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?

For more fitness and margaritas, follow me:
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Twitter: @run4margaritas
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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

Last week I had the honor of attending a special event at Revolve, my favorite spin studio in the DMV.  Revolve hosted its first-ever Blogger ride and I was a part of it!

A little over a month ago, I posted a review on Revolve (you can read it here), and it sparked some interest/conversations on Twitter.  I started tweeting with DC Bloggers that I were new to me – and before I knew it, we were suggesting the idea of a blogger meet-up, possibly at Revolve.  Thankfully, Revolve was in on the Twitter fun and agreed to host us – for the first-ever Blogger ride!

I’m already a Revolve-lover and frequent rider, so this class was an added (and fun) bonus for me!  You can read more about my love for Revolve here, but I’ll leave you with a few reasons why you should try it: it’s easy to get to (okay, it’s literally across the street for me) but if you have to drive, there’s free parking and Clarendon Metro is just 2 block away, the classes are dynamic and designed to make you sweat, and the instructors are bad-ass topnotch.  Revolve was one of my favorite finds in 2012.

Okay, back to the ride…

The 45-minute Body Ride was led by Francina (who happens to live in the same building as me).  Francina is a spin instructor, Zumba instructor, and lawyer – seriously, I have no idea how she does it all! I’m a mid-morning rider so I’ve never taken Francina’s class and I was excited to experience her class first-hand.  She did not disappoint!  The class was fun, energetic, hard, sweat, and the best part?  She encouraged us to sing out loud at various points throughout the class.  Yes, please.

Once the ride was over, I spent some time talking to people I “know” from the Internet but don’t really know in real life.  It’s amazing how a blog and twitter can bring together so many fitness & like-minded women.  It was really fun to experience first-hand.  Over the course of the ride, I had a chance to meet Ashley from Coffee, Cake, and Cardio, Colleen from Heart & Sole, Melissa from Well + Being (Washingtonian), and Jummy (well, she’s from ABC7News).

And if a cool, Revolve-hosted Body Ride wasn’t enough, V from Gouter was at the studio to offer post-ride recovery and snacks.  I’d never heard of/tried Gouter before this event, but I’m happy I know about their tonics now!  Gouter is hand-crafting raw, vegan and organic treats, tonics and cleanses in Washington DC.  My favorite was the Digest Tonic… maybe because it kind of reminded me of a (very) healthy margarita.

Mostly in DC at the moment (not great for me since I’m a VA lover), Gouter is trying to branch in VA, and specifically Arlington, for the first time.  (woot)  For more info, like Gouter on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heygouter

A huge thanks to Revolve for hosting the DC Bloggers for a night filled with sweat and meeting in real life.

Have you tried Revolve?  What’s you’re favorite ride?

Ever had Gouter?  What’s your favorite flavor?

For more margaritas, Revolve, and Gouter – check us out here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

twitter: @revolveDC
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Revolve

twitter: @heygouter
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heygouter

Two years ago my sister, Lindsey, moved to Panama to begin her dream – a non-profit focused on supplemental education for indigenous women and children.  After years of hard work, tears, joys, and successes, Sowing Seeds of Love was {finally} born.

Most recently, Lindsey launched 4Love Clothing – a for-profit business that donates a portion of all proceeds to Sowing Seeds of Love.  What’s even cooler?  4Love employs the indigenous women (and their families) she’s already trying to help!  The dresses, skirts, shirts, and  headwraps that the women embellish are completely handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Parry Christmas Card – my mom, sisters, and I are wearing 4Love clothing

About the company: 4Love employs indigenous women of Panama (Ngobe Bugle Indians), where they receive fair-trade wages. These women make one-of-a-kind, handmade embellishments to dresses, skirts, tanks and head wraps that are inspired by their traditional dress – the nagua. By purchasing products you creating stable employment for women and helping to educate women and children in a developing country.

4Love Story:
4Love was born out of a heart-wrenching book that would forever change the course of my life – “Half the Sky” by Kristoff and WuDunn. With each page that I read, I knew I wanted to find a way to empower women. I wanted to give women a greater voice so they can make decisions that benefit them and their family. I wanted to give them an opportunity to learn how to read, to learn how to write and give them the feeling of self-worth! According to the Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky”; women are the solution to breaking the cycle of poverty – not the problem – and I want to play a role in this growing revolution. ~ Lindsey Parry (Founder)

4Love Collection:
*La Falda Panama -Maxi Skirt with Custom Indigenous Nagua – skirt can be converted to a tea-length strapless dress {Available colors: black, gray, or khaki} Price $118
*The Panama Maxi Dress with Custom Indigenous Nagua {Available color: Black only 2 in stock, size large} Price $134
*Amor Racer Back Tank with Custom Indigenous Nagua {Available colors: Black, White, Coral Blue} Price $68
*Handmade Braided Love Wraps (can be worn in your hair, around your wrist or neck; Estefani modeling the one to the right) $8 each or 3 for $20

For more info:
To check out the 4Love Clothing collection, visit www.4Loveclothing.com

And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/4loveclothing

I love butter.  All types of butter.  But especially butters of the peanut variety.  There’s just something about the smooth, creamy taste of peanut butter.  After I read Born to Run, I started adding chia/flax seed to everything, including my peanut-butter-and-toast combo.  I love the added crunch and nutritional benefits of chia/flax seed – but chia and flax can be messy (and if you’ve ever tried chia, it’s not the easiest to clean up).

A few months back, my sister met Danielle – she was a Sowing Seeds of Love volunteer – and then my (peanut/nut butter) life changed.

Danielle is the creator of NuttZo.  When Danielle and her husband adopted 2 boys from the Ukraine that were vitamin deficient, she became focused on preparing creative, flavorful, super-nutritious foods for them.  NuttZo is one of her favorite creations!

If you like nuts, seeds, and vitamins, you’re going to love Nuttzo (and the experience will be life-changing).  NuttZo is an Omega 3 powerhouse of nutrition blended into a delectable butter.  Everything is organic, but without sacrificing taste. NuttZo comes in three different flavors and can be found at Whole Foods (across the US), or for my VA locals, you can purchase NuttZo at Whole Foods or Mom’ Organic Market.

Blue : peanuts, flax, hazelnut, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds
Red (peanut-free): chia, flax, hazelnut, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds
Brown (chocolate): dark chocolate, peanuts, flax, hazelnut, cashews, Almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds

A few of my favorite recipes:

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie
1 banana
2 tbsp NuttZo (any flavor you want)
1/2 c Almond Milk
1/2 c Water
1 tbsp Chia
1 tbsp Flax Seed
Ice

Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.  Enjoy!

No bake: Oatmeal & Nut Butter balls
2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
3/4 cup NuttZo (either blue or red)
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Coconut Flakes
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Optional: chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (you can warm up the NuttZo in the microwave to make it easier to work with).  Mix well with a spoon, and then mix together with your hands.  Put mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to slightly harden and form together.  Remove from refrigerator and use hands to create oatmeal & nut butter balls.

Wanna stay connected? Check out {will run for margaritas} and NuttZo on our other social media platforms

• Follow NuttZo on Twitter
• Check out NuttZo‘s blog
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• Follow {will run for margaritas} on Pinterest
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Nuttzo’s project is Project Left Behind (.org) – love for all cildern who are left to grow up in orphanages throughtout the world. 1% off all Nuttzo’s profits go to Project Left Behind.

Author’s Note: this is one of four in a mini-series of non-running related workouts.  For those that don’t know, or haven’t noticed, I’m not running right now (due to a foot injury).  Instead, I’m experimenting with running alternatives – and I’m letting you in on the scoop.

Revolve Fitness is a boutique indoor spin studio in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington.  Located next to some of my favorites – Bakeshop, Screwtop, Green Pig Bistro, and Artisan Confections – Revolve is a one room studio with just enough space for 40 bikes.  Designed for fitness enthusiasts seeking a fun and challenging full-body workout, Revolve classes exist for one reason: to make you SWEAT!

I started going to Revolve at the beginning of January – a substitute to my beloved running.  I also happened to be in a “running rut” so I knew spinning would be a motivating alternative.  Because the studio is right across the street from my house (I mean, literally across the street), it’s easy for me to get too, even at the last minute.  Revolve has full schedule of rides – making it convenient for everyone.

Revolve offers three different types of rides: real ride, body ride, and barre ride (see descriptions below).  While I’ve been to all three classes, my favorite is body ride, followed closely by barre ride (I tend to get bored from a 60-minute spin class – I need variety).  Body Ride is exactly what it sounds like – a complete body ride, for the whole body.  During the 60-minute class, we work our legs, arms, endurance, and speed.  I’m a sucker for Angel’s class – she is an awesome instructor.  A personal trainer, fitness consultant, and group fitness instructor, Angel really knows how to turn up the heat; whether it’s motivating words or intense interval sprints, this class is no joke!  Barre Ride was new to me but I love the concept (and class) – a hybrid option meant to sculpt (and burn) legs.  The class starts with 35 minutes of intense spinning, followed by 20 minutes of ballet inspired moves (off the bike).  After my first Barre Ride with Dorothy, I could barely walk the next day (the very good kind of hurt).

The music matches the studio’s vibe (think hipster spinning), the instructors are beyond motivational, and the rides leave me feeling awesome all-day long.  If you’re looking for a spin studio – with a twist – check out Revolve today.  Your first ride is free – call studio for the code at sign-up.  

the {rides}
Riders at Revolve will Rethink the cycling experience, Revive their spirit, and Reshape their bodies.

Real Ride:
Cycling class focused on building cardio endurance for riders seeking the competitive edge.

Body Ride:
Complete body workout incorporating cycling and strength training. An all-inclusive workout designed to create a sleek and strong physique for the multi-tasker who has a demanding lifestyle. 

Barre Ride:
Hybrid class incorporating cycling and barre-based exercises to tone and burn, guaranteeing riders a toned body.

the {deets}
address: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Suite J (same building as Zosso flats; free parking in garage)
cost:
1 ride – $18
5 rides – $80
10 rides – $140
20 rides – $240
*clipless spin shoes required, $2/class

If you’re a first time rider, try the Intro Month for $59/unlimited rides

{final thoughts}
Revolve is worth it – you’ll feel great all day (and month) long.  The instructors are badass and really (I mean, really) make you sweat.  It’s a workout you won’t forget!    

For more sweat & Revolve Fitness, follow here:
twitter: @revolveDC
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Revolve

For more margaritas, follow here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

Don’t forget to enter my Marathon Must-Haves Giveaway {here}