In July, BJ and I are married {three} years.  In August, I turn {three-zero}.

And…in October, baby makes {three}.  We couldn’t be more thrilled about our the newest runner in our family – we finally have enough people for a triathlon relay {wink}

Guess I’ll be drinking virgin margaritas for awhile!

5 months pregnant

When I visited my sister Lindsey in Panama, we could buy pineapples for $0.75 – talk about fueling a pineapple addiction!  We also experimented with a Pineapple Coconut Smoothie that will rival any $12 Pina Colada.  This smoothie is healthy, packed with nutrition, and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients (serves 2)
2 cups Pineapple
1/2 Frozen Banana
1 cup Light Coconut Milk*
2 tbsp Shredded Coconut
1 tbsp Flax Seed (optional)
1 tbsp Chia Seed (optional)
Ice

Directions
Add ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.  Top with shredded coconut.

Note: Light Coconut Milk can be substituted with Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Non-Fat Milk or Water.

Enjoy!

For more recipes and margaritas, follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

Name

Location: William B. Umstead State Park (located in Wake County between Raleigh and Durham)

Distance:  34 miles of trails

Why I love this run: Umstead is an oasis and a runner’s paradise hidden in the middle of the busy Triangle district of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With several entrances to this park around the city, you can escape into this natural playground. Umstead State Park offers 34 miles of trails through the nearly 6,000 acres. There is are so many trails that one could get lost – but don’t worry, you won’t. Well maybe… but just in your own run: your thoughts and the beauty of the sprawling park. Inside this park you have your pick of paved greenways, loose gravel, bridle paths, and single track trails. If you are not up for taking the trails alone or just want to meet some more runner buddies, there are several meet up groups with a vast range of skill levels/meeting times that regularly meet throughout the park.  Outside of running, this park offers camp grounds, mountain biking trails, camping, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and canoeing, a small beach and recreational area, and even a few hidden BMX biking ramps. If you are in the triangle area for a visit or are a local, I highly recommend you give Umstead State Park’s trails a try.  For more information (and to ensure you won’t get lost), check out a map of the park: http://www.umsteadcoalition.org/trailmap.htm

Have a {rave run} you want others to know about?  Send an email to: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

BJ – a man all about protein – was skeptical about this all-vegetable meal but even he was pleasantly surprised with the {flavorful} outcome.  My vegetable lettuce wraps are quick, healthy, and delicious!

Ingredients
Boston Bibb Lettuce (6-8 leafs)
Cabbage (I used red & green)
Radish
Red Onion
Mung Bean Sprouts
Carrots
Avocado
Pickled Cucumbers (homemade with Red Wine Vinegar)
Basil
Cilantro
Salt & Pepper

{Semi-Homemade} Peanut Lime Sauce
1 tbsp Peanut Sauce (in the Ethnic Food section)
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Honey
Juice from 1 Lime

Directions
Chop/julienne all vegetables and set aside in separate bowls.  To pickle cucumbers, cut cucumbers to desired sizes and cover with red wine vinegar and salt/pepper.  Once ready, assemble lettuce wraps; I prefer: lettuce, cabbage/carrots, radish, red onion, mung beans, avocado, basil/cilantro, and finally, peanut lime sauce.

Enjoy!

For more recipes and margaritas, follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

Since January, I’ve logged more than 70 hours gettin’ down with my dog and into more poses than I ever thought possible.  My biggest accomplishment has been learning how to, and then, perfecting my headstand (in just 14 days)!

I’m a huge fan of heated yoga, typically found in Vinyasa Flow (80-95 degrees), and the occasional HOT yoga class, traditional for Bikram Yoga (105+ degrees).  For me, Vinyasa is the perfect combination of heat and time on the mat (1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes); anything over 1 hour 15 minutes and I start to lose interest.

More than anything, I feel confident that yoga is a great addition to my running and training plan.  The benefit of yoga for runners goes beyond stretching; yoga improves flexibility, strength, and recovery.  As a runner, my muscles are tight from…well, running.  Yoga helps loosen and lengthen muscles, and reverses muscle tightness caused by preforming a repetitive movement (running).  Ultimately, yoga improves alignment of the muscles and bones so that the body can function more efficiently.

{namaste}

If you’re local to the DC/VA area, check out my favorite studios:

Mind the Mat
Locations: Arlington (Clarendon) and Del Rey (Alexandria)
Classes: All (Hot, Heated, Vinyasa, Athletes, Beginner, Prenatal, Pilates, etc.)
Cost: $20 (single class), $15 (discounted class); memberships available

Tranquil Space
Locations: Arlington (VA Square) and Dupont Circle
Classes: All (Yoga 1, 2, 3, Open Flow, On-the-go, Prenatal, etc.)
Cost: $19 (single class), $15 (on-the-go); memberships available
*Through April, Tranquil Space (Arlington) is offering a complimentary class on Tuesday’s at 4pm, in conjunction with Lululemon Clarendon

Supernova Bikram
Location: Arlington (Ballston)
Classes: Bikram
Cost: $20 (single session); memberships available

Do you do yoga?

For more fitness and margaritas, follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
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Name:

Age:  45

Location:  Reston, VA

Years Running:  32 years

Favorite race distance:  5K

PRs:  1500M: 5:27, Mile: 5:48, 5K: 19:12, 10K: 42:00

How did you get into running?  Too small for football my freshman year of HS, so I joined he cross country team!

How many marathons have you run?  Zero!  I’m a middle distance runner

Do you cross train or lift weights:  Yes, I lift weights 2-3 times/week

How do you find/make time to train:  Work from home, so that is a huge advantage.  Trade running times with my wife on weekends.  Three kids under the age of ten makes it challenging!

Favorite place to run:  Hawaii.  Spent last four years going there two times a year for the Reserves.  Love the loop around Diamond Head along Kahala Road and the ocean road back to Waikiki.

Favorite/most memorable race:  5K in Diamond Head in January, 2011.  Overall 5K winner, with the last mile straight uphill.  Won hand-carved koa wood bowl as prize!

Favorite pre-race meal:  Coffee, toast and banana

Favorite post-race food:  Chocolate milk

Favorite quote:  “Run like you just stole something.”

Favorite running shoe:  Brooks PureFlows for training and Brooks T7s for racing.

Best running advice:  “God, Gold and Glory.”  (Three things to run for)

Running accomplishment I’m most proud of:  Getting selected into the Brooks ID program in 2009.  Not a day goes by that I’m not humbled by fellow Brooks ID members and their running accomplishments.

What races are you currently training for?  Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon in DC on 3/16/13

Have an Athlete Bio nomination?  Send me an email at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

I knew BJ would like this soup, but I wasn’t expecting the (overwhelming, positive) response I received from my little sister. It was almost like my soup was the best meal she had ever eaten. (A compliment I don’t take lightly) She’s with my parents this week, and wants my mom to make it for her…again. Katie – this one’s for you! xo

Ingredients
3 medium Russet Potatoes, cut into small pieces
1 bunch of Kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 cans Cannellini Beans
1 Onion, diced
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 cups Chicken Broth
1-2 cups of Water (optional)
2 cloves Garlic
1 Bay Leaf
Italian Seasoning
Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper
Optional: Gruyere Cheese for topping

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; cook and stir the onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and water; stir in the potatoes, S&P, Italian Seasoning, and Bay Leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Add the cannellini beans, kale, and simmer, for 30 more minutes. Optional: grate Gruyere cheese and top each bowl of soup with a helping of cheese.

Enjoy!

For more margaritas & recipes, follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

A little over a month ago, I posted a review on Revolve (you can read it here), and it sparked some interest/conversations on Twitter.  I started tweeting with DC Bloggers that I were new to me – and before I knew it, we were suggesting the idea of a blogger meet-up, possibly at Revolve.  Thankfully, Revolve was in on the Twitter fun and agreed to host us – for the first-ever Blogger ride!

I’m already a Revolve-lover and frequent rider, so this class was an added (and fun) bonus for me!  You can read more about my love for Revolve here, but I’ll leave you with a few reasons why you should try it: it’s easy to get to (okay, it’s literally across the street for me) but if you have to drive, there’s free parking and Clarendon Metro is just 2 block away, the classes are dynamic and designed to make you sweat, and the instructors are bad-ass topnotch.  Revolve was one of my favorite finds in 2012.

Okay, back to the ride…

The 45-minute Body Ride was led by Francina (who happens to live in the same building as me).  Francina is a spin instructor, Zumba instructor, and lawyer – seriously, I have no idea how she does it all! I’m a mid-morning rider so I’ve never taken Francina’s class and I was excited to experience her class first-hand.  She did not disappoint!  The class was fun, energetic, hard, sweat, and the best part?  She encouraged us to sing out loud at various points throughout the class.  Yes, please.

Once the ride was over, I spent some time talking to people I “know” from the Internet but don’t really know in real life.  It’s amazing how a blog and twitter can bring together so many fitness & like-minded women.  It was really fun to experience first-hand.  Over the course of the ride, I had a chance to meet Ashley from Coffee, Cake, and Cardio, Colleen from Heart & Sole, Melissa from Well + Being (Washingtonian), and Jummy (well, she’s from ABC7News).

And if a cool, Revolve-hosted Body Ride wasn’t enough, V from Gouter was at the studio to offer post-ride recovery and snacks.  I’d never heard of/tried Gouter before this event, but I’m happy I know about their tonics now!  Gouter is hand-crafting raw, vegan and organic treats, tonics and cleanses in Washington DC.  My favorite was the Digest Tonic… maybe because it kind of reminded me of a (very) healthy margarita.

Mostly in DC at the moment (not great for me since I’m a VA lover), Gouter is trying to branch in VA, and specifically Arlington, for the first time.  (woot)  For more info, like Gouter on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heygouter

A huge thanks to Revolve for hosting the DC Bloggers for a night filled with sweat and meeting in real life.

Have you tried Revolve?  What’s you’re favorite ride?

Ever had Gouter?  What’s your favorite flavor?

For more margaritas, Revolve, and Gouter – check us out here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

twitter: @revolveDC
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Revolve

twitter: @heygouter
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heygouter

Most recently, Lindsey launched 4Love Clothing - a for-profit business that donates a portion of all proceeds to Sowing Seeds of Love.  What’s even cooler?  4Love employs the indigenous women (and their families) she’s already trying to help!  The dresses, skirts, shirts, and  headwraps that the women embellish are completely handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Parry Christmas Card – my mom, sisters, and I are wearing 4Love clothing

About the company: 4Love employs indigenous women of Panama (Ngobe Bugle Indians), where they receive fair-trade wages. These women make one-of-a-kind, handmade embellishments to dresses, skirts, tanks and head wraps that are inspired by their traditional dress – the nagua. By purchasing products you creating stable employment for women and helping to educate women and children in a developing country.

4Love Story:
4Love was born out of a heart-wrenching book that would forever change the course of my life – “Half the Sky” by Kristoff and WuDunn. With each page that I read, I knew I wanted to find a way to empower women. I wanted to give women a greater voice so they can make decisions that benefit them and their family. I wanted to give them an opportunity to learn how to read, to learn how to write and give them the feeling of self-worth! According to the Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky”; women are the solution to breaking the cycle of poverty – not the problem – and I want to play a role in this growing revolution. ~ Lindsey Parry (Founder)

4Love Collection:
*La Falda Panama -Maxi Skirt with Custom Indigenous Nagua – skirt can be converted to a tea-length strapless dress {Available colors: black, gray, or khaki} Price $118
*The Panama Maxi Dress with Custom Indigenous Nagua {Available color: Black only 2 in stock, size large} Price $134
*Amor Racer Back Tank with Custom Indigenous Nagua {Available colors: Black, White, Coral Blue} Price $68
*Handmade Braided Love Wraps (can be worn in your hair, around your wrist or neck; Estefani modeling the one to the right) $8 each or 3 for $20

For more info:
To check out the 4Love Clothing collection, visit www.4Loveclothing.com

And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/4loveclothing

A few months back, my sister met Danielle – she was a Sowing Seeds of Love volunteer – and then my (peanut/nut butter) life changed.

Danielle is the creator of NuttZo.  When Danielle and her husband adopted 2 boys from the Ukraine that were vitamin deficient, she became focused on preparing creative, flavorful, super-nutritious foods for them.  NuttZo is one of her favorite creations!

If you like nuts, seeds, and vitamins, you’re going to love Nuttzo (and the experience will be life-changing).  NuttZo is an Omega 3 powerhouse of nutrition blended into a delectable butter.  Everything is organic, but without sacrificing taste. NuttZo comes in three different flavors and can be found at Whole Foods (across the US), or for my VA locals, you can purchase NuttZo at Whole Foods or Mom’ Organic Market.

Blue : peanuts, flax, hazelnut, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds
Red (peanut-free): chia, flax, hazelnut, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds
Brown (chocolate): dark chocolate, peanuts, flax, hazelnut, cashews, Almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds

A few of my favorite recipes:

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie
1 banana
2 tbsp NuttZo (any flavor you want)
1/2 c Almond Milk
1/2 c Water
1 tbsp Chia
1 tbsp Flax Seed
Ice

Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.  Enjoy!

No bake: Oatmeal & Nut Butter balls
2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
3/4 cup NuttZo (either blue or red)
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Coconut Flakes
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Optional: chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (you can warm up the NuttZo in the microwave to make it easier to work with).  Mix well with a spoon, and then mix together with your hands.  Put mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to slightly harden and form together.  Remove from refrigerator and use hands to create oatmeal & nut butter balls.

Wanna stay connected? Check out {will run for margaritas} and NuttZo on our other social media platforms

• Follow NuttZo on Twitter
• Check out NuttZo‘s blog
• Like {will run for margaritas} on Facebook
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Nuttzo’s project is Project Left Behind (.org) – love for all cildern who are left to grow up in orphanages throughtout the world. 1% off all Nuttzo’s profits go to Project Left Behind.