We Did It! Soaring Eagle Boy Scout Half Marathon recap

Hey all! Happy Labor Day weekend. V here from slightly sunny Toledo. M and I decided to celebrate Labor Day by, well, laboring. Aug. 31 brought the 5th annual Soaring Eagle Boy Scout Half Marathon in fast & flat Bowling Green, Ohio. Quite a ways back we had decided this would be one on our race calendar, and, despite not sticking to a specific training program, darn it if we weren't going to do this race. Which, after assessing the sometimes questionable nutrition choices and unquestionable beer consumption in which we've indulged this summer, we decided was not going to be so much a race as it would be a run. 

M is training for the Detroit Free Press marathon on Oct. 20 (her fourth running of it!) and  I'm in for the Northern Ohio Marathon on Oct. 13. We figured getting a 13.1 long run in (with a bunch of other people) would be a great springboard for our training. 

The Boy Scout half is one that M's done at least twice, if not three times before, and this was my first experience with the race run. I have to say even though the course meandered for about nine miles through nothing but cornfields and soybean patches, I quite enjoyed the run. Since we were using this for training, I employed my "Chatty Cathy Offense." I was determined to talk our way out of this run, just to keep our minds from veering into scary territory that might include thoughts of "hey, are we really prepared to do this" and "oh, gee, I haven't run this far outside since, let's see, APRIL." I was worried at first that M would be annoyed that I was doing this, since in a race situation we do NOT talk, but I know that if she was bugged, she'd feel free to tell me (in a loving way, of course). 

Pre-race faces. Just look confident, right? 

The hydration stations were plentiful and pleasantly staffed by volunteers young and not as young. I took water at every station, thirsty or not, to sip and dump on my back. The kids seeking high-fives were my favorites. That was another fun thing about making this a run, and not a race. If I'm racing, I'm not going to go out of my way to expend energy to slap five with someone. But, really, after seeing how excited some of these kids got, I'm going to revise that policy. It's fun to reach out and helps me express my gratitude for the people who volunteer their time to make it possible for us runners to get out there and do our thing. Who knows, for a young girl, a high-five from a bunch of runners could inspire a future Shalane Flanagan. And we need more Shalanes, lol. 

We sisters hung together until about mile 10. I started to feel the need for speed as soon as I put my earbuds in. I don't know what it is about "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel, but that song makes me move. Weird, right? Once I knew I had 10 miles in, I was able to relax and reel off the last three miles, with the last one being the fastest, at 7:52. I crossed at a clock time of 1:54.30 (chip times aren't available yet), and M was close on my heels to notch another sub-2 hour half for herself. She took home 1st in age group, and I was 3rd in mine (first race organized run as a 35 year old!). 

Medals & pint glasses for age-group winners. Can't go wrong. 

I'm so looking forward to getting deep with this marathon training, now that I feel more confident after this half. If you're looking for a good, well-organized, and fast and flat half, I recommend the Soaring Eagle Boy Scout half! Thanks for checking out the recap. 

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. -- V.  

The Rundown -- Thoughts on The 39-Day Streak

Hello all! V here again. Well, we did it. M and I made it through 39 days straight of running -- through heat, wind, rain, chill, on treadmills, separately, together, with a bear, through refinery fumes, one port-a-potty stop, one time after a margarita, early in the morning, sometimes at night, sometimes right before midnight, on vacations, through the woods, during 5K personal-best times, during legs-like-lead times, and even as part of a 3,000-mile cross country relay.

I'm reflecting on completing the 39 days, and I realize that there were positives and negatives to undertaking the endeavor. On the pro side, this was a great way to build up a solid mileage base. Obviously, it forced me to be consistent. I also am a lot better about just getting outside and getting a run done -- the streak made me cut back on procrastination in that I learned to be ALWAYS ready to run. My gear was always ready, and running every day helped ensure I didn't misplace the things I need to get out the door (headphones, gum, armband, shoes, socks, CLEAN running clothes). I can also take photos while "on the run," which I'm sure will be a valuable skill someday -- say if I'm being chased by a giraffe while on safari somewhere. I also am glad to have run so often because it gave me a chance to explore new areas in which to run, rather than just doing the same-old, same-old path. A new location definitely keeps me engaged while running.

Negatively, I didn't really have time to actually "work" on things I wanted to. Speed work and hill work pretty much went out the window because I didn't have adequate time to recover from them. Those are two key elements to getting faster in a 5K, and while my 5K time improved, it didn't go down by that much from the Memorial Day race (21:59) to the July 4 race (21:38). I'm not complaining about going deeper into the 21's though, mind you! It was also hard to deal with injury and soreness that arose. The metatarsal pain I experienced about midway through the streak finally did go away, but I really had to baby my foot and discontinue wearing any kind of heeled shoe (I still haven't worn heels since June 12) and I used a foot pad for a week or so. Not streaking might have fixed that sooner, but it did give me an opportunity to be more OK with running through pain. I learned that I have to maintain my muscles better between runs, as well. The Stick became my friend -- otherwise my calves were like rocks for the first 2 miles of every outing.

The summer run streak was a great learning experience, and I'm really glad to have taken it on and accomplished it. That being said, I'm really looking forward to my 14-week marathon training program, which has both massage and rest days built in! I'm also looking forward to NOT making a collage every. single. day. Thank you for bearing with us through this streak, and here's to more fun runs and interesting blog posts to share with you to come!

On Day 40, I rested with a whole-wheat English muffin, Biscoff spread (jars of it were given away at Day 39's Starr Spangled 5K,) and watched "Million Dollar Baby." I'm back on the run tomorrow!

I Am Out Running

Hi friends, V here.

I looked at the note that I had left for Coach B on the kitchen counter this morning:

"I am out running."

Pretty simple; it's a note I leave a lot. But then I looked at it again and thought, "yes, I am  out running."

I am outrunning my stress. I am outrunning poor health. I am outrunning negative body-image thoughts. I am outrunning headaches and heartbreaks. I am outrunning fears of inadequacies. I am outrunning my worries and hurries. I am outrunning things I can't change. I am outrunning poor future choices. I am out, running.

###

 I will say that the streak has been outrunning me, though! I promise we've both been faithfully logging the miles. M and I will be celebrating the streak's official end with a 5k race on the Fourth! Here's a recap, in collage form:

Day 31: Day after One Run For Boston relay. One quick mile before my tattoo session...

Day 32: Little over 5K, with right arm wrapped in Saran Wrap and an arm sleeve after tattoo session #2.

Day 33: M and I ran at Pearson, I topped 1,000K on Nike+, and we saw a bear.

Day 34: One mile on Wabash Cannonball Trail, then biking with Coach B.

Checking out Perrysburg history on Day 35.

Day 36: July is chilly; only 66 degress, but great running weather!

Great run for Day 37: Like cruising through a mist tent at Lollapalooza.

Can't believe that this 39-day endeavor is coming to an end! Now the question is do we continue, or do we rest ...?

Have a great holiday! Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other.   -- V

One Run For Boston -- The Sole Sisters Run to Remember

On June 25, the Sole Sisters and Coach B took part in an EPIC event, the One Run For Boston relay. This 3,300 mile event started June 6  in Venice Beach, Calif., and ends June 30 at the Boston Marathon finish line. As of this writing, $70,000 has been raised by ORFB for the victims and families of victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

We left Perrysburg at 7 a.m. and headed down to our rendezvous point of Blacklick Woods Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. By tracking updates on Facebook and the One Run For Boston Web site, we knew the relay was stated to be 50 minutes behind schedule, so we were enjoying a leisurely drive south ... until we realized that there was an error in the stage timing. The organizers had built in too much time for the stage ahead of us, giving about 2 hours for Todd Wells to run 10.5 miles. That meant, at our current driving speed, we would have arrived about 30 minutes after the runner had been waiting for us at the park. I thought I was going to pass out in the van -- so much careful planning thrown out the window. Organizer Kate Treleavan then called my phone and told me to not panic; she would ring Todd and let him know we may be delayed. Well, who can panic when hearing such a beautiful British accent? As luck (and a heavy right foot, courtesy of M) would have it, we made it just fine, before Todd arrived. 

 We met up with Officer Jeff Triplett of the Reynoldsburg Police Department. The police graciously offered to escort us during the 7.5 miles through the city and to the next relay point in Etna. He was fantastic in every aspect, even carrying M's keys in the saddlebag of his Harley-Davidson (which is a super-sweet ride, I must say). 

V, Officer Triplett, and M pose before the relay leg.

 Todd Wells brought in the GPS-tracking baton (whose name is Miles), and we posed for some quick pics before heading out. 

V,  M, and Coach B take Miles from Todd Wells, who completed a hot and fast 10.5 miles.

The day was hot and the shade was non-existent. Officer Triplett trailed us during the run, speeding ahead to stop traffic at intersections and assuring our safe passage. The temperature index soared into the 90s, and you could see the heat shimmering on the pavement. 

Our route covered a 7-mile incline, which I'm glad I didn't realize before we started. There were no remarkable landmarks, barring a creepy pet cemetery and the headquarters for the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the State Fire Marshal, so we had plenty of time to think about why we were out there. 

A neat mural in Reynoldsburg, taken while on the run.

The miles ticked by, and before we knew it, Etna and High Point Park were in sight. M and I cranked it up a notch to make the last mile an 8:30, with a strong kick to Sam Ridenour, who was taking the next 10-mile leg. 

We caught our breath, made introductions, gratefully accepted water from the Reynoldsburg Police Department, posed for pictures with local media, and made the exchange. Sam set off, and our role in moving Miles closer to Boston was over.   

Our time with Miles came to and end, and we handed off to Sam Ridenour.

 We run to remember. We run to heal. We run to support those who are hurting. We run to recover. We run to show solidarity. We run to show we are not afraid. We run because we are strong. We run because we can and now others cannot. We run because we are Boston Strong, America Strong, World Strong, Human Being Strong. 

Note that I say "we run" not "I run." Though running is at its very core a solitary pursuit, the community of runners is vast and diverse, and when stitched together for a common cause this community proves a fabric so strong that not even men with evil intent can fray it. 

We run with our legs at different speeds, but a same runners' spirit can be found beating in each of our hearts, regardless of how our pace, PR, and preferred distance vary. This intangible spirit, this hard-to-define, but easy-to-recognize quality is part of what unites us as runners. It's that feeling you get when you 'just know' someone is a fellow runner. No matter what a runner's individual journey is, we've all had the same hard-to-take first steps; difficult, gut-wrenching runs (take that as literally as you'd like), triumphant, 'I could have run forever' finishes; and heart-breaking  'just missed it' endings. It doesn't matter if you are 12-minute trotter or a sub-5 dasher -- somewhere along the way these things have happened to you. And it's partly that shared experience that binds us together into this sense of community, even if you don't know the person running next to you from Eve.

That's why, for me, even though I was not in Boston when the bombings happened, I felt shaken to my core upon hearing the news, knowing that I could easily put myself in the shoes of those who were present. I think anyone who runs or who supports a runner would tell you they feel the same way. That's why I knew I had to do what I could to support those affected by the tragedy by running the One Run For Boston cross-country relay. The truth is, though, while I was helping provide aid by donating and taking part, this experience also helped me heal further as well. ORFB provided a way for a community of like-minded runners to connect via the relay's Web site and through Facebook and Twitter. Not only were routes planned and pick-up and drop-off times confirmed, but friendships were forged as well. We got to know each other, hear each others' stories, learn why we were running, have a few laughs about pairs of tiny red running shorts, declare each other to be badasses when deserved, and even set up some open calls for ORFB alumni to come visit each other whenever we find ourselves in the city of a fellow runner (if only the relay had passed through Hawaii...).

Yes, bombs went off, but those bombers did not accomplish what they truly intended. We do not live in fear. We are stronger and more connected than ever. We are united as a running community, and I actually think we are nicer and more willing to reach out and help each other. Maybe ironically, their legacy will not be one of mere destruction. Rather, this act of violence has served as a catalyst to unite us, amplifying the runners' spirit that beats within all of our hearts. The heart that beats within all of us is turning tragedy into triumph. The pace of that beat is everyone's personal best. 

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other.  -- V. 

We're STILL streaking -- The View from 22 & 23

Wow, where IS the time going? I can't believe we are posting about days 22 and 23 of the streak right  now. I must confess, I am slightly looking forward to a rest of my foot at some point, but I am still completely committed to seeing this streak through until the end! Coach B is worried the pain I'm having could turn chronic, but I am doing my best to pamper and heal it through the end of the streak

That being said, I will note right now that my worst impediment to success hasn't been a physical injury, but rather it's in my head. I long have struggled with the mental aspect of my sport - despite all of the things that I have accomplished so far as a runner, the hardest thing I have to deal with is believing that A). I CAN achieve the things I want, and B). I deserve to achieve the things I set out to accomplish. I know when I first revealed this to M, she kinda looked at me like she was surprised that I felt this way. Sometimes in life, you just need to fake it until you make it. So, I'll put on a brave face and forge ahead, despite the doubts I feel. 

Brave face. Nothing to see here. Not even a semi truck in the distance.

The cool thing about this, in a running situation, is that when you are out there in a pack running, no one knows that you might be nervous or scared -- heck, they could be feeling the same way you are, or they could actually be intimidated by your apparent imperviousness. The point here is that the body achieves what the mind believes. Training, for me at least, involves more than my muscles. It is an exercise on confidence and self awareness. I really do need to fire myself up and believe there are no obstacles that can hold me back.  With the right amount of dedication, there are no limits, unless I put them on myself. I choose to become a woman with no limits. I choose to achieve what I put my mind to. I choose to be mentally and physically strong at the same time.

Happiness is what you make it. Sometimes just seeing a reminder to be happy can make you happy! Found this little guy painted on the pavement during my 5 mile run.

Day 22 and 23 tested my resolve, to be sure. Day 22 started out well -- got back to the gym, lifted and felt great. I then immediately went for a 3.1 mile run right outside the gym into the Rossford neighborhoods while Coach B finished his workout. Well, this proved to me that I need to pay more attention to my nutrition and hydration, as I fought calf cramps for the majority of the run. It was frustrating, but I got through it, and paired with the kick-a$$ workout I had, I say it was a win.

Day 23 was much better weather-wise, so I headed out around noon with the intent of getting 5 miles in. I fought through foot pain for a mile, then that subsided and some calf cramps kicked in, lol. I worked on staying positive, and pressed ahead. By mile 2, things were where they should be, and I finished the 5 miles strong.

I stopped by Dave's Performance Footgear on my way home and picked up a metatarsal pad to put under the ball of my foot. Took it for a test mile at home, and it feels OK - kinda like a little pillow. Might be best for walking though!

M and I have a longer run planned for later -- here's to hoping to be mentally and physically strong to get it done!

###

Sister V amazes me... Not only with her physical abilities, but her resolve to finish what she has started despite any discomfort and negative thoughts.  Running, as the majority of you know, is not just a physical sport, but it is also mental.  Let's face it, we all have our days.  V and I have blogged about a couple of ours!!  There are days that you JUST DON'T WANT TO get out there... But once you do, boy oh boy, are you glad that you did.  There is never a run I have completed, that I have regretted.  That is the honest truth.  I have said time and time again that sometimes the hardest part of running is lacing your shoes up and getting out the door... Once you do that, generally it's smooth sailing.

Day 22 was amazing for me.  I had pre-run ice cream (probably not the smartest idea) and got a solid three miler in.  It was a nice and easy three miles... No music and at night.  Just me and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement.  I intentionally slowed it down to an 8:15 pace.  Which is amazing to me because one year ago I never thought an 8:15 would have been "slowing it down."  It still amazes me what our bodies are capable of!!  

 (this is my Freddy Flex pose... not too bad!!)

Day 23 proved to be another amazing run.  A super quick three miler at sunset.  Aside from the mosquitoes post-run, it felt really good.  I had my iPod in and busted out the run with negative splits... The final mile was a 7:08.  BOOM!!  Both days were pretty uneventful.  They were the same route, just different attitudes and speed.  

The weather for both of these runs was OUTSTANDING... Actually, the weather overall here in NW Ohio has been great.  I know that I am probably jinxing it (sorry).  It could stay like this all summer and I would be a happy girl!!

Stay tuned for what's to come for the Sole Sisters!!

 

A Hairy Situation -- Runner Girl Problems

No matter how much you comb, brush or condition your hair, if you are a runner-girl you know that sweaty knots and tangles are an unavoidable nuisance in the game of running.  V and I both have relatively long locks and we know first hand what it's like to have tons of breakage from constant ponytails, headband use, pigtails, sweat and frequent combing and brushing.  It's NO fun and I am here to go over a variety of hairstyles that might work for you when running or post-run that may help you avoid the knots and breakage! 

(this is what I would look like if I were to try and run a brush through my hair after a run)

First up, the ponytail... You can call it old faithful if you would like.  It is the most simplistic of all hairstyles that runners use and it quite possibly the most effective for keeping the hair off your face.  There are a variety of elastics available at the local drugstore to accommodate the different hair types and thicknesses.  If you don't have bangs, you may not necessarily need a headband with your ponytail.  Just an elastic will do the trick and you'll be out the door!

(Plain, simple and effective.  The ponytail is as easy as it gets.)

(These are the ponytail holders that I use.  They come in a variety of colors and they hold my thick hair securely.)

Next up, the headband/ponytail combo.  This is the style I wear most since I have bangs that I am trying to grow out.  Not only do the headbands keep bangs or layers out of your face if a plain ponytail doesn't, they will help wick sweat from your noggin!  V wears headbands often as well, but hers are always sparkly and cute.  I think she likes making a fashion statement ... And trust me, we run in skirts, so a fashion statement of any kind is okay in my book!!

 (I prefer this thicker headband style since I have shorter bangs that need held in place.  V normally sports the skinny ones that will help keep any fly-aways out of your face.)

Bondiband headbands are hands-down my FAVORITE headband on the market!  They are sweat-wicking, wide, comfortable and super cute!  They are offered in a variety of solids and prints and on their website you can even customize them if you would like. Check them out at www.bondiband.com!!

I have also been informed by Sister V that the sparkly, fancy headbands that she makes such a fashion statement with are also made by Bondiband!!  She reminded me that she had to elbow women out of the way at the Glass City Marathon Expo in order to get them!! How on Earth did I forget that!?  I was first turned on to the Bondiband brand at the Detroit Marathon Expo and I have been obsessed with them since.  They are a superior product.  They are available at our local running stores and have also been available at every major race expo that I have been to.  They run anywhere from $5-$10 per band, dependent on which style you choose, but they are totally worth it.  Usually at the expos, they will run specials on price.  I like to stock up then!

Now onto braided pigtails.  This is a cute (men think they're sexy), effective way to keep your hair pulled back without having to worry about the knots that often happen from hair being in a sweat-soaked ponytail that has been flapping in the wind for an hour or so. The only issue with pigtails is that you have to be able to braid.  If you can't, let's hope you have a roommate, sibling, neighbor or spouse that is willing to help if you ever want to sport this style!!

The style shown above showcases pigtails that are french-braided, which they don't need to be.  I, for one, cannot french-braid my own hair.  I am able to split my hair evenly though and simply braid each side from the nape of my neck. I have tried braided pigtails myself and they would be effective for shorter runs, but since I have layers, some of the hair comes undone and ends up looking a little sloppy for my liking.  V can rock the pigtails without problems and looks darn good doing it (have you SEEN the Donut Dash post?!).  Her hair is one length though, which helps the braids stay looking a bit more polished.

The braided pigtail can also just be made into the braided ponytail if you choose to have a simpler, singular hairstyle and don't want the tangles that accompany the standard ponytail.  Just whip your hair up into a pony and braid it from the elastic on down and secure with another elastic.  This works especially well at preventing knots and tangles in sweaty hair if it is longer in length ... It won't whip around as much and will be easier to comb through post-run.

Next up, the hat/ponytail combo.  Personally, I don't like wearing a hat while running ... Or while doing anything really, unless I am at a baseball game. I do see a lot of women wearing them at races and they look spectacular and practical.  This allows them to keep their ponytails neatly in place or, if they have shorter hair, the hat holds it out of their face while shading them at the same time.  I get the practicality of it, it's just not more me.  Now they make these handy-dandy hats with little zippered pockets to store a key or another small item in.  How convenient!!  I think if I didn't like wearing sunglasses while running, I would give the hat a whirl.  For now, I will leave the hat-wearing to others!

  (I really do like the concept of the pocket on the hat.  Makes it very convenient for a key or ID! I just wish I liked wearing hats!)

Finally, we have one of my favorites. This hairstyle isn't necessarily for running or working out, but more for post-run or work out.  It is the messy bun.  You probably are wondering why I love the messy bun so much.  Well, let me tell you: I HATE washing my hair. It is a process and a waste of time. Wash, condition, towel dry, blow dry, straighten or curl, spray, blah, BLAH BLAH ... The messy bun allows me to go DAYS without washing my hair.  Yes, even after I sweat and run and run and sweat, I will NOT wash my hair.  That is how much I dislike it.  I own a teasing comb, dry shampoo, hairspray and elastics.  On no-wash days, these are essentials.  I can blow dry the sweat out of my hair, apply dry shampoo, tease it at the roots and pull it up into the grand-daddy of dirty hairstyles... BEHOLD!

Still cute and sexy with bedhead appeal, the messy bun is quite versatile.  To be honest, I can do this to my hair, apply makeup really well and I can look like a million bucks ... Or I can do my hair like this, stay in pajamas without makeup and look like a roll of nickels.  It is really what you do with the rest of yourself when you wear the messy bun that will determine which look you achieve.   Frankly, I just like it so much because it prevents me from having to wash my hair without having me look like a greasy-haired wild woman.  Thank you creator of the messy bun.  I love you.

I hope that some of these hairstyles and product suggestions will help some of you runner-girls out there!  Just be sure to deep condition and if you go through a training season and go on to complete a race, do yourself a favor ... Go get a trim at your favorite salon.  Your hair will thank you.  After a spring marathon training season, V and I were both due for a good trim!  Felt great to be able to run a brush through my hair without it getting stuck!  

(YIKES!)

We always think about what we put our bodies through when running and fail to think about what we are doing to our hair in the process!  Let's keep our luscious locks healthy, ladies!  No one wants a rat's nest on their head (well, unless you are purposely on day 3 of the messy bun)! Remember to comb, condition and trim when necessary!!



"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."  ~Kahlil Gibran

We're Going Streaking -- The Philosophy Behind Zero Mile and How Days 20 & 21 Shaped Up

Everything begins at Zero Mile. What is that, exactly? Zero Mile is the moment in life right before you decide to act and do something, anything. For runners, it's the intake of breath, the gaze at the path ahead, and the first step you take. It can be found at other times in life too: It's that instant when you decide to help someone in need, rather than rushing by and pretending you don't see the desperation in his or her eyes. It's the extra time you take with a child to turn a difficult time into a teachable moment rather than saying, "I'm too busy; I'll get back to her later." Zero Mile is that crystalline instance when remove the "in" from inaction. It is the moment where you move to act on your gut instinct. Zero Mile is the intersection of do or do not. It is where the path to your truth begins. It is a start line, decision time, a deadline, it's go time. It's where you begin to write your own story, your choose-your-adventure autobiography. Don't stand there like a deer in headlights when you reach your Zero Mile in life -- inaction is how you get run over. Engage, act, move, do -- Zero Mile challenges you to do more than merely exist. Don't leave this life without having lived it -- put a mile marker in front of you and begin your journey. 

Hi all! Sole Sister V here. That rumination came courtesy of Day 20, during a 5.15 mile run in Dearborn, Mich. Coach B and I were visiting some friends "up north" and were able to get a run in together that wound its way through the UM Dearborn campus, across the Rouge River, and onto a bike path by Historic Hines Park. I saw the zero mile sign around mile 3 or so, and it just got the wheels turning. I absolutely love it when what would be an ordinary run ends up revealing some remarkable truths to me. Coach B and I had a great, scenic run (after an initial wrong turn down M-12) and a fun visit during the weekend. 

Bridge over the Rouge River

Path through UM Dearborn campus.

We went out later with our friends and had a little of this:

Mmm: cookie blitz!

And a little of this:

I really only order martinis for the bleu cheese-stuffed olives, honest.

And maybe one more of these:

And so Day 21 looked like this:

Hey, the streak is still going strong, and we got to have a social life. I'll call that a win on the weekend. :)
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. -- V

Happy Monday everyone!  M here!  What a beautiful, outstanding weekend it was!  I got a couple of decent runs under my belt at two of our local metroparks all while getting some sun on my skin!  My runs this weekend were both a little longer.  Since I have quite a few things going on, I have been using my runs as time to clear my head.  Another reason I am so GRATEFUL to have the ability to get out there everyday!!  

Day 20 started off early... Too early.  I needed to get a run in before I headed to the car dealership to clean my van out -- yeah, the one that I wrecked.  I woke up about 6:15, brewed a pot of coffee, grabbed a granola bar and got a to-go cup of joe and headed out the door.  I arrived at Sidecut Metropark and got six miles in and arrived to the car dealership shortly after 8:00 a.m. covered in sweat, ready to clean "Black Betty" out.

I know that I look like I am smiling and happy in my picture... I am only happy because I got to hold my girl (her headlight, anyway) one last time.  I loved that van.  She put up with my shenanigans for 3 years and delivered us safely to many races and training runs.  She held many pairs of smelly running shoes and tons of sweat soaked clothing.  She proudly donned a 26.2 sticker that advised other drivers that I was slightly insane. She put up with my indecisive music choices and quarreling kids.  She was the best.  I even locked my keys inside of her once at a half-marathon and she just sat there and waited patiently until AAA arrived.  Now that is love.  I would like to take this opportunity to say rest in peace, Black Betty.  There will never be another "you".  Wow, that was rough... (wipes tear)

 (at impound she was referred to as tow #5403... the audacity of these people! don't they know she has a NAME!?)

Day 21 brought a much more positive run to me.  It started out with me sleeping in until roughly 9:15 a.m.  Anyone who knows me, knows I am usually up and at 'em WAY before 9:15!!  I made the kids and I some pancakes and got everyone into gear.  We had a few errands to run (i.e. getting Father's Day gifts because I had neglected to do that) and then I headed to Pearson Metropark and got another 6-miler in.  It was HOT.  Thank heavens that the trail there is mostly shaded.  The only thing that was bad was post-run... The vehicle I am driving right now has no air conditioning, so I was a sweaty mess heading out of that park!!  I went home, got cleaned up, hung out with the kids and then I treated myself to a solo trip to Maumee Bay State Park where I sat on the hood of the Jeep for a half hour and watched the sun descend.  It was very peaceful!

Here is to hoping that day 22 of The Streak is just as amazing as the last two were!  Thanks for reading friends, readers and fellow streakers!! Stay tuned! -M