P90X- Week1 DONE

Day 1: I literally yell "I hate you" at my computer screen while doing superman/banana rolls.

Day 2: So sore. And now you're going to make me do an hour of cardio.... want.to.quit!!! BUT I DONT! Miracle.

Day 3: Sore. Tired. Baby up a lot last night. But, I do arms, chest and abs like a champ.

Day 4: Aleve is my new best friend. And Yoga. Lots of Yoga today.

Day 5: Legs, back and abs. These ab workouts are insane. Literally, crazy. My legs are shaking 2 hours after this workout, but I feel good.

Day 6: I actually don't get the KenpoX done. Kids wont give me a quiet moment and with football on, hubby isn't watching the kids while I do it, either. He did watch the kids while I went for a walk/run this morning. Nearly 3.5 miles with my Sole Sisters. It was a good day and a good way to shake out my sore muscles.

Day 7: Rest day. Thankful. I feel lighter already- weird? Not sure yet. I've also already had to change from 3lb weights to 5lbs! I'm a maniac!

83 more days to go!!!

A New Challenge

I am a Mother. I had 4 kids in 5 years. My body is not what it used to be. Now, I don't want to be the size I once was, even the weight. I want to embrace my Mommy body, I want to own it. I want to tone it up and be proud of who my kids have made me, who I am now because of motherhood.

Running was a HUGE obstacle for me to overcome. I am still shocked that I claim to be a runner and that my legs get jittery when its been a few days between runs.

BUT- now, I have a stress fracture. The last two months my runs have been few and far between. Someday soon (shouldn't it have been here by now?) the cold snap will actually hit the midwest and running will definitely not be an option anymore as I don't own a treadmill and honestly, I have not the time or money for the gym.

Enter Stage Left: P90x.

Oh jeez. What have I gotten myself into? Am I REALLY going to do this? REALLY? I'm officialy insane.

My friend Inna invited me to join her on this 90 day voyage. She did it 2 years ago and her results are truly remarkable. And, as I said, I'm not so much in it for the weight loss, but the idea of toning my stomach and getting stronger for the Spring when I can hopefully run again consistently is alluring. I have goals for the spring and summer race seasons and I feel this sort of crazy-intense strength training will help me not just reach those goals, but exceed them.

BUT- 90 days. 6 days a week. I'm certifiable.

So, my hope is to post here each Monday on my progress. Did I actually do all 6 workouts? Can I really finish what I've started? Running has shown me that I have the strength inside to go longer, further, harder... lessons I will try to remember as I'm gargling my heart after too many pushups.

And I start..... today! Yikes!

Thankful for Community

When I first started running, I knew a handful of runners. I had friends who would occasionally run. My husband ran in high school. I once attempted to run during swim team off-season.

Once I advertised, though, that I was running. That I was ENJOYING my runs, that running was beginning to mean so much to me... not only did I meet more runners, but I learned a lot about friends and even acquaintances that ran, and our bonds strengthened.

Our Sole Sisters group formed, and their love, encouragement  patience and gentle "shut your whining and just go!" attitudes pushed me to places I never thought possible. I used to believe I had limits, now I know I can soar beyond.

Our community, too, has come out to show support for their love of running and for kids in need. Our recent Bare Your Sole Event left me feeling so full of jubilation and a desire to do more.

Our online community, our Facebook friends, new "likes", other pages we "like", brands we support... its amazing how so many can come together over something so seemingly simple.

I am grateful. I am grateful for you, for reading this post. Know that you are part of an amazing community and the Sole Sisters are happy to have you here with us!

Bare Your Sole Run

Thank you, to everyone who made this possible today!!!


Bare Your Soles Run

We raised 72 pairs of shoes! I am so, so proud of everyone and feel so honored to be part of a group that cares so much and will do so much to give back to others. Share the love. Serve your community! 

Holy SHI*

Yes, that four-letter word has been giving me grief lately. SHIN... Well  lets just make that plural, shall we? My shins have been aching and giving me grief for about two months now. That's about when my weekly mileage was upwards of 15/week. Then, I did 13.5 in two days as part of my Running binge and nothing has been the same since. My weekly mileage has been maybe 3, maybe. I did 2.4 the other day and actually felt great during the run and yesterday was feeling fine. Today, the pain is back. It's hard to sit by, legs twitching for a chance to pound and glide, moments of solitude and, yes, I'll say it, peace. The last two weeks while I've been resting I've actually been more tired, more grouchy, more anxious. My body wants to be free, my mind wants a chance to linger. Yet, these darn SHI*s are halting those longings, making them even more desirable.

I jealously stare at runners while I'm driving to do my errands.

I covet the mileage of my fellow Sole Sisters.

I feel pangs of  envy when I see photos of others enjoying runs, finishing races, smiling and sweaty.

I miss it! I feel crazy for even saying that, it's just running.... Oh, but it is so much more to me now! A trip to the ole Doctor just might be in store. I have avoided it long enough, I think.

How do you deal with running injuries? Give me some hope!

Pumpkin Run

As I have transformed into a runner and "running advocate", what has become exciting for me, is watching my children become excited about running and fitness! They want to run with me and are super stoked when I sign them up for races just for them! One mile seems so huge to them, an enormous goal and challenge to overcome and I am totally inspired by their will and determination to cross the finish line.

My second son asked that I run with him this past weekend for our town's annual Pumpkin Run and what he said to me at the starting line melted me. He looked at me with sweet eyes, grabbed my hand tightly and said "Mom, I"m a little scared, but I"m going to run anyways." Ah, bless you, my child.

My oldest ran his little heart out, but he also stopped when a classmate of his became tired and needed  to walked. He walked with her and even encouraged her across the finish line. My second son ran 3/4 of a mile gripping my hand with all of his might. When his sister spotted us, she dashed under the course flags to join us. I let go and told him to run on his own and that kid sprinted the last 1/4 mile while I jogged/ran with my oldest daughter who was so proud!

It was a fantastic run and such a fun experience for all of us! I'm so proud of them! I made my boys pumpkin medals when we got home and they wore them proudly the rest of the day!

First Graders

K anticipates the starting gun

Crossing the finish line

E and I take off

Moments before little sister runs to us

Look at that form!

Running with H

We did it!

Medals for the finishers

Hey Sister, Sole Sister

Have you heard of Dimity and Sarah from Another Mother Runner? These ladies are the authors of Run Like a Mother and Train Like a Mother. They also blog, run marathons, and do free podcasts through iTunes! You will laugh, be motivated, encouraged and learn that no matter what, you are not alone in this running gig.

In their store they have a Sole Sister Tank Top and they want to give one away- for free!- to a luck blog reader! In addition, you can enter the code SSDiscount in the notes section when you order and the ladies will rebate $7 off your tank top order! This code is good until this Friday! 

Want to win a free tank? Comment below with your favorite item from their store, or your favorite tidbit you learned from one of their books! You can earn additional entries by doing one or more of the following, leaving a separate comment for each:

1. Follow Our Sole Sister blog!
2. Follow Sole Sisers on Facebook
3. Follow Another Mother Runner on Facebook
4. Add yourself to the Mother Runner Tribe
5. Share this blog post and giveaway on Facebook!

These ladies were kind enough to send our friend Carrie a Sole Sister tank after her brain tumor was removed. Thank you so much, for loving on our Sole Sister!

Binge Running

Yes, that's what I did this past weekend. I flew out to visit my dear friend Rebecca in Vancourver, WA and we binged. We binged on running.

Our mutual friend, Jessy, drove in from Cali and she binged with us. I think by the end of the weekend, we were all hurting.

Here's a rundown of our weekend:

Fly into Portland LATE Friday night. Stay up chit chatting.

Wake up EARLY Saturday morning and head out for the Portland Color Run. Run a 5k, get colorful, jump, dance, sweat, sing and take a gazillion photos.

Our new friend

Clean

Colorful

The must  have action shot

Lunch, relax outside while Rebecca's boys nap, and decide we should run again.

We drive out to Saint Lucia Falls (seriously, I should live here) and run 2 miles on trails... not pretty inner-city trails, but trip over roots and barely muster up rocky hills, trails. We get lost. We get turned around again. We take silly Yoga photos at the falls post-run.

We made it to the falls

Stay up late chit chatting, drinking wine and eating guacamole!

Up early, again... this time for a long run. We planned for 6 but ran a total of 7.3! I was on cloud nine. A personal PR for distance and I was amazed... amazed!!.. at how well we ran together. Steady, perfectly paced, pushing one another... best run I have ever had.

Under the draw bridge that connects WA and OR

That's right! SEVEN miles!

Post-run scenic lookout over the Columbia River

After showers, we snag lunch in the car and head to Multnomah Falls where we hike 1/2 mile up steady inclines, a crazy small bridge and plenty of switchbacks... so worth it for the gorgeous view.

It was amazing to see how the three of us could come together after 18 months apart and have our paces match up... not just in running, but in life. I  have admired these ladies for their abilities to mother (and mother so well!) and run, to boot. I never, ever  thought I'd be a runner, let alone on several runs with them! I continue to be amazed by their awesomeness, and just wish I could have shared a plate of pancakes with their cute faces. Love ya, my West Coast Sole Sisters!

Now, I think it's time for a running detox... my shins will thank me in a week or so!

Sabre Red: A Review

I often run alone, and as the nights get longer and the mornings are just as dark, I'm often feeling a tad unsure of my surroundings. We live in a good neighborhood, but a neighbor and fellow Mother Runner had a van follow her around on two separate runs AND there is a bus route where the guys from Corrections catch a ride... it can make me nervous!

Several months ago, I bought a Saber Red Pepper Spray Keychain and I am so glad to have it. I feel confident in my ability to use it and love the size, shape and ease of use it provides. Mine is pink, too, because Saber Red donates a portion of proceeds from the pink Pepper Sprays to Breast Cancer Research! Win-win!

I only run without it when I'm doing a large group run where I feel protected by numbers, but otherwise I always have my Sabre Red!

Sabre Red has offered the Sole Sisters different types of products to review!

Here we have Erica reviewing the Spitfire and Meghan with the Runner:
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Sabre Red Pepper Spray was kind enough to let us try out quite a few of their products. Since the Sole Sisters were testing so many different designs, we all got to joking who was going to really try it out, if you know what I mean. Well, after dry heaving over the toilet and still feeling it in my throat and nose, I guess that would be me. Sometimes, I am such a moron.

I was sitting down to write the review when I thought I’d give it a spray one more time. It’s very easy to use, but also has a little resistance to make it safer. I sat in my basement and sprayed just the tiniest bit away from me. It was within seconds I started coughing and could feel it all in my throat & nose. Oops! I’m still trying to clear my throat! I can tell you without question that this stuff works!! That being said, there is a bigger reason then my stupidity that this will never become part of my running routine: MY KIDS.

The night I brought it home I put it up on the counter and went to bed. The next evening I came home and it was out of the plastic wrapping and sitting under my kitchen table . That is terrifying to me. I am a person ridden with anxiety. I thought pepper spray would leave me feeling confident & ready for any attacker. But, my anxiety about my kids getting sprayed trump any feelings of good I get from having the pepper spray. My children are young, 4 and 1, and I can’t think of a single place in my house that I would feel confident storing the pepper spray without worrying about them.

So, although I thank Sabre for allowing me the opportunity to try out their product (quite literally), this is not a running must for me!

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When I heard about pepper spray for runners I was interested but scared.  My last experience with pepper spray was in high school on my key chain and I sprayed myself in the face and it was horrible.  My husband even saw what I was going to use while running and said " Be careful you would be the type to spray yourself in the face."  I laughed and said thanks hon ( he knows me well).  The good news is I ran with it and did not spray myself in the face.  I love the cute pink color ,it matched my shoes and running shorts, and the fact that it straps to your hand.  I was running as it was starting to get dark and I felt safe because it was in my hand ready to use if needed.  It is easy to use just turn dial and spray.  It was not too easy though as in spray yourself too easy :)  I really liked this product and felt safer having it in my hand.
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Now for some fun news! Sabre Red is giving Away a Pepper Spray product to a lucky reader!! You have several ways of entering, please comment on this blog post for each individual entry and be sure to leave us with a way to contact you!
- Comment below with the Sabre Red Product you would choose
-Share this blog post on facebook and/or twitter
-"Like" Sabre Red on Facebook
-Follow our Sole Sisters Blog!!

A winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday October 8, 2012

Reflection

My granddaddy died yesterday. He was 91. His life was full and long and in the end, he met his LORD peacefully. I spent much of yesterday so stressed and anxious and worried... Emotions rolling through me like massive waves, trying to keep it all together, trying to determine how I could get down to south Texas with my 4 young kids for the funeral. In the end, it was decided that it wouldn't be realistic to make the trip. Emotionally, yes, I want to be with my family during this time, yet reality was, it was going to be insane. My Great Aunt even assured me that Grandaddy would be "yelling at you from Heaven" if I attempted the drive solo. Still, I was conflicted. I felt responsibility to be there, to hug my Nanny, to reflect on his life.

Desperately, I grabbed my shoes and went for a run. At least maybe the pounding of my footsteps would help me forget the pounding in my head.

I met with two Sole Sisters, and through our 3 mile journey, they helped me find the peace my soul desired. I silently review sweet memories I had of him as I was a child and more recent memories of him with my children. Eating watermelon, riding in the back of his truck to the lake and later, when he was much too frail to walk far, riding on his Gator to the mailbox at their lake house.

Today, during my run, the words of the Apostle Paul continuously came to the front of my mind, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1)

Grandaddy ran his race for 91 glorious years. I believe in the last few weeks he spotted his finish line. He made his peace, he was ready to for his running days to be over and he triumphantly crossed that line with crowds cheering him on both sides. We celebrate his perseverance, his life on this side, and Heaven welcomed him with open arms on the other.

Running yesterday and today helped me reflect on his life, what he meant to me and my children and find peace in being unable to tell him good-bye at this time. I am looking forward to a quiet moment when I can take my children to his grave and whisper our memories to the breeze, cast our love out to those living with his memory and reflect on his impact in our lives and the lives of all who knew him.

In honor of you

At first look, we would be considered unlikely friends. She, a conservative Mormon, me, a Christian who swings more to the Left. Yet, as mothers we quickly bonded over parenting our sweet boys (we each only had 2 kids at the time!) Turns out, we were neighbors, too, who attended play dates, walked to the park and learned valuable parenting tips from one another. Often, we would watch the other's boys so that the weary mom in us could snag a break, or take one of our kids to the emergency room. She started training for a Marathon and, honestly, I thought she was out of her gourd. Run? 26 miles? Crazy. I didn't think it was physically possible, let alone mentally, emotionally, and how could she even manage as a wife and mother. I was in awe. 

Now that I'm a runner, I am even more in awe of her determination and dedication. How she sacrificed in order to conquer such an enormous challenge and still be an amazing mom- wow. 

Carrie moved away several years ago, but I think of her often. She has always been the perfect image of strength and perseverance. 

Yesterday, Carrie had a brain tumor removed. Today, she was walking the halls of the hospital. Again, I am amazed. In awe. 

This week, the Sole Sisters have been wearing bandanas as we run not only for Carrie, but all of those who have cancer, tumors or those who have overcome such battles. We run and we remember. 

Running with Purpose

Originally, I started running because I knew it would be good for me, right? I had a goal in mind- complete a 5k by the end of the summer. It was doable. I was capable. Having a goal kept me motivated in the beginning.

But, as the miles began to add up and my shoe of choice was more often my Brooks than my well worn Chacos, I started to realize that I had found not just a goal to keep me going, but a prupose.

You see, as much as I may not like to admit it, running has become vital to my mental health. I have four children. Four kids born in five years. My life is wonderfully, fantastically, beautifully crazy. I started off with my headphones in just to tune out the noise. I told my husband i ran because for at least half the distance, I was running AWAY from home. The good news? I always turned and came back!

Running has provided me that happy place. Solace. Peace. Solitude.

I am a better mother and wife because I have found this "thing" that can help me to keep on keepin' on! It's obvious that taking advantage of the runner's high has a number of mental health benefits. People who experience this euphoric feeling while running report being totally relaxed, happy, energetic, and satisfied with themselves. Running also releases serotonin, which is a natural mood lifter.

I have also noted that running is extremely difficult for me. Each run involves some pain, some challenge, some mental struggle- to quit or not to quit? Each run, no matter how far, how fast or how slow... I usually want to stop about 2 minutes into it. BUT running has become the easiest part of my day. 

I'm not complaining about this life I have, but carting four kiddos to and fro, cooking meals, making sure the livingroom has at least a clear path to the bathroom and we have at least some paper plates to use wen the dishes get too crazy... it adds up! So for me to know that I have mastered a challenging run that morning gives me the strength, energy and courage to face whatever the kiddos may toss my way.

You may have many goals for your training, and for life in general, but what is your purpose?

A great resource to explore further can be found here at Active.com

Road ID: A Review

Sole Sisters is incredibly blessed to be able to review some of the finest products the running market has to offer! For our premiere review, I (Megan) was given the opportunity to try out a Road ID. This product appealed to me for many reasons, but mostly for safety and peace of mind for myself and my family as I hit the road to run earlier in the mornings (when its often still dark) and for longer miles. A Road ID is a wrist band (or you can choose the option of a dog-tag style, or even IDs that attach to your shoe laces) that has your information laser engraved on it. If you were to become hurt, ill, struck by a car or even abducted, Road ID can help identify you in an emergency situation as well as give First Responders access to your basic medical information and emergency contacts.

Upon first getting on the Road ID website, check out the story of how the company began. It's not only a reminder of how dangerous running (or cycling) can possibly be, but its a compelling argument for having some form of identification on you while exercising. After reading the story, I browsed the rest of the site finding myself engulfed in Road ID testimonies as well as helpful Resources in making sure your local First Responders know to check athletes for Road IDs.

When I was ready to order, I was immediately drawn to the sport version of the Road ID bracelets. This style offers a nice range of color options and seemed "sportier" for athletes. The sleek version, to me, seemed like a nice option for those who may have serious medical problems or allergies and may need to wear an ID band more often than just for exercise. The slim version is also available for children which is such a great idea! We will definitely be purchasing some for our 4 kiddos for our next vacation.

While ordering, the pictures were clear, and I also loved how easy it was to get the right size and fit for the bracelet using common items (a dollar bill, anyone?) instead of locating a measuring tape or even just guessing how many inches your wrist may be. The website also offers great support in determining what information is best for you to put on your bracelet. As I don't have any allergies or medical conditions, I listed my name, DOB, 2 emergency contact numbers, a line stating NKA, and a line that says "Run with Sole". For those who may have conditions important for First Responders to know about, Road ID has a great selection of medical conditions and allergies with correct spelling and abbreviations.

Road ID also offers an Interactive feature for your wrist band- it is free for the first year. I opted out of this as I don't have any medical issues, but I think it's an amazing service. You can actually input your medical history and other pertinent information to a website. First Responders can then call Road ID support or visit the website and get your full workup right there! That could definitely save a life!!

My Road ID came in the mail the other day and I love it! The color is perfect and the fit is amazing. It sits right at my wrist without slipping and it doesn't feel scratchy against my skin. I have gone for a 5k run and a 2.75 walk pushing a jogging stroller and even did 35 minutes of Yoga while wearing it. It never got in the way and never slipped or pinched my skin. In fact I nearly forgot it was on until I was getting ready to shower.

In all, I think this is an important product to consider. The Road ID website offers a lot of really great safety gear in addition to their wrist bands, and while we may think we are invincible or that something wont happen to us, to me its worth the money to be prepared and its worth the peace of mind for myself and my family as I step out the door to put my sole to the pavement.

Want to be rewarded for reading this review? Road ID is giving away one FREE wrist band! Simply leave a comment telling the Sole Sisters your favorite product from the Road ID website. Want additional entries? You can comment for each additional option below:

• Like Sole Sisters on Facebook
• Share this blog post on your Facebook or Twitter Account
• Like Road ID on Facebook

Make sure to leave a way for us to contact you if you are the winner! A winner will be selected at Random by 9pm Saturday, September 15!! 

Weary

Most Moms I know are tired. Their plates are full with jobs, chores, children, meals to make, floors to clean (again), nursing babies, shopping, car pooling... The list is literally endless. We are, by the true definition of the word, weary.

Weary: 1. Physically or Mentally exhausted by hard work, exertion, Strain, etc.; fatigued, tired 2. Impatient or dissatisfied with something

As Moms, we are pulled in zillions of directions, often physically AND mentally exhausted and, in the moment, can be dissatisfied by the state of our minds, bodies, houses, children's attitudes... WEARY.

Lately, I have been weary, too. I haven't wanted to even put a clean shirt on, let alone lace up my sneaks and pound the pavement- where would the energy even come from?

I love the verse from Isaiah: run and not grow weary, walk and not faint

It is often my mantra as I'm out on the road forcing myself forward. I thought of these words the other day as I debated whether actually doing my long run for the week. It would be my longest run to date, beating my previous long run record by 1.5 miles. I was too tired. I had a headache. My period had just started. I was feeling a bit more than weary, I was on a hormonal crash course.

But, just as the Bible promises we are renewed in Jesus, I grabbed my mp3 player, blasted some awesome tunes and found that as I ran, I too was renewed. I had a goal, I had something to accomplish and it was only for me- no one else in the entire world was facing that exact route, that exact mileage as I was. I ran, and I was not weary... in fact, I even walked some, and I did not faint. 

I'm still tired today, and I'll likely start making some excuses here soon to try and avoid my tempo run this evening, but I know once I get out there, even if the time is brief, that run is mine. It belongs to me. My muscles may get sore, my lungs may burn, but my heart will not be weary, because I made the time to run, just for me. 

Regret

Now that I am a runner, I can't stand the feeling of regret. It haunts me after a bad run, it follows me like a wounded puppy moaning and whimpering in my ear... what could you have done differently? What should you have changed? Most often, its that I should have pushed through. Yah, my shins hurt, but I could have run those last 3 blocks!

When I first started running, I cared more about what others thought, how they saw me as I jogged, huffing and puffing up and down my same route, three times a week. I feel I transitioned into a "real runner" once I cared more about how I felt. I don't want to let myself down. I want to feel proud of what I just did- whether a quick 1 miler, or a new long distance, or tackling some crazy hill I couldn't even bike up before! Now, I push myself further and harder, because I want to avoid that nagging regret.

I look forward to having a lack of regret in my workouts. It pushes me, motivates me through. I know I'm only cheating myself if I don't accomplish my goal, no one else will know, but me, how that regret hangs over me.

We all have bad runs, days where our feet are 20lbs heavier, our breathing isn't right, we're on our periods (Amen, sista?). I allow myself to wallow some, but try to channel the bad run mojo into something new and more purposeful, knowing that there is a new day on the horizon, a new chance to plod forward, one foot after another, slowly stomping that regret away.

I'm a runner?

My journey began in March. As my 4th child approached the age of 1, I knew I needed to do something for myself! I have never been a runner- ever! I swam competitively for over a decade, but running was never my thing. During the Presidential Test in Elementary and Middle school P.E. I could muster a good amount of chin ups and blasted out the sit ups like it was nobody's business, but run the mile? No way. No how. My lungs didn't like it! It hurt! Not happening. I'd end up walking in to the finish line.
I came across the fantastic Couch to 5k (C25k) program and decided, why not? I'll give it a shot, see if I can run 30min straight! (deep inside my head thinking, yah right, sister!) I totally freaked out when at Week 5, Day 3 the training called for a 20min run. No breaks. No walking. Running- the whole way through. I wanted to die! But I set my mind to it, and for once, did not give up. Suddenly, I was facing a strength I didn't know I had, a determination I thought I had lost along with my pre-baby body! I signed up for a 5k to keep as a goal and continued training. In the last 6 months, I have run up to 5 miles and typically log 10-15 miles per week. Its not a ton, but its enough or me to be proud and know that I am pushing myself beyond what I ever thought I could do. I am proud to now call myself a RUNNER!

Me crossing the finish line of my first race- a 3k! This was 3 months after starting C25k