I’m back in Virginia after an amazing trip to Washington & Oregon.

Hood to Coast was one of the most amazing races I’ve ever experienced. It was hard, it was fun, it was exhausting - and I wouldn’t change anything about it!

It was such an honor to race for Nuun & meet the {incredible} women that made up my team. I kind of really wish we were still hanging out...

Full race report & photos to come - but here are some of my favorites from the weekend

After-NUUN Delight van decoration:

VAN #2, rockin' our Team Sparkle skirts

Ken, nuun employee, best van driver in America 

Action Shot:

Run #1 - Leg #10: 5.04 miles, Moderate, 6:51 pace

Run #2 - Leg #22: 6.81 miles, Hard, 6:48 pace

Run #3 - Leg #34: 3.52 miles, Easy, 6:55 pace

The "Mel's": 

The FINISH:

If you like nuun as much as I {obviously} do, check out my giveaway {HERE} 

Things are about to get {really} personal

T minus 20 hours until I’m on a plane, headed to Seattle. Tomorrow is a really busy day - random airport pick-ups, van decorating, team dinner at nuun headquarters, pictures (and even more pictures) and getting to know 23 awesome women.
{I live for this kind of stuff}

Early Friday morning, we start our 3-hour drive to Oregon (but not before posing for more team pictures).

I’m going to be stuck in a van for 30+ hours with 5 {beautiful, talented & funny} women. Things are about to get really personal in Van #2. I can’t wait to meet Kelly, Carrie, Mel, Megan & Jenn. I’m already thinking about what I’m going to ask:

• Carrie/Kelly - what is your inspiration behind Team Sparkle? What are the challenges of owning your own business? Perks? {My dream is to own my own company}
• Mel - have you ever hated being tall? Tell me about college athletics, I want to compare notes {I was a college athlete, too}
• Jenn - tell me ALL about nuun {I secretly want to work at nuun}
• Megan - tell me about the family you nanny for? I want the good, bad & ugly. {I was a live-in nanny once}

This is just a start....trust, there is more where this came from

If you don't already know about these women, you need to {they pretty much rock}. Meet AfterNUUN Delight's Van #2:

Carrie: www.thismamamakesstuff.com
Kelly: www.according-to-kelly.com
Mel: www.tallmomontherun.com
Megan: www.justrunmego.blogspot.com

Don't forget to enter my nuun-inspired giveaway {HERE}

10, 22, 34

I’m starting to get really excited about Hood to Coast. I’m almost done packing, created 2 informational packets (one for me, one for BJ) containing important stats, including leg order, mileage, start time, proposed finish time, team phone numbers, etc., and have butterflies in my stomach every time I think about HTC. {I even have them right now}

I can’t wait to run 10, 22, 34 - my legs for HTC. I’m really excited to hang with Van #2 (I’m in a van with some pretty amazing women). And thank my lucky stars {and God} that I’m not running in the middle of the night {don’t laugh at me - but I’m really afraid of what can happen in the dark}

I’ve totally got this - and plan on running my heart out for Team AfterNUUN Delight

Leg 10: 5.04 miles, Moderate
Leg 22: 6.81 miles, Hard
Leg 34: 3.52 miles, Easy
Total: 15.37 miles

Start Time: 12:30pm on Friday, August 26

Follow our journey on our Facebook pages {HERE} & {HERE} and on Twitter at @NUUNDelight and @run4margaritas

If you’ve ever run 10, 22, 34 at Hood to Coast - share your thoughts with me. {I want the inside scoop}

In honor of nuun & hood to coast, enter my giveaway {HERE} 

For the love of water & nuun {giveaway}

It’s no surprise that I love water. I’m a self-admitted waterholic, drink way more than 8x8oz of water/day, and think it’s bizarre when people order diet coke instead of water.
{only kidding about that last one}

And if you’ve been within a 1,000-mile radius of my blog since June, it’s also no surprise that I love nuun. I dream about strawberry lemonade, citrus fruit & lemon tea. I blog, tweet & Facebook about nuun, how delicious my favorite flavors of nuun are, and how excited I am about team nuun & running Hood to Coast.
{BJ would say that I am nuun-crazed and I think he might be right....}

Well, it's finally RACE WEEK! So, in honor of Hood to Coast, Team nuun & my undying love for water, I’m hosting a {water & nuun} inspired giveaway.

Each winner (2) will receive:
~18oz. Klean Kanteen water bottle
~2 tubes of nuun

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
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page - extra points if you link to {will run for margaritas} - leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter - I just entered the @run4margaritas water & nuun inspired giveaway www.willrunformargaritas.com - leave a comment

The giveaway will run until noon EST on Friday, September 2, at which time I will close the post for comments, choose 2 winners via Random.org and announce the winner with a (new) blog post.

If you love nuun & don’t want to wait until September 2nd, use the code: afternuundelight to receive 25% off your online order. Spend $50 and get free shipping, too.

{Volunteer} for Dominion Trail Mix

On September 3, 2011, the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and Dominion Virginia Power will come together to host a signature environmental event to highlight the tremendous, unique, natural resource that exists in Northern Virginia -- The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. The event will feature the largest community service project in the trail's history and will culminate with a festival off the trail that encompasses themes of active lifestyles, recreation, the environment and our community. Dominion Trail Mix will be a family themed event which will not only celebrate the Trail, but also our community as a whole.

Dominion Trail Mix is a family themed event which will not only celebrate the W&OD Trail, but also our community as a whole. There will be three main components to the day’s activities:

• Hail The Trail:
The Largest Cleanup in the History of the W&OD Trail
• The Great Skedaddle: 
Run, Walk, and Bike the W&OD Trail
• Trailfest: 
A {free} Community Festival to Celebrate the W&OD Trail

We need volunteers to help make the Dominion Trail Mix a success!

~Do you live in the Northern Virginia/DC area?
~Are you free on September 3, 2011?
~Morning (8am-noon) & Afternoon (noon-5pm) shifts are available.

Consider volunteering for the Dominion Trail Mix

For more information about the event, visit www.dominiontrailmix.com
To register as a volunteer, visit: http://dominiontrailmix.com/volunteer.htm

Email questions to dominiontrailmix@gmail.com

Come to Volunteer, Stay to Celebrate

Picky Bars {Winner}

The winner of the Picky Bars giveaway is...

DEM @ Happy, Heathly, and Strong
{if you don't already follow her blog, you should.  DEM rocks!}

I hope you enjoy your Picky Bars as much as my picky stomach does. Please send your mailing address to: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who entered & a HUGE thanks to Picky Bars for hosting a {My Favorite Things} giveaway!

More fun giveaways are coming soon including a nuun-themed giveaway in honor of Hood to Coast.

What should I pack for Hood to Coast?

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: HERE)
• 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 {HERE}

Head for the {up} Hills

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}

Brooks EZ T {Winner}

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 {HERE}

Simple Summer Salad {Green Bean & Celery Salad}

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 {HERE} & my Picky Bars Giveaway {HERE}

What is nuun?

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 {HERE} and my Picky Bars giveaway {HERE}

Want to run {Marine Corps Marathon}?

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.

Picky Bars for Picky Eaters {Giveaway}

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 {HERE}

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon {DC Edition}

{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.

Homemade Granola

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!

Tart version - cranberries, cherries, raisins 

Fresh out of the oven

Don't forget about my Brooks EZ T Giveaway {HERE} 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

{will run for margaritas} on Facebook

Hi Friends!

I have a new Facebook page 
{will run for margaritas}

I apologize for the confusion but I was having some issues with my old page.

If you liked {I RUN LIKE A GIRL} - please do me a favor and like {will run for margaritas} instead.

And since I'm such a pain, I'm offering goodies to "likes" # 50, 100, 200
even more reason to like {will run for margaritas} on Facebook!

Don't forget about my Brooks EZ T Giveaway {HERE}

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Brooks EZ T {Giveaway}

I {pretty much} love everything about Brooks - their shoes, their shorts, their EZ Run T’s.

And, I {love} to RUN.

Brooks + RUN = perfect shirt
{for someone who loves to run}

The EZ T is super soft, semi-fitted and perfect for running, or running to the store. Don't tell anyone, but I have 8 EZ Run T's (different versions/styles, of course) - I think I'm addicted

In honor of my love for running and for my readers, I'm hosting an EZ Run T Giveaway

To enter you have to follow of my blog.

To win (please leave a comment for each):

• "Like" {will run for margaritas} on Facebook (my "fan page") - leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page - extra points if you link to {will run for margaritas} - leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter - I just entered the @run4margaritas Brooks EZ Run T giveaway www.willrunformargaritas.com - leave a comment

The EZ Run Giveaway will run {no pun intended} until noon EST on Friday, August 12 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

Monday, August 1, 2011

An {after} NUUN Surprise

Check out our new team logo

{isn’t it just awesome}

Well, this is awesome, too...

Nuun is offering 25% off all products on the website {woot, woot!}

Enter the code afternuundelight at checkout for:
25% off
Expires September 30, 2011

I'm stocking up on Strawberry Lemonade and Citrus Fruit!

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WILL RUN FOR MARGARITAS

About Me

{will run for margaritas}

I've been running my whole life (no joke - my mom ran all 9 months of pregnancy). Running is something that I have loved forever - from my 1st track meet at the age of 6 to running the Army 10 Miler at 25. I love it so much that I went to college on a track scholarship, where I ran the 400m hurdles and the 400m. Now, with college track behind me, I am able to focus on distance running and Olympic distance triathlons. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do – plus, I need to do something to burn the margarita calories!

View my complete profile

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Hood to Coast Relay Team

Followers

Blog Archive

• ▼  2011 (93)
  • ►  October (4)
  • ►  September (8)
  • ▼  August (18)
    • Hood to Coast 2011 {some favorites}
    • Things are about to get {really} personal
    • 10, 22, 34
    • For the love of water & nuun {giveaway}
    • {Volunteer} for Dominion Trail Mix
    • Picky Bars {Winner}
    • What should I pack for Hood to Coast?
    • Head for the {up} Hills
    • Brooks EZ T {Winner}
    • Simple Summer Salad {Green Bean & Celery Salad}
    • What is nuun?
    • Want to run {Marine Corps Marathon}?
    • Picky Bars for Picky Eaters {Giveaway}
    • Rock 'n' Roll Marathon {DC Edition}
    • Homemade Granola
    • {will run for margaritas} on Facebook
    • Brooks EZ T {Giveaway}
    • An {after} NUUN Surprise
  • ►  July (15)
  • ►  June (15)
  • ►  May (15)
  • ►  April (7)
  • ►  March (3)
  • ►  February (2)
  • ►  January (6)

• ►  2010 (8)
  • ►  December (1)
  • ►  November (5)
  • ►  January (2)

• ►  2009 (47)
  • ►  December (2)
  • ►  November (2)
  • ►  October (5)
  • ►  September (6)
  • ►  August (6)
  • ►  July (6)
  • ►  June (10)
  • ►  May (8)
  • ►  April (2)

 

Finished product - Homemade {tart} Granola