There are activities that can be done either in a group or alone. Sometimes one method might be preferred over another. Running is one of those. You can definitely run alone but other times with one or more other people whether that is a race situation or getting together with friends. These days, I'm lucky to have three different friends that run with me a total of 3-4 days per week. I just finished Week 3 of my training program for the Maine (Half) Marathon. The plan has several faster runs during the week which tax my legs and my brain to concentrate during the hard parts, one longer day that is by minutes instead of miles (also taxing my brain) and a couple of lighter runs. So far I'm really enjoying this plan and feeling like the speed work is helping me feel stronger. I've also been taking a Yoga Sculpt class once a week with some light weights that seems to be toning my arms and working my balance in addition to my regular Yoga classes. I have two kids engaged to be married next summer. Mom had the brilliant idea that we (Mom, Stephanie and me) should join forces and quilt Christmas tree skirts for each couple to give as bridal shower gifts and planned to sew them at Quilt Camp in October. We have a bunch of time yet, but we were very excited to get going on the project. Mom and I spent an afternoon this spring looking through patterns and fabrics and chose two we liked. After selecting patterns and fabrics, I took them all home and cut the fabric before our sewing day. Due to timing with her kids' summer activities, last Thursday turned out to be an optimal "sewing day." After sewing, we all agreed that we would have had a tough time getting either of these done on our own much less sewing two of them in one day without too much frustration. Here are the completed tops. Once they are quilted, we will cut a hole in the center for the tree and a slit so that it can be easily slipped around the young couple's first Christmas tree and for many years afterward. I think they both will be beautiful. We decided not to try to pick who gets which ones but to wrap them up and blindly put a card on each one. Everyone will be surprised! We will have 3 more to make eventually for the other 3 cousins...I'm not sure if we will reuse either of these patterns or look for different ones. Just like running, quilting can be a solitary or group activity. I like to sew alone, working on a group project like the tree skirts, in a group working on the same project like a class or in a group working on individual projects. "Sew" many ways to do the same but different things. When we go to camp at Camp Lebanon, we see all of these approaches going on amongst the campers. There was some angst when registration opened for fall because our group of quilt campers was initially aced out from our first choice weekend. Who would think a quilt camp would fill up in only a few hours?!? The camp director called Mom later in the afternoon and got us into the weekend we wanted. Yeah!!! Now, what to sew since we've got the tree skirts under control? It's now about six weeks since my last half marathon. The larger races often take photos that you can buy. I've done this race enough times to have a good idea where I'd see the photographer. Remember, I was making an effort to really cruise and was feeling strong at Mile 12 when I encountered the cameras. I made an effort to smile and appear to be fast and strong. Here is what I got: When I saw this, I thought I looked fresh and fast and noticed that I can see some muscle definition in my shoulders and legs. I'm not grimacing, frowning or even noticeably sweaty. If only I'd have had my eyes open, I might have purchased this one! I was bummed about the closed eyes, but glad to see that I was otherwise looking alright.
What other things do you like to do that can be done solo or in groups? Which do you prefer or is a combination the right balance for you? If it's been hot and humid where you are, try to stay cool, drink extra water and enjoy the heat for now because it will start cooling off all too soon. Happy running! Missee
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AuthorMissee and Stephanie are two Minnesota sisters and moms who love to run. We are not experts in running, parenting or anything else, but we do have years of experiences that may be helpful or entertaining to others. Archives
May 2020
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