Hey all, this is my final blog post before I send my material to my WISE evaluators..
I learned a lot over the course of this semester. Not only did I learn a lot during my final WISE project, but one of the main things I learned was even before I knew exactly what my project was. I struggled with choosing and sticking with a project for about two months - not a good idea when you're given a limited amount of time to choose and accomplish a project. However, this taught me to think my options through thoroughly, be decisive, pursue something, and stick with it.
Throughout my life I have always been indecisive and tend to worry about whether I make the right decisions; sometimes it is better to stop worrying, and have faith that you made the right choice, for then it will likely become the right choice.
I also learned that I have a real passion for reaching out to community members and representing a good cause. Though driving to various businesses all over town grew tiresome and tedious, I really benefited from the experience of introducing myself and my cause to strangers, and provoking a positive reaction out of them; convincing them to help my cause.
In early February, I believed that my project would result in me running a 10k (6.2 mile) run in Chicago, Illinois, and ended up hosting a 5k run right here in Ithaca. My project changed not only because of my indecisiveness, but because I was dealing with a sadness in my life that I had never experienced before. My motivation to focus my project on my cousin Sarah came from her sickness and battle with brain cancer, but it wasn't until she passed away on April 19 that I finally received approval from my Aunt to go ahead with the 5k in honor of her life.
In terms of time management, I think I was horrible, and wonderful. I know this sounds strange, but it is true. Looking at a large scale picture, I was horrible at managing my time: I spent two months bouncing back and forth between projects that got me nowhere. However, once I found my true project in late April, I worked really hard, all the time, spending hours a day doing errands or drafting letters, on the phone, meeting with sponsors and banks, etc. I worked thoroughly and intensely. If I hadn't, I would not be able to accomplish Strides for Sarah in this short amount of time.
I know for a fact that I have learned so much from this experience: I have learned to go with my instinct and not let anything bring me down. I have learned that being indecisive and waiting will alter my end results negatively. I have learned that I have a passion for reaching out into the community, and a passion for event planning, and a passion for celebrating the life of my beloved cousin, who was taken before her time. Although I have been more stressed than ever throughout the last weeks of my project, I will take these lessons with me wherever I go for the rest of my life, and will never forget this experience.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Yesterday/Today
Wow! I have been working so hard these past few days, and I have had migraines, and not been able to sleep, been getting not enough sleep...etc. STRESS!!
but today I really made progress and it feels as though it is all coming together and might actually work out!!! (lets hope).
Yesterday I went to Mr. Bryant and talked to him about cones, tables, chairs, water coolers, the soundsystem, etc. He told me to come back today to make sure everything was good, so I did, and it was, except the PA / sound system. The IHS system is not in great shape, so I went to the AP office of mr. Dahara, who says they will provide me with a megaphone.
Yesterday I sent Mr. Breagle my PDF of a Strides for Sarah poster I created, and he printed me two posters today, for which I paid him. I also brought tax exemption forms and the 501c3 form to Target yesterday. They told me to come today to collect a fifty dollar gift card, but when I came today they said nobody was there to give it to me, so they're going to call me tomorrow...
We really do have a lot of good prizes though, and people keep telling me they want to help out day of, which is muccchh neeededdd!!
but today I really made progress and it feels as though it is all coming together and might actually work out!!! (lets hope).
Yesterday I went to Mr. Bryant and talked to him about cones, tables, chairs, water coolers, the soundsystem, etc. He told me to come back today to make sure everything was good, so I did, and it was, except the PA / sound system. The IHS system is not in great shape, so I went to the AP office of mr. Dahara, who says they will provide me with a megaphone.
Yesterday I sent Mr. Breagle my PDF of a Strides for Sarah poster I created, and he printed me two posters today, for which I paid him. I also brought tax exemption forms and the 501c3 form to Target yesterday. They told me to come today to collect a fifty dollar gift card, but when I came today they said nobody was there to give it to me, so they're going to call me tomorrow...
We really do have a lot of good prizes though, and people keep telling me they want to help out day of, which is muccchh neeededdd!!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Today Marcie and I walked around the track and field area, and checked out the potential course that could go along the back of the school...
I decided it would be better to have everything more condensed, simply because I have never hosted an event before, namely a 5k, and neither has she. We want to be able to set up, clean up, and run the event smoothly with as little bumps along the way as possible. That said, I decided that although some people might find it repetitive or potentially a little boring, the track would be a better place for the run, along with two boynton miles.
The upside about the track, is everything is very reachable, meaning our water stations will all be accessible, and we wont have to drag tables out to that many far off locations - Just the half mile mark on the boynton course, which is at the crosswalk/streetlight post at the Boynton parking lot.
We ran into Mr. Bryant while we were out at the track, who I had just been looking for! I asked him about the sound system, and if we could use the speakers for music, and announcements. He said he needs to get back to me, (he said that a long time ago) and that I should come by his office next week. Well next week is cutting it kind of short... as the race is next Sunday. Ill try and hunt him down tomorrow just to get things going faster, though he might not know the info by then. I'm going to try and find Mrs. Bryant in the morning too, and ask if she knows, because she does the announcements for soccer games sometimes apparently.
Besides that, we planned out where my tables would go. Registration will be right at the entrance to the track, where there will be posters and signs.
- I've been trying to reach the tech department to let me print on their huge printer. If I cant i'll try the main office, and if they say no I'll go to Kinkos on Saturday.
Anyways, once people are registered they will walk into the track and right before they enter the turf, there will be a food table which will have baked goods for sale, and pizza (starting at 11), and a donation jar (posted the picture last blog). Then as runners walk onto the turf, they can get their Tshirts.
I NEED TO FIND MR BERNSTEIN to ask about a gun for start of the race!! and the cards!! and timing!! I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND HIM but these are VERY important!!!
I also need to hear back from Bangs if they can come at 10 instead of 11 (just nice to have them there a little earlier)
On Saturday, (I'll be out of town tomorrow for a concert in Buffalo,) I'll go to Michaels and get safety pins, sharpies, scissors, tape, pens, cups, etc.
Sunday morning I'll need to be there around 730, mr bryant will tell me where I can go to get all my stuff when I get there. Hopefully my volunteers will get there soon after, and I am thinking about collecting baked goods the day before.
I decided it would be better to have everything more condensed, simply because I have never hosted an event before, namely a 5k, and neither has she. We want to be able to set up, clean up, and run the event smoothly with as little bumps along the way as possible. That said, I decided that although some people might find it repetitive or potentially a little boring, the track would be a better place for the run, along with two boynton miles.
The upside about the track, is everything is very reachable, meaning our water stations will all be accessible, and we wont have to drag tables out to that many far off locations - Just the half mile mark on the boynton course, which is at the crosswalk/streetlight post at the Boynton parking lot.
We ran into Mr. Bryant while we were out at the track, who I had just been looking for! I asked him about the sound system, and if we could use the speakers for music, and announcements. He said he needs to get back to me, (he said that a long time ago) and that I should come by his office next week. Well next week is cutting it kind of short... as the race is next Sunday. Ill try and hunt him down tomorrow just to get things going faster, though he might not know the info by then. I'm going to try and find Mrs. Bryant in the morning too, and ask if she knows, because she does the announcements for soccer games sometimes apparently.
Besides that, we planned out where my tables would go. Registration will be right at the entrance to the track, where there will be posters and signs.
- I've been trying to reach the tech department to let me print on their huge printer. If I cant i'll try the main office, and if they say no I'll go to Kinkos on Saturday.
Anyways, once people are registered they will walk into the track and right before they enter the turf, there will be a food table which will have baked goods for sale, and pizza (starting at 11), and a donation jar (posted the picture last blog). Then as runners walk onto the turf, they can get their Tshirts.
I NEED TO FIND MR BERNSTEIN to ask about a gun for start of the race!! and the cards!! and timing!! I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND HIM but these are VERY important!!!
I also need to hear back from Bangs if they can come at 10 instead of 11 (just nice to have them there a little earlier)
On Saturday, (I'll be out of town tomorrow for a concert in Buffalo,) I'll go to Michaels and get safety pins, sharpies, scissors, tape, pens, cups, etc.
Sunday morning I'll need to be there around 730, mr bryant will tell me where I can go to get all my stuff when I get there. Hopefully my volunteers will get there soon after, and I am thinking about collecting baked goods the day before.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Todayyy!!
Today, I went to the bank and deposited two checks into my Strides for Sarah account; both were $50. One was from Alternatives (bank) who decided to sponsor my event, and one was a donation from one of my aunts.
That was a nice feeling, because the tshirts are just under 350 dollars, so that makes it under 250.
I went to Shortstop to request a giftcard or coupons, and THEY GAVE ME 4 CASES OF WATERBOTTLES! That means 100 prefilled waterbottles, which will certainly be enough for our runners!! Of course, we still need water coolers to provide water for the runners in dixie cups as they run by, but this helps a TON!!!
I'm meeting with Marcie tomorrow at 12:30 to finish up the details about the course, and then start collecting marking materials. I made the donations jar today, it looks good :)
That was a nice feeling, because the tshirts are just under 350 dollars, so that makes it under 250.
I went to Shortstop to request a giftcard or coupons, and THEY GAVE ME 4 CASES OF WATERBOTTLES! That means 100 prefilled waterbottles, which will certainly be enough for our runners!! Of course, we still need water coolers to provide water for the runners in dixie cups as they run by, but this helps a TON!!!
I'm meeting with Marcie tomorrow at 12:30 to finish up the details about the course, and then start collecting marking materials. I made the donations jar today, it looks good :)
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Songs for a New World
Today I had the privilege of going to Emily's musical production of Songs for a New World. It was nothing less than outstanding, which in itself, is an understatement.
The amount of work that she put into that production was evident / crystal clear in every move an actor took, in every note a singer sung. It was beautifully choreographed, with each actor moving in tune with the melody and in sync with one another. Seeing Emily's project play out so very nicely makes me both excited, determined, anxious, and nervous for Strides for Sarah. I haven't been able to do much these past few days because I've been so busy during my birthday weekend / Marcie has been away. But, I did set up an account for the donation money and received a small amount from Alternatives, (50 dollars) .. but at least it's something!!
I talked to Liam Cody, who is a cross country runner and IHS alumn, and he says my course sounds fine - two laps around the track, two boynton miles, two more laps around the track, but he suggested doing what I had planned last week, which is two extended boynton miles (the picture posted below) Each of those is about 1.58 miles.. but those trails will be harder to mark and lead people through. So tomorrow I am hopefully meeting with Marcie if she is back and going to IHS to plan together.
Besides that, our shirts are ordered, bib numbers are ordered, we have volunteers signed up, almost 70 attending on facebook, a helium tank for balloons, probable pizza from tops, and our various prizes.
A few things we still need
- traffic cones (markers)
- the final mark up of the course ( one of two plans)
- word back from mr bryant about playing music / announcements
- bakesale sign ups
The amount of work that she put into that production was evident / crystal clear in every move an actor took, in every note a singer sung. It was beautifully choreographed, with each actor moving in tune with the melody and in sync with one another. Seeing Emily's project play out so very nicely makes me both excited, determined, anxious, and nervous for Strides for Sarah. I haven't been able to do much these past few days because I've been so busy during my birthday weekend / Marcie has been away. But, I did set up an account for the donation money and received a small amount from Alternatives, (50 dollars) .. but at least it's something!!
I talked to Liam Cody, who is a cross country runner and IHS alumn, and he says my course sounds fine - two laps around the track, two boynton miles, two more laps around the track, but he suggested doing what I had planned last week, which is two extended boynton miles (the picture posted below) Each of those is about 1.58 miles.. but those trails will be harder to mark and lead people through. So tomorrow I am hopefully meeting with Marcie if she is back and going to IHS to plan together.
Besides that, our shirts are ordered, bib numbers are ordered, we have volunteers signed up, almost 70 attending on facebook, a helium tank for balloons, probable pizza from tops, and our various prizes.
A few things we still need
- traffic cones (markers)
- the final mark up of the course ( one of two plans)
- word back from mr bryant about playing music / announcements
- bakesale sign ups
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
extra
Tonight, an IHS student I barely know sent me the nicest message on facebook. He said he knows we aren't particularly close, but he really appreciates what I am doing to honor my cousin, that his family recently lost someone to cancer, and that he would love to help in any way he can, and his family will donate. I am really touched by this, it's the little things like this that make me happy
:)
:)
Hey all,
Sooo today was the sample presentation. Wow, it was quite something. Katherine Barden sure knows how to speak. Even though it seemed ( and was later revealed in her evaluation) that she had rushed at the end of her preparation and wasn't totally sure about how her project would go, she really commanded the audience and captured their attention. Her project was "SteamPunk" and that was certainly new to me. From what I understand after seeing her WISE presentation, steam punk is a sort of fantasy style, that incorporates renaissance-esque detail into metals, fabrics, and gadgets. It's an edgy style, a creative style. Katherine showed her progress well by showing that she began without really doing much, at least nothing hands-on, but ended up with four polished and diverse outfits, and many objects and jewelry pieces.
From this presentation, I learned that it is really important not to feel too rushed at the end of the WISE process, because it can really affect your work. There are a lot of written pieces and things to polish up and all of that must be done well and diligently. AND then there is preparing the actual presentation and being able to talk for 30 minutes and then answer questions (wow...) I have never made a speech that long, so I am definitely going to need to practice a lotttttt...
I'm excited though, I think it's gonna be good!
I'm using prezi for my final presentation... which will look awesome
Sunday, May 20, 2012
the route
Here is some idea of how the route might go... i've been trying really hard to map it using the Nike running app on my phone, but I'm not sure how reliable it is. I drove the part of the course that I could drive, and it seemed pretty comparable with Map My Run, a website that maps routes. SOO here is the most promising route.
This would be a full route, this is 1.58 miles. If doubled, that would be 3.16, which is a little longer than a normal 5k, at 3.1
"MapMyRUN." Map Your Runs. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://www.mapmyrun.com/my_home/>.
This would be a full route, this is 1.58 miles. If doubled, that would be 3.16, which is a little longer than a normal 5k, at 3.1
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
OMG
OOOOOH MYYYY GOODDNESSSS
I just made the Facebook event for Strides for Sarah, and I am overjoyed. After 10 minutes, almost 30 people had already RSVP'd!!! This is the part where things start to come together a bit I think, in terms of my mental health at least hahaa.
Of course the whole time I have been so happy to do this project in honor of my cousin, but at times (often) I've felt very overwhelmed. Planning this event, along with all my final exams and AP tests, preparing for graduation and senior week with the rest of Student Government, planning and holding the Rock the Arts festival, Yearbook, dealing with the sadness in my family due to the death of three of my closest family members this year, has been very stressful / overwhelming. I always had the idea that the spring of my senior year would be a time of relaxation and ...boredom (in a good way). However, it is exactly the opposite. I'm stressed out constantly, always on the move, and never bored.
I was the one that got myself involved in all of these extra-curricular activities, none of them were forced upon me or required. Even though I wanted this spring to be relaxing, I think I sub-conciously didn't, in a way. When I'm productive or helping the people around me in one way or another, I'm happier than when I am doing nothing.
That said, I think I overloaded myself this semester.... Oh well, I'm not a quitter.
I've got a LOT to do by Thursday. On Thursday Marcie and I are ordering tshirts. We decided to wait til Thursday instead of doing it today, because I'm putting up flyers tomorrow at school and around town, and waiting to see how many people RSVP via. Facebook.
Thursday before our meeting I'm going to sit in the cafeteria with some registration forms and hope that people will buy tickets!!
I'm really getting excited about this...
I just made the Facebook event for Strides for Sarah, and I am overjoyed. After 10 minutes, almost 30 people had already RSVP'd!!! This is the part where things start to come together a bit I think, in terms of my mental health at least hahaa.
Of course the whole time I have been so happy to do this project in honor of my cousin, but at times (often) I've felt very overwhelmed. Planning this event, along with all my final exams and AP tests, preparing for graduation and senior week with the rest of Student Government, planning and holding the Rock the Arts festival, Yearbook, dealing with the sadness in my family due to the death of three of my closest family members this year, has been very stressful / overwhelming. I always had the idea that the spring of my senior year would be a time of relaxation and ...boredom (in a good way). However, it is exactly the opposite. I'm stressed out constantly, always on the move, and never bored.
I was the one that got myself involved in all of these extra-curricular activities, none of them were forced upon me or required. Even though I wanted this spring to be relaxing, I think I sub-conciously didn't, in a way. When I'm productive or helping the people around me in one way or another, I'm happier than when I am doing nothing.
That said, I think I overloaded myself this semester.... Oh well, I'm not a quitter.
I've got a LOT to do by Thursday. On Thursday Marcie and I are ordering tshirts. We decided to wait til Thursday instead of doing it today, because I'm putting up flyers tomorrow at school and around town, and waiting to see how many people RSVP via. Facebook.
Thursday before our meeting I'm going to sit in the cafeteria with some registration forms and hope that people will buy tickets!!
I'm really getting excited about this...
Monday, May 14, 2012
Camp Good Days
http://www.campgooddays.org/
Here is some information about Camp Good Days and Special Times, the organization that I am donating seventy-five percent of my profits to.
Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities.
Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc. was founded over 30 years ago by Gary Mervis to provide a residential camping program for his daughter, Teddi Mervis, and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York, and has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world. Camp Good Days was the fourth program of its kind in the country and the first to be started by a layperson.
What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York (21 from Rochester; 21 from Buffalo; 21 from Syracuse) in 1979 has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. Many of the programs and services started right here at Camp Good Days have been used as models for cancer treatment centers and organizations throughout the United States and Canada. This past summer, over 1500 children, including children with cancer from several foreign countries, participated and experienced the magic of Camp Good Days firsthand at our own beautiful Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake.
All of the programs and services at Camp Good Days and Special Times, provided to many children and their families, are offered free of charge for the participants. The only reason we are able to continue doing this is because of our many successful fundraising events and the generous donations from very special individuals and organizations in our community.
Camp Good Days maintains our own Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake, where the residential camping programs take place. The Camp Good Days' Headquarters & Volunteer Training Center is located in Mendon, NY and Camp Good Days also maintains offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca, NY."
"Camp Good Days - About Us." Camp Good Days - About Us. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.campgooddays.org/AboutUs/>.
The website offers more information, about Camp Good Days retreats, family programs, adult oncology programs, volunteer opportunities, event listings and news, etc. Check it out and get involved!!!
Here is some information about Camp Good Days and Special Times, the organization that I am donating seventy-five percent of my profits to.
"About Us
Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities. Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc. was founded over 30 years ago by Gary Mervis to provide a residential camping program for his daughter, Teddi Mervis, and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York, and has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world. Camp Good Days was the fourth program of its kind in the country and the first to be started by a layperson.
What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York (21 from Rochester; 21 from Buffalo; 21 from Syracuse) in 1979 has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. Many of the programs and services started right here at Camp Good Days have been used as models for cancer treatment centers and organizations throughout the United States and Canada. This past summer, over 1500 children, including children with cancer from several foreign countries, participated and experienced the magic of Camp Good Days firsthand at our own beautiful Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake.
All of the programs and services at Camp Good Days and Special Times, provided to many children and their families, are offered free of charge for the participants. The only reason we are able to continue doing this is because of our many successful fundraising events and the generous donations from very special individuals and organizations in our community.Camp Good Days maintains our own Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake, where the residential camping programs take place. The Camp Good Days' Headquarters & Volunteer Training Center is located in Mendon, NY and Camp Good Days also maintains offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca, NY."
"Camp Good Days - About Us." Camp Good Days - About Us. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.campgooddays.org/AboutUs/>.
The website offers more information, about Camp Good Days retreats, family programs, adult oncology programs, volunteer opportunities, event listings and news, etc. Check it out and get involved!!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Its been a while!
Hey y'all...
Sorry its been almost a week. My grandfather passed away on Thursday, and we immediately went to Philly to see our family. We got back late yesterday, and today I was on the commons all day working at Rock The Arts, a local music festival.
Anyways, while I was in Philly Mr Bryant called and said he is concerned that the youth bureau might have scheduled a lacrosse practice to be on the IHS turf on sunday june 10.....
PROBLEM PROBLEM PROBLEM
I am meeting with Mr. Bryant tomorrow at 1:15 to discuss this potential problem... He will hopefully have it figured out by then...
EEEEEK
Meeting with mrs gergely and wise class tomorrow as wel...
Sorry its been almost a week. My grandfather passed away on Thursday, and we immediately went to Philly to see our family. We got back late yesterday, and today I was on the commons all day working at Rock The Arts, a local music festival.
Anyways, while I was in Philly Mr Bryant called and said he is concerned that the youth bureau might have scheduled a lacrosse practice to be on the IHS turf on sunday june 10.....
PROBLEM PROBLEM PROBLEM
I am meeting with Mr. Bryant tomorrow at 1:15 to discuss this potential problem... He will hopefully have it figured out by then...
EEEEEK
Meeting with mrs gergely and wise class tomorrow as wel...
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wegmans just called me and said they have accepted my request for donations! That is great news.
What I really need is fund though. As it is now we don't have any money to pay for our tshirts. My meetings with HSBC and M&T seemed to go well though, so hopefully they will contribute.
We have a few things for a raffle though, which is really nice. But the t-shirts are more important.
Mrs. Gergely couldn't meet today, which is unfortunate especially because we need to discuss the date of my presentation and evaluate my progress. Hopefully we will meet this week.
This project is kind of a huge endeavor, so pulling it off last minute is really really stressful, but I think I can do it. I'm constantly running around going to different businesses asking for donations, and im still trying to track down Mr. Redmond or Mr Bryant. I really need to hear back from the ambulance company (bangs) so that we can be sure of our cost for medical aid. Hopefully it will be nothing...
Once Bangs has agreed to be there, we can sign the building use form saying we have AED certified representation at the event. Also, I made a poster and I'll sit in the lunch room starting Wednesday to advertise the event, and tomorrow after my meeting with Marcie I'll make a facebook group with the final details.
What I really need is fund though. As it is now we don't have any money to pay for our tshirts. My meetings with HSBC and M&T seemed to go well though, so hopefully they will contribute.
We have a few things for a raffle though, which is really nice. But the t-shirts are more important.
Mrs. Gergely couldn't meet today, which is unfortunate especially because we need to discuss the date of my presentation and evaluate my progress. Hopefully we will meet this week.
This project is kind of a huge endeavor, so pulling it off last minute is really really stressful, but I think I can do it. I'm constantly running around going to different businesses asking for donations, and im still trying to track down Mr. Redmond or Mr Bryant. I really need to hear back from the ambulance company (bangs) so that we can be sure of our cost for medical aid. Hopefully it will be nothing...
Once Bangs has agreed to be there, we can sign the building use form saying we have AED certified representation at the event. Also, I made a poster and I'll sit in the lunch room starting Wednesday to advertise the event, and tomorrow after my meeting with Marcie I'll make a facebook group with the final details.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Uppppddaaatesss
SO !
Today, I met with Marcie at her office again. I told her about everything I have accomplished since Wednesday, which is really a lot!!
Here is a list of things I have done!
- Letter to sponsors
- Filled out and turned in donation forms to Wegmans, CTB/ IB, Greenstar
- Met with people at HSBC, M+T, Alternatives, Bangs Ambulance
- Turned in the building use form, though we don't have official confirmation from Bangs yet, so it might not go through until we do... have to talk to mr. bryant about that (athletic director at IHS)
- The girls lacrosse team has decided to help/ all run the 5k!!! That is a lot of girls in different grades and friend groups (great publicity)
- Buffalo Wild Wings has agreed to do a fundraise where I get one night and everyones meal that night gives me 15% of their profit, but Im not sure I'm accepting this offer, because Marcie says she hasn't made much money doing those.
- Maurices gave me 2 bags full of fun things like perfume, a stuffed animal from the american cancer society, and candy etc., and I'll auction those off in a raffle. Their staff would like to volunteer on race day!
- Finger Lakes Running Co. gave me 2 25$ gift cards as well, also used for a raffle I presume!!!
I'm making posters tomorrow to advertise in the cafeteria during lunch periods, and designing the logo tonight and this weekend so we can get flyers out asap!!!
more soon!
Today, I met with Marcie at her office again. I told her about everything I have accomplished since Wednesday, which is really a lot!!
Here is a list of things I have done!
- Letter to sponsors
- Filled out and turned in donation forms to Wegmans, CTB/ IB, Greenstar
- Met with people at HSBC, M+T, Alternatives, Bangs Ambulance
- Turned in the building use form, though we don't have official confirmation from Bangs yet, so it might not go through until we do... have to talk to mr. bryant about that (athletic director at IHS)
- The girls lacrosse team has decided to help/ all run the 5k!!! That is a lot of girls in different grades and friend groups (great publicity)
- Buffalo Wild Wings has agreed to do a fundraise where I get one night and everyones meal that night gives me 15% of their profit, but Im not sure I'm accepting this offer, because Marcie says she hasn't made much money doing those.
- Maurices gave me 2 bags full of fun things like perfume, a stuffed animal from the american cancer society, and candy etc., and I'll auction those off in a raffle. Their staff would like to volunteer on race day!
- Finger Lakes Running Co. gave me 2 25$ gift cards as well, also used for a raffle I presume!!!
I'm making posters tomorrow to advertise in the cafeteria during lunch periods, and designing the logo tonight and this weekend so we can get flyers out asap!!!
more soon!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Confirmation.
I can hear the loving sobs from downstairs as I write this post: I know I have picked the right project. I have never been happier to create and become involved in something. This project means more to me than almost anything, because it honors one of the most loved people that has ever been or will ever be in my life.
I just called my Aunt, who immediately began to cry when I told her about the details of my project honoring my cousin. The official name is now "Strides for Sarah" (approved by her mother) and my family might even try to come down for the run. I will give 75% of the profit to Camp Good Days and Special Times, and 25% to the Sarah Dekker Memorial Art Award. :)
Tomorrow I talk to Mr. Powers, Mr. Redmond, and go to Alternatives, Boatyard Grill, Wegmans, etc..
This is consuming me... and I love it!
Meeting with Marcie!
Today I met with Marcie, the regional director of Camp Good Days. I could not be more lucky. Marcie is amazing! She has agreed to help me with whatever I need to make this 5k a success. She said that because she just finished with two big events, she has enough free time in her schedule to do this with me! We talked for about an hour about how we are going to attack this and make it a success in about a months time.
Technically, we should have started planning in February; this would have given us PLENTY of time to get the course established, get permission and clearance from the school district, city, and get insurance, sponsors, donations, etc. However, my project was somewhat halted until I got the permission I needed from my family to host a race in my cousin's honor.
Now that I have their consent, I'm diving in!
One big thing I need to decide is if Marcie is just helping me because she has volunteered her time, or if I am doing this via. Camp Good Days - this means they can help publish flyers, get the event info in the newspaper, etc., AND makes our T-Shirt (etc.) orders tax exempt. (Big plus...)
At this point, because I am starting the actual action part of the project a lot later than would have been ideal, I think my best option is to go through Camp Good Days. I really like the organization, and am definitely considering sending all of my proceeds there. Though Marcie still says even if I do it via. camp good days I only need to donate a small amount to the organization.
Some things we discussed ...
I need to talk to Mr. Powers and figure out what parts of the land around the school actually belong to the school vs. Tompkins County/the City of Ithaca... I'd like to keep the run on school property so that I don't need to get the idea approved and insured by the city ($$$).
I have the building use form, so I need to fill that out and turn it in, and talk to the athletic directors (they have to sign it too).
Marcie will check if anyone she knows has a tent we can put in the middle of the track and have our tables under. I requested tables and water coolers from the school, as well as a few chairs.
While Marcie and I were talking, a women Marcie knows came in and ended up helping A LOT. She is a cancer survivor, and has organized several 5k runs in the past. She wants to meet with me on Friday back at Marcie's office (so so so happy, such a big help).
Marcie and I are going to try and reach out to the Bangs funeral home service and ask them if they might like to donate their time (give us an ambulance) for race day. Hopefully this works out, because if it does it will save a lottttt of money.
Thats the big big thing. Sponsors. I'm going to my bank, Alternatives, and asking if I can meet with someone and tell them about my event/cause. If they donate over $50, they can have their company on the back of the T-shirts we are making. This same policy goes for everywhere we ask for donations. Of course, some places will only donate, for example, a $25 giftcard, in which case we will raffle those prizes off, or give them to the first place runner.
I'm drafting a letter after this blog post that will go out to the businesses I contact about donating and sponsoring. Marcie gave me some sample letters to look at from her past events, which will help.
My T-Shirts are going to be white (5/ 5.50 per shirt) with orange font, and sponsors on the back.
I kind of wanted a colored tshirt but that costs 6 per shirt which will end up being significantly more. I'm doing this through PSP, because they are very efficient and easy to work with.
Right now, we're looking at needing at least $500 for shirts... assuming we get 100 of them.. though this is something I have time to think about... perhaps 75 is a more realistic number.
The shirts need a name and a logo on them, both of which I am thinking about now. It's hard though, I don't know whether or not to include my cousins name in the name of the event... or what to call it... right now the best I can come up with is Run Against Cancer.. Oh!!! What about Strides for Sarah?!?!!!? That one's good.... I'll have to ask my Aunt if having my cousins name in the title is Ok.
I'll need to make a Facebook event, advertise it in the halls with flyers, word of mouth, and bakesales- I'm going to recruit my friends to bake and I'll sell the baked goods in the cafeteria during 5 and 6 lunch periods (when I have free). I'll have forms for pre-registration there, and give people information about how to pre-register even when I'm not in the cafeteria. At this same time, I'll have a sign up sheet for volunteers as well, as we will need people helping with timing, water, food, handing out shirts, etc..
I'll be speaking to coaches and sports teams about running the 5k as a team, or just in groups. The girls lacrosse team has already shown interest.
Much to do, next meeting with Marcie and Beth on Friday...!! !! !!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Talking to Sarah M.
Mr. B informed me of a runner who hosted a 5k last year as a final project at ACS.
Today I asked her a few questions about her process and end result!
I asked her about the course selection, and she said she used an area that required city approval. So, she had to buy insurance. She used USA Track and Field, and it cost her $125. With that, she filled out a city of Ithaca special event form, and I need to figure out if this is necessary, or if it only has to be done if I take my run off of school grounds (into the property of Tompkins County, which I was informed by Sarah M., includes Lake St....)
Apparently, to clear this with the city of Ithaca, (if I need to do that..) requires an ambulance present. Last year when Sarah did her race, she got the ambulance donated through a connection with the company... So this may prove difficult or pricy if needed.
She mentioned asking CTB/ Ithaca Bakery for donations and successfully obtaining bagels and cream cheese for the day of the race. Also she got water donated by Cayuga Medical along with a $500 donation... (WILL WORK ON THAT)
In order to really receive a lot for donations I will need to get moving right away and travel to local businesses and ask them by the end of this week. It seems they are much more willing to give if asked earlier rather than later. So in order to do this I will need to create a written (typed) letter that I can hand out to each business/organization reminding them of my cause and event information.
In order to construct this letter I will need to be clear on what approach I am taking towards my event...
This will be clear (hopefully) after meeting with the head of Camp Good Days tomorrow!!!
If she wants to collaborate, my guess is her organization already either has clearance with the city for events and has safety (ambulance) worked out etc.
We shall see what happens tomorrow with my meeting!
Also on my to-do list is make a calendar / official check list of things I need to do... this looks like it might get a little messy.
On Weds., I am going to get in touch with Mr. Redmond (athletic director) after filing out a building use form... then I can start getting donations and advertising!
McIlvennie, Sarah. Personal interview. 30 April. 2012.
Today I asked her a few questions about her process and end result!
I asked her about the course selection, and she said she used an area that required city approval. So, she had to buy insurance. She used USA Track and Field, and it cost her $125. With that, she filled out a city of Ithaca special event form, and I need to figure out if this is necessary, or if it only has to be done if I take my run off of school grounds (into the property of Tompkins County, which I was informed by Sarah M., includes Lake St....)
Apparently, to clear this with the city of Ithaca, (if I need to do that..) requires an ambulance present. Last year when Sarah did her race, she got the ambulance donated through a connection with the company... So this may prove difficult or pricy if needed.
She mentioned asking CTB/ Ithaca Bakery for donations and successfully obtaining bagels and cream cheese for the day of the race. Also she got water donated by Cayuga Medical along with a $500 donation... (WILL WORK ON THAT)
In order to really receive a lot for donations I will need to get moving right away and travel to local businesses and ask them by the end of this week. It seems they are much more willing to give if asked earlier rather than later. So in order to do this I will need to create a written (typed) letter that I can hand out to each business/organization reminding them of my cause and event information.
In order to construct this letter I will need to be clear on what approach I am taking towards my event...
This will be clear (hopefully) after meeting with the head of Camp Good Days tomorrow!!!
If she wants to collaborate, my guess is her organization already either has clearance with the city for events and has safety (ambulance) worked out etc.
We shall see what happens tomorrow with my meeting!
Also on my to-do list is make a calendar / official check list of things I need to do... this looks like it might get a little messy.
On Weds., I am going to get in touch with Mr. Redmond (athletic director) after filing out a building use form... then I can start getting donations and advertising!
McIlvennie, Sarah. Personal interview. 30 April. 2012.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
update!
I'm meeting with the head of camp good days on tuesday, and mr. powers ok'ed my idea to do my race on the track!!
He told me now I have to get a building use form and talk to the athletic directors (they're are two right now: the school is in between switching people for the position)
Updates tomorrow!
He told me now I have to get a building use form and talk to the athletic directors (they're are two right now: the school is in between switching people for the position)
Updates tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Happiness Revisited
"Happiness, in fact, is a condition that must be prepared for, cultivated, and defended privately by each person."
1. When are you most happy?
I think I'm most happy when those around me are healthy, when my relationships with everyone around me are healthy, and when I'm accomplishing / have accomplished something.
2. In response to the article:
I think this is one of my favorite things we have read this year. I love love love phsycology/philosophy, and I think studies about happiness and when we feel fulfilled are really interesting. I can relate to the thoughts the article considers about an individual who achieves something or obtains something they wanted that they thought would make them happy, but then develops a whole new list of goal or desires. Maybe this isn't real happiness then, we just label it as that??
3. Where are you on the flow chart?
To be honest I really do not understand how the flow chart works... on principle I would say I'm somewhere in the middle, maybe a little closer to anxiety at the moment.
4. Throughout my project I've grown more anxious because my life has changed a lot - my cousin getting sick and dying - and it has affected almost everyone around me (well, my family) and this changes my happiness significantly. One big stress factor like this in my life makes me stressed out about other smaller things as well, possibly even more so than I would be feeling normally.
5. How can you achieve flow?
I think you can achieve flow by conciously deciding what seems to make you happy, and integrating whatever that is into as much as you can throughout every day of your life. Maintaining a good attitude and realizing that you'll always desire more and that this is not part of your happiness, that happiness should be something that stems off of a constant factor - love etc., will help one achieve flow.
"Happiness, in fact, is a condition that must be prepared for, cultivated, and defended privately by each person."
1. When are you most happy?
I think I'm most happy when those around me are healthy, when my relationships with everyone around me are healthy, and when I'm accomplishing / have accomplished something.
2. In response to the article:
I think this is one of my favorite things we have read this year. I love love love phsycology/philosophy, and I think studies about happiness and when we feel fulfilled are really interesting. I can relate to the thoughts the article considers about an individual who achieves something or obtains something they wanted that they thought would make them happy, but then develops a whole new list of goal or desires. Maybe this isn't real happiness then, we just label it as that??
3. Where are you on the flow chart?
To be honest I really do not understand how the flow chart works... on principle I would say I'm somewhere in the middle, maybe a little closer to anxiety at the moment.
4. Throughout my project I've grown more anxious because my life has changed a lot - my cousin getting sick and dying - and it has affected almost everyone around me (well, my family) and this changes my happiness significantly. One big stress factor like this in my life makes me stressed out about other smaller things as well, possibly even more so than I would be feeling normally.
5. How can you achieve flow?
I think you can achieve flow by conciously deciding what seems to make you happy, and integrating whatever that is into as much as you can throughout every day of your life. Maintaining a good attitude and realizing that you'll always desire more and that this is not part of your happiness, that happiness should be something that stems off of a constant factor - love etc., will help one achieve flow.
!
I am now in touch with the head of Camp Good Days; we're going to meet sometime very soon to begin talking about the 5k and her involvement with my project!!
Updates soon!!
(I am talking to mr. powers tomorrow about using the track / boynton area)
Updates soon!!
(I am talking to mr. powers tomorrow about using the track / boynton area)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Reflecting...
So this winter my cousin was diagnosed with brain cancer. She spent three months in intensive care undergoing multiple surgeries, pneumonia, a brain infection, and the cancer kept coming back. She went to rehab where she did speech and physical therapy, but still could not talk or move. The cancer spread throughout her brain and to her spine and she was sent home. She passed away last Thursday and though I am left feeling unbearably sad, I am also motivated and wanting to make a difference.
So I am back to square one, but I have it all figured out. Well my plan is figured out anyway, I just have to execute it. Soooooooo......
I am going to host a 5k race in honor of my cousin. This past weekend when I was in Philadelphia, I connected with my second cousin who has career goals that lie in the public relations area and fundraising for non profit organizations. She is working with my Aunt to create a fund for a scholarship to be given to a high school senior at the high school my cousin graduated from. This scholarship will go towards the childs' college tuition. I am going to talk to both my cousin and aunt about this in more detail; it is possible my money will go towards a specific cancer organization in my cousins' name/honor if the fund is not set up at the point of the race.
I have a lottttt to do to get this even together!
I talked to Mr. Bernstein today about helping out with the actual race, and he said that if he wasn't away at the track and field state championships, he would love to help and time the race!
He referred me to another student, a girl who actually had a similar project as mine last year - to host a 5k race. She was successful! She had between 100-200 participants!! I'm not sure if this is how many I should expect... I guess I will have to play that part by ear, it will depend on my advertising - I'll contact the Ithaca Journal, and spread the word throughout the Ithaca and IHS communities (put an announcement on the IHS loudspeaker, etc.)
I just emailed the head of Camp Good Days, and asked her if she might want to collaborate on the event. It would be amaaazing if she did, because she plans marvelous events - she gets good refreshments, is organized, and normally provides t-shirts, water-bottles, and other things to make people feel more comfortable and be more enthusiastic.
Until I hear back from Camp Good Days, I'm going to contact Mr. Powers and ask if I can use the track for a venue, and see what the deal with building use forms is....
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Today
Just realized my post from yesterday never published so I just published it now...
There's been a death in the family; I'm sorry I'm not too great at talking right now
More soon,
Rachel
There's been a death in the family; I'm sorry I'm not too great at talking right now
More soon,
Rachel
Update
Hey everyone...
So I have been spending my time playing a lot of guitar lately... partly because I'm on a strong medicine that leaves me breathless when I even attempt to run more than a few feet, and makes my knees weak. I don't know when I will be getting off of this medicine, and it really sucks. All I want to do is be able to exercise and relieve stress and feel fit, but I can't!!! SOO frustrating.
More soon..
So I have been spending my time playing a lot of guitar lately... partly because I'm on a strong medicine that leaves me breathless when I even attempt to run more than a few feet, and makes my knees weak. I don't know when I will be getting off of this medicine, and it really sucks. All I want to do is be able to exercise and relieve stress and feel fit, but I can't!!! SOO frustrating.
More soon..
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Stuck again!!!
Hey all,
So!
This past week I was in North Carolina, and as soon as I got back I was dealing with an extremely urgent family emergency (ongoing).
I would have blogged in North Carolina, but I had zero internet access.
Therefore, I'll update y'all on what I did there... besides lay on the beach and experience Southern culture.
Because this was spring break, I decided to adopt a new attitude towards things, mostly towards my WISE project.
As can be observed, I'm a pretty indecisive person. In Buxton, NC, I explore both the WISE projects I've embarked on. I didn't necessarily mean to do this...
I worked on my guitar with my friend Lily, who has lots of background in the instrument, as both of her parents are musicians and play gigs weekly. With Lily, I worked on technical improvement on the instrument versus learning random songs, etc. (What I tend to do in my free time). Lily began teaching me jazz chords, which are really quite interesting - Once you learn one, you can play it anywhere on the guitar (on any fret). This is different than the open chords I've learned and worked with in the past, which vary depending on the location of the neck of the guitar and which fret your hand is on. Because Jazz chords can be played anywhere on the guitar using the same position, transposition is much more easily attained this way.
Just learning this, I felt much improvement. But then Lily showed me how to incorporate these chords into songs, and thats when I really heard the music (pun intended). After learning something so technical it is quite rewarding to be able to start piecing together a song.
Though I explored my newly chosen WISE project, I also, without truly realizing it at the time, improved IMMENSELY on my running project..
I broke 3.5 miles while in Buxton.. a personal record. This changes things. Well, mainly it just shows me I really can do the running if my heart is in it. It felt amazing, running to the old Cape Hatteras light house and back to the beach, kicking off my Nike's and letting the tide cool my feet and legs....
HELP. What do I do? I really feel like I could run a 5k without a problem right now, maybe even develop skills to run a longer race... or should I continue with my passion for music??
Until I find my mentor in the halls or between classes I will continue working on both because I'm pretty sure I can't drop one again.. though I'm also pretty sure that having 2 WISE projects simply isn't done / doesn't make any sense...
My goal here should really be fighting my battle with indecisiveness.. haha
advice please.....
- Rachel
So!
This past week I was in North Carolina, and as soon as I got back I was dealing with an extremely urgent family emergency (ongoing).
I would have blogged in North Carolina, but I had zero internet access.
Therefore, I'll update y'all on what I did there... besides lay on the beach and experience Southern culture.
Because this was spring break, I decided to adopt a new attitude towards things, mostly towards my WISE project.
As can be observed, I'm a pretty indecisive person. In Buxton, NC, I explore both the WISE projects I've embarked on. I didn't necessarily mean to do this...
I worked on my guitar with my friend Lily, who has lots of background in the instrument, as both of her parents are musicians and play gigs weekly. With Lily, I worked on technical improvement on the instrument versus learning random songs, etc. (What I tend to do in my free time). Lily began teaching me jazz chords, which are really quite interesting - Once you learn one, you can play it anywhere on the guitar (on any fret). This is different than the open chords I've learned and worked with in the past, which vary depending on the location of the neck of the guitar and which fret your hand is on. Because Jazz chords can be played anywhere on the guitar using the same position, transposition is much more easily attained this way.
Just learning this, I felt much improvement. But then Lily showed me how to incorporate these chords into songs, and thats when I really heard the music (pun intended). After learning something so technical it is quite rewarding to be able to start piecing together a song.
Though I explored my newly chosen WISE project, I also, without truly realizing it at the time, improved IMMENSELY on my running project..
I broke 3.5 miles while in Buxton.. a personal record. This changes things. Well, mainly it just shows me I really can do the running if my heart is in it. It felt amazing, running to the old Cape Hatteras light house and back to the beach, kicking off my Nike's and letting the tide cool my feet and legs....
HELP. What do I do? I really feel like I could run a 5k without a problem right now, maybe even develop skills to run a longer race... or should I continue with my passion for music??
Until I find my mentor in the halls or between classes I will continue working on both because I'm pretty sure I can't drop one again.. though I'm also pretty sure that having 2 WISE projects simply isn't done / doesn't make any sense...
My goal here should really be fighting my battle with indecisiveness.. haha
advice please.....
- Rachel
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Scales
so, even though I know various chords on the guitar, and a few songs, I decided to go back to the basics today. I worked on scales. Until today, my strategy was basically to find songs I liked, and learn them each individually. Learning scales help establish a baseline for your skill level, they also help convey where you are on the guitar in relation to a chord.
I started with the one of the most basic scales. C major.
Here is the website I found, that provides each scale in different positions all over the neck of the guitar!!
You can even click play to hear how they should sound.
http://www.chordbook.com/guitarscales.php
I started with the one of the most basic scales. C major.
Here is the website I found, that provides each scale in different positions all over the neck of the guitar!!
You can even click play to hear how they should sound.
http://www.chordbook.com/guitarscales.php
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
First steps..
Here is one of my favorite websites that I will definitely be using all the time during this process (and already have been).
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
This website is updated every day, has thousands of songs on it, and for each, it shows the lyrics, the chords, and when chord changes are supposed to occur. Not only does it show this information, if you use your mouse to role over the suggested chord letter, it shows you the hand positioning of the chord on your guitar strings. If you can't adjust your hand to fit in that specific position, or you are playing the chord on a different fret or with a capo, you can scroll through different versions of hand placement!
I'm not sure if that made sense so I'll post a picture of what I'm attempting to describe.
I love this site because it allows me to easily find a song running through my head and study the chords and music and try and teach it to myself. It also will prove helpful in experimenting with something I have always wanted to try - mixing songs into a sort of mash-up version, therefore transposing songs into the same key. I want to work on transposing and knowing how to transpose songs without simply looking up the song in a different key.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Dear Reader...
Dear Reader,
I'm starting over.
I have been coming to the realization that my heart is just not in this project anymore. Several of my original ideas are proving not suitable and complicated for various reasons. So, I have decided to take my WISE project/experience in a totally different direction. I guess this isn't a totally new project, as it is something I have been doing voluntarily this year anyways.
To me, the fact that I have been attempting to start this project for my own enjoyment shows that it will likely prove to be a better/more successful/ more enjoyable project, one that I can safely say I am invested in. This is teaching myself to play the guitar. I received a guitar a few years ago and I have certainly made improvement in my playing ability over the years, but it is only this semester that my has enthusiasm has grown to the point of serious improvement. I will be learning/ improving my guitar playing skills, and working towards two main goals as of now.
One is playing at Rock the Arts on the commons in the late spring, (probably not by myself)
Another is creating a polished song/track with my friend Will, where I will play the guitar and we will both sing (additional instruments like banjo and or ukulele and percussion will likely be added as well).
More tomorrow!!
I'm starting over.
I have been coming to the realization that my heart is just not in this project anymore. Several of my original ideas are proving not suitable and complicated for various reasons. So, I have decided to take my WISE project/experience in a totally different direction. I guess this isn't a totally new project, as it is something I have been doing voluntarily this year anyways.
To me, the fact that I have been attempting to start this project for my own enjoyment shows that it will likely prove to be a better/more successful/ more enjoyable project, one that I can safely say I am invested in. This is teaching myself to play the guitar. I received a guitar a few years ago and I have certainly made improvement in my playing ability over the years, but it is only this semester that my has enthusiasm has grown to the point of serious improvement. I will be learning/ improving my guitar playing skills, and working towards two main goals as of now.
One is playing at Rock the Arts on the commons in the late spring, (probably not by myself)
Another is creating a polished song/track with my friend Will, where I will play the guitar and we will both sing (additional instruments like banjo and or ukulele and percussion will likely be added as well).
More tomorrow!!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Interview With Mr. B
I consider Richard Bernstein a very admirable person. His
admirable qualities are numerous, but one stands out more than the others: his
ability to use his positive attitude to instill a sense of confidence and drive
in someone. This is something he does as a guidance counselor, and as the coach
of the Cross Country team at Ithaca High School.
Originally
Rich wanted to play basketball. He tried out for the basketball team at the
college he attended, Syracuse University. Today the Syracuse University basketball
team is considered one of the top college teams in the nation. So, even though
Rich didn’t make the team, the attempt is still impressive. He kept playing
basketball though, and participated in an intramural team. He continued to live
in Syracuse after graduating and taught, and was introduced to an activity that
would soon become a new passion; jogging. He joined the Syracuse track club, and began running over 100
miles per week. “I kinda fell in love with the sport.” Bernstein reminisces.
After
getting married, the Bernstein’s relocated to Ithaca, New York, where Rich
applied for a job as the assistant track coach on the Ithaca High School track
team. To his surprise he was given the job of the head track coach! Soon after
beginning work he realized his passion was geared more towards strictly
distance running, and so two years later, Richard Bernstein became a
cross-country coach.
Mr.
Bernstein has established himself as respected guidance counselor and well
loved cross-country coach, and has a great schedule set for his runners. “For 4
to 5 weeks it’s just easy running; getting a base in about 30 to 45 minutes a
day. Then there are long runs, a tempo work out, and one speed work out a week.
The boys take a day off every ten days and girls take a day off every week. Some
cross train, and flexibility is key.”
Rich
says that one of the most gratifying parts of his job is hearing back from a
previous high school runner. “Getting a message from a past cross country kid
saying “I ran my first marathon!” – That’s what makes my day.” “My goal is to
have this as their life support…to have a passion just to run,” he says.
Richard
Bernstein’s positive attitude and passion for the sport certainly shine, and
his passion is contagious: he has made me more and more excited to continue the
processes of becoming a runner.
“If
you’re stressed, just put on your shoes and go for a run.”
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Workout Playlist!
Hey everyone, so one thing I absolutely can not exercise without is music! It pumps me up and keeps me energized; motivates me to keep going even when I feel tired. I've been researching why, and here are some facts and fun things to think about!
"Good tunes drown out our inner conversations (those of the “I’m bored-tired-hungry-bloated-nauseous-unable-to-breathe” variety). Who’s feeling sorry for herself while thumping along to Fer-ga-li-cious? Not me."
"A good playlist can cancel out fatigue not just in our minds, but in our bodies, too. Kravitz reports that the “byproduct molecules of high level exercise” — chemicals that cause fatigue — can be reversed by music. How cool is that?"
"Music has been found to influence our motor coordination. That’s why music therapists use music to help patients overcome motor control conditions. And in exercisers, music not only increases endurance and motivation, but also helps us move more efficiently at a faster pace."
- askfitnesscoach.com
SO. This has inspired me to make a workout playlist for all you readers (and for myself). Many websites, like Seventeen Magazine, Marie Claire, etc. have playlists of pump up songs for workouts that they advertise on their websites.
But here's one of my own:
Chainless - Tinashe
Colours (Remix) - Skizzy Mars
Domino - Jesse J
The Motto - Drake / Lil Wayne
Let It Out - Girl Talk
6 Foot 7 Foot - Lil Wayne
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Starships - Nicki Minaj
Bass Down Low - The Cateracts
Work It - Missy Elliot
Live This Life - Big Sean ft. Dream
California Girl - Cisco Adler ft. Shwayze
Favourite Song - Colbie Caillat and Common
Levels - Avicii
Fade Into Darkness - Avicii
Wild Ones - Flo Rida feat. Sia
These are just some, but they are great ones!! Enjoy :)
"Good tunes drown out our inner conversations (those of the “I’m bored-tired-hungry-bloated-nauseous-unable-to-breathe” variety). Who’s feeling sorry for herself while thumping along to Fer-ga-li-cious? Not me."
"A good playlist can cancel out fatigue not just in our minds, but in our bodies, too. Kravitz reports that the “byproduct molecules of high level exercise” — chemicals that cause fatigue — can be reversed by music. How cool is that?"
"Music has been found to influence our motor coordination. That’s why music therapists use music to help patients overcome motor control conditions. And in exercisers, music not only increases endurance and motivation, but also helps us move more efficiently at a faster pace."
- askfitnesscoach.com
SO. This has inspired me to make a workout playlist for all you readers (and for myself). Many websites, like Seventeen Magazine, Marie Claire, etc. have playlists of pump up songs for workouts that they advertise on their websites.
But here's one of my own:
Chainless - Tinashe
Colours (Remix) - Skizzy Mars
Domino - Jesse J
The Motto - Drake / Lil Wayne
Let It Out - Girl Talk
6 Foot 7 Foot - Lil Wayne
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Starships - Nicki Minaj
Bass Down Low - The Cateracts
Work It - Missy Elliot
Live This Life - Big Sean ft. Dream
California Girl - Cisco Adler ft. Shwayze
Favourite Song - Colbie Caillat and Common
Levels - Avicii
Fade Into Darkness - Avicii
Wild Ones - Flo Rida feat. Sia
These are just some, but they are great ones!! Enjoy :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Interests: In terms of interest, I am really interested in finding ways to create a healthier lifestyle, and.. simply put.. not so interested in the running itself. This is something I have just realized, and though it seems like a let down, I don't think it really is. I think realizations like that will only make my project stronger. AND that does not by any means mean I will stop running or run any less, it just might mean I look at my project in a new light, and maybe take it in a different direction... where that is we will see..
Information: I really don't have much information. This is a problem. I have resources, as can be found in my bibliography, but I haven't used them much. I am going to start researching different aspects of running/fitness/health to find inspiration, therefore I will be gathering a lot of information and hopefully learning a lot as well. Though I need to do a lot of research, I have learned a lot about myself and my body and fitness level. I know that when I take a break from running for more than a day at a time, I fall way behind again. Its like every day I work out is a half a step forward, and every day I don't is 2 steps back. This just means I need to take that into consideration, work hard to get to the gym every day (except rest days,) and not beat myself up if I don't feel up to running a long run. Anyways, I'm going to start researching a lot more now.
Insight: I'm seeing my project in a different way now, well, I hope I will be soon, but right now I'm kind of stuck... I'm following my plan of working out and running, but I don't think that's a great WISE project in its entirety.. Originally I was going to travel to Chicago in May for a 10k race but that option is quite dysfunctional, therefore I need to find a new direction to go in. I am looking into a triathalon in late April, and one in June.
Inspiration: This is what I am looking to find!!! I think I want to look at fitness sections of magazines/ fitness magazines for some inspiration, because they usually have a good smattering of ideas and things to get involved in/ new active things to try. I need to find some quality inspiration to continue and develop my project. By doing research online and in magazines etc I think I will become inspired when I find interesting information. That is my hope anyways!!
Will update soon..
rachel
Information: I really don't have much information. This is a problem. I have resources, as can be found in my bibliography, but I haven't used them much. I am going to start researching different aspects of running/fitness/health to find inspiration, therefore I will be gathering a lot of information and hopefully learning a lot as well. Though I need to do a lot of research, I have learned a lot about myself and my body and fitness level. I know that when I take a break from running for more than a day at a time, I fall way behind again. Its like every day I work out is a half a step forward, and every day I don't is 2 steps back. This just means I need to take that into consideration, work hard to get to the gym every day (except rest days,) and not beat myself up if I don't feel up to running a long run. Anyways, I'm going to start researching a lot more now.
Insight: I'm seeing my project in a different way now, well, I hope I will be soon, but right now I'm kind of stuck... I'm following my plan of working out and running, but I don't think that's a great WISE project in its entirety.. Originally I was going to travel to Chicago in May for a 10k race but that option is quite dysfunctional, therefore I need to find a new direction to go in. I am looking into a triathalon in late April, and one in June.
Inspiration: This is what I am looking to find!!! I think I want to look at fitness sections of magazines/ fitness magazines for some inspiration, because they usually have a good smattering of ideas and things to get involved in/ new active things to try. I need to find some quality inspiration to continue and develop my project. By doing research online and in magazines etc I think I will become inspired when I find interesting information. That is my hope anyways!!
Will update soon..
rachel
Sunday, March 25, 2012
oooops
SOOOO I have really been slacking on blogging lately... Partially because I have been slacking on working out.
BUT I have a legitimate excuse. A little over a week ago, on a Thursday, I went to the Cornell track to run and do bleacher runs. It was fabulous. I felt great, it was beautiful out, I watched the sunset as I ran up the top of Scholkopf (really not sure how to spell that..)
However, as soon as I got home I was aching allllll over. For a while I thought it was because of my workout, but then I found out I had a fever... so the rest of that weekend I didn't work out. Then on Monday I went to the gym, but didn't have much luck as my head was pounding with every stride I took. Sooo I rested, went again on Tuesday, and felt a bit better... But then I developed the cough.
The cough has limited my progress A LOT. I STILL have it. Though it is definitely getting better, It keeps me running a mile or less every time I work out. I guess I should have waited longer before getting back to the gym, it probably only furthered the sickness I was feeling.
Oh well, you live and learn...
I'm going tomorrow though, I can't not!
- Rachel
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The magical iPhone...
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Weekend
Hey guys,
So this weekend I spent my days babysitting... so I guess I earned my physical activity points doing that..
But honestly, it's exhausting! I sat for six hours on Saturday and ten hours Sunday. But on Friday I had a great work out at the gym that left me a little sore on Saturday.
I'm looking forward to getting back to the gym this week :)
I have WISE tomorrow and I'm also meeting with my mentor, so I'll post again then.
- Rachel
So this weekend I spent my days babysitting... so I guess I earned my physical activity points doing that..
But honestly, it's exhausting! I sat for six hours on Saturday and ten hours Sunday. But on Friday I had a great work out at the gym that left me a little sore on Saturday.
I'm looking forward to getting back to the gym this week :)
I have WISE tomorrow and I'm also meeting with my mentor, so I'll post again then.
- Rachel
Friday, March 9, 2012
yay!
I actually was able to get to the gym Wednesday and Thursday! I've been incorporating a lot more elliptical time into my work outs, and I've found that it actually helps me when I run, because it warms up my muscles. By the time I get on the treadmill, I'm already stretched and ready to go; I don't have to spend .10 of a mile speed walking to gradually work my heart rate up.
I'm leaving for the gym in about 10 minutes, I'm exhausted but I'm going to try to get a good two hours of exercise in.
Later,
rachel
I'm leaving for the gym in about 10 minutes, I'm exhausted but I'm going to try to get a good two hours of exercise in.
Later,
rachel
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I forgot...
I forgot about my workout update..
So today I went to the gym and did about an hour on the elliptical and ran one mile, and then did some arm weights and stretched a lot. Tomorrow I am taking a rest day I think... because I have no way of getting to the gym.
We'll see!
- Rachel
day of progress!!
Hey everyone,
Today I secured a new mentor! I know, I'm way behind on that... It's because I had one picked out, but mentoring turned out to be too much work for him. Totally understandable, as it means a lot of meetings, and effort put in to helping me progress on my journey through the WISE project. My new mentor is Ms Gergely, and I'm very excited to work with her!
She has recently become an avid runner, and has had experience running in several 5k races. This experience and enthusiasm will be great in helping me during the WISE process.
Today I secured a new mentor! I know, I'm way behind on that... It's because I had one picked out, but mentoring turned out to be too much work for him. Totally understandable, as it means a lot of meetings, and effort put in to helping me progress on my journey through the WISE project. My new mentor is Ms Gergely, and I'm very excited to work with her!
She has recently become an avid runner, and has had experience running in several 5k races. This experience and enthusiasm will be great in helping me during the WISE process.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Hey everyone!
Currently cooling down from my workout - I know Monday's are rest days, but I just felt the urge to burn off some calories, and energy as well. I didn't do anything too strenuous, just about 45 minutes of cross training on the elliptical, and some weights and ab excersises as well. I'm getting a ride to the gym from my friend tomorrow, but weds and thurs I won't be able to get there. My mom has to go to Philly for the week for a family emergency, leaving me carless.
I'll write again Friday !
- Rachel
Sunday, March 4, 2012
back on track
Hey everyone!
So yesterday I actually had a great day of working out. It was beautiful outside, so my friend and I decided we should go running at the inlet by Cass Park. We set out, and realized it was insanely windy and cold by the water. So we only ran about a 2 mile loop. Then we drove over to the gym and ran another mile and did some weights and stretching.
Today, I got to the gym only 30 minutes before it closed, (annoying Sunday closing hours..) so I could only run about a mile after 15 minutes of elliptical and stretching.
Still, it's better than nothing! My long days are around 3 miles now, so hopefully within the next week I'll work that up a bit!
- Rachel
So yesterday I actually had a great day of working out. It was beautiful outside, so my friend and I decided we should go running at the inlet by Cass Park. We set out, and realized it was insanely windy and cold by the water. So we only ran about a 2 mile loop. Then we drove over to the gym and ran another mile and did some weights and stretching.
Today, I got to the gym only 30 minutes before it closed, (annoying Sunday closing hours..) so I could only run about a mile after 15 minutes of elliptical and stretching.
Still, it's better than nothing! My long days are around 3 miles now, so hopefully within the next week I'll work that up a bit!
- Rachel
Saturday, March 3, 2012
It's been a while...
Sorry about my lack of posting these past 2 weeks.
I've been so busy that getting to the gym itself, let alone working out to my full effort, has been quite difficult.
My mom got in a car accident, leaving us carless for about a week, which made getting to the gym impossible on some days. I also went away to MA to visit the school I'll be going to next year, which took a few days out of my schedule.
But I'm back on my work out flow and now I'm about to go to the gym. Yesterday I spent a good bit of time on the virtual reality bikes, you know, the ones that have the dragon game where you chase dragons and earn points? That bike left me feeling sore. I think I need to incorporate more kinds of cardio into my work outs, and less days of simply running.
Also I'm looking up new stretches because I have been feeling like the ones I am doing may not be enough.
I'll try and update frequently now!!
- Rachel
I've been so busy that getting to the gym itself, let alone working out to my full effort, has been quite difficult.
My mom got in a car accident, leaving us carless for about a week, which made getting to the gym impossible on some days. I also went away to MA to visit the school I'll be going to next year, which took a few days out of my schedule.
But I'm back on my work out flow and now I'm about to go to the gym. Yesterday I spent a good bit of time on the virtual reality bikes, you know, the ones that have the dragon game where you chase dragons and earn points? That bike left me feeling sore. I think I need to incorporate more kinds of cardio into my work outs, and less days of simply running.
Also I'm looking up new stretches because I have been feeling like the ones I am doing may not be enough.
I'll try and update frequently now!!
- Rachel
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Resting for Vday..
Considering the amount of candy and other sweet things I've eaten today, I definitely should have gone to the gym. However I don't have a car for the next week, so getting to the gym is gonna take a lot more effort. But since my last post, I've been running 2.5 - 3 miles when I run, so I know i'm getting somewhere! I thought I would find getting even to this point harder, since I have never been a great runner, but it's not too bad! I've been feeling good : )
Later, I'll report back after my "day after v-day workout" oh boyyyy.
- Rachel
Later, I'll report back after my "day after v-day workout" oh boyyyy.
- Rachel
Saturday, February 11, 2012
workout update
Helloooo everyone!
This week was a long and stressful one in terms of school work and other upsetting events that took place. A talented and well loved musician and friend named Jack Gallagher passed away on Monday; the funeral was Friday. Emotional events like these give me much more energy when I run. Perhaps it's simply because I have more to think about and therefore am less concerned about how far I am in my milage at any given point. As (what I think is) a result from this, I was able to get to 2 miles easily without stopping. I allowed myself to have an easier day today, simply running a mile and doing some weights and ab workouts.
Along with the beginning of my work out schedule, I went grocery shopping to get foods that will give me the protein and fiber I need to have lots of energy to exercise. One thing I do still need to work on is getting enough sleep, which will prove to be imperative as I move farther along in my project.
I'm snowed in at my house tonight, so maybe I'll try catching some ZzZZzz
- Rachel
Monday, February 6, 2012
Peer Reflection:
Hey there readers,
If you get a chance, check out my friend Emma's blog, at http://firsttryatfiction.blogspot.com
It's a pretty ambitious project, though I have no doubt in my mind she will be able to complete it if she sets her mind to it!
Writing a book of sorts is a tedious task, but one that involves so much creativity that I'm sure it will be nothing short of a blast!
It seems both our schedules will help us in accomplishing the basics of our projects, which will both require a lot of additional motivation to follow through.
This certainly wont be true only about our projects, but for all of the WISE projects. That is one of the things that makes these projects so hard and at the same time so fulfilling. But I know we all have the drive and determination to succeed. I look forward to keeping up with my classmates while I progress as well.
- Rachel
If you get a chance, check out my friend Emma's blog, at http://firsttryatfiction.blogspot.com
It's a pretty ambitious project, though I have no doubt in my mind she will be able to complete it if she sets her mind to it!
Writing a book of sorts is a tedious task, but one that involves so much creativity that I'm sure it will be nothing short of a blast!
It seems both our schedules will help us in accomplishing the basics of our projects, which will both require a lot of additional motivation to follow through.
This certainly wont be true only about our projects, but for all of the WISE projects. That is one of the things that makes these projects so hard and at the same time so fulfilling. But I know we all have the drive and determination to succeed. I look forward to keeping up with my classmates while I progress as well.
- Rachel
Saturday, February 4, 2012
New Nikes!
Check out my new Nikes! They're Nike free running shoes; you can barely feel them when they're on! I'm super excited to go try them out : )
2 Week Plan
Luckily, I was able to get myself to he gym the other day, and am heading out to go there in about an hour. I just got back from Foot Locker where I bought a new pair of Nike running shoes. I got my old ones about a year ago and they're pretty worn down, so it was time for a new pair. I've found a training schedule I'm going to follow, and I'm going to start it on Monday. The schedule begins Monday, which is actually a rest day. It's important to rest because running breaks down your muscles, and in order to build them back up to a stronger level, you must take at least two rest days a week, and vary your running mileage often. Here is the schedule I will be following, the first two weeks are clearly marked.
Also during these two weeks, I will confirm my mentorship with my selected mentor, and begin meeting with him to share ideas and thoughts. Two weeks puts me at February 20, lets see what I can do!!
Here's the schedule, wish me luck for a good start!
Also during these two weeks, I will confirm my mentorship with my selected mentor, and begin meeting with him to share ideas and thoughts. Two weeks puts me at February 20, lets see what I can do!!
Here's the schedule, wish me luck for a good start!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dear Readers,
As I'm writing this, I am sitting at home on my couch staring at my gym bag. Sitting here, I glance over at my TV and almost reach for the remote, but then I realize I can make better use of my time: I can go to the gym. But I'm so lazy... Why don't I have the same desire to go running that I do for watching Netflix?
Here you have my WISE project. I am going to give myself the challenge of making running a routine part of my life. I've always enjoyed the feeling I get after I excersise... who doesn't? But it's getting to the gym in the first place that's so very hard. And once your there, you can stay for two hours and move slowly, run a mile or two and meander around trying out different machines for a while... (I speak from experiance) or you can make good use of your time and stretch properly, warm up, get a good workout in, cool down, and leave feeling happier and healthier.
My goal is to do the latter. But what is my motivation? Why am I doing this?
Not only do I want to get in shape and feel good about myself, I want to accomplish a goal, and physically working to change my endurance to get there seems like a sufficient proposal. I am training to get ready for local runs in the finger lakes area, and possibly a 10k (6.2) mile run in Chicago this coming May. As it is now, I go to the gym often, but with no specific work out routine or agenda. From now on, I will follow my training schedule, which I will post soon. The schedule is geared towards the goal of a 10k run, but will of course aid in training for a 5k run (3 miles) as well.
Thats enough for now... Gotta get off of this couch, I'm going to try and get myself to the gym.
- Rachel
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