The last day of my trip to Wisconsin, my neck issue flared up (thoracic outlet syndrome). I will say, PT for the shoulder has also triggered it, but not like this. A week of not being around everything I have set up at home to stay out of the neck issues was more than it could take when already slightly triggered. And then it triggered again this week. Luckily, this was a quiet work week, so I was able to really take care of myself and manage it quickly.

The cool thing about my Garmin watch is I can actually tell when I’m having issues, and where I need recovery. The graphic to the left – see that big drop (1st flare up)? That’s the end of my Wisconsin trip. Then I work my energy back upward (Body Battery, top), sleep improves (Sleep, bottom), and you can see when it flares again. But not as bad.

During that big drop, my body battery had a high of 22-38. I’m normally above 80. That told me to take it easy, and I did not work out that week. I’m getting back there on my sleep too. It’s was a slow progression back to the norm.

Sharon Tri’s (tries?)

Prior to knowing I needed rotator cuff surgery, I had signed up for 3 triathlons this year. The first one I deferred. The next one is 7/27, and they don’t allow deferments. I didn’t find someone to buy it.

So I’m gonna go do a 12 mile bike & 2 mile training session in Marble Falls.

Am I ready? How about “I know I’ll finish“.

Zoe’s fundraiser

We continue to pay down her medical, with a total of $3766 raised so far.

This weekend I started a plant & seed sale with the donations going to her bills. I’ve made several cuttings off my plumeria, have 3 actual plumeria plants for sale, as well as cuttings from my shrimp plants (3 different colors), lobster plant, figs (2 types), cane angel wing, and my carnivorous plant; airplane plant babies; a pot that has a blush Bougainvillea, 2 hibiscus, and a mandevilla; a variety of seeds, including plumeria, Pride of Barbados, and more; mountain laurel seedlings, mimosa seeds & philodendron cutting are being donated & should arrive soon. And I’m gonna try to score some pink Turk’s Cap. Please let me know if you are interested.

Cost? It’s a fundraiser. I give suggestions, but let you decide. I can bring plants into the Austin studio for you to pick up as well. Feel free to reach out for a full list of plants/seeds as well.

Reminder that the custom massage rate is going up on August 2. Please see previous newsletter on how to keep the current price a little longer. I’ll be shifting the scheduler & existing appointments rates over in the next 2 weeks. If I forget to change it now, I’ll get it shortly before you come in.

Guinea pigs wanted!

I’ve also moved Visceral Manipulation back to guinea pig opportunty. I’m taking the 2nd course in the series in early September, and could use practice on the first course material before I go. Plus, with the shoulder, I’m not sure what I can do yet. It’ll be a good test so I have some idea going in as to any modifications I may need to make.

The 2nd course will explore the deeper structures within the abdominal cavity, focusing on the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, greater omentum, peritoneum, and their connective or suspensory tissues. I’m gonna love it!

Session lengths of 30, 45 & 60 minutes are available in both Austin & Taylor thru Dec 2025. Depending on when I take the 3rd course, visceral manipulation may stay at this guinea pig status for a while.

Actual schedule shifts

I’ve spent a lot of time working on my calendar last week, getting ready for the fall, for track season, and even starting to plan next summer. There are more Tuesday clients in Austin, so balancing the 2 locations, and managing office work I need to do. Yeah, I’m actually scheduling that now.

I’m also allowed to start swimming in September. My Austin hours are influenced by when I am able to get in the pool, since it’s in town.

Updating hours in my scheduler is going slowly. I have to go thru and put it in for each individual session since everything is all over the place, especially for Tuesdays. It takes time. For now, I’m working to get it updated thru November. Things do a big shift in December with off season running & the track coaching that follows, and incorporates things I learned from last year’s track season. We’ll worry about that then.

Studio hours: July – August 2025

• Tuesdays (note: I start coaching at 630a, so done by 230p)
  • if in Taylor, 10a-230p
  • if in Austin, 9a-215p
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-6p
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • July – 11a-4p (PT at 430p)
  • August – 9a – 230p (coaching at 630a)
• Fridays in Taylor
  • 11-230p (coaching at 630a thru 8/1)
  • after 8/2, 830a-230p

Studio hours: September – October 18, 2025

Coaching moves to 4-530p on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Cross country season finale is 10/18. I’ve italicized differences from current schedule.

• Tuesdays
  • if in Taylor – 12-3p
  • if in Austin – 12-315p
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-6pish
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • 930a-3p (coaching at 4p)
• Fridays in Taylor – 830a-230p

Studio hours: October 19 – November 30, 2025

• Tuesdays
  • if in Taylor – 12-5p
  • if in Austin – 915a-215p
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-6pish
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • 12n – 515p
• Fridays in Taylor – 830a-230p

Biggest change in Taylor is that the Pilates & More class on Wednesdays will be shifting to Fridays after August 2.

Upcoming openings:

• Thursday, July 24, 2p, 30 or 45 min only
• Friday, July 25, 2p, 30 min only
• Friday, August 1, 11a
• Friday, August 8, 1015a – 1215p
• Tuesday, August 12, 12n & 115p

Austin has been crazy busy. When I expanded to Tuesdays, I didn’t expect regulars to happen, but rather intended it for irregulars. Alas, because Wednesdays are full, Tuesdays are getting there now too. I’m rolling with what the Universe gives me right now. Since I’m already in town coaching on Tuesdays, it just makes sense to keep hours at the studio. But as I said, it’s getting full. I’m not planning to be there every Tuesday, as I also need some Taylor time.

Upcoming openings:

• Tuesday, July 22, 945a, 30 or 45 min only
• Wednesday, August 13, 345p
• That’s it until September. Please ask to get on my waitlist.

In my next Sunshine & Kale:

• Sharon Tri’s (tries?): Marble Falls Bike-Run recap
• Amber Eats: Door County Cherry & Almond Scones, inspired by breakfast in Wisconson
• Blueberry Reads: Future Human

I finally got to see where Mom & seester are living in Wisconsin.

Evidently, I took some Austin temps with me – highs of low 90s – for a few days. Totally manageable for me, but then, I had to take into account my 87 yo mom is not accustomed to being out in it. We visited the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, took an overnight trip to Door County which included a boat tour to Pirate & Plum Islands, and then I went solo for a trip to Taliesin for a magnificent 4h tour, immersed in Frank Lloyd Wright’s world.

I did have 2 mornings where it was 60 upon waking (sunrise at 5a), and those were just glorious.

After dinners, I’d read parts of Outing the Cat Lady: Embracing Your Feline Addiction with Style to mom, and we’d have great memories of cats past. Did I need to read to her? No. But it made for better conversation and entertainment.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Door County

Pirate’s Island, Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Front Lighthouse, and the Green Bay Packers stadium

Taliesin

Zoe’s ER visits

While I was away, Zoe ended up in the vet ER for 3 days.

Diagnosis: pancreatitis, chronic kidney disease, and a UTI.

Needless to say, it did add a little stress to the overall vacation, but I also knew she was in good hands, and my kitty sitters were beyond amazing. I got calls & pics daily from the vet. After we were both home, she took another week to finally start behaving & moving normally, but we ended up back at the vet ER on Saturday, 7/5, as she was puking her food. We’ve got that calmed down, and are working to keep her hydrated. She goes back to our regular vet again on Tuesday, for a bladder prick & more kidney labs.

Zoe also turned 16 on July 4. Please extend her positive vibes for a long, spoiled life, & optimal health for years to come.

Zoe’s Ear Floof fundraiser

In combination with my shoulder surgery & rehab, this beyond what I can financially handle at the moment. I’ve started a GoFundMe to help with her medical expenses (currently on a 0% CareCredit card for 6 mo), as well as ongoing care. Of the ~$6,000 in current bills, I’ve raised $3,125. Please consider donating if you’re able. Any amount helps.

Donations can also be sent via Zelle, Venmo (@sharon-boon), or PayPal (please message for my personal account name, ie no fees on my end). Please note “for Zoe” so funds get routed correctly on my end. Thank you!

If you’ve been following along on social media & already donated, thank you so much!

If you prefer a more indirect form of donation, please help keep my schedule full! Summer is a bit slower than normal, and while I create work for myself, I still have openings. See below for Austin & Taylor openings.

I’ve been debating a rate increase for a while. I’m hesitant to do it, but the passage of the new taxes, and increasing costs of basic necessities (groceries, cat food, etc), I’ve decided it’s time. I am only increasing the rate on 1 service though: Custom massage. Both locations will have a $10/h increase (Taylor becomes $100/h, Austin $110/h), and since all session rates are based on the hourly rate, your session rate increases in proportion to this. Effective August 2, 2025.

Yes, you CAN pre-pay if you want to stay at the current rate for a bit longer. Links below for each of the session lengths & locations offered. There are 2 sessions per package. Prepay for as many as you like. I can adjust expiration dates (at the rate of you using at least 1/month). These links are only available HERE. This discount is for those who actually read my updates!

Please note, sessions already booked after August 2 will be increased to the new rate.

Upcoming openings in Austin:

• Tues, 7/8, 10a (contact me to schedule), 30 min only
• Tues, 7/22, 10a (contact me to schedule), 30 min only
• Tues, 8/5, 12n
• Wed, 8/6, 2p
• Wed, 8/13, 330p

Upcoming openings in Taylor:

• Fri, 7/11, 1215p
• Thurs, 7/17, 3p
• Fri, 7/25, 11a
• Thurs, 7/31, 3p
• Fri, 8/1, 11a

Summer running continues thru 8/1, then cross country takes over, and my schedule will shift for August, then again in September, so I can keep my sanity, manage early mornings, and stick mostly to an 8h work day.

Thanks for reading all this way. I’d love to hear if something inspired you!

June 8, 2025

It is an ‘update things’ time of year! At least for me, since I shift my schedule by season. I’ve been updating various sections on this newsletter for a bit. You may have noticed. And then shoulder surgery came, and my use of graphics went away. Now it’s back, and this felt appropriate & timely.

Where did sunshine & kale come from? One of my Austin office suitemates. It’s how she described me to her husband. I loved it. Still has the sunshine component, but updated for that healthy, active lifestyle.

Technically, I wasn’t supposed to drive for 6 weeks because it was my right shoulder that got repaired. When I did drive during this 6 week time frame, I was instructed to not go out in heavy traffic, and be cautious. So I was. So that I could stay focused on driving, I didn’t listen to my books for the first 4ish weeks post-op. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting back to my book listening. Currently finishing up Mindsight.

It was required reading for one of my CST courses, and I actually read the book. I’m enjoying it more as an audio. It is about stepping back from the activities of the mind, and being able to witness what’s going on without letting it trigger you. Similar to what I learned in viniyoga, but from a different POV.

I’ve got my wishlist waiting to be perused. I’m also going to be flying this month to see my mom, so I’ll get in 1 real book read, Outing the Cat Lady: Embracing Your Feline Addiction with Style, (and then mom can read it) and I think I’m gonna work on a Kindle book, Waterlogged: The Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports, that I hadn’t finished yet. I remember it being really good, and with a lot of science, so needed to be broken up, alleviated, with something light. Like Cat Lady stuff.

The Quack Pack, my multisport club, had our first Timed Mile on 5/31. This is becoming a special group of people, and I feel so proud to be their coach. They work hard, they ask good questions, and support each other.

We had pacers for a few people, helping them learning to keep that steady pace, how to pace an event. Lots of personal bests, exceeding of expectations, and, most importantly, FUN.

There are several stages of running: learning to run, learning to race, learning to win. Everyone is at their own level, and helping each other through. These athletes embody “teammate.”

Our next Timed Mile is Sept 6 at 7a. Mark your calendar, and please come join us, it’s open to the public. $5 at Taylor’s Memorial Field Track.

Virtual sessions will be the only type offered June 23-27. Monday hours will be 10a-4p, Thursday hours 11a-3p. Otherwise, I’ll be spending quality time with my mom.

I’m now 2 weeks into this summer schedule, and the body remembers these early mornings. And seems to like it. My alarm may go off at the #crackofridiculous, but I’m also pretty much awake by then other days. Already. “Sleeping in” now appears to be til almost 6a.

As long at the chickens cooperate and put up shortly after 8p, I’m good. They’re scratch trained (a chicken treat of grains), so I should be good to get them up in a timely fashion. Only a short time until the days start getting shorter again, and then it’ll be easy.

Holidays

Since I’ve been out more with this shoulder thing, and working to get back to more regular time vacations for personal balance, I’ve decided I’m ok working some holidays…

• Holidays I’m working: July 4, the day after Thanksgiving, New Years Day (Thursday)
• Holidays I’m taking off: any that fall on Monday (I don’t see clients anyway), Thanksgiving Day, December 25 & 26.

The alternating Tuesdays between Austin & Taylor really begins this week. For summer, sessions will be offered from 10a-215p, with my online Pilates Mat class in the middle. In August, my Tuesday sessions in Austin will open a little bit earlier, 9a-215p. Time to get myself organized!

Upcoming openings

• Tues, June 10, 10a (30 min only)
• Tues, July 1, 145p (30 min only)
• Tues, July 8, 10a (30 min only)
• Wed, July 9, 445p (30 min only)

Upcoming openings

• Thurs, May 29, 415p
• Thurs, June 19, 1215 & 415p
• Fri, June 20, 130p (30 or 45 min only)
• Thurs, July 3, 330 & 445p
• Thurs, July 10, 215p (30 min only), 415p
• Fri, July 11, 1215 & 130p

Summertime hath arrived a bit early, me thinks.

Yoda would not be proud of that syntax. “Arrived early, Summer has” might be appropriate.

Happy Memorial Day. I hope you have a relaxing, joyful holiday weekend. 

Yes, I’m feeling better. I’m doing small things with my newly bionic arm without realizing it. Last Wednesday, I was driving home from the Austin studio and realized I was using my right hand to control the steering wheel. I noted it, put the left hand on, and took the right off. Little things like that. Progress.

My wardrobe is slowly expanding as the arm is able to do a few more things. I love my pull on work shorts, but after 4 weeks of ONLY them… I’m ready for some of the other fun ones. Ditto with tops.

Big studio shift starting next week thru August 1.

My Middle School run programs begin Tues & Fri at 630a, with a 2nd session at 8a for the new runners/rising 4th & 5th graders.

I’ve not coached this early since early COVID days, and this isn’t even #crackofridiculous yet! Yes, it requires a whole schedule shift. I’ve been getting my bedtime routine figured out so I can get to bed early, a solid night’s’ sleep AND wake up early. I’ve been naturally waking about 430a on a few occasions, so I’m getting there.

Pilates & More, in person in Taylor, shifts to Wednesdays for summer because of the run program.

Taylor Track (Tues 630p) will shift to Wed 530a (that IS #crackofridiculous) when my athletes say evenings are just too hot.

Updated Studio hours, thru August 1:

• Monday: office day, coaching plans for week completed
• Tuesday: MS coaching 630-9a, then alternating Taylor (1045a-230p) & Austin (10a-230p); 630p Taylor Track coaching
• Wednesday: class from 830-930a, then in Austin 12-515p*
• Thursdays: Taylor 11a – 515p
• FriYAY: MS coaching 630a-9a, then Taylor 11a-230p
• *at some point when its too hot in the evening, Taylor Track will flip to 530a Wed.

Traditional 2-handed massage will begin to be worked back in as of June 5. I’ve taken this service off my scheduler at the moment as I’ll need to slowly work my shoulder capabilities. If you’re already scheduled, you’re good. It may be a combo of 1 & 2 handed work, as the shoulder tolerates. I am guessing July I’ll re-open traditional massage for new bookings.

June 23-27, I’m available for Zoom sessions only – currently on M & Thu. If those days fill, I’ll open up more options.

Available virtual openings:

• Mon, June 23 – 115p, 230p
• Thurs, June 26 – 1215p

Oh, I am working July 4th, since I’ve been out with this shoulder thing. See below for the 1 current open spot in Taylor.

This week I should be back to full Wednesday schedule. Still limited to 1 hand, but I’ve been quite successful with the work I’ve been doing.

Upcoming openings

• Tues, June 10, 10a (30 min only), 115p
• Tues, July 1, 145p (30 or 45 min only)
• Tues, July 8, 10a (30 min only) & 115p
• Wed, July 9, 2p; 445p (30 min only)
• Please ask to be put on the wait list if you don’t find a slot that works for you, or need something before the next available.

If you can make it out to Taylor, you’re likely to get in earlier than in Austin. I know sometimes that’s not feasible, so please get on the Austin waitlist.

Upcoming openings

• Thurs, May 29, 415p
• Thurs, June 19, 1215 & 415p
• Fri, June 20, 130p (30 or 45 min only)
• Thurs, July 3, 3 & 415p
• Fri, July 4, 12n

Class packages

• Pilates & More, in person in Taylor, moves to 830a on WEDNESDAY
  • There are 9 sessions (no class June 25)
  • I’ve got a package offer good until 5/28 class only – pay for 8, get the 9th free. It’ll get you through all these summer Wednesday classes.
  • Sign up for class here
  • Buy your package here
• Middle school running starts TUESDAY & FRIDAY @ Champion Park, Cedar Park.
  • I’ve got 2 sessions this year – 630a for the experienced runners, 8a for the new ones/rising 5th graders.
  • Sign up here
  • Packages available here
  • The Quack Pack club membership is required.

I appreciate you reading down this far. I’m getting back on track. I’ve restarted my audiobook when traffic is light (Blueberry Reads). I’m still not cooking or playing with my food much (Amber Eats)… in other words, the other fun sections will return slowly.

I’m not ready for summer! I can’t swim yet!

That’s not going to stop it, sadly. So let’s just be merry on our way into this next season.

That perfectly planned summer of work I had created for myself… still have lots of shifts to remake, but getting there. I had planned it, partly, around getting 2 swims in per week on days I am in Austin. Always a work in progress, my schedule is.

I got 1 new shoulder rehab movement, “table walks”, to add in when I do my pendulums. Sling comes off June 5. I see the surgeon again on June 10, and then go to PT. He could have sent me now, but since I can do this basic stuff on my own, I opted to save my PT sessions for June & beyond.

Being almost half way thru my 6 weeks in the arm sling, I find I’m already missing the slow pace of life for those first 2 weeks:

• Lots of sitting outside on the back porch, admiring nature.
  • A hummingbird flew up to a flowering plant about 3′ from me and fed.
  • I’ve seen a downy woodpecker, a family of sparrows (2 adults, about 7 young ones learning how to be feed at my feeders), my first purple finch out here, and numerous chickadees, inca & white wing doves, just to name a few.
  • watching my flock
• Recliner time with multiple cats on me.
• Leisurely walks. These started 4 days post-surgery and I’m up to 3-4 miles/day.
• Admiring the daily changes in my garden & pretty plants.
• Having all 4 cats on the bed when I sleep – helping me heal. I normally have 2. One morning I awoke, and all 4 were asleep, to my left, on a small section of the bed. Awwwwwwww.

Typing is slowly coming along. I still have to mouse left. And the right shoulder will say “done NOW” after about an hour. It’s slowly getting better.

I’m looking forward to being able to brush my teeth right-handed again.

I’ve got a neighbor that’s willing to ponytail my hair regularly, but I’ve also found I can ask random people when I’m out for my walk. Get to meet new people this way, too.

I’m getting back to work. One handed CST sessions: check. One handed medical bodywork sessions: check. New in-person Viniyoga class out here in Taylor, plus my other regular classes: check. Personal Pilates sessions: check. Coaching: check!

I’ve taken traditional massages off my scheduler for the moment… I’ll ease back in the first few weeks of June. So if you’re a regularly scheduled appointment, you’re good starting June 5. I won’t open up for new or irregularly scheduled massage clients until – most likely – July.

If I canceled your May appointment and haven’t rescheduled yet, please feel free to reach out.

That’s it for today. Arm says enough. Two cats vying for my lap say enough…

Right-handed in a lefty world 1 week out & I’m attempting left hand typing today. I’m also starting to run circles around cousin Amy. Aside from being one-handed for most things, I feel really good. Shoulder gets tired at the end of the day, but that’s to be expected. Monday I see the surgeon for follow-up, then, according to him, the “long” rehab process. I’ve been thru 2 knees 4-5 mo each) & the shoulder once (4 mo) already. I’m ready to get ready to swim. Again. And bike. And run. I have started walking already. Day 4 I went and did a mile. Been gradually increasing.Also started in on strengthening the GOOD shoulder, cuz once Amy leaves, it’s gonna have a lot more work to do. Since I’m out for traditional bodywork until June 5, I’ve asked all my Austin Studio sublets if they’d help my Austin clients out if you need. I’ve listed them below, with a few details about them, websites, contact info, etc. If you use them, I still have some income since they are using my studio space. Anita McClellan. 512-767-8575Swedish, deep tissue, cupping. Available weekends only.  Keryn Hawthorne. 512-461-4574 I am Certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy, and Pre and Perinatal Massage, and I’ve completed advanced training in oncology massage. I offer customized massages utilizing a combination techniques from a variety of modalities including Swedish, deep tissue, Deep Massage, orthopedic, body mobilization, passive stretches, cupping, percussion therapy, aromatherapy, and table Thai, with the intent to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. https://artichoke-hearts-healing.abmp.com/ Lien Tran. www.Intuitive-hands.comShe’s in Austin sporadically, but happy to help when she is.  Mary Castilleja. fea400@gmail.com, 956-590-1927 Wendy Frank. 512-775-0063. Energy work/ Access Bars. https://www.accessconsciousness.com/en/public-profiles/wendy-frank/ O n t h e l i g h t e r s i d e o f t h i n g s Currently impossible things to do w 1 hand…(check in w me in a few weeks) tie my shoes. Shopping for elastic laces tomorrow. Funny: texted a friend’s husband to see if he was available to tie them so I could go for a walk. He was. I got my walk in! put my hair in a ponytail stir things in a bowl medicate critters (I’m fine w the lickety stick for Zoe though) fold fitted sheets (cousin Amy: “but can anyone do those with both hands anyway?”) open Rx pill bottles take the lid off certain water bottles (now moved to back of shelf) Things I’m getting better at doing left-handed only mousing writing full keyboard typing making a simple meal take arm sling off/on french press coffee petting 2 cats at once Upcoming appointments & such Before surgery, I sent a direct email out to clients w appointments in this arm-sling timeframe. I’ll be posting it on my updates aka Hello Sunshine page. I’ll also be reaching out as your appointment gets closer to go over options & see what you want to do. Arm sling specials Personal Pilates, 6 1-h sessions, $360. This is a $20 savings per session. Must be used in 3 months.  Welcome to Viniyoga, 3 class series at The Venue (Taylor), Wed May 7,14 & 21, 830a. $18 drop in, or all 3 for $30.

Last July, I fell while on my bike, hurt my right shoulder. I went to PT. It got better. Somewhere mid-March, it started hurting again. MRI showed a 10mm tear on my supraspinatus tendon (avg tendon is 13mm). 

Yeah. It’s time. 

Cousin Amy is here on Wednesday – we had plans to update the chicken coop & various smaller house projects. I’m gonna update my person instead.

I’ll be in a sling for 6 weeks (ends June 5).

Virtual sessions, classes & Pilates/Personal training are a GO. I should be good to resume on May 6 (my first day back from vacation anyway!).

Craniosacral therapy (CST)

I’m going to have to experiment & see if I can do 1-handed CST, or support my R arm and do it w/o pain. I’m scheduling a few of these for that 2nd week, ‘guinea pigs’ as it were. I will be pending these sessions until I can try the week of May 5. 

Traditional massage will be out for now. For my 30 min area specific folks, I *may* be able to do those, but I will need a few weeks (will also need a guinea pig or 2). If you have a 1h+ massage booked, please let me know:

1. if you are interested in converting it to a CST session, as long as it goes well with my guinea pigs. At massage price.
2. if you’d prefer to stay as a massage. I’m gonna assume full body sessions are out for the entire 6 weeks.
3. Estimated return date for massage sessions is June 10. 

Driving is also out for 2 weeks, and then on a limited basis as I feel comfortable for the duration of sling-wearing. That means only 1 day per week (Wed) in Austin thru Memorial Day, if I’m up for coming in. 

• No Austin appointments the week of May 5.
• Austin sessions pending how I feel, May 14 & 21
• Any Austin appointments currently scheduled on TUESDAYS will have priority rescheduling to Wed, thru June 9. I’ll be in touch.

I am also away June 23-27 taking care of my elderly mom in Wisconsin. You can be jealous. All virtual sessions are good, and moved to Tu/Th during this week only. 

Be looking for email cancellation notices. If you don’t get one, I’m thinking I might be able to get it done, or it’s pending seeing how I feel.

Please ask questions if you have any. I’m now in a whirlwind of preparation. There was a lot in this email. I’ll get back to you as my sanity allows, so please have patience. 

The Bionic Woman,

Sharon

If you’re looking for a summer running program for your kids, I’ve got Tuesday & Friday mornings May 27 thru Aug 1. We focus on endurance & strength, and as cross country starts, speed becomes a bigger component. There will be no sessions June 23-27, as I will be out. We will have a session on July 4 (Friday).

I’ve got 2 sections this year:

• 630-8a for the experienced/returning runners,
• 8-9a for rising 4th & 5th graders, plus new runners, or those not yet up to 4-6 miles in a run session. This is called “Get Ready to Run”.

The younger/newer crew has different needs based on their developmental stages, physiology, and mental focus.

We meet at Champion Park. The experienced group runs all over the place, the Get Ready to Run group will stay a little closer to the park. Please have your child(ren) bring water and possibly a cooling towel.

Please join our GroupMe for this program to keep up to date and for quick communication.

For Experienced Runners

• Single session: $15
• 5 sessions: $65 ($13 per)
• 10 sessions: $115 ($11.50 per)
• 15 sessions: $150 ($10 per)
• Unlimited sessions: $160 

For Get Ready to Run

• Single session: $10
• 5 sessions: $45 ($9 per)
• 10 sessions: $80 ($8 per)
• 15 sessions: $105 ($7 per)
• Unlimited sessions: $110 

Club Membership: The Quack Pack

• Club fee (required): $20/ individual, $30/ family. This gives us liability insurance during our runs. If you joined me for winter, you are already covered through Dec 2025. If you’re joining now, you’re covered until the end of the year. Please complete for each child, and yourself if helping out.

I had rotator cuff surgery on April 24th and will be in a sling through June 5th. Until June 5th and medical clearance, I will be driving to various points along the route to meet up with the kids and carry their water for them. After that, we will have to play it by ear to see if I can bike with the kids. If any parents want to join us, you are more than welcome as it will help keep the kids safe and on task. Please complete a club waiver for yourself as well as for the kid(s). There is no club fee for parents running with us as I appreciate your assistance during this time of healing.

I’m always learning. 

What I’ve learned recently is that when it’s middle school track season, it also needs to be off season for my own run/triathlon training. Those long Monday & Wednesday nights just leave me needing more recovery the following morning. I need more time to decompress when I get home (830-9p), before going to bed. My fabulous Garmin data shows me I sleep poorly on those nights – at least at the moment.

Armed with information, I shall do something about it!

So I’m giving myself some grace for the rest of the season, and what training I get in, I get in. I do have a triathlon in May, and I know I’ll be able to finish it. It’s also my first Triathlon since….2018! I looked it up!

My goal is to finish happy. 

I’ve already made a note in Training Peaks for next year that my off-season is March & April. 

I’m also wondering how my new eating habits are affecting my energy levels. I admit I’m running low on calories on occasion, and then to make up & catch up, it may not be FODMAP/Sharon-friendly (SF). That said, over these past few weeks of this, I think I’m doing better. See the Amber Eats section below for my latest recipe. 

Studio updates

In addition to FODMAP/SF & training shifts, I’ve also had my first 2 Tuesdays in Austin. I’ll get this smoothed out over time, and then shift into the June/July schedule. I’ve even got a few practice Pilates classes in the Austin office before it opens up for 2 people to join me!

Good news – I updated my scheduler thru end of July for the Tuesday location shift, time away, etc. You can schedule your Austin appointments directly online!

Am I ready to go back to a crack-of-ridiculous morning schedule, and a big shift on regular work hours? We’re gonna find out! 

I find I actually enjoy the schedule shifts every few months. Keeps life interesting. Lots of work required on the scheduler though. Surely they can come up with some AI to do that for me, right?

The fall cross country schedule is starting to take shape, and it looks like we’ll be coaching 630-730a on Tues/Thurs, so Tuesdays will alternate between Taylor & Austin when August rolls around. More details to come as this solidifies.

I just renewed the lease for another 2 years. I’ve already been in this space for about 3 (as of May 31). Thanks for continuing to support the dual-work space situation. I admit, I never wanted to have a separate studio, so I’m grateful for you coming. I couldn’t just drop all you that are my Austin people after all this time.

Upcoming openings:

• Wed, 4/9, 445p (30 min only)
• Wed, 4/23, 445p (30 min only)
• Tues, May 13, 12n
• Wed, May 14, 1p (30 or 45 min only)
• Tues, May 27, 12n
• June – July will be regular Tuesdays in Austin

With the Tuesday shift, I’d like to note that virtual sessions are available on Austin days too. Just depends on who schedules first. 

Upcoming openings:

• Thurs, 4/10, 1215 & 3p
• Tues, 4/15, 12n & 3p
• Thurs, 4/17, 1215 (30 min only) & 415p

Up to Speed has been completed! Did you know that women’s running shoes were, until very recently, built on the last (foot pattern/design) that was designed for men? Only just now are we getting women’s specific shoe lasts. And for other sports, women are mostly only able to use small men’s or youth shoes? It IS changing, but progress is slow. Even women’s specific athletic clothing, not just ‘smaller men’, is evolving in the last decade or so.

My current book is The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World. Fascinating. WIth their own little ecosystems, it’s truly amazing what trees are capable of doing. And makes me realize I want to take better care of mine! Just a small sampling of the things I’ve learned: 

• Single trees don’t thrive like forest trees do. They do better in community with others of their kind. 
• They communicate with scent, the fungi network, and can learn. Their “brain” is at the root tips. 
• Same species trees can help each other survive by transferring needed items thru their fungal network/roots.
• The LOTR Ents had it right – they live on a totally different time scale than we do. 
• There is a “Tree etiquette manual” and those that follow it survive longer than those that don’t. 

This book also has shorter chapters, so it’s nice to get thru a chapter on an Austin drive.

As I embark on this FODMAP/Sharon friendly eating journey, I’ve been trying to find quick bites that are easy, travel well, and that really work. Premade “certified FODMAP” snack bars, well, let’s just say ‘only if I have to’ cuz we know it also *also* needs to be Sharon-friendly. Haven’t found one yet that satisfies all my issues.

Since snack bars are persona non-grata, and after trying the HEB fruit & veggie one (bottom in picture), and a Starbucks protein pack (I much prefer my own eggs) I’ve done 2 things:

I bought a sturdy bento snack box (top of picture) to pack and tote with me on Austin days. I’m finding its working quite well, and as I continue to do this, my energy level has improved, I’m less calorie deprived, and get to feel more like myself. Pictured is what I started with before FODMAP entered… it’s changed, but equally as delectable.

Secondly, I turned to my own cupboard for more food options. I made a roasted quinoa 100% dark chocolate cookie that was pretty tasty a few weekends ago. In playing with that recipe, I ended up looking at Quinoa Morning Glory muffins. My low FODMAP/SF version is currently in the oven. Batter tasted yummy. I hope the end product is equally delicious. I think I shall call them …

Sunshine Muffins

Mix together in large bowl until all the little items equally spread out:

• ¼ c. chopped carrots (chop, then measure), or 1/3 c. matchstick carrots
• ¼ c. dried cranberries/blueberries
• ¼ c. chopped pear (or 1 pear snack cup, drained)
• ¼ c. macadamia nuts, chopped
• 1 c. cooked quinoa (cook, then measure), made according to the package (I use almond milk to cook)

Thoroughly mix in 

• 2 eggs

Add in & mix well: 

• ½ c. cassava flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. xanthan gum

My thoughts on a sweetener… don’t add any to the batter. The fruit in here adds enough in my opinion. Use honey/agave/maple syrup, if you are able/choose, when you go to eat the muffin.

Spoon into muffin cups. I used a 3T measure, making 9 muffins.

Bake at 350F for 18-20 min. Test for doneness w a knife.

Oh, yeah, they turned out perfect. 

In the Nutrition facts, % Daily Value is based on a 2000 calorie diet, as is used as an example only.

Want more? I posted Muffin Thief Quinoa Pancake recipe over on Facebook/IG.

I appreciate you reading down this far. Please let me know if you try the recipe. I’ve only made it with the ingredients as listed, so if you use more mainstream ingredients, I’d love to hear how it goes.

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for 3/13/2025

Oof.

Track is a lot this year. Or maybe it’s the 5a get up, get my workout in before I work, go coach track, and get home about 830p. Hrmph.

Maybe that’s it.

Fortunately, that’s only my schedule on Mon & Wed. I recover and try to balance things out the rest of the week.

Next week is Spring Break! A much easier schedule, on purpose. I’ve even got a day of hiking scheduled. It’s been so long! I’m sure I’ll be sharing plenty of good pics over the next few weeks.

With that said, I’m working on my May & Summer schedule updates. Still lots of shifts happening, please read about them below.

I’ll also be getting the next quarter worth of appointments in the scheduler, so if you’ve any edits to your regularly scheduled stuff, please let me know ASAP.

For the summer coaching period, May 27th to August 1st, I’m adding Tuesday sessions in AUSTIN. You read that right. This means teaching the 1045a Pilates Mat class from the Austin Studio too. I will now have space for 2 people if they want an in person class! There will be slots for 2+ clients, and fitting in a swim during the trip home to save another drive.

Tuesdays are open in Austin on the scheduler through April, and I’m working on May and June. The month of May will be in transition, but we’ll be set for weekly Tuesdays in June & July. Keep in mind hours will be different in May, summer, and when cross country starts in August.

Tuesday hours in Austin:

• March 25 (full)
• April 8th from 12-330p
• April 22nd from 12-430p
• May 13th from 12-430p
• May 27th from 10a-215p
• June 3rd, 10th & 17th from 10a-215p
• Tuesdays resume 10a-215p July 1 – August 1
• August & beyond will be adjusted when I know the cross country schedule

Courtesy of the Tuesday expansion, I’ve also opened up Visceral Manipulation guinea pig sessions in Austin. Please use code VC14N6RO43 for 33% off your first session, good thru 4/30/2025. Copy paste that sucker right in there when you schedule.

Upcoming openings:

• Wed, 3/26, 4/9, & 4/23 @ 445p, 30 min only
• Tues, 4/8 @ 215 & 330p (contact me if you don’t see any)
• Tues, 4/22 @ 1p, 215 & 330 (contact me if you don’t see any)

Oh yeah, that in-person Pilates class mentioned above. Moving the virtual class to Austin means there is a little space available for 2 people to join me. Pre-registration will be required. Dates are April 22, May 13, May 27 – Aug1 at 1045a. After that, we’ll see what shifts. Packages will apply to this class too. Please bring your own mat.

Why am I taking Tuesdays off the Taylor calendar? I prefer working only 4 days. The Monday option in Austin was an interesting experiment, and left me needing more off time, and with less time to do things like your currently irregular Hello Sunshine. I prefer more clients in 4 days vs spread out over 5 days. I can fill Austin slots easier than I can Taylor ones at this moment. 

Will I ever bring Tuesdays to Taylor again? This whole year has been about shifting the schedule, so who knows what the future holds. I’d certainly prefer less driving.

Upcoming openings:

• Tues, 3/18 @ 12n
• Thurs, 3/20 @ 1215p & 2p
• Thurs, 3/27 @ 1215 & 315p

I finally finished Braiding Sweetgrass. So. Good. If you want to get into the mindset of Gratitude & Reciprocity, I think it’s a must read.

And, since it’s been so long between updates, I started & have almost finished Up to speed: the groundbreaking science of women athletics by Christine Yu. I thought it’d be more of a coaching book, but it’s more about research on women (or rather, the lack thereof), an interesting look at the history of sports bras, the distinct lack of research on pregnancy & exercise, (where did those guidelines come from? hint: men), plus a great section on youth training. I’m enjoying it way more than I thought after the first chapter started. If you get thru the research sections – which I didn’t mind – the rest is very manageable & enjoyable.

It’s been a gooooooood long while since we had an Amber Eats section! This one isn’t so much a recipe or particular food, but rather I finally got to a gastroenterologist for my food issues. After a lot of tests, nothing wrong, just “go on the Low FODMAP diet”. Sigh

So, I’m on FODMAP light, cuz if I went full throttle, I wouldn’t get enough calories. I’m also learning. Each time I look up a FODMAP chart, I see different stuff on it. So I’m playing with my food in a totally different way. Things are classified Low (enjoy, as long as it doesn’t bother you), Moderate (in moderation), and High (avoid). For example:

• macadamia nuts (“m-nut”) are low. At $18+ per pound. Or an 8 oz m-nut butter jar for $16.
• So… almonds: 10 are low, more are not. Cut the m-nut butter with almond butter. Stomach is protesting less.
• Pumpkin seeds – 3T per day – it’s low.
• Must avoid: Garlic, onion (is life really worth living now?)
• Grapes are confusing.
• Certain dairy is low. But not for me. So I said, “Let’s try dose response” – I get 3 squares (1 serving) of HEB pre-sliced New York Style Extra Sharp White Cheddar per day. Doing ok.
• Coconut milk (co-milk) is High. On most lists. So moderation. Almond milk is low. Switched from mostly co-milk in my decaf coffee to mostly almond milk, with 2 T co-milk for the richness.
• Mushrooms are not ok. Except for Oyster mushrooms. Depending on the list.
• Avocados: 1/8 is ok. (crying in background)
• Veggies I can eat: okra, green beans, kale, carrots, radishes, arugula. We’re starting with that. The issue – I feel I waste a lot as I rotate through. I don’t get it all eaten before it goes bad.
• Animal protein: good to go

The good news is, I’m starting to have less issues. I still have to indulge every now & then to make up for low calorie intake, but I’ve actually managed better than I thought. It’s the beginning of my journey. Stay tuned for more!

I appreciate you taking the time to read all the way down here! I had a lot to catch you up on. Anything inspire you? Make you think I’m losing it? Made you laugh? I’d love to hear – drop me a note!