Sure there's Media Map, Newsgator, Outlook and many, many other well known tools for us PR pros but what about the lesser known or less expensive tools that make you wonder how you managed without? I'm lucky enough to work with a team of people both at BLASTmedia and here at BLASToutdoors who enjoy sharing their wealth of information to benefit everyone. On that note, I made a list of some great sites and services my coworkers and I have stumbled upon.

HARO (Help A Reporter Out)- is the PROFNETS cheaper cousin. Started by Peter Shankman, HARO is gaining popularity due to Shankman's strict no spamming journalist policies (believe it or not, most PR people appreciate this as well. We want journalists and the like to look forward to hearing what we have to say), and to the fact that the service is free and has a small town feel to it.

Quantcast- I love this tool! Most of us like to include a publication's circulation in client updates, etc...This used to be a problem when the coverage was on a blog. Not anymore! Quantcast gives you all the information you need about your favorite blogs: unique monthly visitors, audience demographics, even brand affiliates.

Wooden Horse- is a magazine news and resources site. Wooden Horse offers a database of newly released magazines and start ups to look forward to. The site lists the name of the publication with publisher information and a brief description. Great if you've run out of publications to pitch.

Podcast Pickle- offers every way to search for a large database of podcasts under the sun!

ABYZ News Links- ever have a client that needs international coverage? Here is your answer.

The Bad Pitch Blog- lastly, this is a great way not to do your job! The Bad Pitch Blog is actually well-known so I included it more as a reminder.

What other resources are out there for PR pros that aren't on my list?

Posted by Katie at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It was a crazy weekend in San Francisco, as it was the 96th year of the famous ING Bay to Breakers 12K. A race created to inspire and bring hope the city after the horrific 1906 earthquake, Bay to Breakers has since turned into a national spectacle, occurring the third Sunday in May every year.

Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament to San Francisco's uniqueness and audacity, as the race is filled with runners and walkers, all dressed in costumes or themes, includes crazy floats, and even naked men (not kidding). Each year, the race is a glorious celebration of the human spirit - a giant wave of athleticism, fun, frivolity, and determination flowing across the City from the bay to the ocean. It is one of the largest footraces in the world with 65,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book record, with 110,000 participants, in 1986. But it isn't just a race for the serious runner.

Thousands of costumed participants join with families, weekend runners and people just out for a stroll. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco they are cheered by thousands of spectators and live music along the course.

In the true spirit of San Francisco (and lack of preparation) my group decided to be the rainbow....

Check out "blue" in the recently launched SkirtSports Footloose Running Dress!

Heading home after a day of festivities, we had a chance to catch up with Bleaker (AKA Katie at BLAST) from the ever so popular Juno.

Posted by jessica at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's a beautiful day in our San Francisco office! And it's not because the sun is shining and 80 degrees either. We just received the June issue of Women's Health, chock full of great fitness news and features - and FOUR BLASTmedia/BLAST0utdoors client mentions! We're always excited when our clients are featured in top-tier national publications, but it's even better when we can experience the excitement together. Pick up a copy today to see SkirtSports (twice), SmartShield and Tanita featured!

Written by guest blogger Carey Hart (pictured below).

Posted by Katie at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Francisco and surrounding areas are definitely not lacking for fun outdoor events. Two of which I am looking forward to participating in- Bay to Breakers (pictured above) and the San Francisco Marathon in August.

Next Sunday, a day I anticipate with increasing excitement, is Bay to Breakers, a world famous 12K race that goes from sea level at the Embarcadero and ends in Golden Gate Park. What makes this race different? Think Halloween meets Octoberfest meets...7.46 miles. Yeah I'll be there, enough said. But that is only the beginning. Below I've provided a calendar of events for those hardcore atheletes and those of us looking to have a little fun.

May 18- Bay to Breakers- 12 km Run
August 2- Marin Century- 100 km Cycle
August 3- San Francisco Marathon
Sept. 13-14- Big Kahuna Triathlon
Oct. 19- Nike Women's Marathon

Posted by Katie at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)