I Believe {Bigfoot 50K Recap}

“How long do you think you will be out there?” my husband asked me the morning of the race.

As I talked to him on the phone, a flurry of activity was going on in the room at the lodge. The air thick with pre-race nerves.

“Hopefully, less than 8 hours,” I replied.

Bigfoot! I know him!

Running the Bigfoot 50K was a “last minute” decision for me in that I registered for it without time for a complete training cycle. I had ran a 50K in June but switched to the half marathon distance at Fort4Fitness.

I did my best to build off my fitness and got in some solid long runs. However, church and family commitments meant that cutback weeks were CUTBACK weeks. I didn’t know how that would translate on race day.

I always knew that I could drop down to the 10-mile distance at the race, which was at Salt Fork State Park in Eastern Ohio, but I always felt drawn to the longer event. Maybe it was because most of the Ignite Team, an ultra group in northeast Indiana of which I'm a part, was doing it and, hello, FOMO but I think it was because I knew I wanted the challenge. Needed it.

When I I lined up at the start on the chilly morning in early December, I was verge of tears because, yo, there is crying in trail running. Once we got started, all the fear and worry seemed to fade.

The race was three loops of about 10.5 miles. For the first few miles of the first loop, I found myself in a strong pack led by none other than one of my Ignite teammates. It was nice having someone set the pace and determine the trail hills. But by the start of the big hill, the Bigfoot hill, I found myself bouncing between other runners. I would run with a person for a bit and then find myself on my own for smidge.

I came in from the first loop in about 2:10 and it gave me a good gauge of how to pace the remaining loops. I figured if I could do 2:20 for the second and 2:30 for the third, I could finish around 7 hours. The eight hours that I quoted to Mark out of fear seemed more like a worst case scenario than a probability.

And funny enough, my loop splits were on point with that prediction. During the second loop, I got behind a few runners who seem to seamlessly transition between running and walking for no particular reason. With mine for a bit, figuring that it would keep me control, but after a while I decided to pass the pair. Looking back, I'm guessing they took the early start, which gave them nine hours to finish but took them out of the running for age group awards.

From there I fell in line with Eddie the Yeti, who is a far nicer person than me. I got a little too close to him and nearly pulled off a shoe. Instead of getting frustrated with me, he and I ran together, and it was a privilege to get to hear part of his story. He had found running 15 years ago and, for all intents and purposes, it saved him from life in the fast lane.

There was a peace in the second loop because there was no doubt that I could complete the race. I just had to stay positive and focused, which has been a goal for 2017. And I learned the hard way in that loop to keep eyes - and mind on the trail. About mile 18.5, I started to think about food and beer a little too much and fell. My knee felt off for a few minutes but it was fine once it stretched out.

Between the second and third loop, I decided to change – taking off my jacket and long sleeve and putting on a different shirt. It cost me about 5 minutes but it was nice to be dry.

Beyond that lengthy stop, I minimized my time at the aid stations. I filled the bottles in my my new Nathan Howe hydration pack but relied mostly on Honey Stinger gels and chews that I had brought. Except for the pickles. I did like the pickles!

I started the third loop with an elapsed time of 4:35 and knew the last loop would be a grind. I focused on positive self talk and moving forward. My youngest had been saying “Mommy Superman” on repeat that morning when I was talking to my husband, and I just repeated that in my head. I knew that he was not actually calling me Superman but instead excited that he had found the action figure but you take what you can get. Especially when he thinks it is fun to say “Spit in your face.”

I kept a good eye on splits during the loop, hoping that I could eke out the sub seven finish. I was a little unsure as I approached the last uphill section of the loop. It was technical - rocky and rooty - and seemingly forever but, in truth, more than a half-mile. Once I got to the pavement, the parking lot of the lodge, I knew it would be close but doable if I could run it in.

I never thought I would say this but I really had a ton of fun out there. I loved being to see my fellow Ignite teammates on the course and just be.

STATS
Race: Bigfoot 50K
Location: Salt Fork State Park, Lore City, Ohio
Course distance: 31.5 miles
Course elevation gain: 3,832 feet
Finish time: 6:59:28
Average pace: 13:30
Age group place: 6/10 (39 and younger)
Gender place: 14/45
Fuel: Six packs Honey Stinger chews, two Honey Stinger gels, a handful of chips, pickles and Nuun
Essential gear: Brooks Pure Project jacket, Nathan Howe vest, Sugoi subzero tights

The Starting Line

"No marathons in 2017," I told Mark.

Marathons are too much work. They take too much training. They make me too cranky. And with the change in my career, I wasn't sure how much time I could truly devote to training.

But on a fantastically temperate November day, on an early morning run, I talked about how I had thought about doing a 50K in December. When I had been working it out in my head, I was piggy-backing off my training for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I could never pull the trigger, though, and on that day I said I was glad. I was burnt out, and I didn't feel like going for another long run ever again.

Or at least for a month.

"I guess the 50K will wait until 2018," I said. "I told Mark no marathons in 2017."

And then, in sync, my friends uttered a single truth: a 50K isn't a marathon.

#word

I let it go. I did. I promise.

Of course, that was until I agreed to pace my friend for a 20-mile loop when he attempts the IT 100 in April. If I was going to get in shape for him, I reasoned, I should do something for myself, too. Being in shape to run 20 miles for him would basically put me in marathon shape and if I was in marathon shape, I could basically be in 50K shape.

(Don't you love runner's logic?!?)

It only took 15 minutes of searching to find Another Dam 50K in Englewood, Ohio, on June 3. Not only was it within a reasonable drive and fit in with my schedule, it cost $25 to register. I can't even run a local 5K for $25. And when my friend agreed to do it, too, I knew it was meant to be.

Training began this week for the race. Well, technically it began last week, but I had flu thanks to my kids. (Next time, I'm quarantining them in their room with a mini fridge stocked with Nuun, juice boxes and fruit snacks.) I'm following a plan (in theory) from Competitor that was written by a fellow Team Nuun member and will require to (finally) consistently run five days a week and tackle hills. Lots of them.

Note: The course claims to be flatish but the loop has three hills and you run the loop four times. That's 12 hills for those who don't like math. And 1,200 hills for those who don't like hills. Also, this race is in southern Ohio. I grew up in southern Ohio. It is not flat.

I'm still in the holy hell what have I done stage of training, daunted by the long runs and 4:04 a.m. alarm. But I'm also in the still hacking up a lung stage of the flu (legit flu, not the stomach bug or a cold), and I'm guessing that as it starts to let up so will the doubt.

Summer Hair Care for Runners

I like to think of it as an interest but others might call it an obsession but lately I've found myself watching hair videos on YouTube. 

Lots of them. 

My interest is primarily in braiding as my hair is finally long enough to begin to do some of the more intricate styles. Waterfalls, lace, rope, French, Dutch, fishtails – I've tried them all. 

I've wondered, though, if all the twisting and re-twisting affects my hair so when I went in for highlights the other week, I brought up the topic with my hair stylist. Amy, who owns the cutest little shop just north of downtown, assuaged my fears and said the braiding was unlikely to break my hair so long as I was twisting it dry.

However, she did have once concern: how I treated my hair during the summer, especially as a runner. The season of bouncy pony tails and sweat-soaked runs can do a number on our hair, she says. 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Hair is at its most fragile when its wet. While the idea of pulling out an elastic from a sopping-wet messy bun seems divine after a long run, be careful. Hair can break if you aren't gentle. You can wait for it to dry or use no-damage hair elastics. I prefer to keep my hair neatly braided (surprise, surprise), which means that I don't have to pull the elastic through as much hair.

• Just like it can your skin, the sun can damage your hair. Not only can it discolor your strands but it can cause them to be brittle and dry. It also leads to split or broken ends and thinning. There are hair products available with SPF but Amy advises wearing a hat or buff to keep your mane covered. 

As if I needed a reason to bust out the Nuun trucker hat!

• Wash with caution. Most hair experts advise that it's not smart to wash your hair every day. However, when my hair is dripping in sweat, there's nothing more that I want to do than lather up in a refreshing shower. My stylist Amy suggests that rinsing the hair can work wonders without stripping the hair. One word of advice, though: Make sure the water isn't scalding as hot water can affect the hair. When I asked about dry shampoo, she said that from her perspective, dry shampoo is an occasional product and not a replacement for washing your hair. An alternative could be a sulfate-free shampoo, which has a more mild detergent than traditional 'poos and is less likely to damage the hair.

• Time for conditioning. With all of the washing and sun exposure, it doesn't hurt to be proactive about your hair. A good hair mask used a couple times a week in place of condition can add moisture back into your strands. I, personally, have been doing this for several months, and it helps me keep my hair smooth and soft. I'm using a Macadamia Natural Oil Masque that a friend gave me about twice a week. Amy, who uses natural and eco-conscious products, does advise that many of these products aren't necessarily "clean" and to be sure to read the labels when selecting a product.

What are your tips for keeping your hair healthy?

Florida: The Runshine State

When Mark and I were planning our trip to Florida (with stops in Cincinnati and Atlanta), I had grand plans to take fancy boutique classes, make use of the reciprocal Y membership and get in amazing workouts.

Alas, I never walked into the Y or registered for OrangeTheory (even though I made a last-ditch effort to do so).

But amazing runs ... I did get those.

Since the last time we visited, Mark's family moved to a new neighborhood – which happens to be conveniently located near a well-paved trail and just a few miles from a beautiful wilderness preserve.

For my first run, I hit up the John Starkey Wilderness Preserve, which boasts a 6.7-mile loop. It would have been my MO to go the whole distance but since it was my first week of marathon training, I thought I'd stick to the plan.

I ran a 1.5-mile warmup, 1.5 miles at tempo and a 2-mile cool down. Just before I began the tempo section, I stopped to retie my shoes. I looked up from my Saucony Guides and saw the cutest, most fearless fawn.

And then I began the push. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much as it was hot and humid but I nailed the pace – not running too fast and feeling like I couldn't go farther.

Now, the cool down was a bit of a slog. All of my southern runs were good up until the last mile when I was just sapped from the conditions.

The next day, I opted for the Starkey Road trail to cut down on commute time as we had plans to go to the Florida Aquarium that morning. I wasn't expecting it to be as pretty as the preserve but there were pockets where the trees and brush seemed to glow in the morning light.

Unlike the previous day, when I saw mostly cyclists, I saw lots of runners out on the trail. I waved to the first passerby and didn't get much of a response, and I wondered if I was in for a grumpy group. But no! Most everyone was nice, and I was taken aback when a fellow runner said "Nice job!" It was a small phrase but it really did give me a boost.

I had been hoping to get in one more run on Friday morning but we altered our travel plans to avoid traffic in Atlanta (didn't work) but all-in-all, it was a successful week of running on vacation and seeing Florida in its glory beat the gym every second.

Do you run on vacation?

Free Falling: How Not To Run In The Winter

It was a snow storm. Post after post that appeared on my Facebook feed on Saturday was about the miles my running friends logged that morning.

"Icy run on the Greenway this morning. Great to see a ton of ... people out doing the same." 

"Very icy run this morning."

" ... I also ran or skated 11 miles. Good run, though."

With each click through, I felt like a tiny piece of my membership card to the Bad Ass Running Club was being ripped off. Piece by piece by piece.

I was scheduled to run Saturday, it was true. I was to meet the girls at 1 p.m. but I had also picked up a morning class, filling in for a friend. The 10:30 a.m. start threw a wrench into the family schedule and it made it difficult to make the meet-up. So I bailed. I was bummed but knew it was the right call for everyone involved.

And so at 3 p.m., I headed out for my run. But after seeing the reports on social media and seeing pictures of someone who slipped on ice between running loops at an area trail, breaking his ankle, the YMCA treadmill seemed like a better option.

The minute I hit "Quick Start" my bad ass card went up in flames.

But from the ashes we rise and on Sunday, I had a chance to redeem myself.

It was 20 degrees. Real feel was in the single digits. The grassy areas of the park were frosty but the path seemed passable. And I was going with Joe, who is the antitheses of a diva runner. I knew that no matter how frightful the conditions, it would be a good run.

We headed southeast and were managing just fine. Always a gentleman, Joe let me take the lead when we needed to go single file around some large patches of ice. The instances of questionable conditions led us to walk sections or take it to the grass. We chatted. We caught up. We had a good time.

By the time we hit the turn around, though, snow began to fall. The once visible sections of ice were now covered, and we no longer knew where to be mindful. We would have to relay on memory and past experiences. In essence, it was a crap shoot – one that had us sliding around and laughing at ourselves.

And that's where it's important to take some precautions to avoid falling flat on your ass.

Wear trail shoes or shoes with good grip/read. Or you can be like me and wear your oldest shoes that are within 50 miles of being retired. Nothing like worn spots to help you glide on the ice.

Avoid areas that have a history of being wet/slick. It might not be fun to run loops or short out-and-backs but safety is worth it. Or, you can do what we did and run what you want – even if the trail is right on the river and a half-mile section regularly floods in the spring/summer. There's nothing like the threat of a fall into an icy river to keep you upright. 

About face. As in watch face. As in don't look at it. When running in snow or ice, pace goes out the winder. You should be grateful for time on your feet and covering a certain distance. Or you can be like me when you get excited to see faster splits and try to keep momentum.

Stride right. Smaller steps and making sure your feet land underneath your hips will help keep you steady. Of course, you can run for pace, overstride and lose balance more than once. Whatevs.

Anyone want to guess what happened? Yep. I fell. Flat on my ass. Quite literally, actually. I had no idea that I was going to fall until I felt the cold ice on my glutes. It was actually better that way. I didn't contort my body to try to stop it from happening nor did I put my hands out to catch me.

As luck would have it, too, I fell with about a half-mile to go. I just had to make it through 5 or so minutes of running on a sore butt before I could go put it on ice.

Again.

What are your tips for winter running?

2015: A Year in Review

I didn't expect much out of 2015 – at least when it came to running.

The year was going to be about family. Silas was due (and born) in April, and our household would grow from three to four. Miles would (and did) start school in the fall, attending a Catholic elementary as a pre-kindergartener. And, Mark and I would just try to figure out how to handle it all.

But, even though we're still figuring out that whole balance thing, we managed to make it through and I was able to do it in large part because I was able to maintain my identity as a runner. It wasn't an easy road but it was one well worth to travel.

Here are my 2015 running highlights:

January

I maintained a solid schedule of running and teaching though I did pull back on my mileage. My longest run was just over 7 miles and my pace ranged from 9:30 to 10:15. I attended the Fort Wayne Track Club banquet, where I emceed the women's running clinic and met Lauren Fleshman. Repeat: I met LAUREN. I also ate cake that night.

February

Eked out a sub-30 5K at the Fanny Freezer. I was stoked.

March

Down and out with piriformis syndrome but I did get in a solid 3-miler at the end of the month. It was a much needed endorphin boost. I stayed active in the running community by volunteering at local races, and my club celebrated with a shower.

April

Si was born via C-section on the 10th. I had prepared for a VBAC but he was breech.

May

I celebrated Mother's Day with a 1-mile run around my neighborhood. I didn't have clearance, yet, from my doctor but it was the only thing I wanted. Well, that and a good breakfast but let's not get into that. I also ran my first post-partum race with the stroller at that. It was a 5K to benefit Girls on the Run, and it felt good to see my running friends again. Bonus: Going to the AMR party in Indianapolis.

June

BRFs for the win! After getting comfortable with the clomping of post-partum running, I was able to rejoin my friends for short outings. Running with friends does a mind – and body – good.

July

I began to slowly build my mileage, logging 5-milers during the week and getting in a 6-mile run with buddy Joe toward the end of the month. Endurance, rather than speed, was my focus and my log reflected that.

August

I kicked off the month with the New Haven 10K to gauge my fitness as I prepared for the Fort4Fitness Double Play. I had hoped to finish in under an hour, and I nailed it with a 59:40.

September

The month of racing! I participated in the Muncie Mini-Marathon (in the pouring rain) and Fort4Fitness Double Play (10K and 4-mile). Both events were huge boosts to my confidence as they proved that I had not been giving myself enough credit. I finally felt like I had come back.

October

Bourbon, bourbon, bourbon. And how did I chase it. It was an amazing experience on the hills of Kentucky, and my training proved successful with all of my legs under goal.

November

I joined the Another Mother Runner tribe for the Striding Through the Holidays challenge. I loved having some new-to-me interval workouts and the support of the online community. I also spectated the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and caught the 26.2 bug.

December 

I finished my racing season with a 10.8-mile (really 11-mile) run around Chain O' Lakes State Park as part of the HUFF 50K. I didn't feel like a rock star but found some determination to go gang busters next year.

And a few numbers:

Medals earned: 5 (Muncie, F4F {x2}, Bourbon Chase and HUFF)
Miles ran: 819 (as of Dec. 29 – I plan to run one more time before the year end)
Most miles ran in a month: 123.52 (October)
Fewest miles ran in a month: 0 (April)

Plans for 2016: Only a billion :)

Splitting the Negative

It was the "Train Like A Mother" Finish It plan that first introduced me to the negative split. I was following the schedule as I trained for the Columbus Marathon in 2012. Depending on the prescribed workout, the goal was to run particular sections of the run faster than the previous sections.  One day, it might be a 6-mile run split into three 2-mile sections and the next, it might be a 5-mile run split up into two 2-mile sections and a 1-mile fast finish.

The workouts were challenging, a mix of patience, strategy, speed and resolve. When you nailed it, the satisfaction was immeasurable.

As such, it's a run that I regularly incorporate into my training – whether I'm following a particular plan or not. My BRF Tami and I recently finished a 5-miler with an 8:3X split because I knew the negative split was possible.

On Thursday, I headed out to do the same – this time instructed by the five-week Striding through the Holidays plan from the Another Mother Runner challenge. But I lacked the enthusiasm I usually do for tackling negative splits.

• Si is teething and fussy. Set him down and he screams.
• Si is teething and is pooping accordingly. That morning, projectile shit shooting onto my leg.
• Miles is testing his limits when it comes to limits on TV and sugary treats. The mornings most often end in tears but he was particularly fiery and still had watery eyes when I dropped him off at school.

Physically and mentally, I was spent. However, I had already completed the easy run for the week and knew I would feel renewed with a good, hard effort.

So I set off.

The goal for the first miles is to run slow and then slow it down some more. While you want the overall effort to be strong, you need to have room to get faster. For me, this usually means around a 10-minute mile. But my watch. It was displaying paces between 10:20 and 12:45. Fine, I guess but surprising. I didn't feel great and I hadn't found my space mentally. The slower time was doing me no favors either.

I had to remind myself to relax, take it easy and smooth out my stride – just as I had that morning when Miles tried to make me a deal: a hug for an extra 10 minutes of TV.

Beep, beep, beep. 9:48.

"Alright, I got this," I thought. I stood a little taller, felt a bit firmer in my foundation. I don't have to give in – to deals, to negative thoughts.

The wind blew at my face, and I gave myself the tiniest bit of snaps for running the front half of my run into the headwind. Even though it was a bit brisk and the leaves were all but gone, it was a beautiful fall day.

Beep, beep, beep. 9:18.

Yikes, I thought. I let that one get away. A controlled 9:30 would have been better. A lower tone in my voice would have been better used in response to the "You're mean" declaration when Rolos were denied. But I had changed my tone, changed my gait. Things had gotten further than anticipated.

I took a deep breath, and reminded myself that I was competent and had the skills to handle it. I was in control.

9:11.

Much better. I had controlled my pace, my reaction. I didn't get excited. I didn't make it worse. I just did it. I had cleaned up the mess – on the run, on the floor of Si's room. I had wiped Miles' tears. We had said our goodbyes on happier terms.

I made a quick turn on the narrow trail and dodged small branches and walnuts that littered the ground beneath my feet. I dropped my shoulders, pulled in my belly. Pulled at my sagging capris. In. Out. In. Out.

8:42

I blew up. It wasn't a flame that I had quickly doused. It wasn't a slip of the tongue. I had lost my control. It stung. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I just can't keep it together.

As I headed underneath the bridge and toward the section of path that winds between the river and well-to-do homes, I had a decision to make. I could throw in the towel and just be satisfied with what I had done or I could put my head down and work.

Work. Running, parenting, it's always work. Just when you think you have a handle on it, it surprises you. It makes you think. It forces you to make a choice, for better or worse.

I chose to be better.

8:28.

There's a freedom laced with fear when you lose all control. You don't have to be anything but in the moment.

I was scared that morning. My frustration with the boys had reached a crescendo, the toll of the week wearing me thin. I think I would have thrown them into the car had I not maintained a shred of sanity.

But I didn't think about that in the last mile. I couldn't. All I could focus on was a quick turnover and breaking through. An 8:28 is fast for me. Fast. Beating that, nailing the negative split, would mean sacrificing that sanity I had saved.

And just like the week had caught up with me that morning, the effort and fatigue of the previous 5 miles had caught up with me. At 5.5 miles, with just 800 meters to go, I paused my Soleus and halted to a screech. I took five deep breaths and kept going. I needed to be strong, I could be strong, to the finish.

8:01.

My fastest mile since this time last year. I had come out on top. Despite having trouble staying control, despite being sprayed with poop, despite the name calling of a 4-year-old, I had done OK.

No. Wait. I had done great. 

Weekly Training + October Wrapup

Via Voxer {one of my favorite apps ever}, I listened to my BFF work out the math to hit 100 miles for October.

"Five on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday and a long run on the weekend," she said ... or something like that.

She's training for a half marathon on Thanksgiving day, and a 100-mile month is a good goal when training for that distance.

Me? I'm not training for anything, and I wasn't so sure how my runs would add up for October. For most of the past six weeks, I have been in this cycle of taper, race, recover, quick build, taper, race, recover. My mid-week runs were rarely more than 5, and my long runs, I thought, weren't really double digits.

So color me surprised when I saw that I wasn't going to just 100 miles but reach my highest monthly mileage in more than a year.

Stats

Week of 10/26

Runs: 5 {5.2, 5, 3, 4.18, 8.07}
Total mileage: 25.45 miles
Fastest run: Wednesday, 9:04 pace over 5 miles
Favorite workout: Masquerade Dash at the running store
Favorite route: Downtown Fort Wayne while on the Selfie Scavenger hunt
Focus for the week: Incorporate quality, not just quantity.
Highlight: Gorgeous fall weather

Month of October

Runs: 20
Total mileage: 123.52
Fastest run: Interval workout, 9:02 pace over 5.25 miles
Favorite workout: Fartlek – 1 minute at a hard pace, 2 minutes recover
Favorite route: Leg 1 of the Bourbon Chase, hands down
Focus for the month: Rock out the Bourbon Chase
Highlight: Eye spy ... lots of wildlife. I haven't seen many deer in Fort Wayne up until this year but I seem to keep stumbling on them on my mid-morning runs. It's such a treat.

Summer Running Essentials {Giveaway}

I was a mile into my run and already dripping. From my brow, my cheeks, my arms as they flapped in the stale air. I tried to wipe my face with the bottom of my shirt mid-stride but it did little to ease the situation.

I needed water.

There was a fountain up ahead, and I pumped my arms up the tiny hill to get to the park. The two minutes it took to get there seemed like an eternity as the sun shone high from the sky, even at 8:45.

I tried not to gulp the cool water coming from the fountain. Sip, sip, wait. Sip, sip, wait. As I paused, I glanced down at my phone and checked the weather. 74 degrees, 66 percent humidity and a dewpoint of 62. According to a chart my friend shared, the conditions were equivalent to running in a monsoon and would negatively affect my run by 175%. I'm not so sure I buy it but another chart I saw said I would run 1:05 slower per mile in the conditions.

But I didn't need numbers to tell me something I already knew: This was summer running at its finest.

It seems, as runners, that we get two good seasons – fall and winter – and two seasons that make us work. Winter requires us to layer up, find the best insulated tights, search for a well-fitting hat and seek solutions to slippery trails.

Summer, though, is not so much about the best clothes. Many of us can get by with a good pair of shorts, supportive bra (current favorite: Moving Comfort Juno, which is on sale!) and tank. To get through the hot season, we require gear that keeps us healthy, safe and happy.

My essentials:

Pro Compression low socks. I sweat from head to toe, literally. Factor in puddles from summer storms, and my shoes and socks can be wrung out at the end of the run. Such conditions make it imperative to have a good pair of socks. Socks that wick moisture. Socks that hug the foot without being too tight. Socks that don't slip, move or bunch. Socks like the Pro Compression trainers.

Why is it so important? An ill-fitting sock can rub, chafe and cause blisters in dry conditions. The damage will be that much worse on sweaty, wet feet.

Pro Compression trainers hit me slightly above the ankle, keeping the back of the shoe from rubbing the skin. The socks feature a built-in "Stabilizer Zone," which promotes balance and support; a non-slip design to keep your sock in place; and advanced materials for maximum comfort and moisture control. The icing on the cake? They are made in the USA.

The low trainers come in 13 colors and at $25 for two pairs, they are comparable to other running socks.

Looking for something a little different? Pro Compression also has the PC Runner, a premium running sock that is lightweight, durable and extremely breathable. As for the style, it's what you have come to expect from the creative folks at Pro. Translation: They are flipping fabulous.

Nuun. According to  Owen Barder, author of "Running for Fitness," you will generally lose around 17 ounces during an hour run, or 8.5 ounces during a 30-minute run. [Source] People who are heavy sweaters can lose more water during that time period. Hot, humid conditions can also increase fluid loss, making it imperative to stay hydrated – even on those 30-minute runs. Nuun has an optimal blend of electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated. And, it tastes great. Before a summer run, I prepare a bottle of Nuun to drink while I get ready and a second to take on the outing.

Naawk. There seems to be some debate over whether you really need sunscreen but as someone who is fair-skinned and red-headed, I burn easily. Burning = Bad. I've tried a lot of sunscreens in my life but none have compared to Naawk. I was first introduced to the brand when I ran Hood to Coast, and I have loved it since. At our house, we have a bottle of sunscreen in the stroller, in the diaper bag, in the trunk of each car and in the bathroom. We are never without it. I'm a particular fan of the continuous spray SPF 30. It's not greasy and it smells good. I also like that I don't have to goop up my hands. Why? Take a gel 45 minutes into a long run and get back to me. Naawk also has an eco-friendly sunscreen pouch with a carabiner – perfect for clipping on a backpack when you go hiking or on the diaper bag for a day at the pool.

Now for the giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a pair of Pro Compression PC Runner socks, along with a betty designs Nuun bottle, two tubes of Nuun (watermelon and strawberry lemonade) and, count them, three bottles of continuous-spray Naawk sunscreen. Enter using the widget below.

Remember, you can always save 40 percent on Pro Compression marathon socks and sleeves using the code PRO15. Save 42 percent sitewide, even on low trainers and PC Runners, this month with the code JUNE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Pro Compression is providing the PC Runners to the winner and Naawk provided me with sunscreen to share as I saw fit. The Nuun bottle and tubes of Nuun are provided by me because I love you all so much. A big thanks to Pro Compression for supporting this giveaway.

Training Again: Ready ... Or Not?

July 1.

That was going to be the day – the day I began training and the day I documented it my Believe journal.

I bought my journal way back in January when Lauren Fleshman, one of the co-authors, was speaking at the Fort Wayne Track Club banquet. I had her sign my copy, going ridiculously fangirl as I told her that I was saving it for my post-baby comeback.

The one, I had decided, would begin July 1. It was a date that seemed far enough removed from Silas' birth that I would be ready to put my nose to the grindstone and ready to do it safely. I was excited to think about the workouts I would document, the successes and challenges I would face. Words like tempo and repeats made me giddy. I had visions of shedding time (and pounds).

But now that go time is eight days away, I'm not feeling butterflies in my stomach. Rather, it's more like a pit.

I've been running consistently over the past 5 weeks, and I'm getting comfortable at shorter distances. My runs are at least 3 miles, sometimes 4, but they are almost all at the same pace – start strong and fizzle. I'm adding a "long" run, too, on the weekends – shooting for 5 or 6 miles. I did this for the first time Saturday and made it 5 but the struggle was real for that last half-mile.

I have no pressing need to push the distance or the pace. Even though I declared this summer the season of the 5K, I am not registered for a single event at that distance. I'll be toeing the line at Fort4Fitness on Sept. 26 but I haven't handed over my credit card yet for the 10K or 4-mile race (or both). The only thing I really have to worry about is the Bourbon Chase and that is in mid-October.

And so I keep thinking, do I really need to start worrying about training? My fitness and average pace will improve with time, and I feel confident that I will run regularly without a schedule or journal to keep me accountable. I just had a baby (and C-section) 10 weeks ago, after all, and there's no need to put undue pressure on myself.

But.

The big but. I have to ask myself if my hesitation to use the Believe journal is because, well, I'm not ready to believe in myself yet. Am I questioning my physical ability to put in the work? Am I scared that I won't be able to push myself like I did last year? Do I not feel worthy of the journal?

I don't know. I just don't. But, I guess, I have eight days to figure it out.

It's Going Down {Week In Review}

Friends! It's been so long and there's been so much I've wanted to share. Rather than try to catch up with beyond late recaps (something I despise), I thought I'd give you a rundown of my week.

Monday

I drove home from Cincinnati with the two boys. Silas is still at a good age for traveling as he will sleep most of the time, and Miles is happy with an iPad and headphones. Of course, it doesn't mean that it's easy. We made two stops to eat over the course of 148 miles and drank lots of {decaf} coffee.

The trip was worth it, though. Grandma got to meet Silas, and Miles got some major quality time with his aunt and uncle. They took him to the Newport Aquarium on Saturday and the Cincinnati Zoo on Sunday, spoiling him with pictures, presents and face painting.

Tuesday

I kicked off the morning with a barbell workout so I could gauge my fitness as I plan my return to teaching. Short story: I am out of shape and lunges really hurt – not just in the hurt so good way but in the "oh, I had major surgery" sort of way.

In the afternoon, I met up with BRF Tami and made the drive to Indianapolis for the Another Mother Runner party. It was all kinds of fabulous. I got four hours of face time in the car with Tami, and it was much needed as we haven't ran together in ... Wait. I'm not going to even count it or I'll be sad. Athletic Annex, where the party took place, was packed with mother runners who were open, kind and hilarious. (If you want a better recap of an AMR party, here's a post I wrote from the Columbus fete in 2013.)

Note: If you want to make new friends, bring a baby. Silas got more attention than I did!

Wednesday

Wednesday nights might be favorite as I don't have to cook. Well, I might have found away to make it better.

Since I've been on leave, I ride with Mark to pick up Miles and head to my in-laws' house for dinner. (When I'm working, I meet them there after I get off.) This week, I told Mark to take Silas to pick up Miles, and I ran to my in-laws' house. I arrived just as Mark was pulling up, having logged 2 miles at 9:52 pace.

Thursday

I tried to trick Mark, and I failed. Miserably.

Mark hates beans. Despises them. It's a fact that can make cooking a bit tricky, especially when I'm making Mexican or soups. I made an enchilada casserole for dinner but used refried beans instead of black, mixing them into the sauce. I was sure he wouldn't notice.

But he did. And then he made a frozen pizza and I sulked.

Friday

I had my six-week post partum check-up, and I am officially cleared for all activity. My doctor said to set low expectations for myself as I just had major surgery but I couldn't do any damage to the incision.

So I celebrated ... by taking a walk.

I don't remember when I first put Miles in the BOB with the car seat adapter, it might have been six weeks, but fitness-wise I'm not sure I'm ready to run with the stroller. Walking is also a more attractive option in the afternoon when you can include the neighborhood coffee shop on your route and pop in for an iced Americano.

Saturday

I pumped like gangbusters and did something I've been itching to do for months: I went on a group run.

I met the running group moms for an "easy" 3 after my friend's daughter ran a 5K. The morning was beautiful and we were on a portion of well-shaded trail. Conversation flowed and Tay followed on her bike. (Also along for the ride: Two green worms, which I found on my person at the end of the run. ICK!)

I'm not gonna lie, though. Physically, the run was tough. I pretty much felt like a rhinoceros running through mud. I know it will get better; I just need to be consistent and patient.

Sunday

I marked the beginning of my return to running by making another return. This time, it was at Dick's. Mark was very kind (and complimentary) and bought me a pair of shorts.

In size small.

Once upon a time, they might have fit but not at this juncture. I'm trying to honor my body by wearing things that fit so we took them back for a larger size. I'm also trying to be positive and didn't buy a cart full of larger shorts. The smaller ones will fit in time and when they do, I'll go buy another pair or two to celebrate : )

Tell me: How did your week fare?

The Magic Cure? Tales from Injury Row

What would you be willing to try to see progress or get relief?

"Check this out," my friend wrote. "I've been trying it for about 24 hours now and I think it's helping. Sounds crazy, I know, but if it takes away the pain in my hip and piriformis, I'm in."

Attached was a link to an article on People's Pharmacy that told of the benefits, so to speak, of putting soap under the bed sheets. Bar soap has been used, it says, to treat sciatica, bursitis and leg and arm cramps. As the sciatic nerve goes straight through the piriformis, it only makes sense that the home remedy could be used for alleviating the pain of the tight muscle.

So my friend had taken a bar of soap and used a knife to make flakes. The flakes were put in a knee-high stocking, and she was able to put it under the sheets, on her chair cushion or in her waistband.

And yes, it did sound crazy but the idea was not 100 percent alien to me. We ran a medical column in the paper for years, and the author repeatedly suggested putting a bar of soap to cure, well, anything. His advice was so frequent that it was a running joke in the newsroom.

It's understandable then that I laughed when my friend shared her story. Her results, though? They made me pause. Could I be crazy, too?

The answer: Obviously.

Wednesday night, I took a travel-size bar of soap and wrapped it in a sweat towel that I had accidentally taken from the Y. As I have to sleep on my side, I wasn't sure how a bar of soap under the sheets would help the hip if it was in the air so I decided to try something new with placement. As in, I tucked it in my pajama pants. It stayed there through the night as I rolled from right to left and struggled to get comfortable, a near impossibility at this point.

I was curious but not necessarily hopeful when I woke up Thursday morning. I did the old lady roll out of bed and took a few steps toward the bathroom.

Oochy, ouchy, OH! The soap had not worked. Not. At. All.

"Nothing lost, nothing gained," I thought to my self as I proceeded to finish the jaunt to the toilet to eliminate my pregnant bladder. But in the, oh, 45 seconds that it took, I forgot about the soap in my pants. And it fell out. Into the toilet. So not only did the experiment not work, I was fishing a bar of soap out of toilet water before I had my coffee. It's not only disgusting but tricky, taking far longer than one would expect.

I then washed my hands 7 times and lathered them in rubbing alcohol. And then I had coffee. Lots of it.

The whole experiment made me wonder just what one would be willing to do to get better? Right now, I'd probably do salacious things to get a cortisone shot in my bum ... which is probably the least crazy thing I've found/considered to ease my pain.

Essential oils. I have taken to using these occasionally after reader Sara reached out to me and wrote a GUEST POST about its use. When I strained my hip in 2013, I used the Deep Blue blend from doTERRA to give myself an edge during healing and therapy. I've continued to use it when I've felt niggles and have tried it with my bum. But, it's a little hard to apply oil to the back side and get it in the right spot. Also, the piriformis is so deep that I'm not sure the oil gets to where it needs to go. I have been interested in trying the Deep Blue Rub, especially since my massage therapist used it last week.

Diet. My grandma had a big book of home remedies that she left on the TV stand and often referred to when things went awry. It's from that book where she got the idea to eat cherries when her gout flared up. Tart cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and after a few days of eating them by the bowl, her gout gimp would improve and within a week she was back to normal. There are some other foods, according to my resources {aka Google}, that improve inflammation. Since PS is agitation/muscle inflammation, I'm hoping a cherry smoothie a day will keep the therapist away. Or maybe I should start with cherry pie ...

Salt caves. I found this one thanks to Groupon and a deal about an hour away from me. The owner claims that visitors to the salt cave, filled with salt from the Himalayas in Pakistan, experience relief for chronic pain, respiratory conditions, skin conditions and more. The cost is $30 and from what I can tell, you sit in a room with a bunch of salt. Please note: I am not doing this. It seems even more ridiculous than the soap.

Tell me: Have you had success with a non-traditional therapy? What's the craziest thing you've tried?

Down But Not Out

Limping out of the office, two things were abundantly clear:

• I forgot to put on deodorant that morning. Apparently basic hygiene becomes complicated when I'm not living out of a gym bag.

• I am suffering from classic piriformis syndrome.

Neither "revelation" was particularly great (though one could be solved more easily) but I did feel more hope than I had in the past 48 hours, after my right glute seized on Wednesday's run. Those hours had been filled with pain-filled steps, tears from said steps, frustration, tears of frustration, 3.421 episodes of "Property Brothers" and frantic Internet searches that alternated between piriformis syndrome and sciatica.

Dr. Google diagnosed me with sciatica by Thursday night. It might have been the shooting pain when I went up steps or the fact that an amazing massage by JC on Thursday helped for all of 3 minutes, when my glute seized again on the walk out to the car.

Silly old me was sure that the session with JC, who looked a bit like Michael Clarke Duncan, would be the miracle I needed. I was sure his stature meant he had the strength to get into the problem and his initials ... hello, JC – just like another miracle worker. He wooed me with tales from studying in China and a grandson named Miles. Fate? I think so. The massage was great but it just wasn't the answer. (If you are local and need a recommendation, let me know.)

The sudden onset, too, had me leaning toward sciatica. I had not experienced any pains in the butt save from hip bone soreness, equal on both sides, prior to the run. Le behb could have easily moved, got on my nerve and caused the problem.

Friday morning, I called the office of my doctor/midwife. I was hoping they would have some good drugs but instead they referred me to a therapy practice in Fort Wayne that focuses on women. The therapists specialize in pelvic floor problems and other issues that arise during and after pregnancy. I was dubious at best, as my previous physical therapy experience didn't have me sold. You spend a whole lot of money to have someone watch you stretch. You are told to do those stretches at home and then go back the next session to have them watch you again.

Note: I know it's more than that. I have not lost it ... not completely.

But I was desperate and needed answers, so I went.

The appointment was fairly standard – including the half-hour wait. The therapist, who was being shadowed by a student, guided me through a series of assessments, which included engaging the transverse abdominis, bending forward, bending backward, lifting knees and reaching side to side. We reviewed my symptoms, where the pain was located and at what level during each test. Afterward, the therapist asked the student what she thought.

"It's just like the pregnant woman we saw before," she said.

"Classic piriformis syndrome," the therapist replied.

So, I'm not the only one, eh?

The piriformis is a small muscle that lies under the gluteal muscles in the buttocks region. When this muscle goes into spasm or becomes hypertonic, it may compress the sciatic nerve, causing low back pain or numbness that radiates down the leg, and is generally felt only on one side. This condition is known as piriformis syndrome. Other symptoms may include a deep pain in the hip or buttock, tight and painful hamstrings and calves, and tense pain and decreased range of motion in the hip. ... 

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor will shift gradually to accommodate the baby as it develops in the womb. While in the early stages of pregnancy, the body releases a chemical called relaxin, which relaxes the pubic symphisis (pubic bone), surrounding ligaments, and joints in the pelvis. The release of the relaxin allows the entire area to widen, allowing an increase of space for the baby. This can increase stress and strain on the sacrum (tail bone), where the piriformis attaches, causing the muscle to tighten over time until it is in a constant state of contraction.

Piriformis syndrome can also develop during pregnancy due to postural deviations caused by the weight bearing changes affecting the woman’s body. Often, because of the added weight of the baby, the mother will develop an anterior pelvic tilt. This occurs when the pelvis begins to shift forward with the weight of the baby in a way to compensate for balance. As the pelvis tilts forward, it causes the piriformis to tighten around the sciatic nerve. {Source}

Oh so many lessons from my personal training exam just come flooding back ...

Given the explanation, I'm not 100 percent surprised. I had been having discomfort in the groin area that I attributed to the relaxin in the area of the pubic bone. The pressure there probably caused the piriformis to contract.

The therapist was confident that within 4 to 6 sessions with her, along with twice daily exercises and stretches, that I will be pain free. I cross referenced her prognosis with running friends who had similar problems and they confirmed the short recovery time. I'm hesitant to be all rah-rah, let me be healed, but I have to trust in the process.

And, I already feel a smidge better with the stretches and short treatment she gave me. It's nothing to write home about (although enough to share with the Internet) but it's noticeable. I limp when I start walking but can eventually transition to a waddle. It even feels manageable after a few laps around the house.

Surprisingly, my greatest concern is not running. I know that I won't be running this weekend and maybe not even next week – and that's OK. But I am trying to figure out how I can still teach my classes at the Y. I am cleared to exercise as long as it doesn't hurt/cause additional pain. I can squat without pain and do upperbody work but added resistance like, say, a barbell could be problematic. If I have to cancel class, though, I will.

We have to put our best butt back after all.

From Good to Bad in 3.9 Miles {A Three Things Thursday Post}

Wednesday started out like any other Wednesday.

I got the boys fed and Miles ready for daycare. I reviewed my music for barbell class and found the only pair of capris that were both clean and belly compatible. I took out Denali ... and took him out again. I got Miles fed ... again. And, at 8:20, we set off for daycare.

But the day was going to be better than just an ordinary Wednesday. I knew it. After all, I had taken off the day just because. It was a me day.

1. Barbell class was great. I felt strong and on it, and there were a couple new faces. The demographics of my Y can make it challenging at times as English isn't always a first language but the new gals did great. They just brought a new life to the class, and I left feeling sweaty and rejuvenated.

2. After a quick trip home to shower and watch an episode of "Property Brothers," I was off to lunch with my running friends. It was Shannon's birthday so we decided to do something incredibly novel and see each other in real clothes. I have to say that I have some really good looking friends.

The bonus: The restaurant we went to is known for its epic grilled cheese sandwiches, and I didn't go wrong with the pesto version that features cheddar, swiss, provolone and muenster cheeses, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and pesto sauce on grilled sourdough. I paired it with the house salad (veggies!) as the restaurant has the best peppercorn dressing.

3. What better way to enjoy a day off than to go for a solo run? The weather was somewhat tempting at 37 degrees though it was dreary and there was a light rain. I knew I would brighten it up with my Pro Compression heart socks and a Fila Hoodie from Kohl's that I found at a post-lunch shopping trip. I had been eyeing it for months, and I found it on clearance for 70 percent off plus I had a 20 percent off coupon.

Things went from good to meh to bad once I hit the trail and no matter how cute the clothes, the run could not be saved.

I've been used to some aches and pains running – round ligament pain, the widening of the hips, low back – but I experienced something new. I felt a pain in my ass. Literally. It started out as a dull ache, one I thought that I would run through and work out. I stopped to stretch half way, and I felt like the run was never the same. It was as if the entire glute just seized up. I tried more stretches and it didn't work. I had to get home so I just gutted it out.

Once I got home, I stretched, foam rolled and used a softball to do myofascial release. I was sure that was all I needed to take care of the pain in my butt.

But I was wrong. It seemed to make it all worse. My right side was tight and now immobile. I was barely able to walk across the room, and it was not without wincing. It got progressively worse as the night went on and even going to the bathroom was a struggle.

The worst part was that I knew trips up and down the steps to help with bedtime was not going to happen. I had to have Mark bring Miles downstairs so I could read to him on the couch. And when Miles got fiesty, I couldn't comfort him.

Or myself.

When I woke up this morning, I couldn't help but cry. Big fat tantrum tears as Mark handed me a cup of coffee. My right side was still tight, and moving was a challenge. I had Mark bring up crutches from the basement and I lumbered around.

At this point, I can barely walk – much less run. I just said Wednesday morning that running isn't important for me physically, though it is. I need it mentally. I need it to feel good about myself, to feel strong, to feel like me, to stay sane. I don't know what I'll do if I'll have to stop, especially now. If I have to take off weeks to rest (and I will if needed), I know I am done running for this pregnancy. I won't be able to just restart at 35 weeks.

I'm trying to be hopeful. I am. Baby boy could be sitting on my sciatic nerve and maybe a good roll will take off the pressure. I could have some luck with a more gentle approach to stretching and foam rolling, along with heat and ice.

If anyone has experience with piriformis pain, please send me your tips. And I'll take any good thought I can get, too!

Undercover: A Tale of Embarrassment and Support

OK, friends. It's time to gather round for a little story. So settle back with a cup of coffee ... or a cocktail. It's after noon and no one can see to judge.

Now, before I get started, I want you to jog your memory and think of something that embarrassed you recently. It could be a story worthy of Another Mother Runner's TMI Tuesday or something that happened at work. But think of something and hold it there, in the front of your mind.

Onto the story ...

Apprehension – and not much else – filled the restaurant on Saturday night. The storm was just hours from arriving, and those who were filling the booths at Bob Evans were out to dinner while they could get out. Conversations were quiet and the usual hustle-and-bustle of a restaurant were muted, nearly non-existent.

It proved to be perfect for us, as we joined my father-in-law for dinner. It was an unusual treat but he was flying solo, as my mother-in-law in Colorado, and he had offered to take us out.

The conversation skipped and jumped, from the storm preparations and mayhem to Miles chatting about the books he had gotten from the library. As we finished dinner, the topic was firmly settled on running – what I wore and, by accident, the state of my chesticles.

I was recapping the afternoon's 7-miler when my father-in-law asked whether I had purchased any new clothes for pregnant running. Not really, I replied. I have been making do with unisex race shirts and forgiving capris (turned tights with Pro Compression socks). The only area I had invested – and not so wisely– I admitted, was in the foundation department.

Now this is where I tell you a little bit about my father-in-law: He has a medical background and worked in the emergency room for many years. Though he is now a college instructor, he still teaches clinicals in a hospital. He has seen things that people don't need to see – many of which he has shared at dinner. The light-hearted might not appreciate it but I find it crudely fascinating. Anyway, his experience makes him inquisitive and clinical when talking about the human body, even if it is that of his daughter-in-law.

And so, unsurprisingly, he asked me what I meant. Unthinking, I went on to tell him that I had purchased new sports bras earlier in the pregnancy to accommodate the growth of the chesticles. However, they are still growing and the once suitable bras no longer work, resulting in some uncomfortable chafing. I had – and still have – several inch wounds on the bottom of each from my favorite C9 bra rubbing me the wrong way.

The offending style ...

I sighed. I should probably purchase some better ones, I said, but it's an investment and we have other things to get right now.

"How much?"he asked.

I gave him an estimate of $40 to $50 a bra, and he gave me a command. I was to go get one and give him the receipt. It wasn't good for me to continue with the chafing, he said, going into how the areas could get infected and with the infection certain things would happen ... medical speak, medical speak, medical speak. I thanked him and mentally flogged myself for opening that can of pus.

But, the story isn't over. Later that evening, my father-in-law called. He had been talking with his wife about my "situation" and she said that I shouldn't get a bra – I should get two.

And here is where I felt embarrassed: Not only did I have a conversation about my boobs with my father-in-law but he, in turn, had a conversation about my boobs with my mother-in-law. And, if I was a betting woman, I'd bet the information was shared with our Colorado kin.

The upside is that I do get two sports bras out of all my flushing and blushing. My BFF has suggested several Moving Comfort styles that have been helpful to her.

But I'm happy to take input from folks who are in the D cup+ sizes as to which styles are comfortable, supportive and non-offending.

Hey There, Old Friend {Back on the 'mill}

It takes 21 days to make a habit but, for me, it has taken far less time to fall back into my winter running routine.

Treadmill, treadmill, treadmill during the week and trying to hook up with the group for an outdoor on the weekend.

By my account (aka my Google spreadsheet), I first made the transition to the treadmill on Dec. 30 – right about the time the temperatures here took a turn for the single digits. Since then, I've ran 10 times and been outside three times. THREE. Flip it around, I've ran on the treadmill 70 percent of the time.

I don't mind it. I don't get crazy bored. I don't feel like less of a runner for choosing to go inside. I didn't even consider my "street cred" when the conditions were slick and the wind chills dipped to -30.

The one thing that doesn't give me pause is that when I plan a run, I don't even consider going outside anymore. When I decide to run, I immediately pack my stuff in my Apera gym bag. I think of what my mileage goal will be and what kind of workout I will do – though I do use the term workout loosely. I think of paces in mph and settings, not time.

It's like I've forgotten how to run outside.

But I know it will change. Experience tells me it will. Come spring, likely after the baby is born, I will think of trails and routes when I plan. I will factor in temperature and rain. I will get excited when the lilacs bloom and even driving by, I will picture myself running alongside them, the sweet fragrance filling my lungs.

And, the thought of the treadmill will once again make me nauseous.

Note: I will have a sponsored-type post up later. Feel free to skip it.

My Year of Running: 2014

I'm a little late to the party but I thought I would link up with Miss Zippy to share my year in running — and maybe a few other things along the way.

Best race experience

The first question and the toughest. Instead of my best race experience, I'll share my proudest — the Fort4Fitness half marathon. I got over the hump and nailed a sub-2 half with lots of cushion. More importantly, I managed to rebound when I hit a tough spot at mile 6 (aka I slowed to a walk and started crying). I struggle with the mental aspect of racing, and I managed to overcome some of that — with the help of Mark — during that race.

Best run

I've had some amazing runs this year — a shakeout in Napa after the ZOOMA race, some challenging and rewarding efforts and hilarious excursions with the running group during the Polar Vortex, one of which is still talked about. Apparently, I am a bit fearless when navigating snowy streets.

My favorite run, though, might have been the last outing in Colorado. I normally run around the Davidson Mesa as it's accessible from where we stay but on that run, I ventured down a new path. It was more challenging, with steeper inclines and narrower trails, but it was amazing. I actually had to will myself to turn around and head back.

Best new piece of gear

Hands down, the You Saw Me vest. I don't think any other piece of gear has made such a noticeable impact on my runs. I feel safer — and I am safer.

I am pretty sure you can still use code healthy strides for free shipping.

Best piece of running advice

Trust the training

Most inspirational runner

My buddy Joe. He's a beast ... and a kind, generous, thoughtful one. He's also hilarious but that's not the point. After training with him for a 2013 marathon and see him struggle through the race, I've seen him set PRs at nearly every distance, even cutting 10 minutes off his half time over the course of a year. And even though he has gotten faster, he never demands to run a certain pace with the group or brags about his accomplishments.

The year, in a couple of words

Epic. I set two PRs (5K and 10K), and I ran my two fastest half marathons since Miles was born. I also had the trip of a lifetime courtesy of ZOOMA and met the most amazing people in a stinky van in Bourbon Country. I made a BRF for life (sorry Tami, you are stuck with me) and cemented my relationships with running buddies.

A few other fun facts ...

1,300: The number of miles ran of Dec. 23, a new yearly distance record. I am estimating that I'll hit 1,325 by the end of the year.

167: Miles ran with the BRF

155: Most miles logged in one month (August), also a personal record

9: The number of months with more than 100 miles logged.

7:17: The fastest mile of the year, at the Runners on Parade 5K

6: The number of months in 2014 I spent pregnant.

5: The number of half marathons I ran — Athens, ZOOMA, Parlor City, Fort4Fitness and the Haunted Hilly Half

How was 2014 for you?

10 Ways Driving a Manual Is Like Running

Seventeen hours, give or take, in a car. With my husband. And my toddler.

If the prospect of driving to Colorado was not daunting enough, Mark sprung this on me a few months before the trip. He thought the trip west would be best made in his car, as it has a roomier backseat and more trunk storage than my hatchback.

The car, which I not-so-kindly refer to as Old Man, also happens to be a manual transmission.

In case you haven't guessed yet, I didn't learn how to drive a manual when I was a teenager — or as an adult. I did make a few attempts, it is true. Once, my uncle tried to coerce me into backing up his work truck out of my grandma's uphill driveway. It didn't go well. Then, after dating Mark, I tried to learn on his red Toyota Yaris but a few marginally successful lessons ended with me stalled in the middle of an intersection crying.

I vowed never to try again.

I was fairly obstinate about it, even when Mark pitched and pitched the idea of taking his car to Colorado. It wasn't one day, when I must have had an epic run, did I agree. The process wasn't easy — not at all — but I did become a valuable partner for the drive to Colorado. And, now, I no longer get heart palpitations if Mark is parked behind me when I need to go to the grocery.

"I'm taking your car," I say, grabbing the keys and heading out the door.

The more I drive the car, the more I can't help but relate driving a manual transmission to running. Maybe it's because I relate everything to running or maybe because there are similarities.

10 Ways Driving a Manual is Like Running

1. You can't judge an outing based on the first mile, much less first tenth. The driving lessons started slow - down the block, to the ice cream shop, to my in-law's house. On one such drive, which was no more than 2 miles, I apprehensively got behind the wheel. I managed to back out of the driveway and get the car into first. Then second. I went for third (ha!) and instead found a gear yet to be named. Or, maybe it was neutral. Or first. Anyway, I pulled over and started ranting that I could never drive the car. We all know, though, that we need at least 10 minutes to get in a groove. If it's not going the way we want, rather than give up, just slowly hit the gas and see what happens.

2. Hills are hard — don't stop on them. Just keep your pace steady, eyes ahead and go.

3. Uphills might be the worry but if you aren't careful, you can burn out the brakes on the downhill.

4. Start your journey in first gear.

5. But if you don't and accidentally start in second, you won't wreck the transmission. Just don't try it in third.

6. A good warm up is preferred when easing into higher gears. It's scary and challenging to go from first to fifth over a short stretch of road.

7. Stop and go traffic is the worst. The more you have to stop and start, the seemingly harder it is to get into the higher gears.

8. If you want to get going — and then keep moving — you have to give the engine enough gas. Not too much or you'll flood the engine. But enough.

Note: In terms of running, gas means fuel ... like Gu or peanut butter-filled dates. It does not mean gas. I think as runners, we have enough.

9. Not everyone can drive a stick and definitely not everyone wants to. Once you are in the club, you get the appeal.

10. Once you master it, you feel like a total bad ass.

Gingerbread Pursuit {A Race Recap}

On Saturday, I ran the Gingerbread Pursuit, a 4-mile event that is the last track club points race event of the year.

I throw up the peace sign because I'm cool, y'all.

I couldn't decide whether I wanted to run this race. It was on Dec. 13 — my anniversary — and I thought it would be a great way to kick off the celebrations. Mark and I running together, not so hand in hand, along downtown streets and stretches of River Greenway that we had when I first started logging miles. But he was less than enthused, even with the promise of a Santa hat. If you are going to spend $25 on registration, which is not a lot I know, you should be enthused.

When Mark said no, I thought maybe I would ditch it, too. I was not going to run to race, and the weather the previous year had been a preview of the polar vortex to come. I didn't want to pay for a race that I wouldn't feel safe running.

But then people were talking about it ... and the 10-day forecast looked good ... and the idea of one last race of 2014/before baby seemed like fun.

I run with my eyes closed because I'm awesome like that.

After all, when do you get the legit chance to pull up the snowflake Pro Compression socks, Sparkle Athletic skirt and a fun T-shirt?

I ran a 1.5-mile warm up and met up with some of the run clubbers before the gun went off. We said hi, exchanged hugs and admired the festive wear before finding ourselves a good spot. I put myself toward the back, knowing that my friends would be running quite a bit faster and I didn't want to get caught up in the frenzy.

When the gun went off, I reminded myself of my goals: run strong but not too strong and have fun. I was not to forget I was pregnant or keep my PR in the back of my head.

I quickly realized that those things wouldn't be a problem. My legs felt terrible. Heavy. I felt slow. I watched people blaze by me and disappear into the distance.

"Have fun," I told myself. "You need to enjoy this."

But I really wasn't. It sort of sucked. Hard, actually. It sucked hard. So I just threw any expectation out the window and ran. I drafted behind people who seemed like they were going at a comfortable pace. I spotted people and rather than trying to pass them, I stayed a comfortable distance away. I made a game of dodging goose poop for kicks.

Around mile 2.5, I came up on a friend who was having a hard time. She had tweaked her back at spin, and her gait was suffering. Hmm. "I could be a good friend and stay with her," I briefly thought. But before I could say as much, she encouraged me not to and "go ahead, mama."

So I tried. But damn, if I could not lose her. I actually tried, picking up my pace, and I couldn't. The jingle bells on her shoes ringing louder as I pushed rather than the sound disappearing. Just as I got frustrated, I saw someone else I knew. We said hi, I said I wanted it to be over and I let him get ahead.

I was beginning to think the race was never going to end. Seriously, when did 4 miles get so far? And then a beacon, a hill up ahead. It was a shitty hill, short and steep, that took us off the greenway onto a downtown street. I knew from parking at the finish and seeing the timing mats that we were 3.5 blocks, maybe 4, from being done.

Thank friggin' goodness!

I glanced down at my asshole Garmin and saw that my time was in the 33-minute range. If I pushed it, if I was lucky, I could finish in the 36-minute range. I could maybe skate by with a sub-9 average or at least with a pace in the low 9s. It was incredibly shocking and a relief to know that I had felt so terrible because I was actually running at a challenging pace.

So I dug deep for a kick, found a nudge and ran. I wasn't sure I'd make it but I did.

Time: 35:32
Average pace: 8:53
AG rank: 10/56
Overall rank: 146/392

15 Days In: Thoughts on the #RWRunStreak

I was tired. Grumpy, even. I moved with apathy and fatigue. Even the sight of my beloved BRF failed to bring a smile to my face. I blamed the weather. It was 21 degrees, real feel 10 degrees less than that. The day before had been in the 30s and on Tuesday night when I ran, it was nearly 40.

What the hell were we doing? What the hell was I doing?

"Do you even want to run today?" Tami asked jokingly as we greeted each other underneath the yellow glow of the parking lot lights.

"I have to run a mile for the streak at least," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "But, I mentally told myself 5."

And so we ran 5 miles — not because of the streak. We ran because we were there, awake (sort of) and dressed the part. We ran because it's what we do and a chance to chat child-free about whatever we think of. We ran because, let's be honest, after the polar vortex, 21 degrees with no snow is really not that bad.

Forty-eight minutes later, give or take a few seconds, I was done. I was happy. I was awake. And, by proxy, I had completed #RWRunStreak Day 15.

I'm a bit surprised — and not — that I've made it this far. I am not a quitter so once I say I'm doing something I do it but I'm busy. I work. I'm a mom. I am obsessed with the second season of "Vikings," which is now on Prime.

Sorry. I had to take a moment for that. I would recommend that you do the same.

OK. Back to the streak — and the point of this post. It's been 15 days and, though not life changing, it's been a bit interesting.

A few takeaways:

‣ Running every day isn't that  hard, at least physically. Thus far, I haven't felt as if I needed a complete rest day nor overly tired from running the extra mile — literally. The challenge is fitting it on days that were typically not running days, such as those when I teach.

Quick upside: I'm on the gym floor and get to interact more with members when I run a mile on the treadmill before class.

‣ It makes me run when I normally wouldn't. Duh, right? But take Tuesday. I had planned to run in the 5 a.m. hour but turned off my alarm at 4 a.m. after getting up with Miles and being unable to fall back asleep. (My issue, not his. I was glad to soothe him after a nightmare.) My back-up morning run is after dropping off Miles but I was behind on my column and needed to go in early. So I ran in the evening after dinner. I did not want to, not at all. (I swear there's not a theme!) I wanted to eat more tuna casserole and sit on the couch. But I got out there, and I did feel more accomplished for it. I like the streak for that.

‣ Running a mile is hardly worth it. I feel like by the time I get dressed and find a groove, I'm home again. I almost always go over, even just a bit, if I'm not on the treadmill. Partly because my reliable mile loop is off limits after the dog attack, partly because I want to be out for at least 15 minutes.

‣ The temptation to run in pajamas is great.

‣ It's hard to keep the 10 percent rule in mind. We've all heard it — increase your mileage only 10 percent a week. Well, if you are a recreational runner in the off season, you might not be running 30 miles a week over four to five days. Adding just one mile a day, three days a week will boost your mileage significantly. I think it's more important to worry about increasing long run distance but there's something to be said for weekly mileage.

‣ Need more room! I track my mileage in a Google spreadsheet, and copy it for the next year. Well, I'm not even two weeks into December, and I only have eight rows left.

Not really worth it's own bullet but I sort of hate how the streak lowers the average miles I log per run. In November, my average run was 5.86 miles and in October, it was 5.88.

‣ Speaking of the miles, it's a lot of junk. I'm not gaining fitness (though possibly preserving it), building endurance or getting faster. I'm running the same routes at nearly the same pace, day after day. The streak makes it difficult to do much more than that.

‣ I friggin' love it. I love feeling somewhat pompous when I let it slip that I joined in (so sorry, so true). I love that my friend is doing it. I love that there's a community. And I love that it gives me an attainable goal at a time when major feats are a while away.

So, who's streaking? How is it going?