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…
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.
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.
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:
if you are interested in converting it to a CST session, as long as it goes well with my guinea pigs. At massage price.
if you’d prefer to stay as a massage. I’m gonna assume full body sessions are out for the entire 6 weeks.
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.
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.
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.
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 Speedhas 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.
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
Cream together until smooth:
½ c. softened butter
½ c. almond butter
Mix together in large bowl until all the little items equally spread out:
¼ c. chopped carrots (chop, then measure)
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
2 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.
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 athleticsby 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!
Run coaching will start on May 28. I’ll update you on things before then.
Tuesday in person starts April 22. See scheduler for full list of dates.
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!
When I told my knee surgeon I was a triathlete, his reaction and our subsequent discussion made it clear he assumed I was an Ironman. I’m not. I did complete a 70.3 (half Ironman) in 2011, but I actually prefer sprint distances. We agreed that I should stick to sprint triathlons and 10ks, but I had no idea what the training would look like.
Turns out, it looks like moderation.
I walk a lot. In addition to my daily walks, I run two days a week. The actual running portion lasts about 20-30 minutes, depending on the day. I warm up with a walk, do 5 minutes of easy running, walk again briefly, then do my run plan (which includes recovery walks), and finish with a cool-down walk. That daily mile, combined with all the other walking, is building the physiological foundation I need to run my 10ks and feel successful. The biking and swimming also contribute to my overall fitness.
Cuz we all need a pic of SkySky sleeping with her tongue out.
But the key is, I’m running and getting better.
I’m finding that I like this approach better. It’s much easier on my joints, both human and bionic. I’m adapting positively, getting faster, fitter, and able to run more in the allotted time. These days, my “long run” is actually a long, brisk walk.
Definitions certainly change as we progress in life. I’m still a runner, just very different from my pre-bionic knees days. I’m grateful to be re-learning this, grateful to be running, and grateful for pain-free movement. Looking back, I actually did my best when I only ran two days a week AND my long run was a walk. That’s when I went sub 1:30 on a Sprint triathlon (a milestone for me).
I’ve got my last 10k of this winter/spring season on March 15. I’m planning on taking at least another 5 minutes off my time. Instead of running 1 mile then walking, I’m going to aim for 1.5 miles, then a shorter walk break. I’m excited to see what I can do!
This book that has deeply resonated with me, especially in our current political climate. It’s not simply about plants; it’s about living in harmony and gratitude. Two chapters, in particular, “Allegiance to Gratitude” and “The Honorable Harvest,” struck me as both wise and relevant to the values we seem to have drifted from.
The author also narrates this book – a wonderful peek into indigenous life, with a gentle voice, caring, nurturing, like the subject of this book.
Track has started! Finally! I feel more settled. I like this routine better. More time for day time things, like office work.
I’m excited to share that I’m now offering visceral manipulation (VM) sessions!
If you’d like to add VM to an existing session, I can incorporate either a 5-ish-minute protocol (sphincters) or a 15-to-30-minute protocol. My class instructor recommended focusing on one organ per week to develop proficiency, so this week’s focus is the stomach (2/10) and next week’s is the duodenum (2/17). I was fortunate to experience next week’s organ firsthand as the class guinea pig, and it was truly profound. I believe anyone who has been in an auto accident could benefit greatly from having the duodenum worked.
For a 1-hour appointment, we’ll begin with the “organ of the week” and then, time permitting, address what your body indicates through listening techniques. A 30-minute appointment will likely focus solely on the organ of the day. As a special offer for your first visceral-only session, I’m offering a 33% discount with the coupon code VC14N6RO43 (copy paste it in!).
VM addresses both the mobility and motility of the viscera. While similar in concept to craniosacral therapy, VM utilizes a deeper touch.
To ensure your comfort and allow for optimal results during your session, please follow these guidelines:
Avoid applying lotion to your skin beforehand.
Wear loose-fitting pants (no jeans) and a shirt that can be easily lifted or removed.
For women, a sports bra may be more comfortable than a traditional bra.
Please note that I will need to access the mid-to-lower rib area during the session.
This first list below are conditions to where I am limited to doing motility & sphincters only:
an acute flare up of an inflammatory process (RA, colitis, fever)
abdominal aneurysm
bleeding ulcer
thrombosis
hemorrhage or fracture
transplanted organ
bariatric surgeries
List from Barral Institute VM1 manual, pg 22
If you have any of this 2nd list, I will work more lightly, and may need medical clearance:
diabetes
if taking anticoagulants or cortisone
within first 6 weeks post radiation therapy or chemotherapy
varicosities
foreign body (IUD, pacemaker, stints, mesh, ports, GI tubes)
autoimmune disorders
babies
menstruation
pregnancy
List from Barral Institute VM1 manual, pg 22
gall stones
ovarian cyst
post-surgery/trauma
When you sign up for your guinea pig session, you’ll need to confirm if you have any of these.
In upcoming Hello Sunshines, I’ll be educating you on the impact of working on each organ. It’s truly fascinating.
Life is getting a little easier now that track has started – it’s later than the off season run coaching I just finished, so I can get more done. If I have a track meet on Saturday, I won’t have office hours on the following Monday.
Austin Openings:
Wed, 2/19, 445p (30 min only)
Mon, 3/10, 345p
Mon, 3/24, 345p
Please reach out directly for Monday appointments, or to get on the Austin wait list.
The plants will hopefully be out on the driveway getting beautiful after this week. The house will be much easier to spot then. Which reminds me I need to bring them all back in tomorrow.
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for Snowday Jan 21, 2025
How’d you do with our snow here in the Austin area? The chickens were funny. I’ve created a wind free corner in the coop for them – it really is a few degrees warmer – and they were all in it when I awoke this morning. Not on the roosts. Not in the small coop. In the warm corner. They normally come falling out when I open the coop each morning as well. Nope. They’re not fond of the snow. Neither am I. It looks pretty, and then I’m ready for it to be gone. There’s a reason I live in Austin.
It’s only January and I feel we’ve already had our 2 weeks of winter. Normally we have at least 1 in February. What’s it gonna be this year? *sigh* At least it is affording me some quality time on my treadmill and the bike on the trainer. I’m working on my limiters, and feeling stronger already. I’m gonna be ready for next Tri season!
Speaking of snow, this is a great time to remind you that if you have a cold, reschedule. I don’t need those germs, nor do any clients after you. I’m still immuno-compromised, and my last set of labs showed my immune system, even with the infusion, was not working properly. Yes, I know, it might feel good to get a massage while you have a cold. Be kind to your therapist, please.
I did a 10k last Saturday, before all this coldness blew in. It was a fabulous day! I felt awesome, and managed a total of 5 miles of running! I was a bit more strategic with pacing myself & my necessary walk breaks this time, and I was getting faster as the race went on. Took 5 minutes off my previous 10k time, AND recovered more quickly. Definite progress.
As a group, The Quack Pack came away with 5 podiums and 3 rose bushes. That’s pretty good for 6 people! Yay team!
The first book was nice & light, humorous, about the maturation of Alice, and her dream to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
The 2nd book, sports psychology, looks at the cream of the crop athletes, the super elites, and what makes them so good. It should be subtitle with a phrase used regularly: “screw loose, shit together”. In order to excel, you gotta have both.
Visceral manipulation is a type of gentle hands-on therapy that assesses and addresses organ mobility. Wait, our organs are supposed to move??? Yes! As strange as it may sound, our organs need to be able to move smoothly within our bodies for a pain-free life.
“VM1”, the course I’m taking next week, emphasizes the liver, gallbladder, stomach, sphincters, jejunoileum and the colon.
Guinea pig sessions may be booked Feb – April 2025 in Taylor only. These session will be primarily working on the “protocol”, and then will address your specific concerns with the remaining time. There is a cost savings right now, and it will be offered at the same price as CST post-guinea pig season.
It pairs well with craniosacral therapy. I may add in a few techniques if you are coming for a massage or CST session, either location.
24h cancellation notice now required. There are still some excuses that I will waive the notice for, otherwise, you’ll still owe for your session.
Mask update. Masks are still required IF you…
Are around school aged children, school aged grandkids, etc
Traveled by plane or been on a cruise
Attended a large gathering of people for any reason, especially indoors
If you current have allergy symptoms or a cold, as COVID symptoms are similar to both these days
Austin Studio continues to be booked solid. Please reach out if you’re interested in a Monday session, or to get on the Wednesday waitlist. I’ve been actively using it. I do have ONE opening coming up…
Feb 12, 445, 30 min only
I’d like to tell you I’ve got available several Monday slots for you. March 10 & 17 I should have a slot or 2. I’m still waiting for my final track meet schedule, and then I can let you now any other dates.
Openings:
Tu, Feb 4, 315p
Tu, Feb 11, 330p
Fri, Feb 14, 1215 – 1p start times
Pilates: Live & in person, complete w a variety of small equipment on occasion!
Runs from March 3 – April 21*. There are 8 potential Mondays, with Spring Break & Easter Monday included. I still need to see what the full 5th-8th track schedule looks like before I decide what to do on these. It’s possible that we could have a session with the 5-8 graders. Packages are per individual, and may not be crossed over to other family members; it’s the way my online tracking system is set up.
drop in single session: $10
3 sessions: $27 ($9 per)
6 sessions: $48 ($8 per)
8 sessions: $56 ($7 per)
Club fee (required): $20/ individual, $30/ family). This gives us liability insurance during our runs. If you’re joining now, you’re covered thru Dec 2025. Please complete for each child, and yourself if helping out.
What happens after May? I’ll start my summer program, and get info on interest. At this point, I’m gonna say the upcoming 5th graders will be running w the regular group.
* We could start in February, I just find February is a bit iffy. It’s open for discussion if you would like to start then.
Parents: running & biking
I may need your help. If you’re willing to bike alongside various groups of kids, please come join. No charge, since you are helping me out. You will need to join the club – do the family membership. I won’t be taking them as far away from Champion Park as I do the older kids.
What’s next
Once there is enough interest, I’ll get things set up in my scheduler, and create a GroupMe just for this group.
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for Jan 1, 2025
The Sacred Energy of 2025
2025 is the Year of focusing on Inner Alignment, Alchemy and Truth. The number 9, which 2025 reduces to, is said to call people to align their actions with their values and connect with their higher selves. 2025 is said to be a time to embrace the unknown, trust instincts, and lean into the collective power of inspiration. It’s a year of focusing on balance to find equilibrium between ambition and introspection, and to harmonize opposing forces. Live from the place of witnessing your life.
Headed into the Year of the Snake on January 29th
The Year of the Snake is very significant and symbolizes wisdom, transformation and introspection. The snakes ability to shed it’s skin is a metaphor of letting go of the past and embracing new opportunities.
The year of the snake is a time to pause, evaluate and make intentional choices in all aspects of one’s life. I invite you to align with the Feng Shui Bagua layout and make the intentional choices from the 9 section grid perspective.
reprinted with permission from Stacy Davenport. I have added italics for emphasis.
How I see 2025 going
Word of the year:Intentional. I picked this word before I ever received Stacy’s email.
Intention of the year: Smile to my eyes, not that half smile. Try it… big smile… I feel it all the way up, do you?
And that line “Live from the place of witnessing your life.” Yeah, I’m gonna work on that!
Books: I finished 13 in 2024. I admit, books fell off during cross country season. The busier I get, the more silence I enjoy, evidently. For 2025, I want to finish 15. I’m already got 4 in the queue for Blueberry & me to enjoy.
Athletic Events (running & multisport): In 2024 I finished 2 aquabikes, a 5k (1st in age group), and a 10k (3rd in age group). I’d say that’s pretty darn good! For 2025, I’ve already got 2 10ks on the spring calendar, and 2 triathlons, and that same fall 5k, plus at least 1 more 10k. I like 10ks. My knee surgeon said it was ok. I’m sure some other things will come along. My athletes have accomplished way more.
photo courtesy of Ann Fengfish. Ed, Martin & Ann placedStephanie winning Overall masters at Oilman 70.3 (trophy was fixed later)Stephanie winning Overall masters at Goodlife 5k
New programs: In addition to the existing track program out in Taylor, I started a run program for my middle school athletes when we’re not in season, meeting along the Brushy Creek trail. I held a masters swim at Taylor’s outdoor pool last summer. Stephanie & I founded The Quack Pack fitness & racing. I’ve already requested a stroke clinic in addition to masters swim when our new Taylor pool opens (TBA). All this lets me be active and outside.
Vacations: I’ve managed 3 trips in 2024 – Raleigh twice (once as vacation, then once to pack up mom’s condo & drive home w a carload), and Albuquerque. Hoping 2025 holds 4 trips – I’d like to get back to once a quarter.
Back to learning: I started being a teaching assistant for craniosacral therapy in 2024, took 6 Pilates workshops, finished an Ayurvedic Nutrition online course, 8 hours of triathlon coaching webinars, and sat (virtually) through another session of SIBT: The Mind.
For 2025 I’ve already signed up for a visceral manipulation workshop at the end of January. Note: Guinea pigs will be needed… more info below! I’m ready to be learning again! Deepening what I already know, and expanding upon it. I’ll also have my CSCS recertification come due end of next year, so I’m gonna go find me some strength & conditioning workshops. And maybe some youth run/tri programming too.
24h cancellation notice now required. There are still some excuses that I will waive the notice for, otherwise, you’ll still owe for your session.
Mask update. Masks are still required IF you;;;
Are around school aged children, school aged grandkids, etc
Traveled by plane or been on a cruise
Attended a large gathering of people for any reason, especially indoors
If you current have allergy symptoms or a cold, as COVID symptoms are similar to both these days
Austin Studio has been running full these days. Please reach out if you’re interested in a Monday session, or to get on the Wednesday waitlist. I’ve been actively using it.
Mondays: I’m still tweaking this schedule a little. I do better & feel better about office time if only see clients days I’m in Austin in the morning and limit it to 1-2 sessions now that those Wednesday holidays are past. That’s enough with all else I need to accomplish. Monday mornings will become a bit more sparse thru track season, and then likely increase again in the summer.
Mindful Muse Yoga has closed, and I’m taking my in-person Pilates class to a new site!
Adding this as my studio class has shifted pricing & length of packages a little.
Visceral manipulation is a type of gentle hands-on therapy that assesses and addresses organ mobility. Wait, our organs are supposed to move??? Yes! As strange as it may sound, our organs need to be able to move smoothly within our bodies for a pain-free life.
The VM1, the January 2025 course I’m taking, emphasizes the liver, gallbladder, stomach, sphincters, jejunoileum and the colon.
