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.

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 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

A Week of The Streak -- Day 7

Hey all! M here and happy to announce that Day 7 is complete. V and I (along with a few other fabulous readers) are kicking some serious streaking booty!!

After a weekend in Hocking Hills that consisted of a lot of junk food and beer (along with zip-lining, hiking, cave exploring and swimming), I was happy to get home and get a serious run in.   A run that wasn't 98% hills and out of the rain...

I got a solid five miler in with negative splits.  Started at a 7:56 pace and brought it down to a 7:09 for the final mile, which averaged out to a 7:28 pace overall.  I killed it!  I also need to mention that I stopped my Garmin at the end of my street and the Rocky theme song came on my iPod.  I felt it necessary to shadow-box my way home.  I sure hope no one was on their porch and witnessed that...

Also, after closer examination of my Mizunos, I decided I need a new pair.  After two full marathons and some serious training, my shoes are shot!! Time to visit my local running stores to see what I'll be hitting the streets in next!

Finally, a special shout out to reader and friend Allan Detrich who is taking the Streak to the next level and is attempting at least a one mile run every day throughout the summer!  Get it Allan!  You rock!

Hey everybody! Yep, I'm faithfully streaking along too. Made Day 7 all about speed. Great day for it -- low 70s, no humidity in our area. I headed up for a couple of mile repeats at Woodland Park. Jogged a miler warm-up, then it was down to business. I got the first one in at 6:18 pace, then took a brief walk/water/stretch break. I thought the second one might go better because I'd have fewer distractions -- my iPod armband came loose during the first mile and I had to fiddle with it. If anyone has a good armband for more slender-armed runners, PLEASE let me know! Mile 2 still wasn't as good as the first -- 6:23 -- but I'm happy that I completed a second mile. Nowhere to go from here but down -- my time, that is. 

I've got to give kudos to fellow runner and streaker Debbie Wilkinson-Kincaid for logging her fastest mile ever during the streak! Great job Debbie! Also, Sara Dailey has broken three personal records during her streak. You ladies rock. If I'm missing anyone, let me know!!  

Thanks for being our pals!  

LET'S HEAD FOR THE HILLS! STREAKING: DAY 6

Hey all, V here. I've heard adage that "teamwork makes the dream work," and having been part of some pretty uplifting and supportive teams over the years, I believe it. One thing about running, though, is that while you can surround yourself with the best people and coaches and teammates ever, it is up to Y-O-U to get the job done. No one will train or run the race for you -- your legs and your legs alone will carry you over the finish line (unless you are into the tradition of Finnish Wife Carrying, in which case enjoy the bumpy ride).

No, thanks. I'll run. 

In my case, I think it's going to be speed work and hill work makes the dream work. Day 6 of The Streak provided me with the opportunity to test out my hill skills. I was looking for a shorter run, but still wanted to exert myself, so adding in hill sprint repeats seemed to be the perfect fit.

Really: It's a hill. 

I drove to a decent hill -- in the flatlands of northwest Ohio, you have to DRIVE to find a hill. It is important, really, to find a good hill -- not too steep, not too long. Be picky, like Goldilocks. If your hill is too steep, you're going to wear yourself out and won't be able to reap the benefits of the "repeat" part of hill repeats. I'm looking to gain speed, so on tap were some short hill repeats. This is intended to help strengthen all three types of muscle fiber (slow-twitch, intermediate, and fast-twitch muscle fiber) and makes you utilize a wider range of motion in the stride when charging up the hill. Because I'm just beginning, I did six reps up the hill, sprinting at about 90 percent of my max effort to the top. I walked down the hill to recover between each charge up. Eventually, I'm aiming to be able to do double these reps, a max of 12.

Keep moving. Don't stop. 

This is when I learned that the key word in "hill work" is "work." I can't honestly remember the last time, outside of being a kid, that I intentionally ran up a hill. The first two or three -- not bad, feeling pretty strong. The last couple -- OK, let's face it: I looked like Sisyphus with an invisible rock, straining to get to the top.

Ugh: Holy Hill Work. 

But: I did it. And next week, I'll do it some more, and maybe even feel better about it. Eventually, if I can find enough hills, I'll figure out some kind of hill circuit. And maybe, just maybe, I'll reap the rewards when I notice my 5K times rolling downward. Like I did. After I finished my hill repeats. Now that -- that was just plain fun.

Hill: Top right. 

While I was stuck in the flatlands for Day 6, M was having her own adventures off in the Hocking Hills, where she did NOT have to drive to find a point of elevation.  I'm happy to report the streak is still alive for her as well, even while vacationing. Nice job, sista.

M logged 3.07 miles at an 8:58 with a beginning runner friend in the rain and through the beauty of the Hocking Hills. Looking good, feeling good!!

We're Going Streaking! Day 5 -- Reunited, and It Feels So Good

Hey everyone! Sole Sister V, giving you the daily deets on The Streak. M has adventures this weekend, so this was the only time the two of us could team up to pound the pavement together.

Ready to run!!  

After a brief detour to pick up some birthday doughnuts (happy 11th Sole Child Lu!), I arrived at M's (early of course) and we started a leisurely trot toward Nature Trails Park in Northwood. 
A mile or so in, we noticed, dang, it's pretty hot out here. Way to welcome M back to the world of long runs -- this was her longest since the hot and sweaty, red-flagged Cleveland Marathon! Lookin' good though!  

M determinedly makes her way to the park.

 Nature Trails Park is a little gem! The one-mile loop winds through both woodland and prairie areas, and there are even workout and stretching stations set up every so often. We made our loop, said "hi" to friend Lisa who spotted us on the path, and then headed back for the 3-mile return trip. 

Great little park on Curtice Road. 

Shaky park pic because V was going supafast .. ok, not really. Be careful running and photographing, folks!

The pace was conversational, and yep, we pretty much yapped the whole time, which is really the best part about running with a partner, anyway. We can come up with all kinds of great collaborative ideas on the road. Hmmm, maybe instead of sitting in a giant conference room, world leaders should be forced to run a marathon together until they're so worn down they come up with a solution for the world's problems ... 

Diplomats should go toe to toe ...

We made it back safe and sound and sweaty, and celebrated over Gatorade and whole-wheat raspberry muffins (yum). 

Elvis the Kitchen Fish examines V's Gatorade. "What lives in THERE??"

 After M's Day 4 Usain Bolt impersonation, the slower pace of 8:29 was a welcome change, though the 7 miles overall and the heat did leave us a little Jell-o legged. And reminded us that we're going to need to get some more Body Glide (ouch).  
So that's it -- Day 5 and the streak is still alive! We'll catch up with you all later! 

-- The Sole Sisters

We're Going Streaking: Day Four Forecast -- Speed & Sun

Good evening readers and fellow runners!  Sole Sister M here to start off the report on Day Four of "THE STREAK"!!

I decided today at work that my run was going to be short and sweet.  Sister V and I are headed out tomorrow morning for a 7 miler, so I knew I wanted to keep tonight's run brief.  I didn't just want to head out the door and run though... I needed a challenge of some sort!  Hmmm... I've got it!! Let's see how fast I can run a mile!  In the three and a half years that I have been running, I have NEVER done this!

I got the girls to bed and geared up!! I knew my iPod was coming along tonight.  Music always seems to give me the added boost I need.  I headed outside, set the Garmin and I was off... The first half mile was done at a sub 6 minute pace.  Unfortunately, I lost steam after that.  I ended with a 6:21 pace overall.  My total run time tonight was two miles and I averaged a 7:16 pace. Keeping the streak alive, baby!!

I thought I would have run the mile a little bit faster than what I did.  I didn't throw up though, which leads me to believe that I could have pushed myself a little bit harder.  Even though it wasn't as fast as I expected, this was still MY FASTEST MILE EVER!  Something to be happy about either way!  Annnndd.... improving my mile time gives me something to work on.  I know V and I will have a blast doing some sprints and watching our times decrease!!

To celebrate my fastest mile as of yet, I decided to entertain all of you with a "selfie" of me posing like Usain Bolt.  You are welcome! 

Also, a special Sole Sister SHOUT OUT to Jodi Zeigler who began streaking along with us!  Glad you have you on board, hot mama!

And lastly, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sole Child Lucy who turned 11 today!!! Hope you enjoyed your day!

Hi everyone! V here. I decided to take advantage of the great weather for Day 4 and turn The Streak into a multisport adventure. Our region of northwest Ohio is looking at a stretch of rain coming up, so this could be the last shot at a decent bike/run/swim day for awhile. 

It's my experience that while working at night is definitely terrible for a traditional social life or for any hope of decent sleep before most races, it does have some distinct advantages. One solid perk is that I have my days free to go grocery shopping when most people are working. Can't say how much I enjoy this. But more relevant to this blog is that I have all kinds of daylight to burn, if I want to get up early and get moving. Because Day Four called for more than a run, I broke the news to Harry that I was leaving, wheeled my bike out around noon (OK, so I had slept in some), and headed the three miles it takes to get to the entrance to Sidecut Metropark that I use. 

Best bike ever. Love, love, love. 

"Thank goodness for shade," was my overwhelming thought when I arrived at Sidecut already sweating from the hot bike ride over. The trails in Sidecut wind along the Maumee, and the views can be just beautiful, with cottonwood seeds blowing (and sticking to your sweaty skin -- my arms were starting to look like cotton balls), ducks and geese swimming, and fisherpeople, well, fishing. I got three trail miles in, at a nice pace of 8:20.  

Adventure awaits! 

I traced my three mile bike route home and then -- time to swim! I tell you what, this Ohio girl just wanted to feel the sun soak into my bones after slogging through a long, cold winter. So I swam and swam, and swam some more. 

Look: I caught a Coach B!

I then laid out in the sun for awhile to try to even out the 12 different types of tan lines I get from the different attire required for running, biking, and swimming, plus the strap marks I get from my Garmin and the armband for my iPhone. Because, seriously, a farmer's tan has NOTHING on a multisport enthusiast's tan. I can end up looking like a combination of Dalmatian/zebra. I didn't realize just how MUCH sun I got until I got to work, and the red on my neck and back started to throb with my heartbeat ... 

Don't tell my dermatologist -- this early season burn will be our little secret, OK?  
So, learn from my mistake -- the sun is no joke! And it's no fun to try to run with a sunburn, so find a friend and slather on the SPF. 

The actual time spent running. I can't seem to go fewer than 3. I really intended to just get one in, but it was so nice at the park that I had to keep going. I hope I don't regret it once M and I go for 7 tomorrow! Stay tuned -- I'll probably be a crispy critter limping along, lol. 

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

We're Going Streaking! The View from Day Three

Hey all! Sole Sister V here, kicking off today's run report. For Day Three of The Streak, I kept my run local, and not as lengthy, clocking 3 miles around my hood in about 23:30.

I believe that runners see the world differently, in a variety of ways. When you're outside running, your point of view changes, literally, from what you would see from a moving car. In a car, you might miss something like the really nifty statues outside a cemetery, since you're zipping on by at 50 mph. On foot, you get to be up close and personal.

This is such a beauty! Two angels adorn the entrance to Saint Rose Cemetery.

In a car, you're also protected from construction site dust, but I digress (I forgot my sunglasses today -- whoa, mistake). You are also protected from floating cottonwood seeds -- I think I inhaled a couple on my run!

One thing that I also never noticed was just how darn SAD my dog looks when I leave to go for a run:

Poor puppy!

Oh, poor Harry! He's just not quite big enough to go for a run longer than a half mile or so with me, otherwise I'd take him out. In case you start feeling too sorry for him, just know that he's conversely as happy to see me when I return as he is sad when I leave. 

One thing I'll never get tired of seeing on foot is the beautiful blue sky and a path of gravel stretching out before me. How can you not feel great when this is part of your "to do" list? 

I'm so fortunate to have great paths to follow in one of our fair city's public parks.

Like I said, runners just see things differently, both literally and figuratively. I think runners by nature HAVE to be optimistic -- when you begin a race, you BELIEVE you are going to finish it. People who aren't optimistic won't even get to the starting line. I prefer to be that optimistic person who knows that with hard work and belief in myself, I will reach the finish line in whatever endeavor I undertake. Running does that for me, and it translates into many areas of life. On Day Three of The Streak, I'm grateful to have that realization reinforced.

  
M here!  Just to let all you fine readers know, my motto today was "I will run later."  Well, it got to be later and I still hadn't hit the streets!  A busy day at work led to a busy evening with the kids and before you know it, it was going on 11 p.m.  It was time to lace up. 

        (Not too thrilled about this run.  I could have just went to bed, but I knew I had to streak on!)

I just did a short 3 miler tonight at a 7:29 pace, which consisted of two loops around the main campus of a hospital that is located literally right across the street from me.  It is super well-lit with wonderfully maintained sidewalks.  When running at night, however, you have to take the proper precautions and wear the right gear that will prevent motorists from hitting you if you do decide to run on the road.

There is my reflective belt, my blinker light and reflective ankle cuffs.  All NATHAN brand.  Very reputable and I have had the blinker light for quite sometime and haven't had to change a battery yet.  I only wore my ankle cuffs tonight since I was running on a hospital campus.  I had to cross the street twice though, so I threw them on just to be on the safe side.

I didn't realize that my shoes were as reflective as they are until Sole Child Lucy took this pic of me.  I am chomping on gum here, so please pay no mind to my wonderful facial expression.  That Lucy sure knows how to capture a moment.

One last piece of gear I use regularly on night runs that include routes that are not well-lit, is my handy dandy headlight! I was unable to find it tonight.  I believe one of the kids took it and it is hidden in one of their rooms.  I really love the headlight.  It produces a great amount of light for oncoming traffic to see and for you, the runner, to be able to see where you are actually running!  It is great!  I didn't need it tonight.  I just wanted to post a funny snapshot of me wearing it!  

This is a pic from an early morning winter run. If you run a lot at night or very early mornings, I highly recommend picking one of these up.  It has various settings too.  It can blink slowly, strobe or stay steady.  The light pivots as well so you can point it to the ground or straight ahead of you.  It is VERY bright.  Definitely a must have!

One last surprise on my third day of streaking was walking in the door and seeing this:

No idea how my knuckle busted open and it doesn't hurt.  There was blood all over my shirt too!  I am pretty certain that I was running so fast that the wind just ripped my skin right open! (a girl can dream, right?)  All I know is that it was NOT a possum or raccoon attack.  Have no fear readers! I am rabies free!!

It goes without saying that I am glad that I got out there and Day 3 of The Streak is complete!  Sister M, over and out!


Last but not least, a Sole Sister Shoutout goes to V's friend Sara Dailey from Cincinnati who is streaking alongside us, back woes and all! Thanks for joining us, Sara! Hope you get to feeling tip-top soon. 

We're Going Streaking: Day Two

Good day, readers!  Sister M reporting this morning. I am happy to announce that we successfully completed Day 2 of "The Streak"!  I can confidently say that I believe Sister V and I are going to dominate this challenge!! It might get tough a couple weeks in, but we are two of the toughest, goal-oriented chicks I know!! We hope that you have joined in on the streaking fun too! 

Here is Day #2:

M:  My run was inside.  Yuck.  I am an outdoor runner 100% and totally jealous that V's run was in fresh air!  Sometimes having kids (one being under 4), being in a time crunch and wanting to work out other body parts will lead you to the gym.  Thankfully I live less than a mile from the YMCA!

(I am not throwing up peace signs at you, readers! I am signaling that it's Day 2 of THE STREAK)

 I am not a fan of the treadmill (a.k.a. dreadmill) AT ALL.  It makes me feel like a hamster.  I brought my iPod though, the Entertainment Channel was on the gym TV and there was some serious people watching to be done, so I was okay for three miles.  No one said you had to streak outside! Anything counts!

(not the most amazing run I have had, but it felt good to sweat... back outside today though, girls and boys) 

I had roughly 50 minutes to complete my workout yesterday. After I ran for 25, I forged on and did some serious ab work and also got a little arm work in as well!  SEE... Even when pressed for time, you CAN get some sort of workout it! No excuses!  I felt great afterward!!  

  (post workout and my awful attempt at winking... i seriously need to work on this)

I must admit though, that my favorite part of Day 2 did not involve running.  It involved getting dolled up with Sister V and headed out for a couple drinks and catching up!  Love that pretty lady!!

  (we aren't always covered in sweat and donned in running clothes.  we actually clean up well!)

  V: Aww, right back atcha, Sister M! xoxo

Clockwise from top left: a horse (it's not a cow); me (outstanding in someone's field), country road (what hill work?), me (and my shadow), RWRunStreak.

 
V: I'm completely lucky because my Day 2 coincided with my stepdaughter's horseback riding lesson day. We drove south of Bowling Green to her horse barn (just a couple of wrong turns, but we made it) and while she tacked up, I took off. 

Even though the Dropkick Murphys were blasting in my earbuds, I seem to have also been
channeling John Denver on these country roads.

I got to run actual country miles! Six of them, to be more precise, and it was just beautiful out there in northwest Ohio. I even saw two foxes running along the road and into a field (it may have been the same fox twice; I didn't really get close enough to ask). 

This run was also special because it marked the day that the Run4Good community reached 10,000 miles for the month of May, triggering the $10,000 donation to the Kenton County School District's effort to fight childhood obesity. Great job Run4Good!

And yes, while I loooooved my Day 2 run, it was great to catch up on things with M on our girls' night out! You know you're a runner when you get together for a run and talk about everything BUT running, and when you get together for a night out, you talk about NOTHING BUT running. Good times. 

Good luck with your streaking, if you're into it!! 

SOLE SISTER SHOUTOUT to V's friend Debbie in Delaware, Ohio, for streaking alongside us! Way to be, Debbie. Good luck and enjoy your streak!

-- The Sole Sisters

We're Going Streaking!!! -- Day One, Plus: PR WEEKEND!!

All right, everybody: THE STREAK IS ON! We're happy to report that we are both 1 for 1, and then some. The Runner's World 2013 Summer Challenge #RWRunStreak (heretofore referred as "The Streak") kicked off Monday, May 27, and the Sole Sisters took on the 35th annual Kip Boulis Memorial Day 5k in Perrysburg, Ohio. This race is in memory of Patrolman Kip E. Boulis of Perrysburg, who lost his life in 1976 when rescuing four Toledo boaters who had fallen overboard in the Maumee River. Patrolman Boulis was 29 at the time of his death and had served as a U.S. Marine. The money raised from this 5K benefits the Kip Boulis Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $67,000 to graduates pursuing higher education in law enforcement.

Pay no attention to the guy to V's left ... aw, go ahead and look -- that's our friend Colin.

V dedicated her Streaker Mile to the three generations of family on her husband's side who came to run in the 5k. Joining in were V's husband, Coach B; son Nick, and father-in-law Gary. This was the third time the generations of Duggers have run the same race. 

Coach B, Nick, Gary, and V.

V: So, my #RWRunStreak was the first mile, which I clocked in 6:40, which is exactly what I wanted to run it in. I intended Kip Boulis to be a PR race for me, as I've run it nearly every year since 2007. My slowest KB time was 25:12. I'm happy to report that I DID PR this race, logging at 21:59; a 7:05 pace. I was 4th in my age group, the 8th woman out of 119 women, and the 46th overall finisher out of 299. I'LL TAKE IT!! You never know who will show up at a given race, if they'll be a lot faster or slower than you, if there will be a lot of competition in your age group, etc. In my opinion, the very best thing you can do going into a race is to run YOUR race -- know what YOUR goal is, strive to meet it. If you meet your own goals you have set for yourself, any other accolade you may achieve along the way is just gravy. And speaking of gravy -- you GOTTA hear how THIS chica did (I am one proud Sole Sister, I have to say): 

Sole Sistah -- Mug Winnah! M & Lu.

Sole Sister M finished this race in record time: with a 21:17, third in age group,  FIFTH out of 119 women and 31 overall from a field of 299! Way to go! She got a *sweet* commemorative coffee mug for her efforts and the love and respect of her friends and competitors. :-) 

M: I had such a great time at the Kip Boulis! It started out as a beautiful day and thankfully the majority of the rain held off until after we finished the race.  I am so happy that we both PR'd at this race.  What an accomplishment for both of us.  I am so, SO lucky to have Sister V as my friend and motivator!  I wouldn't push myself as much as I did this weekend if it weren't for her!!


M's daughter Lucy came out to run, too, and finished strong!

Lucy is FLYING!!

Nick kicks it during the homestretch.

We're a couple of proud mama-types, too, for the kids logging a whole 5K!. And, we won't mention that the kids found a couch midrace and actually SAT DOWN for a little bit. So, this was like a Couch To 5k To Couch ... AHEM, Sole Children -- we'll be having a discussion about this!!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE ...

We did not just one, but TWO 5Ks this weekend. On Saturday, we took part in the Run for the Meadows 5K in Millbury, Ohio, to benefit Vail Meadows horse farm, which suffered a devastating fire. In March, a fire swept through one of the barns, killing 10 horses that were used in therapy programs for disabled children. Other barnyard friends were also killed, and the whole tragedy threw the therapeutic program off. The money raised from the 5K would be used to help rebuild the program. Vail Meadows Equestrian Center

Pictures of the animals who perished were on display at the 5K registration

V: I didn't know what to expect coming into this race, except that I wanted to help the Vail Meadows family rebuild after this fire. Gabby, my stepdaughter, has ridden horses since she was 9, and I've always admired the bond between horse and rider. I'm not going to lie -- I thought this course was TOUGH! I really appreciated the challenge. I'm a flat-road runner, and this course offered grass, stone paths, roads, and a (to me) remarkable hill! I ended up finishing in what was my PR at the time: 23:14, a 7:24 pace. I was third woman overall, second in age group. 

M was a beast, turning in a performance that saw her take second place overall in the women's division, first in age division, and her PR time (at the time) of 22:01!




M: Thanks for the kind words, V!  This race was great as well.  This cross-country course was totally unexpected.  Definitely thought we were headed into a road race... The grass, hills and gravel threw me for a loop.  Nice change of pace though and was surprised that we both got a PR at this one! Woo Hoo!!  Honestly, my only goal at this race was not to cry when seeing pictures of the horses or hearing about them.  What a tragic thing to happen.  I am glad I got to participate and it is heartwarming knowing that the community is really stepping up to help in their time of struggle!

Hair products -- not a laughing matter. At all. Stop smiling, M.

And here's the super cool thing: We won prizes! V earned two gift certificates to Mellow Twist ice cream and M got a slew of Biolage and Matrix hair care products. And like true sisters, we shared our bounty and split up the goods (Our Moms: You raised us right; we know how to share...). And Colin won this AWESOME HAT. Good on ya, Colin. 

Winners. This is how it's done, son.

V: And one last thought from me -- This 5K had the best post-race food spread I've seen in a long time. So varied, and so MUCH food. Homemade trail mix, fresh fruits, dozens and dozens of cookies, crackers, fruit snacks, string cheese, and so on and so forth. This was definitely put on by moms who have had the experience of having to "Bring Snack" to travel soccer, softball, equestrian team, and on and on. WELL DONE. THANK YOU.

M: Agreed! Mmm... That trail mix hit the spot!

Om nom. Nom nom nom. And more nom.