Uncategorized — Page 26

What should I pack for Hood to Coast?

August 16, 2011 by Melody · 12 Comments

Hood to Coast countdown is on. In 10 days, I will be running the “mother of all relays” {woot!}. I’m really excited but also {a little} nervous. I know I’m nervous because I had my 1st bad dream about the event: I totally forgot to pack, missed my flight to Seattle, and (ultimately) missed HTC.

I woke up in a cold sweat.
{note: I’m a former flight attendant – I never forget to pack – so this dream was especially disturbing}

Since I really don’t want to miss HTC, I could use your help!

Calling ALL runners: what is the one thing I *must* pack for HTC?

Here’s what I have {the no-brainers}

Running shoes (2 pairs) – do I need 2 pairs?
Running socks (6 pairs) – should I pack more socks?
Running shorts (5 pairs)
Sports bra (5)
Running tank (3)
Hat (provided by nuun)
Garmin
Sunglass (check out my new pair: )
Headlamp
Reflective vest & arm/ankle wrap
The Stick
Compression socks
Flip flops
Snacks: honey stingers, nuun, sprees, etc.
Personal: Nathan Power Shower body wipes, Advil, lip balm, gum, etc.
Backpack {with lots of compartments for sweaty running clothes}
Comfortable clothing, in between each leg

Should I bring a sleeping bag? If I don’t bring a sleeping bag, do you have another suggestion?

Must have snack? Music? etc.?

What am I missing?

Today is the last day to enter my Picky Bars giveaway {}

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Head for the {up} Hills

August 15, 2011 by Melody · 12 Comments

As a (former) Florida girl, I grew up running on very flat surfaces {think beach & Highway A1A}. It wasn’t until I moved to DC that I really started to consistently train on hills. Even though hill workouts hurt, I love how I feel during, and most importantly, after the run. I feel strong, powerful, and prepared. {I’m not sure I’ll feel that way on Mile 21 of the Boston Marathon – but that’s for another post}

Hills have a tendency to scare people. My hubs, for one. Hills are intimidating because they take more work than running on a flat surface. “You have to recruit more muscle fibers to get yourself up the hill, which causes those muscles to fatigue faster,” says Carwyn Sharp, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science at the College of Charleston in South Carolina*. BJ mostly tries to avoid my hill workouts – but once I get him motivated, we really push each other up each hill {BJ keeps me honest about my speed & drive up the hill}

Running hills is hugely beneficial to runners. “Do it week after week, and your body begins to adapt to the stresses,” says Sharp. “In other words, it gets stronger.” In preparation for Hood to Coast I’ve added {more} hills into my running routine. And even with my lack of running, due to the PF word, I feel stronger each week.

This is my favorite hill workout, one I made-up based on what’s available to me. Try this workout, or something similar, to increase your speed and make you stronger:

1.5 mile warm-up (this is the distance it takes me to get to my “favorite” hill) – run at a normal pace

7x400m hills (sprint the uphill)
30 seconds rest
Alternate 10 push-ups/10 burpees (between each hill)
Run down the hill
Repeat

1.5 mile cool-down

Hit the Hills with perfect form*:
1. Drive hard with your arms
Increase your armswing as if you’re pulling yourself quickly up a rope.
2. Press forward with your hips
As you run up, think about pressing your hips into the hill to avoid bending at the waist.
3. Run with high knees
This will help increase your stride rate and further help you maintain good posture.
4. Spring up from your toes
Push off your toes to create an upward lift that will help propel you forward.

*Source: Runner’s World magazine

Don’t forget to enter my Picky Bars giveaway {HERE}

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Brooks EZ T {Winner}

August 12, 2011 by Melody · 3 Comments

The winner of the Brooks EZ T is….

Miss Zippy @ http://misszippy1.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy your EZ T as much as I enjoy mine {all 8 of them} Please send your mailing address to: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who entered. More fun giveaways are coming soon including {more} Brooks gear and Endurasoak mineral bath.

Don’t forget about my Picky Bars Giveaway {}

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

Simple Summer Salad {Green Bean & Celery Salad}

August 11, 2011 by Melody · 7 Comments

I have a thing for green beans and celery. I love the crunchiness and ease of eating – you can take them on the go and don’t have to worry about making a mess, having sticky fingers, or using a knife. I didn’t really think about eating them together, in a salad, but finding this recipe made me think twice. All things crunchy, in a salad, tossed with a delicious homemade dressing. Don’t mind if I do!

Ingredients:
Green Beans
Celery
Shallot
Lemon
Dijon Mustard
EVOO
Salt & Pepper

Directions:
Boil 3/4 pound halved green beans until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes, drain. Meanwhile, chop celery and mince shallot. Combine green beans, celery, and shallots in a bowl; toss with dressing.

Dressing:
Whisk 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, a pinch of salt & pepper and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl. Add 1 minced shallot, 2 tablespoons capers, a handful each of chopped parsleyand celery leaves, and a pinch of pepper.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget about my Brooks EZ T Giveaway {} & my Picky Bars Giveaway {}

Filed Under: Recipes, Uncategorized ·

What is nuun?

August 10, 2011 by Melody · 5 Comments

In the last month, ~~a few~~ a lot of my posts have been nuun-related. Not only am I super excited about running Hood to Coast on Team nuun, I’m also in love with the product {strawberry lemonade lemon tea & citrus fruit to be exact}. But, as I spread the nuun-love, I’m surprised at how many people don’t know about nuun.

nuun was featured in an overview of {up and coming products} at the Outdoor Retailer event this past week in Salt Lake (what I would do to get an invite to OR). Check out this (short) video to learn more about nuun:

Want to try nuun? Use the code afternuundelight at checkout to receive 25% off. Spend over $50, and get free shipping.

Don’t forget to enter my Brooks EZ giveaway {} and my Picky Bars giveaway {}

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

Want to run {Marine Corps Marathon}?

August 9, 2011 by Melody · 3 Comments

Want to run the sold-out Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 30, 2011? You’re in luck!
Jill’s House still has several spots available for MCM and the 10k.

More Information:
Jill’s House is a short-term respite care facility for families with children with special needs. You can check out the website for more information on what they do.

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest fundraising events for Jill’s House and the more runners they have, the more children and families they are able to serve. By running the marathon or 10K, the money each runner raises will directly impact 6+ children with special needs and their families.

If you choose to run the full marathon, you will have a fundraising goal of $1250 – all of which will go to Jill’s House. If you run the 10K, your goal is $750.

For more information, please contact Kat Vinson, the Development and Events Manager at Jill’s House by email at kat.vinson@jillshouse.org or by phone 703.639.5670. The deadline to register runners on the team is August 17. Registered runners will be provided some tools and helpful tips to help you raise money. Jill’s House will take care of registering you for the race, if you’re not already.

Finally, if you know anyone else who may be interested in running for Jill’s House, please forward this to them.

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Picky Bars for Picky Eaters {Giveaway}

August 8, 2011 by Melody · 36 Comments

I first learned about Picky Bars through Oiselle, a company that I {totally} love. Wanting to know more about this {intriguing} company, I went to their website and soon realized that I would be a Picky Bars lover, too.

I’m a picky eater {my stomach pretty much hates me}. I have to be extra careful about what I eat and drink on race day. One mishap, and I’m throwing up. (need proof? you can read about some of my mishaps here and here)

Picky Bars are gluten and dairy free energy bars created by endurance athletes. When creating, Lauren wanted a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, slow releasing carbs for level blood sugar, minimal soy content, and healthy fats making up 25% of the calories. Oh, and it needed to taste amazing.

If you think Picky Bars sounds technical, you’re right! Thankfully, owners Lauren & Steph had some free time on their hands…

My husband travels a lot for work and is often caught in between meetings without a snack. Before he left last week, I slipped 2 Picky Bars into his bag with a note that read: “try these, and let me know what you think” (I had already tried “Lauren’s Mega Nuts – and loved it)

After eating a Picky bar, BJ left me a voicemail that pretty much sums up everything I wanted to say about Picky Bars:

“ I just had a Picky Bar. You saved the day with that. Let me tell you, it hit the spot. So thankful that you gave it to me. It was DELICIOUS. Just what I needed before I take a run in the park.”

{I couldn’t have said it any better (thanks, BJ)}

Picky Bars is hosting a {my favorite things} giveaway – and you don’t have to be a picky eater to win!

To enter you have to follow of my blog.

To win (please leave a comment for each):

“Like” {will run for margaritas} on Facebook – leave a comment
“Like” Picky Bars on Facebook
Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – link to {will run for margaritas} – leave a comment
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I just entered the @run4margaritas @pickybars giveaway www.willrunformargaritas.com – leave a comment

The Picky Bars giveaway will run until noon EST on Wednesday, August 17 at which time I will close the post for comments, choose 1 winner via Random.org and announce the winner with a (new) blog post.

You still have time to enter the Brooks EZ T giveaway, too {}

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

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon {DC Edition}

August 5, 2011 by Melody · 21 Comments

{adapted from competitor magazine press release – source}

The Suntrust National marathon and half marathon will be rebranded as Suntrust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012.

“Washington DC has an incredible running scene and a plethora of great musicians, making us the perfect city to host a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. It’s a winning combination for a spectacular event in the District of Columbia next year,” said Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray.

The event is the only marathon run entirely within the District of Columbia, featuring a picturesque route through the nation’s capital that highlights the many monuments and landmarks which celebrate American history. {Registration is now open online}

In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, Washington DC runners will be treated to a post-race finish line concert after the event.

Have you ever run a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/half-marathon? What was your favorite part? Will you sign up for the Washington DC RnR?
I’ve run this race before, but this will be my 1st RnR race. I’m looking forward to the music and crowds – in years past, this race was lacking crowd support and enthusiasm.

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Homemade Granola

August 4, 2011 by Melody · 6 Comments

Ever since New Zealand (in February), I’ve been on a granola & greek yogurt kick. It’s tasty and the perfect way to start my day.

About 3 weeks ago I discovered an incredibly delicious (homemade) granola at Whole Foods. But it’s a total splurge – $8.99 for 12 oz. BJ and I can finish 12 oz in 2 days (2 breakfasts/each).

Then, I remembered Annie’s amazing holiday granola. I’ve talked about Annie before – she is my incredibly fast friend (she’s hoping to run a 2:55 marathon in October) and my marathon training partner (she helped me qualify for Boston on my 1st attempt). Well, if that isn’t cool enough, she’s also an incredibly talented baker/chef and owns her own business, Beaux Reve. {so, you know this granola is good}

Not only is this granola delicious & healthy – but BJ and I have been eating it all week (and still have some left for next week)

recipe stolen adapted from Annie’s blog

Granola:
6c. rolled oats (not instant)
1T cinnamon
1c. sliced almonds
1c. shelled pistachios
1c. flaked unsweetened coconut (I love the organic kind Whole Foods sells)
1c. raw shelled sunflower seeds
1/2c. raw shelled pumpkin seeds
*Salt to taste (sea or kosher — not iodized/table)
*1t nutmeg

2/3c. canola oil
1/2c. maple syrup
1/2c. honey
1t. vanilla extract
1t. almond extract

* = Add to taste. If you use unsalted nuts, it helps to add a little salt to the dry ingredients.

For the Tart version:
Add dried cherries, cranberries, raisins (I like to mix both golden and regular)

For the Tropical version:
Add chopped, dried papaya and pineapple

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with non-stick spray (if desired).
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well with a spoon.
3. Combine the wet ingredients in a medium pot on the stove. Cook until warm and all ingredients are combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients — mix well with a spoon. Try to work quickly here before the wet ingredients cool. Once combined, pour out on a parchment-lined baking sheet (I love my standard half-sheet jelly roll pan). Make sure the mixture is evenly disbursed on the pan to ensure even baking — it will be about an inch thick layer.
5. Bake until golden brown, check every 10 minutes. Feel free to poke and turn the mixture while baking. It will not harden until it cools, so don’t worry if it’s soft when you remove it from the oven.
6. Let cool at least 30 mins. (it usually takes about an hour). Break up with your hands or a spatula and place it a very large bowl. Add as much of the fruits above as you like (I usually use about a cup of each). Mix to combine.

Enjoy!