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Getting Better All the Time
I ran 7.5 miles this weekend. I didn't go up to 8 because I hadn't run in a week and I didn't want to risk my legs. It was a good decision. I felt great after the run, and I'm getting stronger - I'm running faster than I was before, and without really trying. Perhaps it's also because I haven't had a cigarette in a LONG TIME. YAY ME.
While running, I also tested out some new running attire:
Click to see the back
(and the back of my sister's!)
Ignore my running hair, please.
My sister surprised me with this top last time I saw her. She and High Energy Jenny have been in cahoots, planning to surprise me with this totally kick-ass running gear. And as you can see, I'm not the only Team Schmoo member with a shirt -- oh no. We've got Coach and High Energy too! How freakin' cool is that! Thanks to both of you for being my supportive team members!!
And besides being stylish, it was actually totally comfortable to run in. SWEET. And I can't wait to sport it at the Half Marathon. It's actually starting to cool off here, FINALLY, so I'm already thinking about what to wear for the race. Long pants. Long sleeves. Fabby jersey on top.
In other news, my spinning has not improved. I think it may have gotten worse. But that's okay -- in order to complete my fabulous artyarn scarfy masterpiece, I must prolong the crappy spinning technique. After I spin yards and yards of thick and thin poo yarn, I will knit an artscarfmasterpiece. and THEN I will actually get someone to show me how to use the damn drop spindle.
ArtScarf, version 1.0.
Well, I'd wear it.
I also tried something else new this week -- a short row heel for my sock. Turns out I'm not so great at the short row heel. My first attempt was way too wide. I pulled that out, and tried again, this time with greater success, but then I put the sock down in the middle of the short-rowing, lost my place, and created extremely large holes on each side. D'oh. I didn't turn back this time - these socks are probably for me anyways, so I'm not so worried about the holes. I can sew the damn things up. Wanna see?
Click for heel close-up.
I also cast on for a sweater out of Vintage Knits -- how about some cashmere yarn on size 3 needles? Woot.
Tiny and soft.
I don't know how long I will last, knitting a sweater at this insane sock yarn gauge, but the yarn is baby cashmere and its softness is delicious. SO, I'm going to try and make it through.
I'm off to knit on the yummy softness right now.
Posted by carrie at October 24, 2005 10:14 PM
Comments
Gooooooooooooooooo, Carrie!!!
And how cute are you in your running gear??? Running hair and all :-)
Posted by: Becky at October 31, 2005 11:58 AM
What kind of yarn is that that you are using for the socks? It looks awesome! Is it self-stripping?
Posted by: Kyla at October 29, 2005 10:37 PM
Where the hell have I been? You're spinning? Go, you!!!! And running and looking GOOD doing it, babe. (Tip on what to wear for the half-marathon - think about bringing an old sweatshirt that you don't like, or get one at the thrift store - then when you get hot, leave it on the ground or on a newsrack or something - SOMEONE will get the use out of it, and you'll be nice and warmed up - then have nice dry sweats waiting at the end....)
i'm so sad I missesd Rhinebeck...
Posted by: Rachael at October 29, 2005 05:55 PM
I love your running gear! I would love to run, but I'm far too lazy. The scarf looks pretty ace too - really lovely colours :)
Posted by: jen at October 28, 2005 12:33 PM
I love your art yarn. I would rock that scarf! I think it's beautiful.
As for the Team Schmoo shirt, well, that's about the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. I can't wait to see a photo of all three of youse in your Scmoo-jerseys. Or Schmerseys. Ir would it be spelled Schmersies?
Posted by: Anne Marie at October 27, 2005 04:21 PM
You go girl! It is so wonderful that you quit smoking & are a great runner now. I bet you feel fabulous!:-)
Posted by: Eilene at October 27, 2005 10:12 AM
LOVE the new running gear. And great job! You're getting there! The husband and I will be in Greenville (SC) this weekend where he's running in a relay marathon. Should be fun!
And love the socks, too! Awesome stripes!
Posted by: allison at October 27, 2005 09:22 AM
The sock looks great. My short row heels aren't as fabulous as I'd hoped, either. So, at least you're not alone in that. Someday, I'll have to get a better explanation of how to do them.
And, the trick that helped me the most on the drop spindle was really good predrafting. Make that wool as thin as you can before it reaches the spindle. It helps a lot.
Posted by: Krista at October 27, 2005 03:51 AM
I had the same problem with the short row heels on the pair I made like that. Let me know if you get any tips on how not to do it!
Posted by: Jenna at October 26, 2005 10:11 PM
i love those socks! what kind of yarn did you use and where abouts?
(i *heart* sock weather!)
Posted by: nicole at October 26, 2005 06:51 PM
go team schmoo! you're such an inspiration!!
Posted by: gaile at October 26, 2005 12:20 PM
Team Schmoo is wonderful! I love the running gear. And I agree that short row heels take some getting used to.
Posted by: Janice in GA at October 26, 2005 10:10 AM
GO YOU WITH THE RUNNING!!!! NICE! and nice teamwear too!! WOOOO!!!!!!! :)
Posted by: Lara at October 26, 2005 12:48 AM
Did you steal those socks out of my dresser drawer?! I'm convinced you did. Same yarn, same holes ;)
Posted by: Stacey at October 26, 2005 12:20 AM
What great Team Schmoo gear!! Congrats on the mileage... too bad you can't knit while you're running (hee.)
Posted by: Kathy at October 25, 2005 06:40 PM
go teamies go!
Posted by: joanna at October 25, 2005 06:21 PM
Congrats on your great run and doing the short row heel! Yay Team Schmoo!
Posted by: Rossana at October 25, 2005 06:14 PM
Congrats on the run...and the not smoking! I ran my first 10 last weekend and have another this coming weekend. Unfortunately, I still seem to find a smoke in my hand after a couple beers. Hopefully I'll be able to give that up soon, too!
Posted by: Slang at October 25, 2005 04:35 PM
You are too cute in that outfit! And I'd wear that scarf out of your homespun yarn, why in the hell not? It's pretty!
I'm so proud of your running successes, and I shall be cheering on Sister Coach, High Energy, Icy Hot Jenny and you in spirit!!!
xo MJ
Posted by: MJ at October 25, 2005 04:10 PM
Ohhh! I wish I had coaches! I am very impressed with your running 7.5 miles. way to go!
Knitting on 3s may not be so fun, but the result will be fab, I am sure!
Posted by: maya at October 25, 2005 02:48 PM
Oooh, I would so love to be on Team Schmoo, though running is definitely not my strong suit. It looks great on you, though.
Posted by: Marnie at October 25, 2005 02:19 PM
What IS that sock yarn?? Between you and Jess, I am having major cute sock envy. I have never knit a sock in my life, but have been inspired to try. Speaking of inspiration, you kick ass. I am so proud of you and your running! And the jersy is just too much. Love it. Oh yeah, and I think your nubby handspun yarn is yummmmmmy. Go Carrie!
Posted by: Sarah at October 25, 2005 01:11 PM
Go team schmoo! You are too cute in your new gear. I meet up with my girlfriends in random spots all over the country to do races - it's great fun. Perhaps I should add Atlanta to my circuit. But let's do a 10k, k? No marathons for me.
My spinning has also gotten a little worse, but I think perserverence will make it better. We gotta keep trying.
Which sock yarn are you using? It's yummy!
Posted by: Julia at October 25, 2005 12:18 PM
Congratulations on the running! That's really amazing. Love the shirt, the socks, the spinning, the cashmere!
Posted by: courtney at October 25, 2005 12:16 PM
You are so cute! Love the fab running gear and lookit all those projects! Wow!
Posted by: Christie at October 25, 2005 12:03 PM
I know your doggies are SOOOooo proud that you wear "Team Schmoo" for your healthy non-smoking running endeavors. I am so jealous - I thought you had "inspired" me to at LEAST start walking but nuttin' yet. I WOULD WEAR that scarf - I think it's beautiful. i love the baby cashmere and you are again so GREAT to go at a sweater on 3's. the short row socks are new to me - but I love the way that heel looks. You go girl - you and your sis are just the cutest and we are so proud!!
Posted by: Robin at October 25, 2005 11:18 AM
A sweater out of baby cashmere? Drool...
And, 7.5 miles? I am in awe! Good for you!!
The spinning will actually get better. Don't give up on it!
Posted by: --Deb at October 25, 2005 11:17 AM
7.5 miles kicks ass! There could be worse things than cashmere on tiny needles... enjoy :-)
Posted by: Kate at October 25, 2005 11:07 AM
Go on with your bad self! 7.5 miles?!? You rock.
Let me know if you'd like to meet for coffee and some spinning--I'm not perfect with it yet, but I may be able to give you some suggestions.
Posted by: Anita at October 25, 2005 10:20 AM
*Love* the jersey! Congrats on your latest running milestone! Go Team Schmoo!
Posted by: Karma at October 25, 2005 09:50 AM
That shirt is so dope! I still think your yarn looks amazing, like you said, it's wearable and that's realy all that matters. Go Team Schmoo!!
Posted by: Vicki at October 25, 2005 09:42 AM
HA! That is the cutest thing I've seen in months! GO TEAM SCHMOO!
Posted by: heather at October 25, 2005 09:38 AM
The pics on your post are fab! Is photographer Jacob helping out? :) The socks and scarf are great!
I can't believe you ran 7.5 miles! That's so awesome. I still have not put foot to pavement, but I'm def. thinking about it! I love the shirts.
Posted by: biglug at October 25, 2005 09:03 AM
Yeah!!! 7.5!!! I think 6 was the magic number..you know the my legs are numb now so what's another 7 miles? O.M.G. have you tried icy/hot sleeves? You may want to get some for your shins. I used one on my ankle during my 8 mile run this weekend and it was like a whole new world of running. Target Baby 4.99 your heaven awaits.
Posted by: jenny at October 25, 2005 09:00 AM
If you can run over 7 miles, you can knit cashmere at a small gauge!
Posted by: Gina at October 25, 2005 08:44 AM
how cute is your running gear?!?!?! Go team schmoo!
Oooo---socks! Tried two-socks-on-two-circs yet? It's fabby! You won't go back! At least, I won't!
Posted by: Carrie at October 25, 2005 08:37 AM
AWESOME running gear! I predict the half-marathon will be like a 5k for you - short and sweet!
Spindles are hard - your yarn looks great.
Posted by: Cara at October 25, 2005 08:22 AM
Way to go on your running! It is so much easier when you have a "coach" to encourage you!
I would enjoy hearing any hints you have about short-rows. I've had several disastrous attempts, so anything you learned along the way would help.
Posted by: Zarah at October 25, 2005 08:12 AM
Great running gear!
Posted by: Wendy at October 25, 2005 06:58 AM
Awesome i love the gear! People won't know what hit em when you whiz past them at the half marathon, but they'll be able to make out a faint 'carrieoke' when they're eating your dust! I made a pair of socks like that with the short row heel and it definitely takes complete concentration the whole way through, but i really like the end result.
I watched a documentary on cashmere today!! Who knew there was a cashmere goat?? Well, you probably did. On another completely random note, in the Anthropology textbook we use for my course, there was an entire section on Pastoral peoples who herd camels and Alpacas!! The alpaca pictures from your Rhinebeck adventure are definitely cuter than those in the text. Love it!!
Colleen
Posted by: Colleen at October 25, 2005 03:38 AM
TEAM SCHMOO! I love it! What a great present! Good call on cutting back your distance. You never ever want to risk injury!
Posted by: Angela at October 25, 2005 12:36 AM
yay team schmoo! that is all.
Posted by: karen at October 25, 2005 12:32 AM
Go Team Schmoo! You are totally kicking ass!
I took a Fibers class in college and I used a drop spindle and that's exactly what the yarn I made looked like. I had to give the spindle back before I got the hang of it, but you'll get better.
I heart me some short row heels. My first socks were short row toes and heels. I'm working on a pattern now that are top down with heel flaps and picking up stitches on the sides of the heels, and I prefer the short row way. It's easy once you get the hang of it, I promise!
7.5 miles! Rock on.
Posted by: Jenn at October 25, 2005 12:01 AM
Holy shit. I love that shirt. You guys are so freakin cute.
Posted by: Leslie at October 24, 2005 11:57 PM
Great shirts! You are loved :) Horribly envious you have that support in your jogging endeavor.
You know, I have been spinning for 4 years now and my 'natural' tendency now is to spin really fine. What do people comment on most though? My purposely lumpy bumpy funky stuff. Guess you can get the perfect even stuff (not that mine ever is) at a yarn shop, the lumpy bumpy is unique :) Addictive isn't it?
Posted by: maia at October 24, 2005 11:41 PM
Those shirts rock!! I might run if I had such a cool shirt. ;)
ooh! You mastered the 2 circ needle sock thing too! (or did you already know how to do it when you bought the needles in NY?)
I am doing it too!! I have knit practically the whole body of a sock just tonight! I am very excited!!
Posted by: frecklegirl at October 24, 2005 11:16 PM
Congratulations on your 7.5 miles! I think I'm gonna actually use the running shoes I got this summer now... hehe Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kiri at October 24, 2005 10:58 PM