Purple Mountains

 

Just a quick little post to say Happy Friday. 

This is an acrylic painting from several years ago, I think it was the 3rd painting I ever painted!

It's only 5X7 and hangs right by my front door.

I really like it.

Barefoot Running and a view from the Douglas Preserve

The Douglas Preserve, aka the Wilcox Property. 
This is an open space overlooking the ocean where I like to run. 
It's about 2 1/2 miles from my house. 
Acrylic on canvas.

I recently bought these barefoot style running shoes from Merrell. Over the last year as I have tried to heal from Achilles Tendinitis I have tried 3 or 4 pairs of running shoes (and you know how this can add up!) all with disappointing results. Before injuries I was an Asics Gel Kayano girl, then I ran in Brooks and although there was some improvement with the less technical Brooks, the heal pain kept coming back.

A friend kept insisting I should try barefoot (or nearly barefoot) running but it just sounds terrifying. No support? No cushion? Yes, I read Born to Run but I wasn't convinced.

I ended up with the Merrells more as a walking shoe. I walk my children to school often and like a fun, bright shoe that is more cute then a clunky running shoe. I was surprised by how instantly comfortable they were. After walking in them for a week or so I decided to try a short run.

It was...uncomfortable. I felt like a duck trying to run on floppy, flat feet. There was an audible slapping sound with each stride as I lumbered along. My calves hurt and the shin pain wasn't far behind. After the run was even worse, I felt sore and stiff as if I was totally new to running. I mentioned this to my barefoot running friend who suggested I needed to adjust my gait to barefoot running.

There are lots of videos out there to refer to, including some on the Merrrell website. I ended up on You Tube watching this video that was actually made by the Terra Plana company (who boast the first barefoot running shoe.) The basic changes I am trying to make when I run are:

1. Better posture

I'm a "head chaser," I tend to lean forward. I am trying to run as if I had a book on top of my head and an orange between my shoulder blades.

2. Shorter, faster stride

This one is hard for me but if I can master it I'm hoping it will make me faster, too.

3. Lighter, springier step

I tend to plod along like a tired horse, so I'm trying to add a bit more bounce to my step.

Yesterday was my first longer run in my barefoot shoes, just about 5 miles. So far, so good. If you've read my older running posts you'll know that I'm always afraid of over doing it so I'll give me legs a few days to recover before trying again but I am really excited by the prospect of creating a regular running schedule again.

Spring Wildflowers

Acrylic on canvas

I love spring wildflowers.  This is a view of a flowery path at the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. 

Illustration Friday - Heights

Acrylic on canvas

This time of year it's at the greater heights in our local mountains that you will find the most wildflowers.  I'm not sure if there are more cheerful flowers than California Poppies.  This painting was done several years ago and hangs on our wall, this was a good week to share. 

Hanalei River

Maybe because it's almost 2012 I have Kauai on the brain. 

Hanalei River, acrylic on canvas

Next time I want to SUP on this river.

The View

This is the view from my living room window.  This poor little painting has been in limbo for so long that the view is a little different now...this is a spring time view.  I'm happy to sign my name and call this guy done.

This morning started with a sunny run...no pain!  A Gingerbread Latte.  A healthy salad for lunch.  Kids playing nicely with friends and I am going to start a new painting.  Pretty nearly a perfect way to spend the day.

Silent Auction

Butterfly Beach Aloes

I've returned to landscapes for a silent auction to raise money for a good cause.  The best thing is that this painting now lives so close to me I can visit is every day!

  Acrylic on canvas.

Icing on the Cake

Nothing could make me happier than giving a painting to a friend and having her clap her hands in glee.  That she sent me a picture of my painting already displayed on her wall was icing on the cake.