One Run For Boston -- Why We're Running This Once-In-A-Lifetime Relay Event

In this uncertain world, there is one constant that you can count on this summer. You might be at a cookout, swimming, at work, watching a drive-in movie, or even sleeping. No matter what you are doing, at any time between now and June 30, you can stop and say to yourself, "Right now, at this very  minute, one of more than a thousand runners is making his or her way across the United States clutching a lighted torch that says 'One Run For Boston.' " 

The design concept of the baton, created by UK artist Jon Parlby, is based on a lily flower, representing a symbol of strength, hope, and solidarity for the One Run runners and Boston.

 On June 6, One Run For Boston, the first-ever cross-country relay, began near Los Angeles. The brainchild of three Brits, the nonstop relay is scheduled to conclude June 30 at the Boston Marathon finish line. The relay covers more than  3,000 miles and is raising money for those most affected by the April 15 bombings at the Boston Marathon. The relay spans 14 states, and runners from the United States and beyond are running day and night to get the baton to the finish line. There are 319 stages, and each stage varies in length from as few as 5 miles to about 12. The stages can consist of one solo runner, a smaller cadre of up to 25 runners, or be a big group stage in which up to 500 runners can participate at once. It is up to each runner to decide, plan, and navigate the exact route they will take between the specified start and finish points for their stage.  

I'm pleased, honored, and humbled to let you know that the Sole Sisters and Coach B are in charge of Ohio Stage 237 -- E. Livingston Ave. outside of Columbus to Etna, Ohio. We have a 7.5 mile stretch that we have to map out and not screw up.  I can tell you now that I did have a mild freak-out session when I learned that the person who was originally taking command of our stage had dropped out, leaving me to plan the path -- from nearly three hours away. I've never been to Reynoldsburg/Pataskala, Ohio, yet here I am studying maps and charts and satellite images to make sure our little part of the 3,000 miles doesn't cause the whole relay to be thrown off track. As of right now, 22 other people are welcome to come and join us (after you donate your $50 relay fee) -- we are scheduled to step off at 9:45 a.m. on June 25. The location is near the Parkview Presbyterian Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio (6969 E. Livingston Ave.). If you'd like join us, either leave a message in the comment section if you need more information, or just sign up for our stage at onerunforboston.org and we'll see you there.

The bombings at the Boston Marathon finish line affected me deeply, and more viscerally than any other tragic news story has since Sept. 11, 2001. I have been involved in newspaper journalism since my college days, starting around 1998. Usually, I can withstand the daily barrage of fatal car accidents, missing child cases, domestic violence incidents, and overseas terror attacks that I have to read about every single day. I guess you could say I've become hardened to it, as both a defense mechanism and as a result of overexposure. This, for me, was quite different. Coach B and I had woken up early on Marathon Monday to watch the start of the marathon, eat breakfast in bed, and take in the spectacle of the elite men and women running at their unearthly speeds. 

Rita Jeptoo and Lelisa Desisa Benti were the women's and men's champions of the 2013 Boston Marathon, finishing well ahead of the bombings.

At this time, the Glass City Marathon was about two weeks away, and Sole Sister M and I were still dreaming about qualifying for Boston 2014. For me, it was a quiet goal and I hadn't told anyone outside of our small training circle. But I dreamt of it, and was wishing for it, and every step I took was in the hopes that I would be good enough to make my qualifying time at GCM. That Marathon Monday, Coach B and I watched the conclusion of the men's and women's elites, then went back to sleep so we would be rested for work that night. I woke up around 1 or so, then hopped in the shower. When I came out, I turned on CNN like I usually do to get caught up on the news world. I heard the report of explosions before I saw them. At first I thought it was probably some car bomb in Iraq or something similar, which I'm unfortunately pretty inured to. And then I looked at the TV. And saw -- wait a second, that looks like a race course; that looks like a scene I am intimately familiar with. That looks like a finish line. I had the flash of realization: that is no desert outpost -- that is BOSTON.  That is what I'm working for, that is my goal, I was just watching this earlier this morning -- Oh, my God, what is happening here? 

I started crying, and I honestly couldn't stop. My runner friends and I texted back and forth: Have you seen what's happening? Do we know anyone there? What happened? Who's responsible? How many are hurt? People have died? Oh, my God. Just hours later, I was in the newsroom, facing reading and laying out stories about the bombing and selecting photos to illustrate all that had happened on Boylston Street. It was honestly one of the hardest days I've ever had at work -- mercifully at one point my boss saw how upset I was and sent me outside for air so I could try to gather myself.  It was like that to some degree every day up to and beyond that Friday when the bombing suspect was finally apprehended, which gave some measure of closure though the thought of both the victims still hospitalized and the fact that this storied running tradition was marred by a senseless act of violence was enough to make my blood boil. 

If there was one thing I was dead certain of, it was that these terrorists had picked the wrong subset of people to target. If you  think a runner, especially a distance runner, is going to be intimidated or back down, I'm sorry but you are very, very wrong.  Just a few days out from our marathon, we dried our tears. We redoubled our efforts. We dedicated our running to those who no longer could. We felt a fire in our bellies. We raised money. We raised awareness. We toed the start line at the Glass City Marathon. We swallowed down the lump in our throats during the moment of silence. We celebrated the starting gun. We ran our asses off. We hugged at the finish line. We screamed out with joy that we were going to Boston, baby.  

There aren't many things you can be sure of in this world, but there are two I am counting on right now. One, there will be a runner from now until June 30 making his or her way to Boston -- making a triumph out of a tragedy. And two, that third Monday in April, you will count me in Hopkinton among the thousands massed at small Massachusetts town -- ready to reclaim a storied marathon that is poised to come back, Boston Stronger. 

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

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

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

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

Ready to run!!  

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

M determinedly makes her way to the park.

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

Great little park on Curtice Road. 

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

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

Diplomats should go toe to toe ...

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

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

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

-- The Sole Sisters

Picture This: The Poetry of Running

Good day, readers!  Sole Sister M here to deliver some smiles and a mood boost!

During the end of our training for Glass City Marathon, I experienced a lot of stress in regard to my goal: qualifying for Boston.  I had various ways of coping ... Mainly talking V's ear off and running all of the "what if's" by her multiple times and always getting the same response of "YOU GOT THIS!" from her.  I am shocked that she didn't avoid my calls or ignore my texts.  Yes, I do believe I was THAT annoying.

But what if this happens, or this and this and this and that too and what if ....?????

Of course I would also run, run and run some more ... Or go to the gym... And then run. It always gave me time to think and analyze things.  Maybe over-analyze things.  There were some runs I would come back from and be MORE stressed then when I left!  That is NOT supposed to happen!  I was supposed to clear my mind while running... NOT jumble it up more!! Hmmpf!  I was obviously doing SOMETHING wrong!  

Clearly all this training (and thinking) was going to my head... and it hurt. Pace, splits, qualifying time, clock time, chip time, what I was going to wear, where the water stations were, what the weather was going to be like, etc. Do you get where I am going with this?!  I was a ball of nerves!!

With the race quickly approaching, it was all that was on my brain... Even when trying to go to sleep.  One night while laying in bed, I was thinking of everything that I just mentioned above, and I started to recite a little poem in my head and it literally made me LOL!  I LOL'd so loud that it woke my husband up and he asked what I was laughing at.  I was too embarrassed to tell him I was mentally penning a poem about running so I just told him to go back to sleep...

I woke up the next morning and I was excited!! Woo! I am going to write a poem!!  ABOUT RUNNING!! This was surely going to be a great coping mechanism for my stress!  The first thing I did was open my NotePad app on my phone and get to work.  It took me all of about fifteen minutes to complete the following and I think I smiled the whole time I wrote it!  Enjoy!

Run

Run, run,
Run, run, run!!!

You can run fast or
You can run slow.
You can keep it a secret or
Let the world know!

Running can be fun.
It can be your peace of mind.
Running can be your freedom.
You don't have to track your time.

You can run when you're happy.
You can run when you're sad.
You can run when you're excited,
Or run when you're mad!!

You can run on a track, 
At the gym on treadmills.
You can run in the street, 
Or run for the hills!!

When you run, you can be quiet,
Or you can sing.
When you run, you're imagination can go wild!
You can think anything!!

There are no rules to running,
Except to just get out the door.
If you do it just once, I swear, 
You'll want more!

Lace up your shoes, 
Stretch your legs,
And clear your mind.
Let your feet hit the ground,
I promise...
You'll be fine!

~-Sole Sister M - April 15th, 2013

I guess the point of this post is to let you all know that even something as silly as writing a poem about your passion, may help to calm your nerves! Everyone deals with their stresses differently! While writing that poem didn't calm me completely, it sure made me smile every time I read it... Which is exactly why I am sharing it with all of you!  

"Pain is temporary.  Quitting is forever."
Sole Sister M

Picture This -- This Little Piggie Said "OMG."

Hey all, Sole Sister V here again. Ahhh, summerlike temperatures have finally broken out in northwest Ohio. This is one of my favorite times of year. No more bundling up like a hobo to go for a run outside, no more obsessive worrying over whether a blizzard will cancel a long run, and no more need to wear closed-toe shoes every where you go. It's sandal season! Its feeling the grass beneath your feet time! And naked toes at the beach day! And then, you look down and realize that after a whole season of marathon training, your toes ... look ... like ... this: 

Whoa. Those are really MY toes?

Um, wow. Where do I begin? I've got some black, white, reddish, yellowish -- let's face it: I have the United Colors of Benetton of toes going on right now. I knew the second toe on my right foot was turning black, so I treated it as best I could. And by "treating" it, I mean I kept a steady supply of dark burgundy nail polish on ALL of my toes at ALL times. They didn't hurt (not since I had switched to a Saucony Virrata from a pair of Brooks months and months ago), and I didn't want to watch the transformation of pretty toes to icky toes, so I thought I'd just keep them under wraps. So, it was to my great surprise this week when I finally took the polish off and found not just one black toenail, but about five little monstrosities. Some little piggies go to market; my little piggies just went through hell.

YOU! YOU did this to me!!

So, it's time for some toe rehab. I'm not a huge fashionista, but I do love my shoes, and a fair number of my shoes are open-toed sandals. These toes simply won't do. A few facts about what causes black toenails.

• Black toenails are caused by the frequent rubbing of the toe against the front of the shoe. 
• The friction causes blood vessels to break, resulting in a blood blister. The blood blister can't really "breathe" under your nail, so it takes quite a long time to heal.
•  Distance runners and runners who do a lot of downhills are prime candidates to develop black toenails. I don't recall getting them to this severity when I was doing mostly 5Ks. 
• Too-tight shoes can contribute to developing black toenails. Select a shoe that has plenty of room in the toe box if you are prone to this condition. A good (local!!) running store has plenty of experienced personnel who can get you in the right size shoe and make sure the fit is appropriate. 
• If your second toe (or even your third, sometimes) is longer than your big toe, you may be more prone to developing black toenails. This is called "Morton's Toe," and your (freakishly) long toe will take the brunt of the pressure when you run, rather than the big toe shouldering the burden, as it should. (And, I'm just kidding; your long toe isn't freakish ... it's just abnormal. I count myself among you, Morton's Kids. And take comfort: In sculpture, this is known as "Greek toe" and is a form of beauty. The Statue of Liberty is also a Morton's Toe "sufferer.")

"Keep ugly toes, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled distance runners yearning to breathe free and find the finish line ..."  (Apologies to Ms. Emma Lazarus)

So, what do you do when this happens? 

• Most of the time, the answer is "nothing." A black toe nail will eventually slough off on its own once a new, healthy nail grows in underneath it. You should watch for signs of infection, however, like redness and soreness, and see a doctor if those symptoms persist. (Necessary disclaimer: I, of course, am a rank amateur blogger. If you are relying on me for serious medical advice, I suggest you get your head checked I suggest you see your regular doctor if there is any question about your physical well-being.) 
• If the fluid buildup under your nail is excessive and painful, you can have it drained. I'm sure you can find descriptions online as to how to do that. You won't find that information here! I can't imagine doing that myself, but I am a pain baby when it comes to needles, so I will leave that to a professional, thankyouverymuch.
• If your toe is sore, you can ice it, as you would a bruise. Mine got so sore, that at night I couldn't sleep with a sheet on top of them, they were that sensitive.
• Also, know that running in warm weather could increase the chances of getting black toenails, because your feet swell some when it's warm, which can push your toe closer to the front of your shoe than usual. Run early, run later, but run when it's cooler. And wear thinner socks as well when it's warmer.
• As I said earlier, your running shoes need to be about a half-size larger than your regular shoes. Go get fitted; it will serve you in the long term to have the right shoes.
• Toe socks have helped me a LOT in reducing the amount of soreness and bruising I end up with. My favorite are Injinji. They make me look like I have Muppet feet. 

"It's time to put on sneakers / It's time to hit the trails"

 Other things that I've read, but haven't tried, are to use foot powder to keep your feet dry and reduce friction, use lubricant on your toes (not necessary if wearing toe socks), lace your shoes tighter in the front if you are doing a lot of downhills (to prevent slipping), and to plan walk breaks into your runs (no thanks). Regular pedicures may also help prevent or relieve black toenails. I'd rather spend my money on running gear, though, truth be told.

So right now, I'm soaking my feet in warm water and Epsom salts. I'll give my feet a light pumice rub, then cut my toenails straight across, using clippers that I dipped in alcohol first. And then, my toes are going to get a nice coat of dark-colored nail polish. TIP: If you want to wear a lighter color polish over a black toe, ladies (or gents, if you're so inclined), use an opaque, bright-white polish first as your base layer, let that dry, and then put your lighter color on top. You'll in effect "mask" the black toe so the top color won't be affected as much. OK, I'm off to pamper my piggies so I can wear my sandals without grossing out the general population.

Be kind. -- V. 

HEINOUS!

HUMAN!!

HAPPY!!!

Tuesday's stats:                                     Wednesday's stats: 
2.01 mi                                                     5.09 mi
7:45 pace                                                  8:09 pace
15:37                                                          41:27
188 cal                                                       473 cal

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 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Holy OMG. What WAS that animal?

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

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve shelter and pond

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

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

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