Inktober 2018

So how is Inktober treating everyone – now that we are officially halfway through?

I have been enjoying it. As always some real hits and then some misses, but the point is that I keep the pen and mind moving.

I did a self portrait series in August and I really enjoyed pushing myself and using all types of mediums and started using gouache for the first time and I really do love it – inspired of course by Roz Stendahl’s work. So I miss using different types of medium but maybe this break will bring back the force strong!

Some of the fun self portraits I did.

I am also enjoying taking a procreate course from France Van Stone at Sktchy as I upgraded my iPad and got an Apple Pencil.

For my birthday I am going to Sketchkon 2018 in Pasadena, CA and I am so stinking excited. I was hoping it would be a post divorce celebratory trip…but that does not seem to be the case…it drags on..but my spirits are good and I am ready.

I am looking forward to learning from teachers I really admire, including Ms Roz herself!

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In fitness and running news….

I have started back to Crossfit at Crossfit Everlasting so I am excited about that. I also picked my 50k race! The Dirty German 50k in Philadelphia, PA! May 11th, 2019. My coach at Crossfit Everlasting said he could build me a training plan…so lets do this!!!

I have finally become a student of the Run

So finally the time has come and I have actually started studying things like pace, splits and other assundries that my fancy watch affords me(you’re welcome for the instructional graphics). I have had this watch for some time but other than using it to check mileage, I really haven’t made the most of it. Now I pour over it to study…did I keep my pace steady?  Did I improve my pace since last week and more recently since I started trail running….WHERE THE F*** AM I??!! And how do I get home??

ALL IN BABY!!!!!

So here’s the dealio….going all in on this Crossfit thing. Starting to ramp up my Crossfit workouts and got a Crossfit Endurance Coach to prepare for the HAT 50k run(ZOINKS SCOOBY!  What have I done!!??). I am really enjoying both and as my Coach Jen says, I’ve learned to run SLOW and it’s time to step it up. I am a tad bit concerned and lack a little faith in dropping the long run…but we’ll see how it goes. Stay tuned….

Down but not out!!!

I had a great vacation in the Outer Banks….got a couple of runs and a bike ride in. I had a 10k trail run this weekend. My first trail race ever and to say it did not go well is an understatement. I woke up Friday am, with the sniffles that developed into a full blown head cold by Saturday morning. I must say that the River Valley Ranch 10k trail run was an awesome course, I wish I had felt better to really enjoy it. I was sooo out of it the whole run. I was so slow that they rolled the finish mat up on me, so my time was not actually recorded and I think I am OK with that. It was a little discouraging and has me concerned for my upcoming marathon and 50k. I decided though to make the most of my time not able to run and came up with my training plan. So onward and upward to the next journey. I will press on!

My new running shoes…shhh don’t tell!

Last week I attended the Newton Natural Running Clinic at Charm City Run. I love my Vibram’s and have had great success in them. I own the Treks, KSOs and now the Bikilas but I haven’t had the courage to run on the trails in them, so I wanted a ‘natural’ running shoe that would protect my virgin trail feet from the miscellaneous rocks, roots, snakes and other unknowns! So I tried these on and they had me at vibrant orange! I have run 11 miles on the NCR trail and 3 1/2 miles at Double Rock Park and I gotta tell you I really like them. I am still convinced that minimalist running is the best thing for me, but I am a little chicken on the rocks and such. I have to tell you though along with my orange running shirts. I am ready for hunting season on the trails that’s for sure!