Are you a Streaker?

Most of you know by now that I am a Streaker. Yep, I run everyday at least one mile and have done so for 785 days and will continue to run each day until it no longer fits my lifestyle or I have redefined my fitness goals - possibly because of injury. With a slow start this year I have continued my streak with the help of my PT and my friends and family and their support. It takes a lot of support to be a Streaker! As I ran through the San Jose Airport and along the airport road this past weekend in order to continue my streak I was reminded just how in trenched I am in my streak. My yoga pants and GAP Sweater felt just fine during the run and I only got a few crazy looks from airport goers. I didn't expect the plane to be delayed and time was of the essence!

Some of my friends have become Streakers and I have asked a few of them to Blog about their Streak. After you read their stories, ask yourself if you are a Streaker. Some folks catch the streaking bug and go for it, it's fun to watch and interesting to hear how it changes lives.

Our Runwithpaula Streaker Facebook page is filled with runners that have decided to Streak, they are from all parts of the country and use the page to find motivation and companionship. The Runwithpaula Streaker shirt can be found even in Germany!








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Arlene Bitmansour, Palo Alto, CA


Inspired by Paula, I started my streak on 01/01/10 to get over major surgery and a forced hiatus from running in 2009. Even though I haven't fully regained my running strength and speed, I have come a long way and have improved immensely. This has been a liberating and worthwhile journey!

did the streak change your life?
Yes. I felt so hopeless after my surgery. I felt that I had lost my running legs and would never regain my fitness. Because of streaking I continue to improve and keep striving to a better fitness level.

what was your motivation to keep your streak alive?
Once I say that I am going to do something, I do it. I couldn't break my word, the commitment to myself, and my commitment to the RWP Streakers ... even when I got really sick with a nasty cold.

would you recommend streaking?
Yes, 1000%. It feels great to say that you are going to do something and then do it. Additionally by committing to the streak you are committing to fitness and healthy living and committing to the RWP Streaker family that you will set an example and encourage fellow streakers to keep their streak alive.

are you finished streaking or will you continue?

I have committed to streak through 2011. One year at a time baby ;)

Arlene D Bitmansour, PhD
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Terry Swiers - Portland, OR

why did you begin streaking?

I'm not really sure, as it just kind of happened. Before hearing
about your streak at track one night, I had never run more than 3 days
in a row. Shortly after that, I ended up running every day for a
week just from my own running and getting roped into a few other
peoples runs. I mentioned my "mini" streak to you and you encouraged
me to continue on with it. And we all know it's impossible to say no
to Paula, so here I am on day 447.


did the streak change your life?

In subtle ways. Each day is no longer if I'm going to run, but when
I'm going to run. I've also lost comprehension of what an "off" day
is.


what was your motivation to keep your streak alive?

I looked at my streak as a commitment, both to myself and to you. I
was going to do everything in my power to complete it.


would you recommend streaking?

Now that's the tough question. For most runners, it's a definite no.

Running a mile every single day for a year is much harder than it
sounds. Some days, getting on the treadmill or gearing up to go
outside was the hardest thing that I could think of doing at the time.
All I wanted to do was to just sit and watch the clock roll over to
the next day and be done with it. Then there is the added bit of
stress of having to remember to run each day. And don't forget the
small bursts of panic you when realize that it's 11:45 and you still
have crank out a run. The worst part is never having a true rest
day. Even though I'm still running every day, I firmly believe that
most runners need rest days.

On the other hand, I have only had one single run during my streak
where I didn't feel better after the run than when I started and I'l
blame that on the food poisoning I had to run through. For someone
who thrives on routine and regimen, it can be a positive experience.



are you finished streaking or will you continue?

I'm continuing on. I'll end my streak when circumstances prevent me
from running, or I'm injured and would be best off letting my body
recover.

Terry

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Streaker Kelly Pacillas - Calabasas, CA.

RWP Streaker Blog

I began my streak on December 28, 2009 with the half-hearted attempt to streak with my friends in Portland. Living in Southern California, I was on my own to see what this streaking thing was all about. I lasted about 30 days, missed a day, continued in my own warped definition of streaking, "well, I'm running more now than I ever did" streak. Basically, I was not streaking. I let the charade go in May and excepted the fact that I can't do it.

Through the marvels of Facebook, I began to follow Paula and Arlene and their streaks. Wow, Arlene is totally doing it, even in her busy life and Paula was knocking out year two...how are they doing this and why are they successful at this?

Fast forward to July 19, 2010 when my brother passed away suddenly. With such a trauma happening in the family, it really clears the dust and fog from your vision and wakes up your passion if you choose to embrace it. The one lesson learned that has radically changed my life is relationships are primary, above all else.

How does this apply to streaking you ask? Relationship is the fuel, the passion, the motivation and the foundation for my streak. I was so preoccupied and selfish when I lived in Portland that I didn't build the kind of relationship I would have liked with Paula and Arlene.

When Paula asked who was going to continue their streak into 2011, I knew this was my chance to do something I loved with people I cared about. I stepped out of my comfortable box, emailed Paula and I was in...100% committed to building the bridge of relationship through this crazy thing we call streaking! I was so excited to be different and build something together, my husband Tim came on board and we are streaking together.

As of today, February 21, 2011, I have 51 days (still need to run today). I wouldn't miss this opportunity to share this with Paula, Arlene and Tim for anything. Streaking is special to me because they are special to me. As I continue to run everyday I feel like I am contributing to their success by moving forward together just as I feel supported and cheered on by them.


Relationships...everyday, sometimes tough, sometimes glorious but always worth it!

Streak on friends!


See you on the trails!

Kelly Pacillas

Marni Renison - Guest Blogger - Hood to Coast

This post if written by my friend Marni Renison, (pictured on the right) along with our friend and Hood to Coast teammate Aubree Swart.
Marni is a bright spot in my life...below is a blog from Marni about Hood to Coast that I think you will enjoy...thanks, Marni!

The Hood to Coast event is a hugely sought after and highly anticipated race of 12 teammates, divided into two vans running 197 miles from Mt. Hood to Seaside Oregon. Generally, there is no sleep, you get to know your teammates intimately and whether you like it or not, you may start to look at parts of nature as a freshly cleaned bathroom at the Ritz Carlton.

Two years ago, I was approached by Paula Harkin, of Team RunWithPaula to join her van to fill in for runner. I quickly agreed, because Paula had been such a staple to my running since my arrival in Portland, but promptly raced home to talk through all my fears of the race with my husband.

“Am I’m not fast enough – these girls are FAST!”

“I get bitchy without sleep – I don’t want them to see my evil side.”

“What if I literally go crazy without sleep? Like hauled off in straightjacket?”

“What if I have to poop on the course?”

“What if I get lost?”

“What if they get last place because of ME?”

Ugh. Torment.

Well, just with anything in life, you have to jump in, live in the moment…enjoy the present and if you’re running Hood to Coast….you makes jokes, support your girlfriends and run hard.

Last year, my second year on the team, we took first place in our division. So, this summer, we’re coming back to keep our title. With a little fun and hard work along the way.

My name is Marni Renison (middle). I am a wife, mother of two daughters, runner. I began running about 6 years ago because of a “bad mom” day. I took my dog out for walk, ended up running as hard as I could for as long as I could (which was about one city block – and I nearly barfed) to release some anger. When I came home, I felt refreshed, more in control and I knew I would be back. I was going to do that again. Soon after came my first 10k, half marathon and marathon. I’ve since run 7. Running has returned benefits to my health, my community and my sense of wellbeing that otherwise would remain dormant. I balance many things with training: yoga, work, media shoots from time to time. But, my priorities remain the same. Wife. Mother. Runner. People. In that order.

Everything else falls quickly in line.

As I prepare for the races of this year, I realize, first I need to set some goals. Plan my races. And mentally prepare for the hard work ahead. Hood to Coast is a pinnacle event. And I need to come through for my girls. Because we’re going to be defending our title. J

Baby steps are not just for babies

Baby Steps...(goggles upside down)

I CAN swim. I CAN swim. I CAN swim. I can swim from one end of the pool to the other and back again. I sometimes feel panic when I do but I can swim 75 meters and I did today. This is where I am at, I will get better. I will make my way back to continuous swimming! Baby steps.

Is this what new runners feel like when I tell them they CAN run a marathon or half marathon? Are they feeling like I am feeling about swimming? Do they wonder if it will ever all come together? I think this is such a great experience for a coach and an athlete because the answer is an easy yes as a coach but as an athlete it is a little harder to say. I do remember my beginning days of running and they were very hard. Swimming is hard. I am happy swimming is hard because as I have said before - hard is rewarding. This is a good reminder that things take time and I need to be patient with myself.

I am going to set my sites on another triathlon in 2011. Setting this goal is really important as it will keep me focused on exercise each day and training my body to be strong and capable. Isn't that what we are doing when we set a goal? I think it is so important to remember that exercise is about being healthy and strong and not just about losing calories.

Here are a few tips/goals for 2011 - be the first one up to assist, be the one to lift something heavy for someone else, walk a little farther to the shopping mall by parking a little farther out, mow your own lawn and plant a few flowers, shake out your rugs, and use the stairs instead of the elevator. If you eat something unhealthy, leave a few bites, motivate someone in your life to move their body. Say something positive every day and be grateful. This is the biggy. Be grateful for all of the wonderful things in your life, we all have them, sometimes we have to look a little harder for them but they are always there. Listen to the universe. Listen to your heart. Be true to yourself and your word. These are gifts we can give ourselves and we can start today and make them a habit and while building this habit we can be healthier both mentally and physically and make our households, our offices, our communities just a little better. Let 2011 be about being just a little better.

I am grateful for SO many things but today I am grateful that I can learn to swim.

RWP
Day 739

Day 678

My journey of running everyday continues as my running log nears the end of it's yearly cycle 2010. It fills up day by day and week by week. The running streak is such a personal challenge that I almost forget about it until someone asks me if I am still running everyday. I am then reminded and always a little excited to count my progression of days. I go to my Day of the Year Calendar that I printed off of the internet and add together last year and this year and feel happy that the number has grown, almost without me knowing. Today is day 678. I am not sure what it means as it is just a number but my challenge continues to march on in spite of itself. I surely don't want to jinx myself and I know for some unforeseen reason my streak could end tomorrow but I have not had a cold or the flu or an injury that keeps me from running each day for all of these days. In my mind I owe that to the streak. I think the streak is keeping me healthy! I am sure one day sickness or injury will come and I will deal with it them but for today the Streak and I are great partners and together we are enmeshed in our daily challenge, keeping each other alive and well.

I have had some fun running experiences this year. The Boston Marathon hurt this year but it was still nothing short of amazing. It was a bigger challenge than it was in 2009 but the crowd and the course and the city are incredible and it never gets old. The finish line of the Boston Marathon is almost overwhelming. This picture is of us standing at the finish line the night before the race...I could hardly imagine crossing it the next day and I have crossed it 3 times. Something about it! I also ran all of the Runwithpaula Events this year and TEAM RUNWITHPAULA took first place in the Women's Sub-Master's Category at Hood to Coast. 7:11 overall pace. My girlfriends are superstars!

In October, 9 of my girlfriends went on a girls weekend to Victoria, BC and ran the Victoria Marathon. (10-10-10.) The weather was gorgeous and the course was truly beautiful. I really enjoyed the course being marked in kilometers rather than miles - I didn't know if I would like it but I LOVED it and had a blast in the city having High Tea at the Empress and eating and drinking our way through a very fun weekend.

This year I have gone some very interesting places and met all kinds of interesting people through running including finishing my first triathlon. I couldn't do any of this without my husband, kids and girlfriends. I like to call this the circle of inspiration. I find myself inspired by someone overcoming a challenge or setting a goal and achieving it or risking it all for a PR and accomplishing that goal - or maybe not - and the grace and beauty that comes from it. True self discovery comes from pushing ourselves. It is not easy to announce to the world that you want to do something extraordinary - as relative as that may be - but the rewards are plentiful and the true you is just waiting for you to take yourself to the next level. Never stop striving to be the best you can be. Live your life with challenges and goals and eat something really fattening and take naps and hug your kids. You know what I mean. SO...what goals are you going to set for 2011? Make your goals fun and make them real! You can do it.

Up next? I am sure there will be something to keep my running life exciting that will include my girlfriends that make me laugh hard on long runs and cheer for me on my intervals. I love my group runs and my track workouts and my solo runs and I promise myself to keep on running know matter what day it is.

Run Yourself Better!

Hagg Lake 25K Trail Run

The Hagg Lake Trail Run was gorgeous this year, the sun was out and the event was very organized. Kelly Johnson and the other race directors did a great job of communicating with participants for weeks leading up to the race which helped us all mentally prepare for the event. This was my third Hagg Lake 25K. After five years of running this race you receive a cool BELT BUCKLE and after 10 years you get special parking rights, I will keep coming back!

The course around the Hagg Lake is crazy fun and very challenging. It seems that the 15.5 mile course really never flattens out but rolls up and down and around and in and out of water and mud the entire time. Sound like fun? It is! It is crazy fun. I only fell once and seriously laughed out loud as my feet slipped out from under me to one side landing on my hip and catching myself with my hands. My friend and running partner, Lynn, witnessed this graceful moment when I was in at least 6 inches of mud and water and found myself with muddy hands for the remainder of the run. This is not fun when you go to wipe your nose or wipe your face :) Lynn, thanks for being there! :)

I found the other participants to be so nice and friendly as we made our way around the Lake enjoying the challenge and taking in the sites and the sunshine, it was really a fabulous day. I wondered as I was working my way up and down the hills and trails why 400 people would come out to Forest Grove and take this challenge. It is a very hard effort. I mean we could have been sleeping in or shopping or having brunch with family but instead we were all in muddy shoes, breathing very hard, wondering when the finish line would finally rear it's head all the while risking breaking an ankle - all for the sport of trail running.

My husband, Dave Harkin, not only won the race but set a new COURSE RECORD. I am very proud of Dave and his ability to not only run but to do it and so win with such grace. My hat is off to Dave, he is an inspiration to me and to those that know him, those that he helps train and ensures they have the right shoes and equipment and the right frame of mind to train and compete. GO DAVE!! On to Boston!!

Congratulations to my VERY COOL friends that ran the race. Aubree, Lynn, Jill (took her age division!) Amanda, Leigh, Christina, Marni, Denise, Shari and our store manager Kristin Lynn that won the women's division in the 25K. Congrats to the very studly Erin Perkin that rocked the 50K! Two loops???? No way! :) Great job Erin!

Our next adventure? Stay tuned, I am sure it will be fun.

Hagg Lake 25K
2:19
7th women overall
3rd place age division
10 min PR :)

Running the Course - Go Girl Trail Run

It was time to meet up with Stephen Hatfield of the Forest Park Conservancy to talk about the Go Girl Trail Run. A group of friends and I drove out to Lower MacLeay Park and ran the course. I was reminded of just how amazing Forest Park is and how lucky we are to have the park within driving distance. The course is filled with breathtaking views and although very challenging terrain, the course is AMAZING!


The Go Girl Trail Run began at the Portland Zoo a few years ago and was originally named Run Like a Girl. Women loved running on the trails and felt great about taking the challenge. The event moved to Forest Park and for the last two years I have managed the event changing the name to the Go Girl Trail Run. Women start in waves based on pace to eliminate congestion on the trails and work their way up to the Stone House on Wildwood climbing all the way to Wild Cherry and then down to Leif Erickson to Alder Trail and back on Wildwood for the finish. Somehow this run feels like you are climbing both ways but as soon as you think you can't climb another step you begin a fast fun decent that makes the climb worthwhile!
Not only does the Go Girl Trail Run inspire women to get out and run on the trails but it is a way of giving back to the park by making a nice contribution to The Forest Park Conservancy. (www.forestparkconservancy.org). The Forest Park Conservancy has a great volunteer program for anyone that wants to give a little of their time to the park.
(www.forestparkconservancy.org/support/volunteer-opportunities).

With the course set and registration open the event will fill fast as the Portland Parks has a limit of 500 participants for this race. It is a "must do" for those that need a challenge mid summer. There is nothing like it!

Go Girl Trail Run
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Forest Park
www.runwithpaula.com

Cascade Half Marathon - Race Report

I was telling the story to Dave, Aubree and Christina on the way to Turner, Oregon for the 10th annual Cascade Half Marathon last Sunday - about the wind storm at this same race in 2000. The winds were SO incredible that the lights in the gym went out and garbage cans were rolling across the road in front of us as we ran. There was no chance of talking to another runner as the wind was so strong you really couldn't hear. I had to concentrate on each and every step. This was the year I was going for a PR in the 10K and after the turnaround at mile 3.1 the wind was the strongest wind I have ever ran in and it hit me like a load of bricks. It felt like I was running with a parachute attached to my back. Luckily there was another runner that came up to me and yelled "two telephone poles", I realized that he wanted to share in the work and work together drafting off one another down the last one mile stretch of the road to the finish. The telephone poles marked the place in time when we would switch off. When I was running behind this guy it felt like I was being sucked into a wind tunnel. When I was in the lead I had to pull like I had never pulled before. I can't remember my result that day and the website link is broken (10 years later) but I will never forget that wind on that January day in Turner, Oregon. Of course the legend has grown and now the winds were upwards of 90mph :)

This year as the field was challenged by a head wind I heard many folks discussing how tough it was to run in the wind. As I made my way out to the turn around of the half marathon I found mile 4-5 the hardest. I never seem to feel the relief of the tail wind on the return miles but nonetheless as I came in 1st in may age group this year with my friend Lynn RIGHT behind me, I knew that the wind of today was nothing like the wind of 2000. Shari, Christina and Shawn, three of my running friends ran awesome together which was really fun to see. My husband Dave came in 2nd overall, missed first place by less than 1 second! He is amazing!

1:35:45