This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of things I love: olives (olives & more olives), feta cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh basil/oregano. Not only is this recipe super easy, it’s super delicious.

Note: BJ does not like olives or feta cheese (not sure how that happened), so I substituted feta cheese with romano cheese & left the olives out. You can play around with the ingredients & add/remove ingredients to your liking.

Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tricolor pasta, such as bow tie or fusilli
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons dijon mustard
• Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 5-6 pepperoncini peppers, diced
• (As many as you want) black olives, halved
• Chopped fresh oregano & basil
• 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese crumbled

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.

Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.

Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and cheese and toss. Chill until ready to serve.

Olive lover’s dream: Whole Foods olive bar

Fresh oregano from my “garden”

And, fresh basil

My {delicious} version

BJ’s version (no olives or feta)

Serve with breadsticks..

And, wine (in this case, white)

Don’t forget about my Oiselle/Stripey Tank Giveaway {}

Don’t judge me, but I posted this to the Missed Connections section on Craigslist:

I saw you on the Oiselle website a few weeks ago. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. You were stripey and soft and dreamy. I want you. Did you notice me? If yes, contact me at willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Okay, I didn’t really post to missed connections, but I was this close. I mean, how dreamy is the Stripey Tank? The minute I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Think about it, it’s fashion forward in a world of plain olds.

It’s even better in real life. Inspired by asymmetrical stripes (think Diane Von Furstenburg), the Stripey tank can be worn on and off the track, trails, or road. It’s also light-weight, slightly stretchy and wicking. Don’t mind if I do…

Out to dinner with friends, Stripey Tank paired with – jeans: Citizens of Humanity, shoes: Steve Madden, watch: Michael Kors, necklace: Macy’s

Pre-workout, Stripey tank paired with – shorts : Roga by Oiselle, shoes: Brooks, watch: Garmin

So, in honor of my new summer lovin’ (summer officially starts tomorrow) and {My Favorite Things} I’m hosting an Oiselle/Stripey Tank giveaway.

Do you want one?  Oiselle has generously offered the readers of {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} the opportunity to win their very own Stripey Tank! (Cue applause, excitement, and joy)

To enter you have to follow of my blog.

To win (please leave a comment for each):

• “Like” Oiselle on Facebook – leave a comment
• “Like” {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} on Facebook (my “fan page”) – leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – extra points if you link both {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} and Oiselle to the post – leave a comment 
• Follow Oiselle on Twitter: @Oiselle – leave a comment 
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I just entered the @run4margaritas @Oiselle Stripey Tank giveaway www.willrunformargaritas.com – leave a comment

{My Favorite Things} Giveaway will run until noon EST on Friday, July 1, 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.

And since everyone can’t win, Oiselle is offering my readers 10% off all product on the website: www.oiselle.com. Use the code RUN4MARGS at checkout. The discount code is good until midnight June 24.

P.S. I got a sneak peek of the Fall 2011 line. If you like what you see now, just wait for Fall. The new line totally rocks!

I’m excited (and humbled) to announce that I have been chosen as a FitFluential Ambassador for the DC Metro Area.

{About} FitFluential bloggers are some of the most influential and socially engaged consumers in the country. Members of our FitFluential “Family” are blogging, vlogging, liking, and tweeting with millions of dedicated consumers every day.

I’m sure you’ve seen founders Kelly Olexa and Jennifer Edwards blogging, tweeting, and facebooking.  So, it should come as no surprise that I am {extremely} excited to be a part of such a great force.

Check out the new ambassadors page {HERE} And, if you want to find me, I’ll (eventually) look like this:
Melody Jones lives in Arlington, VA with her husband, 6 pairs of running shoes and 3 bikes. Melody is the writer behind {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} – a running lover and fitness fanatic with a margarita problem.

Melody went to college on a track & field scholarship, where she ran the 400m hurdles and 400m. With college track (way) behind her, Melody now focuses on road races, distance running and triathlons. If her wallet (and husband) allowed, she would race every weekend. Melody has more race numbers than she knows what to do with, including EagleMan 70.3 and qualifying for the Boston Marathon on her first attempt.

Melody is a running lover, Brooks Inspire Daily & Bluestreak athlete, bootcamp instructor, Girls on the Run volunteer, avid blogger and soon-to-be USATF Level 1 Coach and RRCA certified.

You can find Melody running and drinking margaritas at www.willrunformargaritas.com and on Facebook & Twitter.

At 5:30am on race morning, I received an email with “IMPORTANT INFORMATION about the race”. I opened the email and read: Due to heat and humidity, the race has been changed from a 10k to a 5k.

Best news of the morning. (Granted it was only 5:30am and I had just woken up – but whatever, it made my day)

I knew I could run a 10k, no problem, but with last week’s 100 degree weather, a major lack of sleep, and a little foot problem that I will disclose in another post, I just didn’t feel ready for 6.2 miles. I think I was the only person at the race NOT complaining of the distance change.

It was already 82 degrees by 6:30am. The course is mostly flat – but isn’t shaded and it’s run on asphalt, so the sun can be brutal. Let’s just say I was sweating profusely when I crossed the finish line.

I felt pretty good. I was hanging out with my friends and excited about the afternoon activities.  But, 400m into the race, I knew it would be a long 5k.  I can’t totally explain it but I didn’t feel good or strong and nothing felt right. I think I would have dropped out if it had been a 10k.

I have only one thing to say about this picture: I need a tan ASAP

Reasons you should run (and love) LHH:

• Race officials were on the course at 5am to change the race (from a 10k to 5k) – they were spot on with the measuring (with such short notice). 
• Water, water, water – and more water
• Ice – there’s nothing better than crossing the finish line and getting a cup of ice
• Cold-water sponges on the course 
• Volunteers – they were great & plenty to go around
• Georgetown Waterfront – I have a thing for local races that are easy to get to

Thanks to Pacers & American Heart Association for such a great race. I can’t wait for a 2012 rematch.

Stats
Time: 20:13
Overall Place: 220/3361
Age-Group Place: 16/534
Sex Place: 29/??

I have a new goal after running this race: break 20 minutes in a 5k race. I plan to accomplish this goal in 2011. (Since I’ve said it to the world, I am now held accountable to achieving said goal – thank you)

PS – shout-out to Allison at Runner-in-Progress who rocked the run. Also, thanks to Allison, I had my 1st blogger meet-up.

How much would you pay to do a triathlon?

In June 2010, I paid $300 to race EagleMan 70.3.  EagleMan is part of the Ironman brand – which I think automatically adds a few extra dollars to the entry fee. After the race I paid $200 for an ambulance ride and a hospital visit. Awesome.

Post 70.3 – medical tent (pre-ambulance ride/hospital visit)

How much would you pay to do an Ironman 140.3?

If everything goes as planned, New York’s Inaugural Ironman, on August 11, 2012, will cost $1,000.00 to enter. 

Yes, $1,000.

Can you believe it? Even more shocking: the typical entry for an official Ironman event averages about $575 a race. Ironman New York will cost $425 more than the average.

According to various articles, there are several reasons for the {outrageous} cost:

• World Triathlon Corp. will have to spend several million dollars on permits, law enforcement, medical personnel and other race- related expenses
• Organizers plan to lease six barges to be placed in the Hudson River to be used for the swim start
• A platform will be constructed across the river to enable swimmers to exit the water

{Personal Commentary}
The race will sell-out. There’s not a doubt in my mind. But $1,000, wow! Even with the average triathlete making $161,000/year, $1,000 is a lot of money for one race. Especially considering that the “average triathlete” does more than one triathlon per season.
(Note: The cost of things in NYC is not lost on me, but I tend to think that $1000 for a race is a bit outrageous)

For all of the high-rolling triathlete’s (I’m only calling you that because I’m jealous I don’t fall under the “average triathlete” category) thinking about doing the race:

• there are 2,500 spots
• it will sell-out quickly
• and, the race is actually more of a “New Jersey Ironman” than New York. (which I think is an extremely interesting thing to know…)

What do you think about the cost? Would you pay $1,000 to do a race? If yes (I’m not judging you, I promise), I’d love to know why.

LAST DAY to enter and win my Sport Science giveaway {}

*sources: Bloomberg.com, BusinessInsider.com, Ironman.com

I love to cook – but in the summer, when it’s 100 degrees, the last thing I want to do is subject myself to a hot stove and even more heat.

That’s why I’ve decided to share my favorite {Simple Summer Sides/Salads} over the next couple of months. These dishes require little-to-no cooking and are simple. First up…

What you need:
Garlic
Salt & Pepper
(splash of) EVOO
Frozen lima beans
Basil
Grape (or cherry) tomatoes
Red onion
Shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add lima beans and cook according to directions (about 12-15 minutes). Meanwhile, halve grape tomatoes, chop red onion, julienne basil and press garlic. Drain lima beans and combine with tomatoes, red onion, basil and garlic. Add salt, pepper (and any other seasoning you like) and a splash of EVOO. Top with shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

Enjoy!

Fresh basil from my garden

Eat Tomato-Basil Lima Beans with crisp white wine and an outdoor patio set

BJ and I had a great weekend in Missouri, aka Big MO. My dad is from a Steelville – a small country town about 2 hours southwest of St. Louis. I have fond memories of Big MO: summer vacation, family, horseback riding, canoe trips, Steak ‘n Shake, fresh tomatoes from the garden… It’s been about 5 years since my last trip, so I was way overdue for a family visit.

My family (mom, dad, 2 sisters and BJ) and I stayed in an awesome cabin at Westover Farms – 500 acres of uninterrupted bliss complete with picturesque views, fresh spring water creeks and (catch & release) fly fishing. We started every morning with run – the perfect way to start the day. Living in DC, I don’t see many country roads or grass as far as the eye can see. It was refreshing and much needed.

Morning Run

We were busy – and I’m still exhausted after 4 days in Missouri: 
We went on a canoe trip. Ate sunflower seeds. Celebrated my grandma’s beautiful life. Went running. Ate watermelon, deer sausage, and fresh strawberries, radishes and tomatoes from my Uncle’s garden. Went horseback riding. Made smore’s over a bonfire. Drank beer. Went to a bbq every night. Played board games. Laughed A LOT. Had not 1, but 2 chocolate milkshakes from Steak ‘n Shake. Went fly fishing. Went to super Wal-Mart. Had fun. Spent quality time as a family.

Can’t go to Big MO without getting a chocolate milkshake from Steak ‘n Shake

sister, sister

My family: BJ, me, KP, mom, dad, LP

The grandchildren (missing 3)

Smore’s It was the perfect family weekend – and a wonderful reminder of how great my grandma was & her dedication to family and love.