sidebar | life and training 7.3 – 7.9
I’m starting to see autumn shit roll out in stores and it’s actually giving me the heebie jeebies.
Considering we’ve had about 5 heat advisories in the last week, I’m not exactly longing for summer to continue slogging along – I love fall, and am hyped for it to arrive in some respects. HOWEVER, it is July, the butt crack of summer. We should not be seeing sweaters and Halloween decor yet.
Marketing really does ruin the seasons. Everything is rushed nowadays, gone before the actual occasion arrives. Doesn’t help when getting older literally does make everything go faster – pushing the months forward doesn’t lessen that irksome reality.
That aside, I had a nice week, a couple good outings. J and I braved the horrible late day heat at a minor league baseball game in Clearwater. We spent most of the game huddled under the concourse with our nibbles until the sun finally cleared away from out seat section. It seemed many people had that same idea, since once the shade rolled in the area filled out. Minor league games are entertaining and quite underrated as far as hangouts go: people usually attend to enjoy the atmosphere, some traditional fare, and a good time with friends, less so because they’re invested in the outcome. Though, doubtlessly, some are, and I like the sport side of shit too since I’m a baseball fan myself.
The post-game fireworks were really why the stadium proved full that evening. Excepting the aggressively patriotic bullshit beforehand, the whizpoppers were nice and entertaining. We got home late and I slept like ass, but sometimes being out past my bedtime is worthwhile. Good to break routine on occasion.
Sunday evening we visited our favorite locale, Anchor & Brine, for drinks and nibbles. Well, their nibbles are certainly above and beyond the typical “small plate” size, but all’s better for us. We shared shrimp ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and steamed mussels with the best grilled bread any restaurant around serves. Oh, that bread is dope. Thick, crusty, the perfect vessel for dunking in the sauce. Unf.
Been thinking a lot about work-life balance lately and, though I know I’ve said this before, am more determined to start writing boundaries within my days. Saying yes more often to the urge to do something outside of heading straight into the kitchen after The Day Job (e.g. if I feel like running out for lunch or coffee, do so), taking time in the evening to truly unwind (man, I need a book to read. Recommendations that aren’t romance or shitty whodunnits?), and learning to inject fun into my cooking again. It’s not that I don’t enjoy what I’m doing, but I think some element of play has exited the building, and putting playtime back into my kitchen hours might help boost my morale a little bit. Saturday I noticed an inkling of that with the recipe I tested: it was funky, different, and felt like a science experiment that turned out wonderfully.
I don’t believe a lack of fun and leisure is an issue specific to me. What with our culture and the never-ending connectedness we experience, making time for the self and for what makes us truly happy is often thrown on the backburner and left to slowly deplete into ash. We’re pretty much expected to be online all the time, on call, on duty. Maybe it’s best if we challenge ourselves to break that pattern and set aside moments for well deserved R&R.
Let’s make that a goal this week, and for weeks beyond. Do one thing that you’ve claimed you don’t have time for, but really want to do. For me, it’s a random midday coffee break or a yoga class. Hell, maybe I’ll squeeze in both!
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A big loaded veggie sandwich.
…A fun take on 7-layer dip.
…A lovely refreshing spritz cocktail.
…A summery zucchini treat.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Dry brushing…Started back up on the dry brush train and it’s kind of relaxing to do before showering in the mornings. Very easy exfoliation ritual to add to my routine.
Granola…Love the Good & Gather Cookies & Cream granola. I eat it with vanilla skyr for breakfast with some fruit and peanut butter, or a light snack with just the skyr.
Candle…Current burn: this Red Apple & Bamboo scent. It’s cozy but fruity and light, appropriate for both summer and when we eventually transition into autumn. Gah. I keep saying the “a” word and it’s July! Shame on me.
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Target…Really liking the look of these chino pants, worn casual or dressed up with a crop and blazer. Adore the color of this oversized blazer though I’d likely size down since I don’t want to look like a giant puffball. Would wear the shit out of this jumpsuit as a transitional piece once it gets closer to fall. Really craving some soft and cozy loungewear so thinking about these jogger pants and these cotton gauze shorts for everyday wear.
Skincare & Wellness
Dossier…Really interested in their Speakeasy collection! I’d love to get the Smoky Mezcal & Cucumber for J and the Bubbly Spritz & Bitters for myself.
Kitchen & Dining
Amazon cart…Love these stemless wine glasses, especially for when fall drinks roll around since the shape kinda reminds me of a pumpkin. Been eyeing something like these whiskey tumblers for awhile and FINALLY found these gorgeous Gatsby glasses that I’ve seen floating around the webspace but never knew what kind they were.
Week in Training
Monday, 7.3: 6.2 miles, 11:18 pace + 23 minute push
Hotter this morning than the past few days, but I got into a good groove. The moon was huge again and by the end of the run turned a light orange hue. Really cool to see.
Strength:
- 4 x 11 OH triceps ext 40/35#
- 4 x 10 ea. single arm bench press 20#
- 4 x 12 ea. front raise 15#
- Core work + 40 second deadhang
Tuesday, 7.4: 3.36 miles, 11:20 pace
Surprisingly okay morning, very still but not totally uncomfortable. A very happy bird chirped along my running route, which made it feel a bit less empty outside.
Wednesday, 7.5: 5.51 miles, 11:48 pace + 21 minute pull
Very sticky morning. We’re under heat advisories for the next several days, so that’s cool. Five hours of sleep the prior night so I was definitely fine with dragging my body along on this run and keeping a very slow pace. The big honkin’ mug of zing afterwards was glorious.
Strength:
- 4 x 9 ea. row 40#
- 4 x 9 cable curl 32#
- 4 x 10 bent arm pulldown 37
- Core work + 40 second deadhang
Thursday, 7.6: 3.38 miles, 11:14 pace
Sweaty morning but a decent run. Still don’t think I quite caught up on my sleep though!
Friday, 7.7: 4.28 miles, 11:13 pace
Apparently rained the night before since the ground was quite saturated, but I felt pretty good all things considered.
Saturday, 7.8: 7.3 miles, 11:46 pace + 25 minute legs
Legs were half asleep during this run but I was invigorated at the end by the sighting of Mr. Ship! I’m happy my timing has been good lately to at least see on roll in on Saturdays. I forgot to take Xyzal Friday night and I definitely noticed a difference without it.
Strength:
- 4 x 10 ea. leg press 120#
- 4 x 10 deadlift 80#
- 4 x 15 calf raise 170#
- Core work + 35 second deadhang
Sunday, 7.9: 4 miles, 11:43 pace
Little tired today but not a bad run overall.
Total running mileage: 34
