My name is Josie Lopez. I am an avid runner and love being outdoors. I am also an advertising major at the University of Florida. This blog is for my MMC 2100 class at UF.
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INTERNSHIPS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careers/jobs/a0I1200000LTIpLEAX/
https://www.facebook.com/careers/jobs/a0I1200000LTJQ9EAP/
http://www.internships.com/search/posts?Keywords=marketing%2C+design&Location=Huntington%2C+NY&Radius=Twenty&Company=&ListingType=Internship&Sort=Relevance&FilterBy=&Page=1
Use this link to find internships
Here is the Spotify one
Here are some good tips on portfolios for graphic design.
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Choosing the Right Shoes
Having the right support for your feet is essential. If it weren't, we’d run barefoot. Your knees and hips aren't the only joints that suffer the blows while you're pounding the pavement (or the trails); the bones in your feet and ankles take the direct impact with every step, and while they're engineered to withstand the pressure, failing to protect your feet can lead to blisters, infection, fracture, and other avoidable problems.
There are three main factors that will influence what type of shoes you should be looking for: the type of running you do and your running style, the category of shoe and features that best match your needs, and the comfort of the shoe once you try it on.
Depending on what kind of runner you are, you’re probably going to be doing one or all of three different types of running: racing, training, and long runs.
When you’re racing, you're going to want a very light shoe so you’re not weighed down as you're trying to pick up speed. Active.com has compiled a great list of some brands you’ll want to check out when you’re going for speed. Check it out here.
For training, you’ll also be doing things like sprints or weight training and will want to choose a lighter-weight shoe too so you can be as agile as possible. When you're looking for a training shoe, you want it to be as versatile as possible, combining both comfort and a feel that isn't too heavy or clunky. One of my favorite mid-weight shoes to train in is the Ghost by Brooks, which still provides maximum comfort and a good amount of support without being the slightest bit ungainly.
(photo from brooksrunning.com)
For long runs, you can definitely get away with a more moderately cushioned shoe and still have a very comfortable ride, but for a luxurious (sounds like a funny adjective to use, but try running 12 miles in shoes that are NOT cushioned and then re-evaluate my adjective choice here) and supportive running experience, opt for a shoe that gives you wiggle room in the toes, has a box (front part of the shoe, where your toes go) that’s wide enough for the front part of your foot and toes, and has a good distribution of cushioning throughout the bottom of the shoe. Again, Brooks brand running shoes comes out as my top pick for long runs with the Brooks Glycerin shoe. It’s a bulky shoe, but it feels like you're running on a cloud. OK -- that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but trust me, it does not get more comfortable than the Glycerin. Another great high-cushion shoe is the Saucony Triumph.
When picking a shoe, however, the bottom line is that comfort is the main goal, and at the end of the day, you might have to test out a couple before finding the right one. It’s a little bit like car shopping - when you do find The One, you’ll be surprised by how much appreciation you can have for something that might not be the best looking piece in your closet.
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Best Running Routes in Gainesville
One of the best things about taking up running as a hobby is that it gives you the perfect opportunity to spend time in nature and explore cool scenery. With lots of big, beautiful trees for light to shine through, moody moss hanging everywhere, and lots of wildlife to be found in lakes and forests, the swampy vibes of Gainesville make for some pretty scenic jogs, especially on a clear sunny day.
When choosing a route, there are some things you may want to consider: how long you want to run for, where you want your trip to begin/end, if you want to stop by anything in particular on the way (the gym, a water fountain, bathrooms), and whether you prefer running next to cars on the road or in the seclusion of a park trail.
If you live within walking distance from campus, one great idea to consider when you map your route and plan your workout is that you're in walking running distance from a gym. If you want to take a break in the middle of your sweat sesh to grab a mat and stretch, do some sprints on the treadmill, or mix in a little bit of weight training (here are some great weight training exercises for runners) in between two halves of your jog, stopping at one of UF’s student rec centers is a great idea and won't take you on too far of a detour.
Loblolly Course is a great route for beginners what’s close to campus and just over 3.5 miles. It’s a fairly flat route with no significant inclines or hills, and it has lots of shade. It’s also in the woods, and doesn't take you along any main roads, because the loop is completed on the inside of the park.
(screenshot captured from mapmyrun.com)
The Treehouse Route is another stint that begins just east of campus and circles back up around Main St. Since this is a longer route (6 miles), it’s best to pick a cooler time of day to take it for a spin, such as early morning or evening. It is also a road run, so be prepared to cross some busy streets, and it is on concrete (the hardest surface on the joints) so make sure you are wearing shoes with ample support and cushioning.
(screenshot captured from mapmyrun.com)
Clear Lake Nature Park is another great option for extra-hot days. The park isn't in walking distance from campus so you may have to drive to this place, but there is ample parking and it is worth it because the park has the most shaded trails in Gainesville. The park is just east of i75 between Newberry Road and Archer Road and spans a pretty large area, so there are different distances to choose from and you can customize your route depending on how far of a jog you’re up for, ranging from just a couple miles to 6 or 7. Below is a photo of one of the main trails in the park, taken from RunGainesville.com.
(photo courtesy of RunGainesville.com.)
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Best Foods for Runners
Think of your body as a car: it can’t function unless you put fuel into it. Would you put milk into a car and expect it to go anywhere? No. The same goes for your body. What you eat is very important, and proper nutrition is a factor that can make or break your health and your abilities as a runner.
Now that we’ve established the importance of diet, let’s take a quick look at the main types of fuel your body runs on - MACRONUTRIENTS:
Carbohydrates - 1 gram = 4 calories. Most important energy source for sustained cardio like running. Also important source of fuel for the nervous system and muscles, and important to include in your diet so your body doesn’t break down proteins in your muscle instead to use as energy. Two classifications: simple (think most sugars, fruit juice, processed starches) and complex (whole grains, some fruits and vegetables).
Proteins - 1 gram = 4 calories. Your body uses protein as a building block for bones, repairing muscles and tissues, skin, hair, hormones, and more. Best sources = meat and meat substitutes.
Fat/Lipids - 1 gram = 9 calories. This is the most energy-dense source of nutrient, and is crucial for helping your body absorb vitamins and insulate the body. WE NEED FATS IN OUR DIETS!!!
Now that we’ve gone over the MACROS, let’s talk MICROnutrients: these are “a chemical elements or substances required in trace amounts for the normal growth and development of living organisms.” AKA vitamins, minerals, and other healthy little aspects of food that our bodies need.
For runners, it is very important to consume enough carbohydrates so your body has enough energy ready to fuel your runs. At all meals, however, you should try to combine a healthy ratio of all three macronutrients. Here are some examples of healthy meal ideas.
Breakfast: combining oats, healthy fats, and protein from an egg is a great start to your day. Photo and recipe (here) courtesy of MinneapolisRunning:
For more great breakfast options, click here.
Lunch/Dinner: This Goddess Bowl from Delish.com is sure to keep you satiated through the day. recipe here, both recipe and photo courtesy of delish.com.
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Health Benefits of Sustained Cardio: Why Run?

(photo credit: Christopher Sardegna on unsplash.com)
In particular, why the “long run”?
For those who do not know, the benefits of running are endless. Improving speed, endurance, and mental toughness are just a few basic positive changes that long runs can effect. But the benefits of running extend far beyond just shortening your race times and getting better at it every time.
Without getting too science-y, here are some great things endurance training, specifically running, can do.
Your respiratory system
Lack of cardiovascular activity is detrimental to lung function and other areas of the respiratory system such as the heart. Running is one of the most effective and easiest ways to train your heart, lungs, capillaries, and all that other good stuff to be overall way more efficient at providing you with oxygen.
Your joints
A lot of people think that lots of running will lead to joint pain in life. The opposite is true -- not only is running NOT correlated with joint pain later in life, but also running actually strengthens your knees. Regular activity stimulates protein production in joints that makes them stronger, in addition to strengthening tendons and muscles that support the joints. Not to mention the fact that running helps maintain a healthy weight, and can alleviate or keep off unnecessary weight on the joints in your legs. If you want to avoid knee pain later in life, sticking to a steady right-left rhythm will help with that.
Reduce the risk of multiple diseases
Exercise, in particular steady-state cardio like running, can stave off numerous health issues. It can help lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, reduce cholesterol, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of related diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes, and can even help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments.
Your mood
The link between mood and exercise is strong. The release of endorphins post-run is one factor at play here. Basically, hormonal changes occur make you feel good after exercising. “Runner’s high” is all too real, and if you want to read more about the science behind the infamous wave of euphoria so many runners rant and rave about, click here.
Your brain
If you want to stay sharp as you age, put your sneakers on. Incredibly enough, another huge benefit of running is the positive effects it has on your brain health. Steady-state cardio may keep thinking, reasoning and learning skills sharp for healthy individuals, it can reduce the risk of memory loss and related issues like Alzheimer’s, and can even delay the onset of the disease for people in its early stages or slow the rate pf progression.
Your dog!
The wins that come with running are not of a selfish nature -- there are both physical and mental benefits of taking your pup with you on your jog, too! Becoming a runner opens up a new outlet for you to increase the overall health of your dog, sharpen his attentiveness to you and your commands and foster a stronger relationship between the two of you, alleviate stress (animals get stressed out too), and promote mental sharpness and a more friendly disposition in your pet.
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Introduction
Sacred Space? On the Trails.
Hi. My name is Josie. I love to run. I discovered it five years ago.
The first run I ever went on was THE mile that was timed and required by my P.E. teacher in 4th grade. I threw up before I crossed the finish line while my best friend trotted laps around me.
My second run was after I had lost a bet, on the first day of summer training for my high school’s cross country team. Walking was STRICTLY prohibited. Needless to say, the only difference in the experience was that this time I had willingly opted in.

Pictured above: me, struggling through one of my first races. (photo credit: Manny Velasquez)
So wait a minute, how did I go from hating running more than anything in the world to now dedicating an entire blog to it? Because I showed up on the second day of practice. And the third. Because my body said no but my brain said yes - and after I listened to my brain for a bit, my body followed suit.
I had developed mental resilience. This is just one of the many ways running can have a positive impact on your life. This is just one of the things I want to convey on my blog.
I also developed a powerful coping mechanism and source of peace that I could practice pretty much anywhere at any time -- a portable tool that not only strengthened my body and improved my physical health but also, as cliche as it sounds, helps me to this day keep my life together in a sense.
Running is a great outlet to relieve stress, deal with multiple health issues, get a little alone time to yourself every day and sweat, listen to your favorite playlist, and see the world through a new angle and explore terrains and destinations on foot.

(photo credit: unsplash.com)
This blog is aimed at everyone who has an interest in running - both beginner and experienced. My goal is to provide information and resources regarding health, diet, adventure, and training topics. I want to be a source to provoke thought and give helpful tips to consider for people who want to pursue running as a hobby, fitness component, stress-reliever, and in general a part of their lives.
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Fall Display: A Pumpkin Variety for Every Day of the Season
For pumpkin enthusiasts, October is the most exciting month of the year. Pumpkin-spiced foods and flavors hit menus on every local coffee shop in Gainesville, and pumpkin patches are numerous throughout Alachua County. Visitors typically have some sort of preference about what characteristics they are looking for when they pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve or use as decoration for the season, and most pumpkin patches will provide a range of different pumpkins to satisfy customers. However, at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, the variety of pumpkins on display is sure to satisfy even the most eccentric of pumpkin tastes.
Located at 9700 W. Newberry Road in Gainesville, Fla., Abiding Savior Lutheran Church’s pumpkin patch included an impressively wide range of pumpkin varieties in different sizes, colors, shapes, and styles.
In addition to the gourds on display at Abiding Savior Lutheran, activities such as a bounce house and two wooden signs crafted perfectly for a photo opportunity were also present to entertain guests.
Prices of the pumpkins ranged from $1 for smaller varieties to $20 for larger and more unique varieties. All proceeds of the pumpkin patch contribute to help fund the church’s functions and activities.
A minion welcomes guests to come into the display area and view the pumpkins and activities. Admission was free for the event, which lasted throughout the month of October 2017. On Wednesday, October 25, most guests were found wearing sweaters and warmer weather due to a cold front that hit the area during that week, which really made Gainesville feel like fall.

Pumpkins were available to purchase in several different varieties.
Pictured bottom left and middle: Called “One Too Many” pumpkins, these gourds are of a larger variety, which have a white base color with orange stripes and marbling.
Pictured bottom middle: The “Blue Lakota”, an heirloom variety reputed to be from the American mid-west, is a favorite for contemporary fall decor because of its unique blue color.
Pictured right: Several “Cheese Wheel” pumpkins, named for their rounded and flat appearance, resemble wheels of cheese.
In the background: Warted “Knucklehead” pumpkins, white “Moonshine” pumpkins, and classic orange pie pumpkins also are displayed among the others.

To add even more variety to the array of pumpkins, Pixar and Star Wars varieties were also displayed and available for purchase at the patch. Hand-painted and decorated by church members, the two characters pictured above were among other similarly decorated vegetables that added more liveliness to the selection.

Visitors were invited to jump around in the bounce house at the patch, too. Shannon Connolly, a senior advertising major at the University of Florida, came to the church on Wednesday, October 25 to pick out the perfect pumpkin to put in her apartment for the fall season. She walks up and down the aisles to make her selection. “This is my favorite time of year,” Shannon says, “mostly because I am a huge fan of all things pumpkin-spiced. I’m a huge foodie.”

Paige Andrews, an undergraduate biology major at the University of Florida, poses behind one of the photo-ready paintings found at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church’s pumpkin patch. The display is designed to create a festive fall picture, in the style of the classic Peanuts Halloween special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The sign has been hand-painted by church parishioners who volunteered to help set up for the event.

Another hand-made display made to look like a guillotine, also known as the “National Razor” of France. Guests could put their neck and wrists into the wooden frame in order to pose for a festive photo.

Mini Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins and interesting Winged Gourds were on display at the checkout area for guests to purchase to bring home miniature heirloom decorations from the display on their way out of the church event.
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Creekside Community Church Fall Festival
Creekside Community Church is a Christian church in Gainesville run by three pastors and located at 2640 N.W. 39th Ave. In addition to Sunday worship services, child care programs, and adult Sunday School, Creekside also hosts multiple events throughout the year corresponding with the seasons for parishioners to gather, connect, and share time together.
On Sunday, October 29, 2017, Creekside hosted its annual Fall Festival from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The festival is always held on the church’s grounds in the fields and parking lot directly behind the church building. The free event occurs one day a year on the last weekend in October, says Miffy Brown, office administrator of the parish, who greeted guests at the entrance and is one of the main people in charge of setting up the area for the festival.
The Creekside Fall Festival is a time when friends, family, and church and community members come together to enjoy the fall weather, participate in games and activities, and socialize with one another.
For the Fall Festival and other events, Creekside partners with the International Friendship Ministry, which includes members of different origins and nationalities.


Min Ye (left) and Sun Lai (right) write name tags for guests in Chinese as well as in English as a welcoming gesture. The two are members of the International Friendship Ministry. The name tags include guests’ names in both English and Chinese to show promote a sense of unity among different nationalities.

The festival provided various activities for guests to enjoy, such as face painting, popcorn and candy machines, bounce houses, field games, and more. Elizabeth (right) paints a butterfly on Diana’s (left) face at the face painting station.

Lilly (left) and her father Brian (right) play a game of corn hole as the rest of their family enjoys the beautiful weather in a hammock they tied in between two strong trees, pictured behind the father-daughter duo.

The Purcell family is one of the many families of Creekside Church who attend the Fall Festival every year. Elaine Purcell and her husband James Purcell, pictured with their two youngest children, Grace and Isaac, ages 4 and 6. Their other two sons, ages 10 and 13, play “throw the ring on the pumpkin” in the background behind them. Isaac has his face painted as a skeleton from the face painting station.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year. The kids really enjoy it,” says Elaine.
“The community is really laid back. We love coming here,” adds James.

Even the Gainesville Fire Department comes out to the festival to enjoy the beautiful weather, interact with Creekside members, and provide entertainment and fun for the children throughout the day. Officer Ralph (pictured in background) lets young Jacob test out the firetruck’s hose, accompanied by Jacob’s mother, Talliyah, and sister, Jazmine.
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