Derailed by Dehydration - ORRC Vernonia Marathon 2014

by Jodi

Pre-race Starting Line Intimidation Pose

Don't mess with us - starting line

Marathon number four is in the books.  WHEW!  The Oregon Road Runner's Club (ORCC) Vernonia Marathon on April 13th, 2014, thoroughly kicked my butt.  I was completely humbled by dehydration and the distance, but I am refusing to be disappointed.  I have so much to celebrate and be thankful for.

SUMMARY
I love that the Lord gave me perspective and focus for this race before it even started.  I only trained specifically for a marathon for eight weeks.  In that time the phrase, "Hold everything loosely" kept coming back to me. I felt God reminding me continually during my training to hold my time and race execution goals loosely.  And then my friend Krysty threw down some truth when she said, "It's a marathon.  Refuse to be disappointed."  Both of these thoughts were at the forefront of my mind as I raced, and guided the decisions I made toward the end of the race.  As I've processed the race over the past two days, it's this theme that is helping me to let go of the tiny details I would love to perseverate on and beat myself up over.  In the grand scheme of life this race doesn't matter.  Refuse to be disappointed.

FINISH LINE!  With my Man Child waiting by the clock and Devon taking a picture as I finished.

Run Less, Run Faster

by Jodi

Last year at this time I was in the early stages of marathon training, following  a plan that required running high mileage six days a week with no room for cross training.  My body wasn't ready for it and I fractured my foot ten weeks into training.

My post-injury running was middle distance focused on time with friends instead of pace.  This summer Carissa and I switched to triathlon training.  The diversity that swimming and cycling added were a welcome change mentally and physically to my exercise routine.

It has been nine months since I've challenged myself to run farther or faster.  While I was resting I read an interesting book called Run Less, Run Faster (RLRF) co-written by Bill Pierce, Scott Murr, and Ray Moss.  The basic premise of the training plan is quality over quantity.  The authors advocate running three specific, pace-based workouts per week.  Combine two cardio cross training days and you have their 3plus2 training program.

Runkeeper Review

by Jodi

Carissa and I are both training for a triathlon in mid-September.  All the swimming and biking has taken a toll on our running.  We both feel slow...slow...slow.  I needed a little confidence boost that I still have some speed left in me.  Today I chose a hilly 10k route through the country by my house and decided that my purpose would be to "race" this route.  And then I remembered...

My trusty Garmin Forerunner 305 that I have used consistently in all types of weather since 2008 just broke - literally into two pieces as I was taking it off - this week.  No amount of duct tape or praying would revive it.  It is officially in the Garmin Graveyard.  May it rest in peace.

poor Garmin... May it rest in peace.

I know I'll buy another watch that tracks pace/elevation/etc. but what's a girl to do when she needs something NOW?  I searched the App Store on my phone and stumbled upon Runkeeper.  It was a free app that appeared to track running pace and distance.  I downloaded it and took off on my run without paying any attention to the features of the app.

ZUMBA!! Dancing IS A Workout!

By Tanya

When I was in high school I had many debates with people as to whether dancing is a sport.  I was convinced that if they could just see all of the behind-the-scenes blood, sweat and tears it took for my dance team to become State Champions they would surely know otherwise.

When people think of dance, perhaps they envision professional dancers who move with beautiful precision across the stage to a choreographed piece of music.  Or perhaps they envision nights spent out at the club where dancing is a social event bringing people of all ages and cultures together to shake and move their bodies as an act of freedom and expression.  Both are fantastic forms of dance on their own, but put both together and you have ZUMBA!

According to their website Zumba is: “Exercise classes that are fitness-parties that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration.”

Loving the Ride

By Carissa

I may have moved to one of the biking capitals of the nation, but until recently cycling never captured my heart.  When I bought a road bike last year it was because my husband and I thought more family bike rides were in our future and neither of us owned a bike.  He chose a Schwinn Cruiser for comfort (think padded seat and wide handle bars.)  I chose a Fuji Roubaix road bike for versatility.  I could use it for a family ride or head out on the road with a girlfriend.  

Purchasing my bike last summer

I knew I liked biking to an extent because I had been spending a lot of time at spin class. Biking on the road however, is completely different.  The difference scared me enough to avoid it.  Everyone I talked to about clips said a fall or two was part of the learning process.  My bike sat in the garage for an entire year while my husband lamented the money we spent to purchase it.

This spring when I got the bug to train for a triathlon, I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to face clip-in pedals and cycling outside of spin class.  In June, with my stomach in my throat, I set out on my first real ride.  My spin buddy Kim and I were going to tackle a 35 mile ride.  Neither one of us knew how long it would take or how it would feel.  I had padded shorts. Kim did not. I had a road bike. Kim had a mountain bike with road tires.  We were both nervous as we rode off.  

The previous weekend I rode 30 miles on the trainer.  Thirty-five miles would be new territory for me but I felt confident I could cover the distance.  Kim hadn't been doing any riding outside of spin class nor did she have experience with a longer ride like this. I offered to turn around whenever Kim wanted, but she resolved to stick by my side the entire distance. Our route took us on the Cascade Lakes Highway outside of Sunriver, Oregon.  It was a beautiful warm day and the sights and smells of the high desert were a delight to our senses.  We returned sweaty, sore and ecstatic.  We conquered our fears and had a fantastic time doing so.

Kim and I returning from our ride

The following weekend I had the opportunity to join my biking friends, Christian and Danielle, on a 35 mile ride through Oregon's wine country.  Once again I was extremely nervous.  Could I even keep up with these experienced riders?  It turned out to be a beautiful and educational ride.  Christian and Danielle taught me about fueling, riding with a group (hand gestures and lingo), using the gears on my bike, and riding in a pace line.  One of my favorite moments on the ride was when a raccoon scampered across the road ahead of us, oblivious of our presence. 

Danielle and I after our ride

Last weekend Danielle and I did a 32 mile route that her husband mapped out for us.  This was the first time I took a route from home into the more rural landscape west of where I live.  The thrill of the ride left me with an endorphin high that lasted the whole day.  Danielle and I coordinated the ride at the last minute and I’m so glad I didn’t need to stick to my original game plan of riding solo.

I find comfort in riding with Danielle.  If I fall into position behind her I can copy her riding.  In this way I am continuing to learn.  Now if only I can figure out how to take the downhill like she does!

I never thought I'd be falling in love with cycling.   I love the challenge of a steady climb and approach the downhills with caution.  My clips no longer make me nervous and the thought of a weekend ride doesn’t send my stomach into a tailspin.  When I see another biker I watch them with interest and envy, wishing I too was biking.  I'm really doing it - cycling and loving the ride.

How about you Sole Sisters?  Do you have a bike sitting forgotten in the garage?  Maybe you should  pull it out and find a Kim or a Danielle to enjoy the adventure of biking...through life together.

I'm in Love... Skirt Sports Redemption Run Short Review

by Jodi

I'M IN LOVE... and I want to tell the entire world about my Redemption Run Shorts from Skirt Sports.  Summer has officially wrapped Portland in its warm, sunny embrace.  Cool mornings and evenings are sandwiched between warm, non-humid, sunny days.  It's a great time to be alive.  And a great time to be running.  I am thrilled to be back pounding the pavement and soaking in the sunshine.

This spring Skirt Sports rolled out a new line of running shorts including the Redemption Run shorts.  Carissa received a black pair and fortunately for me, her order was shipped to my house.  It was love at first sight.  I called Carissa and asked her if I could break her shorts in for her.  The crazy thing?  She said "Sure."  Now that is true friendship!

I logged seventeen miles in two days and the Redemption Run Shorts did not disappoint.  I was so sad to wash and deliver them to their rightful owner.  Once the weather got warm I ordered my own black pair and was thrilled to recently receive them.

Kelly C/D Bra from Skirt Sports Review

by Jodi

We've reviewed products by Skirt Sports before because their company is run by women athletes and they make fun, high quality gear for women athletes.  What's not to love?

Recently Skirt Sports introduced a line of sports bras.  They rolled out three different bras:  the Sabrina A/B Bra ($50 retail value) the Kelly C/D Bra ($60 retail value), and the Jill DD Bra $65 retail value).  

I ordered a Kelly C/D bra just as I entered the thick of a marathon training schedule.  I knew I'd be running high mileage over a six-day-a-week training schedule.  I needed to have bras in my aresonal that could provide adequate support and NOT chafe.  Here's my assessment of the Kelly C/D bra.

My Fitness Pals: Taking All The Help I Can Get

By Tanya

The past ten months have been quite a challenge for me in regard to my fitness. For the past year-and-a-half I have struggled with some on-and-off lingering pains and injuries. These pains have now become chronic, occurring daily with or without exercising.  As a result I've been forced to alter and limit my physical activities and completely stop running.

I have sought out numerous body work specialists including physical therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists. I have spent countless hours trying to self diagnose over the Internet, coming up with a million different possible causes and treatments. I have taken breaks from any and all physical activity to allow myself to heal.  Unfortunately as soon as I start exercising again, even taking it easy, the pain comes right back.

For the most part, I have maintained a positive attitude.  I've gotten creative and found any type of physical activities I can do to keep my body moving. I have taken up swimming and the elliptical has been my best friend through the winter. Through all this I have been pleasantly surprised to find how motivated I am to get any type of physical activity into my day. I guess when something is taken away, it makes you value it even more.

Oh Brrr.... Winter Running

by Jodi

Two weeks ago I made an unplanned trip to the frozen tundra of Northern Minnesota to celebrate my Grandpa George's life and legacy and to grieve his passing from this earth.  I grew up in the Midwest and should be used to the extreme cold and piles and piles of snow and ice.  However these five years in the Pacific Northwest have turned me into a certifiable wimp.  BRRR!!!!

I ran once in Great Falls, Montana, where I stopped to pick up my big brother Shane.

I'm training for a June 1st marathon and am back on a pretty intense training schedule.  The week I was in Minnesota called for three three-mile runs, three six-mile runs (one at pace), and a thirteen miler.  My focus for the trip was to spend time with my family and help out my Grandma.  I had no idea if I would end up logging any miles at all, but I wanted to be equipped if the opportunity came up.

I ended up running every other day while I was traveling.  I ditched all the three milers and grabbed the longer distances since I was bundled up and making the effort.  The weather was consistently cold but HOW cold varied considerably from day to day.  The warmest temperature I ran in was 20 degrees F.  The coldest was zero degrees F plus windchill, and that just happened to be the day I ran thirteen miles.  The water in my water bottles actually froze solid on that run which made getting a drink rather difficult. 

Tough Girl Skirt by Skirt Sports Review

by Jodi

Ahem...  (clear throat and begin cheesy song now):  

Oh the weather outside is frightful, 

but my Tough Girl Skirt is delightful.  

So when it's cold and snowy outside, 

I wear it to stay warm and toasty on my run.

(take a bow and proceed to act like a grown up now).  

I've been meaning to write a review of my FAVORITE pair of winter pants for months.  All it took was wearing them two days in a row in cold, wet winter weather to remind me that I should and let you all in on a great secret.

A few years ago, my "sister" Sonja introduced me to a company called Skirt Sports.  Side note on Sony:  She is a rock star athlete.  From the first day I met her, she has been awe-inspiring in her talent and dedication to living a life of fitness.  And she's not really my sister.  We're related through marriage, but I like to say she's "the sister I always wanted and the exact one I would choose."  You would all love her.

New and Improved? - My Review of the Adjustable Handful Bra and Tank

by Jodi

A few months ago I wrote a review of the Handful bra.  At the time, this bra was still relatively new to my workout attire but I knew that I liked it.  Shortly after the review posted I heard from Jody, COO at Handful.  She was interested in my feedback on two new products they had just rolled out.  Side note:  The women who run this company are the REAL DEAL - down to earth, friendly, and so generous. It is a privilege to support the work they are doing to help women athletes and those suffering from (and beating) breast cancer.  Go Handful!

photo taken from Handful's website

Let's start with the Adjustable Handful Bra.  The only difference between the Adjustable Handful Bra and the Original Handful Bra is the straps.  The Original Handful Bra is a one-size-fits-most approach to fit and support. And I love my Original Handful.  But the Adjustable Handful Bra has straps that are both adjustable and convertible.  The sliding toggles allow you to adjust the straps to the exact length needed, customizing the fit of the bra.  The convertible feature allows for the straps to be worn in either a racerback or traditional style.  

When Jody first told me about the new features I was excited about the adjustability and wary of the convertibility. The strap options sounded challenging to a mechanically deficient person like me.  I envisioned myself running down a busy road and having the strap pop off leaving me to fix a personal problem in a public place.  Jody assured me that even I could convert these straps and be confident in their ability to both support me and stay in place.

Is Insanity Really Insane?

by Jodi

Five months ago my brother and his wife came for a visit.  When they walked in the door they looked noticeably fit.  They were excited to share with us that they had just finished sixty days of Insanity, a workout program that reshaped their bodies.  Curt and I were intrigued.  We have a tropical getaway planned for our fifteen year anniversary and we both thought out-loud, "Wouldn't it be great to look better on our fifteen year anniversary than we did on our honeymoon?"  

When we looked into purchasing Insanity, we were shocked to find out it cost $145 after shipping.  We hesitated to spend that kind of money on a video we weren't even sure we'd like or complete, but we soon realized it was not just a single video.  Insanity is an entire exercise program intended to be followed specifically to get the desired results.  It includes ten different videos, calendars, a nutritional information booklet, and (my personal favorite) a detailed schedule with boxes to check off for each of the initial sixty days.

Before we started our first workout we took measurements of our "girth." We also took some hideously awful Before Pictures that I will not be posting because we look scary, unshowered, and girthy.  In hindsight, we probably should have measured more than just our waist because we noticed change in our arms, legs, and upper abdominals as well.

Don't Tell My Running Shoes But...

by Carissa

Don't tell my running shoes but they're no longer the only ones in my closet.  They have the right to be shocked since I've had the same approach to running shoes for years now.  My routine was as follows: go into a running store, get fitted by a sales person, and buy whatever shoe was recommended for me based on my pronating feet.  Sometimes that meant buying a shoe I didn't particularly like the look of.  But that's what every good runner does right? Function over fashion was a strict rule in my running shoe rule book.  Five hundred miles later I was back in the store for a new pair.

This summer I found myself with a Nike Employee Store pass (a SWEET benefit of living where Nike is headquartered.)  Since I like living in running shoes and since my shoes typically get dirty/muddy/you-name-it over the course of running 500 miles in them, I thought it would be nice to pick up a pair of running shoes just to kick around in.  Not to mention, it was about time I got to pick out a shoe based on what I thought was cute!  As I browsed the selection of shoes the Nike Free 3.0  caught my eye and piqued my interest.  This shoe is the closest shoe to barefoot running that Nike makes.  I was completely naive to the barefoot running movement until I read the book Born to Run.  After I read it I was curious about my shoe and how the heavy support was impacting my body.

Nike Free 3.0

The sales person at the Nike store explained that there are three types of Nike Frees each with a number that represents the level of support the shoe gives.  Nike Free 3.0 offers the least amount of support, 4.0 is the in-between, and 5.0 is the most supportive.  As with all minimalist shoes, the sales person warned me that I should ease my way into them.  I figured if I was going to buy a minimalist shoe I might as well buy the most minimalist shoe, and you'd better bet I was going to try running in them.  So much for keeping them clean.  

Will The Right Sports Bra Please Stand Up?

By Jodi

When I first started running five years ago, I had no idea that an entire world of running shoes and gear existed.  I am now a more educated runner and have fallen in love with good gear.  I've managed to fill two dresser drawers with running-specific gear for every season.  I can tell you my favorite brands for running skirts, capris, pants, and shorts.  I will sing the praises of my favorite running shirts, shoes, and even socks. I've tried bras of all shapes, colors, sizes, and brands and liked them in varying degrees, but I have yet to find a sports bra that I absolutely love.  Will the right sports bra please stand up?

My first sports bra was a C9 for Target tank top with a built-in shelf bra.  Not a great option for a mom who had just weaned her fourth baby in four years, but I didn't know any better.  I was so proud of myself for being consistent at anything that didn't involve raising babies, that I bounced my way up and down my neighborhood for weeks before switching to a bra that fit better.

Part of my problem is that I don't seem to fit into any category.  My small-chested friends make every sports bra look great.  Their biggest dilemma is choosing their favorite color.  My large-chested friends have to go to running specialty stores and get fitted for bras that hold the girls beautifully in place and are comfortable to run in, but require a tank top or shirt to cover them because they are not even remotely cute.  I fall smack dab in the middle.  The shelf-bras are a no-go for me, but I don't need a high end, super expensive and supportive specialized bra either.  Is it too much to ask for a running bra that doesn't cost a small fortune, is supportive, comfy, AND cute?

Random Abs? ABS...olutely!

by Carissa

As much as I loved the changes running had made to my body, I still had a major weak area.  I logged mile after mile and had strong, toned legs but my core remained weak and flabby.  It had been that way since baby #1 arrived.  Then Baby #2 came along - all ten pounds five ounces of him!  Add stretched out to flabby and weak and you would have my stomach.  

I tried again and again to add core exercises to my routine without success.  I have heard that core strength is important to a runner and that it makes them faster but I never felt like I had enough time to make it happen.  I would get my run in and it would be time to shower up and get on with my day.  After the Eugene Marathon in April my legs needed a break.  During this time, Nicole from I Dream of Running... posted to Facebook that she was going to start doing the Random Abs workouts.  She invited her "friends" to join her.  Nicole has the most amazing set of abs I’ve seen on a mom.  I was inspired and decided to give it a try.  I also invited some friends and family to join me.  Some said no thank you but others said yes.  Some stuck with it, others did not.  An accountability partner has always helped me to establish a new habit.

At the track working my core with sole sisters Jodi and Becky

I have used Random Abs six times a week for three months.  I love the program and I think you will be pleased with it also.  The website is clear and easy to use.  Each day the site generates a new random core workout.  These workouts are accompanied by pictures, videos and text to explain each exercise should you need it.  The daily workouts only take around ten to fifteen minutes to complete.  You can sign up to get the workouts via email, Facebook or Twitter.

Feel Like Running? Join The Club!

By Tanya

Would you like to start running but are unsure where to begin? Do you want to get fit or stay fit? Are you itching to improve your running speed, distance, or endurance? Are you looking to find some great running friends? Or try some amazing less crowded, less expensive races?  If so, you should definitely check out your local running club.

I have enjoyed all of these perks and many more through participation in my local running club the Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC). I had never even heard of the ORRC until I really began to seriously think about running a couple of years ago. I was introduced to the club by a friend of mine, Charlotte, who is a tennis player and occasional runner.  Charlotte had heard that the club offered a 10K running series throughout the year, and she thought it would be a good motivator to make sure she ran at least once a month. 

Bridget, Charlotte, and Me at 2011 ORRC The Best Dam Run

I was just getting into running and only had a 4 mile race under my belt, but I agreed with Charlotte that that it would be a good motivator. I briefly checked out their website and I was sold right away by the awesome deal you get for the 10k series, it works out to about $12.00 per race!

Hydration and Nathan Speed 2 Review

by Carissa

Hydration is serious business for me.  I had a start-stop relationship with running in my twenties.  Attempts at longer distances or harder efforts would leave me with bad stomach cramps for hours upon hours.  It took years for me to make the correlation between my cramps and hydration.  I was surprised that though water made my cramps lessen, my body never cued me by feeling thirsty.  Once I started understanding my body as a runner, I learned that I must hydrate before, during, and after my run to feel my best. 

I took baby steps with my mid run hydration needs.  First I used a handheld bottle.  This was convenient though not all that comfortable once my runs reached double digit mileage.  By the time I was training for my first marathon I knew a hydration belt was a must.   I bought one with a single bottle that slid on its side into a holder around my waist.  This belt required adjustments during running and had the annoying habit of unexpectedly propelling itself onto the ground mid-run.  Turning around to retrieve my water bottle a few steps back while in the middle of a twenty mile run just didn’t work for me.  I brought the belt back to the store and exchanged it for another belt.  This belt secured a water bottle in an angled holster.  Problem solved, right?  Not really.   

My water bottle graveyard.  Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to find the right product.

My new belt wasn’t comfortable.  The whole run I would be fiddling with it trying to find the perfect adjustment.  One day I went for a long run with Tanya.  She was wearing the Nathan Speed 2 hydration belt.  As I ran along side her it blew my mind that she didn’t touch her belt other than to take a drink of water.  What was it about her belt that kept it in place and feeling comfortable?