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!!   

 

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!!

 

We're Going Streaking -- The Rundown on Days 17 & 18

It's THURSDAY!?  Where has the week gone?  Time is certainly flying and we have both completed Day 18 of The Streak!  It's Sister M reporting to give all you loyal readers the rundown for days 17 and 18 of our running adventures!

Day 17 was a VERY long day for me.  I had a lot going on and pushed my run to the very last minute.  I am talking like 11:15 p.m. last minute.  In all honesty, it ALMOST did not get done... I knew how disappointed I would be if I let that happen, so I knew I had to get out the door for one mile.  I had no excuses and I certainly did not want to let myself or Sister V down. 

This was one of the most ill-prepared runs I have EVER participated in.  Let me go ahead and break this down for you:

• First and foremost, I was EXHAUSTED.  Long story short:  I totaled my vehicle the night before so I spent the day dealing with impound, the DMV, insurance, etc.
• It was 11:15 p.m. and there was a tornado warning (or talk of one) and thunderstorm warning in place for our area
• It was raining.
• I was too lazy to dig clean socks out of the laundry basket, so I ran sockless.
• I was too lazy to dig a headband out of the laundry, so I didn't pull my bangs back (yes, I know I need to put laundry away).
• The only sports bra I could find was a Victoria's Secret PINK yoga sports bra.  It is very cute, but offers ZERO support (I NEED support). The rest were in the washer... Or in the laundry baskets and we all know I wasn't digging through them.

Everything added up to what should have been a bad run.  Overall, it really wasn't.  It was less than 8 minutes of my life and it was OVER!  And I was STILL in the game! Yeah, baby!! I was in bed before midnight, I slept like a rock and the streak was alive!

(The pic of me is pre-run. I didn't look as happy or pretty once I was done.  I looked like a drowned rat)

Day 18 (today) has been great compared to yesterday.  I still pushed my run to the end of the day and didn't get out the door for my run until 10:15 p.m.  The weather was cool and calm and it felt wonderful to get outside.  I got a solid three miles in.  It was fast and sweaty!  I just ran from my house around the hospital grounds across the street.  Smooth sailing this evening, folks!  And my first mile was under 7 minutes!! 

 (I tried to get a picture of the cool fountain they have on the hospital grounds, but it didn't work too well!! Use your imagination, people!!)

I am so, so proud of Sister V and myself for keeping up with this streak!  It is going to feel awesome when we are done and I have a feeling a couple martinis will be consumed in celebration!! I am looking forward to tomorrow (Day 19) because V and I will be hitting the pavement together and getting an early morning run in!  Can't wait to see my sis!!  Stay tuned to see how we did!

 Hey all! V here. Well, my Day 17 & 18 were opposite sides of the coin for me for sure. I looooooved Day 17. I haaaaaaated Day 18. 

I got out early on Day 17 and decided to run past some of my favorite scenic spots in and around Perrysburg. My city is fairly historic (Fort Meigs from the Battle of 1812 is here, and it's named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who won the Battle of Lake Erie -- "Don't Give Up The Ship," remember that from history class?) and its location on the Maumee River affords many great views. 

River view from the Perrysburg/Maumee bridge, right at the spot that Lucas and Wood counties meet.

View from the aptly named Riverview Park

 I ran down to the bridge, circled back and said hi to the Commodore, and then cruised back toward home. I wanted to slow it down a bit for this run, as the past couple of days have been speedy for me. I accomplished this goal and said good-bye to the run portion of Day 17 and hello to the eight-hour, sitting at a desk work portion of Day 17. 

The dashing Mr. Perry. 

 I developed some foot pain while at work, and was forced to go shoeless to try to alleviate it. I got home, whined to Coach B, iced, applied Tylenol cream, whined to Coach B, and went to bed hoping it would be better in the morning for Day 18. After some stretching and whining, I decided that Day 18 would just be a one mile test run to see if I was injured and how injured I might be. 

The treadmill seemed the best idea for a one-mile test run, so I could keep it soft. 

I kept it slow and decided that running actually felt better than walking did. I also decided that I was going to wear only supportive shoes from here on out. I don't want to irritate my metatarsals any further and risk having to ditch the streak. M and I are planning to hit the streets or trails tomorrow, and I want to be able to do some distance greater than a mile! 

In happy news: my One Run For Boston T-shirt arrived today! I am so excited to take part in this relay race. I believe that as of right now (June 14), a runner has the baton in Texas and is working his or her way east. Check out One Run For Boston for the latest updates. Also, USA Today did a great article on the relay. Check it out! 

Representing Ohio in Stage 237!!! 

I hope to have a happier run report for Day 19. I finally get to run with my sis again, so no matter what it'll be a good time. 

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

We're Going Streaking -- Day 14 and Feeling Fine & Day 15's No-Motivation Monday

Happy Monday, all!  What a wonderful weekend it was!  Mine was busy from start to finish and I am sure V's was too.  Jammed packed full of runs, fun and wonderful weather... You haven't heard from us since Saturday due to that exact reason.  By the time Sunday night rolled around, V and I decided it was critical we take a rest day from the blog.  We were both exhausted!

Our last streak update was brought to you on Day 13.  So let's pick up right where we left off... 

Sunday, Day 14 was amazing.  I woke up early and decided to get a long run in.  The sky was overcast and the temps were mild.  I decided I was going to run from my house to International Park, which is located along the water and directly across the river from downtown Toledo.  The route to get there isn't so pretty, but once you are on the towpath leading down to the docks, it is wonderful.  This last weekend at International Park they had The Wall - American Veteran's Traveling Tribute.  It is a replica of the wall in Washington, D.C. that lists the names of all of the fallen military men and women during Vietnam.  It travels all over the U.S.  The next stop was St. Louis, Missouri.  Check out the site to see if it is coming to a city near you.  Definitely worth checking out. The Wall - Traveling Tribute

 (very emotional to see personal notes and items that had been left for some of the fallen soldiers ... to see some pictures set alongside the memorial really hit home)

While I was at the docks, a Marine asked me how far I had run to get to the memorial ... I am assuming me drenched in sweat, donning running shoes and a Garmin were a dead giveaway I had ran there.  I told him I had ran 4.5 miles there and he said "That's really cool!" My immediate response was "Yeah, felt good... But now I have to do it again!"  We both got a chuckle out of that.  Overall, the 9 miles felt good and I kept it right around a 8:10 pace the entire time.

Once my run was over, my family and I headed up to the Tigers game.  We got to witness game 3 of their sweep over the Cleveland Indians!! Go Tigers! Sorry, Sister V and Coach B (they are die-hard Tribe fans)! Sunday was definitely fun!

 (GO TIGERS!!)

Just as soon as the weekend got here, it was over.  Monday morning got here way too fast and let me say I was NOT excited about it.

 (I wanted NOTHING to do with this morning)

The alarm went off at 6:34 a.m. and I had full intention of getting up, ingesting coffee and gettin' my streak on... However, that is NOT what happened.  Instead I crept downstairs, sat on the couch and began reading the news on my phone.  Next thing you know, I was jolted awake, it is 8:15 and I am in an uncomfortable upright position with my phone in my hand.  There was no time to run at this point, so I had to push it to after work.

Running after work wasn't all that bad.  I really had ZERO motivation to do it, but I did get to round up the family and go to the YMCA, which was nice.  My husband actually joined me this evening which is EXTREMELY rare.  

(it is nice having the Y membership so everyone can go, if need be.  Josie really enjoys the kids area and the "teachers" they have in there... and Scott & I got to spend a little time together as well)

(first time he has used the Y pass in God knows how long... it's now or never though since he signed up for the half in Detroit!!)

We both did the eliptical, upper body strength training and just over a mile apiece on the treadmill.  It wasn't the most amazing run on earth.  My speed was good but I just wasn't feeling it.  I am VERY glad I kept the steak alive though and went to the gym.  Tonight was a "one and done" kind of night!  One mile that is!!

Sister V and I will be very honest with you!  Some days are far easier than others.  Today just was not a day full of "oomph" and it definitely lacked in the motivation category!! Tomorrow, however, is a new day and I am hoping that we both wake up renewed and excited for day 16!!

Some days, it's just a feat to get out the door...

Hey all! I'm so glad to be back home and plugged in with you all! Coach B and I had a great time camping in the Irish Hills and hanging with some friends we hadn't seen in awhile. I will say they aren't kidding when they say Irish HILLS. I did run both mornings I was there, though I got a later start on the second morning and just did one at the campground. 

I was feeling like I needed to run again, though, when I got home -- kind of like a "welcome home" to myself, and also because (and this might sound counterintuitive) I was really, really sore from the hours of sand volleyball that I had played earlier in the day. Running muscles are just not the same as sand volleyball muscles, though I'm not really sure there is such a thing as a "throwing yourself on the ground and digging out serves from the back row"  muscle. So, I got home, added my new #bostonstrong shoe medallions to my Virratas and I was out the door, just for 3 miles, I said. 

I felt just fantastic running at night -- I don't usually get to do that. So, I went and then before I knew it, I had done 4 miles. I thought, "that's good -- one more than I had thought I'd do. Yay me." And then, I happened to glance at my Nike+ and notice that I was 0.8 miles away from breaking 30 for the week. And so ... I had to go run another mile. Some people call these junk miles -- for me, they are OCD miles.  

Uhh, yeah. So that was a total of three runs on Sunday. Makes sense, right?

 And on Day 15, I woke up feeling like a truck had pretty much hit me. Wow -- that's a lot of upper body soreness to deal with! Lucky for me, my legs feel pretty good, but I'm like a giant bruise from the waist up. So, I really had to bargain with myself to get the heck on the treadmill and just pound out one measly mile. Seriously: It is about 8 or so minutes out of my day; I can do this. But fortunately for me, my jam came on: 

Damn you and your catchiness, Robin Thicke ... 

And so, it was off to the races. Or at least off for a mile. I tried experimenting with keeping my hair down, since I wasn't going to be running long. And I learned, nope: don't like that much. 

I wasn't much in the mood for it, but I didn't quit and the streak lives on. Like M said: Here's to hoping Day 16 finds us both in slightly better frames of mind! Hope your streaks are going strong too! This will be my mantra for Day 16: 

Happy running! Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. -- V. 

We're Going Streaking -- Day 13 Country Roads & Campgrounds

Well, V and I will officially hit our two week mark in the streak tomorrow!  Pretty remarkable for both of us!  I can't lie, there have been a couple days where it has been difficult to squeeze a run in or I just plain haven't wanted to, but I am always very happy (and proud of myself) once it's done!

This weekend is busy, busy for both of the Sole Sisters!  V is unplugged and camping for the weekend but was able to send me a quick collage to keep me updated and stay accountable.  Looks like she got a solid 5k in surrounded by nature!  Can't beat that!  I know the weather was perfect at home and where she currently is, so I am sure it felt good!  Great job, V! Can't wait for you to get back so we can catch up!

(not too fond of her staring at me like that... I may have to have a word or two with her)

My weekend is pretty busy as well.  I started it this morning with a run accompanied by fellow streaker Jodi Zeigler.  It was nice to catch up and run in her neck of the woods.  She lives in a rather rural area so it was wonderful to run and not get stuck at crosswalks and worry about city traffic!  We got a solid five miles in and Jodi said she needs to work on talking and running... She wasn't quite used to it and I think I gave her lungs a real workout today!

(those are her horses, dogs and goat you see in the above pic... I think the dogs wanted to join us, but I have a feeling they would have ran us instead of us running them!!)

After my run with Jodi, I headed into work for a brief work meeting and then hit up some local garage sales... I scored a pretty sweet set of colorful Tupperware in case any of you readers wondered.  Then it was off to lunch with a great friend of mine!  Mama Meg!  She always brightens my day and is just a great source of positivity!  I am a firm believer that real, strong women uplift each other.  It is why it is so important to surround yourself with like-minded people!

(lots of laughs and love at lunch today!)

After lunch, I had to pick up Sole Child Lu from a softball game and then it was time to head home and get ready for the sprint car races at Fremont Speedway!! A customer at work gave me the tickets so I thought I would give it a whirl! I had NEVER been to anything like it before, but it was a blast.  The kids LOVED it and we will definitely be back!  

We were joined by fellow streaker Allan Detrich, his wife Mary and their son Noah.  As you can see, the Sole Children has a fantastic time.  I was happy to catch up with Allan and Mary since we hadn't seen them in quite awhile.  Good thing we grabbed a bite to eat beforehand... Those races were no place to chat!  Super loud, but totally fun! And yes, the most important thing to little Jo was her grape sno-cone... Oh, to be three again.

Well, readers, runners and fellow streakers... Thanks for reading and we look forward to another fabulous run tomorrow in the sun!!

In the words of V-Money: Be kind to yourself.  Be kind to each other.

HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!! Plus: Gone Streaking -- The Day 9 Recap

 Happy National Running Day everyone! We're so excited to celebrate our national holiday with all of you in spirit when we hit the road today. The holiday poses a single fill-in-the blank phrase for us: "I RUN ____" making us consider just why it is we opt to lace up our shoes and go outside or hit the treadmill. Why DO we do this? For us Sole Sisters, we have a list as long as our arms (that doesn't necessarily mean V's list is shorter and M's is longer, mind you...), so it's hard to distill it to one pithy little phrase.  So today, we run for all the reasons we already know, and for the reasons we've yet to find out -- for the truths about ourselves and each other that will reveal themselves out on the wooded trails, the sweaty dreadmill treadmills, the open roads, the long stretches of beach sand, the hard mountain paths, and beyond. Thanks for being along for the journey, runner friends. Here's to hoping your path brings you peace and truth, health and happiness.

AND  we are happy to say ... THE STREAK IS STILL ALIVE! M picks up where we last left off:

OK, so V and I made the mutual decision last night to sleep instead of blog!  This was probably one of the BEST decisions she and I have made in awhile ... Well, aside from deciding on how we are going to celebrate National Donut Day (stay tuned).

Yesterday was Day 9 of our streak and we are right on track!  I must say, this is the FIRST time that either of us have ran this many days in a row!  It was another beautiful day here in the Midwest and we both took full advantage of what Mother Nature had to offer!

I was able to get another 5 miles in right around sunset at a 7:38 pace.  Like I said, the weather has been amazing, so I wanted to soak it in!

As you can see in my pic, I horsed around with the kids on the swing set!  Those rings are no joke... A few flips and holding myself upside down and my arms were feeling it.  V says I am like a big kid and I will agree 100%!!  Once I was inside, I pumped out some push-ups and sit-ups for good measure.  Overall, a fantastic workout!!

Lastly, I need to mention to all you readers that I am officially registered for the Detroit Free Press Marathon that takes place on October 20th of this year.  This will be my fourth year running this race and my goal is to PR.  Not that me registering for Detroit is a newsflash, but what I am about to tell you next definitely is... My husband, who half the time is unwilling to run a 5k unless I threaten him with violence, has decided to run the half-marathon course that Detroit offers!! I am beyond excited about this! He will have to be dedicated to a training program, but I have confidence he can do it! If anything, I know some seriously good blog material will stem from this!

Have a great day all and remember, today is National Running Day!  Get out there and get some miles in!!

 Hey all! V here. Yep, Day 9 was a good one for me as well. I had told Coach B that I'm just going to head out for 1 ... and he said "whatever; there's no way you're just going to run a mile." Well, isn't he just the wise one. It was a gorgeous day and so, no, there was no way just a mile would do, so I stretched it out to a 5k to take advantage of the cooler temps and brilliant sunshine. Sometimes you just have to run what you feel -- some days it's best to slow down or stop if you're hurt, and some days if you're feeling good you should *ahem, pardon ME Nike* just do it. You need to learn to read the signs as a runner.

And that's what the signs were telling me on Day 9. M and I will get to run Day 10 together during the National Running Day event in Sylvania, so we'll keep you posted on that as well. Plus ... big doings are being planned for National Donut Day on Friday. We'll keep you posted.

Plus: School is OUT for the summer! So, we hope to get our Sole Children involved in the running world as well. As you can see, my whole sole family is thrilled that school is out:

Celebratory dinner marking the end of school. I think everyone got a little stir crazy.

Have fun out there, everyone!!

Also: happy to report that the streak is still going strong for Sara near Cincy and Debbie in Delaware. We have a few more jumping on the streak too -- let us know how you're doing out there!
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. -- V