Tag Archives: fall

Goals, Running

On Running

Leave a comment
This is the most recent picture I have of myself running. This was taken during the Southern Odyssey Relay which the Old Guns Young Ones WON!

When I consider the last eight years, 2004 to 2012, running is one of the few constants I maintained. During those years, I moved over 700 miles to go to school, I earned two degrees, I had several jobs, and I traveled extensively. Throughout running kept me grounded. It’s what I do when I am happy, upset, frustrated, confused, thoughtful; when I want to celebrate and when I want to escape; rarely is there a time I don’t want to go running.

Just the other day, it amused me to realize that I do not watch where I put every footfall (to be fair, I was not running trails). By rough estimate, I have run over 13,000 miles – enough miles for my brain to understand my stride and to know how to place my feet without being told. By contrast, when I was hiking to Tamassee Knob, I was often looking down, very conscious of the trail ahead, perhaps even more so than I would have been if running. I had to remind myself to look up and observe the beauty around me. By generous estimate, I have hiked about 300 miles. Perhaps if I hiked the AT or Pacific Crest Trail, I would have the same confidence in my hiking stride as I do my running stride.

Mid-fall is the season I love to run in most. Winter and spring running can be hit or miss when layering. Summer running can feel more like swimming in the humid southeast. Fall running takes a comfortable lead: with crisp mornings and warm afternoons; sunsets of yellow, orange, pink, and purple; and wisps of clouds brushed into the sky, there is so much to enjoy. In the fall, I wish I was running now and later and again. I cannot get enough.

There is so much more I have to say about running, but finding the right words is more challenging than a ten miler. I know running will continue to influence the person I become, so do not be surprised if we occasionally run laps around this topic.

Taking it back to High School with my Bff and Spudd Zebbie!
Adventure, Clemson, Friends, Goals

Weekend Wrap-Up

1 Comment

I know, I know: ‘A Weekend Wrap-Up on Wednesday?’ Well, at least it is an alliteration. My weekend kicked off with featured speaker Dr. Gary Machlis, which I posted a summary of Monday. Now I would like to reflect on a delightful fall weekend, one I believe represents the epitome of Clemson’s offerings.

Fall colors are coming to Clemson quickly and beautifully. Watching the early morning light illuminate the leaves has been a true delight.

 

Go Tiger Volleyball!

Friday night, a good friend of mine, Beth, came to visit. We attended a heated volleyball game between Clemson and Miami. 24th ranked Miami came out on top, but our Tigers put up a good fight. Following the game, we rendezvoused at Alex’s house for a rousing political discussion and beer. What could be more American (or adult) than a beer summit? Beth and I continued the discussion at my apartment then went to bed at a reasonable hour (too adult?).

Saturday morning started with pancakes, which were shortly followed by the spoils of Clemson tailgating. In Tiger Town, Tailgating is not an activity, it is a lifestyle. Why else would we be voted number one in Southern Living? Now it is time for a confession: I am a tailgating weenie. I get my fill after two hours, so while a noon game is a travesty to hardcore tailgaters, it is a blessing to me. I can save face and still have the rest of the day to allocate as a I choose, which this Saturday meant a long run, strength training, Grey’s Anatomy, and grocery shopping. I did reconnect with friends in the evening, so I’m not a completely lost cause.

On Sunday, I hit the trails in Oconee State Park along with several graduate students from my former department. Like I mentioned at the outset, fall colors are coming quickly and beautifully to our region. The two-mile ridge line trail led us to Tamassee Knob and excellent views. While hiking, I enjoyed the feel of the warm sun mixed with the tender, but chill breeze. It was the longest period of time I had been out of cell phone reception in recent memory, and I soaked in every minute. Returning to our base camp at a friend’s rented cabin, we refueled on chips, peanuts, and s’mores before trekking home. A great day and another Fall Clemson To-Do checked off the list. I hope you had an equally rewarding weekend!

 

Adventure, Friends, Running, Unicorn

Final Countdown!

Leave a comment

It’s the final countdown to the SOUTHERN ODYSSEY! A 200-ish mile, 12-person relay event that takes approximately 24 hours to run.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED!

My camp director, friend, fellow runner, and all-around spring of inspiration and energy, Paige, approached me in the summer about the Palmetto 200, a race with a similar premise that I had run in April 2012. I told her how much fun running through the night on next-to-no sleep is and the rapid bonding that takes place when you spend almost 24 hours straight in the van together (minus the runner on the road, of course). We sang, we laughed, we rejoiced at IHOP when each of our final legs was over.

— I have to give a shout out to Van 1 here because that’s how close we are. We still have reunions and are planning a triumphant return to the Palmetto 200 in April. Watch out for the Clemson Thundercats! —

Returning to this post and this race, did I mention I am excited? We are the “Old Guns and Young Ones” and with a person as creative and driven as Paige at our helm, we have an Awesome logo:

Invincible

Our team is a motley crew of Paige’s friends, former camp counselors, and friends of teammates – we even have a baker! We start at 11:00 AM on Friday October 12. As of right now, our lead off runner is Paige and there could not be a better fit for the job. I am hoping to be the individual to run the final leg, quite an honor.

If you’re still wondering about the logistics: Most people will run between 14-18 miles split over three legs. Legs are not equidistant as they are arranged between the exchange points. We will start in Rome, Georgia and end in Kennesaw, Georgia. During the evening hours, we will be required to wear blinking lights and reflective vests and to carry flashlights or wear headlamps. No earbuds or music for runners, but beats are sure to be bumping in the van. Have other questions? Contact Me!

Map it please!

I will also be tweeting about the entire adventure under the handle @C_Sums and grouping tweets with the hashtag #SouthOdd. There will also be a follow up blog, but don’t expect anything until Sunday evening at the earliest, I’ll be sleeping until then.

Sneaking a Van 1 picture in here from last year:

Van 1!!!

Or two…

IHOP after the race – YUM!