Hi Friends,
It’s a crazy time. We all need some light. Some humor. Some more love. I’m keeping it light this month and doing my best to recommend things that will make us smile, beginning with some short films that made me crack up last night. Please forgive the dark humor and offbeat escapism recommendations that are about to ensue.
Continue reading to the bottom for an important personal life update and announcement.
Photo courtesy of the incredibly talented Ryan Barayuga. Go Check out his Website: https://www.ryanbarayuga.com/.
Short (Bizarre) Films That Will Make You Smile:
Downward Dog: Now is a good time to reconnect with the all of the dogs in your life. And also, who doesn’t appreciate a talking dawg? This short doguseries follows the life of a dog who is going through a mid-life crisis at the ripe old age of 7, and realizes that he is actually quite lonely. It’s pure genius and is sure to put a smile on your face. Watch it here. Also, side note: if you are not already following Thoughts of a Dog on Twitter, what have you been doing with your life?
Boycycle: Prepare your feelings. This 4-minute short is a weird one, but I hope it makes you smile. Directed by Gothenberg-based director, Vedran Rupic, the film follows the story of a boy who is half-bike, half-man and entertains his quest for love. The interesting *ahem* visuals are sure to stick in your mind. Watch it here.
Metronomy: Semi Rad posted a link to this short film in their Friday blog, and I thought it was worth a re-share. It’s goofy. And really simple. Basically the filmmakers just took a disco-light, filmed in various locations, and had some fun. But it brought me joy, and I hope you enjoy it too. Watch it here.
Michel Le Berger: This one is even weirder but I am drawn to the illustrations and French sheep comedy. Watch it here
What Else Am I Watching?:
Netflix Suggestions: If you are looking for a documentary, Icarus, (2017) is pretty good. It follows the story of amateur cyclist Brian Fogel as he accidentally uncovers an international doping scandal. I’ve also been into Skin Wars, where artists paint each-other’s bodies as part of weekly competitions. Umbrella Academy and Cheer are also worth diving into if you haven’t had a chance to check them out.
Upcoming Movie Release: Fantastic Fungi is premiering in movie theaters around the country, and I’ve heard great things from friends who have seen it. Watch the trailer here.
What I’m Reading:
The Opposite of Leadership: Olympian Tianna Bee proposes that the opposite of leadership is pessimism.
A Google Doc Filled with Creative Quarantine Activities: For friends with kids and those of us who are merely masquerading as adults, I stumbled upon this amazing google doc filled with ideas of what to do while home from school including play-doh stop motion videos, inventing your own board games, and glow stick parties.
What IF Coronavirus had happened during Season 2 of the Office?: Runner and writer Scott Fauble takes a stab at this scenario and writes out a potential Office-meets-COVID19 script and the result is entertaining.
In Times Like These, Strong Leadership is Important: Here are a few words of wisdom from one of my favorite endurance athletes, Robyn Bennicasa. If you have not read her book, I highly encourage you to do so no matter who you are or what you do for a living.
A Harvard Geneticist Discusses How to Live Past 100: Dr. Sinclair hypothesises that by eating a certain way, working out in a certain way, and being exposed to specific kinds of temperatures can produce a Benjamin Button effect. Read more here. Unrelated, I recently had some blood work done and found out (like most of the population) that I am very deficient in Vitamin D. It also turns out that like many Vegetarians, I’m deficient in Omega-3’s so I’m now supplementing with Algae pills! The result of adding Vitamin D and Omega-3’s to my diet has transformed my mood in a matter of DAYS.
How to Be More Confident (According to a Hollywood A-List Therapist): Dr. Barry Michaels says that the most confident and secure people are those who are able to admit their own insecurities. It’s a good read.
Something Extraordinary is Unfolding for American Female Distance Runners: I really enjoyed reading this article about distance runners in their 30s who have shattered records and are pushing the limit of what is possible.
Books I plan to dig into if full Quarantine sets in (you know me, I start, but struggle to finish most books…some friends call it my DORY attention span):
The Interestings (Recommended to me by my friend Garrett)
My Latest Trail Racing Design. Coming Soon to My Spoonflower Shop: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/clairekalinadesigns
What I’m listening to:
Dirt Bag Diaries: A story of racing Leadville with a mini donkey named Buttercup
Rich Roll Podcast: A conversation with National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner on the secrets to longetivity.
WHY I appreciate runners so much during this Coronavirus Scare:
In light of the Boston Marathon being postponed, runners have already transformed this set-back into a positive challenge. Now that Boston is pushed back until September, many are discussing whether it is possible to attempt the Quad: Boston > Berlin > Chicago > NYC over a period of 48 days? Thoughts?
A Life Update:
After years of talking about moving to Denver, I’m finally doing it. I’m moving in 2 weeks and am so looking forward to this next chapter!! I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me in this transition and am stoked to hit the trails and enjoy that good Colorado sunshine.
Me thinking about moving to the Rockies in 2017.
I’m also excited to share my most recent artist collaboration with Brooklyn Boulders. I’m stoked to have designed their women’s month chalk bags and apparel line. Check out the blog post feature, and pick up your gear here! The tanks are seriously the softest thing I’ve felt in a long time.
Photos courtesy of the incredibly talented Ryan Barayuga. Go Check out his Website; https://www.ryanbarayuga.com/. Thank you also to Knox Mountain Bags for your sewing and Chalk Bag making skillz. https://www.knoxmtnbags.com/
Photos courtesy of the incredibly talented Ryan Barayuga. Go Check out his Website; https://www.ryanbarayuga.com/.
That’s all I have. Keep your head up, wash your hands, eat your broccoli, rub lavender on your clavicle, allow this youtube track of 8 hours of pre-recorded whale sounds to calm you to sleep. IDK. I don’t know either.