Tuesday, October 28, 2008
We did it... and we'd do it all over again!!
The relay runners!
picture above
(Steph, Stephen, Michal, Courteny, and Beth)
The dedicated support team!
picture below
(Jenna, Jay, Matthew, Ben, and Heidi)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
THANK YOU AND GOOD MORNING
Hello. Firstly, many, many thanks to all of you who are supporting our run (and thereby support our mission at the Farm). This being my debut blog post effort, you can expect wildly pertinent information.
Seven of us will be cruising down to the Cape in s-t-y-l-e...aka the Enoch's seven passenger minivan. I'm redefining proper usage here and shotgunning the middle section door side seat. (You'll note the importance of staking territory when riding in a vehicle in which all available seats are filled).
Of significance is that fact that I will not be running the marathon this weekend. An unfortunate incident involving turkey slaughter, a very sharp knife, and my hand occurred about six weeks ago. Details? People seem to want to hear them. The knife (luckily fairly slim) went into my left palm and hit a couple of nerves, a tendon, and a muscle. Of course the knife, almost passing through completely, went through the head of the turkey first (essential detail for mental re-creation). A hand surgeon in the area fit me into his schedule the next day and made repairs. I should be released to all activities fully on November 4th. Let's note that the appointment runs a distant second to another event occurring on this day (I will refrain from making a political plug). The hand stabbing took me out of three crucial training weeks. I was unable to run the longest and second longest runs on my schedule. My goal is to continue training to run a marathon in the spring.
An intentional and ultimately related digression. We've all been inundated with the competition of politics for months now. Well, here's a quick read on the politics of competition.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/21/BAUC13L3GQ.DTL&nopu=1
As a friend pointed out, "It's almost a perfect sociological metaphor for the persecutions of poverty, ethnicity, and culture. Some start ahead. Most start behind. Even those who surpass the "elite" are still ignored, disregarded, and even criticized for their excellence." That aside, it's worth reading if you're in the mood for some athletics related righteous indignation.
To our relay team, Steph, Michal, Beth, Courtney, and Stephen: ROCK ON, it's fantastic to see all of you take on this event (considering doubts, busy schedules, and last minute fill ins)!
A particular thank you to Matthew, Jay, and Ben who are joining in support as our crew team.
Laura, we miss you!
A final THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to keep up with our progress (and road blocks), and all who have lent their support (monetary and moral). We have exceeded our fundraising goal and hope that this success will set in motion future efforts. They say marathons have an addictive quality...
Seven of us will be cruising down to the Cape in s-t-y-l-e...aka the Enoch's seven passenger minivan. I'm redefining proper usage here and shotgunning the middle section door side seat. (You'll note the importance of staking territory when riding in a vehicle in which all available seats are filled).
Of significance is that fact that I will not be running the marathon this weekend. An unfortunate incident involving turkey slaughter, a very sharp knife, and my hand occurred about six weeks ago. Details? People seem to want to hear them. The knife (luckily fairly slim) went into my left palm and hit a couple of nerves, a tendon, and a muscle. Of course the knife, almost passing through completely, went through the head of the turkey first (essential detail for mental re-creation). A hand surgeon in the area fit me into his schedule the next day and made repairs. I should be released to all activities fully on November 4th. Let's note that the appointment runs a distant second to another event occurring on this day (I will refrain from making a political plug). The hand stabbing took me out of three crucial training weeks. I was unable to run the longest and second longest runs on my schedule. My goal is to continue training to run a marathon in the spring.
An intentional and ultimately related digression. We've all been inundated with the competition of politics for months now. Well, here's a quick read on the politics of competition.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/21/BAUC13L3GQ.DTL&nopu=1
As a friend pointed out, "It's almost a perfect sociological metaphor for the persecutions of poverty, ethnicity, and culture. Some start ahead. Most start behind. Even those who surpass the "elite" are still ignored, disregarded, and even criticized for their excellence." That aside, it's worth reading if you're in the mood for some athletics related righteous indignation.
To our relay team, Steph, Michal, Beth, Courtney, and Stephen: ROCK ON, it's fantastic to see all of you take on this event (considering doubts, busy schedules, and last minute fill ins)!
A particular thank you to Matthew, Jay, and Ben who are joining in support as our crew team.
Laura, we miss you!
A final THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to keep up with our progress (and road blocks), and all who have lent their support (monetary and moral). We have exceeded our fundraising goal and hope that this success will set in motion future efforts. They say marathons have an addictive quality...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Less than a week.
We've done all the training we can. We've contacted all the people in our address books. Now it's time to plan out our weekend in Cape Cod!
We're all excited to run this race, do our best, and run to end the stigma against mental illness. Thank you all for helping us exceed our goal! Wow, you are all amazing and the Gould Farm community gives its thanks.
Most recently, thank you to Kristan and Jason Enoch for donating $100!
We'll keep the fundraising page open until just before Thanksgiving.
Check back after this weekend for race pictures!
We're all excited to run this race, do our best, and run to end the stigma against mental illness. Thank you all for helping us exceed our goal! Wow, you are all amazing and the Gould Farm community gives its thanks.
Most recently, thank you to Kristan and Jason Enoch for donating $100!
We'll keep the fundraising page open until just before Thanksgiving.
Check back after this weekend for race pictures!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Above and beyond!
We're only a week away from the run, and donations continue to trickle in.
Many thanks to all that have been contributing over these past few months! Our latest thanks go to:
Bob Rausch
John Otenesak (for a second donation!)
Robert and Florence Stucker
Gige O'Connell
We have SURPASSED our $3000 goal! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We will post pictures of the run, so be sure to check back in a few weeks!
Many thanks to all that have been contributing over these past few months! Our latest thanks go to:
Bob Rausch
John Otenesak (for a second donation!)
Robert and Florence Stucker
Gige O'Connell
We have SURPASSED our $3000 goal! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We will post pictures of the run, so be sure to check back in a few weeks!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
25 days to go!
Hello all!
First off, a HUGE thank-you to the Kreiders for donating $200!!! You boosted us so close to our goal, we can almost reach it!
And now the final push: 25 days till race time. Will everyone help us surpass that goal?
First off, a HUGE thank-you to the Kreiders for donating $200!!! You boosted us so close to our goal, we can almost reach it!
And now the final push: 25 days till race time. Will everyone help us surpass that goal?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
From Stockbridge to Scotland...
So... I'm leaving the farm... I have a really great job in Scotland and I finally, last Monday, after 10 weeks of trying, got a visa. So I am leaving on October 6 and am super excited!!!
However, as with most transitions, there are also a lot of bittersweet realities to leaving everything behind to go on adventures... For me the participation in the marathon is one of those things. I had planned on running the Loch Ness Marathon, but because of the visa holdup, I won't be in Scotland in time for that. And I won't be here for the Cape Cod Marathon. So here's what I'm going to do -- I plan to continue running in Scotland and plan to run in support of Gould Farm in my very own homemade marathon with one runner on the Isle of Mull... And I also hope to train through the winter there (wish me luck) and run officially in the Edinburgh Marathon in May. If you are interested in knowing more about that when it comes around (or interested in knowing what I'm doing in Scotland) feel free to visit my personal blog: shapeastarlaura.blogspot.com.
Regardless, thank you for your continued support of the farm and the marathoners who are still doing lots of good hard work in training for the races. Blessings to you all!
However, as with most transitions, there are also a lot of bittersweet realities to leaving everything behind to go on adventures... For me the participation in the marathon is one of those things. I had planned on running the Loch Ness Marathon, but because of the visa holdup, I won't be in Scotland in time for that. And I won't be here for the Cape Cod Marathon. So here's what I'm going to do -- I plan to continue running in Scotland and plan to run in support of Gould Farm in my very own homemade marathon with one runner on the Isle of Mull... And I also hope to train through the winter there (wish me luck) and run officially in the Edinburgh Marathon in May. If you are interested in knowing more about that when it comes around (or interested in knowing what I'm doing in Scotland) feel free to visit my personal blog: shapeastarlaura.blogspot.com.
Regardless, thank you for your continued support of the farm and the marathoners who are still doing lots of good hard work in training for the races. Blessings to you all!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Starpilgrims family -- thank you!!
To Karl and Elaine Stone we are grateful! Thank you for your snail-mail donation.
And to Don and Jean Stone, a thousand thanks for your contribution!
We've raised SO MUCH MONEY!! We're 83% of the way to our goal. Keep it coming, all!
And to Don and Jean Stone, a thousand thanks for your contribution!
We've raised SO MUCH MONEY!! We're 83% of the way to our goal. Keep it coming, all!
A month to go!
Hey starpilgrim, thanks for the previous post! It got me thinking... I think I'll post abot a few good books on mental illness as well.
But first, a shout-out to our latest snail-mail donors:
All the way from Rochester, MI, many thanks to the Romito's!
One of starpilgrims folks, Thelma Roher, many thanks for supporting us all the way from Indiana!
George and Nancy Lambert from Syracuse, NY -- thanks for donating!
and lastly but not leastly...
To Emily Wampler of Bridgewater, VA -- thanks for the note and for your donation!
We've got a month to go and have almost reached our goal! Maybe we can surpass it? We shall see!
But first, a shout-out to our latest snail-mail donors:
All the way from Rochester, MI, many thanks to the Romito's!
One of starpilgrims folks, Thelma Roher, many thanks for supporting us all the way from Indiana!
George and Nancy Lambert from Syracuse, NY -- thanks for donating!
and lastly but not leastly...
To Emily Wampler of Bridgewater, VA -- thanks for the note and for your donation!
We've got a month to go and have almost reached our goal! Maybe we can surpass it? We shall see!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Book Review #1
One of my favorite books about mental illness is Get Me Out of Here, by Rachel Reiland. It is a memoir of a woman who has borderline personality disorder and seeks out psychoanalysis to help her overcome it. Some people find the detail / plot slow, but I found it fascinating, as she gives a sometimes play-by-play description of what goes on, both in therapy and outside of it. It fosters compassion for a person with borderline's plight, as it intimates quite well the difficulty of the inner situation. In my work at the farm, people with borderline personality disorder have been some of the most amazing and intelligent and wonderful people, but also some of the most dramatic and confusing and frustrating people. Most folk with borderline personality disorder have trauma history, and so there is often a very dark inner world that mixes with a very compelling way of being in the outer world. This book helped me have compassion and understanding, and I would recommend it to anyone seeking to learn more about either borderline personality disorder.
It was also my introduction to psychoanalysis as a concept, and I found it very helpful in that regard. Yes, psychoanalysis is the dr. taking notes and the patient lying on a couch, just as you probably imagine it. It is also usually 4 times a week, 1 hour each session. The idea is that by not facing the analyst, the person in therapy gets more of a chance to be free to share without inhibition and even to project other relationships onto the analyst. When the patient "goes a little crazy on" the analyst (as is bound to happen because of the intensity of analysis), the analyst and the patient get a chance to look at old patterns, to understand them together, and to find other ways to encounter them that aren't as destructive as the old patterns perhaps were. The Freudian bent means that analysis recognizes a subconscious that makes meaning of actions and reactions in a way that the conscious mind is not aware of. Psychoanalysis is a fascinating field of psychology, and Get Me Out of Here is a good beginner's introduction to it.
So that is your first psychology / mental health book review... I'll see if I can get my running cohorts to post some of their favorite books, as well... stay tuned.
It was also my introduction to psychoanalysis as a concept, and I found it very helpful in that regard. Yes, psychoanalysis is the dr. taking notes and the patient lying on a couch, just as you probably imagine it. It is also usually 4 times a week, 1 hour each session. The idea is that by not facing the analyst, the person in therapy gets more of a chance to be free to share without inhibition and even to project other relationships onto the analyst. When the patient "goes a little crazy on" the analyst (as is bound to happen because of the intensity of analysis), the analyst and the patient get a chance to look at old patterns, to understand them together, and to find other ways to encounter them that aren't as destructive as the old patterns perhaps were. The Freudian bent means that analysis recognizes a subconscious that makes meaning of actions and reactions in a way that the conscious mind is not aware of. Psychoanalysis is a fascinating field of psychology, and Get Me Out of Here is a good beginner's introduction to it.
So that is your first psychology / mental health book review... I'll see if I can get my running cohorts to post some of their favorite books, as well... stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Starpilgrim update
It's been a while since I've posted, so I wanted to give everyone an update...
I've traveled a bit this summer and had the chance to run in the Colorado Rockies (if you want a beautiful challenge, no place better!) and in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland (how often do you get to see a seal colony in the middle of a run!?)
The biggest update for me is that I am leaving Gould Farm soon, to work in a community in Scotland for a year. Though I leave the farm in person, I fully intend to stay connected in spirit to the farm, as it has had such an important and immeasurable impact on my life.
And never fear, marathon supporters -- I will still run on behalf of the farm, but in a different race. October 5th is the Loch Ness Marathon that begins at the south end of Loch Ness, runs the length of the loch along the southwest side, and finishes in the middle of Inverness. This race puts me running three weeks before the others, but I have stepped up my training so that I feel confident that I will be able to run the full marathon on the 5th. And I will certainly be telling anyone who will listen over there about Gould Farm, the reason for my running the race, and all the people who have supported our efforts.
And we are still awaiting confirmation, but I think there is a new Gould Farm volunteer (or perhaps a two-person team) who will be taking my registration in the Cape Cod Marathon.
Thank you so much for your donations and encouragement!
I've traveled a bit this summer and had the chance to run in the Colorado Rockies (if you want a beautiful challenge, no place better!) and in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland (how often do you get to see a seal colony in the middle of a run!?)
The biggest update for me is that I am leaving Gould Farm soon, to work in a community in Scotland for a year. Though I leave the farm in person, I fully intend to stay connected in spirit to the farm, as it has had such an important and immeasurable impact on my life.
And never fear, marathon supporters -- I will still run on behalf of the farm, but in a different race. October 5th is the Loch Ness Marathon that begins at the south end of Loch Ness, runs the length of the loch along the southwest side, and finishes in the middle of Inverness. This race puts me running three weeks before the others, but I have stepped up my training so that I feel confident that I will be able to run the full marathon on the 5th. And I will certainly be telling anyone who will listen over there about Gould Farm, the reason for my running the race, and all the people who have supported our efforts.
And we are still awaiting confirmation, but I think there is a new Gould Farm volunteer (or perhaps a two-person team) who will be taking my registration in the Cape Cod Marathon.
Thank you so much for your donations and encouragement!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mailed donations trickling in!
To those folks sending checks through the mail, we're slowly recieving your contributions. It is a good day when I get an envelope in my box addressed to "cape cod marathoners". To the following folks, a thousand thanks:
The Kuzmas from Holly, MI, who donated "In memory of the late Ray Bennett".
John Otenesak from Harrisonburg, VA.
Janet McKee from Bethesda, MD.
and
Carrie Schaffner, from Cincinnati, OH.
And one more online donation from Nathan Yaple, who donated from a tiny island off the West Coast!
Thank you, ALL!!
P.S. Today is August 26th! That means exactly 2 months and we'll be in Cape Cod. Wahoo!
The Kuzmas from Holly, MI, who donated "In memory of the late Ray Bennett".
John Otenesak from Harrisonburg, VA.
Janet McKee from Bethesda, MD.
and
Carrie Schaffner, from Cincinnati, OH.
And one more online donation from Nathan Yaple, who donated from a tiny island off the West Coast!
Thank you, ALL!!
P.S. Today is August 26th! That means exactly 2 months and we'll be in Cape Cod. Wahoo!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
You are all amazing!
Before I thank our new donors, let me tell you about the applause you all got at community meeting today!
Outside, under the massive oak tree by Main House, the community gathered for Wednesday afternoon community meeting, an arena for staff and guests to share issues, appreciations, and announcements.
At announcement time I told everyone about our project and that today we broke the $1000 mark!!! You should have heard the cheers! A lot of people are grateful for our efforts, and I hope you know that their applause was also for YOU.
And so, on to blog-world appreciations! For your generous contributions and words of encouragement, we give thanks to the following folks:
Monster Librarian, for your second contribution!
Monica Webb, many thanks for bumping us over $1000!
June O'Neill, many many thanks.
Darc, thanks for supporting!
John O, through snail-mail, thanks for your contribution as well!
Check back soon -- I am hoping to "introduce" our relay team soon, as well as give a training update.
Outside, under the massive oak tree by Main House, the community gathered for Wednesday afternoon community meeting, an arena for staff and guests to share issues, appreciations, and announcements.
At announcement time I told everyone about our project and that today we broke the $1000 mark!!! You should have heard the cheers! A lot of people are grateful for our efforts, and I hope you know that their applause was also for YOU.
And so, on to blog-world appreciations! For your generous contributions and words of encouragement, we give thanks to the following folks:
Monster Librarian, for your second contribution!
Monica Webb, many thanks for bumping us over $1000!
June O'Neill, many many thanks.
Darc, thanks for supporting!
John O, through snail-mail, thanks for your contribution as well!
Check back soon -- I am hoping to "introduce" our relay team soon, as well as give a training update.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mental Illness in the News
A key to ending the stigma against mental illness is becoming educated on the topic.
Follow links below to learn more:
Exploring Mental Illness and Battling Her Own
Schizophrenia as Misstep by Giant Gene
Patient Voices: Bipolar Disorder
Farming for Health and Well-Being (article written about Gould Farm)
Follow links below to learn more:
Exploring Mental Illness and Battling Her Own
Schizophrenia as Misstep by Giant Gene
Patient Voices: Bipolar Disorder
Farming for Health and Well-Being (article written about Gould Farm)
A flood of help!
Wow, just in the last 3 days we have recieved donations from 7 new folks! Our heartfelt thanks go out to:
Janet, Larry, and Justin Abrams
Matthew Foreman
Steve Kahn
Neil Meisler
Kyp
Will
and my very own Uncle Johannes!
Thanks all, you are hugely motivational as we continue our efforts with training. Just about 2 months until race day!
Janet, Larry, and Justin Abrams
Matthew Foreman
Steve Kahn
Neil Meisler
Kyp
Will
and my very own Uncle Johannes!
Thanks all, you are hugely motivational as we continue our efforts with training. Just about 2 months until race day!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Keep 'em rolling in!
HUGE thanks to one of our own, Monster Librarian. Not only for your donation but also for the post you wrote about our endeavors on your blog!
Thanks for the shout-out on the fundraising page. Hope you can come cheer for us on race day too!
Thanks for the shout-out on the fundraising page. Hope you can come cheer for us on race day too!
Thanks, Paw!
Many thanks to Paw for the donation that bumped us up to 11%! As the gardeners here at Gould Farm say, "Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow...". We're getting there!
To track our progress just click on the FirstGiving box located on the upper-right of the screen. Or just visit this link:
http://www.firstgiving.com/run4gouldfarm
To track our progress just click on the FirstGiving box located on the upper-right of the screen. Or just visit this link:
http://www.firstgiving.com/run4gouldfarm
Monday, August 4, 2008
More thanks!
To an annonymous donor through snail-mail: thank you for your contribution!
To Angie, Jay and baby Zoe -- thank you for your donation! Maybe you'll be able to come root for us since you're so close by? Maybe one of us could hold baby Zoe as we cross the finish line. Just think of the photo op! :-)
Your support means so much. Way to kick it off!
To Angie, Jay and baby Zoe -- thank you for your donation! Maybe you'll be able to come root for us since you're so close by? Maybe one of us could hold baby Zoe as we cross the finish line. Just think of the photo op! :-)
Your support means so much. Way to kick it off!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Donations already!
Our fundraising page is only 24 hours old, and we have already recieved support from two people!
Many thanks, o.b. and Jenny!! Because of you, we're already 5% of the way to our goal.
My next run is dedicated to you both!
Many thanks, o.b. and Jenny!! Because of you, we're already 5% of the way to our goal.
My next run is dedicated to you both!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Go time!
We have 12 weeks until the marathon! Rawbroccoli, StarPilgrim, and I have been working on several things the past few days, in light of it suddenly feeling like this race is just around the corner. (Although, it's very hard to imagine frigid October, running by the seaside... especially when it's still humid summer here in the mountains!).
Besides still dragging ourselves to the gym or hitting the road for long runs, we've been working on this blog, our Facebook page, and our fundraising page. Here's the run-down (yes, pun intended):
What's new here on the blog:
the fundraising widgit! What's a widgit?! Fancy name for 'button you can click on'. This doo-dad is located over in the upper-right corner of the blog. Not only does it show you our current progress, but you can click on it to make your own contribution right now! Wow, technology.
What's new on Facebook:
Our running page! If you're a Facebook user and we haven't had the chance to 'invite' you to join this group, just go to Facebook.com and log in. Then search for "running for gould farm". Join up, leave comments, see who else is supporting this worthy cause!
What's new on the fundraising page:
Rawbroccoli has created a fundraising page through the organization FirstGiving. This page ensures (and here is the important word) that you can make a SECURE online donation. We are using this organization because others like us have had great success with their format. On this page, you can read more about Gould Farm and also monitor our progress.
That's all for now! The ball is really starting to roll now, so please come back often!
Besides still dragging ourselves to the gym or hitting the road for long runs, we've been working on this blog, our Facebook page, and our fundraising page. Here's the run-down (yes, pun intended):
What's new here on the blog:
the fundraising widgit! What's a widgit?! Fancy name for 'button you can click on'. This doo-dad is located over in the upper-right corner of the blog. Not only does it show you our current progress, but you can click on it to make your own contribution right now! Wow, technology.
What's new on Facebook:
Our running page! If you're a Facebook user and we haven't had the chance to 'invite' you to join this group, just go to Facebook.com and log in. Then search for "running for gould farm". Join up, leave comments, see who else is supporting this worthy cause!
What's new on the fundraising page:
Rawbroccoli has created a fundraising page through the organization FirstGiving. This page ensures (and here is the important word) that you can make a SECURE online donation. We are using this organization because others like us have had great success with their format. On this page, you can read more about Gould Farm and also monitor our progress.
That's all for now! The ball is really starting to roll now, so please come back often!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Slump.
As Dr. Seuss wrote, "Unslumping yourself is not easily done"
I have been in a sad little running slump for 2 weeks now and can't take it any more. I love running. What am I doing?? I love the way it makes me feel, I love to sweat, and I love pushing myself. Where is my motivation?
I think my motivation dried up just when I finished my summer chemistry course. That course ate the last of my motivation for breakfast.
Tomorrow we're holding a meeting about this very run and I am hoping to be inspired to lace up again by the weekend!
I have been in a sad little running slump for 2 weeks now and can't take it any more. I love running. What am I doing?? I love the way it makes me feel, I love to sweat, and I love pushing myself. Where is my motivation?
I think my motivation dried up just when I finished my summer chemistry course. That course ate the last of my motivation for breakfast.
Tomorrow we're holding a meeting about this very run and I am hoping to be inspired to lace up again by the weekend!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Listening to my body
I ran 9 miles last weekend and felt great -- great route, great pace, only stopped three times, had energy to do a bit of striding out at the end. Today, the same 9 mile run was terrible, horrible, no good, very bad... The difference? I think it was that for my most substantial meal yesterday I ate Six Flags food, I drank more soda than water yesterday, and then I drank a bit of alcohol in the evening. It's amazing to me how much things like that affect energy -- in ways I don't always notice. Running has a very valuable way of forcing that kind of listening to my body. I'm learning so much more how food, drink, sleep, mood affects my energy and my body's physical ability. I hope to carry that lesson beyond the marathon training, and I look forward to continuing to learn what exactly my body needs to work best.
Thank goodness for books on tape!
I've started listening to books on tape during my long runs. I don't let myself listen to anything on runs that are 5-6 miles or shorter, but longer than that and I find that my mind has a tendency to turn on me. I wish I were more comfortable with just being alone with my thoughts, but I count it a success that I can at least do 45 to 60 minutes without outside distraction... it's the beginning of a good discipline.
So the top 5 reasons I love listening to books on tape when I run:
1. It keeps me distracted enough to not be noticing every ache and pain in my body. But at the same time I can turn them off if I find my mind wandering and turn them back on when I'm ready for another distraction.
2. I value any excuse to enrich my mind and get lost in books. And it's free for me -- I borrow them from the library and put them on my iPod.
3. I find that on my long runs (9 miles so far), even music doesn't keep me distracted enough at times.
4. As running consumes more and more of my time (it's seriously becoming a part time job), I lament the fact that I don't have time for doing some of the other things I love -- reading being on the top of that list. Now I can "read" at the same time. If only I could find a way to "play piano" while I run... ;)
5. I only let myself "read" the books on tape when I'm running -- so it becomes its own incentive to run... (You want to know what happens next in the book? Well, starpilgrim, you're just going to have to put on some running shoes and run more than 5 measly miles...)
I just finished The Constant Gardener today (a very good book, by the way), and I'm on to The Hobbit next. I'm so glad I thought of this!!
So the top 5 reasons I love listening to books on tape when I run:
1. It keeps me distracted enough to not be noticing every ache and pain in my body. But at the same time I can turn them off if I find my mind wandering and turn them back on when I'm ready for another distraction.
2. I value any excuse to enrich my mind and get lost in books. And it's free for me -- I borrow them from the library and put them on my iPod.
3. I find that on my long runs (9 miles so far), even music doesn't keep me distracted enough at times.
4. As running consumes more and more of my time (it's seriously becoming a part time job), I lament the fact that I don't have time for doing some of the other things I love -- reading being on the top of that list. Now I can "read" at the same time. If only I could find a way to "play piano" while I run... ;)
5. I only let myself "read" the books on tape when I'm running -- so it becomes its own incentive to run... (You want to know what happens next in the book? Well, starpilgrim, you're just going to have to put on some running shoes and run more than 5 measly miles...)
I just finished The Constant Gardener today (a very good book, by the way), and I'm on to The Hobbit next. I'm so glad I thought of this!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
The running Mummy.
I love running!! Even in the rain. Actually, more-so in the rain. I've done it twice this past week and by the looks of the clouds will be doing it whether or not I like it for the next few weeks. What, gentle reader, do I love so much about running in rain? I hear you begging to know my answers. Here are my top 5 reasons:
1. When it's raining, I don't get hot. And getting hot is one thing that will end a run pretty quickly, esp. with my northern european blood.
2. Don't have to worry about dehydration; just have to open my mouth a look up.
3. People usually don't go out and drive, so I can usually run in the road.
4. To those people that do go out, I look like a hardcore runner. And I like that.
5. I LOVE, love getting soaked to the bone because so often I try to avoid it -- running from my car to the house or the grocery to the car. Running in the rain is my chance to play and act like a little kid again.
I will gladly run my portion of this marathon, even if there is a torrential downpour! If that isn't a good enough reason to support our efforts, then I better go out and buy an umbrella.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Update from Starpilgrim
Most of the stuff about me you can find from looking at my profile... so I'll leave out most of the general bio stuff.
I have run for exercise since I was in 6th grade, on teams for about 6 years of that time. I often say that I'm not coordinated enough to do most other sports -- running is just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. I also like running because of the minimal equipment and venue considerations. I've been a distance runner all of my running life (not a sprinter, etc.) because I am not built like a runner -- the longer the distances, it seems, the more of a mind game is involved, and my mind is my strong suit. I can be subborn... ahem, determined... so my will power and self-talk kick in where my body is hesitant.
It has been a goal of mine since I started running to do a marathon at least once in my life. After deciding that last year was the year and Cape Cod was the place, I trained for about 6 months before a minor injury was just enough to throw me off balance. I lost momentum and just couldn't get back on track.
So this year when rawbroccoli came to me and said that she'd heard I trained for a marathon last year... and asked if I wanted to try one this year with her... I jumped at the chance. In my experience there's safety (and increased success) in numbers in this kind of thing. And my confidence is quite high this year, as I learned a lot from training last year and have more purpose and support now.
So off we go... I've been training with the marathon in mind since the beginning of March, training on a schedule since the beginning of April. My longest run so far is 8 miles. I'm running 5 days a week (4 on my easy weeks which come once a month), probably an average of 20 miles a week so far. My next goal is to be more intentional about doing other strengthening kinds of exercise, especially for my abs, which are currently getting the short end of the stick.
Thanks for visiting and for your support! Let us know what you want to see on this blog if you have specific ideas. And give running a try... you never know -- you may get hooked.
I have run for exercise since I was in 6th grade, on teams for about 6 years of that time. I often say that I'm not coordinated enough to do most other sports -- running is just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. I also like running because of the minimal equipment and venue considerations. I've been a distance runner all of my running life (not a sprinter, etc.) because I am not built like a runner -- the longer the distances, it seems, the more of a mind game is involved, and my mind is my strong suit. I can be subborn... ahem, determined... so my will power and self-talk kick in where my body is hesitant.
It has been a goal of mine since I started running to do a marathon at least once in my life. After deciding that last year was the year and Cape Cod was the place, I trained for about 6 months before a minor injury was just enough to throw me off balance. I lost momentum and just couldn't get back on track.
So this year when rawbroccoli came to me and said that she'd heard I trained for a marathon last year... and asked if I wanted to try one this year with her... I jumped at the chance. In my experience there's safety (and increased success) in numbers in this kind of thing. And my confidence is quite high this year, as I learned a lot from training last year and have more purpose and support now.
So off we go... I've been training with the marathon in mind since the beginning of March, training on a schedule since the beginning of April. My longest run so far is 8 miles. I'm running 5 days a week (4 on my easy weeks which come once a month), probably an average of 20 miles a week so far. My next goal is to be more intentional about doing other strengthening kinds of exercise, especially for my abs, which are currently getting the short end of the stick.
Thanks for visiting and for your support! Let us know what you want to see on this blog if you have specific ideas. And give running a try... you never know -- you may get hooked.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Update from Mummy Dearest
So here is our blog. And here we are: runners that want to raise awareness and money for a place we hold dear: Gould Farm.
The seed of this project was planted last year when starpilgrim trained for 6 months for the Cape Cod Marathon. Unfortunatly, she was injured and unable to run last year. Fortunatly, she was determined to run this year and decided to recruit someone else. That someone else, rawbroccoli, inspired me, Mummy Dearest, to join in. And so there were three of us. Three grew to six and now six is growing to ten.
As of now, we have starpilgrim and rawbroccoli running the whole marathon. I am proud captain of a relay team that includes myself and three other runners. And with a little encouragement and coaxing, it looks as if we'll have another team of four runners comprising the second relay team.
Together we hope to train for and finish the Cape Cod Marathon!
Currently we are getting ourselves organized with a fundraising plan. We are deciding on a specific goal and strategies. Soon you will be able to donate to Gould Farm through this blog. We are also hoping to send out a mailing. All this is soon to come!
We hope you check our blog often to track our progress with fundraising as well as training. If you would like to be notified when a new post is put up here, simply subscribe (look on the right, upper part of the sidebar) with your email address and updates will be sent directly to your inbox!
The seed of this project was planted last year when starpilgrim trained for 6 months for the Cape Cod Marathon. Unfortunatly, she was injured and unable to run last year. Fortunatly, she was determined to run this year and decided to recruit someone else. That someone else, rawbroccoli, inspired me, Mummy Dearest, to join in. And so there were three of us. Three grew to six and now six is growing to ten.
As of now, we have starpilgrim and rawbroccoli running the whole marathon. I am proud captain of a relay team that includes myself and three other runners. And with a little encouragement and coaxing, it looks as if we'll have another team of four runners comprising the second relay team.
Together we hope to train for and finish the Cape Cod Marathon!
Currently we are getting ourselves organized with a fundraising plan. We are deciding on a specific goal and strategies. Soon you will be able to donate to Gould Farm through this blog. We are also hoping to send out a mailing. All this is soon to come!
We hope you check our blog often to track our progress with fundraising as well as training. If you would like to be notified when a new post is put up here, simply subscribe (look on the right, upper part of the sidebar) with your email address and updates will be sent directly to your inbox!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Welcome.
Welcome to the Running for Gould Farm blog!
A group of runners that love Gould Farm and its mission are training to run the Cape Cod Marathon on October 26, 2008. We have started this blog in an effort to help raise money for Gould Farm. Will you help us?
Through this blog, you will find a link to the secure website where you can make your donation. That link can be found in the sidebar to the left. In an effort for you to get to know us as runners, we will post periodically about our training efforts, acheivements, and challenges. Also on the sidebar you will find a link to the Gould Farm website.
Many thanks for visiting -- leaving comments, donating money, and sending power bars are all wonderful forms of support!
A group of runners that love Gould Farm and its mission are training to run the Cape Cod Marathon on October 26, 2008. We have started this blog in an effort to help raise money for Gould Farm. Will you help us?
Through this blog, you will find a link to the secure website where you can make your donation. That link can be found in the sidebar to the left. In an effort for you to get to know us as runners, we will post periodically about our training efforts, acheivements, and challenges. Also on the sidebar you will find a link to the Gould Farm website.
Many thanks for visiting -- leaving comments, donating money, and sending power bars are all wonderful forms of support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
