Final Reflection
My writing in the beginning felt strange to me. I was always wondering, “Where is this going? How is this assignment teaching me about writing? What will I take away?”. I honestly was always apprehensive about what I was going to write. One thing I did know was that I had to trust the process and just go with it. Now I know there was a method to the madness. In the end it all came together.
It was my first experience working with Open Lab. At first I was thinking there were too many steps to this, but I eventually got the hang of. I thought I was going to have a hard time navigating through Open Lab. But it was easy to use and in fact I grew to love it. The organization of posting your assignments, editing and being able to review my peers assignments if needed for guidance was a plus. Starting an assignment and leaving it in draft to revise at any time was easy. The best part was to hear my professor’s feedback on my work.
I didn’t have any expectations at the start of the semester about my writing only because I had no clue what to expect. I went into class with an open mind. My number one goal was to never shy away, not entertain negative thoughts about not being able to complete an assignment, and to do my best. It was imperative to do the work, attend class and not fall behind. As stated in my Artist Statement, “It was very important for me to stay focused, not get disillusioned and know that I could do this”. “If there is one main attribute that running has taught me is to be strong, don’t give up and keep trying”. One of my goals was to not be afraid and always ask questions if needed. To seek clarity on the assignments, and not worry about being told, “no, I can’t help you”. Another goal was to not exercise procrastination. To learn to drop what was not important and do the task at hand.
One of the things I learned about myself as a reader, writer, and scholar is that I must take all in stride, not panic and just think calmly of the task that’s being assigned. I am a very light sleeper so writing and thinking at the strangest times was definitely my jam. I enjoy and I am able to think better when the rest of the world is sleeping. I need to hear myself think and do not do well with distractions and interruptions. It may seem like I am leaving things for the last minute, but throughout the day(s) I am constantly pondering on what or how I am approaching my writing assignment. I’m a nocturnal person. During this time I am able to create positive thoughts and maintain a good attitude. It certainly helped me completing my assignments, balance home life, work, and the school semester. This is key for me to have a positive outcome.
One of my least favorite assignments was, A Portrait of a Word. I wasn’t into that assignment. I felt like I couldn’t dig deep enough or think to be creative. It just felt kinda blah. I’m not a fan of having those kind of moments. I got past it. I thought I was going to have difficulty doing the revision since I wasn’t crazy about it to begin with. It actually wasn’t bad and went smoother with the professor’s notes for guidance. If I didn’t have pointers on what to correct I truly would’ve been lost. That feedback was helpful. I can only hope I was successful in the revision.
I had some difficulty in Unit 3 with the multimodal assignment. That was due to my inexperience and not being tech savvy. As I stated in my Unit 3 research assignment, ” His achievements have all been accomplished through his hard work, dedication and most of all consistency”. I guess I’m going to have to start applying this going forward.
In comparison to the start of the semester I feel it’s fair to stay there has been improvement. There’s some structure embedded in me. Plus I will hang on to the most important writing assignment sheets for reference. It was a helpful guideline and I could most certainly use it for other classes.
No Problem Revision Unit 1
Itâs mid-February and itâs bitter cold. Although the sun is shining out today, looks are quite deceiving. Richard and I finally reach our destination and we enter the restaurant to catch up on things. Itâs been a while since weâve gotten together. Today seemed perfect to sip some wine and indulge in some delicious appetizers.
We are quickly seated to our table and asked if weâd like bottle or tap water while we look over the menu to decide on our choices. We both respond and agree to tap water. The waiter quickly returns with our glasses of water. I said, âThank youâ. He replied, âNo problemâ. Those words just echoed in my head. Yet this was not the first time I pondered on this phrase. Is it me and maybe I am just overthinking things? I just canât help wondering whatever happened to other responses, namely, âyouâre welcomeâ. Isnât that the proper etiquette to say, âyouâre welcomeâ when someone says, âthank youâ? “No problem” categorically doesn’t sound as if it’s being interpreted with a positive tone when someone is giving you thanks. The vibe I get when this phrase reaches my ears, is self-defeating. After closely analyzing the expression, clearly combined, “no” meaning “not any” and “problem” suggest difficulty with the task. In most cases and probably not at all it means none of the later to the person responding. It would simply mean to them that they carried out an act of kindness.
I would have to say that although it annoys me to hear, “no problem”. I think the majority of people don’t share the same sentiment. They probably wouldn’t even give it a second thought. And why might that be? Just for the simple reason because they say it too. What people tend to overlook is that language matters. Language matters and it’s vital in how we express ourselves. We are expressing our feelings and thoughts to the different cultures and societies we interact with on a day to day basis. Whether it be in a business, pleasure, educational, or formal setting. How we convey a message via the words we choose matter.
Is it because it sounds half-hearted? Or does it sound more like an inconvenience? Maybe even laziness. At what point in time did we start substituting “no problem” for “you’re welcome”? Dating back to the 20th century the traditional response to “thank you” was “you’re welcome”. Were we not taught this when we were children? It seems that times have changed and we have been introduced to other terms and phrases to perhaps catch the same meaning. Who, you ask? These slangy terms have been exchanged by none other than our millennials and Gen Xers. There are other chic alternatives that have made way to the new generation(s) word bank database. Just to name a few of these phrases, “forget it,” “think nothing of it,” “no sweat,” “no worries,” “it’s nothing,” and “my pleasure”. I am guilty of utilizing some of this language of “politeness”. I will admit in feeling confident to say, “my pleasure”. But that doesn’t immediately register with the sound like, “I’m just doing my job-so there”. There’s nothing negative about it. “My” indicating me, and “pleasure” expresses gratification.
I am a Gen Xer and the youngest of 5. I try not to fall into the trap of using the hip alternatives in a workplace setting. Especially when interacting with elders. I feel they are less tolerant for this new language. I tend to cringe if I hear this âno problemâ. If someone is thanking me, I make it a point to say âyouâre welcomeâ. I feel that if I say âyouâre welcomeâ I am genuinely happy, and it was my pleasure to help or serve you. âNo problemâ to me is as if youâre saying, âyeah ok whatever, Iâm just doing what I have to doâ. Next time youâre out there take notice as to how many times you say, âno problemâ and how many times itâs said back to you. Is it that hard to say, âYouâre welcomeâ? Which would you prefer to say and or does it even affect you either way?
I recall a time having a conversation with my brother. I believe it was during the Christmas holidays. He was pondering on the response, “likewise”. Let’s say for example you say, “Merry Christmas!” and one responds, “likewise”. His point to me was, “why do we say that “likewise”? The more I thought about it, in his defense I guess he was feeling the same way about my issue with “no problem”. “Likewise” is synonymous as “same to you”. It doesn’t sound as bad but since he planted that seed in my head. I am now mindful in my choice of words when I respond to people. Overtime we have adopted alternative forms of phrases and languages.
I’m still not convinced that the phrase, “no problem” calls more attention to the negative, the problems, inconveniences and diminishes the good deed and gratitude that was done. To the point that it sounds off as if you are apologizing. These shifts in our verbal culture will continue to grow. Whether we choose to be more traditional or sway to the younger generation language, it has been embraced. It will take some getting used to for some of us. It’s an intended expression of politeness to an earnest “thank you”. After reading this does it make a difference to you? Or will you pause and think about how you will respond the next time someone tells you, “thank you”.
Running Long Distances: Why Do We Run? Unit 2 Revision
It’s 5:30 am and I have arrived to the starting line for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I’ve traveled all the way from New York to run this race and it will be my first official “runcation”. It’s February of 2017 Super Bowl weekend. The original plan was a weekends girl’s trip hosted by one of the gal’s who lives in Venice, Florida. There’s half marathon taking place in Sarasota so why not add that in there too. The idea was concocted by the host and she would be joining me for the race. But when the time came she physically wasn’t up for the feat and I ended up running this one on my own. She dropped me off and the others would join when I was closer to finishing my race. I was excited to venture into new uncharted territory and I was physically up for the challenge. My paces were improving during training and I was curious how I was going to do on this race. I’m no speedy runner, yet I was feeling confident about this one.
The horn blows and off we go, it’s still dark out and the first few miles will entail crossing 2 bridges. I felt great. Approaching the second mile I was saying to myself, “you got this”, that “runner’s high” kicking in. I was in my zone and thinking this is going super so far. When all of sudden I felt a strange tug and a resistance. My right foot got stuck in one the holes that join the bridge and I went flying, sliding onto the asphalt (not grass) like a short stop making a clutch play. I bounced, what felt like more than once on my belly. I never knew one could bounce on asphalt. I landed in the crime scene dead pose position, left arm up, right knee up. While this unfortunate turn of events was unfolding in mere seconds, yet it truly felt like an eternity. All I kept thinking about was my face and how I was going to avoid getting it smashed. I have never had such a personal encounter with my face pressed up against asphalt like that! My left elbow and right knee took the brunt. The core of my body absorbed the impact of the fall and my face WAS spared!!! By the miracle of God it was in tack, nada, zilch, zero! I was a bloody mess on the knee and elbow area, but I stood up, got my bearings and assessed the damage. Of course runners were concerned and offered help. In these situations runners will tell another runner that you are okay because you want them to continue and not “lose” time on their race. One guy told me he was wasn’t running for time and could stay with me. I graciously declined that offer. What did this crazy runner do? I brushed myself off and proceeded to finish my race, and finish I did.
How many of you have ever pondered on the possibility of conquering 26.2 miles or any long distance, but dismissed the thought just as quickly as it entered your mind? So, what exactly drives people to pursue this crazy idea of long distance running? Some people start out by walking as means to lose weight. Others maybe feeling depressed and searching for an outlet that would make them feel better. Whatever the reason, eventually the walking becomes a power walk, and the power walk becomes a run. The more they engage in this new found activity they start to realize they are seeing some physical positive changes. Along with those physical changes they mentally start to feel better about themselves. It’s a confidence boost. Before you know it the energy gives them the drive not only to run, but to also conquer everyday challenges. They develop resilience, mental toughness and grit. The positive impact on their life creates this addiction to lace up and hit the pavement. Despite the physical feat they endure. Most runners are planning the next running venture even when they’ve had the worst of the worst outcomes on their runs.
Some of these relentless runners are elite athletes, but there are many who are not and they enjoy getting their long runs in too. Let’s not forget those who are in wheelchairs or who have other disabilities. And when I say disabilities, oh my – they are in a special league of their own. They rock!!! Achilles Hope and Possibility is an organization founded in 1983 who have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe. I’ll tell you, this infectious bug DOES NOT discriminate!
It has been proven time and time again that there are endless health and mental benefits in running. The so-called “runner’s high” is real. Those endorphins boost ones ability to keep on going and a rise in endocannabinoids in the bloodstream pass into the brain creating that calm relaxed feeling. Long-distance running is said to dilute the memory of pain. Running any distance is about proving to yourself that you can get there. Getting to the finish line no matter how long it takes you. It exemplifies resilience and you overcome adversity. Robin Harvie is an ordinary runner and author of, https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEeSR2foxiwFsAdwYPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1653403383/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amazon.com%2fLure-Long-Distances-Why-Run%2fdp%2f1610390202/RK=2/RS=Qr40Z99UgqfiBvFy.9usnx_SDU0-. He like many other non-athlete runners, started out as a hobby and eventually it morphs into some kind of obsession. It’s so odd that his started out with a bet as so did mine, and we both never looked back.
When non-athlete runners try to have a conversation with the “common folk”, to explain how your day started out in the morning with a 5 mile run. As Harvie explains, it usually goes like this, “If you have told this story already, nearly all who listened thought you were mad or at least asked, what is the use! As for the rest they may never understand. They will look on with complete incomprehension at the idea of making life harder still, although they listen politely before turning away”https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEeSR2foxiwFsAdwYPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1653403383/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amazon.com%2fLure-Long-Distances-Why-Run%2fdp%2f1610390202/RK=2/RS=Qr40Z99UgqfiBvFy.9usnx_SDU0- (Harvie page 14). I couldn’t agree more with this statement. It is classic. When I have conversations with my runner friends we can laugh with one another about when we try to have “normal” conversations about our running day with coworkers,”regular friends” and even our families. They kind of just tune us out after the first few words, are disinterested or the, here we go again look.
Everyone’s running journey is unique and usually goes with a great story on how they got started. I asked a fellow running club mate from We Are NYC Running Club a few questions about his running quest. Here’s what Konstatin Loguinov from Houston, Texas had to say.
Lissette: How did you come about joining We Are NYC RC? After all you live in Houston, Texas.
Konstatin: I was on one of the NYC Half 2019 buses. Got invited to the after party, met everyone and that’s how I ended up in the club.
Lissette: Tell us about your running transformation journey.
Konstatin: Started running a little bit more seriously back in 2018, like tracking the number of miles and stuff. Quit drinking back in 2020, that really set off my running. More time, more energy, less hangovers. Hired a coach last year once I realized that I need something a bit more structured from someone who knows way more than I do about it. That got me to the next level.
Lissette: Why are you running, and what are your goals?
Konstatin: It is a good way to compete against myself and just challenge myself with fitness goals. And speaking of goals… I guess I wanna run all six majors. and Run a sub 3 marathon. Then I can run for fun.
Lissette: What is the biggest misconception about the sport of runners in general?
Konstatin: I don’t know what the biggest misconception is but people make up so much crazy stuff in their heads about it, whatever reason they can think of to not even try. From bad knees to whatever else. No matter what it is – if somebody doesn’t want to try it, they won’t. No matter how big or small the reason is.
Lissette: What in the world motivates a person to run long distance?
Konstatin: The commitment to your goal, whatever it might be – finishing the marathon, a certain time, whatever. After a while, it just becomes fun.
Lissette: What kinds of things do you think about as you run?
Konstatin: The first half of the run – “this sucks, I don’t even know why I am doing this”. The second half – “maybe it’s not too bad” đ Seriously though, it depends on what was happening in my life that day. There is always to contemplate for an hour, it’s just different on each particular day.
Lissette: What advice can you give non athletic runners who are in a quest to search a better version of themselves?
Konstatin: Commit 100%. You can’t half ass your way to a better version of you. And be consistent with it. Although it probably goes with the 100% commitment.
Konstatin’s running journey resonates with with many runners on a quest of a better version of themselves. Konstatin has set a high bar for himself, not only in his running but in everything he does. Running has been instrumental in achieving the goals he has penned for himself in his home life, social activities and his career. Running has afforded him healthy habits, and he has become physically stronger and healthier. Not to mention the peace of mind and clarity it has brought him to see life through a new extraordinary lens he has created as a result of his running escapades. His achievements have all been accomplished through his hard work, dedication and most of all consistency. He couldn’t be more confident in saying that his strategic discipline has made him the runner he is today.
In reality there is no true rhyme or reason as to why people choose to tackle long distance running. There is no exact science that is going to teach someone how to run a long distance without any repercussions. There are many books, you-tube videos, and countless resources that profess such promise. There is one thing that seems to be the consensus amongst runners alike who run long distance. That is through trial and error and consistency, one overtime will gain infinite lifetime benefits. Those benefits maybe in the form of mental, physical work achievements, or social interaction and the thrill of camaraderie.
There is no true answer or magic formula that will explain what drives a person to run long distances. Or to continue to do so despite the journey ending in less than desired results. What was the driving force for me to continue my race when I took that dive onto the asphalt during the Sarasota half marathon? Quitting just was not an option. We don’t quit when the chips are down. We get right back up and there’s something so deep rooted that doesn’t allow you to and it’s not in your heart to throw in the towel. Every time you get back up, you become stronger mentally for the next race or life challenge presented to you. What is true to be said about long distance runners is that they will stop at nothing. Each and every journey is unique and it’s theirs and theirs alone to live and tell about it.
Harvie. (2011). The lure of long distances why we run. PublicAffairs.
Anne McCarthy. “Why do people run marathons?”. 30th September 2021
Konstantin Loguinov: 214-533-5229 | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kloguinov/
Unit 3 Project and Artist Statement
My process for my project was coming together rather slowly. There was information I had collected from fellow runners. My question to them was to explain what makes them run long distances. I also asked what keeps them going on these long runs. I requested for them to send me a one to two minute video in their natural element. Nothing fancy and to just be themselves. I was disappointed in that I couldnât use the 3 videos my fellow runners was so kind to supply me with. I wanted to use slides and videos, but sometimes what you envision doesnât exactly unfold. I went into my project confident and excited that it will all come together. Iâve been compiling my information and making some flash cards to write down the most important information I wanted to use. Or better said key points.
I had some technical difficulties putting my project together in a you-tube format. I thought everything would be seamless. But I learned very quickly that if you are not technically savvy this can be very challenging and would be a set up for failure. I wasnât able to have the guidance of my niece whose an expert at this due to international travel. My you-tube was not a success so I had to rethink and use another method that I could navigate a little easier. I chose to do an infographic. It wasnât that easy for me due to my lack of experience in this area. I tried to convey the message that I was aiming for without my voice, no audio que sound effects and no background music.
The most important point I was hoping to make is to convey why runners choose to continue to run long distances despite all of the obstacles they encounter. It is very easy to get lost trying to make this point without digressing from the main topic. I did not get to create the you-tube video I envisioned. I felt it wouldâve been the best way to keep my audience interested even if they werenât a runner. I wanted to make it interesting and keep the audience engaged, excited via the audio and visual effects.
Iâve learned through out this project that I have to become more tech savvy. I need to utilize my time more wisely without getting distracted by looking into more information that I donât need to. It doesnât have to take that long. If I start to add new information unnecessarily I will lose the audience. Since I couldnât do the video I had to switch gears quickly. I decided to change it to the infographic and even that was moving along a lot slower than expected. Some of the variables that contributed to my delay was combined with work, personal commitments and another class project. My main focus was to stay calm, show up to class everyday and continue to work through the obstacles. It was very important for me to stay focused, not get disillusioned and know that I can do this. Itâs very easy for a student to start not showing up to class if they arenât doing assignments, falling behind or just not feeling that they are measuring up to the expectations of the class. Itâs just that much easier to hideaway. But that only makes the situation worse. Itâs important to seek help, ask questions, put yourself in that awkward uncomfortable position to get what you need done. The worst thing someone can say is they donât know or canât help. You must not give up and keep trying and keep showing up. If there is one main attribute that running has taught me is to be strong, donât give up and keep trying. And to always, always have a plan b. I would have to say that my running has given me strength allowing me to not stress the setback of my project. I was determined to figure it out and complete it. This is equal to the confidence boost that running affords you. Itâs one of the key messages that I was hoping to convey through my alternate plan b⌠the infographic.
I hope my audience learns of the hunger that runners possess goes beyond just running long distances. There is so much more to it, not just physically but mentally. Everyone has a story as to why they run. I incorporated real life stories into my infographic of people who went through some very traumatic life changing events in their life. These runners benefited from their already running experience and another didnât have any. I want to be able to bring to life what they felt inside, even it was just through pictures. I also included some random pictures to show how happy some people were, even with some physical limitations and disabilities. It would be great if my audience is left with excitement and desiring to give this sport a try. That they too would be craving a runnerâs high. This in turn would turn into a permanent life style for physical and mind wellness. As some will say and attest to, ârunning is cheaper than therapyâ.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFAebZDZYg/GJQmGvh_XCndeUexR2HGsA/view?utm_content=DAFAebZDZYg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
Running long distances Why Do we run
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