I haven't been very diligent about keeping up with this blog, for a variety of reasons. I'll spare you the list that just cropped up in my brain.
At any rate, I'm still around....
And I'm running. I had a 2-3 week hiatus recently as I had a Spring Show to prepare for and a corporate boss in town. I have new orthotics and took them for a 3 miler yesterday. The orthotics were great. My body was not. In a short period of time, I have lost some of my already short endurance. I'm starting this week easing back into a routine. 3 miles, 3-4 times a week, cross training in between. I'm tired of battling shin splints. I'm bound and determined to shake them this summer. It's going to take effort and focus on my part, but I know I can do it. Once we get there, I'll start on my next goal. McDaniel. the entire length of it, no walking. From there, I hope to be training for a fall half.
I'm still in the studio. I have been sitting in an artistic funk since March. I'm attempting to pull myself out of that dreadful hole day by day. I've been accepted into an artist residency program in Woodstock, NY this fall. I'm pumped about that opportunity and the breakthroughs that go with it. It's a huge incentive to get myself creatively juiced up before I get there. In the meantime, I'm simply saving cash like a madwoman in an effort to be able to eat while I'm up there!
I'm hoping to use this blog as a way to streamline keeping people informed during the two months I'll be in Woodstock. I know I'll have a lot of people wanting to know how I'm doing and what I'm doing. check here. It'll be the easiest way for me to stay in touch.
In other news, I am working on getting rid of those marathon pounds I gained over the winter. I've shed some of them, still working on the rest of them. I have a feeling that if I stay focused, get rid of my shin splints, train smart.... I'll get back to where I want to be.
In the meantime, I have a dear friend signed up to run Nike Women's with Team in Training this October. I cannot wait to run with her, train with her, and help her along in her experience with TNT. I miss it and cannot wait to do another race with a great and amazing organization.
Showing posts with label Team In Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team In Training. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
the BIG one
If you haven't already noticed my facebook updates or seen me and my beaming face, I'm back! I've been meaning to get an update out to everyone all week and haven't had the time to think straight much less make sense of the trip! Aside from being amazing, I'm having a hard time getting the experience into words. Here goes, all the gory details! (it's lengthy, be warned) Oh, and if you didn't hear, I met my fundraising goal 2 days before I left!
We left on Friday (the 16th) out of Charlotte. I met up with some other teammates to drive up to Charlotte (at 5:30! am!). The drive up 85, the airport,
and most of the flight were uneventful. We had a football team on our flight which made things interesting. Not only are they big boys crammed into a tiny little space, but some had never flown before. We experienced a few choice words from one or two of them upon takeoff while the rest were more the "PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR" variety. (I'm told the flight attendant stayed with one of them during the entire takeoff and supposedly gave him a pair of wings when we landed.) This was the part of the trip we call "giddy." I tried to sleep but after a point gave up and shared the window with Rosalyn and goofed off. Everything is more fun when you are that excited. I think we exclaimed over every mountain range between the east and west coast. I had a stupid girl moment on the plane as I had never had to use the facilities in mid-flight before. The flight attendant looked at me like I was below stupid and pointed to the giant yellow letters on the door "PUSH" while proceeding to demonstrate. I'm sure my sister can relate. What can I say? I'm special in a multitude of ways.
From landing, there was the shuttle to the hotel, check in, and general overwhelming excitement to finally be there. We all dispersed excitedly-- off to our rooms, some off to tours right off the bat, others just to find food. After checking in, most of us met up to find some grub together and grab our race packets.
The weather was beyond perfect! Sunny, blue, cloudless sky with temperatures in the low 70's. It was beautiful! The expotique was a little underwhelming. Exciting to be there and all that but not much else in the way of an expo. Niketown was interesting.
We found our names on the wall of 20,000 women who together raised over $14 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! We perused Niketown where some shopped, some danced, and all scoffed at the prices. Saturday evening we all headed into Chinatown for Chinese! I've never had such good Chinese in my life (ok, the food at the Chance household comes close- rightly so)! Some were tired and headed back to the hotel after dinner. Penny and I traipsed off to do some shopping and take in Chinatown. It might just be my favorite part of San Francisco! It's cheesy, tacky, and beautiful all at the same time.
Saturday we were on our own to explore! I chose to hit the highlights by being the ultimate tourist. I got a $25 day pass for a bus tour. I managed to see a good chunk of the city, hop on and off as I pleased, and limit the amount of ground I had to cover. I made the mistake of starting in Chinatown, but nothing was open yet. Back on the bus, next stop.
I got to see St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral which was stunning. I really wanted to take pictures of the inside but didn't want to be disruptive either. However, I simply don't have words for the experience of standing on that street and hearing the bells chime the hour. There was an ethereal feeling to that moment that few others can touch. I walked over to where I could see Coit Tower, but opted not to go all the way up (big hill the day before the race? bad idea). From there I walked over a few blocks to where I could see Lombard street (from afar-- again, big hill the day before the race...). 
Back on the tour bus, we headed towards the coast to Fisherman's Wharf. I didn't get off but took a few pictures from the bus. It was over the Golden Gate, a quick photo shoot, and back over on the bus! From there, I got off at Golden Gate Park to check out the Japanese Tea Gardens. Absolutely beautiful! I didn't stay for tea, but wish I had! From there, the bus took us through the city to see a lot of amazing architecture and landmarks. If you're ever in the city and want to see a lot in a short amount of time, I highly recommend these bus tours. They're great!
After the bus tour, I was starving but didn't want to waste time at a sit down restaurant by myself. I stopped in to a local pizza shop, bought a slice and a water for $4.25! The pizza was great and the water was much needed. I wandered on over to SFMOMA from there and soaked up some really stunning work! I could have spent so much more of my day in there and been happy as a lark. I ran into a dear friend who was in the city visiting for kicks. The Richard Avedon exhibit was absolutely unbelievable. Those images move you in ways you would never expect. It took me completely by surprise and in true Susan at MOMA fashion I walked through the exhibit with my mouth agape. I about lost my composure when I rounded a corner to be greeted with Ernesto Neto!
I had to contain myself from openly doing a happy dance right there on the spot. Other highlights of pure joy were Judy Chicago, Kiki Smith, Andrea Zittel, Jean Arp just to name a few. After SFMOMA, I was running out of time so I hotfooted it back to the hotel, threw on a clean shirt, and ran out the door to meet up with my team for our Inspiration Dinner/ Pasta Party. As an unrelated side note, there are super interesting street people in San Francisco... I saw the same guy at two different spots along the race course on Sunday!
I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away. This is the part of the trip we call "speechless." Every Team In Training coach was lined up on both sides of the entrance to this convention center, decked out in every nutty bit of purple and green they could find armed with every noisemaker and cow bell they could get their hands on. Every single one of them were going nuts for every single one of us. It was beyond overwhelming. While we were all giddy with amazement, we were all brought to tears. (I'm tearing up just thinking about it.) For the 6 months we trained, these coaches were there for us through the pain, sweat, tears, chafing, crankiness, and every other emotion you can imagine. You'd think they'd be sick of us by now. Nope, they're so proud they're about to bust.... and to boot, they're cheering their butts off for you. Not only did they line up the lobby, they went down the stairs, and around the corner into the ballroom filled to the brink with tables for Team In Training chapters from all over the country. The inspiration was there all right! We then ate like we'd never seen food before (despite the mediocrity), and enjoyed some wonderful speakers including an amazing survivor (who ran the race with us!), Joan Benoit, and John Bingham. All were wonderful!
Rosalyn and I went back to Chinatown afterwards to pick up our last "oh, crap, I DO want to buy that" purchases before we hit the hay. Then, it was race day!
Race day.... it's here and you can't believe it. The gun finally goes off. 20 minutes later, you cross the start line. I will give the DJ props for immediately playing "...all the single ladies..." immediately after the gun. Kudos, good choice. The course was beautiful! Absolutely stunning! The hills were primarily in the first half and were not as awful as I expected. You train for hills so you're prepared. They were longer than anything we have in Greenville, but thankfully there were no cable car hills involved! The weather was pretty perfect for race day! It was overcast, a little foggy (but not so much you couldn't see the sights!), and cool (but not cold). The sun came out sporadically but never made it too warm. I felt great the entire first half and ran most of it, walking through the aid stations. Between mile 13 and 14, I started to hurt. Nothing specific, just pain. I kept going. I didn't stop to stretch even once. I knew if I stopped moving, I wouldn't start again. I kept going. I knew I needed to get to mile 19 by 1 pm or they'd reroute me. Somewhere around mile 16, I saw the 5:30 finish pace group on the other side of our out and back loop. I hadn't seen the 6:00 finish pace group pass me, which meant I was right where I needed to be. Shortly after, we saw the lake. That lake seemingly took forever to run around. This is the part of the trip I call "the valley." I reached mile 19 and relaxed a little. Shortly thereafter, I hit the wall... a big dark mental valley. From mile 21 or so until mile 24, it was bleak for me. I kept going through the pain but walked a lot. I crested that last hill onto the Great Highway and knew I'd finish. Finally, a very nice coach got our attention and said "just two stoplights ladies"... you want to talk about tears of joy? That started it. I couldn't see the finish line yet, but that meant it was there, just two stoplights ahead of me. Then I hit the really enthusiastic TNT cheer teams. They set my tears flowing. Thankfully, I pulled it together enough to cross the finish beaming instead of sobbing. Sadly, I didn't have anything left to enjoy the firemen at the finish. This is the part of the trip I call "brain dead." The volunteers graciously ushered me where I needed to go and I managed to find the giant TNT tent, and fall weeping into Rosalyn's arms. While she fetched a PB&J sandwich for me, our coaches found me and the tears continued. I shoved the sandwich in my face, despite the fact I didn't want it. We sat and chatted a bit, despite my minimal brain function. From there, it was a 1/2 mile walk to the shuttle and back to the hotel. Ice bath, hot shower, a little rest, and off to the Victory Party. We ate in the Relaxation Room of the Victory Party (pretty good food) and wandered over to the 80's room afterward. Penny got us (most of us) out on the dance floor and moving (ok, kinda-- in my case it was mostly upper body dancing). After a good time on the dance floor, we started fading pretty fast. And the daunting task of repacking faced us.... back to our rooms we went!
(This is for mom. She wanted me to wear a cape. I didn't but someone did!) 
(Tiffany's finisher's necklace!)
From there, it was back on the plane (uneventful flight) and back down 85 to Greenville. The trip of a lifetime.
I want to thank all of you for all of your support (emotional and financial), love, encouragement, and prayers. I would never have gotten this experience any other way! Thank you to Coach Cathy and Coach Penny for everything! While I trained primarily by myself and had the support of Coach John all along the way, you two really pulled through for me in so many ways! Thanks to Rosalyn for being an awesome weekend roomie!
Now what?!
I'm currently cramming in preparation for Greenville's Open Studio Tour, then it's LLS's Turkey Trot on November 14th. The next big adventure? I'm not sure yet.... but I'll keep you posted.
We left on Friday (the 16th) out of Charlotte. I met up with some other teammates to drive up to Charlotte (at 5:30! am!). The drive up 85, the airport,
and most of the flight were uneventful. We had a football team on our flight which made things interesting. Not only are they big boys crammed into a tiny little space, but some had never flown before. We experienced a few choice words from one or two of them upon takeoff while the rest were more the "PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR" variety. (I'm told the flight attendant stayed with one of them during the entire takeoff and supposedly gave him a pair of wings when we landed.) This was the part of the trip we call "giddy." I tried to sleep but after a point gave up and shared the window with Rosalyn and goofed off. Everything is more fun when you are that excited. I think we exclaimed over every mountain range between the east and west coast. I had a stupid girl moment on the plane as I had never had to use the facilities in mid-flight before. The flight attendant looked at me like I was below stupid and pointed to the giant yellow letters on the door "PUSH" while proceeding to demonstrate. I'm sure my sister can relate. What can I say? I'm special in a multitude of ways.From landing, there was the shuttle to the hotel, check in, and general overwhelming excitement to finally be there. We all dispersed excitedly-- off to our rooms, some off to tours right off the bat, others just to find food. After checking in, most of us met up to find some grub together and grab our race packets.
The weather was beyond perfect! Sunny, blue, cloudless sky with temperatures in the low 70's. It was beautiful! The expotique was a little underwhelming. Exciting to be there and all that but not much else in the way of an expo. Niketown was interesting.
We found our names on the wall of 20,000 women who together raised over $14 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! We perused Niketown where some shopped, some danced, and all scoffed at the prices. Saturday evening we all headed into Chinatown for Chinese! I've never had such good Chinese in my life (ok, the food at the Chance household comes close- rightly so)! Some were tired and headed back to the hotel after dinner. Penny and I traipsed off to do some shopping and take in Chinatown. It might just be my favorite part of San Francisco! It's cheesy, tacky, and beautiful all at the same time.Saturday we were on our own to explore! I chose to hit the highlights by being the ultimate tourist. I got a $25 day pass for a bus tour. I managed to see a good chunk of the city, hop on and off as I pleased, and limit the amount of ground I had to cover. I made the mistake of starting in Chinatown, but nothing was open yet. Back on the bus, next stop.
I got to see St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral which was stunning. I really wanted to take pictures of the inside but didn't want to be disruptive either. However, I simply don't have words for the experience of standing on that street and hearing the bells chime the hour. There was an ethereal feeling to that moment that few others can touch. I walked over to where I could see Coit Tower, but opted not to go all the way up (big hill the day before the race? bad idea). From there I walked over a few blocks to where I could see Lombard street (from afar-- again, big hill the day before the race...). 
Back on the tour bus, we headed towards the coast to Fisherman's Wharf. I didn't get off but took a few pictures from the bus. It was over the Golden Gate, a quick photo shoot, and back over on the bus! From there, I got off at Golden Gate Park to check out the Japanese Tea Gardens. Absolutely beautiful! I didn't stay for tea, but wish I had! From there, the bus took us through the city to see a lot of amazing architecture and landmarks. If you're ever in the city and want to see a lot in a short amount of time, I highly recommend these bus tours. They're great!After the bus tour, I was starving but didn't want to waste time at a sit down restaurant by myself. I stopped in to a local pizza shop, bought a slice and a water for $4.25! The pizza was great and the water was much needed. I wandered on over to SFMOMA from there and soaked up some really stunning work! I could have spent so much more of my day in there and been happy as a lark. I ran into a dear friend who was in the city visiting for kicks. The Richard Avedon exhibit was absolutely unbelievable. Those images move you in ways you would never expect. It took me completely by surprise and in true Susan at MOMA fashion I walked through the exhibit with my mouth agape. I about lost my composure when I rounded a corner to be greeted with Ernesto Neto!
I had to contain myself from openly doing a happy dance right there on the spot. Other highlights of pure joy were Judy Chicago, Kiki Smith, Andrea Zittel, Jean Arp just to name a few. After SFMOMA, I was running out of time so I hotfooted it back to the hotel, threw on a clean shirt, and ran out the door to meet up with my team for our Inspiration Dinner/ Pasta Party. As an unrelated side note, there are super interesting street people in San Francisco... I saw the same guy at two different spots along the race course on Sunday!I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away. This is the part of the trip we call "speechless." Every Team In Training coach was lined up on both sides of the entrance to this convention center, decked out in every nutty bit of purple and green they could find armed with every noisemaker and cow bell they could get their hands on. Every single one of them were going nuts for every single one of us. It was beyond overwhelming. While we were all giddy with amazement, we were all brought to tears. (I'm tearing up just thinking about it.) For the 6 months we trained, these coaches were there for us through the pain, sweat, tears, chafing, crankiness, and every other emotion you can imagine. You'd think they'd be sick of us by now. Nope, they're so proud they're about to bust.... and to boot, they're cheering their butts off for you. Not only did they line up the lobby, they went down the stairs, and around the corner into the ballroom filled to the brink with tables for Team In Training chapters from all over the country. The inspiration was there all right! We then ate like we'd never seen food before (despite the mediocrity), and enjoyed some wonderful speakers including an amazing survivor (who ran the race with us!), Joan Benoit, and John Bingham. All were wonderful!
Rosalyn and I went back to Chinatown afterwards to pick up our last "oh, crap, I DO want to buy that" purchases before we hit the hay. Then, it was race day!
Race day.... it's here and you can't believe it. The gun finally goes off. 20 minutes later, you cross the start line. I will give the DJ props for immediately playing "...all the single ladies..." immediately after the gun. Kudos, good choice. The course was beautiful! Absolutely stunning! The hills were primarily in the first half and were not as awful as I expected. You train for hills so you're prepared. They were longer than anything we have in Greenville, but thankfully there were no cable car hills involved! The weather was pretty perfect for race day! It was overcast, a little foggy (but not so much you couldn't see the sights!), and cool (but not cold). The sun came out sporadically but never made it too warm. I felt great the entire first half and ran most of it, walking through the aid stations. Between mile 13 and 14, I started to hurt. Nothing specific, just pain. I kept going. I didn't stop to stretch even once. I knew if I stopped moving, I wouldn't start again. I kept going. I knew I needed to get to mile 19 by 1 pm or they'd reroute me. Somewhere around mile 16, I saw the 5:30 finish pace group on the other side of our out and back loop. I hadn't seen the 6:00 finish pace group pass me, which meant I was right where I needed to be. Shortly after, we saw the lake. That lake seemingly took forever to run around. This is the part of the trip I call "the valley." I reached mile 19 and relaxed a little. Shortly thereafter, I hit the wall... a big dark mental valley. From mile 21 or so until mile 24, it was bleak for me. I kept going through the pain but walked a lot. I crested that last hill onto the Great Highway and knew I'd finish. Finally, a very nice coach got our attention and said "just two stoplights ladies"... you want to talk about tears of joy? That started it. I couldn't see the finish line yet, but that meant it was there, just two stoplights ahead of me. Then I hit the really enthusiastic TNT cheer teams. They set my tears flowing. Thankfully, I pulled it together enough to cross the finish beaming instead of sobbing. Sadly, I didn't have anything left to enjoy the firemen at the finish. This is the part of the trip I call "brain dead." The volunteers graciously ushered me where I needed to go and I managed to find the giant TNT tent, and fall weeping into Rosalyn's arms. While she fetched a PB&J sandwich for me, our coaches found me and the tears continued. I shoved the sandwich in my face, despite the fact I didn't want it. We sat and chatted a bit, despite my minimal brain function. From there, it was a 1/2 mile walk to the shuttle and back to the hotel. Ice bath, hot shower, a little rest, and off to the Victory Party. We ate in the Relaxation Room of the Victory Party (pretty good food) and wandered over to the 80's room afterward. Penny got us (most of us) out on the dance floor and moving (ok, kinda-- in my case it was mostly upper body dancing). After a good time on the dance floor, we started fading pretty fast. And the daunting task of repacking faced us.... back to our rooms we went!
(This is for mom. She wanted me to wear a cape. I didn't but someone did!) (Tiffany's finisher's necklace!)From there, it was back on the plane (uneventful flight) and back down 85 to Greenville. The trip of a lifetime.
I want to thank all of you for all of your support (emotional and financial), love, encouragement, and prayers. I would never have gotten this experience any other way! Thank you to Coach Cathy and Coach Penny for everything! While I trained primarily by myself and had the support of Coach John all along the way, you two really pulled through for me in so many ways! Thanks to Rosalyn for being an awesome weekend roomie!
Now what?!
I'm currently cramming in preparation for Greenville's Open Studio Tour, then it's LLS's Turkey Trot on November 14th. The next big adventure? I'm not sure yet.... but I'll keep you posted.
Monday, October 12, 2009
...so close.
I'm just days away from my big trip and my big race!
To boot, I'm only $68 away from my fundraising goal! How amazing are all my friends and family who not only donated their time, energy, and money but also poured themselves into prayer on my behalf. THANKS! and Glory to God!
I am super excited about my trip and can't wait to get those last donations in so I can officially meet my fundraising goal!
Thrilled to be on the taper..... and focusing on my other goals as well! I have an art deadline 2 days after I return from San Francisco. I am working hard to stay focused, pray, and work hard to get it done before I leave on Friday. And, Open Studios is just around the corner!
I am hoping to have an Octoberfest Victory Party (albeit sometime in November) since I fully intend to conquer those 26.2 miles and I'm missing much of October due to my training, fundraising, and deadlines.
...more on all of this after the race!
To boot, I'm only $68 away from my fundraising goal! How amazing are all my friends and family who not only donated their time, energy, and money but also poured themselves into prayer on my behalf. THANKS! and Glory to God!
I am super excited about my trip and can't wait to get those last donations in so I can officially meet my fundraising goal!
Thrilled to be on the taper..... and focusing on my other goals as well! I have an art deadline 2 days after I return from San Francisco. I am working hard to stay focused, pray, and work hard to get it done before I leave on Friday. And, Open Studios is just around the corner!
I am hoping to have an Octoberfest Victory Party (albeit sometime in November) since I fully intend to conquer those 26.2 miles and I'm missing much of October due to my training, fundraising, and deadlines.
...more on all of this after the race!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
the big 20
I finished my biggest, longest training run on Saturday... 20 miles. Overall, it went pretty well. My right arch flared up in a big way the last mile and a half... right about the time my ipod battery quit.
However, I still finished... and with few issues all things considered.
I'm $580 from my fundraising goal... I'm praying hard and getting excited.
Thanks for the love, the prayers, and all the support. I can't say that often enough.
However, I still finished... and with few issues all things considered.
I'm $580 from my fundraising goal... I'm praying hard and getting excited.
Thanks for the love, the prayers, and all the support. I can't say that often enough.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
update
I've been crazy busy the past 2 weeks... I took on the challenge of stepping into the shoes of a friend of mine for about two weeks. She had the magnificent opportunity to go to Italy with her husband and 4 year old daughter. Two good friends tagged along for part of the trip as well. What an experience for them all! And what an experience for me! I house sat, dog sat, and cat sat for them while away. In addition, I tried to keep our studio in order. She is the essential mover and shaker of the studio, the other two friends being big components as well. Let's just say I had my hands full.
All in all, 3 dogs, uncounted cats, a large house, a 15 person studio, and 2 studio dogs to manage. I managed to simply get to work on time, get my runs in, get all of said animals fed, feed myself, and fall into bed every day... only to start over the next day. Not counting the unending amounts of snaffus that come with that many creatures. How does she do it? I really don't know.... toss in a 4 year old and art related pressures and deadlines. Oh, and a husband, to boot... she's gotta be Wonder Woman, that's all I can figure.
Now that everyone is home again, I am back in my one bedroom apartment with my new hamster who is completely freaked out by me, I am trying to settle back into my routine. If I had one to begin with.... which some days I question. Do the laundry, feed myself, do some reading, do some sketching, get my run in, my job, do something at the studio, stop looking at the calendar and panicking....
Running...
Running has been trying-- just the scheduling of all the miles has become an effort for me. I'm managing to get it done, though. I even conquered 17 miles over the weekend! Granted, that was supposed to be 18 miles and I'm still not sure how I missed just one mile... but, all the same, I was proud to have accomplished that much! The shins are doing better. They are not 100% but they are making improvements. Now, I'm getting aches and pains from the high mileage-- my arches ache; I have a spot on my left thigh that hurts; my knees are stiff from running so much, no pain just stiff; I'm tired. We are getting close so even though I'm tired, I'm getting excited. Room is booked. Flight is booked. I need to start researching fun stuff I want to do while in the city.
Fundraising...
Fundraising is going well, all things considered. I'm harassing everyone to pieces but I'm 50% there! I'm hoping that my Shave it or Save it event is a big success. I think I've got several folks who are holding out until the last minute. There is less than a week until that big event! I may not have hair after that so I'm trying to enjoy that while it's still there. I have a dear friend who made baked goods for me to sell toward my fundraising... bless her she's so awesome! Hopefully that will pull in some of the boys at work. Chipping....just chipping away at my goal!
Art...
Art is starting to stress me out. Only in the sense that I have deadlines fast approaching and little time to work on them. I'm going to have to buckle down pretty hard... harder than normal. Open Studios is approaching, very quickly after my race. After that I have an installation to figure out. It'll be great... both of them. In the meantime, though, I feel like my work needs a head space reboot. I feel like I'm making the same things with different titles. I need to refocus but have little time to do that.
Job...
I still have one. Thank you Jesus.
more updates later--likely after my big Shave or Save event-- likely with pictures.
All in all, 3 dogs, uncounted cats, a large house, a 15 person studio, and 2 studio dogs to manage. I managed to simply get to work on time, get my runs in, get all of said animals fed, feed myself, and fall into bed every day... only to start over the next day. Not counting the unending amounts of snaffus that come with that many creatures. How does she do it? I really don't know.... toss in a 4 year old and art related pressures and deadlines. Oh, and a husband, to boot... she's gotta be Wonder Woman, that's all I can figure.
Now that everyone is home again, I am back in my one bedroom apartment with my new hamster who is completely freaked out by me, I am trying to settle back into my routine. If I had one to begin with.... which some days I question. Do the laundry, feed myself, do some reading, do some sketching, get my run in, my job, do something at the studio, stop looking at the calendar and panicking....
Running...
Running has been trying-- just the scheduling of all the miles has become an effort for me. I'm managing to get it done, though. I even conquered 17 miles over the weekend! Granted, that was supposed to be 18 miles and I'm still not sure how I missed just one mile... but, all the same, I was proud to have accomplished that much! The shins are doing better. They are not 100% but they are making improvements. Now, I'm getting aches and pains from the high mileage-- my arches ache; I have a spot on my left thigh that hurts; my knees are stiff from running so much, no pain just stiff; I'm tired. We are getting close so even though I'm tired, I'm getting excited. Room is booked. Flight is booked. I need to start researching fun stuff I want to do while in the city.
Fundraising...
Fundraising is going well, all things considered. I'm harassing everyone to pieces but I'm 50% there! I'm hoping that my Shave it or Save it event is a big success. I think I've got several folks who are holding out until the last minute. There is less than a week until that big event! I may not have hair after that so I'm trying to enjoy that while it's still there. I have a dear friend who made baked goods for me to sell toward my fundraising... bless her she's so awesome! Hopefully that will pull in some of the boys at work. Chipping....just chipping away at my goal!
Art...
Art is starting to stress me out. Only in the sense that I have deadlines fast approaching and little time to work on them. I'm going to have to buckle down pretty hard... harder than normal. Open Studios is approaching, very quickly after my race. After that I have an installation to figure out. It'll be great... both of them. In the meantime, though, I feel like my work needs a head space reboot. I feel like I'm making the same things with different titles. I need to refocus but have little time to do that.
Job...
I still have one. Thank you Jesus.
more updates later--likely after my big Shave or Save event-- likely with pictures.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
calendar induced panic
It seems every time I see a calendar these days, I start to panic. I see very few days and a lot to do in them. Not just my usual busy schedule of work, art, and what some call a social life but also training, fundraising, and planning.
*panic*
The charge date for my fundraising is fast approaching. I'm not close enough to my goal for comfort.
The race date is also fast approaching. I still have shin splints and am running slow.
Then there is the usual stuff that I ought to be used to but still struggle to cope with.... art deadlines (Open Studios, Anagama, Another show commitment...), my job (whatever, it's always something there), and trying to fit in my friends that I miss so dearly (both in town and out). Oh, and the family that I ought to be keeping up with because I love them, but hardly have time to pick up a phone and call. I'm a horrible sister.
I'm whining and I know it.... it's not all bad. I'm hugely blessed. In so many ways I can't list them all. My grievances are small and petty, true. I'm just a little whelmed at the moment. As in overwhelmed.
....keep those calendars away from me!....
*panic*
The charge date for my fundraising is fast approaching. I'm not close enough to my goal for comfort.
The race date is also fast approaching. I still have shin splints and am running slow.
Then there is the usual stuff that I ought to be used to but still struggle to cope with.... art deadlines (Open Studios, Anagama, Another show commitment...), my job (whatever, it's always something there), and trying to fit in my friends that I miss so dearly (both in town and out). Oh, and the family that I ought to be keeping up with because I love them, but hardly have time to pick up a phone and call. I'm a horrible sister.
I'm whining and I know it.... it's not all bad. I'm hugely blessed. In so many ways I can't list them all. My grievances are small and petty, true. I'm just a little whelmed at the moment. As in overwhelmed.
....keep those calendars away from me!....
Friday, August 28, 2009
Interference
I'm working under an art deadline this week, which means I'm pulling triple shifts. On top of my day job and my training, I'm cramming artwork. I was swinging it all ok until yesterday.
I was so wiped out that I could barely keep my eyes open at the office. I had planned on going for my run immediately after work. I changed that. I decided a power nap would do me good and would only slightly affect my deadlines. I went home and gladly climbed into bed. A good hour and a half later I woke up to realize I had failed to think about setting an alarm and that it was now too late to get a run in without running in the dark. alone. Crap.
Ok, no big deal. We'll just shift my rest days around. I'll run in the morning and move my long run to Sunday. Flip to this morning.....
Crap. I slept through my alarm going off for a full hour. Crap.
ok, we'll get the run in this afternoon. I'll have to brave the heat of the day, but it can be done. Meanwhile, I still have a full plate of artmaking to cram in before my deadline this weekend.
Interference. It's the name of the game this week.
I was so wiped out that I could barely keep my eyes open at the office. I had planned on going for my run immediately after work. I changed that. I decided a power nap would do me good and would only slightly affect my deadlines. I went home and gladly climbed into bed. A good hour and a half later I woke up to realize I had failed to think about setting an alarm and that it was now too late to get a run in without running in the dark. alone. Crap.
Ok, no big deal. We'll just shift my rest days around. I'll run in the morning and move my long run to Sunday. Flip to this morning.....
Crap. I slept through my alarm going off for a full hour. Crap.
ok, we'll get the run in this afternoon. I'll have to brave the heat of the day, but it can be done. Meanwhile, I still have a full plate of artmaking to cram in before my deadline this weekend.
Interference. It's the name of the game this week.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
NOT all about me...
I think the people around me have forgotten that this isn't all about me. I can see how that happens... the training is about my body, what I do, how I do it, and what I don't do. The fundraising has a lot to do with what I can organize, how I do it, and what energy I pour into it. It gets pretty personal. I see how the real reason can get lost in the shuffle of car washes, things for sale, and general gimmicks. I get it. It happens.
But it's NOT ABOUT ME. It's not about most of the people I know. It's about those I don't know. The few I know who have battled cancer have been amazingly brave and brazen. Their fear, for I know it had to be there, they did not show. Like warriors, they fought the good fight. Some won, some lost. Some barely had a chance to fight. Statistics show that someone dies from blood cancer every 10 minutes. And that's just blood cancers. 9.5% of new cancer cases in the U.S. are blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Hodgkin's Disease being the most common of those). THIS is what it's about.
I am healthy.
I am strong.
I am able.
and I have no guarantee that I will stay that way. Yes, I am accomplishing one of my own personal goals by completing a marathon. But, IT'S SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. How many other lives am I reaching by tackling this goal? I will likely never know. It may be one, it may be one hundred.
Let's fight while we can, for those we can.
As for the latest fundraiser, I will say this: You only live once. And hair grows back. Let's focus on those who don't have a choice. There are so many who lose their hair not out of choice, not for a statement, not for appearances, but because they have no choice.
Let's get real.
But it's NOT ABOUT ME. It's not about most of the people I know. It's about those I don't know. The few I know who have battled cancer have been amazingly brave and brazen. Their fear, for I know it had to be there, they did not show. Like warriors, they fought the good fight. Some won, some lost. Some barely had a chance to fight. Statistics show that someone dies from blood cancer every 10 minutes. And that's just blood cancers. 9.5% of new cancer cases in the U.S. are blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Hodgkin's Disease being the most common of those). THIS is what it's about.
I am healthy.
I am strong.
I am able.
and I have no guarantee that I will stay that way. Yes, I am accomplishing one of my own personal goals by completing a marathon. But, IT'S SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. How many other lives am I reaching by tackling this goal? I will likely never know. It may be one, it may be one hundred.
Let's fight while we can, for those we can.
As for the latest fundraiser, I will say this: You only live once. And hair grows back. Let's focus on those who don't have a choice. There are so many who lose their hair not out of choice, not for a statement, not for appearances, but because they have no choice.
Let's get real.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Shave... or Save...
SHAVE it
OR
SAVE it
Should Susan Shave* it? Or Save* it?
Put your MONEY where your MOUTH is…
YOU DECIDE!
Tally Finale - To Be Announced
All proceeds will go towards Susan’s fundraising goal.
Hair donated to Locks of Love.
*A Razor Shave will occur only if the dollar votes for Shave reaches or exceeds $2000.
*Saving of hair will expire at the end of 2009 calendar year.
I’ve signed up to run the Nike Women’s Full Marathon in San Francisco on October 18 with Team In Training (TNT), an organization committed to fundraising for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). My goal is to raise $4100 by October 1, 2009. I’ll do the running, if you’ll do the donating! Thanks for your time, love, and gracious giving!
Cash Donations may be made directly to me. Online donations may be made using the link below. If donating online, please be sure to leave your vote in the comments section.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sc/nikesf09/syoungqcgb
OR
SAVE it
Should Susan Shave* it? Or Save* it?
Put your MONEY where your MOUTH is…
YOU DECIDE!
Tally Finale - To Be Announced
All proceeds will go towards Susan’s fundraising goal.
Hair donated to Locks of Love.
*A Razor Shave will occur only if the dollar votes for Shave reaches or exceeds $2000.
*Saving of hair will expire at the end of 2009 calendar year.
I’ve signed up to run the Nike Women’s Full Marathon in San Francisco on October 18 with Team In Training (TNT), an organization committed to fundraising for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). My goal is to raise $4100 by October 1, 2009. I’ll do the running, if you’ll do the donating! Thanks for your time, love, and gracious giving!
Cash Donations may be made directly to me. Online donations may be made using the link below. If donating online, please be sure to leave your vote in the comments section.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sc/nikesf09/syoungqcgb
Monday, August 17, 2009
Success!!
My car wash was a success! I made roughly $200 in 4 hours. Granted, it could have been better. However, with the amount of LOVELY volunteers I had, I think we did great! Every single penny counts.
And, to boot, I have a sparkling clean car now! I don't think it's been this clean since I got it!
Thanks to all my volunteers for making it a FUN and SUCCESSFUL day! I couldn't have pulled it off without you all!
And, to boot, I have a sparkling clean car now! I don't think it's been this clean since I got it!
Thanks to all my volunteers for making it a FUN and SUCCESSFUL day! I couldn't have pulled it off without you all!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fully Committed
Now I'm officially in it for the long haul. I sent off my papers for recommitment yesterday.
It's time to focus on beating these shin splints, getting the miles in, and fundraising like a madwoman.
It's time to focus on beating these shin splints, getting the miles in, and fundraising like a madwoman.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
panic central
Recommittment is fast approaching.... and right around the corner is the charge date followed promptly by the marathon.
There are so many levels of panic to this, I can't even begin. First, the fundraising. I'm broke. I'm always just scraping by. I'm the girl who is in the habit of flipping off lights and in the dead of South Carolina summer doesn't turn on her A/C but for maybe an hour a day-- or while she sleeps if she's feeling extravagant. There is just nowhere else for me to personally draw any money for my own fundraising. I have zero wiggle room on my credit cards that I am desperately trying to pay off--- and mostly failing. So, what's a girl to do?
In addition, I'm still having shin splints. The tendinitis appears to be under control-- AWESOME!-- but what to do about the shin? PT is definitely helping but not shaking the pain. For now, I'm making time to walk the miles and run when my shin lets me. Ice packs have become my new favorite accessory.
I'm focusing hard core on fundraising ideas... asking my little heart out, calling on every single friend I know to help me reach this goal. It's not just about the 26.2 miles. Or the personal achievement. It's about the lives I'll be helping without even realizing it. It's about standing up and fighting. fighting. fighting whatever it is in your life that knocks you down for no good reason. It's about fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. It's about fighting for those who probably never thought they'd not be able.
I might be in a panic, but at least my heart is in the right place. We're going to keep fighting.
There are so many levels of panic to this, I can't even begin. First, the fundraising. I'm broke. I'm always just scraping by. I'm the girl who is in the habit of flipping off lights and in the dead of South Carolina summer doesn't turn on her A/C but for maybe an hour a day-- or while she sleeps if she's feeling extravagant. There is just nowhere else for me to personally draw any money for my own fundraising. I have zero wiggle room on my credit cards that I am desperately trying to pay off--- and mostly failing. So, what's a girl to do?
In addition, I'm still having shin splints. The tendinitis appears to be under control-- AWESOME!-- but what to do about the shin? PT is definitely helping but not shaking the pain. For now, I'm making time to walk the miles and run when my shin lets me. Ice packs have become my new favorite accessory.
I'm focusing hard core on fundraising ideas... asking my little heart out, calling on every single friend I know to help me reach this goal. It's not just about the 26.2 miles. Or the personal achievement. It's about the lives I'll be helping without even realizing it. It's about standing up and fighting. fighting. fighting whatever it is in your life that knocks you down for no good reason. It's about fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. It's about fighting for those who probably never thought they'd not be able.
I might be in a panic, but at least my heart is in the right place. We're going to keep fighting.
Monday, July 27, 2009
still behind, but..... making progress?
I'm still not running the miles I need to be running according to my training plan. I managed to get out and "run" yesterday. It was more walking than running. It took me 2 hours to get through six miles. I thought I'd at least tackled 8. When I mapped out the route I had taken, I was sorely disappointed to see that 6 come up. I was supposed to do 10.
Granted, it's progress. I'm just scared it's going to be too little, too late. I did have some success using a patella strap on my knee, though. The shins did flare up but not nearly as bad as I expected. Icing before and heavily after may be the key to that one. Today, I'm feeling small twinges in both the knee and my shin.... and in addition, a little something in my piriformis. I've had that injury before, too, so I know how it feels. I'm going to revisit stretches for that one.... I think it can be nipped in the bud. I'm hoping, anyway. The last thing I need is another battle to fight.
We're shooting for another walk, today. 5 miles is the goal.
**UPDATE: Today (Tuesday), I'm limping because of my shin. I brought an ice pack to work with me and am icing religiously. PT is this afternoon.... and I am hoping to get in a 5 mile walk. Yesterday's got rescheduled due to severe storms. I did yoga instead. Ice, Ice, Ice, Ice....
Granted, it's progress. I'm just scared it's going to be too little, too late. I did have some success using a patella strap on my knee, though. The shins did flare up but not nearly as bad as I expected. Icing before and heavily after may be the key to that one. Today, I'm feeling small twinges in both the knee and my shin.... and in addition, a little something in my piriformis. I've had that injury before, too, so I know how it feels. I'm going to revisit stretches for that one.... I think it can be nipped in the bud. I'm hoping, anyway. The last thing I need is another battle to fight.
We're shooting for another walk, today. 5 miles is the goal.
**UPDATE: Today (Tuesday), I'm limping because of my shin. I brought an ice pack to work with me and am icing religiously. PT is this afternoon.... and I am hoping to get in a 5 mile walk. Yesterday's got rescheduled due to severe storms. I did yoga instead. Ice, Ice, Ice, Ice....
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
....take a deep breath and remember....
a few things I'm trying to remember today....
"I am a runner because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not."
"As we run, we become." - Amby Burfoot
"You don't need a reason - you need a road. Believe in the run." - Nike Ad
There are many, many more... but these apply to my running. And, for now, as I try to get past my discouragement about my injuries and inability to train properly, I'm just trying to remember.
Beyond my own battle is a larger, much more significant battle. I expect I'll be hobbling, but I'm determined to get to that finish line.
"I am a runner because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not."
"As we run, we become." - Amby Burfoot
"You don't need a reason - you need a road. Believe in the run." - Nike Ad
There are many, many more... but these apply to my running. And, for now, as I try to get past my discouragement about my injuries and inability to train properly, I'm just trying to remember.
Beyond my own battle is a larger, much more significant battle. I expect I'll be hobbling, but I'm determined to get to that finish line.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Car Wash for a Cause
I'm having a car wash!! All proceeds go towards my fundraising goal for TNT... Come and see me! And get your car washed, too!
August 15th
10 am -2 pm
Chick-Fil-A on Haywood
575 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
quickie
quick update:
I managed to get in a few good pool runs last week. I was pleased with the effort and the timing it took to get into the pool without a lot of hub-bub. I was disappointed in my level of fitness and how quickly I got tired.
My test run over the weekend went well. I only had small twinges of pain... but no real pain. My left knee flared up with what I belive is "runner's knee." I've had it before and can only hope it's short lived.
Encouraged by my weeekend success, I ran again yesterday. Mistake. While not experiencing full shin splint pain, I had more twinges. Today, I have some stiffness and a few knots have returned. My left knee is screaming at me. I'm icing both as heavily as I can. I made the decision, even before the run, to continue with my PT for a while. If I'm having twinges, I'm running a risk of re-injuring myself. As seen with yesterday's run. The stupid part of myself wants to say that the part where I felt no pain.... just the pure deliciousness of a good solid run.... was worth it. I'm just not sure that it was now that I'm off running for another few days.
Those two runs made me remember.... and I miss running even more now. I felt like myself again.
It's back to the pool for me.
I managed to get in a few good pool runs last week. I was pleased with the effort and the timing it took to get into the pool without a lot of hub-bub. I was disappointed in my level of fitness and how quickly I got tired.
My test run over the weekend went well. I only had small twinges of pain... but no real pain. My left knee flared up with what I belive is "runner's knee." I've had it before and can only hope it's short lived.
Encouraged by my weeekend success, I ran again yesterday. Mistake. While not experiencing full shin splint pain, I had more twinges. Today, I have some stiffness and a few knots have returned. My left knee is screaming at me. I'm icing both as heavily as I can. I made the decision, even before the run, to continue with my PT for a while. If I'm having twinges, I'm running a risk of re-injuring myself. As seen with yesterday's run. The stupid part of myself wants to say that the part where I felt no pain.... just the pure deliciousness of a good solid run.... was worth it. I'm just not sure that it was now that I'm off running for another few days.
Those two runs made me remember.... and I miss running even more now. I felt like myself again.
It's back to the pool for me.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
testing...
The cough subsides more each day and the mucus truck is bailing. I'm still battling full force... it seems the infection is finally on the run,though! Mucinex, antibiotics, vitamins, and copious amounts of fluids seem to be working. And sleep.... I succumbed to extra sleep halfway through the week when I felt so terrible I could do nothing else.
Today, I have hope. I did my PT exercises as instructed (still feel like I'm forgetting one... but, I did all the rest). I'm going to force myself to endure an entire yoga routine. Typically, I flop about halfway through despite all my good intentions. We'll see how it goes. We'll do the short practice in hopes of giving my body a higher chance for success. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to do some pool running (weather permitting).
This week, my goal is to feel things out. I want to see how recovered I am before I dive head first back into training. Of course, there is no way I can remove from the back of my brain all of the miles I've missed and the miles I should be running this week. Let's just hope that I can get back there fairly quickly. (I really need to before I hit a full fledged panic about finishing this race--- that's given I can get my fundraising together. Ack!)
Today, I have hope. I did my PT exercises as instructed (still feel like I'm forgetting one... but, I did all the rest). I'm going to force myself to endure an entire yoga routine. Typically, I flop about halfway through despite all my good intentions. We'll see how it goes. We'll do the short practice in hopes of giving my body a higher chance for success. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to do some pool running (weather permitting).
This week, my goal is to feel things out. I want to see how recovered I am before I dive head first back into training. Of course, there is no way I can remove from the back of my brain all of the miles I've missed and the miles I should be running this week. Let's just hope that I can get back there fairly quickly. (I really need to before I hit a full fledged panic about finishing this race--- that's given I can get my fundraising together. Ack!)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
obstacles
I keep running into obstacles. In life and in running. After my first round of PT last week, I felt good and confident that I would be able to overcome my shin splints... and soon be on my way to training the way I need to be. Then came Saturday. First, allergies. Then, nausea. When the nausea passed, there was general fatigue and a feeling of unwell. And a sinus headache. By Saturday night, I had a fever and was doing everything in my power to a) get some sleep and b) break the fever. The fever broke and I survived Sunday with little more complications. Only exhaustion and a greater feeling of unwell remained as evidence of the previous night's battle.
By Monday, I did not hesitate to call the doctor. Now, it's a full blown sinus infection with ear infections right behind it. With antibiotics, vitamins, and Mucinex, and enough water to fill an ocean I'm battling it with all I've got. I've been transformed into a lethargic, sniffling mouth breather.
I got through yesterday's PT just fine. I was encouraged to find they agreed with my decision to lay off until I felt better. Meanwhile, I'm battling my inner overachiever. I desperately want to hop in the pool and do some pool running. For now, though, I'm doing good to simply exist behind my corporate world desk.
Here's hoping this weekend will bring a celebration of Independence of more than one variety. Sparklers, anyone?
By Monday, I did not hesitate to call the doctor. Now, it's a full blown sinus infection with ear infections right behind it. With antibiotics, vitamins, and Mucinex, and enough water to fill an ocean I'm battling it with all I've got. I've been transformed into a lethargic, sniffling mouth breather.
I got through yesterday's PT just fine. I was encouraged to find they agreed with my decision to lay off until I felt better. Meanwhile, I'm battling my inner overachiever. I desperately want to hop in the pool and do some pool running. For now, though, I'm doing good to simply exist behind my corporate world desk.
Here's hoping this weekend will bring a celebration of Independence of more than one variety. Sparklers, anyone?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
bite the bullet
I bit it. I scheduled my first 2 PT sessions. I can't keep limping around telling myself it'll get better. It just isn't working. Here's hoping that with my own stubborn diligence at home combined with the PT, it'll be a fast recovery.
On another note, I'm about to have words with my apartment management. Our community pool closes at 10 pm. I understand they've had problems with after hours debauchery and noise. Last night I fully intended to do some pool running after it got dark, when the pool is less populated. About 9:30 I roll up to the pool, giving myself 30 minutes to get in a "run" only to discover big yellow signs and a padlock on the gate.
POOL CLOSED.
What?!
Way to notify residents of your last minute change to policy. I understand the problem, but what about your good tenants that understand the rules and schedule that into their life? At least notify us so we can plan accordingly. I'm cranky. I admit it. We'll find out their unofficial hours today and attempt another go tonight. Maybe.
I did yoga instead. Iced my shins. Soaked in some epsom salts. Went to bed.
***UPDATE: They closed the pool due to an issue with the pool chemicals. I got upset over nothing. It would have been nice to inclue that in the big yellow sign, but hey, it's cool.
On another note, I'm about to have words with my apartment management. Our community pool closes at 10 pm. I understand they've had problems with after hours debauchery and noise. Last night I fully intended to do some pool running after it got dark, when the pool is less populated. About 9:30 I roll up to the pool, giving myself 30 minutes to get in a "run" only to discover big yellow signs and a padlock on the gate.
POOL CLOSED.
What?!
Way to notify residents of your last minute change to policy. I understand the problem, but what about your good tenants that understand the rules and schedule that into their life? At least notify us so we can plan accordingly. I'm cranky. I admit it. We'll find out their unofficial hours today and attempt another go tonight. Maybe.
I did yoga instead. Iced my shins. Soaked in some epsom salts. Went to bed.
***UPDATE: They closed the pool due to an issue with the pool chemicals. I got upset over nothing. It would have been nice to inclue that in the big yellow sign, but hey, it's cool.
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