Athlete Bio {Nicole Wagner}

May 2, 2012 by · 11 Comments

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!

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The North Face Endurance Challenge

April 30, 2012 by · 12 Comments

For the first time, in all of my years of running & racing, I have decided to run a half-marathon trail race.  After talking to my more skilled and reputable running friends, I have decided that it’s best for me to change things up, challenge myself, and have fun.  The North Face Endurance Challenge couldn’t come at a more perfect time in my 2012 racing calendar, especially given my recent performance at Boston.  I’m excited to try something new and add trail races to my running resume (plus, I’ll have an automatic trail half-marathon PR).

The North Face Endurance Challenge

Are you interested in running The Northface Endurance Challenge? 

Join TNFEC on  June 2-3, 2012 at Algonkian State Park (about 20 miles outside of DC).  The course keeps runners on their toes with ever-changing terrain – the course consists of 50% singletrack, 30% dirt or gravel doubletrack, 10% gravel carriage road and 10% paved road.

TNFEC takes place over two days and 9 events, including distances from 5K to 50 miler, a marathon relay and two kid runs.

If that doesn’t sound cool enough… Guess who else runs this race (besides yours truly)?  Michael Wardian.  Yes, he’s a badass!

 

Are you IN?

 

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Athlete Bio {Reza Mahbod}

April 27, 2012 by · 1 Comment

I’ve known Reza for almost 5 years.  We first met at a local fun run, and quickly became friends – sharing stories about upcoming races and goals.  I’ve seen Reza get faster and leaner – even completing his first Ironman 140.6 and Boston Marathon.  Reza can be seen running (biking or swimming) around Arlington and participates in many local races.  He’s also leads a fun run group every Tuesday & Thursday at Potomac River Running in Ballston.  If you want to check out his fun run, join Reza on Tuesday/Thursday at Potomac River Running {Ballston} at 7pm.  All paces welcome!

potomac river running

Name: Reza Mahbod                       

Age: 39

Location: Arlington, VA

Years Running: 23

Favorite race distance: 10 mile

PRs: 10 mile: 1:03.11
Marathon: 3:09.37
5k: 18:20

How did you get into running? I started in high school to stay in shape

How many marathons have you run? 8

Do you cross train or lift weights: Swim and bike

How do you find/make time to train: Morning, evenings, weekends, and whenever I can.

Favorite place to run: St. Lucia

Favorite/most memorable race: Army Ten miler

Favorite pre-race meal: Depends

Favorite post-race food: Depends

Favorite quote: Start out hard and then end up going harder

Best running advice: Enjoy it.

What races are you currently training for? National marathon (March 17) and Kinetic Half IronMan

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{winner, winner}

April 26, 2012 by · 4 Comments

Wow, the Marathon Must-Haves {giveaway} was a huge hit!  Thanks to everyone who entered and shared their must-haves.  A few of my favorites: socks, sunglasses, iPod (or music), family and/or cheering section, a good sports bra, flip-flops (for post-run), a good training partner…

The winner of the Marathon Must-Haves {giveaway} is Kate @ www.runwithkate.blogspot.com.  You have one week to contact me at willrunformargaritas@gmail.com before a back-up winner is choosen.

Good luck to everyone with upcoming marathons, half-marathons, 10 milers, 10k’s and 5k’s.  DIG DEEP and rock it!

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{one week later}

April 23, 2012 by · 11 Comments

It’s one week, post Boston, and I’m feeling good.  A {huge} thank you for all of your comments, kind words, encouragement and support.  Like I mentioned in my Boston Marathon {recap}, I know I was being ridiculous but I needed to write those words – and I appreciate you letting me vent!  After I went on my 1st post-race run, my whole mood changed.  Thankfully, I’m in a much better place (it’s amazing how running can do that) – and given the circumstances, I’m happy and proud of my performance on April 16, 2012.  I never (and I mean, never) thought I’d be saying this, but I can’t wait for my next 26.2…

will run for margaritas

In the meantime, I’m taking the summer to focus on shorter distances and speed work.  5:30 mile, anyone?! 

Do you have a favorite 5k, 10k or 10 miler?  Send me your race suggestions (preferably in the vicinity of DC/MD/VA)! {i’m open to distances up-to 10 miles}  

 

*Don’t forget to enter my Marathon Must-Haves {giveaway} – it ends this week, and you don’t want to miss it!

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Boston Marathon {recap}

April 19, 2012 by · 70 Comments

This is not an easy post to write.  I’m actually more disappointed today than I was on Monday; disappointed that I didn’t accomplish what I set out to do (this is made even harder knowing that I likely won’t run another marathon in 2012).  I know I’m being ridiculous but I worked hard, really hard, for 15 weeks and I didn’t achieve my goal (or even my “B” goal).  It’s a hard thing to accept, even when I know I’m being ridiculous.  

will run for margaritas

Boston Marathon: it all starts here {Hopkinton}

I’ve never been so happy for something to be over.

It was one of the best weekends of my life. 

will run for margaritas

Bostom Marathon Expo - it's officially offical

Race Day
I woke up feeling very excited and ready.  I had trained hard for this race, but knew I had a {very hot} challenge in front of me.  I decided to stick with my goal and access/adjust as needed.  The weather was the one thing I couldn’t control, so I took the attitude of: it is what it is.  What’s talking about or stressing over the weather going to change?

It was in the low 70’s when I woke-up, and 77 degrees by the time I made my way to the start for my 10:20am departure: Wave 2, Corral 6.  It was already hot but I felt really good, and excited.  I was running THE Boston Marathon.  Miles 1-4 seemed to pass by, and by the time I reached Mile 4 I was hoping the crowds would thin out.  After all, I was running a race were everyone had to qualify, where everyone is fast.  No such luck, I spent the remainder of the race (26.2 miles total) passing people, saying “on your right, on your left, in the middle”, and dodging runners-turned-walkers.  It wasn’t fun. 

will run for margaritas

Marathon Monday Morning

I still felt really good by Mile 6, and even through Mile 9, but by Mile 10 I could tell my pace was starting to slow.  It was hot, I was thirsty, and I couldn’t keep cool (no matter how many cups of water I drank or poured on my head/neck/back).  It’s probably safe to say that 90 degrees is not conducive for running a fast marathon.  Dodging runners didn’t help either.  Even on some of my “fastest” miles – miles where I felt like I was running fast/hard effort – the pace was barely a 7:37.

will run for margaritas

The {best} support crew a girl could ever ask for

By Mile 12, I knew I was going to finish the race (but not achieve my goal), so I slowed the pace and tried to enjoy what I could.  Wellesley was awesome – girls everywhere, screaming at the top of their lungs.  I anxiously awaited Mile 16, where my family and friends were waiting for me with {awesome} signs & cowbells.  I was so happy to see them (and actually spotted them first).  I was all smiles as I ran past them, so thankful for their love and support.  My little sister Katie jumped in and ran 2 miles with me – it was awesome.  She encouraged me and told me to DIG DEEP.  I wasn’t about to stop digging deep, even with 10 miles to go!  Mile 21 put a pep in my step – Boston College!  Adding “Mel” to my sports bra was the best decision I could’ve ever made: college students were cheering like crazy, high-fiving me, and telling me I was beautiful (there’s no way that was true given the conditions, but it still made me feel awesome).  I loved their energy.  The final miles were a bit of a blur.  It was a (slow) race to the finish and I was ready to be done.  

will run for margaritas

My {very official} cheer crew. Note: my family solicited the support of strangers.

I cried when I crossed the finish line.  It’s the first time I’ve ever cried after a race.  I don’t even know why I was crying or what triggered the cry, but I cried.  For a couple of minutes.  Then I stopped, and cried again.  I cried when I saw my family, I was so happy to see them.  I cried this morning when I realized it was all over.  I’m a post-marathon wreck.

I’ve never run such a hard or emotional race.  I’ve never been more prepared (or dedicated) for something in my life.  When I crossed the finish line I was happy, sad, proud, disappointed, excited, and defeated.

will run for margaritas

Post-race {i'm proud to wear my medal}

I was way off of my (sub) 3:20 goal but given the circumstances, I ran the best race I could.  I’m thankful for a faithful God, one that was by my side every step of the way, one that gave me the legs (and courage) to finish what I started to do.  He never promised it would be easy, He just promised He would never leave my side.    

{a HUGE thank you to every volunteer – we couldn’t have run this race without you!  And to every bystander who gave me ice, orange slices, hose spray-downs, cold water, wet towels – I know you used your own money and will not get reimbursed. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of it.  I (and 21,553 other runners) desperately needed it!}

Results

Time: 3:34:35 (I squeaked by with a BQ!)
Place: 3,668/21,554
Gender: 575/8,966
Division: 471/4,580

will run for margaritas

Oh, I {earned} this jacket!

Splits

5k 10k 15k 20k Half 25k 30k 35k 40k
0:24:27 0:48:30 1:12:35 1:37:33 1:43:09 2:03:16 2:30:28 2:57:35 3:23:30


Race Weekend
Boston 2012 was one of the most fun weekends I’ve ever had!  My best fans were in town: BJ, my mom, my little sister Katie, best friend Allison, great friend Julianne, running partner James and favorite rep John.  I felt loved and am so thankful for their support. 

will run for margaritas

Boston Marathon Expo: mom, mel, and katie

will run for margaritas

Post-marathon margaritas (&drinks)

We had fun, and laughed a lot.  I bought more BAA branded apparel than I know what to do with.  We ate at great restaurants.  We enjoyed the city and walked around Boston Commons {I could live in Boston}.  We drank Starbucks, margaritas, wine, and beer.  We ate delicious dessert.  We had FUN.  I loved every minute and didn’t want the weekend to end. 

will run for margaritas

Post-marathon dress, drinks, and compression socks

Final Thoughts
I am forever thankful to everyone for their love, support and encouragement (family, friends, facebook, tiwtter, blog followers).  It wasn’t an easy race – but I pushed through and NEVER gave up.  I thought Boston 2012 would be my last marathon, but someone has bigger plans for me.  There will be a re-match and I will get my (sub) 3:20.  DIG DEEP.

will run for margaritas
BJ, thank you for supporting my {racing} dreams!
Filed Under: Race, Race Report, Uncategorized ·

dig deep

April 13, 2012 by · 19 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to purchase a pair of lightweight racers for Boston.  To be honest, I was planning to run the race in the shoes I train in – a traditional running shoe, if you will.  I ran my first marathon in the same style and had no problems, so I figured I’d do the same for marathon #2.  It wasn’t until a work event and a talk with my coach that I was convinced to wear something more lightweight for the race.

I bought the shoes, and was excited to test them on the track.  I had a great workout – I felt really strong & ran faster splits than “projected”.  But it wasn’t until I got home that I discovered why this shoe is the perfect Boston shoe.

will run for margaritas

The shoelaces read DIG DEEP – my Boston marathon mantra.  I’ve been digging deep since January, when I started training for marathon #2: logging over 600 training miles, countless 800m and 1200m repeats, two 20+ mile runs and a handful of 16 milers, a new 8k PR, on tired legs, full of excitement and doubt, with one BIG goal in mind.   On April 16, I’ll be digging deeper than ever as I line up to race the 116th Boston Marathon.

I’ll be nervous: dig deep
My legs will be tired and fatigued: dig deep
The hills are going to hurt: dig deep
My marathon goal is not easy: dig deep

Boston Marathon, I’ve trained hard for you.  I’m ready for you. I’m going to DIG DEEP – and I’m not going down without a fight!

What’s your DIG DEEP?

 facebook/tweet about your DIG DEEP with #digdeep

 

don’t forget about my marathon must-haves {giveaway}:

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Marathon Must-Haves {giveaway}

April 11, 2012 by · 525 Comments

Staring this week, I’m in full-on marathon countdown (I can count the number of days on 1 hand)!  I’ve started watching the weather, planning what to wear, and stocking up on all of my marathon must-haves.  {i’m excited}

Over the years, and as I’ve become a “smarter” runner (no more empty stomach runs or 90’s cotton for me), I’ve learned what works and doesn’t work.  And through a lot (I mean, a lot) of trail & error, I’ve found my favorites… 

The best part about all of my favorite things?  One LUCKY winner will win ALL of my Marathon Must-Haves (shown below)

giveaway

utopia thermal hoodie: not only is this piece stylish, fitted, and technical, it’s cozy!  I’m rarely cold during a run, but as soon as I finish (and I really start to sweat), I get the chills – I’ll be wearing my (favorite) hoodie post-race.

KT Tape: ever since the (unfateful) day I stumbled upon Plantar Fasciitus, I’ve been a huge fan of KT Tape.  One of my favorite things about it (besides magical powers & healing) – a huge assortment of the fun colors {think pink}

nuun: i live on nuun (strawberry lemonade, please).  It’s the perfect marathon/training run go-to.  Since it’s mixed with water (and you can half the tabs), it’s easy on my stomach but gives me the energy boost I need.

hat: i don’t like the sun in my eyes, or sweat for that matter.  I rarely race without a hat – it’s the perfect sun & sweat protector.

hand-held water bottle: it’s nearly impossible for me to run 22 mile training runs without water.  Enter: the hand-held water bottle.  Small, sleek, and barely noticeable – I don’t leave home without it.

mio: make it yours! add a few drops to your water – post-run-  for a quick & easy drink.

body glide: i don’t know about you, but I’ve been the victim of sports bra chafe and it is not fun!  body glide is multi-purpose and does the trick (apply wherever your heart – or chaffing – desires).

nathan reflective running pak: it’s an easy and lightweight waist pak. The Nathan Reflective Belt is an all-in-one belt that keeps runners and their valuables safe.

gu chomps: i’ve never been able to hold-down gu gels – but gu chomps have been a lifesaver (and changed my thoughts about long runs/nutrition).  They are tasty, easy to chew and give me the energy I need on my long runs.

clif bars (not pictured): mini clif bars are the perfect post-race snack.  They are full of organic ingredients, engery and come in delicious flavors.  Yes, I’d like a Coconut Chocolate  Chip bar – yum!

{to enter}
Tell me your favorite marathon must-have  (and please indicate your prefered size in the uptopia thermal hoodie)
*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 April 26, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner.  Winner announced on April 26 at noon.  
2. contest is open to US residents only
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen
 
additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Filed Under: Giveaway, Reviews & Go-To's, Uncategorized ·

pre-race dreams

April 10, 2012 by · 17 Comments

The pre-race dreams started about one month ago.  I wish I had better news to report but they aren’t dreams about me winning the race or running a 2:45 marathon-trails qualifying time.

No, my pre-race dreams are ridiculous.  And even in their ridiculousness, I still wake-up panicked and uneasy.

The first dream was all about the finish line.  That thing that I’m supposed to cross after running 26.2 miles.  Yea, I couldn’t find it.  I couldn’t find the finish line, even though I’d run 26.2 miles.  It didn’t make sense to me.  I was surrounded by other runners, and I knew that they were crossing the finish line, but I just couldn’t find it.

will run for margaritas

The next round of dreams involved an American History exam.  Let me start by saying that I haven’t had an American History exam since 2001 (and I have no intentions of ever taking one again).  For this reason, I have no idea why I’d be dreaming about American History, or an exam for that matter.  In my dream(s), I realize that I have an exam immediately after the race but haven’t had time to study.  I wrestle with myself: should I skip the race & study, or skip the exam & race?  I always wake-up before I make a decision.

Dreams are a very funny thing.  What does American History have to do with running the Boston Marathon?  I have NO idea.  I’m not sure I ever will.

Either way, I’m glad I’ll be drinking post-race margaritas instead of taking an exam.

Do you have pre-race dreams?  What do you dream about?

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Boston Marathon Training {week 14}

April 9, 2012 by · 8 Comments

Things start to seem a little less eventful during the TAPER.  But, I’ve made it to the taper and I couldn’t be more excited.  I can count the number of days left on 2 hands.  Things are starting to get real.   

Mileage: 34

Monday {3 miles} – It was such a beautiful night.  I took it really easy on my fun-run because my quads were a little sore, but it still felt good go on a shake-out run.  

Tuesday {track} – I felt good going in to this run (it also helps knowing that it’s my last really hard track workout before Boston).  With the marathon 2 weeks away, my workout was modified a bit (to included no more than 3 miles at race/tempo pace). 

1.5 mile warm-up and 2 mile cool-down

1600m – 6:40, 1200m – 4:25, 2x800m – 3:01, 3:00, 400m – 1:13

Wednesday {5 miles} – One of my co-workers was visiting from Boston, so I took her on a run through my town.  I always love showing people Arlington and the (awesome) W&OD and Custis trails.   

Thursday {rest day} – This far into marathon training, days off seem like {heaven}

Friday {tempo} – I ran a 5k tempo run today.  I felt good, and George said I looked really good, but it wasn’t my fastest tempo run.  I didn’t sleep well the night before, so that might have had something to do with it.  Either way: it was my last tempo!

Saturday {12 miles} – I ran with some friends, including Emily from Sweat Once a Day.  It was so much fun to catch-up with her.  She’s such phenomenal crowd support/cheerer that I wish she was coming to Boston!

It was a nice morning, and felt really good to run 12 miles.  We finished the last 3 miles at race pace – and it felt good to pick up the pace.

Sunday {6 miles} – Happy Easter!  We enjoyed glorious weather -70’s by the afternoon.  BJ and I went for a 6 mile (easy) run.  I loved being able to spend the day with him, doing one of the things we love most (running).

14 down, 1 to go!

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