tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13092665084062348162024-03-05T15:05:26.377-08:00Prairie StepsRelax, Explore, Create.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-19911356362050487292016-02-23T13:36:00.002-08:002016-02-23T13:36:22.159-08:00Redirect To New WebsiteThank you for viewing this page. I am now redirecting to <a href="http://www.prairiesteps.com/">www.prairiesteps.com</a>. Please click on the link and come join the adventure!Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-9950341995231729872016-02-17T09:24:00.003-08:002016-02-17T09:25:46.838-08:00Ahhhh...Isn't Art So Relaxing?<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wouldn't call myself a "colorist," really, but I've been into drawing and painting pretty much my whole life. It has always been a part of who I am. So I totally understand why people have turned to "adult coloring," doodling, etc. in the last couple years as a way to escape the pressure and stress of societies demands. However, I have a hard time thinking of the actual process of producing any art as truly being "relaxing." </div>
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Producing art can present you with loads of stressful situations. As in the cartoon I sketched below, the pencil lead can keep snapping, the sharpener might not work, you can spill coffee on your work, accidentally color outside the lines... It can be quite stressful, actually! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb64MLc6RO7LgHO1k6TGlKeoV1F6_njfWPvGrzuFrA_6ug07JdF9DjPJjXdU12ELEKQoeo34khyphenhyphenc0fHPIKQYf5TTqvDSKYJQyY4HkghCfiqlo0qcWj2dqhQ_BF6P6NnH4ZWgjLoJ1TymT/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb64MLc6RO7LgHO1k6TGlKeoV1F6_njfWPvGrzuFrA_6ug07JdF9DjPJjXdU12ELEKQoeo34khyphenhyphenc0fHPIKQYf5TTqvDSKYJQyY4HkghCfiqlo0qcWj2dqhQ_BF6P6NnH4ZWgjLoJ1TymT/s640/001.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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But I guess it isn't the process that is actually the most beneficial part of producing art. It is the feeling you get when your work is complete and actually looks halfway decent. I have learned over the years not to crumple up my paper and throw it across the room when I'm frustrated. If I stick with it and adapt to my mistakes, the final product can still come out okay. I have found this to be the case with running ultras as well. If you keep pressing on past the "lows" and keep doing all you know how to do, eventually you will reach the "highs" and eventually the race will be over. In fact, this is true of life in general. Keep pressing forward and make the best you can out of the mistakes of your past. </div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-45329252613862017682016-02-13T18:31:00.002-08:002016-02-13T19:12:31.287-08:00Art Inspiration<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought it would be fun to show a few pictures I have snapped from the trails that were loosely used</div>
to inspire some of my artwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyGZKWTRCdl0czD3oTgT_RwDZxGVZMm223S8aOdz3oCr_9VXQ-F9Ui6_o81FSd9dA1jCvN4EioMaKrC2UOiNqKAWGTLcweeg154LSli0HNXpBHwud1UkRgeGvob1D7SMu8TxdGQhCHOuE/s1600/ps+art+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyGZKWTRCdl0czD3oTgT_RwDZxGVZMm223S8aOdz3oCr_9VXQ-F9Ui6_o81FSd9dA1jCvN4EioMaKrC2UOiNqKAWGTLcweeg154LSli0HNXpBHwud1UkRgeGvob1D7SMu8TxdGQhCHOuE/s1600/ps+art+inspiration.jpg" /></a></div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-35567694283046294792016-02-12T17:10:00.001-08:002016-02-12T17:40:21.029-08:00Why Are Grown-Ups Still Coloring?The other day we were at my wife's grandparent's house. While my wife played Yahtzee with Papaw, I found myself doodling on the back of an old scorecard with a ballpoint pen that was on the table. This has been my custom pretty much my whole life! All through school I doodled on my papers, books, and even on my desk... and don't get me started on everything I drew on and colored on at home, including my wall!<br />
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Papaw was intrigued at my doodles and asked if I could draw an eagle. While I drew him an eagle (picture below), my wife told him I was in the process of making an "adult coloring book." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx_fiB_epbqneMGuZa0LnHv8QQ3ezT_D4OpyLP72a8iBhlARzetn02p4Wz90nizx4ni4EDfuwhhFZ9wbl2m159XlKwsvT_SvoVdgP4E3802jY8L3gxBX24XGgCsNXzwEs1gNEWh9hBOBf/s1600/eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx_fiB_epbqneMGuZa0LnHv8QQ3ezT_D4OpyLP72a8iBhlARzetn02p4Wz90nizx4ni4EDfuwhhFZ9wbl2m159XlKwsvT_SvoVdgP4E3802jY8L3gxBX24XGgCsNXzwEs1gNEWh9hBOBf/s320/eagle.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Now before I go on, I should point out that I've been hesitant to use the term "adult coloring book" for a few reasons. First of all it sounds dirty! Secondly, I invite all ages to color my book when I am done (if I ever get done). And the third reason is... well, keep reading.</div>
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Upon hearing the term "adult coloring book," Papaw immediately started to laugh out loud. He said "I can just see them at the nursing home with their crayons!" </div>
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I chuckled too, though a little embarrassed. </div>
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He proceeded, "Do they do Color By Number, too?" </div>
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Little did he know, last year was a booming year for illustrators. Adult coloring books were at the very top of Amazon's best sellers. Johanna Basford's <em>Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book </em>was off the charts<em>. </em>"Zen" doodles, mandala, and "Sharpie art" had become (and still are) more popular than anyone could have predicted. When I first became privy to the popularity of this hobby, I thought of all the doodles I had thrown away over the years and how I could have turned them into coloring books. I'm not going to lie, the more I thought about it the more I saw dollar signs. I've been working on a book ever since (and have found out just how difficult it is to produce a decent amount of good, quality illustrations that people will want to color).</div>
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So why is it so popular? I can give only a few theories:</div>
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1. Coloring brings back fond childhood memories</div>
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Because of the fact that I am trying to produce a coloring book, I joined a Facebook group called "Adult Coloring Worldwide." I decided to take a little survey on how many in the group colored as a child and how many started later in life. There were certainly many who jumped on the bandwagon later in life and got addicted, but overwhelmingly the members of that group loved coloring as a child. Some continued drawing and coloring their whole life (I'm sort of in that category...even though I am one of the few men in the group), and others got away from it in their high school years only to pick it up again years later. It makes perfect sense that we want to return to something we loved as a child. For many of us it was like a security blanket. It was calming and relaxing. It helped us focus. It was like... coffee!</div>
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2. Coloring truly is therapeutic </div>
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I can't explain it, and I'm not sure there has been much by way of scientific research, but many people have found coloring to be a release. Got stress? Go color. Got anxiety? Go color. Suffer with ADHD? Many are finding coloring to be helpful.</div>
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Now, I'm not going to say whether it is right or wrong for adults to turn to coloring for these issues. Certainly, getting exercise (perhaps going for a hike) and eating a better diet can help. As a guy in ministry, I think one's spirituality must not be neglected either. I turn to my faith in Christ for EVERY issue I go through...but I'll save that for another post. But I can't think of any reason this hobby should be discouraged (unless of course you have no social life and don't get a thing done all day because you have 5,000 coloring books that need you... but, you know, that is a chance you take at just about any hobby!)</div>
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3. Coloring is good, old-fashioned fun!</div>
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<span class=" " id="yui_3_10_0_1_1455322949995_189">Look, we are American! What else are you going to do? Play video games? Watch movies? Play Yahtzee?!!!</span></div>
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<span class=" "> I'd rather draw. And if you would rather color, be my guest...just don't forget to buy my coloring book when it comes out! </span></div>
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<span class=" ">(Follow the progress on my coloring book project by following this <a href="http://prairiesteps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, subscribing to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC48uyRefESZjYCYUTt1sHcA" target="_blank">Youtube</a> channel, and following me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prairie_steps/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairiesteps" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Thanks!)</span></div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-43336510209218397432016-02-09T06:39:00.000-08:002016-02-09T06:40:05.843-08:00Update on Coloring Book Project - Weeks 1-5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qAlfZRf9LWA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qAlfZRf9LWA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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So, here is where I am so far. It has been quite a challenge to go from years of doodling on scrap paper (doodles that I would throw away after finishing) to producing artwork that I am scanning into the computer and trying to get formatted for publication. It has been quite an experience already, and I'm only half way done.</div>
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I'm thrilled to have many complements on my artwork, it certainly helps motivate me to keep going...but there is a huge difference in people admiring my work and people being willing to purchase a book of digital prints of my work. I feel like I'm annoying people with all my posts of my works in progress, but I feel like it is the most effective way to raise awareness of my work for future sales? That is truly going to be the most difficult part of this project...marketing! I'm up for some suggestions in this area!</div>
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I have made a few pdf files available for download at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieSteps">https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieSteps</a>, and will be adding more work in the upcoming weeks. Currently, each file is $1.75 (buyer will be able to print as many copies as they wish of that purchased file). This obviously isn't intended to bring in a lot of profits, but I'm hoping it will help to promote the work, and perhaps it can be better appreciated in a tangible form.</div>
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I am also happy to send people a free file of certain pieces if they will color them and share on social media to help me promote the work. Let me know if you are interested.</div>
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Thanks again for those who have been following this project, and for all the kind words.</div>
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Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-81629523347481482852016-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:002016-01-29T11:31:23.175-08:00Update on Prairie Steps Coloring book Project (Week 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm making some pretty good progress on the book. It feels like it has been several months since I started this project, but I'm actually still in the first month. I had hoped I'd be close to done by now, but now, looking at all that goes into such a project, and being determined to put out some good quality artwork, I'd say it will probably still take another couple months to make all the art...let alone getting it digitized, edited, formatted, and published. <br />
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I'm always so eager to complete a project I'm on because if I don't get it done pretty quickly, I am likely to move on to something else. I have no intention of giving up on this project, but I have seen that personality trait popping up in the creation of my artwork. I'm good to get about two pieces done in one particular style before trying something different. At first I was afraid I had several different coloring books going on at the same time, but now I think a conglomeration of styles combined into one book will work just fine. That is pretty representative of my personality, so since the book is primarily tied to a blog about my outdoor adventures running, hiking, etc. it seems fitting that it should be a good representation of what is inside my head.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-34092663976980299662016-01-25T07:40:00.002-08:002016-01-25T07:47:40.918-08:00The Trail, My Mistress?This morning, after a few weeks of not going out much and certainly not training like I intended to, I tried to go for a speed hike. And it was kind of creepy, but it was like the trail took on a personality...and it was NOT happy with me for some reason. The snow had melted and the trail was now muddy, so muddy it seemed to be spitting at me. Then it tried to suck my shoes right off of my feet. After fighting it awhile, I swear a tree branch reached out and slapped me across the face. On purpose! <br />
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I began to think about my wife's reference of the trail as my "mistress" (It calls me early in the morning and says "Come to me, I've been waiting for you." It attracts me and seduces me with its beauty. I run away to it for hours at a time for my own personal pleasure... Ok, I'm starting to feel guilty). I suddenly began to see the trail this morning as a nagging woman who was mad at me for neglecting her for so long. She was certainly unhappy to see me! She was refusing to let me have an enjoyable time this morning! So, I quit. I decided to go home to my wife (well, right after I wrote this blog post...perhaps writing is yet another mistress...)<br />
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In all seriousness though, sometimes the trail does seem to be alive. When I go for a run or a hike on the trail I like the solitude. I like to be alone. But occasionally I get the feeling I am not. In many ways it is alive if you think about it. There are little bugs and animals everywhere that have eyes that seem to be watching. The grass, trees, and plants are actually alive and growing, right? And they are said to respond to music and noise. Sometimes I get the feeling the trail is listening to me when I sing.<br />
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I deliberately sing and talk to the Lord on the trail sometimes, but I'm not one of those guys that equates God with "Mother Nature." I believe Nature is simply a system God created. However, once I seriously pondered the thought that maybe God sees and hears us specifically through the nature He has created, and that in fact He does see us and hear us through the eyes and ears of other people and animals. Probably just a crazy thought of mine, but perhaps it is something to think about. Next time you think you are alone but don't feel alone, remember that you actually aren't. Go ahead and speak. Let yourself be heard. And think about Who you are talking to. <br />
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"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:<br />
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." -Romans 1:20, 21Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-27318020155273215452016-01-23T17:19:00.003-08:002016-01-23T17:27:02.933-08:00Progress on Coloring Book Project - Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a long, busy week full of mixed emotions as we buried my wife's grandmother. She was a faithful, godly, hard-working woman. She will be missed, but is in a much better place now, with Jesus her Savior. As always, you never know how much a person meant to you until they are gone. <br />
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Anyway, the family was down this week, and we spent a lot of time together (comforting, reminiscing, and fellowshipping). The preparations for the funeral, extra time spent with family; along with the regular, daily duties to perform, made it a little difficult to get a large amount of artwork done this week. However, I was able to get a few pieces done, and looking back I'm a little surprised to see they were such time-consuming pieces (I worked a lot of late nights). <br />
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Along with the work shown in this video, I have the beginning of another piece and several ideas for more to come. I anticipate that next week will be a profitable week in terms of getting work done on the coloring book project. Thanks for following, and I'm looking forward to posting more next week!Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-79936096685876624112016-01-15T10:13:00.001-08:002016-01-15T10:14:34.165-08:00Progress on Coloring Book Project - Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another fair week for producing some artwork. I may get some done over the weekend, but probably won't share much, so I decided to post this today. </div>
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I'm still enjoying it, which is good! I've been a little concerned that it will become a "job" and I will dread doing it each night. However, last night I wasn't "feeling it," and so I quit and went to bed. I think it is the first night I haven't produced anything since I started the project, but I'll make up for it next week, Lord willing. </div>
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Thanks for following, I hope you enjoy it!</div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-1257127879830135872016-01-09T14:12:00.002-08:002016-01-09T14:16:57.803-08:00Progress on Coloring Book Project - Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, it was a pretty good week in terms of producing artwork. Unfortunately I didn't do much running or hiking, but this was a good week to substitute that for art. First of all, I was recovering last week from being unusually sick with whatever everyone in our family and in our church has been passing around. Secondly, it has been pretty icy out (I've got pretty bad experience with running on ice!). So, I was able to fill a couple hours each morning and each night with producing artwork. I don't know how much it will suffer once I get back to running, but I plan on posting my weekly progress on this project (with a similar video for each week). Thanks for following. Have a good Lord's Day tomorrow!Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-12773985595461271412016-01-08T08:28:00.001-08:002016-02-10T09:28:04.572-08:00Free Coloring Calendar Download<br />
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Feel free to print and color the following picture! Just right click and go to "print picture."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMROvJtaemEJXP5UBCVPtp_aXDBD3QPoj-ADfoXGvS35ZexIyyJ2DaHpLYKgwLKB7nO3emONLxHfrQ8Ky8dfL4Qbyj48-e-E1TtpaK-VCQ30pXcZgPObhnlhzF68aS5QQTl8OFEkNa-89p/s1600/ps+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU-uM3Qs-1DcOE5OUZc_UmXlK11wKlU040OuF1-b9w551DcMqOA2z-XVc-65jrjOFeYXu3PIF4bUsZitJGW62LIfsqz52mWS-Rz9miyMmwowiGnNjAJ_PB7DHsQbQ-K5Dw7TqYMak3u5r/s1600/Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Here is how I colored it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgDm-4336VDS4USg3G9yuOTrbnS7GTGjTGSP9qhxe3Sh8UoCiWUNKK88WTYNRyQLwz9qzsRGykSZ4M1QzFJ7H1xFzGOyQ5hncezkWx4EIlVz9teC_KOguivR4Tu4jcdkMfkfTbPZYp-Lg/s1600/ps+calendar2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgDm-4336VDS4USg3G9yuOTrbnS7GTGjTGSP9qhxe3Sh8UoCiWUNKK88WTYNRyQLwz9qzsRGykSZ4M1QzFJ7H1xFzGOyQ5hncezkWx4EIlVz9teC_KOguivR4Tu4jcdkMfkfTbPZYp-Lg/s640/ps+calendar2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stay posted for more artwork and updates on the progress of my upcoming Prairie Steps coloring book.<br />
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Thanks! And if anyone colors this calendar, I'd love to see the final product.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-28587599144735568682016-01-07T13:41:00.003-08:002016-01-07T14:13:29.652-08:00Relax, Explore, Create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so once again I find my little ADD brain scattered in way too many directions. I always get to this place, and then I have to evaluate, eliminate, and organize a little bit. So here it is: <br />
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I have summarized what Prairie Steps means to me with these three words--"Relax," "Explore," and "Create." I find trails, running and hiking, and art all to be relaxing. I love to explore and find new adventures. And "creativity" defines who I am in many ways. Prairie Steps has been allowing me the opportunity to do the things I love to do, whenever time allows. <br />
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So, every time I can I am grateful to share these things with others who find any type of inspiration or pleasure from my little adventures or my artwork. Please share this blog with anyone you think would enjoy. Thanks.<br />
<br />Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-63070033545398025252016-01-05T07:39:00.002-08:002016-01-05T07:40:12.298-08:00Update on Coloring Book Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w-UQcv8g11ymscZd52IGZpRU2sGTt_juXEOIRb3EOrG8fBvazOymqFSK8xRfnqCA4fSyCRMGhlDyA1_7FGedTg-kFAz_Mv6TuBNPX18bEUlHDMWH73g1-7oOhkNTIB-E3S2zHQtLhsLd/s1600/Coloring+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w-UQcv8g11ymscZd52IGZpRU2sGTt_juXEOIRb3EOrG8fBvazOymqFSK8xRfnqCA4fSyCRMGhlDyA1_7FGedTg-kFAz_Mv6TuBNPX18bEUlHDMWH73g1-7oOhkNTIB-E3S2zHQtLhsLd/s640/Coloring+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I was super happy with the encouragement I got after I shared my newest "little project" on social media. Not every "project" I feel compelled to take on generates a whole lot of interest. And, actually, that doesn't usually stop me from going through with said projects anyway. Even when these endeavors seem to be a waste of time to others, I learn from them, I grow from them, and they help define who I am. And when I feel like I am done, I move on to something else I'm inspired to do (God allowing).<br />
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But this one generated not only an influx of encouraging support, but more of a "No, seriously. You need to do this!" type of response. So, I have definitely decided to move forward with this, but I may need some help. I've already had some great suggestions on how I might be able to utilize this artwork. Thanks, and keep the ideas coming! But my biggest obstacle right now is the fact that I don't know the first thing about getting something published, produced, and marketed. If anyone can help with some suggestions or resources on this subject, I'd really appreciate it.<br />
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I'll do a little research and try to give an update next week (I have to move slow because I only have so much time in a week that I can set aside for my "little projects" along with Ministry, side jobs, and hanging out with my family). <br />
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Thanks again for the support and encouragement!Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-9775663020923957432015-12-22T14:29:00.001-08:002015-12-22T14:38:54.620-08:00Episode 2 of "Footprints on the Kansas Trails." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm excited to finish compiling enough clips to make another short film. I mentioned this one briefly in my last post, <a href="http://prairiesteps.blogspot.com/2015/12/cant-leave-out-creek-side.html" target="_blank">"Can't Leave Out the Creek Side!"</a> This one took me about three sessions (I lost all clips I took on the second session). I'm still only using a cellphone and Windows Live Movie Maker, so again I apologize for the quality of the video. But I'm learning. And hopefully I will eventually get to the point of purchasing some equipment...we shall see.<br />
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In the meantime, I hope this gives a little taste of what this trail is like.<br />
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About the music: <br />
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I'm actually still in the process of getting permission to use this song from Southern Raised. If you end up watching this video with no music, I guess I didn't get permission. I'm pretty sure they won't mind me sharing their song since I'm not profiting off of it, it promotes their music...and (in this particular song) it really gives the Gospel message. Either way, I appreciate the song and for some reason felt like it fit.<br />
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Thanks for following.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-90851230605151667792015-12-17T12:12:00.001-08:002015-12-18T00:37:25.822-08:00Can't Leave Out the Creek Side!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was out on the trail this morning, going for a hike. It's starting to feel like December now. I didn't originally plan on it, but couldn't help but to take several more shots of the trail in hopes of using some of them to put together episode 2 of "Footprints on the Kansas Trails." Everything was just so peaceful and beautiful this morning, I wanted to try to capture it. <br />
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There are so many other Kansas trails I have found in researching for this project, but there is this section of the Lehigh Portland Trail that was not featured in the first video, and I want everyone to be able to see it. It is on the creek side (I think it is Rock Creek) of the trail. It is only about a mile, but I wanted to treat this part of the trail separately. <br />
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I'm looking forward to putting this video out, but there will have to be at least one more session before I get all the shots I want to have. The video quality will still be pretty poor, because I'm still just using my cellphone, but I think it will capture the essence of hiking on this portion of the Lehigh Portland Trails. It should be obvious why I wanted to treat it separate from the other video. Keep following to see the progress. Thanks.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-91019753737997217602015-12-12T21:26:00.002-08:002015-12-15T17:04:01.301-08:00Introducing the "Footprints on the Kansas Trails" Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a long spell of putting this blog on the side burner, I recently made the decision to take it in a different direction. There is a vision I have had ever since I first changed the name of the blog to "Prairie Steps" about 4 years ago, but I haven't taken any steps toward making the vision a reality...until now.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Footprints on the Kansas Trails Project - Film #1 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Running on the Lehigh Portland Trails"</span></div>
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First, if you don't know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rocky, I am currently a youth minister/pastor's assistant at Iola Baptist Temple in Iola Kansas. I run. But honestly, I don't know if I can really identify as "a runner." I love the outdoors, I love challenges...I love adventure. I like running, but I'm just as satisfied with a nice brisk hike through the woods, a canoe trip down a river, or even sleeping under the stars next to the nice, cozy flame of a campfire. When I do run, I run at my own pace. I'm not fast. And I walk when I get tired.<br />
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So, it seems like quite a stretch for me to try to inspire anyone to become "a runner." No one is going to read my blog or watch a video clip of me running in order to pick up pointers on how they can shave time off of their next 5K or half-marathon (I might be able to help a little, simply from experience and reading lots of material on running). And, even though I enter into ultra distance races because I love the challenge, I can't give much advice on ultramarathons either. <br />
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Mostly, I just like the excuse to get out in nature, get some exercise, suck in all the oxygen off of the evergreens, listen to the rhythm of my footsteps and the singing of the birds. I like the opportunity to get alone with God, thank Him for His beautiful creation and for the opportunity to serve His Son Jesus with all my heart and all my soul. And in the process, I like to share it all with others.<br />
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That's what this vision is all about. I want an excuse to see all the trails that are near by, from the most popular trails, to the "best hidden secrets." I also want to be able to share them with others and encourage everyone to enjoy the benefits of getting out in nature. So, I began to dream a couple dreams. Who knows where they will take me, but while I'm waiting to see, let's just have some fun!<br />
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For now, I have absolutely no budget for this project. I can't afford very many days off to make videos and write stories of my adventures. I don't have any equipment except for a few free programs on my computer and a cellphone. I have nothing by way of sponsors or financial supporters... But as you can see, I'm still able to put a little bit together. So, I hope you will enjoy it. Please follow <a href="http://prairiesteps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a>, subscribe to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC48uyRefESZjYCYUTt1sHcA" target="_blank">YouTube page</a>, and like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairiesteps" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> if you are interested in seeing the future of Prairie Steps. I have a lot of ideas, but I'm up for suggestions and any advice you can offer.<br />
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Thanks for reading. Remember, life is always an adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16fSxItJAmF9xslvv_gMdpCBOauOjIBeHDoq4kgs6QTfJdBJ6gnJNm6MA_wxowbwVMP-bKt6W9UKvdyh7UG27oMB-LUbJidUtTjfODfGDQkG92TJI6Ks2_xkpdMI3SAzrPBrDIjLjRTxx/s1600/prairiestepscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16fSxItJAmF9xslvv_gMdpCBOauOjIBeHDoq4kgs6QTfJdBJ6gnJNm6MA_wxowbwVMP-bKt6W9UKvdyh7UG27oMB-LUbJidUtTjfODfGDQkG92TJI6Ks2_xkpdMI3SAzrPBrDIjLjRTxx/s320/prairiestepscover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-4009924540481289032015-09-08T09:34:00.002-07:002015-12-18T00:50:44.127-08:00Lehigh Portland Trails--Just What I've Been Looking For!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVxM_Pt75gsgczzsPasnfEccXN-g2t7_5VdCTTd2xcNFxFQHbaxK9uu90DVWIj-T6qpyjyMG3hB-mDFn_KQDHwslGDs8eIC525raV6-pikGPMXBkSCBJrw-5Of0EQ_JyRAaBbhEaaftha/s1600/trail+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVxM_Pt75gsgczzsPasnfEccXN-g2t7_5VdCTTd2xcNFxFQHbaxK9uu90DVWIj-T6qpyjyMG3hB-mDFn_KQDHwslGDs8eIC525raV6-pikGPMXBkSCBJrw-5Of0EQ_JyRAaBbhEaaftha/s640/trail+head.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
When it comes to trails I like to train on, I've never asked for much. I just like a quiet, secluded place in nature with a decent path to run on. Amazingly, God's "nature" always supplies the beauty of the course, so I would say a relatively small amount of maintenance is actually required for a good running trail (not to overlook the hard work the volunteers put in to working the trails--I know they put in a lot--and I'm very appreciative of it).<br />
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Since I've been in Iola (about 5 years), I've looked for just the right place for training, as well as a place to just relax and enjoy God's nature. The Prairie Spirit trail (as well as the Southwind Trail) provides much of that. Being a "rail-trail," it gives trail runners a nice flat course to just "put in the miles" in a peaceful environment...but the technically challenging aspect of trail running is admittedly missing from the PST and the SWT. <br />
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A few months ago, however, I heard from a mountain biker about a trail he and some other volunteers had been working on that I might enjoy. I was eager to find it, but on my first search I had no luck. I had been waiting to find someone who could direct me there, but since no one I knew seemed to know about it, I decided to look again...and this time I drove right there. Boy was I pleasantly surprised at what I found!<br />
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As of this post, I'm still getting familiar with the course. I've been on it two times in as many days, and can get a good 4 miles or so in without getting lost, but sometime when I'm feeling a bit more adventurous, I might check out a few of the paths I've missed.<br />
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As much as I want to share this gem with others, I have to admit I really hope it doesn't become too popular. I know it's selfish of me, but I'd hate for it to lose its feel of being this "little hidden treasure" in the middle of small town Kansas. Kansas has some great trails, but this one is only a few miles from my house, and it is just what I've been waiting for to bump up my ultra training.<br />
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There will certainly be future posts about this trail, but for now, I'll just share a few pictures I took with my phone (sorry about the poor quality) to give you a feel of the course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZt6YT7mBbbbDoqOjeSnwzzOY4QrOuuEZnF38bUomWWZdKUTOJUS3Sm6vv9IkiXHwAaSHADOE1iLD08Oqsl073xul5GB5ugoKS8I8LhuFJZ2cSDz_KYojnm58QkvO4rfvoDECPviGHVux/s1600/trail+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZt6YT7mBbbbDoqOjeSnwzzOY4QrOuuEZnF38bUomWWZdKUTOJUS3Sm6vv9IkiXHwAaSHADOE1iLD08Oqsl073xul5GB5ugoKS8I8LhuFJZ2cSDz_KYojnm58QkvO4rfvoDECPviGHVux/s640/trail+beginning.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting from the east trail head, a wide (maybe 12'), gravel trail becomes a single-track path into the woods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeH8ssEP68noc1b7AhUpGwiM_2gMG7-j2mvJPCwADnn9xdcVnsqiAOmaUrwHzCRsp6M5NkeYYwAk_5H5iJ6GzwAeB6mOzokwXCZ7MZQmTv9qkwDdO-cvBvsWs3Ao6emmqPTyKWfujnA1g/s1600/trail+hard+or+easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeH8ssEP68noc1b7AhUpGwiM_2gMG7-j2mvJPCwADnn9xdcVnsqiAOmaUrwHzCRsp6M5NkeYYwAk_5H5iJ6GzwAeB6mOzokwXCZ7MZQmTv9qkwDdO-cvBvsWs3Ao6emmqPTyKWfujnA1g/s640/trail+hard+or+easy.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess which direction I chose?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5iKNEC0Y5cj1cAnNrspyAofAoAt4LW7oOaHOxQOzh7zfkFByeFgL2Vk88vbUyuUG3N54sDDggOKGA996U6gu3hN_ZnY1Uq5PKM0yd0e5olbU89j0_rBGY706yts7e30Pvm5RnTbHpuYR/s1600/trail+mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5iKNEC0Y5cj1cAnNrspyAofAoAt4LW7oOaHOxQOzh7zfkFByeFgL2Vk88vbUyuUG3N54sDDggOKGA996U6gu3hN_ZnY1Uq5PKM0yd0e5olbU89j0_rBGY706yts7e30Pvm5RnTbHpuYR/s640/trail+mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both times I've been out there I have decided to run instead of hike, so I've missed a lot of scenery due to watching the trail closely so as not to trip over any obstacles. But there is even beauty in the little things on the trail...like this mushroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeUTg4bheSa7X4JoIpLPJ2jsEXHJ_3DcIXJyJuY1QvhTaDO5ukHBCsXMExaw2Gr7wUKGpyCph5p5FAksHvhdu88pKAsscFGtr3kNMCir6WtQ5yJNC1_KWdBjRv-TwByfb9frkPwlVGsXa/s1600/trail+rocky+path+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeUTg4bheSa7X4JoIpLPJ2jsEXHJ_3DcIXJyJuY1QvhTaDO5ukHBCsXMExaw2Gr7wUKGpyCph5p5FAksHvhdu88pKAsscFGtr3kNMCir6WtQ5yJNC1_KWdBjRv-TwByfb9frkPwlVGsXa/s640/trail+rocky+path+1.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is hard to show the incline or level of difficulty in a picture, but there are some fairly challenging hills.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5g6tw97mGtLrcsxxxe-N6hWyRd_T6Z2Blc0uhlRcjNKOWKOYqaT9GLSNV_QqAOBfcoGBYJrSVIKbF1YGNf4E_b1L5uggsVE1JMprpGYbVmc7XtkIBRT_575466rLVKVfOpyOHb4Fj8z1/s1600/trail+running+companion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5g6tw97mGtLrcsxxxe-N6hWyRd_T6Z2Blc0uhlRcjNKOWKOYqaT9GLSNV_QqAOBfcoGBYJrSVIKbF1YGNf4E_b1L5uggsVE1JMprpGYbVmc7XtkIBRT_575466rLVKVfOpyOHb4Fj8z1/s640/trail+running+companion.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My running companion...because I'm just about that slow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLZqe5MyZa0r6qMhM0fX7eMgl-E1-In-jkxBle7nnW3d5t9IQiHx-2JpMavx1R_UNKkbLPupfBzXaxVlQHTjiu5AH2H86F6-S9m3usgAY6hhwMo_Xsfb-pg3lBaNIgdQu75shsyqGgaY1/s1600/trail+rocky+path2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLZqe5MyZa0r6qMhM0fX7eMgl-E1-In-jkxBle7nnW3d5t9IQiHx-2JpMavx1R_UNKkbLPupfBzXaxVlQHTjiu5AH2H86F6-S9m3usgAY6hhwMo_Xsfb-pg3lBaNIgdQu75shsyqGgaY1/s640/trail+rocky+path2.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never really mountain biked, but this looks very rough for a bike... I think I prefer to stay on my feet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt47MFZjdlVCrVlYB2lSyOUngC26X51jPITCHFDcROwIiQjReVoadZcLwpK72GlPUag2YFXicrC0vW-HqFJzLTdwRzwCNk07FFmMD7u-0oh8Rkx-EUj7Gc-tHfjua4IMIjJRxGZFz16mpa/s1600/trail+turn+around+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt47MFZjdlVCrVlYB2lSyOUngC26X51jPITCHFDcROwIiQjReVoadZcLwpK72GlPUag2YFXicrC0vW-HqFJzLTdwRzwCNk07FFmMD7u-0oh8Rkx-EUj7Gc-tHfjua4IMIjJRxGZFz16mpa/s640/trail+turn+around+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not even quite sure where this is, but this was my turn-around point on one of the trails.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbQP-5SxJ4jqIcbJA1GtcvB2IpUsxKkuKjiL_90zEuiCHDvmUYiR6nMGt-X7ru8BWQ2mq9kw5GmeJ9sM04eT6si39q7DOxW5JYU9H9tLayRNoI7CmZFxQCWSt3JbpdTsau-zORr3pSgat/s1600/trail+view+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbQP-5SxJ4jqIcbJA1GtcvB2IpUsxKkuKjiL_90zEuiCHDvmUYiR6nMGt-X7ru8BWQ2mq9kw5GmeJ9sM04eT6si39q7DOxW5JYU9H9tLayRNoI7CmZFxQCWSt3JbpdTsau-zORr3pSgat/s640/trail+view+4.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love fall foliage on soft dirt. As long as it isn't hiding any dangerous rocks, roots, or holes, it provides a pretty soft path for your feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS1S5dazVklVYUCx6Ru7qrsPFV8gyzOuyeJpS61Hi4QoQIX2PihAsr6STW3zf9uRgMc_SjKmGWlKm3O69fymBmo_CsK2ZA7xIcLXIwOLBMemXFHQiOLX0Tr3gWicih8ooppEBLzd7oS7r/s1600/trail+view+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS1S5dazVklVYUCx6Ru7qrsPFV8gyzOuyeJpS61Hi4QoQIX2PihAsr6STW3zf9uRgMc_SjKmGWlKm3O69fymBmo_CsK2ZA7xIcLXIwOLBMemXFHQiOLX0Tr3gWicih8ooppEBLzd7oS7r/s640/trail+view+9.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there is this one little bridge crossing I thought was pretty nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2SdRcYc0OlTy1DanR_WokBV6W-R_XKtpV_OYCs7M04OjQ8DWtoRoJZX2526ixL_Mr261KEe9brJeoURVPb6gGE862aaIxod9WAW-0QyOsG9yPI9AXGuV0j6II5MBLigr905fyj1U6VSv/s1600/trail+view+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2SdRcYc0OlTy1DanR_WokBV6W-R_XKtpV_OYCs7M04OjQ8DWtoRoJZX2526ixL_Mr261KEe9brJeoURVPb6gGE862aaIxod9WAW-0QyOsG9yPI9AXGuV0j6II5MBLigr905fyj1U6VSv/s640/trail+view+10.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I vote that they never mow this! It is a nice addition to the course, in my opinion, to have to run through this tall grass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh93JGpvSBo2he8QbkBbcY1BsHg3LhQ_hXqyi7XYDABrMiSF_j6nOvhN-1HvcVuhNwUXfvdZ2LylKgZL7ODRJOF2PfigfOirSSuDAS-eB1yPmCmbEv_2tU7cuE0swMkFdW2oCp5-LrF7W/s1600/trail+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh93JGpvSBo2he8QbkBbcY1BsHg3LhQ_hXqyi7XYDABrMiSF_j6nOvhN-1HvcVuhNwUXfvdZ2LylKgZL7ODRJOF2PfigfOirSSuDAS-eB1yPmCmbEv_2tU7cuE0swMkFdW2oCp5-LrF7W/s640/trail+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For part of the trail, you run along this river (or creek, or whatever it is). This was one of the few brief glimpses I got of how beautiful the trail actually is.</td></tr>
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So there you have it! If you like to run, hike, or mountain bike, you should give this one a try. If you go today, you probably won't have problems with spiders and cobwebs. I think I cleared every one of them out with my face! You're welcome.Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-66922686219632147722015-04-17T07:07:00.002-07:002015-04-17T07:08:19.785-07:00Virtual Run Across Kansas Finally Completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfZLKG0rYK38POH31j-q63dJNu_YWc0tx2tLvhbfsKNvJ9z1TIDZpRxgNo3UePE4SAl9fiaebsWcL9p1VC8MdA9SKQoa1-p8185SkzldtmcNs5EjNdGt_gyLrdwa8KJg1dSve-NWd5wiO/s1600/virtual+run.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfZLKG0rYK38POH31j-q63dJNu_YWc0tx2tLvhbfsKNvJ9z1TIDZpRxgNo3UePE4SAl9fiaebsWcL9p1VC8MdA9SKQoa1-p8185SkzldtmcNs5EjNdGt_gyLrdwa8KJg1dSve-NWd5wiO/s1600/virtual+run.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The good news is I have finally completed my virtual run across Kansas. The bad news? What was going to take me 2 months took me about 7! The plan was to average about 48 miles per week (an average of 6-7 miles per day) and get it done quickly. For the first couple weeks this was no problem because I was training for an ultramarathon (<a href="http://prairiesteps.blogspot.com/2014/10/another-race-im-not-really-eager-to.html" target="_blank">race report</a>). I cut back my mileage to taper for race day, but I planned on picking it back up a week or two after the 50-miler and begin training for another 100. The problem was, after the 50-mile race (which didn't quite go as well as planned), I lost my desire to continue training. I'd get out there on the trail a couple times per week and get in a short jog or a few miles of hiking, but I couldn't get motivated to run regularly. I suppose this is a common occurance for ultra runners, I know it's not the first time it has happened to me.<br />
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After a few weeks of low to zero mileage, and no real restraints on my diet, I got fat and lazy! It was Winter, and there was certainly no extra motivation to get out in the freezing cold and go for a run. As a result, I practically quit on my "virtual run across Kansas" idea. <br />
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Toward the end of the winter, however, I got a bit of motivation back and started pushing myself. Now that it is early Spring, I have bumped up my training again and have entered into a 20-week program I have drawn up (I'll be discussing my plan at a later time). Mileage is consistantly over 20 miles per week and increasing. <br />
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So, today I added up my mileage since I originally set out to "run across Kansas," and I have indeed finally made it (a few days ago actually). Instead of the original 6-7 mile-per-day average, I only averaged about 2.25 miles per day (including several zero-mile weeks), but I still made it "across Kansas."<br />
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I thought it was the coolest idea! Perhaps I will do something similar again sometime. At least once per week I would look at Google Maps and determine my location based on the total miles I had accumulated. I even did a bit of research on the little towns I would have passed by had I actually been running on that route. I would figure out what restaurants were around...and even decide what I would want to eat that day, where my family would pick me up, what local sites we could visit... Really, I recommend everyone try something like this sometime!Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-86596755899796898992015-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:002015-04-13T11:25:07.357-07:00A Couple Days Of Rekindling My Running Flame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYd31EPThZCJB7JYnwxM-Yi-Oa_1nTLgDN__KFMdaIPUBFh9W9wyc4YlJ0QbqXBC31MUwwcIN5K10DWvm7zf-7smbNhnVTAI_7Ws0w1f59m_vkj1B3UxfQiXyJ3dZ8TwfNAewSHw2P4Ew/s1600/run1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYd31EPThZCJB7JYnwxM-Yi-Oa_1nTLgDN__KFMdaIPUBFh9W9wyc4YlJ0QbqXBC31MUwwcIN5K10DWvm7zf-7smbNhnVTAI_7Ws0w1f59m_vkj1B3UxfQiXyJ3dZ8TwfNAewSHw2P4Ew/s1600/run1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYd31EPThZCJB7JYnwxM-Yi-Oa_1nTLgDN__KFMdaIPUBFh9W9wyc4YlJ0QbqXBC31MUwwcIN5K10DWvm7zf-7smbNhnVTAI_7Ws0w1f59m_vkj1B3UxfQiXyJ3dZ8TwfNAewSHw2P4Ew/s1600/run1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1.</span></strong> I knew I was out of shape, but what a better time to start pushing myself to get back in shape than our trip to Oklahoma City. There, I have some running spots that sort of "started it all" for me. When I first got into running seriously, I discovered Bluff Creek Trails behind Hefner Lake. This is where I ran my first trail run. It was a 12K (twice around the trail). After that, I was hooked.<br />
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So, on a recent trip we took for a preaching conference. I decided I would at least get one run/hike around Bluff Creek. I did, and I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it (even though it paid it's toll on my lazy lungs and leg muscles. It took me way longer than it should have, but I made it around and was very satisfied!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day2.</span></strong> The next day I was feeling pretty good. 3.5 miles of pretty technical trails hadn't really done any damage. So, I was ready to hit my second favorite run--Hefner Lake. I suspected I would feel this one, simply because it is 9.5 miles. I have hardly had a 9.5 mile week in the last couple months, let alone a 9.5 mile day after running Bluff Creek the day before. Nevertheless, I went for it. I had about 20 oz. of water to drink (got me through about 7 miles before I ran out), and so I laced up my truck key to my shoe laces, grabbed my bottle, and headed off into to sun. It was a nice enough day, I half way suspected a little burn on my face, but I didn't burn...well, my face didn't, but my legs were sure burning at the end. I took it slow, but like I said, "Out. Of. Shape!"</div>
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Over all, I didn't need much recovery for my legs, and so I suspect I'm ready to up the mileage to about 20 per week for a while. I'm not sure when my next ultra will be (it might not even be an official ultra), but I'm ready to get "ultra fit" again!
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I love running, really I do. There was a time when I equated it with asthma, shin splints, heart pain, tunnel vision... a means of torture administered by my soccer coach...but over the years, I learned to love it. I became an ultra runner in 2006, and it changed me in many ways. I entered a new world that I can never forget. Once an ultra runner, always an ultra runner...I guess.<br />
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So, don't misunderstand what I am about to say, but this year my goal is to do a little less running and a lot more hiking/camping. I still have the goal of finishing another 100 miler...some day...but for now, my focus has changed (probably because I've gotten lazy over the last month, have hardly ran at all, and have totally been taken captive by the whiles of the holidays: eating junk food, laying around with the family watching movies, eating more junk food...) <br />
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The last few times I forced myself to get out on the trail, I found myself hiking instead of running. During my last hike, I got to thinking, "I really like hiking." I like camping, too...and fishing. I like all that stuff. I like them in a different way than running, but I do like them very much. And it seems like hiking, camping, and fishing lend themselves more to family involvement. So, with that being said, here are some pictures of some of the outdoor activities (besides running) that brought me a whole lot of enjoyment in 2014. Take a look, and I think you'll see just how much fun I've had (sort of):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuMpC2xS9Y4aNOm127fd51dDaIQA2KMpu6kRUpnYl7bMyd0qOYWH1e-RkarJpVHExPF916Nh3-dlPXqgiPnYhd0hh_CYBd2e2nbf9G_ZUr8DYjkvG_NzgEI-ZRnUL5VVpDywOe33sORFw/s1600/camp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuMpC2xS9Y4aNOm127fd51dDaIQA2KMpu6kRUpnYl7bMyd0qOYWH1e-RkarJpVHExPF916Nh3-dlPXqgiPnYhd0hh_CYBd2e2nbf9G_ZUr8DYjkvG_NzgEI-ZRnUL5VVpDywOe33sORFw/s1600/camp2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj248AjwC4lew-jNW8-9WPrbWI3AnFlfCDnZefBG1Kiq6QRJr1-8EhNRvseYDo6LiaNncSCFD2uBkogRCS-TWqodkKGadwrYUx7cIFeC1mj16xS_r5jxbnIAbBk444F9MrWKspE4WF7LPlK/s1600/camp16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj248AjwC4lew-jNW8-9WPrbWI3AnFlfCDnZefBG1Kiq6QRJr1-8EhNRvseYDo6LiaNncSCFD2uBkogRCS-TWqodkKGadwrYUx7cIFeC1mj16xS_r5jxbnIAbBk444F9MrWKspE4WF7LPlK/s1600/camp16.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>At the beginning of the year, Zachary and I had some father/son time around his birthday. It was what he wanted. I'm not sure how much I influenced that desire, but I was more than willing to give him this birthday present! We headed out Sunday night after church, the truck already being all loaded. We slept for awhile in the back of the truck, and then early in the morning we set up camp, gathered firewood, cooked up a good meal over the fire...and nearly froze to death (seriously, it got below zero, and we were not prepared for it.) Good times!<br />
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A couple months later, Braeden decided he wanted the same thing for his birthday. Again, ready to sacrifice, I loaded up the truck and prepared for our great adventure. The temperature got very low again, but we handled it. Oh, and there was that little spell of sickness that I had. It caused me to vomit uncontrollably for much of the night. I'm not talking about a little spewing out of the mouth, either. I'm talking about veins popping out of the head, blood vessels literally bursting in my eyeballs, you know, the "touch me and you die!" kind of sickness... but for some reason, I have nearly forgotten about all the discomforts of that trip and have many more memories in my head of the time that we...well, at least I, enjoyed. For example, this little hiking trip we took around the lake provided me with my favorite picture of all times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2mdhI51CGioYrSkRE8-p99N1VsGvizHkFLJ25PXGBKegTgC3Kf0o7lGrmriVAgPMR-P0TBdlNECpg1zHY7H2lY1J-niF9TdAygTBBn4CUavGTCxfwghf6LaivPcmAS8oJqj4CVHOKrA/s1600/canoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2mdhI51CGioYrSkRE8-p99N1VsGvizHkFLJ25PXGBKegTgC3Kf0o7lGrmriVAgPMR-P0TBdlNECpg1zHY7H2lY1J-niF9TdAygTBBn4CUavGTCxfwghf6LaivPcmAS8oJqj4CVHOKrA/s1600/canoe.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a>Later in the year, we took a family camping trip (it included a cabin...so, I'm not actually sure if it really counts as camping) at Toronto Lake. We had a blast as a family. We did a little conoeing, some swimming, the kids took their bikes and rode them around...Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the bike accident... </div>
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5-10 minutes into the trip, Braeden rode his bike down a hill, lost control and made about a 30 foot jump off of a bridge into a grassy field where he landed on his face...yeah, good times! (poor guy.)</div>
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There were a couple other outdoor adventures with the family. They always make good memories. This next year, if all goes as I hope it will, there will be many more. I'd like to try more shelter building with the boys. I'd like for us to do some "survival" camping (although, with my track record, I'm not sure that's a great idea). </div>
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I'd like to succeed in starting fires with sticks. I like to do more boiling our drinking water straight out of the lake, eating more edible plants, using more mullein leaves as toilet paper... yeah, this is going to be a great year for outdoor adventures!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-76492065749610965302014-11-14T10:25:00.001-08:002014-11-14T11:05:44.330-08:00My First Attempt At Organizing A 5K (part 1 "Race Day")<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><em>(This report is specifically about our 5K. More info. on the rally should be found on our </em></strong></span><a href="http://www.iolabaptisttemple.com/2014-youth-rally.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><em>church webpage</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><em>)</em></strong></span><br />
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Two words--"Chip. Timing!"<br />
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I have been asked many times "Why do people pay to run in races that they know they can't win?" I think I can answer that a little better now. You pay for the whole experience! You pay for the race t-shirt, the pre-race and post-race snacks. You pay to have other people running with you on a (hopefully) safe course where you can try your best to perform at your peak. You pay to have someone else record your time and have your name "in the books" (regardless of how you compare to other runners).<br />
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So, that being said, I thought we were pretty fair to charge $10 for this 5K. In fact, that is just about unheard of, but I realized two things: 1) Most of our participants were young people who had never been in an organized 5K and probably had no desire to do so had it not been part of our youth rally, and 2) Being a "low key" race, and having absolutely no experience, I knew that we wouldn't be able to offer what more experienced race organizers have to offer. However, looking back over the night, I think everyone got a pretty good bargain. Here are some of what we provided:<br />
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1. One of the most important requirements of any race, the "race T-shirt." This gives a reminder of the runner's (or walker's) experience with us.<br />
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Because I knew some wanted a shirt that were not going to participate in the 5K, I went with a simple, generic design instead of including anything about the 5K. Obviously, this wouldn't normally be the case. In fact, I have never seen a "race shirt" that didn't have a list of sponsors on the back...ours had nothing. But I personally like the logo and think it is a pretty sharp shirt! (Big problem when you find out that some of the shirts didn't make it into the packets, however! We are getting more shirts printed and will get it to them soon.)</div>
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2. The race was at night, which added a touch of uniqueness to the event. It was an a well-maintained rail-trail path that was well lit in city limits. However, there was a stretch that went into the heart of the <a href="http://www.kansascyclist.com/trails/SouthwindRailTrail.html">Southwind </a>trail (surrounded by trees and a nice, crushed limestone path). This part was very dark, but it was decorated with glow-in-the-dark items that gave it a very festive feel. We also provided spotters along the way, a police officer to guard one major road crossing (very few vehicles during the evening, however), and an aid station before the turn around (wasn't really used much).</div>
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3. After the race, all participants were treated to warm soup (choice of chicken noodle or beef), fruit, and granola bars. Thankfully, all this was donated and prepared by our church members.</div>
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4. At the finish line we cheered the runners on, clapping and ringing a cow bell while they ran through the finish line tape (ribbon). At this point, we tried our best to record times of each participant...but this is the part where we struggled (the workers did an awesome job, and I'm glad I didn't have to do it. I felt sorry for them). There were some that didn't display their numbers properly, some that weren't registered, some that kind of snuck by when nobody was looking. The workers did the best the could to record times (to the second, give or take a couple), but going back through the list, it is hard to know who came first when several were given the same time.</div>
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So, why do people usually spend $20 or more to run a 5K? Well, one reason is chip timing. Chip timing has become a standard at just about all races. There are these microchips, either attached to race bibs or fastened to shoe strings, that track the time of each participant. Results are printed off during the race, and usually posted to a link online that records each participants time. </div>
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If you pay a professional chip timing company, like<a href="http://kcraceday.org/"> KC Race Day</a> for example, to time the event for you, you eliminate a lot of worry on race day (for both runner and director). In the future, I would want to go this route for sure! From what I understand, it only adds about $3 to each participant (unfortunately, many have a $600 minimum. So if your race is smaller, you may have to rely on donations which is pretty easy to acquire).</div>
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(later, I will write about my experiences prior to the race and how to get the community's help)</div>
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Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-59657292425257407082014-10-29T13:57:00.001-07:002014-10-29T14:03:33.473-07:00My PST "Fall Classic" Race Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp12t0dO0aW56xD7dsNd5qdDbJhSgS0F31PnDf3h7t6siaiOcDYCRZPbXmc8YhgYxBIreR14mNZbNh2N4BMDxX_j7rImFPPT2ji5mJuFOlCXMi-Auih1z28IjQVTFsqJWJEZlzi2BdUg2/s1600/PSTFallClassic-2014-5522-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp12t0dO0aW56xD7dsNd5qdDbJhSgS0F31PnDf3h7t6siaiOcDYCRZPbXmc8YhgYxBIreR14mNZbNh2N4BMDxX_j7rImFPPT2ji5mJuFOlCXMi-Auih1z28IjQVTFsqJWJEZlzi2BdUg2/s1600/PSTFallClassic-2014-5522-L.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Another race I'm not really eager to write about! Don't get me wrong, the event was great. The course was beautiful and relaxing; it started in the dark with a heavy fog, and when the sun came out it revealed the beauty we all long for in the fall. The aid stations and the people manning them were great (I especially appreciated the young children helping at this race! I tried to be silly with them at the aid stations, but was greeted with some strange looks. It is hard for me to look friendly when I'm such a sweaty, stinky mess, and can't form a sentence without slurring my words because I have reached that delirious point... I think I scared them). The weather wasn't even that bad; I mean, sure it got hot, and I know I was the only one wearing pants, but seriously, I trained this way all year long so I never really felt overheated out there. Besides, there was actually a nice cool breeze even at the hottest points of the race. </div>
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My only problem with the race was that I had set a goal of running it in 10 hours (which would have been my personal best), and instead it took me over 12 (my slowest 50 miler yet!). I'm still having troubles figuring out how to avoid nausea and force myself to eat and drink after 25-30 miles of running. So, once again, I found myself accepting the fact that I would just try to power walk (saves me a lot of calories and pain) until I felt like I could run again (which never really came.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QOvvt2YfAH-rQrG6tIceuscCm40VIUMoWZDWGCl0e0cu-cBeYxhiC-xehR-D0-EOIYrqgpMJrOpJWpQCMHv7TUArJLS5N2eeHt4L1Vj0lGVsCtOBZJaTcdv9sXZ9pb99G9fO0QRFdQEg/s1600/PSTFallClassic-2014-7922-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QOvvt2YfAH-rQrG6tIceuscCm40VIUMoWZDWGCl0e0cu-cBeYxhiC-xehR-D0-EOIYrqgpMJrOpJWpQCMHv7TUArJLS5N2eeHt4L1Vj0lGVsCtOBZJaTcdv9sXZ9pb99G9fO0QRFdQEg/s1600/PSTFallClassic-2014-7922-L.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>But then again, I did finish. I did get another 50 miles of training under my belt for my next 100 miler. If I'm honest, I can't say I had a great time because I was pretty miserable that second half; but there were some highlights. <br />
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My wife and I went on a date Friday night and then camped out together, the night before the race, in the back of a truck at a truck stop (more on that adventure another time, perhaps). We don't get to do that every day! She proved once again how much she loves me and how I probably don't deserve her by going through all she has to go through to crew for me having absolutely no desire or passion for running, not to mention ultra running. Yet, I couldn't talk her out of going if I tried. She wanted to be there for me. I am truly blessed!</div>
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After all was said and done, I have the experience. I have the memories. I have pictures of me faking smiles and pretending to be running. It all reminds me that when I "endure hardness like a good soldier" (albeit unnecessary hardness that I brought upon myself) then "joy cometh in the morning" (Two Bible verses that are completely unrelated and that I have completely ripped out of their context).</div>
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The good news is, I felt pretty good the following days and am now back out running as normal. I am blessed to be able to recover remarkably well. I can barely remember the pain and frustration of the day. I've got my eyes on the road ahead. Experience is perhaps the best teacher.</div>
<br />Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-45812603508789278612014-10-15T19:31:00.002-07:002014-10-15T19:32:40.731-07:00October 6-12 Training Update <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Scripture challenge of the week:</span></div>
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(Sorry for another poor quality video. It's all I've got to work with at the time.)</div>
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Mileage is down as I am now in the middle of my taper for my 50 miler, but I'm still making bits of progress on my virtual run across Kansas. Passed through Russell, KS and am now making my way to Salina. Soon, I'll be departing from Old Highway 40 and following I-70 for a while. Following is my mileage for last week:</div>
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Monday - off</div>
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Tuesday - Jogged an easy 8 miler. Felt good after taking a few days off </div>
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Wednesday - Speed hiked 3 miles </div>
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Thursday - Speed hiked 2 miles </div>
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Friday - Ran some, Hiked some. Averaged 12 min/Mi.</div>
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Saturday - off</div>
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Sunday - off</div>
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Sure hope I'm not taking it too easy. I always feel like I'm doing something wrong during a taper!</div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-5081278813880373262014-10-07T21:34:00.005-07:002014-10-07T21:35:44.205-07:00September 29 - October 5 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
Scripture Challenge of the week from Proverbs 24:16</div>
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Total milage for my virtual run across is now at 174 miles. I would have just ran through the small towns of Victoria and Gorham, KS. I would soon be making my way to Russell, which I'm pretty sure is the around the half way point. This means I have averaged about 6 miles a day for 30 days (a little behind my plan, but well within reach of my overall goal of reaching the Missouri line in 9 weeks from September 8th). </div>
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Regarding my training, I am now entering my taper for the 50 miler on the 25th, so my mileage will go down for awhile and then creep back up after a couple weeks. I didn't get in my last 30 miler, but I'm going to just trust my training so far and start resting my legs a bit for race day. Following is a brief review of last week's training:</div>
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<strong>Monday (22 miles)</strong> Just wanted to keep moving for 5 hours. I worked on my power hike for first 5 miles and then mile 16, the rest I jogged at about 11 min/mile pace. Felt pretty good.</div>
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<strong>Tuesday (Off)</strong> Meant to run 10 miles, but didn't make the time.</div>
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<strong>Wednesday (10 miles)</strong> Legs were a little tired, and I ran in a thunderstorm for a couple miles, but I pressed on and had a pretty good run.</div>
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<strong>Thursday (6.5)</strong> Legs a little tired, but pressed on with no problems.</div>
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<strong>Friday (6.5)</strong> Legs a little tired, but pressed on with no problems.</div>
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<strong>Saturday (5.0)</strong> Ran at close to midnight. Low energy as I hadn't eaten much. Pressed on for about 4 </div>
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miles and then felt completely drained. Walked the rest.</div>
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<strong>Sunday (Off)</strong></div>
Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309266508406234816.post-43991915695995979332014-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:002014-10-01T11:14:34.119-07:00"Fall Classic 50 Miler" and September 22-28 Review"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIA5csnAjdmvFaAS7rkqUlWSf3P-JTOMAcz6gWXVSd0JKEd3HjQSSdzSyFZlee9mFO7G3mQfv_W59Te2ISo41BBFTHJhRTfngKAbsR6ABboAAL51jAiyNQtOq9GsG2ys7g7QbUqoo9OSB/s1600/Prairie-Spirit-Fall-Classic-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIA5csnAjdmvFaAS7rkqUlWSf3P-JTOMAcz6gWXVSd0JKEd3HjQSSdzSyFZlee9mFO7G3mQfv_W59Te2ISo41BBFTHJhRTfngKAbsR6ABboAAL51jAiyNQtOq9GsG2ys7g7QbUqoo9OSB/s1600/Prairie-Spirit-Fall-Classic-2014.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a>I'm officially registered for the <a href="http://prairiespirit50.com/" target="_blank">Prairie Spirit Trail "Fall Classic" 50 miler</a>. I ran the same course two years ago, but it was in March, when we had that freak snow storm (see video on <a href="http://prairiespirit50.com/" target="_blank">link</a>). They started the Fall Classic the next year which had the 50K option. I didn't run it, but this year I will...for two reason's really. First, it is the Prairie Spirit Trail, my "training ground" (easy and flat, but it is a good place to put in some long training runs), and although we don't come all the way to Iola in this race like we did in the 100 miler, I still consider it a "local" ultra. I'm not the kind of guy who travels the world to find new ultra races to run, but when it is in my backyard I feel compelled. Second, I plan on getting my rematch next March with the 100 miler (see my review of the race <a href="http://prairiesteps.blogspot.com/2014/04/live-learn-and-god-willing-try-again.html" target="_blank">here</a>). A nice (hopefully fast) 50 miler will be a good chance to fine tune some areas where I went wrong last March. I've been doing pretty good on hydration on my most recent long runs, but they aren't 50 milers! They say, "10Ks are the best training for half-marathons, half marathons are the best training for marathons, marathons are the best training for 50's and 50's are the best training for 100's..." or something like that.<br />
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My mileage was decent last week, but I would have liked to have put in another 10 miler (priorities are priorities, and I took my sons and some men from our church to the Baptist Men's Recharge in Andover, Kansas. We had a great time--paintball, smoked meat, coffee...and something like 6 hours total of dynamite preaching!) Anyway, on my virtual run across Kansas, I am now pretty close to the half way point which is right about where I wanted to be about now.<br />
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<strong>Monday</strong> - 25 miles on the highway from Iola to Uniontown<br />
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<strong>Tuesday</strong> - 10.36 miles on the Prairie Spirit Trail from Carlyle to Colony and back<br />
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<strong>Wednesday</strong> - Off <br />
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<strong>Thursday</strong> - 6.5 miles on the Southwind Trail <br />
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<strong>Friday </strong>- 6 miles on the Prairie Spirit Trail <br />
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<strong>Saturday</strong> - Off<br />
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<strong>Sunday</strong> - Off<br />
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<strong><u>Total: 47.86 miles</u></strong>Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07404515725045879174noreply@blogger.com0