Simple Summer Side {Snow Pea & Radish Slaw}

Three words to describe this dish: simple, delicious and nutritious. Snow Pea & Radish Slaw is seriously easy and seriously delicious.

BJ loves radishes, so this was a huge hit with the Joneses.  I paired it with rosemary/thyme rice and (a juicy) NY strip steak.  Y.U.M.

Enjoy! 

Ingredients:
1 bunch of radishes
8 ounces snow peas1 red onion
EVOO
red wine vinaigrette
dijon mustard
salt & pepper (freshly ground)

Directions:
Thinly slice red onion, radishes and snow peas, combine.  In a separate bowl, whisk together splash of EVOO, red wine vinaigrette and dijon mustard.  Pour vinaigrette over slaw. Toss and season with salt & pepper. 

The PF Word

I have plantar fasciitus.

There, I said it

I know it could be a lot worse - but I’m really not happy about having it. My foot hurts (really hurts) and I can’t run as often as I would like. I better start liking the pool because it looks like I have a date with freestyle.  

I’m pretty sure I know what triggered my PF. Remember when I was marathon training and thought it would be a good idea to test out my racing flats on a 23 mile run over rocks/gravel?! {Read about it HERE} Yea, that wasn’t smart.  My foot doc thinks the lack of support & cushion, while running over rocks and gravel, provoked it.  I knew it wasn’t a good idea at the time, but now I’m really pissed at myself.  Oh well...

I’ve been icing like crazy, wearing the (totally not sexy) Straussburg sock to bed, rubbing my foot over varied objects including (but not limited to): golf ball, tennis ball, and frozen water bottle, wearing orthotics, running less, and doing ultra-sound on my foot.  (Phew, I’m tired just thinking about PF prevention) 

Not even remotely sexy

Please ignore my "grandma feet" - clearly, I am a runner

Do you have plantar fasciitus, too? What preventative measures are you taking to speed-up recovery? Has anyone tried a cortisone shot? (Note: a cortisone shot is my last resort - but I'd love thoughts/opinions on the matter)

Don't forget about my Oiselle giveaway {HERE} - I pick a winner on Friday!

Selected: Nuun's Hood to Coast Team

Votes paid off, I'm on the team!!!

I am SO excited to announce that I was selected for Nuun’s Hood to Coast Team!  Hood to Coast, the “mother of all relays”, is going to be such an amazing experience - and I’m honored to be a part of the 30th Anniversary adventure!  Aside from running 197 miles (with my team), I’m most looking forward to meeting other women bloggers that I “follow” and love. This is going to be epic.

Thanks Nuun - I can't wait for August!

And, just for good measure, let’s listen to Ke$ha one more time!

Don't forget about my Oiselle giveaway {HERE}

Simple Summer Salad {Mediterranean Pasta Salad}

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 {HERE}

Summer Lovin': Oiselle {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!

FitFluential, Inc. Ambassador

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.

Lawyers Have Heart 5k {Race Report}

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

I crossed the finish line in 20:13 - 4 seconds off of my PR. I’ve never been so excited to be done with 3.1 miles before.

Despite not having a great race personally, Lawyers Have Heart was a great race and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy, local 10k (or 5k).

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.

{I RUN LIKE A GIRL} NUUN Application

I'm a running lover with a passion for cargo vans, all-nighters, and 197 hours worth of sweat.

vote for {i run like a girl} for nuun’s hood to coast relay team!

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Check out Nuun on Facebook & if you give {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} a shout-out (on Nuun's FB page) let me know.  I will choose a random comment for a surprise goody bag!

A special thanks to BJ for taking a few hundreds photos of me and to Betsy for the initial idea & editing advice.

Sport Science Giveaway {Winners}

My Sport Science giveaway was a HUGE success.

Thank you to my readers, Facebook likes, twitter followers and, of course, Sport Science {for hosting this awesome giveaway}!

I wish everyone could win but since that's not really an option, don't forget about the Sport Science {Discount Code} being offered. Receive 20% off all products on the website through July 1, 2011. Use the code Run4Margs at check-out.

So, without further adieu, the winners of my Sport Science {Giveaway} are:
Stephanie @ Run for Fun
Mackenzie @ Wealth is Health

Please email me your shirt size and address, and Sport Science will mail you a shirt: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Thanks again to everyone who entered (and another huge thanks to Sport Science).

If you didn't win, don't worry - I'm hosting another {My Favorite Things} Giveaway on June 20!

World's Most Expensive Triathlon

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. 

Simple Summer Side {Tomato-Basil Lima Beans}

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...

{Tomato-Basil Lima Beans}

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 

Don't forget about my Sport Science giveaway {HERE} - you have until Friday (& 2 chances) to win a free shirt

Big MO

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. 

Sport Science {Discount Code}

Ask and you shall receive.

Since I can't giveaway 100 (free) sport science shirts, a few readers asked about a sport science discount code to purchase product online. Well, you got it!

sport science is offering my readers 20% off all product on the website: http://www.sportsciencewear.com/

Use the code Run4Margs at checkout. The discount is good until July 1, 2011.

While sport science is on your mind, don't forget about my sport science giveaway {here} for 2 chances to win a sport science shirt

Thanks again to sport science for hosting my giveaway and offering my readers a discount code.

blistering heat, torrential downpour & pelting hail

Nothing was going to stop me from running on National Running Day - not even blistering heat, torrential downpour and pelting hail.

BJ and I encountered all three (plus some lightning & thunder)

Fortunately, we got 4.5 miles into our run when the rain & hail started. But, 0.5 miles was enough to get completely and utterly soaked.

It was totally worth it. I ran with my favorite hubs, on National Running Day, doing one of my favorite things {running}

Today is my Friday, I’m off to Missouri for the weekend (random, I know). BJ and I are going to visit family and celebrate my grandma’s life {she passed away recently} While sad, it was expected, and I’m looking forward to seeing my family and honoring her life.

 Don’t forget to enter my sport science giveaway {HERE} - seriously, you don’t want to miss out on this one {trust me}

 happy weekend & happy running