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 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.

WE'RE GOING STREAKING!! Wanna come with us?

Wooooooooooo!!!! Streaking!!!!!! I feel so freeeeeeeee!!!!!!! 

OK, our mothers -- calm down. We're going RUN STREAKING, and seriously, it's not even as inappropriate as that sounds. 

The Sole Sisters are joining in the Runner's World 2013 Summer Challenge #RWRunStreak. This means that we will run at least one mile, every day, from Memorial Day through July 4.  That's THIRTY-NINE DAYS STRAIGHT of running.  

So, we will designate one mile, every day, that we will document in with photos and a quick bit of type as our Streaker Mile. It could be wacky. It could be weird. It could be inspiring. It could be tough. What it will be is a challenge that we are excited to embark upon. If you are streaking alongside us, let us know! We'll share your pictures too and give you a Sole Sister Streaker Shout-out. 

Runner's World also is encouraging streakers to share the (free) love by downloading #RWRunStreak badges and timeline covers for Facebook, and by checking in on the forum. We'll be doing both, and encourage you to do so as well. 

Have fun out there! Let us know how you're doing, and we'll do the same! 

-- The Sole Sisters

Here's a link to the RW streak forum
Here's a handy FAQ to figure out if streaking is right for you

And here is the #RWRunStreak badge and Facebook cover:

Picture This -- Thursday's Run with the Sole Sisters

Sole Sister V here -- how's your day? Mine started early by my standards, so I could meet up with Sole Sister M and we could hit the road together. I am a night owl -- I've been working nights for going on 13 years now, so sunrises and I don't always see eye to eye. But, I didn't want to miss a chance to run with my sista -- especially because this would be the last time we'd see each other before she leaves to run the Cleveland marathon (!!) --  so an early morning run was on tap.

So, this is what an early morning run looks like, from my perspective:

What the ...

Seriously: How do daysiders do this? 

Yaaaawn -- time to go run? 

But, there still needs to be adequate fuel for the day's activities ... 

Man can't live on peanut butter bagel thins with bananas alone, but I promise you I can come darn close.

OK: Garmin (check; already fully charged -- bonus), sunglasses (check), iPhone (check), chewing gum (check), kids are awake and getting ready for school (check), alarm clock is set for dear husband to make sure the kids get out the door (check),  car keys ... car keys ... CAR KEYS?? (oh, there they are. Check). Let's go. 

Yeah! Out the door!

And at Sole Sister M's! 

Really, it was a beautiful day to run in Northwest Ohio. So much better to be up early in the cooler air, rather than sweating it out alongside aromatic roadkill later in the day.

M kicks it into high gear. 

And five fast-ish paced miles later, we are no worse for the wear (better, in fact). 

Sole Sisters M & V, all smiles ... all right, morning person: Where is my coffee? 

This just bears out that for most of us ... 

And then after some much needed coffee and laughs (and a fish funeral -- sorry, Lucy), it was time for me to drive home, and say good-bye and thank you to some cherished friends. 

Thank you, Saucony Virratas. You've done your duty well and will be missed (but my knees are rejoicing). 

And then, I went to sleep. Because I work at night. And I was tired, despite the coffee. But running with my friend in the morning is so worth it! 

Be kind to each other. Be kind to yourself. -- V. Thursday's stats:
Distance:  5.06 mi
Time: 39:44
Avg Pace:  7:51 min/mi
Calories:     473 C

On the Road -- V's Wednesday Run, or The Run Where I Nearly Lost My Sh**, er Stuff.

Not every run is great. Factors in the universe sometimes conspire to send your best intentions and best efforts through the wringer. This can include stuff that's out of your control, like hot weather, cold weather, wet weather, windy weather, and even not-windy weather. This also can include stuff that is within your control, such as making poor nutrition choices for the day (or three) prior to your run, an ingrained resistance to properly cooling down and stretching on a regular basis, faulty or worn-out equipment, and (my fave) a lack of proper sleep. Sometimes, on those magical days, you are smacked with the fallout from factors you both can and cannot control. Welcome to my Wednesday run.

It's amazing what the first mile in any run will reveal to you. My first few steps revealed that

1. I like to sleep in too much. Waking up and running at 12:45 on an 83 degree day doesn't even look good on paper. 
2. My Saucony Virratas are very, very near their point of retirement. I love these shoes -- I really do -- but my kneecaps are starting to get kind of pissed at them. I'm fast approaching 250 miles, and this is my first experience with zero-drop, minimalist shoes. It's been great so far, with just a few nagging ouches, but I soon will need to bronze these shoes and put them on the mantel. 
3. I had to poop. Let me say right now that I am quite proud that it took four whole blog posts before either I or Sole Sister M mentioned poop. But, we've now reached the point of no return. We're runners. We occasionally will talk about poop. Actually, I believe that as an adult who runs, you'll never be more concerned about poop, unless you are potty training a toddler. Hello? Are you still there? Oh, OK, good.

So, there is your scene setter: I'm tired, it's hot (and humid), my knees are mad at me though I look fab in these Sauconys, and I'm experiencing the beginnings of certain abdominal distress that could basically end my run in an heartbeat. Everybody poops, yes, but hopefully not on the side of the road.

 

Um, yes. It was a bit humid On the Road today.

 
And, this falls under "factor you can control." My stomach was in the preconcert warmup to a grand borborygmic chorus (thanks, Mr. Sole Sister M), and it was all my fault. Nutritionally speaking, I've been a bad, bad girl (thanks, Fiona Apple), and the apparent purpose of this run was to teach me to make better choices. "But you made all those meals, ahead of time," I hear you say. Well, yes. Yes, I did. And then, I visited my Mom and Aunt. And ate McD's on the way there. And had delicious Gorgonzola cheese drizzled with local honey over tiny toasts. And a couple of cookies. And white sangria. And a glass of pinot noir (just one!). And kettle corn. And pumpernickel and onion pretzel sticks with whole-grain mustard. And leftover Chinese shrimp with vegetables (I'm thrifty; it had to be eaten). And a strawberry margarita. And tortilla chips with salsa. And one more strawberry margarita. And a whole fruit ice pop. And another one. (And one more.) And then I stopped eating, because it was time for bed. 

So, it's no wonder that the first few steps were very troubling, intestinally speaking. It's a hard lesson, but one that I will remember. And, no one is perfect. It is using my courage to share with you all the bad things I ate and letting you know, it's OK really. We'll get up and run another day and it will be fantastic. Bad or less-than-ideal runs can teach you things and also help you better appreciate the days when things go well. Some days, you'll catch your toe and trip over everything, even after your running partner says, "Whatever you do, don't trip." (For the record, this always happens to me. Please, if you are a kind-hearted soul and see me at a race, don't say this to me. Perhaps tell me, "I hope you fall and break your face. I might just sprout wings and fly instead...) Some days, you'll know that the sweat you taste on your skin is from last night's margarita. Some days, you'll nearly gag over the Hello (dead) Kitty roadkill that's been baking in the sun for hours since you got out on the road so late (Sole Sister tip: GO OUT EARLY WHILE THE ROADKILL IS STILL REFRIGERATED).

Holy OMG. What WAS that animal?

What you need to remember is the rule of  Dead Last Finish. Math friends, you'll recognize it as: DLF>DNF>DNS
"Dead Last Finish (DLF) is greater than Did Not Finish (DNF), which trumps Did Not Start (DNS)." ilovetorun.org
Always take pride in knowing that you started. You got out there, even if you nearly blew chunks or pooped. And if you don't start, you don't get to see things like this, out on the road. 

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve shelter and pond

Sun-dappled path at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

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

Wednesday's stats:
Distance:  4.51 mi
Time:  39:47
Avg Pace:  8:49 min/mi
Calories:     528 C
Time 39:47