Good Things!

So I'm trying to get to that next level in running and now fighting shin splints for my left leg. I deserve it as I tried to push myself to far 2 weeks ago with a 4.2 miler with all hills. I will not be put off but slowly get back and kick butt.

The cool thing is that I had my first drawing class last night. Now I was nervous going to it as I didn't know what to expect but it ended up being very cool. There are 11 of us in the class and we started with some very basic stuff (introductions, blind sketches, 30-sec sketches, shading). Future classes involve charcoal, color pencils, and other neat things. I am really pumped up about it as these are things that I always wanted some training on.

I also felt very good about where I am. I found I was not on the low end off knowledge and actually towards the top (at least that is what I think) but with the right direction I know I can get really good and take it to the next level.

On another note I am looking forward to my brother coming down this weekend and also some good running things going on in the next couple weeks. Which I will pass along in due time.

I will also put up some of the new sketches from the class as I go along. Cheers!

Things be shaping up!

So I've been practicing on many different things such as eyes, hands, bodies, curtains, robes, etc...but nothing I can post at the moment.

But my running has finally kicked it up a notch! This past weekend I ran, with the aid of some good pals, 3.87 miles. This was the longest run this year and it really helped my confidence. I also had another 3 miles last night. This Thursday I am running with another group for 3.72 miles and on Saturday I will test myself with a brutal 4.2 mile hill run.

I have found several walls with running. The 1st wall is the 1 Mile Wall. This is for the beginner or the person starting to run again after injury and whose endurance is just shot. Once you break that things get easier until...the 3 Mile Wall. It seemed like forever where I could only meek out 2 miles, 2.5 miles, etc...until finally I got past the 3 mile mark and didn't feel like I had to stop during it.

The next wall is usually around 5 miles. It seems to go up in 2 mile increments for a little until after 5 it seems like it hits the 9. My goal this year is to do the YMCA DOWD Half Marathon on November 7th. I will be turning 40 on November 1st and so it will be a achievement and a milestone for me. I still want to do a marathon and might just surprise myself depending on how I do with the DOWD run.

I also found a cool website:

http://zenhabits.net/

This gives some good thoughts and advice for things you, yes you...and I run into every day. Check it out.

Thanks for stopping by and checking me out...cheers!

And so the long drought begins...

And another season of football is in the record books. I was really pulling for the cards. I mean come on...Pittsburgh...you now have 6 Superbowl wins. They don't have any. You couldn't have let them get that one could ya? Thought not...

I've found a new paint tool that I saw reviews from on Deviantart and some sketch publications. It's called Paint Tool Sai, and it rocks! It gives me exactly what I want and you can't beat the price.

The result you might ask? Below a bit is the original and here is the updated sketch after I used Paint Tool Sai on it and began to learn all the tricks...Enjoy!