Post #26: Marathon Training v. Suzanne Point Oh

I registered for the 16th Annual Little Rock Marathon at 9:24 EDT on August 1st. Technically, I registered for the Marathon/5k combo. I was lucky enough to get ten percent off the price too, because I had signed up for the training program.

The theme is Medieval, and to reveal that they did a cute video that was Monty Python themed. A lot of people were confused or upset about the theme, poo on them!! I loved the video and I am super excited for the theme. Thank you to the Chicks in Charge #CIC for loving what they do and having fun with it!!

I started the "ramp up to training" training on August 7th. The ramp up training is particularly for first timers, and people who are not at the point of running/walking/crawling 6 miles. I specify running/walking/crawling because from now on when I say running, I am channeling Hobbit, and I mean all it: running/walking/crawling, getting through the milage. I would love to be able to run all the way through all of my training runs, but all I am gonna focus on is getting through the milage. The actual training started on September 18th.

09/08/17 Update: My 3 mi build up training run yesterday (9/7) I ran the whole 3 miles, no walking, at a 13 min per mile pace.

10/19/17 Update: As I have already mentioned, I am using the marathon training program provided by the Little Rock Marathon. The focus of the training program is mileage, not time. Sure it is going to take me 5+ hours to finish my 20 miler on February 10th, but you know what I am gonna do it.

Things I need when I go for my long runs (> 6 miles):
1. Water
2. Running GU(s) (1 for 10/12/14 milers, 2 for 16/18 milers, 3 for 20 miler, and 4 for my marathon)
3. Sweatband/sweat towel
4. Lip balm

10/23/17 Update: One year ago today, I finished the ZenLab's Couch to 5k training program. If you had asked me on that day if I would ever run a marathon, I would have laughed in your face. I never intended on running a marathon. It wasn't until June (after I started listening to podcasts regularly), that I stumbled upon the Not Real Runners Podcast and after 5 weeks of listening I decided 'Why not?' It was them talking about the Little Rock Marathon in the first episode 34 (the one from July 11th) that put it in my mind that I wanted to complete a marathon.

I use the run/walk method for my weekend long runs. I don't have a nifty watch that tells me when to run and when to walk so I rely on the ZenLabs Marathon Trainer app. In the app it has daily training prompts, including short runs (45 - 60 minutes), cross training sessions, rest days, and long runs. The long run days are the only ones I use. In particular, I am using Week 11 Day 6 for runs less than 11 miles and Week 20 Day 7 for all above 11 miles. Week 11 does 23 repetitions of run 4 mins, walk 2 minutes. Week 20 does 52 repetitions of run 4 mins, walk 1 minute.

5k Costume?

As of now, 4 ish months before my Marathon weekend, I am thinking of doing a plague skeleton for my 5k costume and a Monty Python Spanish Inquisition themed outfit for my Marathon 'costume' (red shirt, red bottoms, running with a cross, and the hat).

Clif Energy Gel Reviews: I got the multi pack from Amazon so I could try out a bunch of different flavors. (1) Chocolate Cherry w/caffeine: 10/22, not bad, but a little too heavy on the chocolate taste, could have used more cherry flavor. But to be fair, I am not a chocolate fan.

Marathon Costume?

Post #24: 13 by Halloween - October Project Pan FINALE

This is my 13 by Halloween Project Pan finale. As of October 31st:

1. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD foundation, sample packet. I am considering purchasing a full size of this product - two uses and done 10/04/17

2. Clinique Foundation Sample, small vial. It had good coverage, but wasn't the best for oil control, but in Clinique's defense this was an old sample - 10.5 uses and done 10/18/17

3. Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner NOT done by 10/31

4. It Cosmetics Hello Lashes! - eh, not my favorite formula of mascara, but I gave it a fair test. done 10/21/17

5. Theorie Marula Oil Hair Serum - deluxe sample from ipsy. Definitely not interested in purchasing a full size, the benefits weren't that noticeable - 12 uses and done 10/14/17

6. GlamGlow GlowStarter - Nude Glow illuminating moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora (note: illuminating is right! I was so shiny after using it) Does not shine through my foundation. roughly 16 uses and done 10/25/17

7. Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream - deluxe sample from Sephora. I think, depending on the price I would consider purchasing a full size of this. It was light and hydrating - 2 weeks of use (twice a day) and done 10/14/17

8. GlamGlow Volcasmic matte glow moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora - so thick and pasty, I am not sure if I am a fan... so after the first few uses I started scooping it out with my pallet knife and rubbing it in my hands before applying it to my face/neck. That helped but it was still more greasy feeling than I would like for under my makeup. I would only use it as a night cream or on days I don't wear makeup if I were to repurchase - 7 uses and done 10/17/17

9. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - sample from Sephora - I didn't like or dislike this product, won't be purchasing - 2 uses and done 10/18/17

10. Mud Masky purifying recovery mask - deluxe sample from ipsy - I liked the exfoliation of this mask, but I am not really a face mask person. Though for reference, using it before showering I found was the best, that way you didn't miss washing off any of the product. 6 uses and done 10/28/17

11. Avene Mattifying toner - deluxe sample from ipsy - I don't think I noticed anything caused/helped by the toner, but I am going to keep using toner moving forward (I bought Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner) - roughly 34 uses and done 10/17/17

12. Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil, Cruella - deluxe sample from Sephora. I already have a full size of this, so I will continue working through this sample [you will see it again in another project pan] (Birthday gift 2015). Still a great color and I love the lasting power. It is drying on the lips by the end of the day. I consider myself to have a high tolerance to lip discomfort so it doesn't bother me. (The discomfort sets in after 6-8 hours of wear.) NOT done by 10/31

13. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N9. I started pairing this color with my Nabi lip liner in Mahogany to give it more 'oomph' which I will continue doing until I finish. NOT done by 10/31

Pictures of lipstick levels.

 


See my 13 by Halloween FINALE video.

Post #23: 13 by Halloween - October Project Pan UPDATE (halfway point)

This is my 13 by Halloween Project Pan halfway update. As of October 15th:

1. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD foundation, sample packet - two uses and I am thinking about purchasing a full size of this product, done 10/04/17
2. Clinique Foundation Sample, small vial (8 on 15th)
3. Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner
4. It Cosmetics Hello Lashes!
5. Theorie Marula Oil Hair Serum - deluxe sample from ipsy - 12 uses and I won't be purchasing a full size version of this product, done 10/14/17
6. GlamGlow GlowStarter - Nude Glow illuminating moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora (note: illuminating is right! I was so shiny after using it)
7. Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream - deluxe sample from Sephora - 2 weeks of use (twice a day) and depending on price I would consider purchasing a full size product, done 10/14/17
8. GlamGlow Volcasmic matte glow moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora - so thick and pasty, I am not sure if I am a fan...
9. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - deluxe sample from Sephora
10. Mud Masky purifying recovery mask - deluxe sample from ipsy (2 on 13th)
11. Avene Mattifying toner - deluxe sample from ipsy
12. Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil, Cruella - deluxe sample from Sephora (Birthday gift 2015)
13. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N9

Pictures of lipstick levels here.

 

See my 13 by Halloween UPDATE video.

Post #22 13 by Halloween - October Project Pan INTRO

So my first attempt at a Project Pan did help. I decluttered, threw out, a bunch of old foundation and other makeup, stuff that needed to go. This 13 by Halloween Project Pan will be all sample sizes, so I should be able to get through them.

1. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD foundation, sample packet
2. Clinique Foundation Sample, small vial
3. Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner
4. It Cosmetics Hello Lashes!
5. Theorie Marula Oil Hair Serum - deluxe sample from ipsy
6. GlamGlow GlowStarter - Nude Glow illuminating moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora
7. Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream - deluxe sample from Sephora
8. GlamGlow Volcasmic matte glow moisturizer - deluxe sample from Sephora
9. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - deluxe sample from Sephora
10. Mud Masky purifying recovery mask - deluxe sample from ipsy
11. Avene Mattifying toner - deluxe sample from ipsy
12. Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil, Cruella - deluxe sample from Sephora (Birthday gift 2015)
13. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N9

Nars lip pencil starting picture

Make Up For Ever starting picture

See my 13 by Halloween Project Pan INTRO video.

Post #13 February Summary - March Goals

Straight from my January Summary:

Stuff I am hoping to finish in February:

1. Sew my first dress (will also be in the February sewing blog)
2. An alien makeup inspired by a deep sea creature

3. Chapter 2 of Gurnett and Bhattacharjee

4. Submit my first first-author paper

5. Have my thesis proposal mostly done.
6. Finish the C210k Trainer

I did complete my first dress as you have seen in post #11.

Also, I did attempt to create an alien inspired by an angler fish, post #12, albeit nearly a week late.

I have been slacking on the plasma textbook. I only completed up to the section I posted on earlier this months: post #10.

I have not submitted my paper yet...

I still have no real thought on my thesis proposal...

Technically, I have not finished the C210k Trainer, instead I have started the marathon trainer by Zen Labs. I am not doing this because I aspire to run a marathon, I am running off the adage "Go big or go home," pun intended. I ran outside during the beautiful weather we had last week, and failed miserably, so instead of trying to continue with the free version of C210k, I would just do the one time payment of the marathon trainer and be good to go until I can run on my own for any distance. So who knows, six months from now, maybe I will be capable of running 26.2 miles. (Don't worry if you laughed, I am laughing, and anyone who knows me would laugh. I am not a marathon runner, I like pizza entirely too much. Though if I do make it, this whole section will be fun to read, and make a great part of my Success Story.)

So 2 out of 6 goals completed... eh. Here's to a successful March:

Stuff I am hoping to finish in March:

1. Sew a vest, some beach apparel, and my Tea Party dress

2. An angel/devil makeup inspired by a good/bad personality trait

3. Chapter 2 of Gurnett and Bhattacharjee

4. Submit my first first-author paper

5. Have my thesis proposal done.

6. Finish weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Marathon Trainer

Post #11 So turns out I am not particularly patient (Hobby No. 1)

So I did only a couple sewing projects over the past month. The first one being my very first circle skirt, which turned out alright for a first project. Next I tackled sewing a full dress, complete with sleeves, which also turned out alright. I have a lot of progress to make before Halloween.

My first circle skirt. 

I started by cutting out a pattern from some package wrapping paper. I chose to make my skirt 24" long to ensure that it would reach my knees. I used my pattern on the folded fabric, and cut out a half circle. I repeated that process twice, and it resulted in two half circles. The picture below was after I sewed the two pieces together. 

 After hemming all the edges on the bottom of the skirt I started to tackle to waist. I decided to put in a zipper, which I pulled from another dress that didn't fit very well. After frankenstein-ing the zipper in, I decided I needed a waistband. Using the same fabric I used for the straps on my New Years Eve dress, I made a waistband that was about two inches thick, and attached that. My last step was to add a couple eye hooks to close the waistband. And voila! My first circle skirt.

Please disregard the cat, Hatter is obsessed with the bathroom (other cat owners can commiserate, I am sure).

 

It ended up fitting better after the first wash, although I should extend my ironing skills to the pre-wear time. Heck, my ironing skills need work too, I burned myself while working on this skirt.

Amount Spent: ~$17

My first dress

To be honest, I sewed this dress last night because I knew I was going to be posting this blog today. I started by using my circle skirt pattern to cut the skirt, but this time I folded the fabric so I ended up with one piece instead of the two I cut out for the first skirt. 

I then used one of my existing dresses to cut out the bodice, and finally I used some sleeves that I had from another hack job that I used for my sleeve pattern. I am kind of impressed with myself.

When walking into Joann's to buy the fabric, I didn't realize I was going to end up with Syracuse colors, oh well (Go 'Cuse!). What was good about this project is that I got to play with different stitched and different materials. FYI: The knit fabric I chose was so slick, it was kind of hard to work with. I will have to keep that in mind for my next outfit. 

Amount Spent: ~$25

As I mentioned in my title, as I was sewing last night I realized that I am a "measure once, cut once, sew once" kind of person. I don't take extra time to make sure everything is the way it should be. This is something I need to work on. Luckily, both my hobbies are situated where I am able to practice patience. I am not sure what my next sewing project will be, probably my dress for the Third Annual Tea Party. I do know that April's post will be beach-y!

Post #8 I'm no Ve Neill, SFX makeup (Hobby No. 2)

Blog 1.3 - Suzanne's FaceOff projects

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to complete at least one makeup look a month, but turns out I made this a weekly adventure. This will be a three part blog, with lots of picture, and a decent amount of words.
#1 Old age make up. (01/07)
#2 Mudblood cut from Harry Potter (01/14)
#3 Adventures in Contouring - is it really worth the effort? (01/21)

Stage Makeup: Mehron's old age makeup. 

Why an old age makeup? 

1) My sister got me a kit from Mehron for old age makeup.

2) It will give me a chance to work on contouring. 

3) It's a fairly basic makeup that I should master.

So on Christmas I decided that an old age makeup would be my makeup look for January. I bought a wig (that I am hoping to reuse for a cosplay I might do just for fun in the month of February), and I have started a Pinterest board to give me some inspiration. I also rewatched a video from one of my favorite YouTube makeup artists (MadeYewLook). She is amazing!

Without further ado, the before and after, plus some of the funny faces I made to get my wrinkles:

Before: 27 (almost 28)

After: older than 27

So I feel like I look like Alan Rickman in this one

After doing this I realized I have less wrinkles on my forehead than other people, the wrinkles there are called 'worry lines'. I guess I don't worry as much as others. Hakuna Matata.

Also, this Mehron kit is definitely more suited to create a STAGE old age makeup. It gets the point across from a distance, but up close it doesn't look very realistic. I think I will try again with a different color to enhance my wrinkles. 

Special Effects makeup: Playing with scar wax.

My sister got me more scar wax and a spatula for Christmas too. Here is a good way for me to practice my fake cut making. Below is my homage to JK Rowling's Hermione.

Materials: Graftobian scar wax, Graftobian stage blood, Nars foundation, Ben Nye bruise wheel, vaseline, setting powder, red cream paint, spirit gum.

Beauty makeup: Smashbox Light Effects pallet (aka adventures in contouring)

About 2 months ago I thought I would play with contouring, to see if it was worth the effort. Contouring refers to the makeup technique that alters the appearance of your face (skinnier nose, more defined cheek bones, slimmer face, etc.) just using makeup. There are people in the world that do this on a daily basis. I truly believe that it is too much makeup on my face for daily wear.
Sure I don't leave the house without makeup on, but this is too much for me but, I suppose, I can see how someone would want to put their best face forward.
Below are the before and after... I'll stick to MY everyday.

A word to the wise: this much makeup on one's face has had some not so cool side effects. My makeup free face looks more 18 than 28. The contour and highlight makeups made me break out!!!

Left: No contouring, Right: Contouring

FaceOff on SyFy starts tonight at 9pm, you all should tune in!!

Post #7 Introduction to Sewing (Hobby No. 1)

Blog post 1.2 of 2017, my first stitch fix. 

Outline:
1) Introduction to my Sewing Machine
2) Altering my NYE dress

So this was my big Christmas gift this year. I am so excited. I am hoping to change my sporadic sewing into a real hobby. So far I have completed one project, but I am getting ahead of myself. This is the Singer Simple 3221 sewing machine. It is a simple little thing. Does about 12-15 stitched and includes a button hole foot, which is pretty awesome.

I was able to set it up pretty easily. I had two big issues when starting. 1) setting up the bottom thread, but now that I was able to get it it is easy. 2) starting to sew, turns out having the tension set at 4 is too high, I moved it down to 2 and now it's okay.

The first project I did was sew some straps for my NYE dress.





NYE Dress - Stitch Fix #1

Before - fat arms

Before - as high as I could lift my arm

So I got this dress at Francesca's on New Year's Eve eve (December 30th) because the dress I had bought from Lord & Taylor on December 27th wasn't going to be delivered in time (womp womp). But lemonade out of lemons. This dress was cute and fit me well, except for one huge issue, my arms. It was a structured off the shoulder dress, and my upper arms are fat, and did not look good at all. Not to mention I could not even lift my arms past my waist, there go my killer dance moves. But, as I stood there in the dress, knowing it wasn't going to work, and my sister saying how cute it was otherwise, I thought about what might happen if I tucked in the straps (I did that with the halter straps on my prom dress, why shouldn't I be able to do that with this one?). Well that didn't work 100% but it did give my sister and I the idea that I could alter the dress myself after purchasing it. So, I psyched myself up with a pep talk (You can do this, you are crafty enough!), and I bought it (plus another dress that I didn't have to alter).
So I got home that evening, and after doing some quick hand stitching on my sister's gala outfit, I set to work on my dress.

First Step was to take some really unflattering pictures of how bad the structured off the shoulder sleeves looked on me. I mean, if I stood a certain way and didn't move at all, it didn't look too bad, but I was going to a Gala, where I was going to dance, drink, and socialize with friends & strangers, I needed the ability to move.

Step 1.5: Setting up my sewing machine. I wanted to use my new favorite toy to help me with this project to I took the time to wind my bobbin and tread my upper and lower threads.

Second Step: I needed to psych myself up again, because the second step was the hardest. I needed to CUT the dress I just paid money for, and not thrift store money, (but not Lord & Taylor money either, it was <$40), but still. So I did it, I cut the straps.

Third Step involved me securing the remnants of the sleeves. I was going to do a quick straight stitch on the end of the cut strap with my sewing machine, but I failed miserably at my first sewing attempt (caused by having the tension set too high - see above). So instead of risking the dress I decided to hand sew the remnants into place. Repeat for all four areas that had remnants. One good thing about hand sewing this part is that I was able to keep the stitches in the black of the dress pattern so you couldn't see where I had stitched.

Step 3.5: Run to Joann's Fabrics to get fabric to make into straps because after cutting the straps off this dress it turned out that strapless was not going to work.

After - looks so much better

Fourth Step had me using my sewing machine correctly and I made straps!! Albeit they are slightly uneven, but hey, they worked.

After - right before the gala

Fifth Step, hand sew straps into place - breaking a pin in the process...

Overall I am very pleased with it:





I had a great time at the Gala, and it was a good start to my 2017.
I had planned to add a second project I am working on, but this post was already a bit wordy so I will have to save that for my February Stitch Fix post.

Let me add this; January projects -
~ My first Circle Skirt
~ lengthening a dress
~ shortening a dress