Week 8: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here

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Wow. Week 8 is done and the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K Race day is JUST 4 WEEKS AWAY!

I enjoyed this week's training and watercoloring. I did a lot of my Thanksgiving planning on the run — figuring out the logistics of groceries and cooking the big meal this Thursday. 

For watercolor practice I tried a couple of watercolor techniques I'd like to improve. Wet-on-wet technique for light-colored items, and splattering.

Splattering Sunflowers

Splattering was fun! I can see how splatter could easily go very wrong if the colors don't land right. I'm happy with how it worked on my sunflowers page.

This was my first attempt at painting sunflowers. It's okay, but I guarantee I'll be working on more. I added the splatter as an afterthought, and am really glad I did. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

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Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

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Homemade Turkey Napkin Holders

I added in some holiday fun with an idea for a turkey napkin holder. I won't be making them for all the place settings, but it was fun to paint them. Maybe next year I work ahead and make them for our table.

If you have little ones who need an activity...may I suggest napkin holders? Should be easy to make (or find real) leaves and the other parts of the bird. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

You can write a person's name or something you're grateful for on the turkey's tummy. (Cut around the band and leaves so you have a nice silhouette.) Use string or tape to tie it around the napkins. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

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Logging Those Training Miles

Week 9 begins today with a rest day. Only 4 weeks left until we run for chocolate in Tampa! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

I've put 180+ miles on my two pairs of Puma Deviate Nitros. I'm still in love with the way these shoes feel and perform. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

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Watercoloring Mini Kitchen Essentials

Since my mind was filled with cooking plans, I watercolored miniature kitchen items. I practiced the wet-on-wet technique on my little chef hat and dish towels.

I made my first attempt at woodgrain on the three utensils. Realistic woodgrain is going to take some practice and patience. 

Tried some wet-on-wet technique to get very light chef hat and towels. Tried to create woodgrain on the utensils. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Week 8 of #HotChocolate15K Training is Complete

That's it for this week. Getting all my miles in for Week Nine will be a challenge. It's going to be a busy week with both entertaining and traveling; but I don't want to lose momentum now.

In the meantime, best wishes to everyone for a lovely holiday. I hope you get to spend it just the way you like! ​

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