Bonita Springs Film Festival

My multi-talented husband often takes video when he's out paddling. When he heard the theme for the Bonita Springs Film Festival's short film contest was Bonita beaches, he knew he had to enter. His film was chosen as one of the top 20!

So, a couple weeks ago we had an excuse to get all dressed up, walk the red carpet, drink champagne, and watch those films on the big screen. I left volleyball practice a bit early, changed at his ceramics studio (which is now on Etsy!) and off we went to the festival.

Not bad for a 20-minute primp after a full day of work and volleyball practice!

It was a fun event. There were hors d'oeuvres passed around, complimentary champagne, fruit, and cheese plates. I wasn't sure if the festival was truly "black tie" but Matt wanted to wear his suit so I agreed to match him.

We fancy.

The screening lasted about 3 hours. We watched a reel that showed a snippet of every film entered into the festival, and then we watched all 20 finalists in full. It was so cool to see Matt on a real movie screen!

Excitedly awaiting the start!

There he is, 20 feet tall!

His film did not win - there were some really talented filmmakers in the mix! - but it was really a special experience. He's debating entering next year. He's not as inspired by the theme (historic Bonita) but I think he has a taste for fame.

Of course we voted for his but some of the other films were seriously great!

Here's his movie if you're interested. It's about 5 minutes long and features him and his race team surfing in the waves churned up by Hurricane Hermine.

Have you ever entered into a film festival?
When's the last time you got dressed to the nines?

ABK

Upriver Ceramics is Up and Running!

This past week I didn't work out at all because I was sick, so I can't really write any kind of weekly review post. Instead, here's an amazing update on Matt's ceramics studio!

Last time I posted about Upriver Ceramics, Matt had gotten his new equipment and was making pieces. He hadn't fired anything yet. I think he was nervous about the kiln. Would it work? Would it destroy the cottage? Would it destroy the pieces? Would it leak poisoned gas and kill everyone who came near it? (These are all very real possibilities, by the way.)

Over the last few weeks, he's been testing that out. First he did two test-firings, which means he heated the empty kiln up to about 1700 degrees F and then let it cool down. The cottage got up to 100 degrees even with the AC set at 75, but otherwise nothing went wrong.

Then, he put the pieces in. Time to fire them. Obviously we were nervous, but everything turned out beautifully!

I made that ugly cup! See my initials?! Go me! I'm so talented.

The next nerve-wracking test was glazing. The glazes Matt bought are new to him, and it's been a long time since he's glazed anything. He had to put on the right number of coats and make sure the glaze didn't run (thereby making the pieces stick to the kiln shelves). Then, he had to fire them, which meant heating the kiln up to 2000 degrees!

Yesterday we went in to see how it all came out:

^

He put all the sea horse mugs on the top row but he did make other designs, too!

I am so freaking proud of him. This is the first time Matt has fired a kiln himself and been fully in charge of the entire creation process from start to finish. (His ceramics master used to fire everything for him.) It's a huge deal that everything turned out perfectly the first time around! Soon, his Kickstarter pieces will be done and he'll be able to work on his bigger projects and take custom orders!

I picked out the dark blue and red glazes. Clearly I have an eye for this sort of thing.

Side note: Most of these pieces have a "Florida" theme (sea life/water) but usually Matt's designs are very abstract. I think he wanted something that would appeal to tourists and would be cute and fun for his Kickstarter backers!

While the kiln runs, Matt stays in the cottage, so he's been leaving the house at 6am to start everything early. It takes well over 12 hours. I'm hopeful that now that we know everything is safe and in working order, he won't feel the need to be there the entire time.

As if that's not exciting enough, Matt had another big success this week!

Matt and his pieces!

He entered three pieces in a local gallery and one of them won first place! (The curator admonished me for taking pictures in the gallery but that's not stopping me from publishing them here! I'm a rebel and too proud to care!)

Do you prefer functional or abstract art?
Fun fact: many people don't pronounce the "n" in "kiln"! Pronouncing it either way - "kill" or "kiln" - is considered correct.

ABK

Seriously Proud

When I first met Matt, there were a few things that made him stand out from other fraternity bros I'd come across at Stetson. One was his super cool 1968 Chevelle...the other was the fact that he was an artist.

Despite being a writer, I'd never actually dated anyone who was also into any kind of creative outlet, and I was immediately drawn to the fact that Matt was. I loved that we could connect on that artistic level, and I was in awe of the fact that he could envision a piece, draw it, and then execute it.

Matt creating "The Oasis" in Ki Woon's studio.

The final product.

He was majoring in marketing so that he could hopefully someday market himself as an artist; the ceramics professor at Stetson didn't have anything to teach him because his skill had surpassed what instruction Stetson could provide (thanks to studying under a Korean master potter in high school).

(This short video features Matt's guide, Ki Woon Huh.)

After we graduated, the economy was in the pits so Matt started his own business, but we've always kept an eye open for a chance for him to get back to ceramics. In the meantime, Matt worked with the local art league whenever possible; his love of art has never faded.

In 2011, one of Matt's pieces, "Smoldering", was accepted into a local art exhibit.

The opportunity to open a studio and gallery finally came around when a local artists' cottage became available nearby. Matt applied alongside dozens of others for the cottage, and the city chose him from among all the applicants! Now, he'll be able to work on his art and give back to the community on a regular basis.

Kickstarter doesn't allow its campaigns to raise money for charitable causes, but after Matt's campaign ends, he'll be donating proceeds from all subsequent sales of his water-drop pieces (which are completely rounded on the bottom and meant to be hung) to support water conservation efforts in Florida.

"Dream Filter"

This is one of my favorites. It's called "Self Portrait."

Matt hand carves every cutout and groove in his pieces. Here's a great picture of the detail-work on "Realizing Dreams".

Because he works with ceramics, Matt needs all kinds of supplies and equipment other artists may not need. He'll need a kiln, a slab-roller, and a throwing wheel at the very least, not to mention the actual porcelain and glazes.

Matt has started a Kickstarter to help him get his gallery set up and running. Those who donate will receive a custom-made ceramic piece. If you're feeling philanthropic (or just love ceramics), please consider donating to his studio!

Click here to watch the video and view his Kickstarter page.

And of course, if you know anyone who would want to help a young artist make his big break, please pass along his Kickstarter link! We're trying to raise publicity as much as funds.

Matt's extremely talented and this is his passion; I'm so proud of him for taking the risk and going for it. It's not an easy thing to do, but I have a good feeling that this is really meant to happen for him!

What's your favorite kind of art?
Do you or your SO have a special talent?

ABK

It's Matt's Turn to Race

I think my blog does a pretty good job of documenting my training and my races. Hopefully, it does at least an adequate job of showing how Matt has helped me along the way. He was nothing short of perfect during the weekend that I ran my first marathon, being totally flexible and supportive no matter how high-strung I got.

And now it's his turn.

Matt's 31-mile SUP race is finally this weekend. (The actual distance is closer to 33 depending on the route and curves of the river.) He's been training for months, building stamina and speed through shorter races, interval training, and long paddles...It's been very much like marathon training!

The route!

When he first heard of Chattajack, Matt knew immediately he'd want to participate. When registration opened this year, he jumped right on it.

Matt has gotten very techie as he's tackled longer training paddles. The Speed Coach on his board tracks his speed, distance, stroke rate, and heart rate; it communicates wirelessly via the heart rate monitor he wears on his arm. He also mounts a Go Pro on his board to document his training.

Unlike running plans, apparently training plans for long SUP races are hard to find. Matt found himself researching and coming up with little; luckily, his teammate Mark found a plan and shared it, and from that point on in training, they've been diligent.

I truly think Matt's better cut out for endurance events than I am; while I often lose sight of my big picture and burn out on training, Matt never misses a workout and seems to enjoy paddling every time he's out there, no matter what. And he's really good about cross-training.

Matt and Mark on a training paddle.

This race is going to be a totally new experience for us both. I've never spectated a race of this distance, and following Matt along a 31-mile river is going to prove difficult at times. Matt's longest paddle in training was 16 or 17 miles, so he'll be pushing well beyond that on race day.

Land-based starts for SUP races mean that racers run into the water, mount their boards, and paddle away. 

Matt (in the neon green hat toward the front) competing in a SUP tri - he ran a 5k, then paddled a 5k. He opted out of the swim haha.

Some races begin on land, and some in the water. Chattajack starts in the water under a bridge. All the racers will have to line up as close to the start line as possible, and the beginning is always really rocky as all the racers begin to paddle at once in closer proximity. I always expect someone to fall! Once the race continues, they begin to spread out and get some personal space. Then, especially at Chattajack, they turn on their wireless speakers docked on their boards and enjoy the race!

^An in-water start at one of Matt's races.

A few of Matt's teammates will be there with us. This year, there will be 300 participants. If they can't keep up with the cutoff times, those participants won't be allowed to finish. The average finishing time for Chattajack is around 7 hours; this year, they're not expecting much of a current to help the racers, but the cutoff times don't adjust. The weather should be in the balmy 50s-70s. (Obviously with a range like that, Matt has bought a variety of tech clothes, including gloves and booties, and will make a last-minute decision on what to wear race morning.)

A photo of a previous year's start at Chattajack.

Matt's race team has been getting a bit of publicity as they dominate their races, and they were featured recently in the paper regarding Chattajack. (Matt told a reporter that my marathon motivated him to do Chattjack...so this is all my fault. Luckily, that tidbit didn't make it into the article.)

Matt's famous!

Logistically, leaving for this race means I'll be completing my long run this week on Thursday morning before we hit the road. I'm okay with that; being flexible and making sacrifices and adjustments is only fair given how wonderful Matt has always been regarding my goal races. I'm hoping to be the best crew I can be to truly pay him back and show him how much I've appreciated all his support. And of course, I'm proud of him!

Even if by nature I'm not nearly as easy-going as Matt, I'm really aiming make this weekend all about him and this amazing accomplishment. Needless to say, he's really excited; his bucket list race is finally here!

Have you ever crewed for someone at a big race?
Send Matt and his teammates some good vibes!

ABK

Q&A - What My Husband Thinks of My Running

I borrowed this fun little survey from Kristina. Matt is pretty good about listening to me drone on and on about running, so it'll be interesting to see how much information he really absorbs.

My commentary is in italics.

1. Does my running make you want to run?

Not usually. It makes me want to paddle. But there are times when I’m at a race, that I wish I would have done it with you. 

Matt recently told a local reporter that he was inspired to paddle his 33-mile race this October because I run marathons and he needed to balance our relationship! I'll post on his race as it gets closer.

Also, Matt says no, but history shows that he has actually run quite a few races with me...albeit most were before he began paddling.

2. What do I eat before I run?

Many different things: Gu gels, cookies, energy gummy chews, cereal, granola bars. 

Especially cookies and cereal. A couple cookies actually seems to be great fuel for me, but a bowl of cereal - which I'm addicted to - is pretty awful because I always get sloshy-stomach! 

3. How far do I run most days?

2-5 miles during the week. Longer runs on the weekend. 

It's more like 4-6 on weekdays right now because of training. I rarely run anything less than 4 unless I'm coming back from significant time off.

4. What kind of running shoes do I wear?

Asics Kayanos. And you are VERY particular about what color they are. And you stop using them based on how many miles are on them, not what they feel or look like. Which I get, but is very weird to me since I wear all my shoes/sandals until they literally fall apart.

Ha! Yeah, I will drive to a dozen stores if my usual running store isn't carrying the color I want in my size. Color helps me run faster! And yes, Matt literally will wear his shoes until there are holes in the soles.

He's totally right. I tried these GT-2000s but am going to get a new pair of Kayanos for long runs. I just like the feel better, and I'm shoe-loyal.

5. What is my favorite race? 

Hmmmmm….The Sanibel 10k? Or maybe the Lakewood Ranch half marathon since it goes through your parents’ neighborhood.

These are good guesses! I do love the Sanibel 10k and try to run it every year. I liked the Suncoast Half, which is what he meant, but I actually think my favorite half is the Ft. Lauderdale half I did on my birthday this year. It was perfect before, during, and after! I also loved Ragnar...picking a favorite is hard!

How can you not love a race that has a beach sunrise, great cheer squad, and falls on your birthday?!

6. Do you like going to my races?

Yes. You train for them for so long and they are big accomplishments. I can’t see any good reason to not go and support you there.

I feel really lucky that Matt feels this way. I've seen in my running groups that some spouses not only don't go to races, but are vocally opposed to the time their runners spend running, so I think I'm a lucky minority here.

7. What have you learned from having a wife who runs?

The importance of training and eating healthy. I have also learned how healthy it can be for a relationship when both of us are focused on fitness goals.

So...if he's learned from me the importance of eating healthy, it's from me being a great NON-example! Did you catch the part where I fuel for runs with cookies? But I definitely agree with the second part.

8. If I could run with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

You always used to ask Archie to run with you, but he never did. Probably because birds aren’t especially good at running. I’m guessing he would be at the top of your list right now, though...

Ugh, this hurts. I did always ask Archie to come run with me (or do our laundry, or the dishes, or vacuum...but obviously his lack of thumbs got him out of most housework). If I'm trying to avoid being a sobbing mess, though, I'd say Stephen King. We'd probably walk more than run, but I'd love to pick his brain and he's well-known for liking to take long walks.

Archie always wanted to run with me, but we couldn't find shoes to fit his little dinosaur feet.

9. Bonus: name two of my running blogger/online friends.

I’ve met a good number of them in person before. And I can picture all of their faces in my head. But I am absolutely terrible with names. So, for partial credit, I’ll give you the name of the online group most of them are a part of: The Sub-30 Club!

This was totally unfair of me to ask because he truly is the worst when it comes to names. Matt's met Kristina and a whole bunch of women and men from the Sub-30 Club! And this December, he'll get to meet Megan!

Matt took this photo of the Sub-30 Club with Bart Yasso, but apparently couldn't remember anyone's name...Even those he's met more than once! It's nothing personal! Sorry guys!

Thanks for the idea, Kristina! I urge you guys to share this survey; it's fun to see yourself through the eyes of the person who knows you best!

What question would you add for your SO?
What question would you ask Matt, if I did another survey post someday?

ABK

Bear With Me...Get Ready for Random

I tried to get photos of the shelves Matt's been making and hanging around the new house, but none of the photos are really that interesting. So here's one of him actually working as he builds floating shelves from scratch.

His expression says: "Please stop taking candids of me."

We've had good weather for outdoor work, and that includes running. I've been taking as much advantage as possible.

Since my first run on the golf course, which I did without music, I've been trying to ditch the tunes for short runs/the beginning of long runs. I figure I'll want to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the marathon and, toward the end, I may want a pick-me-up. If I listen to music/podcasts for too long, I get sensory overload. So planning to run some of the race musicless seems like a good idea.

But you can't do something new on race day, so I've been running the first couple miles of long runs, and all of my short runs, without music.

It's really liberating. And I actually love the sound of my feet hitting the packed shells and sand along the golf course. It's just me, the crunch of my steps, and a few squawking birds and croaking frogs.

Something like three teeny pinpricks of rain hit me on this run, but the cool air and breeze were welcome!

Monday I ran three miles without music, which is my longest silent run ever. My brain started to kind of wander into its own weird thought process. I was thinking about Archie because...well, why not? Particularly, I was thinking of how we got his name (Archibald Michelangelo), and that led me to think that his name has the perfect ending.

Why not zone out thinking about this cute little fluffer?! For those wondering about how big Archie is, this photo is actually shows him LARGER than he is.

My little sister in my sorority, Jenn, has a dachshund named Roxy. She has this habit of calling her "Rox-YYYYYYY" with a really drawn-out and high-pitched "eeee" sound at the end. And now, when I think of Archie's name, I attach that same "eeee" ending sometimes.

And that, in turn, got me thinking about all the things I've learned from Jenn, beginning with:

1. The best pet names end in "ee" sounds and sound best when spoken at a squeal.

2. Date 'em and dump 'em. Jenn had (past tense, because now she's engaged) a tendency to date a guy, zero in on exactly what she didn't like, and date a new guy who didn't have that particular quality. Boyfriend too shallow? The next is sure to have more depth. Boyfriend too clingy? The next will know how to balance his priorities. She is the master at trading up. I've never known a girl who knows herself so well and is so good at refusing to settle, and she definitely never falls into the trap of trying to "fix" a guy who isn't right for her. I think most women can learn from this!

Jenn, me, and Leah (another sister). Jenn knew Matt before I knew either of them, and knowing she liked him was a definitely mark in his favor when we met.

3. Never back down and always be confident. Jenn can be confrontational; she just refuses to take crap from anyone, and she's smart as a whip and willing to go toe-to-toe with just about anyone. It's nice to have that kind of ferocity in your corner! She's definitely taught me to stand up for what I know is right.

4. Why speak one language when you can speak three? Yes, three. Jenn is from the Netherlands, so she speaks Dutch; she also speaks perfect English, and because she has been living in Panama for the last few years, perfect Spanish as well. Her dogs know commands in all three languages!

5. Be honest. Sometimes she may be blunt, but I've definitely learned that being honest and tearing off the proverbial bandaid is better for everyone most of the time. This kind of honesty leads to unshakeable trust, and that's pretty priceless in a friend.

So, that's what I thought about as I ran along the course Monday evening. Totally random, but a nice reflection. Oh, and did I mention that Jenn took up running? (Between her fiance - who also runs - and me, she kind of had to!)

I'll leave you all with a video of Archie being his usual adorable self. I hope your week is starting out swimmingly!

What do you think about while you run?

Do you listen to music, podcasts, or the sound of your own footfalls when you run?

Who is someone you've learned a lot from?

ABK 

Behind the Blog

Remember the days when VH1 had those really awesome "Behind the Music" shows? Remember when MTV actually played music videos? ...I don't know, naming this post has sent me back to the 90s haha.

Anyway! A few weeks ago those uplifting, warmth-inducing awards we all know and love made the rounds again, and I feel so lucky to have been nominated by three different, amazing bloggers who make my feed so entertaining and inspiring!

Courteney at Runner Girl nominated me for the Sunshine Award, given to bloggers who are inspiring, creative, and positive! I have been making a concentrated effort to be as positive as possible since my rut in January of last year, so being recognized makes me feel like I've been doing a pretty good job!

For the Sunshine Award, I'm supposed to share 11 facts about myself; as you'll soon see, I've got plenty of questions to answer from the other award, so I think I'll double up on those!

Jessica at Run Your Mutt Off and Heather at Girl Goes Running both nominated me for the Liebster Award. This award is meant to promote new bloggers; Liebster is German and can be translated to mean dearest, lovely, and valued. What a sweet award!

 Questions from Heather:

1. What is your favourite distance to run? Okay, first of all, I love that Canadians use the British spelling of words. I think my favorite distance for running is 5 miles, but for racing it's the half marathon. It's just the perfect distance for a real challenge that leaves you feeling that you've really accomplished something!

2. When did you start running? In 2009! It's the only New Year's resolution I've ever kept.

3. What is  your favourite brand of running shoe? Asics. I really love my Kayanos, but I love trying out new brands all the time.

4. Solo Runner or Buddy Runner? I used to need a buddy to stay motivated; learning to keep myself accountable has been a huge accomplishment to me. But I still love running with other people!

5. Favourite post-run snack? Chocolate milk. It's pretty much the only thing I can stomach after a run.

6. What made you start blogging? I wanted to keep myself more accountable. Blogging has been such a great gift. I love the blogging community, it has helped me reach out to friends and encourage them to begin running, and it has definitely helped me stay on track!

7. Do you have a pet? If so what kind? I've got little Archie, of course!

8. What is something not related to fitness that you think others don't know about you? This is a tough one. Um, I love science! I think biology and physics are beautiful and simply awe-inspiring.

9. What is your favourite TV show? I have a whole list! Shamefully, I watch Real Housewives (but only certain cities). I also love Community, Suburgatory, Bones, and The Daily Show and Colbert Report.

10. What do  you do with your race bibs? I keep them on the medal-holder I made for myself!

I seriously need to take an updated pic...I'm in need of new hooks I've accumulated so many medals lately!

11. What is a pre-race ritual you have? Coffee, breakfast, 5+ bathroom stops. Then, at the starting line, I jump up and down like I'm on a pogo stick.

Questions from Jessica:

1. What is your favorite race you’ve run, and why? My most recent half, probably, because I signed up alone and did most of my training alone. I learned a lot about myself in this race. It wasn't a PR, but I had more fun and felt more positive than in any other race I've run!

2. Who is your biggest supporter/fan? Definitely my husband. He cheers me on at 98% of my races, and even runs some of them with me. He would have a right to complain about how much money I drop on running clothes, shoes, and races, but he always encourages me to trust my instinct and get what I want/need.

3. What is your favorite piece of running gear? I looove my new Nike spandex shorts. They're so comfy and have a pocket, which is hard to find in spandex!

4. What is your tried-and-true pre-race meal? Dinner the night before is either sushi or spaghetti with meat sauce, hands down. Breakfast is a banana, peanut butter and honey toast, and coffee.

5. Have you met any of your twitter/blogger friends in real life? If so, when & where? I've met one of my blog friends from BEFORE blogger...I'm talking the days of Livejournal! She came to my wedding, and I can't wait to return the favor and go to hers in October this year!

6. What is your favorite non-running workout or exercise? I have lately become obsessed with squats. Someday I'll even learn to do them with weights! haha

7. Tell me the most memorable thing about your wedding or someone’s wedding that you’ve attended. A friend of ours surprised us by requesting the Hora from the DJ. We hadn't planned to do it, but it was so fun, I know my family loved that extra Jewish touch, and it really made the night special.

8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things could you not live without? Carmex, my kindle (and WiFi so I'd never run out of books and music), and Matt. 

9. What is the last book you read? I just finished Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. If you liked Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, I highly recommend it.

10. What is your all time favorite book? This isn't fair! I'm an English teacher! This is like asking a parent which kid is their favorite...it depends on the day of the week ;o)

11. Pick one – pizza, beer and a movie OR pasta, wine and a good book. Why? Love this question, but I wish I could mix and match. I really prefer wine and a good book, but I'd take pizza over pasta any day! (Gluten free, of course!)

It's truly awesome to me that the blogging community can really bring people together. I hope to be able to run with all these far-away friends someday!

The only thing I hate about these awards is having to choose just a handful of people to share them with. So many small blogs have so much to offer! Comment below with a synopsis of you blog and the URL...I encourage everyone to check out a blog that's new to them from the comments!

ABK