Athlete Bio: Sarah Anne Swiss

Brooks Name: Sarah Anne Swiss

Age: 29

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Years Running: 14

Favorite race distance: Marathon (road) or 10 mile (trail)

PRs: 3:20 (Marathon)

How did you get into running? I have very little hand eye coordination and I wanted to play a sport in high school so I joined the cross country team my freshman year and fell in love. I wanted to continue the sport beyond the fall so I worked with the Athletic Director and helped start the schools winter indoor track team and continued on after graduation to coach the team for 4 years.

How many marathons have you run? 10

Do you cross train or lift weights: I do yoga and core work

How do you find/make time to train: I run with a group a lot of days to help have a commitment to people to have to show up for the run. On days I am running alone I put a scheduled time in my calendar to make sure I do it.

Favorite place to run: Single track trails along water

Favorite/most memorable race:  Hardest/most beautiful and most memorable was (14.2 miles with about 4500 feet of climbing over two mountains starting in Stinson Beach, CA runs over to Mill Valley, CA at which point you turnaround and return to Stinson Beach, CA)

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Favorite pre-race meal: Peanut butter and banana and honey sandwich

Favorite post-race food:  Waffles and beer

Favorite quote: “This is 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain and a 100% reason to remember the name!”

Favorite running shoe: Brooks Launch, Brooks Ghost

Best running advice: Don’t over think it and don’t over do it

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: Completing the Double Dispsea Race

What races are you currently training for? Training for just everyday fitness and health

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For Two Fitness Maternity Workout Clothes: Review & Discount Code

These days it’s pretty obvious that I’m pregnant but before Week 19, it was touch & go.  That’s why I love (and wear) For Two Fitness Maternity gear!  Their clever slogans – Running for Two being my favorite  – take the questioning out of the equation (a huge plus for me during those awkward “is she, isn’t she” pregnancy moments). For Two Fitness

For Two Fitness is the premier maternity fitness apparel brand, proudly made in the USA, and committed to celebrating and supporting moms who are dedicated to healthy, fit, pregnancies.  Their apparel crosses over from workout to lounge and is designed to flatter your growing baby bump.

I had the opportunity to wear test the Racerback Tank Top and Dedication Maternity Capri – and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the product.  Moisture wicking, anti-microbial, and perfectly fit, the product performed exactly how I expected (and hoped) it would in 90 degrees & 75% humidity.  Even though I was sweaty after my 4 mile run, I felt cool and the racerback pulled the moisture away from my body (just like it’s supposed to do).

Racerback Tank Top:  I have to admit that I’m a sucker for the “Running for Two” slogan; I can’t think of anything more appropriate for this running, pregnant mama!  But slogans aside, the Racerback Tank performed better than I expected.  As someone with a very long torso, my growing belly has added an interesting twist to finding tanks that are long enough to cover said belly; the Racerback Tank is long enough for coverage throughout pregnancy and it doesn’t ride up (!!).  The material feels soft on skin, but is moisture wicking and breathable.

Downloads

The slogans are fun – and capture every mom’s favorite  activity: Running for Two, Yoga for Two, Cycling for Two, Sweating for Two, Dancing for Two, and more.

Features:

  • CoreFX™ technology
  • 4-way stretch and recovery
  • Side-ruching for form-fitting style
  • Generous length for coverage throughout pregnancy
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Breathable
  • Ultra soft
  • Tagless

Dedication Maternity Capri: I’ve been rocking the Maternity Capri to yoga and 3-way belly panel makes it easy to move and stretch without baring it all.  The 3-way belly panel (fold-over mid rise, full belly panel, and under-belly) allows you to fully customize the fit, while the technical Supplex/Lycra fabric blend gives you support and stretch without restriction.  The Capri is ultra soft, and moves with my (or the babe’s) every move.  The only thing I’d mention is the length – I’m on the taller side (5’8”), so the Capri hits me a little higher than I’d like but if you’re more of a mid calf/below the knee type of person, you’ll love the length and fit.

Destination Maternity Capri - full belly panel

Destination Maternity Capri – full belly panel

Features:

  • Supplex/Lycra fabric
  • 3-way belly panel
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Breathable
  • Ultra soft
  • Tagless
  • Inseam length is approximately 18 inches

Final Thoughts: If you’re active and pregnant, you want For Two Fitness Maternity Clothes!  The product fits great, is super soft, and performs when you need it to.  I’ll be using the discount code to buy a few more items (Yoga for Two and Sweating for Two) – can’t have enough when you’re working out for two!

Discount Code: For Two Fitness is offering 20% all items, using the code MARGARITAS.  Don’t miss out on this awesome deal!

For Two Fitness

Check out & follow For Two Fitness:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForTwoFitness
Twitter: @fortwofitness
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/fortwofitness/
Web: http://fortwofitness.com/

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Disclaimer: I was given For Two Fitness product to wear test, at no cost.  All opinions are my own.

Aquaphor Giveaway: Winner

Thanks to ALL who entered the Aquaphor Giveaway!  I’m excited to have some new followers and look forward to following your adventures, too.

I loved reading all of your comments – there were some great tips about preventing dry, cracked, chaffed skin!

Okay, okay – I know you’re dying to know the winner…

The winner of the Aquaphor Giveaway is Sheena .  Shenna thanks for following – and entering – the giveaway.  Please email your mailing address to willrunformargaritas@gmail.com.
Note: winner has one week to claim their prize before a new winner is chosen.

 

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Yoga for Runners (and everyone else) – Lululemon edition

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I consider myself a “runner”.  I’ve been running for as long as I can remember – and refuse to stop while I’m pregnant.  But, as I’ve become a smarter and older wiser runner, I’ve found that yoga is just as important as my running.  Yoga helps with flexibility, injury, posture, and keeps things interesting.

I try to make it to yoga at least 2/week but with my work schedule, travel, house hunting, and a babe on the way, it doesn’t always happen.  Sometimes the best I can do is a mini-yoga sesh at my local gym or on my patio.

If you like yoga, or are thinking about giving it a try, check out this {awesome} yoga sesh from Lululemon trainer, Kerri Kelly.  And the best part, besides a good workout?  It’s only 34 minutes long – so you can give it a try and get on with your day.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Review & Giveaway

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

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)

{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

 

disclaimer: Aquaphor provided me with a prize pack; opinions are my own.

Caramel (pop) Corn

There’s one thing I can’t resist buying when I’m at the Chicago Airport, and it’s Garrett’s Caramel Corn.  I love caramel corn, but there’s just something about Garrett!

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Blame it on the babe, but I was craving caramel corn – and no where near Chicago.  So, I did what any pregnant woman would do and I made some.  Yes, I made caramel corn.  It’s much easier than it looks and oh, so delicious.

Ingredients
Popcorn (I use light butter)
3 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. water

Directions
Cook popcorn as directed, set aside.  Over medium to high heat, combine butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes. Mixture will change from thick & bubbly to dark brown & liquid.  Pour bag of popcorn into a large bowl, and top with a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.

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 Enjoy!

 

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Medi-Dyne Product Review

In all of my years of running I’ve never really experienced leg or calf cramps.  Sure, my calves might be a little sore after a long run but nothing like I experience these days.  One of the (many) “side effects” of pregnancy is leg cramps.  I’m not talking about some quick little twitch, no I’m talking about wake-you-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-screaming leg cramps.  These little added bonuses of pregnancy are my worst nightmare.

When Medi-Dyne reached out and asked me if I wanted to review the ProStretch and StretchRite, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.  These little gems saved my legs – and my life.

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ProStretch Plus:
The ProStretch Plus is the ultimate tool for preventing and relieving plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tight calves & hamstrings.  The patented ProStretch Plus rocker design automatically holds your foot in the optimal position for providing a biomechanically accurate and efficient stretch that’s been proven to work the lower leg muscles more effectively.  I use ProStrech Plus before & after a run and before I go to bed.  My favorite feature is that the ProStretch Plus is customizeable – I create the type of stretch I want.  It helps keep my calves feeling (semi) normal and has helped reduce the frequency of my leg cramps.

StretchRite:
The StretchRite is a much better version of trying to stretch with a towel or elastic band.  The patented StretchRite gives you a safer, more effective way to improve flexibility and get total body relief for sore, tight muscles.  This has been a lifesaver for my lower back and legs – stretching helps remove tightness and I recover faster after each workout.  The StretchRite is customizable so you can increase/decrease tension based on handgrip and position; a nice benefit since I’m more flexible in some parts of my body versus others.

Final Thoughts:  If you’re looking for an inexpensive but highly effective stretching tool, Medi-Dyne has the best products on the market.  Medi-Dyne products are multi-use (e.g., hamstring, plantar fasciitis, calf cramps, etc.) – and this is important for someone who doesn’t like clutter.  Overall, I’ve been extremely happy with the results, and the quality of product is high.

Order yours today: http://www.medi-dyne.com/

In addition to stretching before and after activity, I ice my legs/feet, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and eat a well-balanced diet.

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Disclaimer: Medi-Dyne provided me with the ProStretch Plus and StretchRite, however I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

and, baby makes {three}

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!

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5 months pregnant

 

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

All I want is pineapple.  I seriously can’t get enough of it.  Maybe it’s because pineapple is packed with good fiber to help digestion and vitamin C to boost the immune system – or maybe it’s because pineapple is delicious.  Either way, I’m loving pineapple.

When I visited my sister Lindsey in Panama, we could buy pineapples for $0.75 – talk about fueling a pineapple addiction!  We also experimented with a Pineapple Coconut Smoothie that will rival any $12 Pina Colada.  This smoothie is healthy, packed with nutrition, and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Pineapple Smoothie

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie


Ingredients (serves 2)
2 cups Pineapple
1/2 Frozen Banana
1 cup Light Coconut Milk*
2 tbsp Shredded Coconut
1 tbsp Flax Seed (optional)
1 tbsp Chia Seed (optional)
Ice

Directions
Add ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.  Top with shredded coconut.

Note: Light Coconut Milk can be substituted with Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Non-Fat Milk or Water.

 

Enjoy!

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Rave Run: William B. Umstead State Park, NC

NC2Name: Sarah Anne SwissNC

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

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