My classes at Child of God school have been begging me for a halloween party. Well, I’m not doing that, but I did bake them some pumpkin cookies this afternoon 🙂
Please note my skill with the icing!
Does this make me a great violin teacher, or the greatest violin teacher? I do hear that the 1st graders have a field trip tomorrow and are missing out (just found out a few minutes ago). Oh well, 1st graders! 😉
My legs are resting after a hard run today–I decided to go all out and really push myself as far as speed. I took about 2 minutes off my normal mile pace for three miles. I hope that doesn’t come back to haunt me.
We had all run–(from left to right) Kathryn (Joe’s client), me, Joe, Michelle (Joe’s wife), and Natalie (Joe’s client). We had just finished lunch and were all struggling to move/stay awake. Good times!
My new trainer (“Mike”) ran a funny race over the weekend called an “urbanathlon.” The race took place in Chicago and involved running and climbing over a variety of obstacles such as taxicabs and buses. He came in 61st out of approximately 6000 people! Which is awesome 🙂 A little better than my recent 5k results…but then again I am still new to the whole running thing. I don’t think I will ever be climbing obstacles. (Of course, one year ago I would have said I don’t think I will ever be running races.) I guess my point is to say he is pretty awesome!
I decided to get a new pair of running shoes. I didn’t really need them, but I found that the same model I wear came in another color, and I thought it would be nice to be able to rotate two pairs, and ultimately run the Phoenix Half with my new (pink) shoes. I wore them today for my workout and I do think my feet enjoyed the slight change.
New shoes!
Side by side with old shoes. The new ones look bigger, but are technically the same. They feel great so that is what matters 🙂
I have been doing a little bit of shopping recently. I’m still losing weight, so I rewarded myself by purchasing a few new workout clothes in addition to the new everyday clothes I needed for fall. I generally like to run inside on the treadmill at the gym, but now that the weather is more mild I can run outside more. I bought a “water belt” to help with the long runs (it’s hard to run a couple of miles without water, and I don’t like carrying things). I haven’t officially run in my belt but I have jogged around in the house.
The cat wanted to be part of the picture--made it better I think!
The pouch will be nice for keys and maybe my phone. I’m hoping to use it this Sunday if the weather holds.
As you know, I ran my first 5K on Saturday. I chose this one (Pumpkin Brew Run III) primarily because it was close to my home and as a bonus, I didn’t have to get up early! The race started at 4:00 pm. I convinced Chris to come along and cheer me on as he had been unable to attend the half-marathon.
We headed over to the starting area around 3:15. We were supposed to meet at a bar called Amsterdam, which is known for showing all manner of soccer (or “futbol”) games. Chris knew exactly where it was as he had watched several early morning World Cup games there in the summer. We parked a few blocks away and walked up. There were lots of people milling around already.
Waiting to start!
There was going to be a costume contest, and people were encouraged to wear costumes. I didn’t think that would be a good idea for me as running is enough of a challenge, but I wanted to be in the proper spirit, so I found that delightful t-shirt at Target. I saw several other women wearing the same outfit, so I felt like I really belonged 😉
It was a bit warmer than I had hoped for a mid-October race (I really dislike the heat) but it wasn’t terrible–probably just over 70 degrees. I lined up towards the end of the pack as I did not anticipate being super fast, nor did I plan to run the entire distance.
Lining up to start
I moved a bit closer to Chris (who was waiting on the side)
Finally they counted down “3, 2, 1, GO!” It took a little while to get going, but no worries as I had my timer attached to my shoe. After about 30 seconds of slow walking, we were off!
It was pretty cool running through my (basically) neighborhood with so many people. The police had blocked off Arsenal to traffic as we crossed into Tower Grove Park. The first mile was pretty easy, especially as it was primarily downhill. Of course, that meant later parts of the race would be uphill, and I knew the course would be fairly hilly from running there other times. I did stop to walk a few times, and there was one water set up between miles 1 and 2. Finally I was coming back across Arsenal and heading towards the finish line! My leg was a bit sore/hurty (right leg towards hip has been bothering me), but I pushed ahead, knowing Chris would be waiting for a picture 😉 I managed to somewhat sprint towards the finish line, and thought I saw something around 37 minutes.
The home stretch!
Glad to be done!
Afterwards all I wanted was water and to stretch. Originally I had thought I might want to hang out with Chris at Amsterdam as I could get free pumpkin beer and there was going to be costume judging and live music, but I was completely worn out. We just walked to the car and went home instead, like old people 😉
My official time was 36:15 chip time (36:48 clock time) which means the time from when I crossed the start line to finish line. I averaged 11:40 per mile. I was in 331st place out of 438, and 27th out of 45 in my age group (30-34 women). Not too shabby for my first time, I don’t think! I may try another race in two weeks…
Today has been a great day so far! I woke up early, had a work out with my trainer Mike (which was pretty tough), hit the store, picked up my race packet for tomorrow’s race, and played a wedding. Now it’s laundry and perhaps an episode of Mad Men (am one week behind).
The wedding was outside at Sunset Country Club in Sunset Hills. It was a nice day, though a bit sunny. We aren’t able to play in direct sunlight (can ruin the varnish, and definitely puts the instruments out of tune easily) and sometimes it’s tough to convince people of this. We had to play from under an awning a little ways away from the wedding site, and it was still quite bright due to the angle of the sun. That said, it was a gorgeous day–could have used some cloud cover personally but was great for the bride and groom! The crowd was really friendly and seemed like a great bunch of people.
(still using the retro camera!)
You can tell how sunny it was! Beautiful scenery though, and the pictures don't do it justice.
Me in the car beforehand
I’m nervous and excited for tomorrow’s race. It’s very different from the half marathon, of course (only 5K , approximately 3.1 miles) and on a much smaller scale, but I am hoping to have a good time and run most of it. I already got the t-shirt though, technically wouldn’t even have to go. (I will of course! and Chris is coming to cheer me on as well).
The race loot: includes small sample of Wheaties. I should probably eat those beforehand so I can finish strong!
T shirt, wheaties FUEL, race number, and shoe tag for timing.
Lots of sponsors, including my gym (Club Fitness)
I’ll let you know how it goes! Have a wonderful Friday night 🙂
Another marathon teaching day is completed! Man, Thursdays are a killer…today was 12 students out of a possible 14.
During one of my breaks I decided to have a little fun with my violin and my camera apps on the phone. Here’s some of my favorites–what do you think? Does anyone have a preference…please comment!
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
And even though I know I am really behind on the “warhol” idea, this next one is pretty neat, I think!
Yes, I was bored. I ended up with an hour of free time I hadn’t anticipated, and had already done enough practice for the time being.
I ran 3 miles tonight after all that…I am trying to a) run a little faster and b) keep running longer. I seem to be doing okay at both goals–I am trying to be careful as I don’t want to injure myself by doing too much too fast. Hmm…sounds just like a musician, huh? I think running and practicing violin have a lot in common, both require time and discipline, and are (in my opinion) best done alone. (I know some people enjoy running in groups, but I don’t want to).
Tomorrow…no students, just a wedding! Gotta love Fridays 🙂 (Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy teaching…I just enjoy free time more!)
On my way home from the gym yesterday, I noticed the trees are really starting to turn. It has been pretty warm still-I found it amusing that the trees were falling down yet I was wearing shorts and a tank top! At a few lights/stop signs, I snapped a few pictures because I thought the colors were really beautiful.
From Arsenal Road, the entrance to Tower Grove Park on the left side.Corner of Arsenal and South Grand, also looks stormy! My neighborhood
Tower Grove Park is nearby for me (location of this Saturday’s race as well), and I am able to run there occasionally (often I can’t work out until night though). I’ll have to take my camera with me next time to get more pictures of the trees. The older I get, the more interested in landscapes I become.
