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

You Take the Good, You Take the Bad: Catching up with the RW Summer Run Streak

Hey all, V here. Well, we've been VERY GOOD about keeping up with the streak. We've been NOT VERY GOOD in consistently writing about it! So, here is a SUPER CATCH-UP POST to let you know we're streakers, not slackers. When last we left you, we were embarking on Day 26 of the streak. Welcome to the first day of summer! This run reminded me about all the reasons why I LOOOOVEEE ... to run in cold temperatures and train for SPRING marathons, not FALL marathons.

When I get hot, I get crabby. And when I'm crabby, it's really difficult to fight the mental demons that can plague any run. What can I say: the heat frizzles my brain and really makes me dive into the well of self-doubt. Pair that with the crampiness that seems to be from streak-induced muscle stress, and it's just the recipe for a physical and mental meltdown. On days like this, I am happy to get THROUGH a run! So, bless the streak for keeping me out there, working hard, even though I'd rather be sitting eating grapes and being fanned by a giant palm frond.

But, being optimistic, I have to believe there is a good for every bad. The very next day, my run felt fantastic; better than it's been in awhile. Coach B, who unfairly bears the brunt of my road neuroses and crankiness but somehow loves me anyway, flat-out told me: "You need to rediscover why you love to run. You should slow it down, especially in the heat. Not every run is a race. Even world-class marathoners do their 'junk' miles at a 10 minute pace sometimes to recharge." 

Sidecut Metropark is a great place to recharge your running batteries.

 Well, I listened. Day 27 was a great run. I did slow down, I stayed in the shade when I could, and I worked on being a positive runner and only worrying about running a pace that made me feel good about what I was doing out there. I got 6 miles in total on a day that was in the 90-degree range and I reached the 600-mile mark on my Nike+. I felt strong and unstoppable, like I could accomplish anything: THAT feeling is what I love about running. While when things go wrong, I always look at what went wrong and list out the problems. I've decided that when things go RIGHT, I need to also list what was good about the experience, what led to it being good, that way I can try to replicate those things in hopes of having another good day. Every day is different, though; sometimes doing all the right things still doesn't elevate your run and sometimes you can have a great run even if you didn't expect to. But, it can't hurt to keep track of what works and what doesn't, on any given outing.

Day 27 was a breakthrough day for me. I reached 600 miles run while using my Nike+ tracker, I drew inspiration from having watched Shalane Flanagan's outstanding 10,000-meter run at the USATF championships (T.L.S. = Tough Like Shalane), and I slowed it down, stayed cool physically and mentally, and remembered why I love to run.

I was only intending to do about 5 miles. But then as soon as I sat down and saw my Nike+ data, I realized that I was only 0.4 miles away from notching mile 600. Apparently, I am an OCD runner, because I was off like a shot to get that milestone. 

With such a great Day 27, I was hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again on Day 28. Pretty close! I had to be up early to get ready for a late Father's Day family cookout, but took most of the steps I had for the Day 27 run (bagel thin, banana, Gatorade Prime energy chews, stretched the calves, rolled them with The Stick). I set a goal of 4.5 miles, which would get me to 30 for the week. The run was pretty solid! I had some calf crampiness because I didn't roll them out as long as I had the previous day, but lesson learned. Taking the time to do maintenance on my muscles is a MUST for me -- it's not the heat or lack of potassium or salt; I need to roll them. Glad to find the common denominator (as a mathphobe, I have to just assume I'm using that term correctly...).

Goal met! Got the run done early, and then had a great cookout with family.

 Day 29 was my "rest day" of just one mile. This is because Day 30 will be part of the One Run For Boston cross country relay. I am so excited AND nervous. As of this writing, the relay is about an HOUR behind. This means I'll have to adjust when we leave, and be in contact with the local P.D. to keep them updated on the progress. But, wow: What an opportunity. I promise to post about it sooner rather than later!

One treadmill mile while watching tape-delay of the U.S. Track and Field Championships, followed by some fresh blackberries. I picked up some pepper spray ("Making grown men cry since 1975") to carry with me to put my family's mind at ease when I run alone. Will be testing it with (not on) Sole Child Nick this week ...

One last thing before I go: I hope some of you were able to catch some of the USATF championships in Des Moines, Iowa, this past weekend. There were some outstanding performances turned in, and I was inspired just watching them. I was also thinking that there was no way in hell I'd ever be able to run that fast -- but then I realized that as long as I run MY race in a good headspace, I'm doing pretty well. Some of the athletes had great things to say following their events (when they weren't gasping for air during the interview -- come ON, reporters; give them a minute, wouldja??). One of my favorites came from Natasha Hastings: 

True dat. Thanks for hanging in there through this loooooong update. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. -- V.


Hey all!! Thanks for putting up with our (mainly mine) procrastination!  We are FAR FROM slackers but totally remaining true to our streaking and once again I will say that I am in disbelief that we have ran for 29 consecutive days!  The insanity of it!! 




You could definitely tell that Day 26 was the first day of summer.  Mother Nature made it known.  I think it may have been "her time" of the month because, yikes, it was HOTTT!  I was pressed for time on Friday and didn't get a chance to run outside, so it was off to the YMCA for me after work.  Just as well since I didn't feel like running in the sweltering heat.  This was my first run in my new Saucony Kinvara 4's.  They are super comfy!!

(I didn't really like the color scheme of them at first, but they are slowly growing on me.  They are SUPER bright!)

My treadmill run at the Y wasn't so bad, to be honest.  I got a good three miles in and then a great song came on my iPod, so I ended up with just over three and a half!  Not complaining!  

 (A little photo-bomb action from Sole Child Lucy as we waited in line for our tacos!)

Day 27 wasn't any better on the heat scale.  It was nasty and humid.  I didn't have much of a choice but to run during the hottest point of the day out at my mom's house (so she could watch the kids) where there is zero shade.  It was BRUTAL!!  I took her dog, Billy, with me for one mile... I don't think he could have handled much more than that, dropped him off and went for another two miles.  Let me tell you, I felt like I was running through cement.  That is how heavy and sluggish my legs felt.  I am totally with V on this one.  I HATE running in the heat.  Give me cold and snow any day to run in.  Okay, enough complaining...  I got a good three miles in despite the heat and felt good once it was done!!

(Just look at that handsome dog!  What a hunk!  My mom said if I said "heel", he wouldn't pull on the leash.  She lied.)

Yesterday, Day 28, was a great run.  It was hot (summer time, duh) and I ran in the middle of the day again.  This time I did the route that V refers to as the "Urban Jungle" route.  We just did it last week and it takes you through an old cemetery, past refineries, a loop through a local park and then back home.  It's a nice route to do early morning or afternoon.  I wouldn't quite feel safe doing this route in the evening... Little too scary for me.  Despite the heat, I managed to hold steady at an 8:20 pace.  

When I got home from my run, my friend Lisa had the kids out back with the garden hose hooked up to the slide on the swingset.  We like to call this the "Redneck Waterslide"  As you can see, we strategically place a tarp at the bottom, so your booty slides pretty dang fast when you come flying down.  The kids also decided to not only wet the tarp, but to add dish soap.  It was good, clean fun!

I can't believe this, but today is Day 29!  Holy cow!  That seems unreal to me.  Only ten days of this streak left!  Today I took it easy.  Had a long day at work and then did some car shopping (stay tuned).  By the time I got home, got a bite to eat and got myself situated, it was 10 p.m.  I knew I needed to take it easy since we have the One Run for Boston tomorrow.  I got an easy two miles in and I feel good!!

Good thing I got Day 29 out of the way when I did because it is currently pouring outside!  Hopefully it cools things down a bit!

Well folks, the next time you hear from us Sole Sisters will be after we have completed our leg of the cross country relay for Boston tomorrow!  Keep us in your thoughts in the morning hours! We hope to do you proud!  V and I cannot wait to share the experience with you all!!   

 

Streaking Solo and with a Friend -- There's Strength in Numbers on Day 24 & 25

Would you rather run alone or with others?  For me, it depends on the day.  I can assure you though that no matter what I am feeling, that when it comes to runs with Sister V, I would always much rather run with her than alone.  The conversations, the camaraderie, that extra push, the laughs ... Those don't happen when you run alone.  I am lucky enough to have forged a friendship that extends beyond girly gossip and your typical chick stuff.  I have a friendship that is based on common interests, goals, competitiveness, positivity, sweat, insecurities, lifting each other up, holding each other back (if needed), laughter, fears ... It's as real as it gets and I am lucky. 

When you run with someone, you get to know the REAL person that stands in front of you.  The nitty-gritty... When you train with someone, you can't hide who you really are. When you are on an 18 mile run and you hurt, want to stop, have to poop, feel dehydrated, are running positive splits and just don't think you can make it... You CAN'T fake that or hide it.  That is what I LOVE about my friendship with Sister V.  It's REAL.  We have learned so much about each other in the short time that we have known each other because when you train together, you are forced to get to know one another.  I couldn't have asked for a better training partner.  She is my sister!

(Love You Like A Sister)

Day 24 -- This was a post-work run and it was beautiful and sunny out.  I wanted to run immediately after work, but had a mishap in scheduling due to Josie (my youngest) peeing her pants at the library.  I had to run new shorts to her instead of heading to the park.  After delivering new shorts, I headed home, changed clothes and got out the door.  I was happy to be running before dark, so I couldn't complain about the minor hiccup in my plans.  I got a solid five miles in, with all miles under an 8 minute pace.  Aside from a semi turning into a parking lot in front of me, the run was awesome.  I even got honked at a couple of times.  I am sure it was the skirt!

I was super happy to have ran and gotten home before the sun set.  I got to throw some chicken on the grill and play with the kids for awhile.  It was nice.  I am definitely going to try and do this more often.  Night runs are fun and all, but going right after work was a nice treat.

###

Aww: Ditto, and L.Y.L.A.S. right back atcha, Sister M!  Let me say right now how lucky any of you out there would be to have such a partner in crime. Through the good and the bad of running, it is beyond awesome to know that you have a supportive companion who will have your back through both tough headwinds and gross roadkill downwinds, and will keep you laughing so hard that you actually get ab cramps while running. My half-sisters are a lot younger than me, and we grew up far away, so this sisterly bond forged through the miles is just a total gift to me, and I feel super lucky as well! You know you have a true friend when she not only doesn't complain when you've just GOT to stop at a port-a-john at mile 3.5 of a 6-mile run, but also is there waiting with a camera to catch your expression when you step out of it, too. But more about Day 25 later ... 

Day 24 was super-unbelievably-CRAZY busy for me. But, I'm never too busy to get in one measly mile, right? Coach B and I got up early (for us), deputized the Sole Children to start some mega-weed pulling (my general mantra this year has been "yard work is for suckas," so things where getting pretty junglelike out there), and then we joined them. Four huge lawn bags full of weeds later, I was an achy puppy, BUT had to go food shopping for (drumroll please) Sole Child Nick's 13th birthday party! Woot! Got back, decorated for a luau like a dervish, marinated the chicken, made fruit salad, husked corn, untinned the baked beans, chilled the Malibu Blue Hawaiian, downed a sugar-free Red Bull, cut kebob ingredients, soaked skewers, blah blah blah blah blah blah ... And then I laced up my Virratas and zoomed out the door for one mile before everyone arrived. And, saw everyone in a car heading toward my house about a quarter mile in, lol. So I waved and thought, "Well, see you in six minutes!" It was a great little bash, and we are now blessed with not one, but two teens in the house. You may see a bump in my weekly mileage. (JUST KIDDING! CALM DOWN, KIDS -- LOVE YOU BOTH.) 

That may very well be one of my most favorite pictures of Sole Child Nick.
And I swear, I only had ONE Blue Hawaiian, just don't ask about the size of the glass.

I woke up on Day 25 of the streak ready to rock it with M! We had thought about getting in a 10-mile run in,  but ended up scaling it back to about 6. Which was fine by me, as I 'm still working out some calf crampy issues -- the foot feels GREAT though. We explored some new concrete-jungle paths, breathed in some toulene fumes from the refineries ringing the area, saw some really neat old gravestones in a (new to us) cemetery, and even visited Navarre Park (I even explored its port-a-john -- there was a lot of food at the birthday luau, what can I say). 

Mmmmm: Fume-y.  This scene makes me hum "My City Was Gone" for some reason.

M runs this city.

And, two slightly demented runner chicks. 

The best part of Day 25, though, was finishing and getting to play with M's Sole Children! These are two great girls, and their friend, too. I think we were happy to have an excuse to use the swing set and also play with sidewalk chalk while drinking our post-run java.

Hey there, happy campers!  

Look out, girls! Mom's gonna get you both in one swing!

Whee! Thanks, Lu, for showing me how to do this!  

Love You Like A Sister

Chalk outlines, courtesy of Lu and Mia.

Fun, fun, fun summer  morning. It was like being a kid again, but with coffee. And then, we went off to our grown-up jobs, but kept a smile in our hearts for the rest of the day. :-) 

I hope that you all find that kind of joy doing what you love, too.

P.S. We are LESS THAN A WEEK from the One Run For Boston cross-country relay! I got a call from the Reynoldsburg Police Department that they want to support us, and are giving us a motorcycle escort during our 7.5 mile relay leg! How cool is that? We can't wait to document it and bring you the sights and sounds of this inspiring event.  

Hairy Situations - 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