Inspired by my lovely friend Catherine, I've decided to set 31 goals for myself to accomplish by my next birthday - January 11, 2012. Some are abstract, others are quite clear. With the exception of one, I've given myself no less than a monthly timeline on most. I'll dedicate around the 11th of each month to "check in" and see where I'm at.
1) Make at least one MAJOR change in my life.
2) Visit one of my five remaining states - Alaska, Arkansas, Mississipi, North Dakota, or Oklahoma.
3) Get something published.
4) Do 31 non-girl pushups in a row.
5) Change someone's life for the better (other than my own).
6) Work my way through the entire "Take Off In Italian" CD set I bought in 2003.
7) Digitize my CD collection.
8) Visit one or more family members apart from Christmas.
9) Take advantage of a crazy spontaneous opportunity.
10) Attempt another recipe out of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking"
11) See six different local bands live.
12) Read and review one non-fiction & one fiction book a month.
13) Contact an elected official, at some level, once a month about an issue that is important to me.
14) See and review at least one film per month.
15) Try one new recipe a month.
16) Try a new locally-owned restaurant each month.
17) Go to an art show or gallery once a month.
18) Dedicate one blog post a month to promoting a local business.
19) Dedicate one blog post a month to promoting a local non-profit.
20) Leave the county I live in at least once per month.
21) Write one album and one concert review a month.
22) Applaud bipartisan efforts in my social media forums at least four times.
23) Attend games of at least four different sports.
24) Go to at least four theatre performances.
25) Go vegetarian for 31 days.
26) Go for 31 days without consuming any soda.
27) Bike to / from work every single day for 31 days.
28) Go for one full week without consuming any alcohol.
29) Go for one full week without consuming any processed foods.
30) Have one week where I only consume foods made with locally-sourced ingredients.
31) Spend one-on-one time with a friend at least once a week.
Showing posts with label lofty goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lofty goals. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
listomania: top 10 fitness events of 2010
My Daily Mile goal at the beginning of 2010 was to participate in at least one community fitness event (organized race, run, or ride) each month of the year. I ended up doing far more than I'd imagined, but here's a countdown of my most memorable ones.
10. Fight For Air Stair Climb - This was a unique event and the first "non-run" I did in 2010. I was super nervous, but ended up being just fine. Plus it was the first medal I received!
9. Miller Park Sausage Run 5k (9:48 pace) - Not my best run, despite the great pace, but I'll never forget the awesomeness of running around the outside track inside the stadium. Super cool!
8. Flood Run (9:42 pace) - Such a great cause and so many wonderful people on this one.
7. Lakefront Discovery Run 15k (10:47 pace) - The race that gave me the confidence to know that I'd be fine at my half marathon.
6. Brown Deer Run 5k (9:09 pace) - Still my most awesome pace for a 5k, but this run is memorable because so many #FitMKE folks there and saw several individuals complete their first 5ks. It was a truly inspiring day.
5. Shamrock Shuffle 5k (10:16 pace) - My first "road trip" race. And awful, killer hills.
4. Harvest Hustle 10k (10:06 pace) - Another road trip race and my first 10k. Ended up building a wonderful northwoods weekend out of the experience and bonding with some good friends. Huge thanks still to the amazing Catherine Emmanuelle for her hospitality in Eau Claire!
3. Miller Lite Ride for the Arts (75 miles) - I managed to raise over $1500 for the United Performing Arts Fund and bike 75 miles without keeling over. Special thanks to all that supported me in this journey and especially to Joe @AJBombers who was gracious enough to allow me a guest bartending gig to fundraise.
2. Samson Stomp (aka My First 5k) (12:18 pace) - The race that started it all. Hard to believe, but I was more nervous for this than I was to run 13.1!
1. Tyranena Half Marathon (aka My First Half Marathon) (10:59 pace) - I tear up a little every time I think about it. Truly one of my greatest accomplishments in life.
Looking forward...
10. Fight For Air Stair Climb - This was a unique event and the first "non-run" I did in 2010. I was super nervous, but ended up being just fine. Plus it was the first medal I received!
9. Miller Park Sausage Run 5k (9:48 pace) - Not my best run, despite the great pace, but I'll never forget the awesomeness of running around the outside track inside the stadium. Super cool!
8. Flood Run (9:42 pace) - Such a great cause and so many wonderful people on this one.
7. Lakefront Discovery Run 15k (10:47 pace) - The race that gave me the confidence to know that I'd be fine at my half marathon.
 |
| Photo by Michael Litscher |
6. Brown Deer Run 5k (9:09 pace) - Still my most awesome pace for a 5k, but this run is memorable because so many #FitMKE folks there and saw several individuals complete their first 5ks. It was a truly inspiring day.
5. Shamrock Shuffle 5k (10:16 pace) - My first "road trip" race. And awful, killer hills.
4. Harvest Hustle 10k (10:06 pace) - Another road trip race and my first 10k. Ended up building a wonderful northwoods weekend out of the experience and bonding with some good friends. Huge thanks still to the amazing Catherine Emmanuelle for her hospitality in Eau Claire!
3. Miller Lite Ride for the Arts (75 miles) - I managed to raise over $1500 for the United Performing Arts Fund and bike 75 miles without keeling over. Special thanks to all that supported me in this journey and especially to Joe @AJBombers who was gracious enough to allow me a guest bartending gig to fundraise.
2. Samson Stomp (aka My First 5k) (12:18 pace) - The race that started it all. Hard to believe, but I was more nervous for this than I was to run 13.1!
1. Tyranena Half Marathon (aka My First Half Marathon) (10:59 pace) - I tear up a little every time I think about it. Truly one of my greatest accomplishments in life.
Looking forward...
- Can't wait to return to the Samson Stomp on January 16
- Team Mara-Tron is going to tear up the InStep Icebreaker Marathon Relay on January 22
- I'll be running my second half marathon -- The Oakland Running Festival -- on March 27 in Oakland, CA -- at the encouragement of a high school friend. I'm raising money for CALICO, for which she sits on the board. You can donate to my efforts here.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tyranena Half Marathon Recap
First, all I really have to say is "HOLY CRAP."
Second, "HOLY CRAP I am so glad that I know a billion and ten awesome, incredible people, that would stand outside on a chilly day and cheer all of us across the finish line."
Third, I thought I'd started Couch to 5k around this weekend last year. Turns out it was 11/20/09. So less than a year and I'm running a freaking half marathon. HELLS YEAH. And the really really weird thing -- I think I was more freaked out about my first 5k in January.
I don't have too many words to sum this one up. I cried. I laughed. I smiled, a lot. I cursed. I talked to myself, channeling the Little Blue Engine That Could during the evil mile 12. I have a newfound respect for those who do TWO OF THESE IN A ROW.
My best at a breakdown:
RACE EVE: Thanks to Becky and Tony for “carbing” with me at Via Downer. Delicious. I also stayed up until 10:30 PM creating the “perfect” soundtrack for my big run.
RACE DAY: The day started off great with running into two very wonderful people on my way over to meet the caravan at Tony’s. Especially wonderful to see one of my fellow original Weight Watchers at Work participants driving my bus. What day isn’t awesome when it starts out with a hug from your bus driver?
I’m not going to lie and say there weren’t nerves. I had a very cathartic scream in my apartment before I left. I started freaking out that we were “behind schedule.” I was ancy. I also had to pee. A lot. Properly hydrating is a nuisance.
The car ride (thanks Craig for driving!) up was really fun. Craig, Brooke, Tony, Becky and I saw some craziness (including a lady driving in a leopard print snuggie who also had a leopard print seat cover, as well as a car with the license plate: TOPLES5).
Lake Mills was pretty nutzo when we pulled in at 11 for my 11:30 race. The crew dropped Brooke (who was 4.37ing) and I off to get our packets. I of course had to pee (again) and the line was really really long. Brooke prepped everything while I was in the loo queue and I was in the “corral” with just minutes to spare.
MILEAGE BREAKDOWN (my time above is the official chip time, but I’m using my runmeter splits below)
Mile 01 - Average 9:43 /mile
Started off way too fast. For my next one (ACK!) I need to really work on the consistent pace in training and not get swept up in the excitement and start like it’s a 5k. I do however highly recommend starting a soundtrack with Patti Smith’s “Horses.” Man that really got me into the mindset quickly. Patti Smith is one badass lady and I know am too!
Most of this mile was through the stately Victorian area in Lake Mills. I honestly didn’t pay too much attention though, as I was just focused on the fact that I was here! I do remember thinking when I hit the .5 mile mark: “Okay, 1/26 there!” I also got a ton of encouraging tweets during this first mile, motivating me to keep pushing ahead, people were counting on me!
Moon Duo’s “Motorcycle, I Love You” came on and I sped into Mile 2...
Mile 02 - Average 9:50 /mile
Still keeping that above average pace, I started noticing my surroundings. The lake came into view and I began to appreciate that it truly was a gorgeous autumn day. I began to “pace” with other runners, especially as we moved into the shoulder of the road. As I recall, the first water stop was during this mile, so I allowed myself to “reset” by walking there. The super extended (Patrick Cowley) remix of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” started during this one as well, so I began matching the beat in that to slow down a bit.
Mile 03 - Average 10:21 /mile
Donna carried me into mile three and I was glad to have a steady beat as some hills were added into the mix while we rounded one corner of the lake. I started to get nervous here as I hadn’t looked at the route map (novice mistake) and feared that we’d have to come back this way and we were running down hills nastier than we were heading up. This mile also included the worst hill on the route, just before mile 4. I hate that pit of your stomach feeling as you round a corner and there’s the behemoth staring at you. The good news was, this was the worst one! Yay! AND my song changed just at the base of it to “Rippin Kittin” (not exactly this mix) by Miss Kittin. Hooray for Berlin dance grooves pushing me up the hill.
Mile 04 - Average 10:42 /mile
A couple more inclines as Miss Kittin and the Scissor Sisters “Invisible Light” carried me through this hilly residential area. I believe it was along this stretch where I ran into my friend Rob too. It was cool to spot someone you haven’t seen in years and give them a shoutout and congrats while you’re both huffing and puffing along. I began to appreciate the beauty of the route and the lake along this stretch, getting a little philosophical as Underworld’s “Always Loved a Film” popped on and then laughing as I saw a resident placing our beer for the runners. I opted to pass since it was my first half, but some of my fellow athletes made the stop.
Mile 05 - Average 10:27 /mile
Appropriately Caribou’s “Sun” carried me onto the first “path” part of the route through an open field, bathed in autumn sunshine. I became really grateful that the temps were in the 40s and not the 60s at this point. As I approached the second water stop, I allowed myself to slow down and drink all my water and gatorade.
Mile 06 - Average 11:24 /mile
I started to drag on the country roads here, even with LCD Soundsystem’s “Beat Connection” giving me some push. I had a little heart attack thinking we were going to head up a massive hill, but luckily the route turned and we ended up on a tunnel underneath said hill and on a lovely stretch of bike path. I officially crossed the 10k marker with a 1:05:29. Unfortunately that pace wouldn’t keep up!
Mile 07 - Average 10:52 /mile
Picked up speed a bit here on the path. Shook things up with another psychedelic Moon Duo number, “In the Trees,” the funky jazz of “Unbroken, Unshaven” by The Budos Band and then getting back into the shoegazey dance “Pigeons” by Hundred in the Hands and "Fixed" by Stars. I had started to feel a little leaden before this mile, but was glad to push back on pace. The really cool part of mile 7 was that we ran across a little wooden bridge in the MIDDLE OF THE LAKE! It was breathtaking and cool, although really windy. Definitely a unique highlight of the race.
Mile 08 - Average 11:09 /mile
My slowdown here was not due to fatigue, but TRAFFIC. I was beginning to feel good again, and excited that I just had an easy 5 miles left. After a little warm up of Unkle’s “The Answer,” around 8.5 “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” by LCD Soundsystem came on and I charged past several runners, practically bouncing down the path, only to hit a traffic jam. I am not sure how long we were stopped, but I’d say about 90 seconds. On one hand, it could’ve been beneficial, as it let me recharge. However, I’m definitely wondering what would’ve happened had I kept pushing, especially since I was in “recharge” mode. I totally understand that they had to move traffic along the main street, but I wonder if there is a standard “stop time” for runners. There was probably a pack of 10-15 people held back.
Mile 09 - Average 10:33 /mile
The timing worked out okay for actual Daft Punk’s new song “Derezzed” (clever how I did that one!) to carry me into the start of mile 9 and keep up a fantastic pace and then Maserati’s “We Got the System to Fight the System” and another Budos Band song “The Rite of the Ancients” propelled me toward the last water stop and the last three miles. This worked out well because my shoe came untied right before the stop. I also took my first ever gel here. Raspberry Cream. It tasted like cough medicine.
Mile 10 - Average 10:35 /mile
I cannot tell you how excited I was to hit the Mile 10 marker. I was now at the FARTHEST DISTANCE EVER RUN BY MEGHAN ARNOLD. I wanted to scream and shout to the world. This was kind of a dead end street in an industrial area, but I imagined highfiving like a billion people at this point. Okay, maybe the gel caused hallucinations :). I also was smiling at my soundtrack decision here of Tom Tom Club’s “Wording Rappinghood.” For those unfamiliar with this classic proto-hip-hop jam, the repeat verbal beat is “don’t stop! don’t stop!” and that chorus did wonders for me mentally, especially as I kept up a great pace in this stretch. I felt great to conquer that last 5k. I laughed as “Hot Mess” by Chromeo came on, added after my friend Kara recommended putting that band on the list, and reminded me not to “poo myself.” I also think it was on this mile when I saw a road called “American Way” and laughed again.
Mile 11 - Average 10:56 /mile
Well unfortunately, the euphoria of crossing Mile 10 didn’t magically coast me through. Mile 11 started my descent into madness. The usually uplifting “Dust Devil” by School of Seven Bells failed to motivate, nor did a remix of Florence & The Machine’s “The Dog Days Are Over.” In fact, the last made me tear up a bit and wonder “is this damn race over?” Probably didn’t help that we were running through subdivisions and industrial parks at this point.
Mile 12 - Average 11:44 /mile
Mile 12 was an evil bitch. I hate Mile 12. Mile 12 can suck it and die. Florence gave way to Karen O. and a remix of “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I knew I was almost there, but I was crying and limping. My hip was killing. People around me were all walking. But I was determined to KEEP RUNNING. I started channeling The Little Engine That Could and out loud saying “I Think I Can, I Think I Can.” I kinda didn’t care if my fellow runners thought I was crazy or not. It worked. I kept running. I did it. I didn’t stop at all. And I was rewarded at mile 12.5. Lady Gaga and Beyonce pushed me forward with “Telephone.” And yes, after talking to myself already, I began to sing along. I also knew this was the section of my soundtrack that I’d purposely added cheesy pop music. I smiled, hope returned as Snoop said the magical words “Greetings loved ones, let’s take a journey.”
Mile 13 - Average 11:32 /mile
With Katy Perry’s horribly sugary and obnoxious “California Gurls” I rounded the corner toward the marker for mile 13. ALMOST THERE. And there they were! Becky, Tony, Craig and Brooke. And @sawaboof. All on the corner. They had a sign, AND IT HAD MY NAME ON IT!!!!!!!!! I felt so loved. My smile was HUGE. I was almost there and I had a posse. I was thrilled to see Brooke there too! She’d finished her 4.37 race already. Yay! She and Craig had both tweeted me in those later miles too. Brooke’s came through during evil mile 12 and said “Fuck yeah, Meghan! Can't wait to see you! So close!” I’d needed that push and now I got to see my friends. But still had that .1 to go! And it was a bit chaotic. People were milling about, so it wasn’t quite clear where to go, but I just moved forward. In a world of hurt, happiness, and bubblegum pop. And then I saw another group of people. Right by the finish line. Jumping up and down. “Oh, how nice!” I thought at the kind souls. Then I realized they were screaming MY NAME and yelling for ME. It was the #FitMKE / Daily Mile gang! Anne, Tracey, Amy, Sarah S., Rochelle, and Stacy S. I coasted across the finish line on a wave of love! So incredible.
(I also noted the irony that I’d started to Patti Smith and ended to Katy Perry.)
Post-Race
I got my food, water, solar blanket, and MEDAL. I hugged a lot of people. I cried. I got my photo taken. I cheered for Marty & Augie to finish. I sang “Don’t Stop Believing” with Brooke. I drank BEER. I ate tasty, meaty lasagna.
I tried to embed it all in my mind. I never want to forget it.
Second, "HOLY CRAP I am so glad that I know a billion and ten awesome, incredible people, that would stand outside on a chilly day and cheer all of us across the finish line."
Third, I thought I'd started Couch to 5k around this weekend last year. Turns out it was 11/20/09. So less than a year and I'm running a freaking half marathon. HELLS YEAH. And the really really weird thing -- I think I was more freaked out about my first 5k in January.
I don't have too many words to sum this one up. I cried. I laughed. I smiled, a lot. I cursed. I talked to myself, channeling the Little Blue Engine That Could during the evil mile 12. I have a newfound respect for those who do TWO OF THESE IN A ROW.
My best at a breakdown:
RACE EVE: Thanks to Becky and Tony for “carbing” with me at Via Downer. Delicious. I also stayed up until 10:30 PM creating the “perfect” soundtrack for my big run.
RACE DAY: The day started off great with running into two very wonderful people on my way over to meet the caravan at Tony’s. Especially wonderful to see one of my fellow original Weight Watchers at Work participants driving my bus. What day isn’t awesome when it starts out with a hug from your bus driver?
I’m not going to lie and say there weren’t nerves. I had a very cathartic scream in my apartment before I left. I started freaking out that we were “behind schedule.” I was ancy. I also had to pee. A lot. Properly hydrating is a nuisance.
The car ride (thanks Craig for driving!) up was really fun. Craig, Brooke, Tony, Becky and I saw some craziness (including a lady driving in a leopard print snuggie who also had a leopard print seat cover, as well as a car with the license plate: TOPLES5).
Lake Mills was pretty nutzo when we pulled in at 11 for my 11:30 race. The crew dropped Brooke (who was 4.37ing) and I off to get our packets. I of course had to pee (again) and the line was really really long. Brooke prepped everything while I was in the loo queue and I was in the “corral” with just minutes to spare.
MILEAGE BREAKDOWN (my time above is the official chip time, but I’m using my runmeter splits below)
Mile 01 - Average 9:43 /mile
Started off way too fast. For my next one (ACK!) I need to really work on the consistent pace in training and not get swept up in the excitement and start like it’s a 5k. I do however highly recommend starting a soundtrack with Patti Smith’s “Horses.” Man that really got me into the mindset quickly. Patti Smith is one badass lady and I know am too!
Most of this mile was through the stately Victorian area in Lake Mills. I honestly didn’t pay too much attention though, as I was just focused on the fact that I was here! I do remember thinking when I hit the .5 mile mark: “Okay, 1/26 there!” I also got a ton of encouraging tweets during this first mile, motivating me to keep pushing ahead, people were counting on me!
Moon Duo’s “Motorcycle, I Love You” came on and I sped into Mile 2...
Mile 02 - Average 9:50 /mile
Still keeping that above average pace, I started noticing my surroundings. The lake came into view and I began to appreciate that it truly was a gorgeous autumn day. I began to “pace” with other runners, especially as we moved into the shoulder of the road. As I recall, the first water stop was during this mile, so I allowed myself to “reset” by walking there. The super extended (Patrick Cowley) remix of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” started during this one as well, so I began matching the beat in that to slow down a bit.
Mile 03 - Average 10:21 /mile
Donna carried me into mile three and I was glad to have a steady beat as some hills were added into the mix while we rounded one corner of the lake. I started to get nervous here as I hadn’t looked at the route map (novice mistake) and feared that we’d have to come back this way and we were running down hills nastier than we were heading up. This mile also included the worst hill on the route, just before mile 4. I hate that pit of your stomach feeling as you round a corner and there’s the behemoth staring at you. The good news was, this was the worst one! Yay! AND my song changed just at the base of it to “Rippin Kittin” (not exactly this mix) by Miss Kittin. Hooray for Berlin dance grooves pushing me up the hill.
Mile 04 - Average 10:42 /mile
A couple more inclines as Miss Kittin and the Scissor Sisters “Invisible Light” carried me through this hilly residential area. I believe it was along this stretch where I ran into my friend Rob too. It was cool to spot someone you haven’t seen in years and give them a shoutout and congrats while you’re both huffing and puffing along. I began to appreciate the beauty of the route and the lake along this stretch, getting a little philosophical as Underworld’s “Always Loved a Film” popped on and then laughing as I saw a resident placing our beer for the runners. I opted to pass since it was my first half, but some of my fellow athletes made the stop.
Mile 05 - Average 10:27 /mile
Appropriately Caribou’s “Sun” carried me onto the first “path” part of the route through an open field, bathed in autumn sunshine. I became really grateful that the temps were in the 40s and not the 60s at this point. As I approached the second water stop, I allowed myself to slow down and drink all my water and gatorade.
Mile 06 - Average 11:24 /mile
I started to drag on the country roads here, even with LCD Soundsystem’s “Beat Connection” giving me some push. I had a little heart attack thinking we were going to head up a massive hill, but luckily the route turned and we ended up on a tunnel underneath said hill and on a lovely stretch of bike path. I officially crossed the 10k marker with a 1:05:29. Unfortunately that pace wouldn’t keep up!
Mile 07 - Average 10:52 /mile
Picked up speed a bit here on the path. Shook things up with another psychedelic Moon Duo number, “In the Trees,” the funky jazz of “Unbroken, Unshaven” by The Budos Band and then getting back into the shoegazey dance “Pigeons” by Hundred in the Hands and "Fixed" by Stars. I had started to feel a little leaden before this mile, but was glad to push back on pace. The really cool part of mile 7 was that we ran across a little wooden bridge in the MIDDLE OF THE LAKE! It was breathtaking and cool, although really windy. Definitely a unique highlight of the race.
Mile 08 - Average 11:09 /mile
My slowdown here was not due to fatigue, but TRAFFIC. I was beginning to feel good again, and excited that I just had an easy 5 miles left. After a little warm up of Unkle’s “The Answer,” around 8.5 “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” by LCD Soundsystem came on and I charged past several runners, practically bouncing down the path, only to hit a traffic jam. I am not sure how long we were stopped, but I’d say about 90 seconds. On one hand, it could’ve been beneficial, as it let me recharge. However, I’m definitely wondering what would’ve happened had I kept pushing, especially since I was in “recharge” mode. I totally understand that they had to move traffic along the main street, but I wonder if there is a standard “stop time” for runners. There was probably a pack of 10-15 people held back.
Mile 09 - Average 10:33 /mile
The timing worked out okay for actual Daft Punk’s new song “Derezzed” (clever how I did that one!) to carry me into the start of mile 9 and keep up a fantastic pace and then Maserati’s “We Got the System to Fight the System” and another Budos Band song “The Rite of the Ancients” propelled me toward the last water stop and the last three miles. This worked out well because my shoe came untied right before the stop. I also took my first ever gel here. Raspberry Cream. It tasted like cough medicine.
Mile 10 - Average 10:35 /mile
I cannot tell you how excited I was to hit the Mile 10 marker. I was now at the FARTHEST DISTANCE EVER RUN BY MEGHAN ARNOLD. I wanted to scream and shout to the world. This was kind of a dead end street in an industrial area, but I imagined highfiving like a billion people at this point. Okay, maybe the gel caused hallucinations :). I also was smiling at my soundtrack decision here of Tom Tom Club’s “Wording Rappinghood.” For those unfamiliar with this classic proto-hip-hop jam, the repeat verbal beat is “don’t stop! don’t stop!” and that chorus did wonders for me mentally, especially as I kept up a great pace in this stretch. I felt great to conquer that last 5k. I laughed as “Hot Mess” by Chromeo came on, added after my friend Kara recommended putting that band on the list, and reminded me not to “poo myself.” I also think it was on this mile when I saw a road called “American Way” and laughed again.
Mile 11 - Average 10:56 /mile
Well unfortunately, the euphoria of crossing Mile 10 didn’t magically coast me through. Mile 11 started my descent into madness. The usually uplifting “Dust Devil” by School of Seven Bells failed to motivate, nor did a remix of Florence & The Machine’s “The Dog Days Are Over.” In fact, the last made me tear up a bit and wonder “is this damn race over?” Probably didn’t help that we were running through subdivisions and industrial parks at this point.
Mile 12 - Average 11:44 /mile
Mile 12 was an evil bitch. I hate Mile 12. Mile 12 can suck it and die. Florence gave way to Karen O. and a remix of “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I knew I was almost there, but I was crying and limping. My hip was killing. People around me were all walking. But I was determined to KEEP RUNNING. I started channeling The Little Engine That Could and out loud saying “I Think I Can, I Think I Can.” I kinda didn’t care if my fellow runners thought I was crazy or not. It worked. I kept running. I did it. I didn’t stop at all. And I was rewarded at mile 12.5. Lady Gaga and Beyonce pushed me forward with “Telephone.” And yes, after talking to myself already, I began to sing along. I also knew this was the section of my soundtrack that I’d purposely added cheesy pop music. I smiled, hope returned as Snoop said the magical words “Greetings loved ones, let’s take a journey.”
Mile 13 - Average 11:32 /mile
With Katy Perry’s horribly sugary and obnoxious “California Gurls” I rounded the corner toward the marker for mile 13. ALMOST THERE. And there they were! Becky, Tony, Craig and Brooke. And @sawaboof. All on the corner. They had a sign, AND IT HAD MY NAME ON IT!!!!!!!!! I felt so loved. My smile was HUGE. I was almost there and I had a posse. I was thrilled to see Brooke there too! She’d finished her 4.37 race already. Yay! She and Craig had both tweeted me in those later miles too. Brooke’s came through during evil mile 12 and said “Fuck yeah, Meghan! Can't wait to see you! So close!” I’d needed that push and now I got to see my friends. But still had that .1 to go! And it was a bit chaotic. People were milling about, so it wasn’t quite clear where to go, but I just moved forward. In a world of hurt, happiness, and bubblegum pop. And then I saw another group of people. Right by the finish line. Jumping up and down. “Oh, how nice!” I thought at the kind souls. Then I realized they were screaming MY NAME and yelling for ME. It was the #FitMKE / Daily Mile gang! Anne, Tracey, Amy, Sarah S., Rochelle, and Stacy S. I coasted across the finish line on a wave of love! So incredible.
(I also noted the irony that I’d started to Patti Smith and ended to Katy Perry.)
Post-Race
I got my food, water, solar blanket, and MEDAL. I hugged a lot of people. I cried. I got my photo taken. I cheered for Marty & Augie to finish. I sang “Don’t Stop Believing” with Brooke. I drank BEER. I ate tasty, meaty lasagna.
I tried to embed it all in my mind. I never want to forget it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
that's (budget) entertainment
By my next birthday I'd like to have made some headway on paying down my debt and getting together a gameplan for the next stage in my life. This means reeling in my spending by cutting back on some of the things I love to do. Below I'm outlining some of my entertainment addictions and then proposing solutions. If you have any additional suggestions, please leave them in the comments!
Concert Frequenting
Issue: Let's face it...I drop a LOT of my disposable income on concerts. I love going to shows. I'm hooked. And with the magic that is The Pabst Theater Group in town, you could see "the next it band" practically every week. To add to the dilemma, with the passage of the recent smoking ban, The Rave has become tolerable for me again...not to mention the small clubs around town.
Solutions:
Issue: My music loving extends to private as well as public. I have an eMusic subscription, but once those credits run out each month I'm always tempting by Amazon or iTunes. I try to limit my internet scouring (especially since most of the artists I like need the money), so what is a girl to do?
Solutions:
Issue: Luckily this isn't too much of an issue anymore, and the lack of a mainstream theater anywhere near downtown helps. Still, during the summer if I just "feel like going to a movie," I'm inevitably shelling out $15+ for a ticket and snacks. It adds up.
Solutions:
Hopefully I'll get another post up soon about other expensive hobbies and my budget solutions! Anything you'd like to see?
Concert Frequenting
Issue: Let's face it...I drop a LOT of my disposable income on concerts. I love going to shows. I'm hooked. And with the magic that is The Pabst Theater Group in town, you could see "the next it band" practically every week. To add to the dilemma, with the passage of the recent smoking ban, The Rave has become tolerable for me again...not to mention the small clubs around town.
Solutions:
- Allow myself one over $25 concert treat per month
- Limit self to going to no more than one under $15 show per week
- Try to see more local bands, especially while the free, outdoor season is ongoing
- Follow the twitter and facebook feeds of local radio and venues to try and win tickets
Issue: My music loving extends to private as well as public. I have an eMusic subscription, but once those credits run out each month I'm always tempting by Amazon or iTunes. I try to limit my internet scouring (especially since most of the artists I like need the money), so what is a girl to do?
Solutions:
- Subscribe to available "Song of the Day" podcasts
- Request CDs from the Milwaukee Public Library
- Watch for "sampler" albums promoted on social media
- Revisit old music / make new playlists
Issue: Luckily this isn't too much of an issue anymore, and the lack of a mainstream theater anywhere near downtown helps. Still, during the summer if I just "feel like going to a movie," I'm inevitably shelling out $15+ for a ticket and snacks. It adds up.
Solutions:
- Gear up to volunteer for the upcoming Milwaukee Film Festival. Can't wait for the program release on September 4!
- Frequent the UWM Union Theatre this semester. Just got their program in the mail (website not updated at time of this posting) and I need to make a concerted effort to make it up there more often. This will offset some of the concertgoing too.
Hopefully I'll get another post up soon about other expensive hobbies and my budget solutions! Anything you'd like to see?
Monday, August 23, 2010
i am alive, and accidentally in wisconsin
I owe about 37 posts from my Europe trip. I need to develop an nom de plume so I can write all the tales. Or have my mom sign a waiver that she won't read them.
No, it wasn't all salacious. From visiting family friends in Belgium, to attending one of my best friend's fairytale wedding, to biking through the countryside, to taking two amazing hikes, to tasting all sorts of incredible food and beverages-- I really feel I LIVED for 12 days.
I am jonesing more than ever to ACTUALLY move to Europe. I thought after almost two full weeks of living out of a suitcase I'd be ready to come home, but I've never moreso been tempted to stay. From almost taking two random Brits up on a roadtripping offer to playing "eeny-meeny-miny-mo" with the ticket machine at the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Paris, Berlin, Airport...), I was ready to just send the "I'm not coming back email." Unfortunately my oldest child responsibility gene kicked in and I relunctantly boarded a plane back.
So now I'm back in Wisconsin having a midlife crisis. But I did make some key resolves while I reflected overseas:
No, it wasn't all salacious. From visiting family friends in Belgium, to attending one of my best friend's fairytale wedding, to biking through the countryside, to taking two amazing hikes, to tasting all sorts of incredible food and beverages-- I really feel I LIVED for 12 days.
I am jonesing more than ever to ACTUALLY move to Europe. I thought after almost two full weeks of living out of a suitcase I'd be ready to come home, but I've never moreso been tempted to stay. From almost taking two random Brits up on a roadtripping offer to playing "eeny-meeny-miny-mo" with the ticket machine at the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Paris, Berlin, Airport...), I was ready to just send the "I'm not coming back email." Unfortunately my oldest child responsibility gene kicked in and I relunctantly boarded a plane back.
So now I'm back in Wisconsin having a midlife crisis. But I did make some key resolves while I reflected overseas:
- Get out of volunteer commitments where my heart isn't in it and my time is overly consumed
- Train for a half marathon and take advantage of outdoor fitness activities more.
- Do more things for free and less things for money. While I love going to shows, I can't pour every last dime of my income into concerts. As painful as it is, I need to redirect some of that free time. Luckily today I got the UWM Union Theatre schedule in the mail and that should provide plenty of entertainment this fall!
- Keep up with the CSA and scale back on eating out.
- Spend more time with friends.
- Spend more time with myself.
- Have a "life changer" game plan in place by my 31st birthday--January 11, 2011.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
You, Me, AJ Bombers & the Arts...TOMORROW night!
Just a reminder folks, this is it, GO TIME.
In 24 hours I'll be wrapping up my stint Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers. If you haven't already blocked your calendar from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. TOMORROW (Friday). Here's five reasons why you should.
5. Celebrity appearance! The one, the only, Michael L. Arnold, a.k.a. Dad, will be making his first social outing in Milwaukee in three years. Don't miss an insight into where the heck I came from!
4. FREE transportation! AJ Bombers is conveniently located at Water & Knapp, right on the Route 15 bus line. Even more convenient? Tomorrow, in honor of 150 Years of Public Transportation, the Route 15 is FREE all day!
3. World-Famous Food! Food Wars on the Travel Channel filmed at AJ Bombers today, so its burgers will soon be out on the basic cable scene. Order one and wash it down a cold one -- proceeds of your beverage going to the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.
2. Fabulous giveaways! Throughout the night I'll be "auctioning" off prizes including shirts, Brewers tickets, Milwaukee Iron tickets and of course, tickets to United Performing Arts Fund member groups.
1. Great cause! Hopefully I've convinced you that this means a lot to me, but I'm sure the arts mean something to you as well. I'd love for you to leave a blog comment as to why YOU support my efforts.
Can't make it out for the party? You can donate online here.
Hope to see ya at AJ Bombers!
In 24 hours I'll be wrapping up my stint Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers. If you haven't already blocked your calendar from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. TOMORROW (Friday). Here's five reasons why you should.
5. Celebrity appearance! The one, the only, Michael L. Arnold, a.k.a. Dad, will be making his first social outing in Milwaukee in three years. Don't miss an insight into where the heck I came from!
4. FREE transportation! AJ Bombers is conveniently located at Water & Knapp, right on the Route 15 bus line. Even more convenient? Tomorrow, in honor of 150 Years of Public Transportation, the Route 15 is FREE all day!
3. World-Famous Food! Food Wars on the Travel Channel filmed at AJ Bombers today, so its burgers will soon be out on the basic cable scene. Order one and wash it down a cold one -- proceeds of your beverage going to the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.
2. Fabulous giveaways! Throughout the night I'll be "auctioning" off prizes including shirts, Brewers tickets, Milwaukee Iron tickets and of course, tickets to United Performing Arts Fund member groups.
1. Great cause! Hopefully I've convinced you that this means a lot to me, but I'm sure the arts mean something to you as well. I'd love for you to leave a blog comment as to why YOU support my efforts.
Can't make it out for the party? You can donate online here.
Hope to see ya at AJ Bombers!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
thank you tuesday: 25%
A HUGE thank to those who have donated so far to my Miller Lite Ride for the Arts fundraising efforts. I'm already 25% of the way to my goal with $380 raised.
So shout outs today to the following folks:
Chris M. - Fellow biker extraordinaire. Support his ride for childhood cancer research here.
George B. - My favorite former boss and employer branding expert.
Paul C. - We planned conferences in another life, but bonded over a shared love of rock n' roll. Best source for live in studio recordings I know.
Greg & Angie Q. - The funnest couple in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I'll put money on that.
Ellen P. - One of the coolest women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and who inspires me to be a better person.
Marty B. - Twitterer, runner, app reviewer, another inspiration.
Sarah A. - My YNPN marketing co-chair and all around awesome woman.
Jane S. - Generous tweep.
Sarah S. - Twitter and #fitmke rockstar, future push up coach. You can win a date with her too!
Kristen G. - 1/5 of the Five Point Filter. Sailor and music geek. Fabulous.
Marley D. - Dear old friend. Kickass lawyer. Not-so-dirty hippie. Amazing chica.
Madeline G. - A person doing truly unbelievable things. You must check out the work of CORE/El Centro organization she founded.
Caroline A. - Grad student doing great things in the community.
Thank you all. You're incredible.
Want to be on the honor roll? Donate online here.
Or help me raise money in as super fun way on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
So shout outs today to the following folks:
Chris M. - Fellow biker extraordinaire. Support his ride for childhood cancer research here.
George B. - My favorite former boss and employer branding expert.
Paul C. - We planned conferences in another life, but bonded over a shared love of rock n' roll. Best source for live in studio recordings I know.
Greg & Angie Q. - The funnest couple in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I'll put money on that.
Ellen P. - One of the coolest women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and who inspires me to be a better person.
Marty B. - Twitterer, runner, app reviewer, another inspiration.
Sarah A. - My YNPN marketing co-chair and all around awesome woman.
Jane S. - Generous tweep.
Sarah S. - Twitter and #fitmke rockstar, future push up coach. You can win a date with her too!
Kristen G. - 1/5 of the Five Point Filter. Sailor and music geek. Fabulous.
Marley D. - Dear old friend. Kickass lawyer. Not-so-dirty hippie. Amazing chica.
Madeline G. - A person doing truly unbelievable things. You must check out the work of CORE/El Centro organization she founded.
Caroline A. - Grad student doing great things in the community.
Thank you all. You're incredible.
Want to be on the honor roll? Donate online here.
Or help me raise money in as super fun way on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Monday, May 3, 2010
Mileage Monday
I'm using Mondays to keep you all posted on how my training is going. I'll be reposting some stuff from Daily Mile so if you follow me there, you can probably skip these posts.
As I mentioned last week, I'm trying to really intently train for the ride this year, so no skimping on workouts. Here's two of my biggest accomplishments from last week:
Sunday - 54.1 miles (biking) - Well I didn't really mean to end up in Cedarburg...
Saturday - Rock N Run - Mile Pace of 8:53
Total workouts: 6
You can continue to push me by clicking the link to donate online here.
Or make me hustle more and attend this event on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
As I mentioned last week, I'm trying to really intently train for the ride this year, so no skimping on workouts. Here's two of my biggest accomplishments from last week:
Sunday - 54.1 miles (biking) - Well I didn't really mean to end up in Cedarburg...
Picked up my road bike yesterday and had planned to take it for a 25 mile spin today. I was especially nervous as I got pedal clips for the first time and am terrified of falling. The guy at the shop yesterday said to take 2-3 days to get used to them, but that wasn't going to jive with my schedule. I practiced quite a bit in Juneau Park, going from tree to tree yesterday, and felt fairly confident when I started this morning.
To my surprise, I think I have the move down! And wow, it really does make a difference in your ride.
I was also a little nervous going back out there after so many months of running and just casually biking. But really, this was like going back to an old friend. We picked right back up again where we left off. And this time I had the strength to keep pushing and explore whole new territory.
My goal last year was to find the Interurban Trail, and today I finally did. I couldn't stop then and pushed myself about 11 miles up it until I hit downtown Grafton and thought that I should probably turn around and head back (all I was running on was a strawberry rhubarb muffin). The weather, the sights, the smells, they all were just too nice to NOT be out there all day.
Honestly, one of my favorite parts of biking is watching the scenery change. On nice days, I love watching people in different areas of the region take it all in. I especially love that the people in the poorest neighborhoods always seem to be having the most fun and enjoying life, while in the richest area there's nary a soul to be seen. I love watching the cultural shifts from perfectly coiffed white children playing soccer on their manicured facility in Cedarburg to Latino families playing a pickup game of the same sport in a Milwaukee County Park to African-American kids playing hoops on school court in Riverwest. Just getting to be a silent passerby whizzing through the socioeconomic fabric of Milwaukee, well it's one of the coolest parts of being on two wheels.
That and the very cool part of the ominous clouds holding off for my entire ride. I look forward to my next adventure!
Not my best run mentally, even though I did fine physically. Really confusing set up and apparently the organizers were unaware of the lacrosse game going on at Hart Park, so the whole route had to be changed and we lost .7 of the 3k. It was hot, I have blisters and my allergies were in full effect. At least I had a group of great friends to go with and we had a super fun day afterward. Plus the proceeds all went to United Way & UPAF.Total mileage for last week: 60.04
Total workouts: 6
You can continue to push me by clicking the link to donate online here.
Or make me hustle more and attend this event on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Friday, April 30, 2010
Training for the Arts
As I mentioned in this post, I'm really taking training seriously this year. I want to kick 75 miles in the butt. I appreciate the donations thus far (Tuesdays are going to be my "thank you" days, so stay tuned folks) because they literally got me out of bed this morning.
As I posted on Daily Mile, I did NOT want to get up at 5:30 AM to go to the gym. But spin class is on the calendar as a necessary activity for this endeavor. So I went. It was really difficult, but I went. And it was great. And got me through my day. So thanks everyone for keeping me motivated.
Tomorrow my "training" activity is the e Rock N' Run in Tosa, which actually has proceeds going to UPAF, so two birds, one stone.
Of course, you can always donate online here.
Or attend on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
As I posted on Daily Mile, I did NOT want to get up at 5:30 AM to go to the gym. But spin class is on the calendar as a necessary activity for this endeavor. So I went. It was really difficult, but I went. And it was great. And got me through my day. So thanks everyone for keeping me motivated.
Tomorrow my "training" activity is the e Rock N' Run in Tosa, which actually has proceeds going to UPAF, so two birds, one stone.
Of course, you can always donate online here.
Or attend on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Bikes & The Arts
Here's a really great example of biking and the arts coming together to create, what I think, is a really lovely and inspirational video. Enjoy!
See, the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts really can affect more than just one day of me being sore!
Also, don't forget, you can support my efforts online here.
Or attend on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
See, the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts really can affect more than just one day of me being sore!
Also, don't forget, you can support my efforts online here.
Or attend on Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM - Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
It's On: $38/day in 38 Days
The recent failed (for now) battle for transit may have distracted me, but never fail, even though I'm disheartened, I can't eschew my fundraising committment to the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. While transit is a passion, so is biking and the arts, and funding for them is important to this community as well.
Time has flown though, and today I realized that there's just 38 days left until the big ride and I need to ramp up both my fundraising and my physical training.
In case you forgot, you can donate online here.
I'm still a huge believer in quantity over quality for fundraising because I think that everyone should feel good about donating, even if it's just $5. Of course, I'll be creatively adding incentives to entice those larger donations over the next 38 days.
So here's what's on the horizon:
FUN-draising Events & Challenges
Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Belly up to the bar during happy hour and get served by yours truly. Make me earn my tips toward the United Performing Arts Fund. The universe has actually conspired to make this a truly awesome night. Here's three reasons why the night will rock:
Kisses for the Arts - More info coming soon, but the plan is for every $1 I get this week I will either eat a Hershey's Kiss (will be working them off in training) or kiss the donor. This could get interesting. Mark your calendars kiddos.
Week of May 23
To Be Announced - I'm "cooking" up a pretty cool idea on Twitter. I'll keep you posted as to what develops.
Week of May 30
Rocking for the Arts - Need to flesh this out, but Verge Music Festival is that weekend, so there will be some sort of challenge!
Training Plans:
I'm going to ramp up some intensive cross-training so my body will be ready to take on these 75 miles. I'm also doing both the Rock N' Run (Proceeds going to UPAF) and the Block Melanoma 5k before the ride as well. I am going to start the Bridge to 10k running program and get a lengthy bike training ride in every weekend between now and the ride.
Care to join me on a training ride? Mark your calendars for May 2 (25 miles), May 9 (35 miles), May 15 (45 miles), May 22 (55 miles) or (possibly) May 29 (65 miles).
Sound like fun? Keep watching the blog for more updates. And don't forget, you can donate online here.
Time has flown though, and today I realized that there's just 38 days left until the big ride and I need to ramp up both my fundraising and my physical training.
In case you forgot, you can donate online here.
I'm still a huge believer in quantity over quality for fundraising because I think that everyone should feel good about donating, even if it's just $5. Of course, I'll be creatively adding incentives to entice those larger donations over the next 38 days.
So here's what's on the horizon:
FUN-draising Events & Challenges
Friday, May 7, 2010 • 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Guest Bartending for the Arts @ AJ Bombers
Belly up to the bar during happy hour and get served by yours truly. Make me earn my tips toward the United Performing Arts Fund. The universe has actually conspired to make this a truly awesome night. Here's three reasons why the night will rock:
- AJ Bombers will be visited by the film crew of Food Wars on the Travel Channel next week. They probably won't be there while I am, but the aura of basic cable fame will still be lingering.
- My dear old dad will be flying in from Portland for the occasion (well actually he was just going to be in the neighborhood for work, so he'll be stopping by).
- The Milwaukee County Transit System kicks off its 150th Anniversary Celebration that day with free rides on the Route 15...which...you guessed it...goes right by AJ Bombers!
Kisses for the Arts - More info coming soon, but the plan is for every $1 I get this week I will either eat a Hershey's Kiss (will be working them off in training) or kiss the donor. This could get interesting. Mark your calendars kiddos.
Week of May 23
To Be Announced - I'm "cooking" up a pretty cool idea on Twitter. I'll keep you posted as to what develops.
Week of May 30
Rocking for the Arts - Need to flesh this out, but Verge Music Festival is that weekend, so there will be some sort of challenge!
Training Plans:
I'm going to ramp up some intensive cross-training so my body will be ready to take on these 75 miles. I'm also doing both the Rock N' Run (Proceeds going to UPAF) and the Block Melanoma 5k before the ride as well. I am going to start the Bridge to 10k running program and get a lengthy bike training ride in every weekend between now and the ride.
Care to join me on a training ride? Mark your calendars for May 2 (25 miles), May 9 (35 miles), May 15 (45 miles), May 22 (55 miles) or (possibly) May 29 (65 miles).
Sound like fun? Keep watching the blog for more updates. And don't forget, you can donate online here.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
video: why i ride
I had the opportunity to meet with the folks at the United Performing Arts Fund the other day and they created this little clip to tell the world "Why I Ride" in the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.
Want to get a headstart on supporting me? You can do so by donating online here.
Want to join my team? Click register at the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts homepage and select "FUEL Milwaukee" from the menu. Password is "fuel2010".
Want to get a headstart on supporting me? You can do so by donating online here.
Want to join my team? Click register at the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts homepage and select "FUEL Milwaukee" from the menu. Password is "fuel2010".
Sunday, March 28, 2010
it's that time of year...
You may notice the "new look" of the Accidental Wisconsinite. You may also notice that I have a new blog up. :)
I actually intend to do quite a bit of blogging over the next couple of months, because it's that time of year again...time for me to launch my annual fundraising campaign for the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.
This year I'm going ALL OUT. Because of my recent fitness success, I'm pushing myself to the max and taking on the 75 mile route. Keeping with my $20/mile tactic, that raises my fundraising goal to $1500.
I am committing to blogging about my ride training and my ride motivation (performing arts) at least three times a week between now and June 6. Attending two fantastic performances at the Milwaukee Rep and the Milwaukee Ballet in the past week reaffirmed my dedication to this important cause.
Also, please mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, May 7. I've arranged with the fine folks over at AJ Bombers to guest bartend that night to support the ride. Come enjoy a delicious burger and let me serve ya up something to wash it down with!
Want to get a headstart on supporting me? You can do so by donating online here.
Want to join my team? Click register at the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts homepage and select "FUEL Milwaukee" from the menu. Password is "fuel2010".
Thanks in advance for your support in my efforts this year!
I actually intend to do quite a bit of blogging over the next couple of months, because it's that time of year again...time for me to launch my annual fundraising campaign for the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.
This year I'm going ALL OUT. Because of my recent fitness success, I'm pushing myself to the max and taking on the 75 mile route. Keeping with my $20/mile tactic, that raises my fundraising goal to $1500.
I am committing to blogging about my ride training and my ride motivation (performing arts) at least three times a week between now and June 6. Attending two fantastic performances at the Milwaukee Rep and the Milwaukee Ballet in the past week reaffirmed my dedication to this important cause.
Also, please mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, May 7. I've arranged with the fine folks over at AJ Bombers to guest bartend that night to support the ride. Come enjoy a delicious burger and let me serve ya up something to wash it down with!
Want to get a headstart on supporting me? You can do so by donating online here.
Want to join my team? Click register at the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts homepage and select "FUEL Milwaukee" from the menu. Password is "fuel2010".
Thanks in advance for your support in my efforts this year!
Monday, March 1, 2010
February Fitness Pays Off!
I totally sucked at blogging this week. And you're not getting make up blogs. I think you will live.
A couple people have asked for fitness updates, so here goes...
Becky and I continued our 5k a month challenge, completing the Frostbite 5k in Nashotah Saturday (don't we look hot post-run?). We met up with several #fitmke folks -- Anne, Tracey, Sarah, Rochelle and Julie. They all did incredible, with Anne and Rochelle both earning bronze medals for their class!
I set a PR for myself, finishing the very hilly course in a speedy 31:20! Considering I did my first race last month just over 38 minutes, I would have been happy with 35. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.
Next up: The Madison Shamrock Shuffle on March 14
In just 20 days I'll be doing the Fight for Air Climb, also with Becky. I owe a huge shout out to my wonderful Twitter friends who generously put me over my $100 fundraising requirement in less than 24 hours. Thanks so much Nick, Derek, Sara S., Karen, Anne, and my awesome #fitmke partner Amy!! If the American Lung Association of Wisconsin is an important cause to you, please feel free to donate as well, but know that I'll be doing another big campaign for the Miller Lite for the Arts in the coming months. I've got some exciting news about that too!
I have had some friends who I don't see often start wondering why all my posts are about fitness/diet/etc. Well, hopefully they are beginning to understand that it's a huge part of my life now...and if I ignore it, HUGE will take over my life again. I can't ever let that happen. I know I can be thin....if I work at it.
I could not have been more excited to jump around Boutique Vieux et Nouveau yesterday in the above dress. It was a size 8!!! An 8!!!!! I started this thing in a high 16. Dude, I'm proud of myself. I am so happy because I don't know the last time I felt I earned something with so much hard work. Plus, I actually like who I am now. I feel like I smile all the time. Why? Because this was me just last August:
And again, me now...
A couple people have asked for fitness updates, so here goes...
I set a PR for myself, finishing the very hilly course in a speedy 31:20! Considering I did my first race last month just over 38 minutes, I would have been happy with 35. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.
Next up: The Madison Shamrock Shuffle on March 14
I could not have been more excited to jump around Boutique Vieux et Nouveau yesterday in the above dress. It was a size 8!!! An 8!!!!! I started this thing in a high 16. Dude, I'm proud of myself. I am so happy because I don't know the last time I felt I earned something with so much hard work. Plus, I actually like who I am now. I feel like I smile all the time. Why? Because this was me just last August:
And again, me now...
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Non-Fitness Year & Decade Goals
Early in December I posted my fitness goals for 2010 and the 2010s themselves. Being me I have a boatload of goals, but I won't bore you with all of them. Here are the highlights from my non-fitness list:
Academic:
2010: Take the GRE
2010s: Get my Masters degree in Public Policy/Public Administration
Financial:
2010: Pay off one of my credit cards
2010s: Get completely out of credit card debt (this *should* be obtainable by early-2013)
Domestic Travel:
2010: Visit a new state
2010s: Complete my 50 state quest (5 to go)
International Travel:
2010: Return to Europe
2010s: Visit all inhabitable continents
Cultural/Milwaukee:
2010: See a performance by each of UPAF's Member groups
2010s: See a performance by all of Milwaukee's performing arts groups
What are your goals?
Academic:
2010: Take the GRE
2010s: Get my Masters degree in Public Policy/Public Administration
Financial:
2010: Pay off one of my credit cards
2010s: Get completely out of credit card debt (this *should* be obtainable by early-2013)
Domestic Travel:
2010: Visit a new state
2010s: Complete my 50 state quest (5 to go)
International Travel:
2010: Return to Europe
2010s: Visit all inhabitable continents
Cultural/Milwaukee:
2010: See a performance by each of UPAF's Member groups
2010s: See a performance by all of Milwaukee's performing arts groups
What are your goals?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
thankful tuesdays: we did it!
It's a day late, but thank you to the well-over 50 people who donated to my Miller Lite Ride for the Arts campaign. Not only did I hit my goal, but I surpassed it by nearly $200 -- raising $1,195 for the United Performing Arts Fund. Thanks everybody for their generous support of the performing arts in Milwaukee!
The ride was a lot of fun, despite the dreary and sometimes downpoury weather. Luckily my pal Laura stuck out the 50 miles with me and it made the 4 rainy hours pass quickly!
The ride was a lot of fun, despite the dreary and sometimes downpoury weather. Luckily my pal Laura stuck out the 50 miles with me and it made the 4 rainy hours pass quickly!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
45% there for the Performing Arts!
First, I'd like to thank everyone who has donated so far to my Milller Lite Ride for the Arts personal fundraising campaign.
Kudos to:
I also want to thank the folks over at Spreenkler, who are putting the TweetUp funds from last month toward the ride.
BUT there's still lots of work to be done! My goal is $1,000 and I have $555 to go in 23 days. Crunch time to find $25/day. Or 55 people to give just $10 each.
A few weeks ago I shared why I'm riding. Tonight, I thought I'd share the following from the United Performing Arts Fund on where your pledge will go:
Kudos to:
- Mom
- Rachael J.
- Heather C.
- Michael C.
- Becky L.
- Jason L.
- Yesh P.
- Kristen G.
- Brooke B. & Craig F.
- Sarah S.
- Nicole E.
- @Bananza - seriously this is a Twitter friend who felt compelled to give $5! She rules!
- Grandma!
- My grandma's friend, Ardene, in Tacoma who thought this was such a cool thing that she sent me a check for UPAF for $35!
- Monica D.
- Greg & Angela Q.
- Julie B.
- Jackie V.
- Timmi C.
- Chris M.
- Kaycee W.
- Paul C.
I also want to thank the folks over at Spreenkler, who are putting the TweetUp funds from last month toward the ride.
BUT there's still lots of work to be done! My goal is $1,000 and I have $555 to go in 23 days. Crunch time to find $25/day. Or 55 people to give just $10 each.
A few weeks ago I shared why I'm riding. Tonight, I thought I'd share the following from the United Performing Arts Fund on where your pledge will go:
The Many Reasons to PledgeRemember, you can donate online very easily at https://www.firstgiving.com/mcarnold
- $25 will provide a classroom with either a pre-show or post-show workshop through First Stage Children's Theater.
- $75 will provide a classroom with both a pre-show or post-show workshop through First Stage Children's Theater.
- $85 allows one student to participate in the Mad Hot Ballroom program with Danceworks.
- $115 allows one student to be part of the Classroom Connections Program with First Stage Children's Theater. This program instructs teachers on how to use drama as a teaching tool.
- $120 provides a classroom with a core theater workshop. In these one-hour workshops First Stage teaching artists work with teachers to design a workshop based on current curriculum being studied.
- $120 provides up to 8 lessons to a motivated but financially needy student through Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).
- $120 provides 24 students the chance to attend The King Who Danced. This is a Milwaukee Ballet in-school assembly program starring the entire class of Milwaukee Ballet II dancers. It tells the history of ballet from King Louis XIV through to today's Milwaukee Ballet.
- $150 allows ten students to attend a Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestrain-school ensemble. One of the most positive and unique corollary benefits to this program is for students to have opportunities to see and hear their peers as role models, with additional opportunities for peer mentoring.
- $250 provides a classroom with a Teaching Through Theater (T3) workshop at First Stage Children's Theater. These innovative week-long workshops utilize dramatic techniques in the classroom to teach lessons throughout existing curricula.
- $250 helps put a violin of the proper size in the hands of a beginning student in Progressions, through Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).
- $500 sponsors two classrooms in a City of Milwaukee school to participate in all aspects of the Connections Program through First Stage Children's Theater.
- $500 pays for The King Who Danced at a school assembly presented by the Milwaukee Ballet.
- $500 allows an ensemble of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to visit a classroom.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
thankful tuesdays: hitting goals
A quick thanks to all that have donated so far to my Milller Lite Ride campaign.
I know times are hard, but every $5 or $10 helps.
You can donate at https://www.firstgiving.com/mcarnold
I know times are hard, but every $5 or $10 helps.
You can donate at https://www.firstgiving.com/mcarnold
Thursday, April 23, 2009
yes i can!
I know I've talked a lot on this blog about my appreciation for local and sustainable agriculture. I also have a strong desire to learn how to grow and preserve food. Well, luckily the Urban Ecology Center is here for us. I've highlighted some of their May/June courses below, which I plan on taking. A full list of events of course is at UrbanEcologyCenter.org.
In addition to the food ones, I'm probably going to check out the Food & Theology lecture, the Justice & the Environment lecture and the "Make Your Own Household Cleaners" workshop. I'm also definitely taking a water safety course so I can borrow a canoe or kayak this summer. Looking at 5/21 for that.
For those with houses and yards, there's some more in-depth gardening courses.
There's a cost for some of these, but remember membership is a BARGAIN at $25 which will will offset some costs.
I sent this out to several friends of mine, but if you are just a blog reader and interested in learning food preservation with me, let me know.
MAY 14: Container Gardening Pots on the Spot Series: Preparing your Pot
7 p.m.
For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505 After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. During this session you'll learn how to choose your container, create custom soil mixes and what to grow.
*****
$10 in advance, $15 at the door (Nonmembers - $15 in advance, $20 at the door)
Call to register, 964-8505
Learn about food preservation techniques with emphasis on hot-water-bath canning. This class is the basis for all other canning classes this year. Materials, hand outs and recipes are included for this class.
****
For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. During this session we'll explore seasonal plants, how to combine them and how to nurture them.
*****
For everyone
Free-donations appreciated
Have you ever tried to make bread or use a sourdough starter? Dean Malloy, artisan baker and founder of both Real Bread and the Enlightened Schoolyard, will join us for our potluck to talk about the idiosyncrasies of baking bread and more. Share a potluck dinner and join the enthusiastic, informative discussion.
****
For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. This session covers mid-summer succulents.
*****
For adults
$25 in advance, $35 at the door per session
(Nonmembers - $30 in advance, $40 at the door per session)
Call to register, 964-8505
Learn how to preserve the first fruits of the season. During this hands-on class, participants will experience canning berry fruits into jams and preserves. Materials, hand outs and recipes are included for this class.
****
7 p.m.
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. This session covers beautiful and bountiful plants.
There's also a Tomato Canning Class on 8/20, a Pickling class on 9/17 and a Canner's Choice Evening on 9/24!
In addition to the food ones, I'm probably going to check out the Food & Theology lecture, the Justice & the Environment lecture and the "Make Your Own Household Cleaners" workshop. I'm also definitely taking a water safety course so I can borrow a canoe or kayak this summer. Looking at 5/21 for that.
For those with houses and yards, there's some more in-depth gardening courses.
There's a cost for some of these, but remember membership is a BARGAIN at $25 which will will offset some costs.
I sent this out to several friends of mine, but if you are just a blog reader and interested in learning food preservation with me, let me know.
MAY 14: Container Gardening Pots on the Spot Series: Preparing your Pot
7 p.m.
For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505 After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. During this session you'll learn how to choose your container, create custom soil mixes and what to grow.
*****
MAY 26: Savor the Taste of SummerFood Preservation Series: Introduction to Food Preservation
6 - 8 p.m.$10 in advance, $15 at the door (Nonmembers - $15 in advance, $20 at the door)
Call to register, 964-8505
Learn about food preservation techniques with emphasis on hot-water-bath canning. This class is the basis for all other canning classes this year. Materials, hand outs and recipes are included for this class.
****
MAY 28: Container Gardening Pots on the Spot Series: Hands-on
7 p.m.For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. During this session we'll explore seasonal plants, how to combine them and how to nurture them.
*****
JUNE 10: Friends of Real Food: Baking Real Bread with speaker Dean Malloy
6 - 8:30 p.m.For everyone
Free-donations appreciated
Have you ever tried to make bread or use a sourdough starter? Dean Malloy, artisan baker and founder of both Real Bread and the Enlightened Schoolyard, will join us for our potluck to talk about the idiosyncrasies of baking bread and more. Share a potluck dinner and join the enthusiastic, informative discussion.
****
JUNE 11: Container Gardening Pots on the Spot Series: It’s Never too Late to be Fresh
7 p.m.For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. This session covers mid-summer succulents.
*****
JUNE 18: Savor the Taste of Summer: Food Preservation Series: First Fruits
6 - 8:30 p.m.For adults
$25 in advance, $35 at the door per session
(Nonmembers - $30 in advance, $40 at the door per session)
Call to register, 964-8505
Learn how to preserve the first fruits of the season. During this hands-on class, participants will experience canning berry fruits into jams and preserves. Materials, hand outs and recipes are included for this class.
****
JUNE 25: Container Gardening Pots on the Spot Series: Harvest Colors
7 p.m.
For adults
$15 (Nonmembers- $20) per session
Call to register, 964-8505
After welcoming you to her store for twenty years, private gardener Victoria Vonier is coming to us! Victoria will present a series of workshops about container gardening - perfect for your urban homes and businesses. This session covers beautiful and bountiful plants.There's also a Tomato Canning Class on 8/20, a Pickling class on 9/17 and a Canner's Choice Evening on 9/24!
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