Will Run for Margaritas

As my belly gets bigger, so do my problems.  I’m using the word “problems” loosely, but this babe has me experiencing things I didn’t know were possible: chaffing – and lots of it.

I’m a runner and have no plans of stopping while I’m pregnant, but know that I may have to adjust accordingly.  About three weeks ago, adjusting became my reality.  With warmer temperatures and inevitable shorts weather, I knew I needed to do something about the uncomfortable chaffing on my inner-thighs.  I tried all sorts of products (baby powder, Body Glide) before discovering Aquaphor Healing Ointment – and then my running life changed.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is specially formulated to create an ideal environment that protects and heals skin; it’s also free of fragrances (so important while I’m pregnant), dyes, and preservatives, making it gentle enough for all skin types.  What I like most about Aquaphor Healing Ointment is that it’s multi-use: I can use it for chaffing, dry feet/hands, minor burns, cracked lips, and more.  It’s not greasy and absorbs quickly into skin.  Athletes listen up – Aquaphor can be used for everything from chaffing, blisters, wind-burned skin, and saddle sores.  I can’t wait to try Aquaphor as a replacement to Body Glide at my next triathlon (hello, easy wetsuit removal).  I also had a chance to try (and fall in love with love) Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect; it’s SPF 30 (super important for outdoor activities in the summer) and seals in moisture to prevent dryness.  I’m a sucker for anything lip gloss/stick related but I’m also very picky about what I use and like.  Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect passed the running/sweating/longevity test.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for one product that does everything, Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Lip Repair are the way to go.  I couldn’t be more pleased with how well Aquaphor works with all aspects of my life (running, working out, bedtime, etc.).  Prices range from $6-$15 (depending on size) and can be found at various locations including Target, CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, and local grocery stores.

You better believe I’ll be using Aquaphor when the babe arrives – it’s dermatologist approved and recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians, and moms!

Giveaway
Best of all, one lucky winner will win an Aquaphor prize pack, including Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $50 Visa gift card and CamelBak Water Bottle.

{to enter}
Tell me: how do you prevent dry, cracked skin?
*You must follow my blog to win

{additional entries}
(not required – please leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Like {will run for margaritas} on Facebook – leave a comment
• Follow @run4margaritas on Twitter – leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – link to {will run for margaritas} – leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I want to win the Aquaphor & Visa Gift Card giveaway from@run4margaritas  http://bit.ly/11laI2v – leave a comment
• Like Aquaphor on Facebook
• Follow Aquaphor on Twitter

{the deets}
1. giveaway runs through June 26, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner.  Winner announced on June 26 at noon.
2. contest is open to US residents only.  Must be 18 years or older.
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen

additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

2013 is the year of {three}

In July, BJ and I are married {three} years.  In August, I turn {three-zero}.

And…in October, baby makes {three}.  We couldn’t be more thrilled about our the newest runner in our family – we finally have enough people for a triathlon relay {wink}

Guess I’ll be drinking virgin margaritas for awhile!

5 months pregnant

Name: Sarah Anne Swiss

Location: William B. Umstead State Park (located in Wake County between Raleigh and Durham)

Distance:  34 miles of trails

Why I love this run: Umstead is an oasis and a runner’s paradise hidden in the middle of the busy Triangle district of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With several entrances to this park around the city, you can escape into this natural playground. Umstead State Park offers 34 miles of trails through the nearly 6,000 acres. There is are so many trails that one could get lost – but don’t worry, you won’t. Well maybe… but just in your own run: your thoughts and the beauty of the sprawling park. Inside this park you have your pick of paved greenways, loose gravel, bridle paths, and single track trails. If you are not up for taking the trails alone or just want to meet some more runner buddies, there are several meet up groups with a vast range of skill levels/meeting times that regularly meet throughout the park.  Outside of running, this park offers camp grounds, mountain biking trails, camping, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and canoeing, a small beach and recreational area, and even a few hidden BMX biking ramps. If you are in the triangle area for a visit or are a local, I highly recommend you give Umstead State Park’s trails a try.  For more information (and to ensure you won’t get lost), check out a map of the park: http://www.umsteadcoalition.org/trailmap.htm

Have a {rave run} you want others to know about?  Send an email to: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Even though I’m (barely) running again, taking time off helped me rediscover my love for yoga.  Yoga is one of those workouts that I always want to do, but don’t always find time for.  A stress reaction in my foot was the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time on my mat.

Since January, I’ve logged more than 70 hours gettin’ down with my dog and into more poses than I ever thought possible.  My biggest accomplishment has been learning how to, and then, perfecting my headstand (in just 14 days)!

I’m a huge fan of heated yoga, typically found in Vinyasa Flow (80-95 degrees), and the occasional HOT yoga class, traditional for Bikram Yoga (105+ degrees).  For me, Vinyasa is the perfect combination of heat and time on the mat (1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes); anything over 1 hour 15 minutes and I start to lose interest.

More than anything, I feel confident that yoga is a great addition to my running and training plan.  The benefit of yoga for runners goes beyond stretching; yoga improves flexibility, strength, and recovery.  As a runner, my muscles are tight from…well, running.  Yoga helps loosen and lengthen muscles, and reverses muscle tightness caused by preforming a repetitive movement (running).  Ultimately, yoga improves alignment of the muscles and bones so that the body can function more efficiently.

{namaste}

If you’re local to the DC/VA area, check out my favorite studios:

Mind the Mat
Locations: Arlington (Clarendon) and Del Rey (Alexandria)
Classes: All (Hot, Heated, Vinyasa, Athletes, Beginner, Prenatal, Pilates, etc.)
Cost: $20 (single class), $15 (discounted class); memberships available

Tranquil Space
Locations: Arlington (VA Square) and Dupont Circle
Classes: All (Yoga 1, 2, 3, Open Flow, On-the-go, Prenatal, etc.)
Cost: $19 (single class), $15 (on-the-go); memberships available
*Through April, Tranquil Space (Arlington) is offering a complimentary class on Tuesday’s at 4pm, in conjunction with Lululemon Clarendon

Supernova Bikram
Location: Arlington (Ballston)
Classes: Bikram
Cost: $20 (single session); memberships available

Do you do yoga?

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Name:   Kevin P. Stack

Age:  45

Location:  Reston, VA

Years Running:  32 years

Favorite race distance:  5K

PRs:  1500M: 5:27, Mile: 5:48, 5K: 19:12, 10K: 42:00

How did you get into running?  Too small for football my freshman year of HS, so I joined he cross country team!

How many marathons have you run?  Zero!  I’m a middle distance runner

Do you cross train or lift weights:  Yes, I lift weights 2-3 times/week

How do you find/make time to train:  Work from home, so that is a huge advantage.  Trade running times with my wife on weekends.  Three kids under the age of ten makes it challenging!

Favorite place to run:  Hawaii.  Spent last four years going there two times a year for the Reserves.  Love the loop around Diamond Head along Kahala Road and the ocean road back to Waikiki.

Favorite/most memorable race:  5K in Diamond Head in January, 2011.  Overall 5K winner, with the last mile straight uphill.  Won hand-carved koa wood bowl as prize!

Favorite pre-race meal:  Coffee, toast and banana

Favorite post-race food:  Chocolate milk

Favorite quote:  “Run like you just stole something.”

Favorite running shoe:  Brooks PureFlows for training and Brooks T7s for racing.

Best running advice:  “God, Gold and Glory.”  (Three things to run for)

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of:  Getting selected into the Brooks ID program in 2009.  Not a day goes by that I’m not humbled by fellow Brooks ID members and their running accomplishments.

What races are you currently training for?  Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon in DC on 3/16/13

Have an Athlete Bio nomination?  Send me an email at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com