Marine Corps Marathon 10k was the most interesting race I’ve ever run:

• Hurricane Sandy threated to ruin Marine Corps Marathon weekend
• A suspicious package near Mile 4.5 literally stopped the race for 10+ minutes
• Expo conditions (3 days of 10+ hours/day on your feet) are not ideal for racing

My expectations were low, very low, for the MCM 10k.  I knew I would be working 10+ hours a day for three days.  I knew I would be lucky to get 6 hours of sleep/night.  And I knew my training (or lack thereof) would not get me a PR.  None of that mattered – I was just happy I had the chance to run.Pre-Race
I didn’t feel very prepared for this race.  I spent the last 5 nights in a hotel and didn’t realize I had forgotten a few race day essentials until 11pm the night before.  Thankfully, I work with runners and I was able to find everything I needed – but it’s never a good feeling to be unprepared.    

Hurricane Sandy was threatening to ruin the race and I was thankful to wake up to NO rain.  I made my usual PB/toast/banana breakfast and felt as ready as I could be.  I met the other Guru’s in the hotel lobby and we walked to the start, about 1 mile away.  It was such a nice morning, and the walk was the perfect way to wake-up & prepare for the race.  We had just enough time to relax, check our bags, and make our way to the start. 

Race 
My goal was to run 42 minutes – I knew it would be hard but attainable.  I felt pretty good considering the lack of training and expo legs.  The weather was perfect and it wasn’t until we made it to Crystal City that the wind picked up.  My unofficial plan was to bank time in the beginning, hold on for miles 4 & 5, and pick up the pace for the last 1.2 miles.

Mile 1: 6:33
Mile 2: 6:40
Mile 3: 6:45
Mile 4: 6:50

At Mile 4.5 the most interesting thing happened: all of the runners stopped.  Not as in, here’s the finish line, congratulations, you’re done.  It was more along the lines of there’s a suspicious package in the road, we’ve stopped the race to investigate, and you can’t run any further.  It was totally surreal – I never thought that would happen during a race.  Runners were in disbelief and didn’t know what to do, we were all just hanging around.  Note: I’m happy they investigated the suspicious package; no race is worth dying for but it kind of sucks when you’re running hard, have to randomly stop for 10 minutes, and then start running again.  Once the race started again, it was total chaos.  Everyone I had passed was now on equal playing ground, and it was too hard to run fast for 1.7 miles – it’s not enough time for the crowds to disperse.  I tried to run as fast as I could but it was useless, my legs had tightened and I was ready for the race to be over.  {unofficial} Results
Time: 49:30 (includes the time while runners were stopped)
Overall Place: 131/6,472
Sex: 27/4,221
Age Group: 11/780

The Guru’s had great races, too – Glenn won the race, Trish ran strong, and Jess finished her first 10k ever! Congrats G’s, I’m proud to call you colleagues and runners!Final Thoughts: The race was really well organized and started exactly on time.  Water stops were efficient and had plenty of water.  A huge thank you to all of the volunteers – a race can’t run smoothly without you!  I thought the race could have done a better job with the mile makers – they were off, specifically at Miles 2 & 3.  Also, I thought the race could use more water stops.  If it’s impossible to add stops, I’d love to see a change to the location of the stops.  I’m sure the 10 minute stop had something to do with my dehydration but I was thirsty the whole race.  And for the suspicious package, I’m thankful that they stopped the race.  That was a great call by security and the race team.  Thank you for using your best judgment to keep the runners safe.   

MCM 10K is a great local race, with great support and infrastructure. If you haven’t had a chance to run MCM 10k, add it to your running calendar!

Did you run MCM or 10k?  Tell me about your race!

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One year ago, today, I landed my dream job with Brooks.  I’ve never worked so hard to land a job – but this one was worth fighting for.

When I first started {dreaming}, I found this Josh Cox quote.  I read this quote every couple of months, just to remind myself that every dream is worth fighting for.  When I thought it was too late (and my dream might not come true),  my dream became my reality.

The reality is, most folks aren’t living out their dreams. When you mention yours to them, the only reference point they have is their own – chasing dreams wasn’t prudent for them, therefore it’s not prudent for you. I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating: those who have given up on their dreams will try to get you to abandon yours. It doesn’t make them bad folks it just means they didn’t pursue their passion, so neither should you. The reality is, making your dreams become reality is a scary proposition, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s rewarding beyond belief. (Josh Cox)

This year has taught me so much about myself, and I’ve had opportunities to grow.  I get to talk about running everyday and wear running clothes to work.  I’ve met Scott Jurek, Desi Davila, Chrissie Wellington, and Josh Cox (just to name a few).  I’ve worked some of the most premiere marathons in the world: New York City Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, Boston Marathon.  And I’m part of a growing brand that’s making history.

Today I’m thankful for someone taking a chance on me, for running shoes, and loving, more than anything, what I do.

What’s your dream?

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Army Ten Miler is my favorite race of the year.  The weather is perfect for racing, and this year was no exception.   As tradition would have it, my mom was in town for the 6^th year and my sister decided to join this year, too.  Family, running, and perfect racing weather – what more could I ask for?I didn’t know what to expect going into ATM.  I’ve been running but, quite frankly, I feel like I’m just going through the motions.  The fall is extra busy for me (with work) and I haven’t had much time to log meaningful miles.  My long runs hurt, my speed work hurts, and even my easy runs hurt.  To top it all off, I had to work the Army Ten Miler expo – my first time working and running an event.  I was hoping I could run a speedy race but didn’t know if it was doable given my lack of training, time, and rest/recovery.      

I woke up feeling excited.  That’s always a good sign.  We arrived at the Pentagon around 7am.  It was enough time for me to check my extra layers, hit up the porta potty, and head to Wave 1 for the 8am start.  People thought I was crazy for wearing just a sports bra, but I was happy I decided to run sans arm warmers. I made my way to the start, seamlessly I might add, chatted with a few friends, and was ready to run. 

By mile one, my legs were already struggling to keep up with my lungs.  I knew I wouldn’t PR, or even come close, so I tried to enjoy the race/weather.  When I see all of the wounded warriors participating in ATM, it makes me extra thankful that I have two legs and I’m able to run.   Around the time my legs gave out, I saw my good friend, Elyse – Elyse was my running angel.  We talked the whole race (other runners even commented on how impressive it was to run and talk for 10 miles) and it really helped keep my mind off of the fatigue in my legs (I didn’t realize working/standing at an expo would take so much out of me).  By mile four, I was less focused on time and more focused on finishing the race in a decent time.  We pushed each other when we needed to, and held back at other times. Thanks, Elyse, I’m so thankful you were willing to run with me!     As always, the race was very well organized and run.  The soldiers and volunteers are top notch – and they’re a HUGE reason the race is so successful.   There was plenty of water, and since the porta potty line was shorter than usual, I’ll say there were a decent amount of bathrooms (but, there can always be more).  Race morning logistics are easy and I never feel rushed.  (All key factors in whether or not I want to run a race, and actually enjoy the race)

Results

Time: 1:11:30
Place: 1502/30,000
Age Place: 61
Sex Place: 181

Final Thoughts
I didn’t run a great race, and I’m surprisingly okay with that.  Again, I didn’t know what to expect given my hectic work schedule, and I can’t be too upset considering I was on my feet Friday/Saturday.  ATM will always be my favorite race – and this year in particular, I was less concerned about time, and more concerned about enjoying the time with my family.  BJ ran a PR, my mom came close to beating her PR, and KP was great race day support.  We celebrated with post-run mimosa’s and brunch – I can’t think of a better way to end ATM 2012.    

ATM 2013?  I’ll be back for a re-match!

author’s note:  today’s guest post is from my friend, and runner extraordinare, Elyse Braner.  Elyse loves running & organizing relays – and she’s really good at it!  If you’ve ever thought about running a relay, Elyse shares her Top 5 reasons why you should run one – and as a Hood to Coast veteran, I can vouch – it’s a lifechanging experience.  A huge thanks to Elyse for her guest post!

I love running relays!  I have done ten, most of them with my group of friends that I call Run Loves.  I am currently signed up for three more relays, Ragnar Tennessee, Ragnar Key West, and the American Odyssey Relay.  I love the logistics involved in pre-race planning as well as the actual adventure itself.  Here are my top 5 reasons to sign-up for a relay:

Friends and Bonding—  It doesn’t matter if you are doing the relay with an already established group of friends, or people you hardly know, you will become very close with the people you are running with.  There is nothing else that will bond you more than spending 24 sweaty hours in a van with your teammates.  Not to mention the adventure of getting to the start line, the team meetings, the race itself, and the finish line party.  This group of people will literally become your family. 

The Challenge—  Whether you are running for fun or running to win, there is a challenge in running a relay.  There are a variety of distances and terrain to cover during the race that will test even your most athletic teammates.  Not to mention that fact that you will be basically running three races or segments in 24 hours, so you will race, then get in a van and get stiff.  There is nothing like it.  I love it.  Just be sure that all twelve of your teammates are in agreement on if you are treating the race as a fun event of if you are in it to win it. The Travel–Relays are a great way to get a feel for a new place you haven’t visit before.  It is a road trip and a race all in one.  What a better way to see battlefields than to run them and drive through them in the American Odyssey Relay or get a feel for the south by running from Chattanooga to Nashville, and then spending a few days in post-race bliss in Nashville.  Like wine tasting?  Check out the Napa Valley Ragnar relay.  There is a relay and destination for everyone.

The Adventure–Relays are an adventure.  You are running in the middle of the night down rural roads, stopping at roadside dinners to re-fuel, and driving/running through places you normally wouldn’t.  Additionally, it is definitely an adventure getting twelve people to a start line, coordinating travel, meals, and hotel.  Plus, you never know who you will meet along the way or what will happen.  The unknowns of what you will find make it the biggest adventure of all.

The Fun—The biggest reason to run a relay is that they are fun!!  There is nothing else like it.  You will miss it so much when it is over and you will begin looking for your next one.  I mean, what else combines friends, a road trip, running, decorating a van, fun costumes, an awesome finish line party, logistics, and the need to sign-up for another one as soon as you are done running!!    

If you’re running Ragnar Tennessee, Ragnar Key West, or the American Odyssey Relay, look out for Run Loves!

have you run a relay?  what’s your favorite part?

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 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!

Truffles
1/3c raw cashews or almond ground into fine powder
1 T Himilayian Goji Berries ground
½ T raw mesquite powder
¼ C Penut Free
¼ Cup Original Nuttzo
1/8 c mini dark chocolate cup
1/3 c Bob’s Red Mill muselli
1 T Honey

Mix all ingredients with your hands, roll into 8 small balls, refrigerate for 3 hours in closed container.  Roll each ball in cocoa powder.  Enjoy!

{giveaway}
Danielle is offering one lucky reader the chance to win 3 jars of NuttZo (one of each flavor), retailed at over $60.00.

To Enter – Tell me what flavor you’re most excited to try, and your favorite peanut butter recipe (leave a comment)

Additional Entries

• Like NuttZo on Facebook
• Tweet about the giveaway – “I just entered to win @NuttZOCEO NuttZo from @run4margaritas blog www.willrunformargaritas.com #giveaway”.  (leave a comment)

Giveaway Details:

• Contest will run from Wednesday October 10, 2012 through 11:59pm EST on Monday, October 22, 2012
• Winner will be selected and announced on {will run for margaritas} on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
• One reader will win three jars of NuttZo (one of each flavor)
• Open to US Residents Only
• Winner has until Sunday, October 28, 2012 to contact me before a follow-up winner is selected
• Winner will be chosen via random.org

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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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.

Name: Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl

Location: Chicago Lakefront

Distance: 18 miles, starting up north at Hollywood and snuggly hugging the lakefront all the way south to 71st Street

Why I love this run: As you head south along the lake running into the Chicago skyline with Lakeshore Drive on your right and Lake Michigan on your left, the scenery is breathtaking and the ambiance whisks you away making you feel like you’re almost in another land. There are plenty of water fountains, public restrooms, and random secret paths for runners to veer off on. From the zoo, to Navy Pier, to sandy shaded pathways, all are free game for runners who like to explore. During the summer months Fleet Feet Chicago sets up shop at several points along the lake handing out free Gatorade, water, and occasionally Gu’s to trail users. The path is open year round where it does get a bit congested during the summer months, but is a wide open and desolate place for runners brave enough to take their chances with the ruthless winter weather. It is maintained year round and in the winter months is one of the only places in the city that is clear of snow and ice for runners. It’s a great place for some friendly competition and to sweat it out for speed work or long runs as the path is mostly interrupted.

If you’re a ham for urban environments but like a bit of the nautical side in your life, the Chicago Lakefront Trail is the ideal place for you.

My job keeps me busy and on-the-go.  When I’m hungry (and typically in a rush) I want something quick, easy, and healthy.  I’ve tried the frozen lunch thing, and some of them work for me, but I’m always in the market for something new (and improved).   

Enter: Barilla Microwaveable Meals

I was especially excited to try these individual meals because I love pasta, they’re single-serve, and ready in 60 seconds.  Even better?  Each meal is 320 calories or less (note: I’m not much of a calorie-counter, that’s why I run, but I try to eat as healthy and balanced as possible).   

Barilla Microwaveable Meals did not disappoint.  They’re seriously easy, but taste great.  Made from the same 100% natural ingredients as Barilla dry pasta and jarred sauces, these meals deliver the same great taste people love in a single-serve offering.  Barilla Microwaveable meals are perfect for someone on-the-go, like me.

Available in 5 flavors, my favorites were Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil Sauce and Whole Grain Fusilli with Vegetable Marinara.  Other flavors include: Mezze Penne with Traditional Marinara Sauce, Mezze Penne with Spicy Marinara Sauce, and Whole Grain Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil sauce.

Each meal is $3.29, competitive with other single-serve meals, and is available in the microwaveable meal aisles at major supermarkets across the US.  Packaged in a revolutionary container, the meals maintain their taste, texture and freshness for 12 months (stored at room temperature).  One of my favorite features is that the pasta and sauce are stored in separate containers, allowing the consumer to customize their meal (I’m particular about my pasta-to-sauce ratio). Final Thoughts: If you like pasta, if you like easy, and/or you like fresh & healthy, you’ll love Barilla Microwaveable Meals.  Each meal was fresh and tasted as good, if not better, had I made the meal myself (e.g., boil Barilla pasta and heat up Barilla sauce).  They didn’t last long in the Jones household – even BJ was a fan (and that’s saying a lot)!

Want to try Barilla Microwaveable Meals?  Get $1 off your purchase {here}

disclaimer: FitFluential LLC compenstated me for this Campaign.  All opinions are my own.

I should preface this recap with the following:

• I’ve been on my bike 4 times this year
• I’ve been to the pool 5 times this year
• I’ve completed 0 brick workouts this year
• I’ve logged hundreds, thousands, of (running) miles this year

Savageman Triathlon is my favorite triathlon of the year (and my only one in 2012). I always look forward to this weekend of racing, friends, and post-race hot tub & wine. This race is low-key, so there’s not a ton of pressure, but it’s so well organized that it feels like a large-scale event. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again: Kyle Yost & team put on a great race!

Pre-race: It was a little chilly in the morning, but I knew it was going to be a perfect day for racing – the high was 66 degrees and sunny. I know not all races have the luxury of starting “late”, but I love that Savageman starts at 9:30am, with transition closing at 9:15am. (That means I get to sleep until 7am on race morning!) I don’t feel rushed, there are no frantic wake-ups at 2am, 3am, 4am, and finally 4:15am, and I hardly feel nervous.

Swim: The swim started with me ripping my wetsuit at the seam (by my knee); not an ideal way to start a race but I just went with it. I had no expectations for the swim but was hoping that I could finish right around the 30-minute mark. The water felt great (70.4 degrees) and I love that I can see the bottom of the lake – it’s totally mental, but seeing the bottom makes me feel faster. I felt strong at the turnaround and my sighting was spot-on for the last 0.5 miles. Time: 30:18

T1: 2:27 (1st out of transition)

Bike: Again, very little expectations for the bike – I’ve been on my bike 4 times in 2012, averaging 18-20 miles/ride. The temperature was up by the time I finished my swim and I decided to forego arm warmers, overall a good choice with the exception of 2 downhill’s at the beginning of the ride. I felt really good considering I haven’t trained much. Time: 1:24:06

T2: 2:05 (took my time here, and made a quick stop to the porta-potty)Run: My sweet spot and (probably) the only reason I do triathlons. I felt really strong on the run; I promised myself and BJ that I wouldn’t leave anything out on the (run) course. The run is one of my favorites in triathlon courses – it’s the perfect combination of hilly, flat, challenging, and really rewarding. I’m really happy with my run performance. Time: 49:22 (7:57 pace & #1 in my AG)

Overall Time: 2:48:15
Overall Place: 115/383
Female Place: 21/127
Age Group Place: 3/15 (I finally got 3rd place!!)Final Thoughts: After 4 years of 4th place, I finally nabbed an age group award! I hardly trained for the swim & bike so I’d love to see what I could do if I actually trained for all three events…maybe next year. Overall, I had a great race weekend – we all PR’ed from last year and really enjoyed our time in Deep Creek. I’ll be back again next year!

A HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers – you make a huge difference, and this race wouldn’t go as smoothly without you. Thank you for your time!