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)
• 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 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!

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.

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!

I’m on my third book of 2025: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. I was chatting w seester last month, and she mentioned finishing it recently, and beginning Robin Wall Kimmerer‘s 2nd book. Thought it sounded interesting, so here we are!

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.

Taylor openings thru end of month:

• Thurs, 2/20 @ 1215p
• Fri, 2/21, 11a & 215p
• Tues, 2/25, 12n ,115p, & 430p
• Thurs, 2/27, 3p

These are also the openings for Guinea Pig visceral manipulation!

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!

I’ve already finished my first book, The Great Indoors, and started on my 2nd, The Other Talent: The Curiously Complex Role of Mental Health in Athletic Greatness and Why It’s Never Too Late to Harness Your Potential

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.

Guinea pig sessions for Visceral Manipulation are now OPEN.

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!

• Friday mornings, 830a, at The Little Collective.
• Please bring your own mat.
• Register here.

Cost:

• Drop in – $18
• 4 sessions – $64 ($16/class) – good for 8 weeks
• 8 sessions – $112 ($14/class) – good for 16 weeks

• Online Pilates & Viniyoga – please register here
• Taylor Track Time – register onsite, $5 per, or 10 for $40. Contact me for specifics, please.

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for Jan 1, 2025

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.

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!

• Still Friday mornings, 830a, at The Little Collective, starting Jan 3.
• Please bring your own mat.
• Please register here.

Cost:

• Drop in – $18
• 4 sessions – $64 ($16/class) – good for 8 weeks
• 8 sessions – $112 ($14/class) – good for 16 weeks

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.

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.

It pairs well with craniosacral therapy. I may add in a few techniques if you are coming for a massage or CST session.

Openings: Please check the scheduler first. I can tell you Tues/Thur 3-5p or so is more likely to have openings than other times.

• Pilates & Viniyoga – please register here
• Taylor Track Time – register onsite, $5 per, or 10 for $40. Contact me for specifics.

I’m grateful you are here, reading this. I’m grateful for your continued support, some of you well over a decade, some of you just a session or 2. You are greatly appreciated.

About this time of year, I start thinking of the words I want to describe my next year. And reflect on the ones I picked for this past year: mindful, healing & preparing.

These manifested more than I could have imagined. I’ve been more mindful of the choices I’ve made, of the progression of my triathlon training, of the direction of the studio. I’ve been healing – my knees, my soul, my spirit. And preparing for all these shifts that have happened these past few months – with the studio, with my fitness, with home stuff.

I started swimming again. I did my last summer event July 28th, and had fallen on my bike a few weeks prior. The shoulder has been in physical therapy since, and this is my last week of it. I’ve been swimming thrice this month. It feels good to be back. YAY.

I joined Clay Madsen Rec Center, in Round Rock. It’s about a 3h “workout” if I’m driving in just for that. Until track starts, I’ve got off season middle school running on Mondays, so I’m pairing those 2. Then I realized on the Mondays I’m coaching at 8a, the pool isn’t open until 1030a. Being mindful of my time, I added a few clients in today. It worked.

So a new shift with the Austin Studio with the addition of some Monday sessions. Balancing that out, I’ll be taking some office time on Tuesday or Thursday, since I still have office stuff that needs doing. Monday sessions will vary weekly, at least until track starts (2/10).

It’s been… ages?… pre-COVID?… since I had clients sessions on Monday. I really think this year was preparing me for this. I feel like I’m in a really good place right now, and am excited to see what else manifests.

I know you all want me to swim. So thank you in advance for helping me make it an efficient use of my time!

Holiday schedule, studio closings

I will be closed on Christmas Day only.

I’ve also decided I’m perfectly fine working January 1. I’m a morning person, after all. I’ve already got 4 clients that day, but I can waitlist you if you want.

January 30-31 I will be at a visceral manipulation workshop (more of this CST stuff). The following Monday, 2/3, no Austin Sessions.

Austin studio updates

Yeah, so Wednesdays are book thru…March 19. The 26th is my first known opening. Henceforth, Mondays. What happened to Fridays? All that shifting, preparing, happened. That’s a Taylor day now. If you’ve got a Friday session booked already, don’t worry. I’ll still honor it.

Since Mondays are gonna be a bit all over the place, please contact me directly to schedule. It’s mornings, lunch, late afternoon. It’s all over the place, so I’m not putting it in the scheduler. Yet.

There is a waitlist for Austin last minute cancellations. Please contact me to get on it. I’ve gone 3 deep to get it filled recently.

Taylor & Virtual updates

This studio has been getting busier too. On the Monday’s I’m working in Austin, as mentioned, Tuesday or Thursday late afternoon will become office time. I’ll do my best to alternate them.

Classes over the holidays are pending.

That’s it for this one.

So if you reflect on 2024, what words would describe it? And what do you want to manifest in 2025?

Nov 4, 2024 – Feb 7, 2025, The Quack Pack in Austin

Welcome & thank you for your interest!

Similar to cross country, our 2 days of running per week will be our “quality” runs – speed, hills, long speed… all those technical terms. It’s strongly suggested that you do 1-3 days of easy running on your own. We’ll talk during practice about what “easy” means & how to tell if you’re doing it.

Location: Champion Park.

Program fees

This is a 3 month program spanning holidays. I’ve broken down as best as I think should work, considering there are ~26 total sessions, which may be adjust as we go for a variety of reasons – weather, vacations, holidays, actual start of track season, etc. I’ve based dates on when track started last year. Do what works best for you. 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: $15
• 5 sessions: $65 ($13 per)
• 10 sessions: $115 ($11.50 per)
• 15 sessions: $150 ($10 per)
• unlimited sessions: $200 ($66/mo)
• Club fee (required): $20/ individual, $30/ family). This gives us liability insurance during our runs. If you joined me for summer, you will need to renew as of January 1. If you’re joining now, you’re covered thru Dec 2025. Please complete for each child, and yourself if helping out.

Have more than 1 kid running? I can do a payment plan for the unlimited sessions package if needed.

Parents: running & biking

I will need your help. If you’re willing to bike alongside various groups of kids, please come join. If you’re willing to run with the kids like we did for Saturdays during cross country, please come join. No charge, since you are helping me out. You will need to join the club – do the family membership.

If you prefer to actually RUN and do the actual training without focusing on helping with the kids, please buy a package. Different mindset, and then I plan for you in the run as well.

Current schedule

During school, Mondays & Fridays at 4p. Please note there are some Fridays I get done w clients in Taylor at 315p. I will be squeaking in to be there by 4, more likely 415. I’ll ask for parent help with the warm up on these dates.

You can see the full schedule by looking at my scheduler.

In lieu of Thanksgiving Friday run, please come join me for my Amber Moon Studio Turkey 10 (any distance you want, pie & coffee afterward). Please follow this on facebook for more details.

Over the holidays, and there’s no school, I’ve shifted to Monday & Saturday mornings (Dec 23-Jan 6).

On MLK Day, I moved it to 8a as well since no school. I’m flexible if afternoon works better for the majority.

Yeah, it’s been a little crazy busy, and when I’ve not had clients, I’ve needed to do nothing. This happened last year at the end of cross country season too, so it was expected. Oct 19, and everything shifts again. And then again in Feb, when track starts.

I thought I’d gotten away from living on a school schedule. Evidently not.

This is short & sweet. It’s been 3 weeks since the last Hello Sunshine. Just the main points.

And it might be that long until the next one….

Austin sessions

October is running full.

November

• Friday the 8th has openings – 1215 & 130p. Please contact me to schedule. I don’t know if its in the scheduler.
• Wednesday the 27th, before Thanksgiving, has openings. These ARE on the schedule. 145p for sure. I can flex some clients around to get other sessions in.

December

closed on Christmas Day. Openings the week prior:

• Wed, 12/18, 1p
• Fri 12/20, 130p – check w me to schedule,please.

January

I’ve decided I’m not opposed to working on New Year’s Day, so book now. Please.

Taylor/Virtual sessions

With cross country coming to a close, I’ll have afternoon times available again on Tues/Thurs. I’ve slid all my regular clients together, so my schedule is more efficient for me. Last session should be done by 5p, so I can feed critters before heading out to coach Taylor Track again.