Archives for May 2012

Athlete Bio: Lisa McClellan

Fate. Chance.  Whatever you call it.  That’s what lead me to Lisa.  I was in Whole Foods, in Fairfax, VA, preparing a quick lunch at the salad bar before visiting an account.  Over artichoke salad I heard, “Are you {will run for margaritas}?”  I looked up, surprised that someone, anyone, had recognized me from my blog.  It was Lisa, from RunWiki, I had just read her Boston Qualifier race report, I had just tweeted how excited I was for her.  We talked, I met her family, we hugged – it’s like we had known each other forever. Fate, it’s a crazy, cool thing.

running blogSince that day in Whole Foods, Lisa and I have talked, met for lunch, emailed.  She is such an amazing woman.  I’m thankful for the time that I’m able to spend with her before her family moves to California in June.  Lisa’s husband is in the Navy, and she’s the mother to 3 beautiful children (including a set of twins). 

Lisa gets things done – and that’s what I love about her.  She’s makes running a priority in her life, but not at the expense of her family.  When you approach life the way Lisa does, things work out.  Lisa – thank you for coming up to me in Whole Foods that day, I’m going to miss you when you’re gone!

Follow Lisa’s journey of life and running:
blog: www.runwiki.org
twitter: @runwiki       
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RunWiki      

Name: Lisa McClellan

Age: 44

Location: Clifton, VA.  {En route to Conejo Valley, CA on June 18}

Years Running: 29running blog

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon  

PR’s:
Marathon – 3:53
Half Marathon – 1:40
10 miler- 1:14
10K- 48:06

How did you get into running? I started in High school running track but got really serious after having children about 7 years ago

How many marathons have you run? 4

Do you cross train or lift weights: Yes, both I do 2 days on the elliptical and core and strength

How do you find/make time to train: I make time. If I have to run at 2:00am then that’s what I do. Running is my passion and a very high priority in my life (family first, but running is a strong second)

Favorite place to run: On vacation, nothing better than getting to know a place via running, plus there is never any agenda, it’s just a self guided tour through a new environment

Favorite/most memorable race: The Bolder Boulder 10K- It is like no other race, it’s an experience.

Favorite pre-race meal: Justin’s Maple Almond butter on a protein pancake and a half of banana.

Favorite post-race food: Chocolate Milk with something really salty like chips or Cheeseburger.

Favorite quote: “Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder” – Thoreau

Favorite running shoe: Brooks Pure Flow (road) and Brooks Cascadia (trail)

Best running advice: Run your own race but do it like it’s your last.

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: I feel like I should put down qualifying for Boston, but in reality I wasn’t that proud of my BQ time, so I would have to say coming in 8/445 in my division at the 2012 Bolder Boulder 10K. I came from sea level (Washington DC) to almost 5300 ft. above and had only four hours of sleep the night before. My time didn’t seem that impressive to me, but my heart and lungs would disagree, they were working.

What races are you currently training for? I am running the North Face Endurance Challenge DC 50K- June 2012, and the Malibu International Marathon-November 2012. Those are the two biggies, I have some smaller races in between which I consider part of my marathon training.

You recently entered Under Armour’s “What’s Beautiful” campaign.  Tell us more about it: I entered the UA “What is beautiful campaign” because the thought of announcing my personal goals to the world terrified me. I used to think doing something that scared me was jumping out of a plane or going bungie jumping. Those types of things are scary, but are over quite fast. This scares me because I think, like many, I am afraid of failure and being judged, but here’s the thing, there is nothing to be afraid of. No matter what the outcome, I will be OK, I will do my best and in the end if I complete my goal, it will fill me up with joy. If not I will learn and grow from that experience. I can’t loose, if there is any fear, it is mine alone and I am free at anytime to let it go. Being afraid, or not afraid is my choice. We have control over so little in life, but this is something I do control, my thoughts.  My hope is that I inspire other women who have or, are doubting themselves to go after their dream. I realize it is a long shot that I actually win this Under Armour challenge, but if I did ( or regardless) It is my mission to get women to see the beauty and power that lies within themselves. The beauty that I see all of the time in everyday women just like myself. They have it, but often times it’s clouded by their own self image. I want to show them that behind every dark cloud is light, but you can’t see it if you don’t chase it away . You can train yourself to get rid of darkness just like training yourself to run a fast marathon. You have to be committed, not just interested, this makes a big difference in the outcome.  It is a process that takes time to develop and comes with successes and failures along the way, not unlike running. I know it might sound kind of corny but I feel like this is one of the most important things we can do in our lifetime, for ourselves and the people around us. We are all struggling through modern life, so helping and supporting each other is of the essence.  To me… That is beautiful!  Check Lisa out here: http://www.runwiki.org/2012/04/28/under-armour-what-is-beautiful-campaign/

running blog

Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Salami

Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Salami looks a lot more fancy to make than it actually is.  This dish is perfect for a quick, post-work/run dinner or dinner with friends and wine.  The flavors blend together nicely to create a dish that dances on your taste buds – salty (kalamata olives) and sweet (cherry tomatoes) – just what I like.

 Ingredients 
30 cherry tomatoes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Salt & pepper
8 oz spicy salami
2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 box Rigatoni pasta (8 – 10 oz)

 

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Place tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with EVOO, salt, and pepper.  Roast for 8-10 minutes.  Remove and let cool.
2. Bring pot of salted water to a boil.  Meanwhile, heat EVOO in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Add salami, cook for 30 seconds on each side.  Remove salami from pan and reserve.  Return pan to heat, add garlic and saute.  Add tomatoes and saute for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add wine, simmer for 3 minutes.  Add olives.  Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the salami and parsley.  Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes, until al dente.  Drain and toss it in the pan with the sauce.  Season with salt and pepper.

Note: For all of my vegetarians, this dish is great without the salami, too.  The flavors really mesh and it’s a delicious party for your taste buds – salami or no salami.

Enjoy!

 

register now: Kelley Cares 5k {May 19}

If you’re looking for a flat and easy 5K to enjoy on this beautiful Saturday (May 19, 2012) in the DC area, look no further than the Kelley Cares 5K in Alexandria, VA.

The funds raised by the race benefit the Therapeutic Recreation Program of Alexandria, which creates programs for citizens with disabilities. This year, in addition to supporting the Therapeutic Recreation Program, portions of the funds will go towards helping to build a field for the use of the Miracle League of Alexandria. The Miracle League will make it possible for the participants of the Therapeutic Recreation Program, along with others, to play tee-ball on a safe, rubberized baseball diamond, in a friendly environment.

The start and finish of the race will be at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, VA with the starting gun going off at 8:00am. Registration can be done that morning starting at 6:30am. Credit card, cash and check will be accepted. The registration fee is $30, and includes a cotton t-shirt, but a technical t-shirt can be purchased for an extra $5. The course takes you through the beautiful neighborhood of Del Ray and is also dog and stroller friendly.

The Kelley Cares Foundation is a mission of love for our dear daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend, Kelley Swanson. Kelley was a vibrant, fun-loving and energetic young woman who left us too early. Kelley was a very active volunteer for the Therapeutic Recreation Program’s Youth Opportunity Sports program from the fourth grade to her graduation from TC Williams High School. This Foundation was formed to carry on Kelley’s civic-minded spirit and her desire to make people aware of the need for inclusion regardless of ability.

The Therapeutic Recreation Program provides a full array of programs and services for residents with disabilities. From specialized therapeutic recreation programs to inclusion support to full inclusion, residents with disabilities can choose programs that meet their interests and needs. The Department complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you have questions, email me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

 

Chrissie Wellington

One of the {major} perks about my job is that I have the opportunity to meet some really cool {and famous} athletes.

Enter: Chrissie Wellington

I met Chrissie briefly in November (she was dressed as Wonder Woman), but had the chance to chat with her today at a local book signing.  Not only is Chrissie a 4 time World Ironman Champion, she’s the most down-to-earth and humble person I’ve met in a really long time.  She’s kind.  And her smile lights up the room!

will run for margaritas

Plus, I get to add these to my collection – my {signed} Brooks T7 Racers.  Thanks Chrissie!

Brooks

Check out Chrissie’s new book, A Life Without Limits, {here}

Grilled Salmon & Tropical Salsa

FISH.  Fish is the buzz word around the Jones Household these days.  BJ can’t stop asking for fish.  I like fish, but it’s not something I crave, so I often forget to buy it.  Things changed last week when KP (my little sister) sent me a picture of her dinner – since then, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about fish.  Specifically, grilled salmon and tropical salsa.

I can’t stop dreaming about all of the wonderful flavors.  For a second I thought I was lounging on a tropical island, margarita in hand, only to realize I was still in Virginia.  No tropical island for mebut grilled salmon and tropical salsa will do the trick!

Grilled Salmon
2 x 6oz salmon fillets
fresh garlic
fresh lemon juice, and slices
salt & pepper

Tropical Salsa
Strawberry
Pineapple
Kiwi
Grape Tomotoes
Cilantro
Splash of Balsamic Vineagar
Salt & Pepper

To cook the fish: add EVOO, fresh garlic, and lemon juice to a hot grill pan.  Cook salmon for 5 minutes on each side.  Add lemon juice as needed (I love lemon)

To make tropical salsa: chop ingredients and add to large bowl.  Add cilantro, salt & pepper, and splash of balsamic vineagar.  Mix together and taste.  Add more balsamic/salt&pepper, if needed.

will run for margaritas

Enjoy!

 

This happened…

…and now, I’m {almost famous}

The awesome thing about it being really hot during the Boston Marathon is that all of the really fast people deferred (due to heat).  So, I somehow managed to sqeak by with a Top 50 Mid-Atlantic finish.  Since I never make running magazines, I’m pretty excited to see my name in the Washington Runnning Report.  And since this will likely never happen again, I’m relishing in the fact that I’m {almost famous}

running blog
#31 in the Top 50 Mid-Atlantic finishers

 

Are you {almost famous}? 

Tell me about your latest race!

Broad Steet 10 Miler {recap}

Redemption feels really good, especially when it comes in the form of a new PR.    

I didn’t talk much about running Broad Street 10 Miler.  I wasn’t registered until 5 days before the race, when a good friend was able to secure a last-minute bib.  Plus, I didn’t know what my legs (or body) were capable of 3 weeks post-Boston.  In my head, Broad Street was my {redemption run} but I didn’t let many people know that I was running.  It couldn’t be redemption if I didn’t run hard and fast.     

My {redemption run} didn’t let me down – it’s exactly what I needed post-Boston.  I’m in a good place these days: back to running, a new PR, and a new focus for the summer (short and fast races).  But, every few days I get the urge to run an impromptu marathon – especially in the wake of Eugene Marathon, where every runner I know ran a major PR.  It’s hard when you dedicate 14 weeks of your life to training (training harder than I’ve ever worked for anything) and the one thing you can’t control lets you down.  It’s a hard thing to get over.  That’s exactly why I needed Broad Street.  It’s how Broad Street redeemed me.

Broad Street 10 Miler was a great race – point-to-point, fast, and fairly flat.  I felt really good, considering I haven’t had high mileage weeks or speed/tempo workouts since before Boston.  At the start of the race I saw Cris, a Capital Area Runners teammate, and tried to run behind her for as long as I could (until about Mile 8).  She’s faster than I am, so it was great motivation to stay as close as possible for as long as possible.  Thanks for pushing me, Cris!  My legs started to fatigue around Mile 7 but with a 5k left, I knew that I could push through the pain and finish strong.  I ran a new PR (by 2+ minutes) and totally redeemed myself.     

Time: 1:06:20 (6:38 pace)
Overall: 650/33,982
Sex: 81/19,018
Age Group: 32/5090   

running blog

Post-race, with my friend Jess

Broad Street 10 Miler was really well organized, had plenty of water stops, and awesome volunteers.  Logistically, a point-to-point race can be hard, and I think Broad Street needs some help, especially as the race grows.  My suggestion: more shuttle buses to the start, and more trains on race morning.  I did, however, love the medal – medals are my newest obsession (especially after receiving my Boston medal).

This was such a fun weekend.  I love racing, but it was fun to see my friends and drink some margaritas {it was Cinco de Mayo}.  I can’t wait for next year!

Athlete Bio {Nicole Wagner}

At first glance, Nicole is drop-dead gorgeous (I’d kill for her beautiful blonde hair and bright blue eyes), but it’s her amazing attitude and warm heart that make her that much more beautiful!  I first “met” Nicole, via our blogs, while we were both training for our first marathons (and both trying to run a Boston Qualifier).  We talked a lot via email and text, and I so enjoyed getting to know her.  But, it wasn’t until August 2011, that I got to meet Nicole in real-life.  When I realized that I’d be running Leg 10 of Hood to Coast, just miles from where Nicole lived, I jumped at the opportunity for her to run with me!  Not only is she super nice, she’s super speedy (check out her stats below). I don’t know how she does it all: 75-80 mile weeks, a successful business, 2 young girls, and a full-time working husband – I hope I can be that fast once I have a family.    

i dream of running

I hope you enjoy getting to know Nicole as much as I have.  If you want to learn more about her {dream to run} check out her blog http://mydream2run.blogspot.com/ and “like” her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Idreamofrunning

Name: Nicole Wagner

Age: 33

Location: Portland, OR

Years Running: 2

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

PRs: 5K: 19:44, 10K: 40:59, half: 1:32:18, Full: 3:35:43

How did you get into running? I loved running as a kid but stopped at age 13. When I was approaching 30, I decided I wanted to pursue my dream to be a runner. The first 18 months I ran about 20 miles a week and would take months off at a time.  I’m not sure I was really running because it was so sporadic….but in September 2010, I hired a coach and ran my first 30 mile week….This is when I feel like I really started running. I have been running and training regularly ever since. I’m deeply addicted!

i dream of running

How many marathons have you run? 1 – I got a stress fracture at mile 22 but managed to qualify for boston.

How do you find/make time to train:  I get up early, before my husband goes to work and kids get up for school.

How do you find time to train with a family, full-time job, and a working husband? I MAKE time, that is the key word! It is a NEED in my life, not  a WANT – and it’s NOT easy. I have a succesful business with 5 girls working for me. I have 2 children, ages 4 and 7, and a busy/working husband. I do anything I can to fit in. I get up at 5am if I need to to run, I stay up late to double if I need to. I take my kids with me or I run on the treadmill (if I have to) while they run around like wild indians. ha!

Favorite place to run: Downtown Portland Waterfront – 10 mile loop

Favorite/most memorable race: Runaway Pumpkin Half that I ran in October 2011. It was my first half after my injury. I had no expectations but really wanted to run a sub 1:34. I hadn’t been doing anything but base runs to get strong again. I felt so strong and happy and empowered in this run. It was exhilarating! I realized in the last 2 miles I was going to have to FLY to break 1:34…my last mile was a 6:40 something….I ran a 1:33 and was thrilled!

Favorite pre-race meal: usually a small bagel and banana for small races; oatmeal for big races.

Favorite post-race food: ANYTHING I can get in my mouth. Whatever they are serving at the race…and I ALWAYS take my recovery shake. But I love crappy stuff after races like doughnuts, cookies,……it’s the only time I can eat it and NOT feel guilty!  Well…that’s not true…lets face it, I eat that stuff all the time and don’t feel guilty! HA!

Favorite quote:There is no nobility in being superior to some other man. True Nobility is in being superior to your previous self” This apply’s to EVERYthing in our lives.

Favorite running shoe: Brooks Pure flows

Best running advice: Never count yourself out and don’t be afraid to shout your goals and dreams from the rooftops…no matter how big they seem or out of reach at the time.  BELIEVE in yourself or you will never get to where you want to go.

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: My first win. It was a 10K I ran during Boston training (2 months ago). It was at the end of a 75 mile week…not tapered. I ran a 40:59. I was SO happy that I beat that 41 minute barrier by 1 second! And completely surprised myself as my “lofty goal” that day was 41:30.  It felt AMAZING!!!

i dream of running

10k winner & {shiny} new PR

What’s next?  What are your racing plans for the fall? First I need to GET healty – fix my leg and get moving. I plan to cross train for the next 5 weeks…then train in the summer, run Hood to Coast in August, and race some 5k’s,10k’s & a half marathon in the fall. I can’t wait!