jack update. Today, I’m thanking Ben Delaney, one of my best friends and a fellow runner. We’ve been friends for 17 years, so it’s not a surprise that he’s excited about what I’m trying to do.
But when I read his Facebook status updates (“Going to the expo to pick up my bib, wearing my Operation Jack shirt with pride!“), see him running a race in his Operation Jack tech shirt, hear that he took flyers to everybody he mixes with at his running shop and find out that he’s talking to everybody he knows around the country to help with the cause, I know I’ve got some pretty good support.
Sure, a good friend should be supportive if his buddy is doing something that needs support. But he’s really supportive, beyond what is necessary. It’s tough to do what I’m doing, and every little bit of support helps. This isn’t a little bit of support, though. It’s a lot of support — above-and-beyond support. And it’s awesome, because I know I’m not alone. So Ben, thank you. But it’s still your turn to buy lunch today, because Kevin bought last week and I bought the week before.
Questions, Anybody?
I don’t know what y’all want to know, so if I’m leaving anything unanswered, or if you have any questions, let me know! Post a comment, fill out the Contact Us form or drop me an email!
Get Over That Hump!
I’m heading to In-N-Out for lunch today and I get to start carb loading (again?!?!?) tomorrow. Ice cream streak is at 17 days. And that’s all for today. Have a great Wednesday everybody!
Ben Delaney says
Thanks for the mention Sam. Just not sure if you are thanking me for the support or giving me a friendly reminder that it is my turn to buy lunch this week. Either way, it works.
I mentioned what you are doing to some people at my son’s school last night, so you might be getting some new followers from the local area pretty soon. I am going to talk with the school director possibly today about leaving some flyers at the school to continue spreading the word.
One more note on my Operation Jack shirt, it was part of my ‘official’ Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints game day attire. I wore that shirt for all 3 games including the big day. I am not a overly superstitious person, but I after they beat the Cardinals I wasn’t about to tempt fate. Not saying the shirt helped the Saints, but I think your little angel played some role in helping them win it all.
Ally Phillips says
I’ll need new running shoes after Catalina and I just checked the store and they have the Brooks I wear–sweet! I’ll be purchasing those bad boys as soon as I get my paycheck.
I checked the sponsors page and it looks like I might be in the group to get a sweatshirt (?)–$100+…? But! But! I’ve still got the rest of the year to raise $$. Not stopping after OKC, that’s for sure!
Also, I totally owe you a burger when you’re in Dallas, yes? (yes).
Enjoy lunch!
Erin Fortin says
How PERFECT. The bf and I were JUST talking this morning about how we both need new running shoes! We will for sure be buying them from RoadRunner with your sweetsweet discount. Score. Good lookin’ out, good lookin’ out. You rock.
Jen Morgan says
I get to pick up my Op Jack shirt I made for Gasp today!!! So excited! I can’t wait to rock it race day!
I loved Ben’s comment. 🙂
See you next week buddy!
Kim Bouldin says
I think I am getting close to needing new shoes, so I will check that out. Thanks!
Kim