Scott Jurek, world renowned ultramarathon champion, U.S. record holder, author, and amateur vegan chef, is on the road promoting his new memoir Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness. 

Lucky for me, he’s coming to Arlington. 

I might be slightly partial {he’s a Brooks athlete – and helped design my favorite trail shoe of all time} – but I think Scott is pretty cool.   I’m so excited that I finally get to meet and run with him.  {I get nervous just thinking about running with an ultramarathon champion!}

If you live in Northern Virginia, don’t miss the opportunity to run (and hang out) with Scott on Friday, June 8.

When: Friday, June 8, 2012.  6:30-9pm

Where: The Nature Conservancy
                4245 N. Fairfax Drive
                Arlington, VA 22203

What: Join Pacers and The Nature Conservancy for a fun run with Scott Jurek to celebrate the release of his new book, Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness.  The run will begin in the courtyard of The Nature Conservancy (located across the street from the Ballston Metro) at 6:30pm and end at Pacers Clarendon with a book signing, Q&A and food/drink. The run is open all paces and abilities and will be approximately 3 miles (or less).

Need another reason to come? Since Scott is a Brooks sponsored athlete, Pacers is offering a promotion on all Brooks product throughout the night.  10% off all Brooks Footwear; and 10%/15%/20% on all Brooks Apparel (10% off one item, 15% off two items, 20% off three or more items)

If you don’t live in Northern Virginia, fear not.  Scott is making plenty of stops along the way – check out a date/location near you:

June 5: NYC- NY Society for Ethical Culture
June 6: Boston- Harvard Bookstore event at Brattle Theatre
June 7: Chicago- Fleet Feet Piper’s Alley
June 8: DC- Pacers (Clarendon)
June 11: Portland- Powell’s/Fit Right
June 12: Seattle- Fleet Feet
June 13: San Francisco -Fleet Feet
June 14: Boulder- Boulder bookstore
June 15: LA- Fleet Feet Encino
June 16: San Diego- Moving Shoes
June 18: Austin- Luke’s Locker
June 19: Wayzata, MN – Gear West
June 20: East Lansing, MI –  Schuler’s (Okemos)
June 21: Grand Rapids, MI- Schuler’s
June 22: Seattle- Seattle Rock N Roll
June 24: Runner’s Roost with Tattered Cover

Are you planning to read Eat & Run?

Fate. Chance.  Whatever you call it.  That’s what lead me to Lisa.  I was in Whole Foods, in Fairfax, VA, preparing a quick lunch at the salad bar before visiting an account.  Over artichoke salad I heard, “Are you {will run for margaritas}?”  I looked up, surprised that someone, anyone, had recognized me from my blog.  It was Lisa, from RunWiki, I had just read her Boston Qualifier race report, I had just tweeted how excited I was for her.  We talked, I met her family, we hugged – it’s like we had known each other forever. Fate, it’s a crazy, cool thing.

Since that day in Whole Foods, Lisa and I have talked, met for lunch, emailed.  She is such an amazing woman.  I’m thankful for the time that I’m able to spend with her before her family moves to California in June.  Lisa’s husband is in the Navy, and she’s the mother to 3 beautiful children (including a set of twins). 

Lisa gets things done – and that’s what I love about her.  She’s makes running a priority in her life, but not at the expense of her family.  When you approach life the way Lisa does, things work out.  Lisa – thank you for coming up to me in Whole Foods that day, I’m going to miss you when you’re gone!

Follow Lisa’s journey of life and running:
blog: www.runwiki.org
twitter: @runwiki       
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RunWiki      

Name: Lisa McClellan

Age: 44

Location: Clifton, VA.  {En route to Conejo Valley, CA on June 18}

Years Running: 29

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon  

PR’s:
Marathon – 3:53
Half Marathon – 1:40
10 miler- 1:14
10K- 48:06

How did you get into running? I started in High school running track but got really serious after having children about 7 years ago

How many marathons have you run? 4

Do you cross train or lift weights: Yes, both I do 2 days on the elliptical and core and strength

How do you find/make time to train: I make time. If I have to run at 2:00am then that’s what I do. Running is my passion and a very high priority in my life (family first, but running is a strong second)

Favorite place to run: On vacation, nothing better than getting to know a place via running, plus there is never any agenda, it’s just a self guided tour through a new environment

Favorite/most memorable race: The Bolder Boulder 10K- It is like no other race, it’s an experience.

Favorite pre-race meal: Justin’s Maple Almond butter on a protein pancake and a half of banana.

Favorite post-race food: Chocolate Milk with something really salty like chips or Cheeseburger.

Favorite quote: “Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder” – Thoreau

Favorite running shoe: Brooks Pure Flow (road) and Brooks Cascadia (trail)

Best running advice: Run your own race but do it like it’s your last.

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: I feel like I should put down qualifying for Boston, but in reality I wasn’t that proud of my BQ time, so I would have to say coming in 8/445 in my division at the 2012 Bolder Boulder 10K. I came from sea level (Washington DC) to almost 5300 ft. above and had only four hours of sleep the night before. My time didn’t seem that impressive to me, but my heart and lungs would disagree, they were working.

What races are you currently training for? I am running the North Face Endurance Challenge DC 50K- June 2012, and the Malibu International Marathon-November 2012. Those are the two biggies, I have some smaller races in between which I consider part of my marathon training.

You recently entered Under Armour’s “What’s Beautiful” campaign.  Tell us more about it: I entered the UA “What is beautiful campaign” because the thought of announcing my personal goals to the world terrified me. I used to think doing something that scared me was jumping out of a plane or going bungie jumping. Those types of things are scary, but are over quite fast. This scares me because I think, like many, I am afraid of failure and being judged, but here’s the thing, there is nothing to be afraid of. No matter what the outcome, I will be OK, I will do my best and in the end if I complete my goal, it will fill me up with joy. If not I will learn and grow from that experience. I can’t loose, if there is any fear, it is mine alone and I am free at anytime to let it go. Being afraid, or not afraid is my choice. We have control over so little in life, but this is something I do control, my thoughts.  My hope is that I inspire other women who have or, are doubting themselves to go after their dream. I realize it is a long shot that I actually win this Under Armour challenge, but if I did ( or regardless) It is my mission to get women to see the beauty and power that lies within themselves. The beauty that I see all of the time in everyday women just like myself. They have it, but often times it’s clouded by their own self image. I want to show them that behind every dark cloud is light, but you can’t see it if you don’t chase it away . You can train yourself to get rid of darkness just like training yourself to run a fast marathon. You have to be committed, not just interested, this makes a big difference in the outcome.  It is a process that takes time to develop and comes with successes and failures along the way, not unlike running. I know it might sound kind of corny but I feel like this is one of the most important things we can do in our lifetime, for ourselves and the people around us. We are all struggling through modern life, so helping and supporting each other is of the essence.  To me… That is beautiful!  Check Lisa out here: http://www.runwiki.org/2012/04/28/under-armour-what-is-beautiful-campaign/

One of the {major} perks about my job is that I have the opportunity to meet some really cool {and famous} athletes.

Enter: Chrissie Wellington

I met Chrissie briefly in November (she was dressed as Wonder Woman), but had the chance to chat with her today at a local book signing.  Not only is Chrissie a 4 time World Ironman Champion, she’s the most down-to-earth and humble person I’ve met in a really long time.  She’s kind.  And her smile lights up the room!

Plus, I get to add these to my collection – my {signed} Brooks T7 Racers.  Thanks Chrissie!

Check out Chrissie’s new book, A Life Without Limits, {here}

FISH.  Fish is the buzz word around the Jones Household these days.  BJ can’t stop asking for fish.  I like fish, but it’s not something I crave, so I often forget to buy it.  Things changed last week when KP (my little sister) sent me a picture of her dinner – since then, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about fish.  Specifically, grilled salmon and tropical salsa.

I can’t stop dreaming about all of the wonderful flavors.  For a second I thought I was lounging on a tropical island, margarita in hand, only to realize I was still in Virginia.  No tropical island for me…but grilled salmon and tropical salsa will do the trick!

Grilled Salmon
2 x 6oz salmon fillets
fresh garlic
fresh lemon juice, and slices
salt & pepper

Tropical Salsa
Strawberry
Pineapple
Kiwi
Grape Tomotoes
Cilantro
Splash of Balsamic Vineagar
Salt & Pepper

To cook the fish: add EVOO, fresh garlic, and lemon juice to a hot grill pan.  Cook salmon for 5 minutes on each side.  Add lemon juice as needed (I love lemon)

To make tropical salsa: chop ingredients and add to large bowl.  Add cilantro, salt & pepper, and splash of balsamic vineagar.  Mix together and taste.  Add more balsamic/salt&pepper, if needed.

Enjoy!

…and now, I’m {almost famous}

The awesome thing about it being really hot during the Boston Marathon is that all of the really fast people deferred (due to heat).  So, I somehow managed to sqeak by with a Top 50 Mid-Atlantic finish.  Since I never make running magazines, I’m pretty excited to see my name in the Washington Runnning Report.  And since this will likely never happen again, I’m relishing in the fact that I’m {almost famous}

Are you {almost famous}? 

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 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!

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!!!

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!

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).

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?

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!

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