Hurts So Good

Today was my first run over 10 miles this year. It almost didn't happen --- I had it set in my head that I would be able to stop to pee somewhere in the first four miles --- after the FIFTH stop failed me (all gas stations or storefront chain restaurants, since all the McDonald's were on the other sides of busy streets) I got so frustrated I just stopped and walked for a while. The stupid thing too is that I could easily have held out for a while longer, I just had it in my head that I'd be able to stop more or less when I wanted to. But it was a great day for a long run and I had no morning meetings and I just wanted to do it. So in went the earbuds (thank you, "Doug Loves Movies"!). Ahead was a Walgreens where I've stopped successfully before. And from there it was smooth sailing for the rest of the run. (Well, the last 2 miles hurt, but, you know, in that "I will make it through because I am an effing rock star!" kind of way.)

And then a fresh sesame bagel with chive cream cheese when I got home, plus the first ice bath of the year. Thanks to the latest issue of Vanity Fair for getting me through that one!

Now, of course, I just want more...

Hot Times, Summer in the City

Well, the temperature has dropped back down to a more seasonable 50 degrees, but this past week we had a string of 85 degree days (with humidity, of course) that had us all cursing global warming thinking summer. More specifically in my case, thinking about running in the summer, in the heat and humidity, because while I really dislike both, summer is too effing long in Chicago to stay indoors. So I figure I need to not only get used to it, but even find a way to embrace it. Or at least give it the good old college try.

What I did... Ran slowly. Looked for routes that I know have shade and breezes. Brought electrolyte water with me and on runs longer than an hour, made sure I stopped every two miles to walk and have a drink. Made a point of looking around more and using the time to listen to music, notice what flowers were blooming, and even try to enjoy the feel of hot air on my skin. Slowed way down every time I thought I might be inching towards overheating until I felt more comfortable again. I haven't done any speedwork for a while and that I will just save for the gym and air conditioning.

And it worked, I enjoyed my runs this week, and I'm feeling more comfortable with the idea of running through the summer (I had some hard times last year from being too wedded to a certain pace without taking weather conditions into account).

(And I love that my freckles are coming back, I don't feel quite the same without my freckles.)

All the same, I'm very grateful that it'll be 50 and breezy tomorrow as I set off on my last long run before the Soldier Field 10M at the end of the month.

Make My Day!

Today I like:

Going to a doctor, having her listen to my heart and ask me if I'm a runner --- "You have a runner's heart."

Mother's Day

I couldn't get to the computer yesterday, but wanted still to send my prayers out to all mothers who struggle to mother:

in poverty
in war
with violence at home
with addiction / mental illness / health concerns - their own or their children's
in isolation
with conflicting ideas of what it means to be a mother

and to all the children whose mothers aren't able to mother them as well as all children should be mothered,

and to all people who step in to mother when mothers can not.

I am so blessed as a mother --- my cup runneth over.

And the Reading of Inspiring Books

Home sick. The kind of sick where what I'm supposed to do is sleep, sleep, sleep, and maybe do some light lounging around, reading fluff magazines. Only I don't like sleeping during the day. And I don't like reading fluff. So I've taken my morning nap and am now lounging around reading somewhat more substantive matter, just not in any focused way.

The last few weeks have been mostly study, personal study and reflection (Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck and The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor by Mark Labberton). Nothing I can really write about here, I'm nowhere near coming to any conclusions or particular actions. Just moving in that way, which is enough.

And then reading inspiring books, mostly memoirs, sort of a collection of modern-day "Lives of the Saints." Three Cups of Tea (though I've also downloaded the Jon Krakauer expose on Greg Mortenson and will get to that soon*), Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (about Dr. Paul Farmer), The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day, Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn, Take This Bread by Sara Miles. And then, because I don't only read non-fiction, the marvelous (though difficult) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

Feeling sleepy... I may just lie down on the couch and see what happens... no pressure...

*Note added 4/20: Wow! Just finished reading the Krakauer piece and it's clear that there are a lot of problems with how Greg Mortensen portrays himself in his books (and public appearances) --- not so inspiring anymore, more disappointing. Boo-hoo.

How to Steal Like / Live Like / BE an Artist

Great essay here: "How to Steal Like an Artist." And not just for artisty folks, either. I think it's for anyone who sees themselves as actively creating their own life.

Thanks, Austin!

Workshop in Progress - April 6

Well, the woman who was hosting the online quilting group "Workshop in Progress" had to take a break for a while (my prayers for you and your family, Cheryl), and I hadn't been posting for a while on it even before that. But I've finally finished one project - whew! - and thought I'd share it here.

So finally, The Dude's amp cover.

All made from old pairs of pants, even the edging.

And in its natural habitat.

Had a sticky moment close to the end of the project when I realized that it only just fit and could end up being difficult to take on and off, not so good for the end of a long rock-and-beer-fueled night. But once I put the final edging on it that was less of a problem.

Here is also one of my Christmas projects --- I could only share it now because the last one only got mailed out today. (No, not because I hadn't finished, just, you know, because.) These are made out of felt and are approximately six inches long, in a variety of colors.

 
  

Then I also finished another of my card projects, but I can't show that until they are all written and sent, which may be another week (or two) or so.

I'm mending a pair of Buddy's trousers at the moment, but once that's done I should be able to go back to working on my small quilt, which, after a six or more week hiatus, I'm very eager to do. Even though I'm still one Christmas present past due...