Hello!

It seems hard to believe, but in three weeks the Pittsburgh Marathon will be here! This year I will be doing the half marathon. Although this will be my 11th half marathon, it will be my first after the birth of my son in March 2017. I've learned a lot about myself during these past few weeks of training. I also must admit that there have been a few days where I have thought that signing up to do the half marathon was a big mistake.

I didn't run at all when I was pregnant and when I did start running again, boy oh boy, was it horrible! I can understand why people hate running so much; believe me I do. I've often told people that getting back to running has been like starting over, but in reality it's been like starting in the negative.

My plan for this year's race is to run/walk. This is a different plan than the ones I've had in years past races, but I'm coming into this race much different than previous years. I've had to learn how to pace myself differently. I can't rely on my old methods because I'm not quite there yet. In other words my mind is willing, but my body just isn't ready quite yet. For instance, on one of my long runs I found myself running through miles 1 and 2 without taking a walking break and I was super winded by the time I got to mile 3. I quickly realized that I really needed to stick with that 'long-slow-distance' method and for right now slow means taking a break to walk.

So far I have built up to 8 miles and I'm planning on running 10 miles the next two weekends. So far I've been doing the long runs by myself. I thought I wouldn't like running alone, but the solitude has been a nice way to collect my thoughts. I just love getting lost in a run and letting my mind wander.

I have been getting really nervous before each of my long training runs. I am realizing that it's not a bad thing though and I can channel that energy into my run. I'm sure when race day comes around I'll be a bundle of nerves.

What I have probably enjoyed most about this hard fought comeback is remembering how much I loved running. I do believe that running makes me a much better person and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to run again. I'm really looking forward to race day and lining up with hundreds of other runners!

Hello!

I'm writing to share some exciting news. I've recently started creating and uploading my artwork to a website called FineArtAmerica.com! This website not only allows you to purchase prints of artwork, but also carries tote bags, coffee mugs, beach towels and many other items! It has been a bit of a dream come true to see my artwork come to life in that way.

A few things lead to this new endeavor. The first happened last year while I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with my son. I had been put on 'couch rest' and found myself quite bored and also stressed. Since I wasn't able to relieve my stress through my usual methods of working out, or having a glass of wine, I decided to start painting again. I ended up painting a belly cast that I had made when I was 34 weeks pregnant. By the end of the painting, I was amazed at how much less stressed I felt. It was such a relaxing activity for me. Being on 'couch rest' definitely renewed my interest in painting again.

The second thing that has lead to this endeavor is that I have unfortunately had a reduction in hours at my full time job. I don't know how long it will last but I'm currently spending my days as a stay at home mom. While waiting for work to pick back up at my job, I decided to spend my extra time pursing my creative passions. I am hoping to build up a nice little collection of artwork during this time. Below is my latest painting that I've completed.

Please check out my profile page on Fine Art of America and spread the word. I think it's a great place for unique gifts and I have already ordered a few items for myself from there. I'm excited to let my creativity run wild!

fineartamerica.com/profiles/sarah-warman.html


Thank you,
​Sarah