Change is a Good Thing -- Welcome Back

Wobble, wobble, wobble, WACK!! KaBLAM. POW!!! Stumble-tumble-roll, roll, roll. Owie owie owie OUCH! 

What was THAT, you ask? Well, that was me. Falling off the fitness wagon. I won't say I've been totally unhealthy, I haven't, but I have been slowly backsliding from where I think my potential fit level is. I've gained a little weight (no one would really notice but me), my fast doesn't come as easily, and I'm strong, but not as strong as I could be. Do you know what the awesome thing about this is, though? These are all things that are within my control, and I can choose to get back up to the level where I want to be. 

Summer really can be a tough time to train, with vacation time, kids being out of school, hotter days, and general fun things to do that pop up. Who'd rather do a long run than attend a family barbecue? Well, not this girl. This is one reason that I generally do not like fall marathons -- I just have such a hard time consistently training for them. Strange as it might sound, I'd much rather wake up early in January and knock out a 14 miler when it's 14 degrees out than run outside in the summer. 

This is in full view from my treadmill. Helps keep the mental meanies out of my way.

Falling off the wagon doesn't just have a physical effect on me -- it also wreaks havoc with my mental game. And even when I'm at my fittest, my biggest challenge is always shutting up the voices of self-doubt that can creep up on me during a run -- most especially during a race. These voices generally say, "Why are you doing this?" "This is stupid; you aren't really a runner." "Remember when you dropped out of that 800-meter race in high school? You're still not an athlete." "I can hear your heart beating. And, you just got passed. Ugh." And so on. If that's what I'm facing when I logically know I'm physically able to conquer anything, you can believe the chorus thrums louder when I start to skip workouts. 

Yes, Virginia, there really are fit girl problems. That sounds like fodder for another blog post. 

So, this is my rededication to running, my commit to fit. While our kids are over just part-time during the week, having them back in school provides more of a routine for me that I can take advantage of.  (Sidebar: I commend all of you caregivers who are working your healthy routines while doing parenting 100% of the time, day in, day out. You are my heroes and are setting a great example for your kids. Kudos.) Also, I had nothing to prepare for during the summer. There was no greater cause for me to be disciplined. Well, I am going to do at least a half in October, if not the full. I'm planning to register for the inaugural Northern Ohio marathon, which is Oct. 13 in Lake County, Ohio, home to the lovely family of Coach B. Lesson learned: Be working toward something. Set goals and don't meander aimlessly. Focus your energy, be it in the gym, on the road, at work. Know what you are working toward, otherwise you'll go in a circle and not upward. 

The swag for the Northern Ohio marathon includes a Brooks Essential half-zip pullover. I'm IN.  

As a springboard,  I'm somewhat crazily doing a half marathon this Saturday in Bowling Green. I'm not as prepared as I'd necessarily like to be, but M and I both agreed we're viewing this not so much as a "race" as it is a "run." :-) I passed the tests I'd set for myself to see if tackling this half was feasible. I wanted to run 5 on Tuesday, then 10 on Thursday. I did both of those, but on a treadmill. In air-conditioning. I'll rest Friday, and try to focus on miles and not time on Saturday morning. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. 

As far as the blog goes, I've got to be honest: The RW Streak challenge had me b-u-r-n-e-d out. The collages. The mileage. The entries ("I ran. I ran again. I ran alone. I ran with M. I ran, it hurt. I ran, it felt good.).  It just got to be too much. SO: I pledge to write once a week at minimum, on a thought-out topic. I'm not intending my portion of the blog to be a workout diary, but I'll include a little bit of what I'm up to, just to stay accountable. I know M is dedicated to her fitness and her running, and she's an Advocare rep now, too, so if you need the supplement hookup and other amazing products, she is your woman! Link to M's Advocare Site

M is so dedicated that even disgusting dive-bombing bugs wouldn't keep her from completing a muggy night run. I took the treadmill route. I'm a bug-fearing wuss. M is not. 

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, our email inbox is always open (solesisters2014@gmail.com) and we would love to hear from you and what you are up to, and what your goals are! Keep in touch!!! 

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

Guest Runner Post -- Coach B's Life-changing Moment

Sole Sister V plants one on the coach. 

Everybody has moments in their lives that shape their future, that define the person that they will become.
My moment came when I was 30 years old, sitting in an examination room, and watching my doctor read over some results a nurse had just handed her.
It’s never a good thing when your doctor looks at your test results and says, “Whoa.” My doctor actually said “Whoa.”
As in “Whoa, your cholesterol is 240.”
Cholesterol is natural. Everyone has it, and it’s necessary for cells to function properly in your body. The problems arise when there is too much of it in your bloodstream. And too much of it is a level above 200.
Basically, my doctor told me, I had the trifecta of bad cholesterol tests: my good cholesterol was low, my bad cholesterol was high, and my triglyceride levels, which should have been below 150, were well above 400.
What all this meant was that I was creating the perfect conditions for plaque to build up in my arteries and choke the blood supply, significantly raising my risk of a stroke or heart attack.
My mortality is not something that I handle well. My first thought was “Oh my gosh, I’m going to die.” My second thought was “Hell no, I’m not going to die.”
On that day, almost 15 years ago, Coach B was born. 

Turning for the homestretch at Churchill's Half Marathon.

Exercise isn’t the only solution for high cholesterol. Diet is equally important and, in some cases, statins need to be used to help the body lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. For years, I was on Lipitor, and I’m a believer in it. It did what it was advertised to do.
But, without a doubt, I know that running saved my life. The day after that doctor’s office visit, I stepped on a treadmill for the first time in years. I didn’t go far. I don’t remember exactly how far I could run, but I know it was probably only about a mile. It was the first mile of thousands and thousands that I have run since.

These are just some of the running shoes lurking in our closets.

I’ve run seven marathons and four half-marathons since stepping on that treadmill. Sometimes people ask me “Why.” I simply answer “Because I can.”
So many people tell me they can’t run because they are too overweight or their knees are too bad or they don’t have the time. Well, the simple truth is that yes, you can. You put one step in front of the other, and maybe tomorrow you go farther than today. You commit to changing your life. It doesn’t matter how fast you go or how far you go. The point is just that you go.
Each week I’m going to check in with some advice and training tips. Some days the topic might deal with getting started and living a healthier life, another day might tackle how to bring down your marathon PR.
I am a runner. Join me on my journey.

-- Coach B

The Dugger family runners.

“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who's actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who best knows at the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that this place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” - Teddy Roosevelt

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 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.

Race Report -- V's Try-a-Triathlon

And now, for something completely different ... That's how I was feeling as I stood in the parking lot-turned-transition area set up in front of the Francis Family YMCA at 7:10 a.m. ... barefoot, and in just my tri bikini with a shirt thrown over top. Skimpy is de rigeur for triathletes, I'm told, but most present had the sense to bring A) An extra pair of shoes or sandals to avoid traipsing shoeless on blacktop and, B) Some kind of cover-up. I was standing there feeling like I was in my nightshirt at some kind of athletic sleepaway camp. But hey, it was my first time, and this was going to be a fun learning experience. The crew from the Team Toledo triathlon club was fantastic, in that they were exceedingly friendly and approachable, funny during announcements, knowledgeable, and didn't laugh at me when I asked if I should have a towel in the pool area so I could dry off before going to the bike transition area. "Um, no, you shouldn't need one. You will just get on the bike and ride away wet," said the very nice TT member, in a very beautiful accent. Oh, yes. Of course that was what I would do. After all, this is the same sport where you can pee while on your very- to somewhat-expensive bike. Silly me.

#379, ready to go! (I think ...)

 Well, I set up the transition area, with Coach B's help. Bike -- racked and facing the start, with the saddle on top of the bar. Shoes and socks -- accessible. Towels -- yes. Helmet and sunglasses -- flipped upside down in the most ready-to-go fashion. Bike shorts -- well, shorts. Bike jersey -- no, but I do have a shirt. Race number and belt -- yes, ready to go, with emergency contact information inked on the flip side, just in case.

We get last-minute instructions from Ford of Team Toledo. We check the wall for our wave assignments (I'm Wave 3, yay. Not first; not last.).  We get ready to take the plunge -- for real.

l

I'm in there somewhere, Coach B assures me.

I take my place on the wall in front of my lane and get to know my lane mate. She professes to being somewhat of a lane hog, which I don't really mind, and I told her I generally hug the lane marker. We'll get along just fine. The second wave is all out, so we hop in the pool. There is a call for 30 seconds to go. Then, 10. ("What the hell happened to 20??," I think.) Then, "GO!" Yeah! I'm freestyling/overhand crawling/what have you, and I'm going really fast. I'm going TOO fast. I'm going against well-intentioned wisdom to remember to "not start out the swim too fast!" But, the adrenaline and excitement have combined to make me think I'm Missy the Missile, not Tori the Turtle. Around Lap 5, I feel the fear. I worry about my breath and start to feel that, "Gosh, it's hot in here. Isn't it hot in here? Hello? Anyone?" I hold my own in the crawl until Lap 9, when I kick it into a breaststroke, or at least my version of a breaststroke. I had lost track of my laps (I always do), and am THRILLED beyond belief to see the lane official lower the red "last one" sign into my lane. I turn and burn as much as possible, front crawling the final length. I scramble out of the pool to applause (they told us to cheer for each other; I wasn't doing anything spectacular, but I enjoyed the support) and run to transition, peeling off goggles and cap while trying not to slip!

Transition 1, or as I like to call it, the public dressing room.

Speed laces were awesome. Really made getting the shoes on fast.

So, I find my bike and dry off my feet. Struggle to get semidry feet into socks, struggle into the Lycra shorts over fairly wet bottoms, and slip my feet into my Sauconys, sans struggle because I bought a pair of elastic speed laces. I pull my shirt on, put my sunglasses in place, and strap on my helmet. Can't go ANYWHERE without the helmet. I lift my bike from the rack and run/walk to the bike start. Once I pass the  start line, I hop on and take a right out of the YMCA, embarking on the first of two "Bedford blocks" that will total eight miles. As Ford said at the beginners' clinic the previous day, the roads were going to be rough because, "This isn't Sylvania. Sorry." That made me laugh then, and keeps me aware of street conditions as I pedal down the rather rural roads. My first act on the bike, once I'm in a decent rhythm, is to reach back into my zippered pocket of my shorts and rustle around until I find *TA-DA* chewing gum. Oh, sweet relief. I pass cheerful, encouraging volunteers, and smile and say thanks to as many as I can. I mentally assess where the roadkill is to avoid breathing in the next time around. Feeling good, I increase my speed for the second lap and actually pass a couple of people. I finish the second "Bedford block" lap and bring it on in to the Y. 

Smiling, because the best part is coming up -- time to RUN.

I'm so happy to start the final leg -- the 2 mile run. I dismount at the transition line, run the bike back to my rack spot, and load the bike back up ... in the most awkward fashion possible. 

Uh, so just back it in here? You mean, make the bike go backwards and then somehow
get the saddle to rest on top of the bar?

Well, after a time of wrestling with it some, I finally park my bike in a stable position. Helmet comes off, race number is spun around to be in the front, and, in a last-minute decision, I decide to go sans shirt and just run in my tri bikini top. This proves to be a good move -- it is pretty warm. I take off and try to remember just where that run course starts. 

Oh, that's right. I'm supposed to run by the rehab place. I get my bearings and start my run. We run by the Dumpster (as Ford promised), and then turn left onto a lightly wooded, large-stone path. This feels great, but am actually glad it's just 2 miles. I pass a couple of people, circle the ball diamonds at Indian Creek Park, and loop back out onto the large-stone path. I say "mahalo" to fellow runners coming in for no discernible reason, and then I can hear cowbells and cheering, and charge for the finish. I have enough left to sprint (so I should have worked harder somewhere), so I tear it up and make my way to the inflatable "Finish" arch. 

Almost done!

I am medaled, watered, bagel'ed, banana'ed, and happy. I just basically "speed-dated" three sports in under an hour, and I really had a great time doing it, even when I thought I might be the last person out of the pool. The triathlon is definitely an event to be respected, no matter what the distances are. Thanks to Team Toledo (ahem, you are all now my teammates -- I hope you don't regret this...) and the Francis Family YMCA for a great first tri experience. I'm in. 

I eat triathlons for breakfast, ROARRR! Not really; I eat peanut butter bagels ...

Sunday's Stats: 

Victoria Dugger Wave 3

Bib #379 

250 yard Swim: 5:34

T1: 2:08

8 mile Bike: 29:17

T2: 1:03

2 mile Run: 16:15

12th overall/53 participants

6th overall woman/36 women

4th fastest run

13th fastest bike

25th in swim

T1  -- 22nd

T2 -- 23rd

Getting to Know You --- Q & A With The Sole Sisters

Hey everyone! One thing we Sole Sisters love to do is talk and talk, and talk some more, and get to know each other better. Lots of time spent on the road together really is conducive to getting to know someone. When you run together, you bond, and really, once you've seen each other sweat and spit and goodness knows what else, not much is off limits. So, short of taking you ALL out on a run with us (oooh, but wouldn't Sole Sister Group Runs be fun?), here's a quick Q & A to help you get to know us better. Feel free to submit your own questions too; we'll address them in a later post. 



1.  Why do you run?

V: I run to eat bleu cheese dressing. OK, no, not really. Well, that's not the only reason, I mean.  I run for a huge list of reasons, many of which I wrote down as part of an exercise to tamp down my anxiety levels before the Glass City Marathon this year. I believe that one of my major reasons for running is that it lets me set and reach seemingly infinite goals for myself. I feel like I can always try to go faster or further, or both. Running puts me to the test physically and mentally.

M: I run for various reasons.  Like Sole Sister V, I run so I can eat without guilt.  The main reason that I run, however, is because I love the way that it makes me feel both physically and mentally.  I also have two little girls at home and I think that it sets a wonderful example for them.  It shows that it's okay to sweat, be competitive, be athletic, and be proud of yourself when you are finished. 


2.  What running gear cannot you not run without?

V: If I go for a run and I don't have chewing gum, I am not a happy Sole Sister. I need gum. It keeps me from getting dry mouth and I think I probably do some kind of weird-yet-necessary OCD thing while chewing it and running. 

M: I am 100% on board with V on this answer.  Gum is a must have while running.  I also like to carry back up pieces with me if heading out on a long run or distance race.  If I need to give an original answer though, I will say my Garmin.  I love seeing my pace and distance.  Running "gadget-free" for me is kind of difficult. 


3.  Why do you wear a skirt while running?

V: Being a runner girl means that you are perceived as one tough chica, right? Well, I want to also be cute while I'm kicking asphalt. So, I like to wear a skirt when I hit the road, especially for races.


M: I don't always wear a skirt when I run.  When I do though, I feel pretty damn sexy.  Who says you can't be sporty and sexy?!  I also like passing guys in races when I am wearing one.  I like to believe it does something to their ego!! I think I need to go buy a couple more!

4.  What is your favorite race and running route/trail?

V: I loved running the 5 mile CIC Run/Walk for Humanity on Catawba Island a few years back. It is a great 5 mile course that gives you views of Lake Erie and the Catawba Island Club marina. Afterward, there were massages to be had, a huge luncheon, live music, and I even got a potted mum to take home. I don't know if it's like that every year, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The race this year is on Sunday, June 2, and benefits Ottawa County Habitat for Humanity.  CIC Run/Walk
My favorite running trail/route is probably a little harder to nail down. I will say my most used trail is the University Trail, part of the Toledo Metroparks system. Give me any path near water, though, and I'm happy to run it.

M: My favorite race, hands down, is the Detroit Free Press Marathon.  Crossing the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise and coming through the tunnel back into the United States is pretty amazing.
My favorite running trail/route is probably Sidecut Metropark in Maumee and I like Pearson Metropark just as much.

5.  Favorite running related quote?

V: "The difference between try and triumph is a little 'umph.'"
 

One that I like best is long and starts with "Running isn't a sport for pretty boys..."

M: "We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." -Kenji Miyazawa

"Pain is temporary.  Quitting lasts forever." -Lance Armstrong 

6.  What is your shoe preference?

V: It took me a long time to find my favorite shoe. Before this pair, I'd try a new brand and model every time. I'm in love with my Saucony Virratas, though.

M: Right now I am wearing the Mizuno Wave Cursoris.  I am in love with them.  They are light, flexible, with plenty of room in the forefoot but still supportive and very breathable. 

7.  Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?

V: Yes. Ritual: I eat the exact same breakfast for a week before my race (whole-wheat bagel thin with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey). And, my superstition is that I used to have a pair of lucky underwear that I wore at every race. They were green and red and gold-glitter striped Christmas briefs from Victoria's Secret. I've been racing since 2007, so they inevitably got old. So now, I carry a square cut from my lucky undies that I take with me into every race. I have like a dozen of them, in case I lose one.
 

Lucky underwear square. Don't leave home (on race day) without it.

M: I am a weirdo when it comes to pre-race rituals.  It starts as soon as I find out what my bib number is.  I keep adding up my bib number until it is a single digit (i.e. Cleveland's bib number is #3181 so, 3+1+8+1=13, then 1+3=4) I shoot for a 4 since it is my lucky number.  I lucked out at Glass City since my bib number was #1066 and now in Cleveland too!  Yay me!!  I guess a 2 or an 8 wouldn't be bad either... Since 2 goes into 4 and 4 goes into 8... Geez, see where my brain goes??!! 
Another thing I like to do is write down my favorite quotes on little slips of paper and put them in the hidden pockets of my shorts or skirt on race day.  By the time I am done, they are sweaty pieces of goo, but it makes me feel better carrying them with me!!
Oh, I also make 100% sure that I shave the morning of a race. I need to make sure I am aerodynamic!! 


8.  What kind of weather conditions do you prefer running in?

V: I love cold weather! I love any weather that doesn't involve a strong headwind.


M:  Hands down, cold weather.  I hate running in the heat.  In the summer time, if I don't get a run in before 7 a.m., you won't see me out until the sun goes down.  Direct sunlight and M are not best friends.

9.  How do you consume energy on long runs or races?  Shot Bloks, gels, Sport Beans?

V: I'll do a combination of GU gels (peanut butter, and tri-berry are my faves, with an occasional blueberry Roctane thrown in) and Clif Shot Bloks (chocolate covered cherry is so good).


M: I like the Powerade gels in tangerine flavor and I also like the GU Roctane gels.  The more caffeine, the better!! Yahoo!!

10.  Favorite and least favorite aspect of training for a race?

V: I love checking off my workouts on the training program calendar and visually watching my accomplishments build up. Least favorite aspect is that no one issues me a cleaning crew for my house during training.


M:  My favorite aspect of training is the buildup to the super long runs.  I love seeing an 18 or 20 mile run coming up.  I think it is because I know it is such an accomplishment in itself to complete such a lengthy training run and then to still have the actual marathon to look forward to... I don't know.  It is a brain game I play with myself.  I also like training with other people (mainly V, duh).
Least favorite aspect is carb loading.  It is fun at first, but it gets old after two days.  Training is also very time consuming and I have to cut out a lot of beer during training (boo!!).

11.  Bonus Question:  What is the funniest comment or question someone has said or asked you regarding your running?

V: I love when someone asks me, "Do you think you're going to win the marathon [or other distance]?" And of course I answer "no." And they seem genuinely surprised that I know I'm not going to win, but I still want to go out and run 26.2 miles. Must be a runner thing. 

M: V and I just had this discussion the other day... I love when you tell someone you are running a marathon and their response is "Oh, how long is that marathon?"  It cracks me up every time.  Or I like "What marathon are you running this weekend?"  Like I just go out and run one every weekend for fun!  I am seriously laughing as I type this...


Well, that's it for now! Let us know (in the comments section) if you have any questions for us!   

-- The Sole Sisters