6 Goals

I've Been Running A Lot

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:45:00 -0700

UPDATED 11/10/2022 w/ this image of my Longest run from Strava:

I haven't updated this blog or podcast in 5 years. Wow. Sorry about that. I guess I podfaded. My bad. This podcast was something that motivated me to work on goals, especially running consistently. Well, I'm happy to report that this year I have been running consistently and I've been working on building up my long run. I've gotten up to 13.5 miles in one run, and I'm excited about my best half marathon time which I'll share down below:

If you're interested in following my running journey the best place to go is Strava, which you can get to above there where it says "view this activity on Strava."

Someday when I have the time to train more I would like to run a Marathon. Maybe I should set a goal, like, before I turn 40 I should run a marathon. I'll be 39 in 5 months so I'm getting close! Anyways, to anyone who used to listen to this podcast: thank you for listening! And I'm sorry it just stopped abruptly. While this podcast is over, who knows? Maybe I'll resurrect it again someday. I've certainly been running a lot. Here's a quick breakdown of my recent running progress:

JULY 2021.....106.7 Miles

JUNE 2021.....100 Miles

MAY 2021......85 Miles

That's it!

6 Goals | Episode 39

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:49:00 -0700

download the .mp3

In this episode I share two audio running journals that I recorded after going for a run. It's getting a lot colder outside at 6 in the morning!

The Website for this podcast:
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Music Attribution:
Music by Kevin MacLeod at http://www.incompetech.com
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

6 Goals | Episode 38

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 2 Sep 2016 12:06:00 -0700

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In this episode, I share four audio running journals that I recorded over the course of a month. It's been a while! I also share a bit about the chapter book I'm working on and how I've done with my goals.

The Website for this podcast:
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Music Attribution:
Music by Kevin MacLeod at http://www.incompetech.com
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

6 Goals | Episode 37

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:24:00 -0700

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In this episode I share tons of audio running journals that I recorded after each run because I've been running a lot! I'm so happy to be running consistently. I went for a few runs with my brothers, some runs alone, and tried doing a sprinting HIIT workout for the first time. Listen in to hear how it all went.

Recent Running Stats

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 08:52:00 -0700

I've been running a lot lately! I'm very determined to start running consistently. Running with my brother has helped a lot too! Having someone to run with makes it so much easier and more fun. A new podcast episode is coming soon! Probably next Monday July 25. Here's my stats thanks to the great app Map My Run:

6 Goals | Episode 36

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 13:59:00 -0700

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In this episode I share 3 audio running journals that I recorded after each run. I talk about finishing the first draft of my next book, and about how much more fun it is to run with someone because I ran with my brother this week.

6 Goals | Episode 35

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 20 May 2016 12:13:00 -0700

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It's been way too long since I've posted an episode of my 6 Goals podcast! But I have been running, a little. Usually I release an episode only for one week but because it's been so long since I've made an episode I had 7 running sections recorded. These are bits I record right after going for a run. Also I ran a race called https://www.bloomsdayrun.org/. It's a 12K race that took me 1:27:20 to complete. That was a long hour and a half but it was really fun too!

6 Goals | Episode 34

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:13:00 -0800

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I went on a few runs. They felt good though the most recent one was tough. I was very satisfied with it because I ended up running for over 3 miles, but my body was tired. Below is the map of my running loop and the stair step image of the different mile splits for my last run.

Here's the stats:
2.23 miles in 21:17 minutes - 2/8/16
3.0 miles in 30:29 minutes - 2/9/16
3.35 miles in 35:04 minutes - 2/17/16

Website for the podcast: www.6goals.blogspot.com

Attributions:
"Relaxing Piano Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

6 Goals | Episode 33

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:56:00 -0800

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I went on a few runs. Two I've posted below, the one before that is in the last post. I recorded a podcast too! Wow has it been a long time since I've done that! I tried adding some more chill music instead of the hard rock in the background. I like it a lot more. Kind of new age and weird but I like it. Makes for an interesting sound.

Here's the stats:
2.0 miles in 20:11 minutes - 1/29/16
2.0 miles in 24 minutes - 1/22/16

Attributions:
"Garden Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cover to Sword and Urn and some art from the Children's picture book I mentioned:

Went for A Special Run Today

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 22:30:00 -0800

This morning I woke my 7 year old son up at like 6:15 and we went for a run together. We ran for around 17 minutes and maybe ran about a mile. I'm totally guessing on the distance. It was really fun and special. He's a good little runner. He never wanted to stop and walk and he loved it. He said it was really fun and asked if we could do it every morning. It was really special.

Finally Went For a Run

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sun, 9 Aug 2015 20:06:00 -0700

Yesterday I finally went for a run. It felt good. I went nice and slow and slowed down even more halfway through then picked it up a bit at the very end. Today I'm very sore in my legs but also in my sides. Just goes to show how out of shape I really am. I felt great the rest of the day. I can't wait to run again.

A Little Run, It's Been A Long Time

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:45:00 -0700

I went for a little 22:52 minute long run today. I heard some co-workers talking about running yesterday and they were like, hey Dan you're a runner right? I and I was like, I haven't in forever but I really love it and want to get back into it. So I checked this website and saw that the last time I went for a run was in September of last year. That was enough motivation to get me out on the trails. I have a new schedule as of this week. My wife got a promotion and so I'm working part time now. Hopefully this means I will start running consistently. I enjoyed the run. I went out and hit some trails until one of them ends at a bit of a cliff or really steep hill going down into a valley. It was beautiful and I wanted to get there in 10 minutes. I ran pretty hard on the way out and made it there in 10:45. On the way back I didn't have the motivation and was super tired so I went quite a bit slower.

6 Goals | Episode 32

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:55:00 -0700

I went for one run and I finally ran in under ten minute mile pace. Other than that I did a fantastically bad job of hitting any goals because it's one of the busiest weeks of the year at work.

Download the .mp3

My websites:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.DanDanTheArtMan.com/

6 Goals | Episode 31

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:26:00 -0700

In this episode I go through the 6 goals and share how I've been doing. Frankly I have not been hitting many goals. I did one sketch, though it was more of an illustration, I went for one run, I wrote one for about 900 words, and other than that I just didn't achieve many goals but I did have a pretty good week because at least I went for a run.

Download the .mp3

My websites:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.DanDanTheArtMan.com/

Skipped a Nap for a Hot Long Run

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:12:00 -0700

3 mile run. My dog came with me and it was in the middle of the day. It was in the middle of the day and the park was packed with people for kids birthday parties and general hanging out. I like it much better at dawn when it's just me, my dog, and maybe one other jogger. The run was tiring because I started in reverse direction from usual which put me running up a pretty steep hill right off the bat. It felt like I never really recovered from it. Still, I almost took a nap but as I was laying there falling asleep I thought 'I should go for a run.' Even though it was long and hot, I'm glad I went. 6 Goals podcast episode 31 should drop tomorrow. Usually I release episodes on a Monday, but it's been a really busy week at work. Thanks for stopping by!

Here's the stats:

3.0 miles in 34:29 minutes - 9/16/12

6 Goals | Episode 30

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:08:00 -0700

In this podcast I talk about what I've been up to including writing a couple novels, finally going for a couple runs, and a few other things.

The book I read: What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings--and Life

The blog post I wrote about reading that book with plans for how I'm going to make over my mornings.

Listen to chapter one of my work in progress novel called "The Truth About Zombies."

See my novel experiment where I am writing a novel longhand with no outline.

My latest short story "Stuffed Monster" is available as a FREE ebook:

I forgot to talk about doing 6 sketches a week, something I haven't done lately. The latest art I've produced can be found in a comic I started based on a novella I wrote for last years NaNoWriMo.

My websites:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.DanDanTheArtMan.com/

Download the .mp3

A Couple Runs at a New Park

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 5 Sep 2012 09:06:00 -0700

The few runs I've done from my new house were on trails behind a huge sports complex out in the woods. My wife had a nightmare that I was killed by a bunch of gang members selling drugs on those trails so I chose to go running at a nearby park instead so she wouldn't worry about me and go back to sleep. It turns out the park is exactly one mile around, so I'm thankful I went for a run at the park.

Today I ran two miles in 20 minutes and 51 seconds. Pretty slow, but it felt good. Yesterday I ran for 30 minutes, and probably covered 2.5+ miles. My plan is to start doing 3 miles every weekday morning, and a longer run on Saturday with Sunday as a rest day. Let's see if I can do it! I already have two running spots recorded and ready to play in the next 6 Goals podcast episode. It's been FOREVER since I recorded a 6 Goals episode because it's been forever since I have gone running. Hopefully that's all going to change now and I will be a consistant runner. I'm curious what that would like like so I'm going to make a little table right here to see:

Running Schedule
Day	Distance
Monday	3 Miles
Tuesday	3 Miles
Wednesday	3 Miles
Thursday	3 Miles
Friday	3 Miles
Saturday	5 Miles
Sunday	Rest Day
Total	20 Miles

20 miles a week. Not much, but it's a start. I'm still just going to try and hit my 6 miles a week goal, but I'll be keeping this table in mind. I started late this week on Tuesday - it was the first day of preschool for my son and seemed like a nice time to start a new habit - of running. It looks like if I just go on one more run this week I will at least hit my 6 miles a week goal so that is something I'm proud of! Check back next Monday for the latest 6 Goals podcast episode to hear all about it, and thanks for stopping by!

Here's the stats:

2.0 miles in 20:51 minutes - 9/5/12

2.5+ miles in 30:00 minutes - 9/6/12

It's Been A While, But I Have Big Plans

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sun, 5 Aug 2012 21:06:00 -0700

I have a plan to get more goals accomplished including way more running and doing it consistently. My new plan will also allow me more time to put into my creative pursuits. Here's the recent blog post I wrote about my plans which I've been thinking about a lot but feel empowered to do after reading this tiny book. As I'm writing this I am on my third read through it.

This book was just what I needed when I needed it. Isn't it great when that happens? I bought it today on audible for under $3 - it's very short. I already listened to it one and a half times. It addresses something I've been thinking about a lot and never successfully doing anything about for a long time. I've been talking for a while about going to bed earlier so I can wake up earlier and have time to run and work on my creative projects like writing. This book gave me a road map to do it. The author Laura Vanderkam tells you to lay out how you spend your time. She even has an excel spreadsheet you can download for free from her website to fill out to do this. I did, and I saw how I was spending my time in beautiful excel glory. Seeing it like that was very interesting. Laura Vanderkam encourages you to study your time logs and challenge your assumptions about how you think the best time to spend your time is. I was able to rearrange my schedule a bit to have time for things I'm always wishing I was getting done. I looked at what a typical weekday was for me, and then I built my perfect day in a new column.

Here's what I came up with:

5:00AM - 5:30AM Go for a run

5:30AM - 6:00AM Get ready for the day

6:00AM - 7:00AM Commute and write via recording into phone

7:00AM - 7:30AM Transcribe audio of writing / read paper books & eBooks

7:30AM - 3:30PM Work

3:30PM - 4:30PM Commute and read via audio books

10:00PM - Asleep so I can get up at 5 & achieve some goals!

Now with all that said - I'm not going to start this schedule until the Olympics are over. My wife and I are avid Olympic viewers. There are a few reasons, let me explain why we've been staying up till midnight every night watching our country compete. First of all I just think the Olympics are awesome and have always loved them. Beyond that, I've been a distance runner since third grade. In high school running became a huge part of my life. The distance team ran before school, after school, through the off season and even met three times every week during the summer break. It took me until my senior year to make the varsity team in cross country and that year we won the state championships. It was an amazing experience. Mostly I'll aways remember getting up early and running with a bunch of other guys and then listening to classic rock in the coach's office which was lined with couches and a fridge so we could all seat and eat cereal for breakfast afterwards. As for my wife she did gymnastics as a child all the way up to high school becoming a level 8 gymnast. More recently she did a lot of private club gymnastics coaching and high school gymnastics coaching, as well as gymnastics coaching. So with a couple who are passionate about track & field and gymnastics you can see why we stay up to watch. Once they're over there, I'm going to go all out with this new schedule.

6 Goals | Episode 29

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:45:00 -0700

In this episode I talk about my one relaxing run on dirt trails with my dog, how the third draft of my novel is just about done, how I'm losing weight with Advocare products, drawing my web comic/graphic novel character a lot to get his design down, and a few other things.

My websites:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.DanDanTheArtMan.com/

Download the .mp3

Character Sketch

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

I plan on drawing out a novella I wrote for last years NaNoWriMo as a graphic novel / web comic. Here is a recent sketch of where I'm at with the main character's design. I've tried simplifying his design as I'm going to be drawing him a lot! The sketch on the right is more recent and took me 2-3 minutes so it's getting faster. The other is me trying to nail down what I want his facial features to be. I think I'm getting close to a final design for his head, but I'm still not totally sure about his hat and his clothes so we'll see. Thanks for stopping by!

6 Goals | Episode 28

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 4 Jun 2012 12:50:00 -0700

This week I talk about my first run from our new house and how I'm almost through the third draft of my novel and the dream of seeing it published is much closer!

My websites:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.dandantheartman.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 27

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:12:00 -0700

This week I talk about getting ready to move, the one run I went on, and how I'm still doing good on some of my other goals. It's a short episode because I have a lot going on with the move but I wanted to get it out there since I went for a run.

Links to stuff mentioned on the show (My new diet program) :
http://www.advocare.com/

Links to my stuff:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.dandantheartman.com/

Download the .mp3

Pictures From a Nice Walk

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 7 May 2012 10:50:00 -0700

6 Goals | Episode 26

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 7 May 2012 10:43:00 -0700

This week I talk about finishing the revision of my debut novel and how just about all my goals, other than running, are going great. I also talk a bit about a diet I started called Advocare. I'm losing weight, I have way more energy, and I'm never hungry.

Links to stuff mentioned on the show (My new diet program) :
http://www.advocare.com/

Links to my stuff:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.dandantheartman.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 25

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:43:00 -0700

This week I talk about how bible reading and running are going pretty good, and how easy six sketches a week are with the Draw Something app on my new iPad.

Links to stuff mentioned in show:

Catbeard the Pirate webcomic:
http://catbeardthepirate.blogspot.com/

My links:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://www.dandantheartman.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 24

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:29:00 -0800

This week I talk about finally going for a run after buying some brand new running shoes, and doing some eBook and podcast artwork for some fellow authors. It's great to be running and podcasting again!

Here are links to the podcast and authors I mentioned:
http://www.actionpackpodcast.com/
http://www.michellplested.com/
http://www.jrmurdock.com/
http://www.scottroche.com/

My links:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://dandantheartman.com/

Download the .mp3

Artwork I Created for the Action Pack Podcast

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Here is some artwork I created for my friends over at the Action Pack Podcast. Here's a quick about from their site:

The Action Pack Podcast is an idea that began last year (either in November or December) when JR Murdock, Scott Roche and Michell Plested were talking about their writing goals for 2012. It was suggested that the three should join forces to create something new: a podcast that included three different stories told serially.

The idea gained traction in January when a few others heard about the idea and whole-heartedly encouraged its creation. The three creative geniuses (yes, that is what I said) :) met again to come up with a plan and 45 minutes later the podcast was born.

Action Pack is both an eBook and a podcast, with both elements being simultaneously released every month. The eBook will be published by Flying Island Press and the podcast will be available for download from this site and on iTunes. Each story will be a straight read by the authors and you can expect just a little cliffhangering.

Here's my artwork:

New Shoes

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:51:00 -0800

I got a new pair of running shoes! The Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 15 running shoes. I'm really excited to run in them. I walked around a lot in the store, and did a tiny jog outside the store for about a block, and they felt amazing. I tried a few others but ever since I started running a lot in high school the Nike Triax shoes have always fit my feet the best. A lot of my team mates liked Brooks and New Balance, a few had Asics, but it was always Nike Triax shoes for me. Almost every time I bought a new pair I would try the other brands, but this line of shoes fits my feet the best. With this new pair, because I'm used to the pair I bought about nine years ago, it feels like I'm running on the spring floor at the gymnastics club my wife coaches at! Maybe I just forgot what a really nice pair of running shoes feel like when they're new, but they feel fantastic. I'm really excited to go for a run in them. Expect a new podcast episode to drop next Monday.

6 Goals | Episode 23

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:42:00 -0800

This week I talk about how it's been a while since I've recorded, and that I only want to record a new episode when I have running spots recorded and or something interesting and exciting to say about my writing or art. There were a couple things I forgot to mention. I have a new redesigned author website with a new url. The old http://www.writingsofdan.blogspot.com/ still works, but the official address is: http://www.dandantheartman.com/! I'm so excited to have a .com instead of a .blogspot.com for my web address. Also, when I say I'm planning on waking up early I forgot to say I came up with a new plan with a good reason to wake up early - to get more writing & reading time in my life. Here is that plan:

MON, WED, FRI
________________________________________________
5:00AM - Wake
6:00AM - Arrive at work, run for 20 min.
6:45AM - Shower, clock in
11:00AM - Clock out, read / write
11:30AM - Clock in
3:15PM - Clock out
10:00PM - Go to bed
________________________________________________
TUE, THU
________________________________________________
5:00AM - Wake
6:00AM - Arrive at work, clock in
11:00AM - Clock out, read / write
11:30AM - Clock in
2:30PM - Clock out
10:00PM - Go to bed
________________________________________________

My links:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

eBook Covers I've Created for Others

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:33:00 -0800

Here are some book covers I've done recently for some of my fellow authors. If you click on the image it will take you to where you can purchase the book. Need a cover or some graphics work done? I'm cheap. I've even been known to work out a trade for artwork. I'd love to work on something for you.

6 Goals | Episode 22

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:36:00 -0800

This week I talk about how I'm sorry it's been weeks and weeks since I've published, and how my goals have been going. Writing and drawing have been going well, and workout - but the rest have fallen to the way side.

Links to stuff mentioned in show:

Health Benefits of Coffee
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/coffee-new-health-food

My links:

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

My Mom's eBook Cover - A Work In Progress

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:05:00 -0700

As you can see I have yet to paint the main character, but I wanted to share what I've got so far since I talked about this piece in the last podcast.

6 Goals | Episode 21

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:17:00 -0700

In this episode I talk about how bad I've been at achieving my goals, and about some exciting art projects I'm working on.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 20

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:56:00 -0700

In this episode I make up for not publishing a podcast in weeks and weeks with a special bonus - a reading from chapter two in my work in progress science ficion novel, and a short running spot. Thanks for sticking around, and I'll keep my schedule of posting every Monday going from now on to the best of my ability.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

Out To Lunch - No Episode This Week

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 8 Sep 2011 08:38:00 -0700

I'm sorry for missing an episode this week. I missed Monday because it was labor day weekend, and then haven't had the time to record all week, but I'll make it up to you. Next week's episode will include some bonus material including an interview! Thanks for stopping by.

6 Goals | Episode 19

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:35:00 -0700

In this 19th episode I talk about how rewriting my novel is going and how I was hit and miss on my goals over the week.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 18

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:46:00 -0700

In this episode I talk about the busiest week of my life and how I still managed to get tons of Bible reading in, but failed in many of the other goals.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 17

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:10:00 -0700

In this 17th episode I talk about how good my bible reading has gone, and how I was hit and miss on my other goals. We're getting ready to move!

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 16

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 10:06:00 -0700

In this episode I talk about an exciting thing with my writing, a short story publication, and how I did on my six goals.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 15

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:07:00 -0700

This week I talk about how I achieved my 6 chapters of the bible, but wished they would have been one chapter a day unstead of most of them on Sunday. I also talk about completing a short story, and a new sub-goal for rewriting my novel this month.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 14

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:37:00 -0700

In this 14th episode I talk about how my goals are not being hit except workouts because we're getting our house ready to sell.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 13

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:14:00 -0700

In this 13th episode I talk about my goals, something new I'm going to try with lunch breaks to achieve more goals each week, and the best run I've gone on since starting this podcast.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

My Best Run Yet

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:32:00 -0700

I went for a really nice 3.2 mile run four times around the park yesterday with my dog. Right off the bat I felt great and ran the first loop at 7:14 minutes, faster than ever before, so I knew I was running at a good pace. Ever since high school, when I ran track and cross country, I've wanted to run a race again. I figured a 5K was about all I could handle in my pudgy out of shape state. I wanted to wait until I thought I could at least break a half hour in one of these races. Well, yesterday's run proved to me that if I keep running consistently, then it should be no problem by the time I get into a race to break 30 minutes for a 5K. Now if I can just get back to my high school times of breaking 17 minutes :) It will take a lot of work and a long time to get back there.

Here's the stats:
3.2 miles in 30:30 minutes

6 Goals | Episode 12

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:35:00 -0700

In this 12th episode I share with you which goal I'm most upset about not achieving, and how I managed to get my running goals in this week. This is the first episode with running audio spots recorded right after my runs in quite a while. Hope you enjoy.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

Running Won't Kill Your Knees!

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:42:00 -0700

Shoes No More?

Here is some more inspiration for you to start, or keep running. I've always heard that it's really hard on your joints, particularly your knees. Well check out this NPR article, where they write that a lot of research is showing us now that running does not kill your knees. That's something that has always been in the back of my mind as I thought about running for my whole life. Something else in the way of running research that has caught my attention recently is the idea of running barefoot. Apparently it's a lot healthier for you than running in highly padded shoes. Shoes tend to make you strike the ground with the heal of your foot first, where as running barefoot you strike with the front pad of your foot first. This creates a lot less force on your leg, and people around the world like Mexico and Kenya have been running barefoot for years. So with that I am for the time being A) not going to buy a new expensive pair of running shoes, and B) going to give this barefoot running thing a try. Hopefully I've got some fun running segments and a 6 mile goal achieved to report to you next Monday!

6 Goals | Episode 11

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Tue, 5 Jul 2011 11:05:00 -0700

In this eleventh episode I talk about how once I again I missed most of my goals, but did have a blast camping over the 4th of July weekend with family. I also talk about a book I read that was very inspiring for runners called Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes.

Ultra Marathon Man Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultramarathon-Man-Confessions-All-Night-Runner/dp/1585422789

Ultra Marathon Man Website:
http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/

Short Story Writing Contest (Flying Island Press Pirates' Cove) :
http://piratewritingprompts.blogspot.com/

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

Ultra Marathon Man

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:13:00 -0700

So, I mentioned that I was going to listen to the Running with The Pack podcast this week to try and get myself motivated to get some runs in. Well, in Episode 37 I heard them talk about a book called Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner. I picked it up via audio book through my local library's wonderful website. Let's just say I'm inspired. This man Dean Karnazes is amazing. He is probably the most inspirational athlete I've ever read of. Check out the book if you need a kick to get off the couch and get your running shoes on. There's a movie too if you're not the book reading kind. You're welcome.

6 Goals | Episode 10

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:17:00 -0700

In this tenth episode I talk about my family trip to Seattle over the weekend, why working long hours to leave early for that trip and being gone all weekend made me miss many of my goals, and how I did with the two goals of workouts and bible reading that I made.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

Guitar Painting (Work In Progress)

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:27:00 -0700

Silver Paint Marker on Black Painted Canvas

6 Goals | Episode 09

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:10:00 -0700

In this ninth episode I talk about how my painting is almost done, and share a picture of it on the blog, and how I've been struggling to find a time to run with a busy family who keeps me up all night. This week it's a short report.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 08

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:09:00 -0700

This week I talk about the one run I got in, it wasn't fun, how my art is going with painting instead of sketching, we hear from my running partner (my dog), how I'm going to try and set a time each morning to try and do better at some goals and some brief thoughts on how reading the bible affects my day.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 07

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 6 Jun 2011 10:35:00 -0700

This week I talk about a run I went on with a friend who's in much better shape than I am, and how inspiring it was to run with him. I also talk about how I'm going from sketching to a large painting on a canvas for a while, and briefly talk on the other goals.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

A Run With a Friend

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 3 Jun 2011 08:26:00 -0700

I went for a half hour run yesterday with a buddy who's in much better shape than I am. He's been running five times a week for the past few months. He had to slow his pace way down for me, and I was still dying! It was really fun to run with someone though, especially a great friend. I'll have to start going to the Flying Irish Running Club on Thursdays to run with other people more often. Even though I was about to collapse throughout the run, it was really fun to go for a run with someone.

Here's the stats:

Just under 3 miles in 30 minutes

6 Goals | Episode 06

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:25:00 -0700

In this sixth episode of 6 Goals we talk a lot more about writing and a bit about water consumption with some tips on the subject.

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Blog post with short story mentioned:
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/2011/05/call-for-beta-readers.html

Additional related websites

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 05

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:38:00 -0700

This episode marks the first week I have achieved more than one of my goals! I ran 7 miles this week, and read 9 chapters in the bible. Other than that I was close on some of my other goals, and not on others. Listen in for my update to get inspired to get out there yourself. Get more done, get in shape, live a better life.

A Picture of My Dog:
http://6goals.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-dog-brooklyn.html

Websites mentioned in this podcast:

Bible.is - Online Full-cast Audio Bible
http://www.bible.is/

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Additional related websites
View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

My Dog Brooklyn

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:18:00 -0700

A Picture of My Running Partner

A Run with Many Dogs

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Thu, 19 May 2011 08:53:00 -0700

I went for a run last night at my favorite park again with my dog. This time, however, there were two other dogs following us during the run. No one at the park owned the dogs or knew them. People kept calling them away from me, but whenever they ran with us I slowed down. I tried stopping to shew them away, but they just kept following us around the park. Cute dogs, and nice, but very annoying. Other than that is was a good, if not slow run. I felt great so I'd still call it a good run.

Here's the stats:

2.4 miles in 24:30 minutes

A New Sketch

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Last night I drew this sketch while trying out a new show called Flashpoint with my wife. It's just a random face from my imagination. Although, now that I think of it, I think the protagonist of the show was bald, so that's probably why I drew a bald character. I started drawing it before the show started, but there you go.

Bald Man From Imagination

6 Goals | Episode 04

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:46:00 -0700

In this fourth episode of 6 Goals I talk about one of the workouts I did with my family as we went for a walk and were hit by rain. I also talk about why I haven't been hitting my goals - sleep deprivation. We have a one month old, and a 3 year old who gets up to go potty every night between 1 and 4 AM. This episode marks the second time I have hit a goal, last week I did 6 sketches and this week I completed six workouts for the week, so there's something. Thanks for listening!

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Additional related websites
View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

6 Goals | Episode 03

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 9 May 2011 10:05:00 -0700

In this episode I go through the 6 goals and share how I've been doing. I finally uploaded more sketches which you can view on the blog. This episode was recorded with a nicer set up so the sound quality is much better. Thanks for listening.

Websites mentioned in this podcast:

Bible.is - Online Full-cast Audio Bible
http://www.bible.is/

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Additional related websites
View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

Sketches

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sun, 8 May 2011 14:52:00 -0700

My Baby in his swing.

Here are some sketches from my sketchbook. I should have uploaded some of these a while ago, but most of them are from this week. There are some other sketches but they're pretty bad - they were ones I was doing while trying to learn how to draw a turtle.

A turtle I'm going to use in a web comic

Some sketches learning how to draw a turtle

Trying to remember how to connect the muscles of the shoulder to the arm (deltoid to tricept and bicept)

Some more turtle sketches and a face from a magazine.

A Run Indoors

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sun, 8 May 2011 12:41:00 -0700

I went for a run last night on a treadmill in a hotel workout room. My goal was to run 3 miles. It took me forever though, because I set the pace below 5 miles an hour for most of the run. I noticed most of the way through that I wasn't breathing nearly as hard as I do when I run outside. Also when I looked down at my feet I could tell that I wasn't running as fast as my normal pace. I punched it up to 6 miles per hour near the end of the run and that got my blood pumping. I hate running on treadmills - it's not natural. Staying in the same spot for that long is weird while running, and when I get off I have a strange sensation like I'm moving forward really fast while walking slow. I don't like it. I realized another thing that can be good or bad about running on treadmills - it sets the speed for you instead of you listening to your body. This can be good to push you, but I notice in parts of my run that I go slower and faster through the run. I'm not sure which is better.

Here's the stats:

3.0 miles in 36:00 minutes

6 Goals | Episode 02

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Mon, 2 May 2011 10:57:00 -0700

In this episode I explain what this podcast is about and talk about some of the goals in more detail. I go into a bit of my history as a runner, writer, and artist.

Websites mentioned in this podcast:

Running with the Pack Podcast
http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Blog for this podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

View some of my art
http://danabsoart.blogspot.com/

My writing blog
http://writingsofdan.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

My Fourth Run

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:51:00 -0700

Went for a great run today. Too bad it's the only one I'll get in for this week. I took my dog and instead of pounding it out on pavement, I drove to a nearby park. There's a nice dirt packed trail that loops around the park for 0.8 miles. I was going to run it twice, but felt good so I did a third loop. There was a little league baseball game going and other people walking dogs and enjoying the sun. It was great. My legs and lungs felt great too! Overall it was wonderful.

Here's the stats:

2.4 miles in 24:40 minutes

6 Goals | Episode 01

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:29:00 -0700

This first episode is more of a teaser of what is to come. I give a brief introduction and then shares three recordings taken after my first three runs. Stay tuned for weekly episodes every Monday from now on.

The Goals:

1. Six miles run
2. Six short work outs
3. Six thousands words written
4. Six chapters of the bible read
5. Six water bottles consumed a day
6. Six sketches drawn in my sketch book

The Blog for this Podcast
http://6goals.blogspot.com/

Download the .mp3

More Running

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:52:00 -0700

I have now gone for three runs. I just finished the third, and it felt great! On my second run, I was really feeling it in my legs. After my first run I was really tight just above my achilles, both during the day and while running. Today my legs felt great. I noticed they weren't sore anymore and then during my run they felt really good. They weren't sore, they weren't getting tired. This is one factor I attribute to my faster time. Also, I never had dry heaves due to sinus congestion loosening up and going into my throat. I have a really weak gag reflex, and whenever that happens I have to stop running, and then while I start I'm seeing stars and it takes me a while to get back up to speed. Also, I ran the loop backwards for the first time, and I think it contributed a lot to my mental state during the run. I was seeing the sights I usually see at the end of the run, just as I started. This made me feel like I was already farther than I was the whole time, and I think this positive feeling helped me keep a fast pace the entire time. On my second run, I was breathing really hard and my legs were sore, but I felt like I was really pushing myself. This time I just tried to stay at a comfortable pace that felt fast but was a pace I knew I could keep throughout the run. I slowed down here and there, but overall I felt great. The funny thing is, my wife and I got way less sleep last night then ever before because our baby kept us up all night. Running is weird like that; I remember having some of my best workouts when I felt like crap or had little sleep the night before going into the workout. Well, that about wraps it up. I'm going to run the same loop next time, but in the original direction and see if I can still break 18 minutes. Thanks for stopping by!

Here's the stats:

1.7 miles in 20:03 minutes
1.7 miles in 17:50 minutes

My First Run & First Sketch

danabso@gmail.com (Dan Absalonson) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:06:00 -0700

Sketch 01

I went for my first run today. It felt great, but I am very out of shape. I have a 2.2 mile loop that I usually run, but it has a long steep hill and today I just wanted to ease into it. I'm running low on sleep because we just had a baby three days ago; I'm sure those who've brought home a newborn can relate. We got back from the hospital yesterday, and both need to catch up on sleep desperately. My wife is doing well, and our beautiful little baby is too. For those wondering we had a boy. He was born on the 14th of April at 6 lbs 13 oz and 20 in long. We can't get over what a blessing he is. He is as cute as they come, and very sweet. Anyways, the drawing to the right is my first sketch, and I'm going to use it whenever I post about running. It's a drawing of my running shoes, with a few changes here and there. As for my first run, I can tell I'm going to be a little sore in the legs and back; I'm glad I took it easy today. I'm on my way to 6 miles for the week as I start this next project to get healthy, read my bible consistently, and produce more writing and art.

Here's the stats:

1.7 miles in 20:22 minutes