Final Days: Dick’s Sporting Goods $100 Giveaway on Twitter

Ok, so you only have 2 days left for your chance to win a $100 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods to buy whatever your heart desires!

This giveaway (on Twitter) is NO JOKE and totally legit! Dick’s sponsored my very first giveaway ever – and gave one of my lucky readers a $100 gift card. Ever cooler, I was the Day 12 winner of a $100 gift card!!!! I had been day dreaming about a new Speedo – and could finally buy it. For free!

So, here’s how you win:

1) Log on to Twitter ASAP (or sign up for an account)
2) Follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter
3) RT @dickssportcmo with an answer to this question: What would you get at Dick’s with $100 and why?

Yes, it really is that easy to win $100!

Seriously, you should do it – you’ll thank me later when you have a new ______________ (fill in the blank)!

The Nation’s Triathlon

Race 1 of 4, in 4 weekends The 2008 Nation’s Triathlon was my very first triathlon ever. One year later, I’m hooked and actually say “yes” when someone asks me if I am a triathlete.

I’ve trained harder, faster and stronger in 2009 than I ever did in 2008.

So, you better believe that 2009 wanted to kick 2008’s @$$!

Rematch: The Nation’s Triathlon 2009.

Since said training, I was really hoping for my best race of the year – namely a PR and a couple of margaritas. Unfortunately the race didn’t go quite as well as I would have liked…

6,000 athletes registered for The Nation’s Triathlon – doubling the size in one year. I’m not quite sure how I feel about that many athletes – but I’m leaning toward “I don’t like it”. The transition area was huge – 240,000 square feet to be exact. So big in fact that the “Bike In – Bike Out” was at least 800m from my transition area. Yes, that’s 2 laps around a track or half a mile. The swim waves were equally as huge – each age group was a wave within a wave. For example, the F25-29 age group (the AG I fall under) had 3 waves, A, B and C, with approximately 120 athletes per wave. Bottom line: too many people!

Pre – Race:
The best part about doing a race so close to come is the convenience of race morning. We woke up at 5:00am, hopped in the cab at 5:45am and we were in transition by 6:00am. BJ and I love races that are close to home – especially triathlons because typically, they aren’t close to home! Race day weather was awesome – almost perfect for a race: partly sunny and a high of 81. It was just starting to get hot when I finished the race. Race Start: 7:00am
Wave 20: 8:00am

Swim: The swim waves were approximately 3 minutes apart. I was in the 3rd to last wave – so there were already a lot of swimmers in the water when our wave jumped in. I positioned myself in a great location for swimming straight out, under the bridge and back. I felt really strong on the way out – passing other waves that had started before me. But, the way back was a bit of a different story. At one point the Potomac looked like a rainbow river: red caps, pinks caps, green caps, yellow caps, blue caps and white caps e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Too many swimmers! My other beef with the swim (and I complained about it last year, too) is the fact that the sun is coming out at the same exact time that we are swimming back. Bright, rising sun + bright yellow buoys = can not see anything! Now, I know that I’m not the only triathlete affected – it jacks us all up – but C-O-M-E O-N! [If any Nation’s Triathlon officials are reading, here are a few tips: more buoys, different colors!] I was literally swimming blindly for the last ½ mile. The last ¼ mile is a cluster of madness: people swimming on top of people swimming on top of people swimming on top of more people. I was glad to be out of the water! Time: 33:29

T1: I felt good coming out of the water – but had a little difficulty getting my wetsuit off in T1. It was pretty uneventful – but had to prep myself for the longest run to “Bike Out” e-v-e-r. Time: 2:18

Bike
: Initially I did not feel strong on the bike. Since we live so close to the race, BJ wanted to bike into DC the day before to attend the mandatory briefing and bike racking. Logistically, we ended up biking and walking way more than we should have the day before a race. Oh well, now we know future race day endeavors. The course is flat and fast so by mile 5 my legs started to feel better and I was in a good grove. Then, mile 10 happened – and I lost my chain while attempting to shift to the big ring. (Of course I did) I slowed down, tried to pedal slowly and shift, in hopes that my chain would work its way back on. No luck. I pulled over to the side, got off, played around with the chain, accidently dropped my bike, had to pick it back up, played around with the chain some more and finally, got my chain back on. That was a 2.5 minute penalty. I felt like crying once I was back on the bike – and mentally it took me awhile to recover. For half a second I thought about quitting since the chain cost me a PR – but I wanted to get my $165 worth (plus, I don’t quit)! My attitude improved at the turn around point and I was fired up – I wanted to crank it out on the bike – 10 more miles to go.

Well, by the time I hit the turn around point, it seemed the other 5,999 athletes did too. Some points on the Rock Creek Parkway are narrow, one lane each way. You can imagine how crowded that can get with thousands of athletes on the course. Then, when you throw the typical M40-44 “I’m-too-cool-for-school-triathlete-because-I-ride-a-Cervelo-tri-bike” jerk into the mix, things get dicey. For full disclosure, I do not think that all M40-44 are jerks nor do they all ride Cervelo tri bikes – however, this is their last “hoorah” as strong, male athletes and I personally believe that some of them are they are trying to prove their awesomeness – or lack there of. Case in point: I was riding behind a F34 athlete and we were in the process of passing a fellow athlete. As we were passing, we started to hear: “On your left, on your left, on your left, ON YOUR LEFT!!!!” We didn’t have anywhere to go – nor were we in the wrong since we were passing before this “cool” tri-guy (age 43 – he was being followed by another guy, age 41) decided to pass us. WELL, as we got over, the “cool” tri-guy pushed the girl in front of me on her hip – as his way of saying we should have gotten over sooner. I was furious – and shouted profanities that are not appropriate for this blog. If he would have done that to me and/or I would have gotten his number “cool” tri-guy would have gotten reported. Here are my thoughts and what I would like to say to “cool” tri guy:

A) WTF – and who the F do you think you are!!!
B) Do you know how dangerous that is? That could have caused a MAJOR accident!
C) There are 6,000 athletes doing the race – what do you expect?
D) The road is extremely narrow – where do you want us to go?

This continued for the last 10 miles – and at one point I just stopped getting over for them! I didn’t have anywhere else to go! Plus I was doing my own weaving in and out of athletes – and I was getting tired.

Oh, and one last point: you know that there are too many triathletes in a race when everyone you pass or get passed by is drafting! Too many bikers! Time: 1:18

T2
: Prepped myself for the long run back to my transition area. Bike shoes off – running shoes on – and out of T2. I felt strong and knew that the run would be flat! Time: 1:47

Run: The run course was super flat and fast. BJ and I ran the course the week before – and I’m glad we did because I knew exactly what to expect. Unfortunately, my calves cramped for the 1st 3 miles so I stopped to stretch them out. I’m glad I did because the last 3 miles seemed easier. Surprisingly (and thankfully), the run was over before I knew it! 400m out, I sprinted to the finish and was glad to be done!! Fastest run of the season – Time: 49:00 minutes (7:55/mile)!

Awesome things about the race:

1) Home Turf (!!!)
2) Insane weather
3) Super flat and fast course
4) Really well organized (especially given the number of athletes)
5) Awesome volunteers (!!!!)
6) Plenty of aid stations
7) 6 bikes/rack (as opposed to 8 bikes/rack in most races)

You need to fix some things, Mr. Nation’s Triathlon Founder:

1) TOO MANY ATHLETES – stop being money hungry, it’s dangerous.
2) 6,000 athletes = Yes, you still need more port-a-johns!
3) Buoys, water, sun – they all look the same. I’m talking orange buoys and more of them!
4) Post race festival: there were PBJ’s and fruit for free – but then there was food you had to pay for (the good stuff – like Skittles). I DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR FOOD – I just spent $165 to do the race (that’s $990,000 total) and if I want Skittles, I should get them. For free.

Ok, now on to the Rematch results:

2009
Overall Place: 1153/4500
Division Place: 37/353
Sex Place: 143/1459
Swim: 33:29
T1: 2:18
Bike: 1:18
T2: 1:47
Run: 49:00
Total: 2:44

2008
Overall Place: 949/2200
Division Place: 47/233
Sex Place: 181/956
Swim: 35:45
T1: 3:46
Bike: 1:20
T2: 2:28
Run: 54:39
Total: 2:57

Congrats – 2009 is declared the winner of The Nation’s Triathlon rematch!

Verdict:
This is a great race because it’s close to home, flat and fast. But honestly, I’m not sure if I will do this race in 2010 – and I haven’t said that about any race this season. I hate to keep saying it, but 6,000 athletes is just TOO many (ask someone who did Chicago this year, too – they will say the same thing). I have 75 days before the 2010 sign-up: I’ve got to do some serious thinking!

P.S. I’d be lying if I didn’t disclose that my falling short of a PR didn’t influence this verdict, just a little. I’m bummed about my chain and upset that I couldn’t crank out a PR when I was more ready than I’ve ever been!

Score: 7.75

Run Happy

This morning I instructed my boot camp to run the entire hour (or as much of it as I could squeeze out of them). We ran 30 minutes and ended up at the track where we did some sprints and stadiums, finishing with a 5 minute cool-down. Running days with my boot camp are my absolute favorite because, well, I love to run. Simply put: running makes me happy.

Then I started thinking: what else makes me Run Happy?

I am so grateful for the awesome weather in DC this week. 80 degrees and sunny with a nice breeze = perfection! Great weather makes me run happy!

I love running by my favorite restaurants during happy hour wearing my “Running is My Happy Hour” hat from OneMoreMile. My running hat makes me run happy!

Having a glass of wine with dinner and chocolate ice cream for dessert. Well deserved but sinful treats make me run happy!

My teal blue Brooks running shirt looks perfect with my favorite running shorts and my favorite jeans. My “Run Happy” shirt makes me run happy!

BJ, my mom, my friends, my running community. Running friends make me run happy!

Totally grinding it out on my bike and still feeling really strong on the run portion of my brick workout. Triathlon training makes me run happy!

I could go on – but I think you get my point…. I love running happy!

Runners: What makes you Run Happy??!!

Back from Vaca

I’m grudgingly finally back from vacation. BJ and I had an awesome time in Sun Valley* – the last 8 days have me seriously considering a move out West! I bet you’re thinking: “random vaca spot”, right?! Well, BJ’s uncle has a condo in Sun Valley that he lets us use – free accommodations = a pretty good reason to vacation somewhere you normally wouldn’t go. We went last year, had a blast and decided to do it again this year.

This vacation is founded on 3 simple rules:
1) Train like crazy
2) Relax
3) Drink copious amounts of wine

Check, check and check. Who am I to defy the rules??

My friends think we’re crazy: “You workout that much while you’re on … vacation??!!” However, I know you will be more understanding. I can’t leave for 8 days and not workout – now, that’s crazy!

Training:
4.4 mile – run (run uphill home – 2.2 miles)
36 mile – (road) bike ride
5.2 mile – run/hike – Baldy Mountain; elevation: 9150 ft. (roundtrip: 10.4 miles)
5 x .8 mile – (run) hill repeats
2 miles – swim (total for the trip)
2.5 hours – mountain bike ride (this was my 1st time and it was AWESOME – we had such a blast rockin’ it on the trails)
5 miles – run
8.4 mile – hike – Pioneer Cabin; elevation: 11,000 ft.
30 mile – (road) bike ride – Galena Summit (last 6 miles are completely uphill and completely kicked my ass)
6 mile – run

Eat/Drink:
I love to cook, so as a budding chef and reason to make BJ want to marry me, I cooked 3 of the 5 nights we were in SV. SV has a great local grocery store with fresh fruits and veggies, great meat, wine (you get my point) – but the culinary highlight of my trip was the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday! This was the farmer’s market of all farmers’ markets – and I pretty much fell in love. I bought fresh rosemary, parsley, zucchini, squash, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemons, cheese, fresh bread… And when we got home that night, I whipped up a delicious little farmers’ market dinner (with wine, of course). The nights we ate out, the food was exceptional, weather was near perfection and the wine was abundant. I love vacation!

Globus:
-Local All Natural “Salmon Creek” Pork Baby Back Ribs Honey Hoisin Bbq Sauce, Asian Cabbage Slaw, Jasmine Rice (YES I WILL!)
-Green Thai Curry with ChickenRoasted Eggplant, Red Peppers, Baby Shitake, Onions, Broccoli, Basil, Jasmine Rice
-Wine: Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend – Sonoma

CIRO:
-Grilled Artichoke with sun dried tomato aioli (this was insanely delicious!)
-House Salad – organic greens, cherry tomatoes, with lemon & olive oil
-Parma Pizza – plum tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella with fresh sliced prosciutto & organic arugula
-Americano Pizza – plum tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, mozzarella, parmigiano & imported pepperoni
-Wines by glass:
Pinot Noir Siduri – Sonoma, CA
Dolcetto D.Alba Prunotto – Piedmont, Italy

Sun Valley Wine Company:
Light fare – featuring salads, panini, pizza, and a variety of ethnic appetizer plates.
Wine: too many to choose from!

The fun did not stop at night. We went to a wine tasting. We walked around town and looked in art galleries. We went to see Dr. Stuart Brown give a talk on his book: Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, as part of the SV Writer’s Conference. We went to the outdoor pavilion – one of the best things about SV – to see the Trey McIntyre Project. The venue is super cool and while BJ and I don’t love ballet, it’s definitely worth seeing if TMP comes to your town. We just had so much fun!

I was sad to say goodbye to SV but vaca wasn’t over yet (thank God) – BJ and I headed to Boise for a few days to hang with his awesome family (uncle, aunt and cousins). Saturday was my birthday – so we spent the day on the boat, wakeboarding and hanging out. When we got back to Uncle B’s house, the house was decorated with balloons, a banner and a delicious birthday cake. It was such a fun and unexpected surprise (especially since they aren’t my family)! We had a big BBQ, ate birthday cake and drank great wine. I guess turning 26 wasn’t so bad after all. BJ and I had great time on vaca – I wish it could have lasted for months (or until the really cold Idaho weather starts). It’s nice to be back in DC, though – I think I brought the delicious Sun Valley weather home with me!

*we spent 5 days in Sun Valley and 3 days in Boise (BJ’s uncle lives in Boise – so we did some family time, too)

Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R WINNER!!!

The winner of the Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R is

Drum roll, please…

Amanda at RuntoFinish (selected by Random.org)

When asked what she would buy with $100, RunToFinish said:
Can I buy abs like yours at Dick’s? If not then I think I would probably go for a bosu ball, it seems like a great addition to my running for cross training.

Hilarious, right??!!

Amanda – thanks for the awesome shout – out but I think your new Bosu Ball will be much more reliable than my summer-induced-abs!

Thanks to all of my new followers (and my old ones) who commented to win this awesome giveaway from Dick’s Sporting Goods! I think my 1st giveaway was a success. You all had great answers to the $100 question – I seriously wish everyone could win!

Amanda – email me your address so you can start training with your new Bosu Ball
(melody.parry@gmail.com)

P.S. – follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter for another chance to win. I was the Day 12 winner – and am getting a new Speedo with my $100!

P.P.S. – BJ and I are off to Sun Valley, ID for 9 days (so I will be blogging MIA). Happy Running – I know we will be training like crazy!

Google Search: MP

Have you ever Googled yourself? I mean, really Googled? Like, got down and dirty, searched more than “page 1”, and read the articles…??

I’m only asking because yesterday morning, coaching boot camp, one of my “students” told me that he had been reading my blog. Since he’s a super cool guy, I was not freaked out (actually, I think it’s kind of awesome that someone can find I RUN LIKE A GIRL when searching my name!). But how did he find it???

That’s right – he Googled me!

Well, you better believe I went to right work and Googled myself. I wanted to make sure there were no incriminating lies on the WWW about me.

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. Beside the obvi Twitter, LinkedIN, FB accounts, it was kind of fun to read about old races and my college days. Here are some of the fun things I found – who knew some 1-5 years later they would still be on Google!

1) Sun Gazette – Arlington Running Roundup (I’m in a Newspaper article!!): At Potomac Valley Track Club’s Go Fourth 8K at Belle Haven Park in Alexandria, Edi Turco, 36, wrapped up another age group win, fourth overall in 28:56. Anthony Lee, 36, charged into 14th place in 31:00, and Tom Carey, 32, ran 32:00 for 22nd. MP, 25, carried 35:46, eighth among women.

2) Sun Tree Turkey Trot: Women’s 5K, Ages 20 – 24 (2007)
Place: 1

Name: MP
Age:23
Time:22:04
Km pace: 4:25
Mile pace:7:06
Bib #348
**I’m just finding out today, 2.5 years later, that I got 1st in my AG!!

3) College Choices 2001 – by College
These are the College choices by Track and Field and Cross Country Athletes of the class of 2001:
University of Central Florida – P,M– Satellite BCH – FL

4) University of Central Florida Track and Field Media Guide (this is my *favorite*)

Name: MP
Hometown: Satellite Beach, Fla.
High School:Satellite HS

Event:400mH, 400m

*2005: my senior year of college

So I wonder (readers, this is a question for you): What would you find if you Googled yourself?? A race you forgot about, a time you didn’t know you could run..? It might be kind of fun to see what you can dig up!

Also, DON’T forget about my awesome $100 giveaway – you have until Friday (August 21) to enter! Click here for more information.

UPDATE: Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R

You are never going to believe this – but I’m the Day 12, lucky winner of a Dick’s Sporting Goods $100 gift card. No more Speedo day-dreaming for me: I have myself a brand new hot pink/black tankini that will “make me fast” (that was my reason for wanting the $100 gift card/ Speedo)

See, I told you that this giveaway was not a joke!

For those of you that have no idea what I’m talking about – I’m hosting an awesome giveaway sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods! The winner gets a $100 gift card to buy anything-your-(running)-heart-desires! Simultaneously, they are hosting a giveaway on Twitter – and as previously mentioned, I have been tweeting my @$$ off…only to f-i-n-a-l-l-y win!!! (Yay!!!)

So, you should tell all of your friends about it. Yes, I’m peer pressuring you – but really, who doesnt want free stuff?!

Official Rules (or click here):
1) Follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter
2) Comment on the Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R post with an answer to the question “What would you buy at Dick’s with $100 and why?”

Extra points:
1) Become a I RUN LIKE A GIRL follower (if you aren’t already)
2) Post the “Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R” on your blog and link back
_______________________________________________________

In other running/life news: being a fitness instructor is so much fun (the only kind-of-not-fun part is waking up sooo early, and even more-not-fun than that: a grumpy boyfriend because he “didn’t get enough sleep” and “I woke him up twice”)! Life continues to be crazy so I’ve had to squeeze my workouts in – but fear not, I leave for vaca on Saturday and I plan to train my butt off (last year, I actually lost weight on this vacation – we went biking, hiking, running, swimming everyday – and my friends call me crazy it was awesome!!)

Happy Running!

Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R

This is officially my first giveaway ever on I RUN LIKE A GIRL – and I’m so excited. When Andrew at Dick’s Sporting Goods emailed me to see if I wanted to give my readers a $100 gift card (to Dick’s), I thought someone was playing a mean joke on me.

But fear not, Andrew is real – and so is this giveaway.

So, without further ado, pretty much the coolest giveaway e-v-e-r is: a $100 gift card to Dick’s Sport Goods!! I won’t waste any time – here are the rules to qualify for a $100 Gift Card to Dick’s Sporting Goods:

1) Follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter
2) Comment on this post with an answer to the question “What would you buy at Dick’s with $100 and why?”

Extra points:
1) Become a I RUN LIKE A GIRL follower (if you aren’t already)
2) Post this “Coolest Giveaway E-V-E-R” on your blog and link back

The contest will run for one week – so you have until Friday, August 21 to pick out/day-dream about the perfect Dick’s item.

Since (unfortunately) I can’t win my own give away – I’ve been tweeting my @$$ off @dickssportcmo for a $100 gift card. I’ve been dying for a new Speedo swimsuit – and secretly day-dreaming about the Quantum Splice Tankini and Midster for months. I literally stalked a girl at the pool because I just had to know where she got her awesome suit (Dick’s!!). I love it because it’s a two-piece without being too revealing – and it’s hot pink/black! (Plus a one-piece is so hard to take off – and they’re over-rated!).

Enjoy this awesome giveaway – and have fun shopping the Dick’s website for ideas. Pick something good – it’s 100 free dollars!!

Random(hot)ness

Okay, I’ve officially been M.I.A. I hate it. And I’m sorry.

I have been so busy at work. BJ told me he “doesn’t even know who I am” since I’ve been working so much! Not that I’m a slacker, because I promise that I’m not, but I’ve had so much going on that I’ve even been working when I get home! Let’s just say that’s not very typical of me (and leave it at that). The cool news is that I’ve been working on an awesome ENERGY STAR campaign for EPA (EPA is my client) – but the deadline got pushed up 2.5 months – and we have been running around like crazy! When the campaign launches on September 1, I’ll be sure let everyone know.

On a cooler (or hotter) note, BJ and I went to Florida last weekend and had a blast. My family lives on the beach and it’s the best little beach town ever. I love home! (BJ and my best friend, AC, are pretty much the only reason(s) I live in Virginia!)

Above: MP, LP, KP, KP Jr. and JP – the whole “P” family

We did some good working out on our mini-vaca. BJ, KP (my little sis) and I ran a couple of times (thank God I brought my Camel Bak) – including a beach run and a causeway run (the only hills in FL are the causeways aka the bridges that take you mainland to beachside). On Saturday morning, BJ and I woke up early and did an ocean swim. It was great – and as soon as we got in the water, we saw 2 dolphin swimming – it was so cool! We also have the most awesome family dog ever – LBM – or little brother Max (as we call him). He’s a yellow lab and too handsome for his own good. We took him to the beach everyday because he loves to play in the ocean and catch his whatever-toy-we-took-to-the-beach toy. It’s a blast to watch him in the water – he’s literally hilarious.

So, part of the reason we went to Florida was because AC’s little brother got married – he’s practically my brother, too – so it was so much fun to be a part of their special day. I’ll get mushy for 1.5 seconds and say: I wish them a lifetime of happiness! But, really, I do!

The only reason(s) I live in VA!

Now, back to my family. They are so awesome. It was just fun to hang out, swim in the pool, drink a couple of margaritas, go to the beach and spend time with my family. I am literally the luckiest MP in the world. I miss them already!

Also – more big news – I’ve decided to become a fitness instructor!! I’m working for this cool company called Custom Fitness Concepts – and teaching a Boot Camp M-F! This is my 1st week – but so far, so good. Eventually (like, when I am a wife with kids) I would love to be a personal trainer/fitness instructor/high school track coach. Until then, I’ll have to keep my government consulting job (dagger!).

I know, i know – this has been a random-hot-mess – but I had to blog about something because it’s been over one week and I’m having I RUN LIKE A GIRL (and margarita) withdrawal!

Happy Running!

BIG NEWS (no, it’s not a diamond)

I signed up for a Half Ironman today. NBD.

(I wish…)

I don’t even know what I’ve gotten myself into! BJ and I did it this morning – 510 dollars ($255/each) later we are going to die signed up for EAGLEMAN.

Later in the day, I went to lunch with two girls I work with, who are also triathletes. Too embarrassed to mention my unlikely-cause-of-sudden-death-at-26, our lunch went a little something like this:

Trigirl1: EAGLEMAN registration opened today. I wonder if I should do it (???).

Trigirl2: It’s a flat course, but the bike can be really windy (30+ mph) and the run can be really hot (not shaded).

MP: (in my head) Great…!!!

Trigirl1: I wonder if it’s expensive (??)… Do you think it’s already sold out (??)… [more questions I can’t remember because I’m trying to remember why I signed up in the first place…]

MP: (gulp) I signed up today….

So…I just stopped having “sign-up” anxiety, like, 5 minutes ago – but now I’m really excited and want to tell everyone! Blog World: I’m doing a Half Ironman. That’s right: 70.3!!

June 13, 2010 – here I come!